June 23, 2026

Pollution control papers may be valid for 3 years for new vehicles NEW DELHI: Owners of BSVI private vehicles, up to six years old, will not need to renew Pollution Under Control Certificates every year, as govt is planning to extend their validity period to three years. However, BSVI vehicles aged between six and 10 years will be required to renew their PUCC annually and those above 10 years every six months.The move is intended to reduce burden on owners, considering that BS-VI vehicles are significantly cleaner than their predecessors. BS-VI vehicles emit up to 82% less particulate matter (PM) and 25 less nitrogen oxides (NOx) than BSIV vehicles.Owners of older BSIV private vehicles — manufactured before March 2020 — may have to renew their PUCC every six months, instead of the current requirement of once a year.For BS-I to BS-III vehicles, PUCC renewal would be made mandatory every three months, compared with the current requirement of once every six months, as per the plan.TOI has learned that the changes have been proposed as part of a plan to roll out a new regime, ‘PUCC 3.0’.People aware of the development said validity of PUCC for commercial BS-VI vehicles is proposed to be different. In case of vehicles that are up to six years old, PUCC validity will be for two years. Thenorms for BS-VI commercial vehicles that are over six years old would be the same as those for private vehicles.They said the changes were proposed keeping in mind the contribution of vehicular emission to air pollution and also to disincentivise people from keeping old vehicles. “The process for PUCC is also being improved to ensure there is no manipulation in readings,” said an official.A former joint secretary in road transport ministry welcomed the proposal, as new BS-VI vehicles have less emission. However, Anil Chhikara, a former deputy transport commissioner, said govt should take into consideration that maintenance of even new vehicles has an impact on emission.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRow Erupts Over US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘Two Nations’ Remark After Meeting TN CM VijayCM Vijay’s First Detailed Assembly Speech: Hits Back At ‘Actor’s Party’ Jibe, Renews Anti-NEET PushTMC Leader Humiliated In Public | Shoe Garland, Sit-Ups & Eggs Thrown Amid Corruption AllegationsNSA Ajit Doval Flags Evolving Terrorism And Disruptive Technologies At BRICS MeetBengaluru NEET Controversy: Cong Says Rally Did Not Disrupt Exam, Calls BJP Charges BaselessEU Unveils Ambassadors Network In India, Seeks Stronger People-To-People LinksLucknow Fire Kills 15; SIT Formed To Probe Safety Violations, Four Accused ArrestedTMC Rift Out In Open As Rebel Camp Forms 30-Member National PanelIndians Among 13 Killed In Explosion At Ras Laffan LNG Complex In QatarStudents Jump, Rescuers Breach Walls: Inside The Lucknow Fire Tragedy That Claimed 15 Lives123PhotostoriesPsychology says people who say ‘no’ more often aren’t selfish; they may have healthier emotional boundariesThis small island in Europe has more puffins than humans and feels frozen in timePsychologist reveals 5 things ‘fun dads’ do that can raise happier childrenSadhguru’s go-to summer coolers for better digestion and hydrationPsychology says people who can’t stop thinking about an ex aren’t necessarily still in love; they may be missing a version of themselvesHeatwave gardening: The right way to water your plants when temperatures soar7 Low-maintenance UK plants that attract birds, bees, and butterfliesMilind Soman loves Vada Pav for snacking: 9 other Maharashtrian snacks that are truly comfortingSouth Indian dishes APJ Abdul Kalam lovedTeacher reveals 6 habits shared by top-performing students123Hot PicksIPL tradeSapan Samanta paradedTN ammonia leakTelangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingDelhi MurderUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026ITR filing 2026Tamil Nadu Ammonia Gas LeakNEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

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Pollution control papers may be valid for 3 years for new vehicles NEW DELHI: Owners of BSVI private vehicles, up to six years old, will not need to renew Pollution Under Control Certificates every year, as govt is planning to extend their validity period to three years. However, BSVI vehicles aged between six and 10 years will be required to renew their PUCC annually and those above 10 years every six months.The move is intended to reduce burden on owners, considering that BS-VI vehicles are significantly cleaner than their predecessors. BS-VI vehicles emit up to 82% less particulate matter (PM) and 25 less nitrogen oxides (NOx) than BSIV vehicles.Owners of older BSIV private vehicles — manufactured before March 2020 — may have to renew their PUCC every six months, instead of the current requirement of once a year.For BS-I to BS-III vehicles, PUCC renewal would be made mandatory every three months, compared with the current requirement of once every six months, as per the plan.TOI has learned that the changes have been proposed as part of a plan to roll out a new regime, ‘PUCC 3.0’.People aware of the development said validity of PUCC for commercial BS-VI vehicles is proposed to be different. In case of vehicles that are up to six years old, PUCC validity will be for two years. Thenorms for BS-VI commercial vehicles that are over six years old would be the same as those for private vehicles.They said the changes were proposed keeping in mind the contribution of vehicular emission to air pollution and also to disincentivise people from keeping old vehicles. “The process for PUCC is also being improved to ensure there is no manipulation in readings,” said an official.A former joint secretary in road transport ministry welcomed the proposal, as new BS-VI vehicles have less emission. However, Anil Chhikara, a former deputy transport commissioner, said govt should take into consideration that maintenance of even new vehicles has an impact on emission.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRow Erupts Over US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘Two Nations’ Remark After Meeting TN CM VijayCM Vijay’s First Detailed Assembly Speech: Hits Back At ‘Actor’s Party’ Jibe, Renews Anti-NEET PushTMC Leader Humiliated In Public | Shoe Garland, Sit-Ups & Eggs Thrown Amid Corruption AllegationsNSA Ajit Doval Flags Evolving Terrorism And Disruptive Technologies At BRICS MeetBengaluru NEET Controversy: Cong Says Rally Did Not Disrupt Exam, Calls BJP Charges BaselessEU Unveils Ambassadors Network In India, Seeks Stronger People-To-People LinksLucknow Fire Kills 15; SIT Formed To Probe Safety Violations, Four Accused ArrestedTMC Rift Out In Open As Rebel Camp Forms 30-Member National PanelIndians Among 13 Killed In Explosion At Ras Laffan LNG Complex In QatarStudents Jump, Rescuers Breach Walls: Inside The Lucknow Fire Tragedy That Claimed 15 Lives123PhotostoriesPsychology says people who say ‘no’ more often aren’t selfish; they may have healthier emotional boundariesThis small island in Europe has more puffins than humans and feels frozen in timePsychologist reveals 5 things ‘fun dads’ do that can raise happier childrenSadhguru’s go-to summer coolers for better digestion and hydrationPsychology says people who can’t stop thinking about an ex aren’t necessarily still in love; they may be missing a version of themselvesHeatwave gardening: The right way to water your plants when temperatures soar7 Low-maintenance UK plants that attract birds, bees, and butterfliesMilind Soman loves Vada Pav for snacking: 9 other Maharashtrian snacks that are truly comfortingSouth Indian dishes APJ Abdul Kalam lovedTeacher reveals 6 habits shared by top-performing students123Hot PicksIPL tradeSapan Samanta paradedTN ammonia leakTelangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingDelhi MurderUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026ITR filing 2026Tamil Nadu Ammonia Gas LeakNEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain


Pollution control papers may be valid for 3 years for new vehicles
Pollution control papers may be valid for 3 years for new vehicles

NEW DELHI: Owners of BSVI private vehicles, up to six years old, will not need to renew Pollution Under Control Certificates every year, as govt is planning to extend their validity period to three years. However, BSVI vehicles aged between six and 10 years will be required to renew their PUCC annually and those above 10 years every six months.The move is intended to reduce burden on owners, considering that BS-VI vehicles are significantly cleaner than their predecessors. BS-VI vehicles emit up to 82% less particulate matter (PM) and 25 less nitrogen oxides (NOx) than BSIV vehicles.Owners of older BSIV private vehicles — manufactured before March 2020 — may have to renew their PUCC every six months, instead of the current requirement of once a year.For BS-I to BS-III vehicles, PUCC renewal would be made mandatory every three months, compared with the current requirement of once every six months, as per the plan.TOI has learned that the changes have been proposed as part of a plan to roll out a new regime, ‘PUCC 3.0’.People aware of the development said validity of PUCC for commercial BS-VI vehicles is proposed to be different. In case of vehicles that are up to six years old, PUCC validity will be for two years. Thenorms for BS-VI commercial vehicles that are over six years old would be the same as those for private vehicles.They said the changes were proposed keeping in mind the contribution of vehicular emission to air pollution and also to disincentivise people from keeping old vehicles. “The process for PUCC is also being improved to ensure there is no manipulation in readings,” said an official.A former joint secretary in road transport ministry welcomed the proposal, as new BS-VI vehicles have less emission. However, Anil Chhikara, a former deputy transport commissioner, said govt should take into consideration that maintenance of even new vehicles has an impact on emission.



