By India Ashok
The world of news can often become overwhelming, especially given how information keeps flowing in, and is reported almost every minute of the day. The fast-paced nature of our current lives means that we can sometimes miss out on important and/or interesting news during the week.
Qrius is here to make sure that you never have to miss out again. Our team of reporters and editors pour over the numerous news stories that came out over the week, even those that sometimes are under-reported. The editorial team here has decided to share with you, our lovely readers, some of the most interesting news of the week.
So, without further ado, here’s your weekly dose of the biggest news in the world of national and international policy:-
Indian government defends decision to link Aadhaar with mobiles
In March, the Indian Supreme Court indefinitely extended the deadline to link Aadhaar with mobile phones, bank accounts, and passports. However, the Centre’s battle to make Aadhaar nearly omnipresent in the infrastructure continues to rage on. On Thursday, May 3, the Centre defended its stance on linking Aadhaar with mobile phones, telling the SC that “it could have been hauled up for contempt if the verification of mobile users was not undertaken by it,” the Business Standard reported. It remains to be seen whether the bench will be convinced by the Centre’s argument regarding the matter.
Aadhaar linking again – this time for IPL tickets
Even as the SC continues to hear a bunch of petitions pertaining to Aadhaar, Indian cricket fans were bewildered after being asked by the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) ticket vendor Mera Events, to provide their Aadhaar details to purchase tickets.
Aadhaar has been made mandatory to avoid any fraudulent sale or ticket-blocking being done using multiple ID proofs. However, your details wont be misused or shared with anyone. These details will be encrypted and safely stored, Mera Events said, the Hindu reported. However, according to the report, none of the stadiums are equipped with any biometric identification technology, which defeats the purpose of the collection of Aadhaar data to avoid fraudulent sale.
Railways vendor that made tea using toilet water fined
Earlier this week, the video of railway vendors allegedly filling coffee and tea cans inside a train toilet went viral. Although the incident occurred in December last year, the incident has just come to light. The vending contractor has been fined Rs 100,000, the Business Standard reported.
Educational institutions that don’t refund student fees to be taken to task
The Human Resources Development (HRD) ministry has stated that any higher education institution that fails to refund student fees in the event of a withdrawal of admission will now face severe action, including withdrawal of recognition for the institution.
The HRD has “instructed the All-India Council for Technical Education and the University Grants Commission to take punitive action against institutions, including deemed varsities, if they fail to enforce these directions,” the Economic Times reported.