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Can a price be put on a homemaker’s work? (AI image) Before her husband wakes up, before her two children begin getting ready for school, and before her mother-in-law starts her day, Nidhi is already at work. Nidhi is a homemaker and higher secondary school teacher who lives with her husband, two children aged 13 and 10, and her mother-in-law.Like millions of women across India, much of that labour has no salary slip, no annual appraisal and no official economic value.The Supreme Court, on June 11, sought to place a benchmark on at least part of that work. In a landmark judgment, it assigned a minimum notional value of Rs 30,000 a month to a homemaker’s labour while calculating accident compensation, reigniting a long-running debate over how India values unpaid domestic work. The SC was hearing an appeal arising from a motor accident compensation case involving a homemaker who died in a road accident on November 25, 2001, in Haryana/Punjab. The ruling emerged from a case involving a homemaker killed in a road accident in Haryana in 2001. More than two decades later, the court not only enhanced compensation for her family but also declared that the contribution of homemakers could no longer be treated as economically invisible. ‘Only Rs 30,000?’When Nidhi heard about the Supreme Court’s benchmark, her reaction was immediate.”My first reaction to the Supreme Court’s Rs 30,000-a-month valuation of homemakers’ work was: only Rs 30,000? Can the value of a homemaker’s work really be measured in monetary terms? The contribution of a homemaker is invaluable. No government, court or society can truly determine its worth.””A homemaker works every day, in every circumstance, whether she is healthy or unwell. She cares for her children, supports every member of the family and manages countless responsibilities that often go unnoticed. Much of this work cannot be replaced by anyone else,” she added. To her, assigning a monetary value is important because it acknowledges labour that has long gone unnoticed. Yet she believes the figure itself can never fully capture what homemakers contribute.”While assigning a monetary value to domestic work is an important recognition, I believe a homemaker’s contribution goes far beyond any figure that can be put on paper,” She added.‘Not just physical labour’For Akanksha, a Bengaluru-based professional who works from home and has been married for three years, the debate often overlooks what homemakers actually do.She believes people tend to focus only on visible physical labour.”It depends on the number of family members. The monetary benefits alone are not enough because household work is not just physical labour.”According to her, a homemaker functions as a planner, coordinator and manager all at once.”A homemaker keeps the house running smoothly with several underrated chores. It includes making sure things are accessible around the house, clothes are ironed, food is managed, groceries are planned and finances are stabilised according to the family’s needs.” Echoing similar views, Aarti says, “I am very happy that women who have traditionally received no financial compensation for their work are finally being assigned a value of Rs 30,000 per month. However, in my view, a homemaker’s work cannot truly be priced. She works tirelessly, both mentally and physically, day and night, 24 hours a day. If you look at the full extent of her responsibilities, it is impossible to accurately assess their worth.”Aarti is a working professional in her late fifties who lives with her husband and manages most household responsibilitiesShe points out that homemakers constantly think ahead. They track yearly expenses, plan for festivals, arrange gifts for relatives, manage household inventories and ensure that family obligations are met.”These are things a domestic help cannot do.” The Supreme Court’s observations echo this view.The judges specifically referred to homemakers ensuring that meals are prepared, clothes are ironed, supplies are stocked, children remain on top of their studies and elderly family members receive care.Such labour may not generate income directly, but it creates the stability that enables others to earn income.Why can’t households just hire people to do homemaker’s jobFor Nidhi, the discussion about economic value inevitably returns to everyday realities.”If a household were to hire different people for cooking, cleaning, childcare and household management, the cost would be far higher.”Even then, she notes, those workers would enjoy protections that homemakers do not.”Those workers would have fixed hours, weekly offs and leave. A homemaker, on the other hand, works with a level of dedication and emotional investment that cannot be replicated.”The most striking difference, she says, is the absence of rest.”There are no weekends, summer vacations or guaranteed holidays for homemake Rs Whether it is Sunday or a festival, the responsibilities continue.”The Supreme Court made similar observations, noting that homemakers perform these functions consistently and often without acknowledgment. How SC arrived at Rs 30,000One of the most significant aspects of the judgment is how the court reached the Rs 30,000 figure.The judges acknowledged that calculating the value of homemaking is extraordinarily difficult because it combines emotional, managerial, caregiving and economic functions.Instead of treating homemakers as individuals with no income, the court created a new concept called “loss of domestic care.”The benchmark was based on three broad forms of loss:Loss of household managementThe court recognised the homemaker’s role in ensuring the smooth functioning of daily life, including cooking, cleaning, organising and coordinating family responsibilities.Loss of maternal supportThe judges emphasised that mothers are often a child’s first teacher, guide and source of emotional support.They noted that children lose not only affection but also instruction, discipline and guidance when a mother dies.Loss of spousal supportThe court acknowledged that spouses often depend heavily on homemakers for emotional and practical support.The absence of a homemaker can fundamentally disrupt the functioning of a household.Taking these factors together, the bench ruled that Rs 30,000 per month should serve as a basic minimum notional income for homemakers who have no conventional earnings.The figure will increase by 10 per cent every three yeaRsImportantly, the court clarified that if a homemaker also has paid employment, the Rs 30,000 “loss of domestic care” component should be added to her proven income rather than replace it. ‘No court can put a price on respect’Like many women interviewed for this story, Arti sees a distinction between economic valuation and social recognition.”Respect is not something that can be bought or sold. It is earned. No court can put a price on respect.”Yet she also believes that direct financial recognition could alter the balance of power within households.”If women were to receive a monthly payment for the work they do at home, it would certainly bring changes to their lives. They would be able to spend that money according to their own priorities. It is not that women are not given money for household expenses, but there is something different about having an income of your own and the independence that comes with it.”Her comments touch upon one of the central questions raised by the Supreme Court’s ruling: does recognising domestic labour economically also translate into greater agency for women within families?What data showsThe court’s conclusions were supported by extensive data.According to India’s 2019 Time Use Survey:More than 81 per cent of women perform unpaid domestic services every day.Only 26 per cent of men engage in similar work.Women spend an average of 299 minutes daily on unpaid domestic work.Men spend only 97 minutes.The survey also found that women shoulder the majority of caregiving responsibilities.Nearly 28 per cent of women participate in unpaid caregiving activities such as caring for children, elderly relatives and sick family members, compared with 14 per cent of men.The Supreme Court noted that women between 15 and 59 years spend over seven hours daily on unpaid domestic work and caregiving.Women perform approximately 2.6 times more unpaid care work than men.These numbers help explain why female labour force participation remains relatively low despite rising levels of education among women. We tried calculating what it would cost to replace a homemaker by hiring separate workers for cooking, cleaning, childcare, elder care and household management, but the exercise quickly ran into a problem – there is no market rate for emotional labour, mental load, or being available 24 hours a day.Why GDP does not include household workThe economic implications are enormous. Several studies cited by economists estimate that women’s unpaid domestic and caregiving work contributes between 15 and 17 per cent of India’s GDP.An Economic and Political Weekly study estimated the value of unpaid household work at between Rs 71.7 lakh crore and Rs 99.5 lakh crore in 2022-23, depending on the methodology used.The replacement-cost approach asks what it would cost to hire workers for cooking, cleaning, childcare and elder care.The opportunity-cost approach calculates the income women sacrifice by spending time on unpaid work instead of participating in paid employment.Both approaches reveal the same reality: India’s economy relies heavily on labour that never appears in GDP calculations.As the Supreme Court noted, around 16 billion hours of unpaid domestic and care work are performed globally every day.Yet most of this labour remains absent from official economic accounts. Can homemakers’ work really be measured? What economists sayThe debate over valuing domestic work is not new. Economists have wrestled with it for decades, often arriving at different answers depending on how they define “work” itself.According to Surya Bhushan, an alumnus of CESP, JNU, and now an economics professor at DMI, Patna, the issue begins with a basic distinction in economics.”Goods are always counted as work because they involve tangible production. Services, however, are usually counted as work only when they are exchanged in the market for a price.”This explains why a farmer growing vegetables for her family is considered economically productive, while cooking those vegetables for dinner or caring for children at home is generally excluded from conventional economic statistics.Bhushan says it is possible to estimate the economic value of homemakers’ work, though only approximately.”Tangible outputs like hours spent cooking, cleaning and tutoring can be mapped to market equivalents and can be measured with reasonable accuracy. However, emotional and relational care cannot be fully commodified and cannot be captured by a stopwatch.”Economists generally use three methods to estimate the value of domestic labour.The first is the replacement-cost method, which estimates what it would cost to hire workers in the market to perform the same tasks.”It reflects the market value of domestic work. But a homemaker is a multitasking generalist, not four or five separate professionals.”The second is the opportunity-cost method, which estimates the income a homemaker could have earned had she participated in paid employment.The challenge with this approach, Bhushan says, is that it can produce unequal outcomes.”A meal cooked by an MBA graduate would be valued higher than the exact same meal cooked by a school dropout.”The third is the output-based method, which attempts to value the outcomes produced by domestic work, such as meals prepared, children’s educational outcomes and household maintenance. While conceptually appealing, it remains difficult because household outputs are hard to isolate and price.This complexity, he argues, explains why the Supreme Court adopted a standardised benchmark rather than attempting to calculate the precise contribution of each homemaker.”Different purposes require different methods. For motor accident compensation, a standardised replacement-cost benchmark is often the most practical approach.”Household work – 15 to 16% of GDPThe broader significance of the judgment extends beyond economics.Estimates suggesting unpaid domestic and caregiving work contributes between 15 and 17 per cent of India’s GDP should not be interpreted as output missing from national accounts, Bhushan says. Rather, they demonstrate the enormous scale of labour that households receive without direct payment.”If these unpaid services had to be paid for at market rates, their scale would reach 15 to 17 per cent of existing GDP. That makes them comparable to major sectors of the economy.” The Supreme Court’s description of homemakers as “nation-builders” is therefore not merely symbolic.”It is a powerful act of recognition. It challenges the long-standing prejudice that domestic work is somehow unproductive.”Yet Bhushan also warns that assigning a wage equivalent to housework comes with risks.”The idea of paying for housework might inadvertently reinforce the stereotype that housework is a woman’s natural duty, rather than encouraging men to share responsibility.”There is also the question of whether money can fully represent work rooted in relationships, care and affection.”Reducing acts of love, care and family maintenance to a wage equivalent may diminish their emotional and social value. Is Rs 30,000 truly reflective of the complexity of the work?”For him, genuine empowerment lies not merely in recognition but in expanding women’s choices through public policy.”As an economist, I believe true empowerment is not just about recognising value. It is about creating alternatives and opportunities through childcare facilities, elder-care support systems and family-friendly public infrastructure that socialise some of this unpaid work.”Is it the beginning of something tangible?The Supreme Court’s ruling will primarily influence compensation cases. Yet its significance extends far beyond motor accident tribunals.For the first time, India’s highest court has attempted to place a concrete value on domestic labour while simultaneously acknowledging that its true worth may never be fully measurable.The Rs 30,000 figure is therefore not an answer. It is a starting point.A recognition that unpaid work is still work. A recognition that care is an economic activity.And a recognition that the people who perform it deserve to be seen. As the Supreme Court concluded, homemakers are not dependants. They are “nation builders”.After generations of describing women’s domestic labour as priceless, India has finally begun confronting a difficult truth: priceless cannot continue to mean free.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAastha JhaAastha Jha is a writer at The Times of India, covering politics. She also writes on business, global affairs, social issues, with a focus on policy, governance and their impact on everyday lives. Her work brings together reportage and analysis, tracking developments in India and abroad while examining the broader social and economic currents shaping public discourse.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAjit Doval, Wang Yi Review India-China Ties, Border Progress At BRICS NSA Meeting In New DelhiAfter Lucknow Fire Killed 15, Kanpur Launches Safety Crackdown On Coaching CentresRow Erupts Over US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘Two Nations’ Remark After Meeting TN CM VijayCM Vijay’s First Detailed Assembly Speech: Hits Back At ‘Actor’s Party’ Jibe, Renews Anti-NEET PushTMC Leader Humiliated In Public | Shoe Garland, Sit-Ups & Eggs Thrown Amid Corruption AllegationsNSA Ajit Doval Flags Evolving Terrorism And Disruptive Technologies At BRICS MeetBengaluru NEET Controversy: Cong Says Rally Did Not Disrupt Exam, Calls BJP Charges BaselessEU Unveils Ambassadors Network In India, Seeks Stronger People-To-People LinksLucknow Fire Kills 15; SIT Formed To Probe Safety Violations, Four Accused ArrestedTMC Rift Out In Open As Rebel Camp Forms 30-Member National Panel123PhotostoriesLove quote of the day by Emily Blunt: ‘There’s someone behind you on your good days, and someone in front…’7 Auspicious house names are popular among homeowners who believe in wealth, peace and prosperityChinese proverb of the day on success: ‘Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still’Woodworm alert: 7 signs and prevention tips every UK homeowner should knowPsychology says people who say ‘no’ more often aren’t selfish; they may have healthier emotional boundariesThis small island in Europe has more puffins than humans and feels frozen in timePsychologist reveals 5 things ‘fun dads’ do that can raise happier childrenSadhguru’s go-to summer coolers for better digestion and hydrationPsychology says people who can’t stop thinking about an ex aren’t necessarily still in love; they may be missing a version of themselvesHeatwave gardening: The right way to water your plants when temperatures soar123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingGeorge KurianUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026ITR filing 2026CUET UG Result 2026NEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

Can a price be put on a homemaker’s work? (AI image) Before her husband wakes up, before her two children begin getting ready for school, and before her mother-in-law starts her day, Nidhi is already at work. Nidhi is a homemaker and higher secondary school teacher who lives with her husband, two children aged 13 and 10, and her mother-in-law.Like millions of women across India, much of that labour has no salary slip, no annual appraisal and no official economic value.The Supreme Court, on June 11, sought to place a benchmark on at least part of that work. In a landmark judgment, it assigned a minimum notional value of Rs 30,000 a month to a homemaker’s labour while calculating accident compensation, reigniting a long-running debate over how India values unpaid domestic work. The SC was hearing an appeal arising from a motor accident compensation case involving a homemaker who died in a road accident on November 25, 2001, in Haryana/Punjab. The ruling emerged from a case involving a homemaker killed in a road accident in Haryana in 2001. More than two decades later, the court not only enhanced compensation for her family but also declared that the contribution of homemakers could no longer be treated as economically invisible. ‘Only Rs 30,000?’When Nidhi heard about the Supreme Court’s benchmark, her reaction was immediate.”My first reaction to the Supreme Court’s Rs 30,000-a-month valuation of homemakers’ work was: only Rs 30,000? Can the value of a homemaker’s work really be measured in monetary terms? The contribution of a homemaker is invaluable. No government, court or society can truly determine its worth.””A homemaker works every day, in every circumstance, whether she is healthy or unwell. She cares for her children, supports every member of the family and manages countless responsibilities that often go unnoticed. Much of this work cannot be replaced by anyone else,” she added. To her, assigning a monetary value is important because it acknowledges labour that has long gone unnoticed. Yet she believes the figure itself can never fully capture what homemakers contribute.”While assigning a monetary value to domestic work is an important recognition, I believe a homemaker’s contribution goes far beyond any figure that can be put on paper,” She added.‘Not just physical labour’For Akanksha, a Bengaluru-based professional who works from home and has been married for three years, the debate often overlooks what homemakers actually do.She believes people tend to focus only on visible physical labour.”It depends on the number of family members. The monetary benefits alone are not enough because household work is not just physical labour.”According to her, a homemaker functions as a planner, coordinator and manager all at once.”A homemaker keeps the house running smoothly with several underrated chores. It includes making sure things are accessible around the house, clothes are ironed, food is managed, groceries are planned and finances are stabilised according to the family’s needs.” Echoing similar views, Aarti says, “I am very happy that women who have traditionally received no financial compensation for their work are finally being assigned a value of Rs 30,000 per month. However, in my view, a homemaker’s work cannot truly be priced. She works tirelessly, both mentally and physically, day and night, 24 hours a day. If you look at the full extent of her responsibilities, it is impossible to accurately assess their worth.”Aarti is a working professional in her late fifties who lives with her husband and manages most household responsibilitiesShe points out that homemakers constantly think ahead. They track yearly expenses, plan for festivals, arrange gifts for relatives, manage household inventories and ensure that family obligations are met.”These are things a domestic help cannot do.” The Supreme Court’s observations echo this view.The judges specifically referred to homemakers ensuring that meals are prepared, clothes are ironed, supplies are stocked, children remain on top of their studies and elderly family members receive care.Such labour may not generate income directly, but it creates the stability that enables others to earn income.Why can’t households just hire people to do homemaker’s jobFor Nidhi, the discussion about economic value inevitably returns to everyday realities.”If a household were to hire different people for cooking, cleaning, childcare and household management, the cost would be far higher.”Even then, she notes, those workers would enjoy protections that homemakers do not.”Those workers would have fixed hours, weekly offs and leave. A homemaker, on the other hand, works with a level of dedication and emotional investment that cannot be replicated.”The most striking difference, she says, is the absence of rest.”There are no weekends, summer vacations or guaranteed holidays for homemake Rs Whether it is Sunday or a festival, the responsibilities continue.”The Supreme Court made similar observations, noting that homemakers perform these functions consistently and often without acknowledgment. How SC arrived at Rs 30,000One of the most significant aspects of the judgment is how the court reached the Rs 30,000 figure.The judges acknowledged that calculating the value of homemaking is extraordinarily difficult because it combines emotional, managerial, caregiving and economic functions.Instead of treating homemakers as individuals with no income, the court created a new concept called “loss of domestic care.”The benchmark was based on three broad forms of loss:Loss of household managementThe court recognised the homemaker’s role in ensuring the smooth functioning of daily life, including cooking, cleaning, organising and coordinating family responsibilities.Loss of maternal supportThe judges emphasised that mothers are often a child’s first teacher, guide and source of emotional support.They noted that children lose not only affection but also instruction, discipline and guidance when a mother dies.Loss of spousal supportThe court acknowledged that spouses often depend heavily on homemakers for emotional and practical support.The absence of a homemaker can fundamentally disrupt the functioning of a household.Taking these factors together, the bench ruled that Rs 30,000 per month should serve as a basic minimum notional income for homemakers who have no conventional earnings.The figure will increase by 10 per cent every three yeaRsImportantly, the court clarified that if a homemaker also has paid employment, the Rs 30,000 “loss of domestic care” component should be added to her proven income rather than replace it. ‘No court can put a price on respect’Like many women interviewed for this story, Arti sees a distinction between economic valuation and social recognition.”Respect is not something that can be bought or sold. It is earned. No court can put a price on respect.”Yet she also believes that direct financial recognition could alter the balance of power within households.”If women were to receive a monthly payment for the work they do at home, it would certainly bring changes to their lives. They would be able to spend that money according to their own priorities. It is not that women are not given money for household expenses, but there is something different about having an income of your own and the independence that comes with it.”Her comments touch upon one of the central questions raised by the Supreme Court’s ruling: does recognising domestic labour economically also translate into greater agency for women within families?What data showsThe court’s conclusions were supported by extensive data.According to India’s 2019 Time Use Survey:More than 81 per cent of women perform unpaid domestic services every day.Only 26 per cent of men engage in similar work.Women spend an average of 299 minutes daily on unpaid domestic work.Men spend only 97 minutes.The survey also found that women shoulder the majority of caregiving responsibilities.Nearly 28 per cent of women participate in unpaid caregiving activities such as caring for children, elderly relatives and sick family members, compared with 14 per cent of men.The Supreme Court noted that women between 15 and 59 years spend over seven hours daily on unpaid domestic work and caregiving.Women perform approximately 2.6 times more unpaid care work than men.These numbers help explain why female labour force participation remains relatively low despite rising levels of education among women. We tried calculating what it would cost to replace a homemaker by hiring separate workers for cooking, cleaning, childcare, elder care and household management, but the exercise quickly ran into a problem – there is no market rate for emotional labour, mental load, or being available 24 hours a day.Why GDP does not include household workThe economic implications are enormous. Several studies cited by economists estimate that women’s unpaid domestic and caregiving work contributes between 15 and 17 per cent of India’s GDP.An Economic and Political Weekly study estimated the value of unpaid household work at between Rs 71.7 lakh crore and Rs 99.5 lakh crore in 2022-23, depending on the methodology used.The replacement-cost approach asks what it would cost to hire workers for cooking, cleaning, childcare and elder care.The opportunity-cost approach calculates the income women sacrifice by spending time on unpaid work instead of participating in paid employment.Both approaches reveal the same reality: India’s economy relies heavily on labour that never appears in GDP calculations.As the Supreme Court noted, around 16 billion hours of unpaid domestic and care work are performed globally every day.Yet most of this labour remains absent from official economic accounts. Can homemakers’ work really be measured? What economists sayThe debate over valuing domestic work is not new. Economists have wrestled with it for decades, often arriving at different answers depending on how they define “work” itself.According to Surya Bhushan, an alumnus of CESP, JNU, and now an economics professor at DMI, Patna, the issue begins with a basic distinction in economics.”Goods are always counted as work because they involve tangible production. Services, however, are usually counted as work only when they are exchanged in the market for a price.”This explains why a farmer growing vegetables for her family is considered economically productive, while cooking those vegetables for dinner or caring for children at home is generally excluded from conventional economic statistics.Bhushan says it is possible to estimate the economic value of homemakers’ work, though only approximately.”Tangible outputs like hours spent cooking, cleaning and tutoring can be mapped to market equivalents and can be measured with reasonable accuracy. However, emotional and relational care cannot be fully commodified and cannot be captured by a stopwatch.”Economists generally use three methods to estimate the value of domestic labour.The first is the replacement-cost method, which estimates what it would cost to hire workers in the market to perform the same tasks.”It reflects the market value of domestic work. But a homemaker is a multitasking generalist, not four or five separate professionals.”The second is the opportunity-cost method, which estimates the income a homemaker could have earned had she participated in paid employment.The challenge with this approach, Bhushan says, is that it can produce unequal outcomes.”A meal cooked by an MBA graduate would be valued higher than the exact same meal cooked by a school dropout.”The third is the output-based method, which attempts to value the outcomes produced by domestic work, such as meals prepared, children’s educational outcomes and household maintenance. While conceptually appealing, it remains difficult because household outputs are hard to isolate and price.This complexity, he argues, explains why the Supreme Court adopted a standardised benchmark rather than attempting to calculate the precise contribution of each homemaker.”Different purposes require different methods. For motor accident compensation, a standardised replacement-cost benchmark is often the most practical approach.”Household work – 15 to 16% of GDPThe broader significance of the judgment extends beyond economics.Estimates suggesting unpaid domestic and caregiving work contributes between 15 and 17 per cent of India’s GDP should not be interpreted as output missing from national accounts, Bhushan says. Rather, they demonstrate the enormous scale of labour that households receive without direct payment.”If these unpaid services had to be paid for at market rates, their scale would reach 15 to 17 per cent of existing GDP. That makes them comparable to major sectors of the economy.” The Supreme Court’s description of homemakers as “nation-builders” is therefore not merely symbolic.”It is a powerful act of recognition. It challenges the long-standing prejudice that domestic work is somehow unproductive.”Yet Bhushan also warns that assigning a wage equivalent to housework comes with risks.”The idea of paying for housework might inadvertently reinforce the stereotype that housework is a woman’s natural duty, rather than encouraging men to share responsibility.”There is also the question of whether money can fully represent work rooted in relationships, care and affection.”Reducing acts of love, care and family maintenance to a wage equivalent may diminish their emotional and social value. Is Rs 30,000 truly reflective of the complexity of the work?”For him, genuine empowerment lies not merely in recognition but in expanding women’s choices through public policy.”As an economist, I believe true empowerment is not just about recognising value. It is about creating alternatives and opportunities through childcare facilities, elder-care support systems and family-friendly public infrastructure that socialise some of this unpaid work.”Is it the beginning of something tangible?The Supreme Court’s ruling will primarily influence compensation cases. Yet its significance extends far beyond motor accident tribunals.For the first time, India’s highest court has attempted to place a concrete value on domestic labour while simultaneously acknowledging that its true worth may never be fully measurable.The Rs 30,000 figure is therefore not an answer. It is a starting point.A recognition that unpaid work is still work. A recognition that care is an economic activity.And a recognition that the people who perform it deserve to be seen. As the Supreme Court concluded, homemakers are not dependants. They are “nation builders”.After generations of describing women’s domestic labour as priceless, India has finally begun confronting a difficult truth: priceless cannot continue to mean free.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAastha JhaAastha Jha is a writer at The Times of India, covering politics. She also writes on business, global affairs, social issues, with a focus on policy, governance and their impact on everyday lives. Her work brings together reportage and analysis, tracking developments in India and abroad while examining the broader social and economic currents shaping public discourse.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAjit Doval, Wang Yi Review India-China Ties, Border Progress At BRICS NSA Meeting In New DelhiAfter Lucknow Fire Killed 15, Kanpur Launches Safety Crackdown On Coaching CentresRow Erupts Over US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘Two Nations’ Remark After Meeting TN CM VijayCM Vijay’s First Detailed Assembly Speech: Hits Back At ‘Actor’s Party’ Jibe, Renews Anti-NEET PushTMC Leader Humiliated In Public | Shoe Garland, Sit-Ups & Eggs Thrown Amid Corruption AllegationsNSA Ajit Doval Flags Evolving Terrorism And Disruptive Technologies At BRICS MeetBengaluru NEET Controversy: Cong Says Rally Did Not Disrupt Exam, Calls BJP Charges BaselessEU Unveils Ambassadors Network In India, Seeks Stronger People-To-People LinksLucknow Fire Kills 15; SIT Formed To Probe Safety Violations, Four Accused ArrestedTMC Rift Out In Open As Rebel Camp Forms 30-Member National Panel123PhotostoriesLove quote of the day by Emily Blunt: ‘There’s someone behind you on your good days, and someone in front…’7 Auspicious house names are popular among homeowners who believe in wealth, peace and prosperityChinese proverb of the day on success: ‘Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still’Woodworm alert: 7 signs and prevention tips every UK homeowner should knowPsychology says people who say ‘no’ more often aren’t selfish; they may have healthier emotional boundariesThis small island in Europe has more puffins than humans and feels frozen in timePsychologist reveals 5 things ‘fun dads’ do that can raise happier childrenSadhguru’s go-to summer coolers for better digestion and hydrationPsychology says people who can’t stop thinking about an ex aren’t necessarily still in love; they may be missing a version of themselvesHeatwave gardening: The right way to water your plants when temperatures soar123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingGeorge KurianUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026ITR filing 2026CUET UG Result 2026NEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

Vamsikrishna 0
(Representative Image) Hallucinations have recently been used to refer to a typical behavioral pattern that Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) models exhibit.AI hallucinations occur when a model generates a completely fabricated response. The plausible yet false answers have no ground in reality, or training data.The most peculiar aspect of these hallucinations is the tone: the response, though misleading and invented, sounds completely confident. These responses show no shred of uncertainty, which often makes users inclined to believe the misinformation.From recommending users put glue on their pizza to making up summer reading lists of books that do not exist (which made its way to a newspaper! ), AI hallucinations have been the subject of internet virality innumerable times over the past few years.This strange phenomenon warrants dissection.WHAT ARE AI HALLUCINATIONSWhy AI models hallucinateLanguage models hallucinate because standard training and evaluation procedures reward guessing over acknowledging uncertainty, suggests a research paper published by scholars at OpenAI titled: ‘Why language models hallucinate.’The paper explains it with an analogy: the multiple-choice question. A wild guess on an unknown question might be correct if luck is on one’s side. Leaving it blank on the other hand? That guarantees a zero. Large Language Models (LLMS) are graded similarly, based on accuracy and the percentage of questions they get right.This current evaluation method sets the wrong incentive, one that encourages guessing rather than an honest expression of uncertainty.Furthermore, language models respond to prompts by predicting one word at a time. It is simply a question of probability and patterns. Mistakes are inevitable in such a process.WHY AI MODELS HALLUCINATEWorrisome patternsIn October 2024, Associated Press published an investigation on the usage of OpenAI’s transcription tool Whisper in hospitals. It said that despite being pushed as having “human level robustness and accuracy,” Whisper was often prone to making up chunks of text and even entire sentences that were never said in the first place.Despite OpenAI’s warning about not using Whisper in “high-risk domains,” it was found to be used to transcribe doctor-patient consultations anyway, as it enabled medical providers to save time on report writing and note taking.“Those experts (more than a dozen software engineers, developers and academic researchers) said some of the invented text — known in the industry as hallucinations — can include racial commentary, violent rhetoric and even imagined medical treatments,” stated the report.The issue with AI-powered transcriptions is not just fabrication, but also bias. In the words of American linguist Mary Bucholtz, “All transcripts take sides, enabling certain interpretations, advancing particular interests, favoring specific speakers.”In May 2026, the accounting firm Ernst & Young (EY) retracted a report flagged for citation errors, fake footnotes and statistics suspected to be hallucinated by AI. EY Canada’s cybersecurity report on loyalty program safeguards had referred to studies that simply did not exist, revealed an investigation by GPTZero, an AI-detection startup.The report titled ‘Chasing the hallucinations’ suggested how contradicting references, low-quality sources and out-of-date statistics are all AI indicators. The report ended with a warning: “Fake information poisons the well and misleads future researchers, especially when published by a major consulting firm. Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity all surface hallucinations from EY’s flawed report.”WHEN AI FAKES ITS SOURCESHow AI hallucinations affect academics, researchers“On a number of occasions when I asked for references of books or Supreme Court cases, AI hallucinated and confidently provided incorrect citations which initially appeared accurate. But when I started checking from original sources, I found them inaccurate,” said Prof (Dr) Anand Pradhan of Indian Institute of Mass Communication. “A few times, it also confused the explanations of particular theories with the work of other scholars.”Researchers at GPTZero coined the term ‘vibe citing’ to refer to how generative AI models create citations or academic references that appear to be credible but are either misattributions or complete fabrications.They have classified this phenomenon into three distinct patterns, where human errors are exempt:Entirely fabricated citations (fake authors, title or container/locators)Two or more real references fused or misaligned (authors of one paper paired with the title of another)Real citations, heavily altered or paraphrasedHallucinated citations not only call the integrity of the concerned work into question but also serve as a threat to the future of academia and research as a whole.A Master’s student speaks of persistent unease caused by the unreliability of AI-generated academic responses. “Gemini links the websites from which it generates its summaries. However, there have been so many times when I’ve tried to access the link but it ended up not being open source so I couldn’t fact-check. Other times, I see the website saying something completely different,” said Ushasi Chowdhury, who is pursuing a Master’s degree in English literature at Loreto College, Kolkata.Ushasi said that whenever a concept in literature or philosophy needs to be referenced, a simple Google search helps find websites for a quick and comprehensive understanding. Now that Google provides an AI-generated overview, sometimes it is convenient to read it from there, especially when there is a rush.“Constantly referring to 5 different books is a tedious process, sometimes I end up just going by what the Google AI-summary says,” said the literature student. “It cannot be a blind trust but I am presented with an illusion of reassurance during circumstances where I don’t have time to look through a lot of sources.”Dr Pradhan said that AI seems to be gradually improving accuracy. Even so, it is not yet 100% accurate and its responses still need to be verified, especially in journalism, academic and research contexts, warns the professor.HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELFQuestioning and verification in the age of AIIt is established that any and all Artificial Intelligence models will sometimes confidently state falsehoods. At the same time, regarding convenience and haste, AI is invincible and cannot be done away with, says a growing consensus.Tools of media literacy prove useful in this predicament.What can help one mitigate the inaccuracy and misinformation is simply a process of vigorous, thorough fact-checking and verification. Not to trust any response given by an AI model blindly, no matter how plausible it sounds or how authoritatively the information it expressed—even, and especially, if it supports one’s preexisting notions.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAnanya PodderAnanya Podder, a news intern at the Times of India, is a political science major who completed a PG Diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Currently working across diverse beats.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAjit Doval, Wang Yi Review India-China Ties, Border Progress At BRICS NSA Meeting In New DelhiAfter Lucknow Fire Killed 15, Kanpur Launches Safety Crackdown On Coaching CentresRow Erupts Over US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘Two Nations’ Remark After Meeting TN CM VijayCM Vijay’s First Detailed Assembly Speech: Hits Back At ‘Actor’s Party’ Jibe, Renews Anti-NEET PushTMC Leader Humiliated In Public | Shoe Garland, Sit-Ups & Eggs Thrown Amid Corruption AllegationsNSA Ajit Doval Flags Evolving Terrorism And Disruptive Technologies At BRICS MeetBengaluru NEET Controversy: Cong Says Rally Did Not Disrupt Exam, Calls BJP Charges BaselessEU Unveils Ambassadors Network In India, Seeks Stronger People-To-People LinksLucknow Fire Kills 15; SIT Formed To Probe Safety Violations, Four Accused ArrestedTMC Rift Out In Open As Rebel Camp Forms 30-Member National Panel123PhotostoriesInside Hina Khan’s luxurious Mumbai home, reportedly worth around Rs 10 crore: Stunning skyline views, a glam vanity room and moreLove quote of the day by Emily Blunt: ‘There’s someone behind you on your good days, and someone in front…’7 Auspicious house names are popular among homeowners who believe in wealth, peace and prosperityChinese proverb of the day on success: ‘Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still’Woodworm alert: 7 signs and prevention tips every UK homeowner should knowPsychology says people who say ‘no’ more often aren’t selfish; they may have healthier emotional boundariesThis small island in Europe has more puffins than humans and feels frozen in timePsychologist reveals 5 things ‘fun dads’ do that can raise happier childrenSadhguru’s go-to summer coolers for better digestion and hydrationPsychology says people who can’t stop thinking about an ex aren’t necessarily still in love; they may be missing a version of themselves123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingGeorge KurianUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026ITR filing 2026CUET UG Result 2026NEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

(Representative Image) Hallucinations have recently been used to refer to a typical behavioral pattern that Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) models exhibit.AI hallucinations occur when a model generates a completely fabricated response. The plausible yet false answers have no ground in reality, or training data.The most peculiar aspect of these hallucinations is the tone: the response, though misleading and invented, sounds completely confident. These responses show no shred of uncertainty, which often makes users inclined to believe the misinformation.From recommending users put glue on their pizza to making up summer reading lists of books that do not exist (which made its way to a newspaper! ), AI hallucinations have been the subject of internet virality innumerable times over the past few years.This strange phenomenon warrants dissection.WHAT ARE AI HALLUCINATIONSWhy AI models hallucinateLanguage models hallucinate because standard training and evaluation procedures reward guessing over acknowledging uncertainty, suggests a research paper published by scholars at OpenAI titled: ‘Why language models hallucinate.’The paper explains it with an analogy: the multiple-choice question. A wild guess on an unknown question might be correct if luck is on one’s side. Leaving it blank on the other hand? That guarantees a zero. Large Language Models (LLMS) are graded similarly, based on accuracy and the percentage of questions they get right.This current evaluation method sets the wrong incentive, one that encourages guessing rather than an honest expression of uncertainty.Furthermore, language models respond to prompts by predicting one word at a time. It is simply a question of probability and patterns. Mistakes are inevitable in such a process.WHY AI MODELS HALLUCINATEWorrisome patternsIn October 2024, Associated Press published an investigation on the usage of OpenAI’s transcription tool Whisper in hospitals. It said that despite being pushed as having “human level robustness and accuracy,” Whisper was often prone to making up chunks of text and even entire sentences that were never said in the first place.Despite OpenAI’s warning about not using Whisper in “high-risk domains,” it was found to be used to transcribe doctor-patient consultations anyway, as it enabled medical providers to save time on report writing and note taking.“Those experts (more than a dozen software engineers, developers and academic researchers) said some of the invented text — known in the industry as hallucinations — can include racial commentary, violent rhetoric and even imagined medical treatments,” stated the report.The issue with AI-powered transcriptions is not just fabrication, but also bias. In the words of American linguist Mary Bucholtz, “All transcripts take sides, enabling certain interpretations, advancing particular interests, favoring specific speakers.”In May 2026, the accounting firm Ernst & Young (EY) retracted a report flagged for citation errors, fake footnotes and statistics suspected to be hallucinated by AI. EY Canada’s cybersecurity report on loyalty program safeguards had referred to studies that simply did not exist, revealed an investigation by GPTZero, an AI-detection startup.The report titled ‘Chasing the hallucinations’ suggested how contradicting references, low-quality sources and out-of-date statistics are all AI indicators. The report ended with a warning: “Fake information poisons the well and misleads future researchers, especially when published by a major consulting firm. Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity all surface hallucinations from EY’s flawed report.”WHEN AI FAKES ITS SOURCESHow AI hallucinations affect academics, researchers“On a number of occasions when I asked for references of books or Supreme Court cases, AI hallucinated and confidently provided incorrect citations which initially appeared accurate. But when I started checking from original sources, I found them inaccurate,” said Prof (Dr) Anand Pradhan of Indian Institute of Mass Communication. “A few times, it also confused the explanations of particular theories with the work of other scholars.”Researchers at GPTZero coined the term ‘vibe citing’ to refer to how generative AI models create citations or academic references that appear to be credible but are either misattributions or complete fabrications.They have classified this phenomenon into three distinct patterns, where human errors are exempt:Entirely fabricated citations (fake authors, title or container/locators)Two or more real references fused or misaligned (authors of one paper paired with the title of another)Real citations, heavily altered or paraphrasedHallucinated citations not only call the integrity of the concerned work into question but also serve as a threat to the future of academia and research as a whole.A Master’s student speaks of persistent unease caused by the unreliability of AI-generated academic responses. “Gemini links the websites from which it generates its summaries. However, there have been so many times when I’ve tried to access the link but it ended up not being open source so I couldn’t fact-check. Other times, I see the website saying something completely different,” said Ushasi Chowdhury, who is pursuing a Master’s degree in English literature at Loreto College, Kolkata.Ushasi said that whenever a concept in literature or philosophy needs to be referenced, a simple Google search helps find websites for a quick and comprehensive understanding. Now that Google provides an AI-generated overview, sometimes it is convenient to read it from there, especially when there is a rush.“Constantly referring to 5 different books is a tedious process, sometimes I end up just going by what the Google AI-summary says,” said the literature student. “It cannot be a blind trust but I am presented with an illusion of reassurance during circumstances where I don’t have time to look through a lot of sources.”Dr Pradhan said that AI seems to be gradually improving accuracy. Even so, it is not yet 100% accurate and its responses still need to be verified, especially in journalism, academic and research contexts, warns the professor.HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELFQuestioning and verification in the age of AIIt is established that any and all Artificial Intelligence models will sometimes confidently state falsehoods. At the same time, regarding convenience and haste, AI is invincible and cannot be done away with, says a growing consensus.Tools of media literacy prove useful in this predicament.What can help one mitigate the inaccuracy and misinformation is simply a process of vigorous, thorough fact-checking and verification. Not to trust any response given by an AI model blindly, no matter how plausible it sounds or how authoritatively the information it expressed—even, and especially, if it supports one’s preexisting notions.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAnanya PodderAnanya Podder, a news intern at the Times of India, is a political science major who completed a PG Diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Currently working across diverse beats.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAjit Doval, Wang Yi Review India-China Ties, Border Progress At BRICS NSA Meeting In New DelhiAfter Lucknow Fire Killed 15, Kanpur Launches Safety Crackdown On Coaching CentresRow Erupts Over US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘Two Nations’ Remark After Meeting TN CM VijayCM Vijay’s First Detailed Assembly Speech: Hits Back At ‘Actor’s Party’ Jibe, Renews Anti-NEET PushTMC Leader Humiliated In Public | Shoe Garland, Sit-Ups & Eggs Thrown Amid Corruption AllegationsNSA Ajit Doval Flags Evolving Terrorism And Disruptive Technologies At BRICS MeetBengaluru NEET Controversy: Cong Says Rally Did Not Disrupt Exam, Calls BJP Charges BaselessEU Unveils Ambassadors Network In India, Seeks Stronger People-To-People LinksLucknow Fire Kills 15; SIT Formed To Probe Safety Violations, Four Accused ArrestedTMC Rift Out In Open As Rebel Camp Forms 30-Member National Panel123PhotostoriesInside Hina Khan’s luxurious Mumbai home, reportedly worth around Rs 10 crore: Stunning skyline views, a glam vanity room and moreLove quote of the day by Emily Blunt: ‘There’s someone behind you on your good days, and someone in front…’7 Auspicious house names are popular among homeowners who believe in wealth, peace and prosperityChinese proverb of the day on success: ‘Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still’Woodworm alert: 7 signs and prevention tips every UK homeowner should knowPsychology says people who say ‘no’ more often aren’t selfish; they may have healthier emotional boundariesThis small island in Europe has more puffins than humans and feels frozen in timePsychologist reveals 5 things ‘fun dads’ do that can raise happier childrenSadhguru’s go-to summer coolers for better digestion and hydrationPsychology says people who can’t stop thinking about an ex aren’t necessarily still in love; they may be missing a version of themselves123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingGeorge KurianUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026ITR filing 2026CUET UG Result 2026NEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

Vamsikrishna 0
Mamata Banerjee ousts Firhad Hakim, 7 other rebels from TMC NEW DELHI: The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday expelled her former aide and ex-Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim, along with seven other rebel leaders, a day after the dissident camp “ousted” the former West Bengal chief minister as the party’s chairperson.The expelled leaders include Javed Ahmed Khan, Arup Roy, Rathin Ghosh, Biplab Mitra, Sabina Yasmin, Aroop Biswas and Snehasis Chakraborty.The move came hours after the Mamata Banerjee-led faction issued show-cause notices to the leaders, accusing them of “deliberately engaging in anti-party activities.”On Monday, the rebel camp led by leader of the opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, announced a new leadership structure for the TMC, naming veteran MLA Arup Roy as its chairperson in place of Mamata Banerjee.The dissidents also unveiled a 30-member National Working Committee (NWC), while maintaining that they wanted the former West Bengal chief minister to serve as the party’s mentor.Ritabrata Banerjee later said Arup Roy had been unanimously elected as the Trinamool’s new chairperson. Former minister Aroop Biswas and MLA Firhad Hakim were appointed vice-chairpersons.”A special session of the All India Trinamool Congress was organised here today. During this session, the All India Trinamool Congress Committee and the NWC were constituted through a unanimous election of delegates. Arup Roy has been elected as the Chairperson of the All India Trinamool Congress,” Ritabrata Banerjee told reporters.The 30-member committee includes Firhad Hakim, Arup Biswas, Rathin Ghosh, Sabina Yasmin, Javed Khan, Sandipan Saha and others.Ritabrata Banerjee further said district presidents and district committees would also be constituted in the coming days.”We have repeatedly stated our stance regarding Mamata Banerjee’s role within the TMC. We want ‘Didi’ to assume the responsibility of a mentor and guide us,” he added.Later, while speaking to ANI on the National Working Committee meeting chaired by Mamata Banerjee, the West Bengal LoP questioned the legitimacy of decisions taken by the rival group.(with ANI inputs)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 MediaVideosAjit Doval, Wang Yi Review India-China Ties, Border Progress At BRICS NSA Meeting In New DelhiAfter Lucknow Fire Killed 15, Kanpur Launches Safety Crackdown On Coaching CentresRow Erupts Over US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘Two Nations’ Remark After Meeting TN CM VijayCM Vijay’s First Detailed Assembly Speech: Hits Back At ‘Actor’s Party’ Jibe, Renews Anti-NEET PushTMC Leader Humiliated In Public | Shoe Garland, Sit-Ups & Eggs Thrown Amid Corruption AllegationsNSA Ajit Doval Flags Evolving Terrorism And Disruptive Technologies At BRICS MeetBengaluru NEET Controversy: Cong Says Rally Did Not Disrupt Exam, Calls BJP Charges BaselessEU Unveils Ambassadors Network In India, Seeks Stronger People-To-People LinksLucknow Fire Kills 15; SIT Formed To Probe Safety Violations, Four Accused ArrestedTMC Rift Out In Open As Rebel Camp Forms 30-Member National Panel123Photostories7 Auspicious house names are popular among homeowners who believe in wealth, peace and prosperityChinese proverb of the day on success: ‘Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still’Woodworm alert: 7 signs and prevention tips every UK homeowner should knowPsychology says people who say ‘no’ more often aren’t selfish; they may have healthier emotional boundariesThis small island in Europe has more puffins than humans and feels frozen in timePsychologist reveals 5 things ‘fun dads’ do that can raise happier childrenSadhguru’s go-to summer coolers for better digestion and hydrationPsychology says people who can’t stop thinking about an ex aren’t necessarily still in love; they may be missing a version of themselvesHeatwave gardening: The right way to water your plants when temperatures soar7 Low-maintenance UK plants that attract birds, bees, and butterflies123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingGeorge KurianUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026ITR filing 2026CUET UG Result 2026NEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

Mamata Banerjee ousts Firhad Hakim, 7 other rebels from TMC NEW DELHI: The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday expelled her former aide and ex-Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim, along with seven other rebel leaders, a day after the dissident camp “ousted” the former West Bengal chief minister as the party’s chairperson.The expelled leaders include Javed Ahmed Khan, Arup Roy, Rathin Ghosh, Biplab Mitra, Sabina Yasmin, Aroop Biswas and Snehasis Chakraborty.The move came hours after the Mamata Banerjee-led faction issued show-cause notices to the leaders, accusing them of “deliberately engaging in anti-party activities.”On Monday, the rebel camp led by leader of the opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, announced a new leadership structure for the TMC, naming veteran MLA Arup Roy as its chairperson in place of Mamata Banerjee.The dissidents also unveiled a 30-member National Working Committee (NWC), while maintaining that they wanted the former West Bengal chief minister to serve as the party’s mentor.Ritabrata Banerjee later said Arup Roy had been unanimously elected as the Trinamool’s new chairperson. Former minister Aroop Biswas and MLA Firhad Hakim were appointed vice-chairpersons.”A special session of the All India Trinamool Congress was organised here today. During this session, the All India Trinamool Congress Committee and the NWC were constituted through a unanimous election of delegates. Arup Roy has been elected as the Chairperson of the All India Trinamool Congress,” Ritabrata Banerjee told reporters.The 30-member committee includes Firhad Hakim, Arup Biswas, Rathin Ghosh, Sabina Yasmin, Javed Khan, Sandipan Saha and others.Ritabrata Banerjee further said district presidents and district committees would also be constituted in the coming days.”We have repeatedly stated our stance regarding Mamata Banerjee’s role within the TMC. We want ‘Didi’ to assume the responsibility of a mentor and guide us,” he added.Later, while speaking to ANI on the National Working Committee meeting chaired by Mamata Banerjee, the West Bengal LoP questioned the legitimacy of decisions taken by the rival group.(with ANI inputs)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 MediaVideosAjit Doval, Wang Yi Review India-China Ties, Border Progress At BRICS NSA Meeting In New DelhiAfter Lucknow Fire Killed 15, Kanpur Launches Safety Crackdown On Coaching CentresRow Erupts Over US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘Two Nations’ Remark After Meeting TN CM VijayCM Vijay’s First Detailed Assembly Speech: Hits Back At ‘Actor’s Party’ Jibe, Renews Anti-NEET PushTMC Leader Humiliated In Public | Shoe Garland, Sit-Ups & Eggs Thrown Amid Corruption AllegationsNSA Ajit Doval Flags Evolving Terrorism And Disruptive Technologies At BRICS MeetBengaluru NEET Controversy: Cong Says Rally Did Not Disrupt Exam, Calls BJP Charges BaselessEU Unveils Ambassadors Network In India, Seeks Stronger People-To-People LinksLucknow Fire Kills 15; SIT Formed To Probe Safety Violations, Four Accused ArrestedTMC Rift Out In Open As Rebel Camp Forms 30-Member National Panel123Photostories7 Auspicious house names are popular among homeowners who believe in wealth, peace and prosperityChinese proverb of the day on success: ‘Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still’Woodworm alert: 7 signs and prevention tips every UK homeowner should knowPsychology says people who say ‘no’ more often aren’t selfish; they may have healthier emotional boundariesThis small island in Europe has more puffins than humans and feels frozen in timePsychologist reveals 5 things ‘fun dads’ do that can raise happier childrenSadhguru’s go-to summer coolers for better digestion and hydrationPsychology says people who can’t stop thinking about an ex aren’t necessarily still in love; they may be missing a version of themselvesHeatwave gardening: The right way to water your plants when temperatures soar7 Low-maintenance UK plants that attract birds, bees, and butterflies123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingGeorge KurianUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026ITR filing 2026CUET UG Result 2026NEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

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AI representational BENGALURU: “Individuals shall have the right to complete and connected streets and the right to access any place in an urban area by walk or by cycle.” Those words sound like they could have come straight from the Supreme Court’s June 19 ruling declaring that safe walking is part of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 21 and 19(1)(d).They did not. They are from Section 30 of Karnataka’s draft Active Mobility Bill, prepared in Dec 2021 by the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT). The irony is hard to miss. While SC has now called for a dedicated law to protect pedestrians, Karnataka has spent years sitting on one.Spread across 17 chapters and 55 sections, the draft seeks to turn safe walking and cycling from civic aspirations into statutory obligations.Putting people before vehiclesAn analysis of the draft bill shows that six chapters do the heavy lifting. New streets must come with footpaths and cycle tracks built in from the start, not retrofitted if space allows, and existing roads must be redeveloped to incorporate walking and cycling infrastructure. Drivers get a statutory duty to yield at crossings, not just a courtesy expectation.Section 4 places a duty on urban local bodies to design, construct and maintain complete and connected streets with adequate footpaths and cycle tracks. Section 5 explicitly states that streets must prioritise the movement of people over vehicles.Annual audits & inspectionsUnlike many policy documents, the draft prescribes timelines and accountability. Municipal corporations are required to prepare Comprehensive Mobility Plans within two years. Urban local bodies must conduct annual audits of infrastructure and carry out regular “walking inspections”, with physical and digital records maintained.These are specifically required to identify issues faced by women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.Safer streets, funding & accountabilityThe bill proposes footpaths to be continuous, unobstructed, well-lit and accessible. It mandates kerb ramps, pedestrian refuge islands, dedicated signal phases and traffic-calming measures.Residential areas, school zones and hospital zones with high pedestrian movement are to be designated “slow streets”, with speeds capped at 20 kmph.Section 22 bars any agency or individual from erecting temporary or permanent structures on footpaths and cycle tracks, treating them as infringements on pedestrian rights. Construction works are required to provide safe detours. Motorists are prohibited from parking on footpaths.Perhaps the strongest provision is Chapter 15. It gives pedestrian and cycling infrastructure “first charge” on municipal funds — the kind of protection that matters when budgets get squeezed. The Bill also creates grievance redressal systems and empowers authorities to levy fines up to Rs 1 lakh, rising to Rs 2 lakh for repeat violations. Even govt departments can be held liable.4Yrs on, The question is whyThe SC has supplied the constitutional backing. Karnataka already has the legislative blueprint. The missing piece is political urgency. Because every year that the Bill remains in a limbo is another year in which pedestrians are forced off broken pavements, onto carriageways and into harm’s way.DULT commissioner P Manivannan, who has now been given additional charge of the agency, told TOI that he would “look into the bill” in the coming week.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRow Erupts Over US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘Two Nations’ Remark After Meeting TN CM VijayCM Vijay’s First Detailed Assembly Speech: Hits Back At ‘Actor’s Party’ Jibe, Renews Anti-NEET PushTMC Leader Humiliated In Public | Shoe Garland, Sit-Ups & Eggs Thrown Amid Corruption AllegationsNSA Ajit Doval Flags Evolving Terrorism And Disruptive Technologies At BRICS MeetBengaluru NEET Controversy: Cong Says Rally Did Not Disrupt Exam, Calls BJP Charges BaselessEU Unveils Ambassadors Network In India, Seeks Stronger People-To-People LinksLucknow Fire Kills 15; SIT Formed To Probe Safety Violations, Four Accused ArrestedTMC Rift Out In Open As Rebel Camp Forms 30-Member National PanelIndians Among 13 Killed In Explosion At Ras Laffan LNG Complex In QatarStudents Jump, Rescuers Breach Walls: Inside The Lucknow Fire Tragedy That Claimed 15 Lives123Photostories7 Auspicious house names are popular among homeowners who believe in wealth, peace and prosperityChinese proverb of the day on success: ‘Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still’Woodworm alert: 7 signs and prevention tips every UK homeowner should knowPsychology says people who say ‘no’ more often aren’t selfish; they may have healthier emotional boundariesThis small island in Europe has more puffins than humans and feels frozen in timePsychologist reveals 5 things ‘fun dads’ do that can raise happier childrenSadhguru’s go-to summer coolers for better digestion and hydrationPsychology says people who can’t stop thinking about an ex aren’t necessarily still in love; they may be missing a version of themselvesHeatwave gardening: The right way to water your plants when temperatures soar7 Low-maintenance UK plants that attract birds, bees, and butterflies123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingDelhi MurderUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026ITR filing 2026Tamil Nadu Ammonia Gas LeakNEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

AI representational BENGALURU: “Individuals shall have the right to complete and connected streets and the right to access any place in an urban area by walk or by cycle.” Those words sound like they could have come straight from the Supreme Court’s June 19 ruling declaring that safe walking is part of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 21 and 19(1)(d).They did not. They are from Section 30 of Karnataka’s draft Active Mobility Bill, prepared in Dec 2021 by the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT). The irony is hard to miss. While SC has now called for a dedicated law to protect pedestrians, Karnataka has spent years sitting on one.Spread across 17 chapters and 55 sections, the draft seeks to turn safe walking and cycling from civic aspirations into statutory obligations.Putting people before vehiclesAn analysis of the draft bill shows that six chapters do the heavy lifting. New streets must come with footpaths and cycle tracks built in from the start, not retrofitted if space allows, and existing roads must be redeveloped to incorporate walking and cycling infrastructure. Drivers get a statutory duty to yield at crossings, not just a courtesy expectation.Section 4 places a duty on urban local bodies to design, construct and maintain complete and connected streets with adequate footpaths and cycle tracks. Section 5 explicitly states that streets must prioritise the movement of people over vehicles.Annual audits & inspectionsUnlike many policy documents, the draft prescribes timelines and accountability. Municipal corporations are required to prepare Comprehensive Mobility Plans within two years. Urban local bodies must conduct annual audits of infrastructure and carry out regular “walking inspections”, with physical and digital records maintained.These are specifically required to identify issues faced by women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.Safer streets, funding & accountabilityThe bill proposes footpaths to be continuous, unobstructed, well-lit and accessible. It mandates kerb ramps, pedestrian refuge islands, dedicated signal phases and traffic-calming measures.Residential areas, school zones and hospital zones with high pedestrian movement are to be designated “slow streets”, with speeds capped at 20 kmph.Section 22 bars any agency or individual from erecting temporary or permanent structures on footpaths and cycle tracks, treating them as infringements on pedestrian rights. Construction works are required to provide safe detours. Motorists are prohibited from parking on footpaths.Perhaps the strongest provision is Chapter 15. It gives pedestrian and cycling infrastructure “first charge” on municipal funds — the kind of protection that matters when budgets get squeezed. The Bill also creates grievance redressal systems and empowers authorities to levy fines up to Rs 1 lakh, rising to Rs 2 lakh for repeat violations. Even govt departments can be held liable.4Yrs on, The question is whyThe SC has supplied the constitutional backing. Karnataka already has the legislative blueprint. The missing piece is political urgency. Because every year that the Bill remains in a limbo is another year in which pedestrians are forced off broken pavements, onto carriageways and into harm’s way.DULT commissioner P Manivannan, who has now been given additional charge of the agency, told TOI that he would “look into the bill” in the coming week.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRow Erupts Over US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘Two Nations’ Remark After Meeting TN CM VijayCM Vijay’s First Detailed Assembly Speech: Hits Back At ‘Actor’s Party’ Jibe, Renews Anti-NEET PushTMC Leader Humiliated In Public | Shoe Garland, Sit-Ups & Eggs Thrown Amid Corruption AllegationsNSA Ajit Doval Flags Evolving Terrorism And Disruptive Technologies At BRICS MeetBengaluru NEET Controversy: Cong Says Rally Did Not Disrupt Exam, Calls BJP Charges BaselessEU Unveils Ambassadors Network In India, Seeks Stronger People-To-People LinksLucknow Fire Kills 15; SIT Formed To Probe Safety Violations, Four Accused ArrestedTMC Rift Out In Open As Rebel Camp Forms 30-Member National PanelIndians Among 13 Killed In Explosion At Ras Laffan LNG Complex In QatarStudents Jump, Rescuers Breach Walls: Inside The Lucknow Fire Tragedy That Claimed 15 Lives123Photostories7 Auspicious house names are popular among homeowners who believe in wealth, peace and prosperityChinese proverb of the day on success: ‘Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still’Woodworm alert: 7 signs and prevention tips every UK homeowner should knowPsychology says people who say ‘no’ more often aren’t selfish; they may have healthier emotional boundariesThis small island in Europe has more puffins than humans and feels frozen in timePsychologist reveals 5 things ‘fun dads’ do that can raise happier childrenSadhguru’s go-to summer coolers for better digestion and hydrationPsychology says people who can’t stop thinking about an ex aren’t necessarily still in love; they may be missing a version of themselvesHeatwave gardening: The right way to water your plants when temperatures soar7 Low-maintenance UK plants that attract birds, bees, and butterflies123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingDelhi MurderUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026ITR filing 2026Tamil Nadu Ammonia Gas LeakNEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

Vamsikrishna 0