DRI asks Air India to check gold smuggling by its staff

December 26, 2013

New Delhi, Dec 26: Worried over instances of gold smuggling by some Air India staffers, the Directorate General of Revenue Intelligence has asked the national carrier to take necessary measures to check it.

In a letter written by Director General of DRI Najeeb Shah, Air India has been asked to sanitise its staff, especially those involved in ground-handling duties, official sources said.

The DRI has also cited some past incidents of gold smuggling by Air India staffers in its missive, they said.

Air India did not offer any response or comment to PTI on the matter.

"There have been growing instances of gold smuggling by some Air India staffers. We seek immediate steps by them to ensure such kind of incidents do not happen," a DRI official said.

"We have been taking strict measures to check gold smuggling. The airline management also needs to put in place an effective system," the official said.

The DRI is understood to have sought a detailed enquiry report regarding those staffers held for illegally bringing gold into the country.

An Air India air hostess and her friend were arrested by DRI last month from Calicut International Airport for allegedly trying to smuggle into the country 6 kg of gold, officials said.

In October, 32 kgs of gold biscuits, worth Rs 15 crore in the international market, were recovered from the lavatory of an Air India flight when it reached Chennai from Dubai. Four persons were later arrested in the case, they said.

Three Air India staffers were also arrested at IGI airport here in October by customs officials for allegedly trying to smuggle gold out of the country.

DRI officials said members of Customs Overseas Intelligence Network (COIN) have also been asked to coordinate with the agencies concerned in South East region, including in Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand, to keep a watch on consignments originating from there to India for suspected gold smuggling.

The Finance Ministry had raised customs duty on gold to 10 per cent in August from 2 per cent in January 2012, besides imposing other curbs on imports of the metal. This is also leading to instances of gold smuggling, officials said.

The move to impose curb on gold import was taken to narrow the current account deficit (CAD), the difference between the outflow and inflow of foreign currency. The CAD touched a historic high of 4.8 per cent of GDP in 2012-13 and was mainly attributed to high imports of gold and petroleum products.

The CAD narrowed to 1.2 per cent of GDP in the second quarter of this financial year after a steep decline in gold imports. The deficit was 4.9 per cent of GDP in the first quarter (April-June).

India is the largest importer of gold, which is mainly used to meet demand of the jewellery industry. Imports stood at about 830 tonnes in 2012-13.

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Karnataka to scrap separate entrance exams for private universities from 2025

News Network

September 20,2024

Starting in the 2025-26 academic year, private universities in Karnataka offering professional courses will no longer conduct separate entrance exams. This decision follows a directive from the state’s Higher Education Department, prompting private universities to form an association and agree to this significant change.

In a recent meeting with Higher Education Minister Dr. M. C. Sudhakar, representatives from 17 private universities confirmed their decision to discontinue individual entrance tests. Of the 27 private universities in the state, 17 offer professional courses, and they have collectively agreed to accept scores from existing national or state-level entrance exams.

“Some universities will consider JEE scores, others will rely on KCET, and a few are inclined towards COMEDK,” Dr. Sudhakar stated, leaving the choice of examination to the universities themselves. However, the department has also suggested that the universities consider a unified entrance test for admissions.

Looking ahead, Dr. Sudhakar hinted that the government may introduce a common entrance test for general degree courses at private universities as well. "As government colleges and universities currently don’t require entrance exams for general degree courses, we haven’t made any decisions on this yet," he explained.

The meeting also addressed concerns over the high fees charged by private universities. To regulate this, the universities were instructed to establish fee fixation committees, headed by retired judges, as required by law. These committees will be responsible for determining tuition fees. Additionally, the government will continue to regulate fees for 40% of seats in professional courses that are filled through KCET.

In an effort to bring greater uniformity among private institutions, the government is considering enacting a common law for all private universities, which would replace the individual acts currently governing each university. This would place all private universities under a single regulatory framework.

This move is expected to streamline the admissions process and create a more standardized system for both professional and general degree programs across Karnataka's private universities.

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Karnataka’s 2nd tallest flagpole unveiled at Mangaluru’s Kadri Park

News Network

September 19,2024

In a grand celebration of patriotism and local pride, Karnataka’s second tallest flagpole, and the tallest in Dakshina Kannada, was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, September 18, at the iconic Kadri Park in Mangaluru.

The event, a significant milestone in the city's Smart City journey, was graced by several prominent leaders. MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, a distinguished guest at the inauguration, spoke passionately about the symbolic importance of the flag. "This towering structure, made possible through the Smart City initiative, elevates the pride of every Indian. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, national sentiment has deepened. The national flag is not just a symbol, it embodies our self-respect and unity as a nation."

MLA Vedavyas Kamath shared his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its importance beyond mere construction. "The flagpole at Kadri Park, funded under the Smart City project, will not only serve as a beacon of patriotism but will also become a significant attraction, enhancing the city's tourism appeal."

Adding to the sense of occasion, Mayor Sudhir Shetty proudly highlighted the monument's grandeur. "Standing at an impressive 75 meters, second only to Belagavi's 110-meter flagpole, this new landmark is a testament to Mangaluru's growth and aspirations. The project, which cost Rs 75 lakh, will feature an advanced lighting system, ensuring it shines brightly, day and night, as a symbol of our national pride."

The ceremony saw the attendance of key dignitaries, including Deputy Mayor Sunita, Standing Committee President Bharath Kumar, Varun Chowta, Ganesh Kulal, MCC opposition leader Praveen Chandra Alva, MCC member Shakeela Kava, former Mayor Jayananda Anchan, Bhaskar K, and former MUDA president Ravishankar Mijar, each contributing to the significance of the occasion.

This towering flagpole, nestled amidst the serene beauty of Kadri Park, is set to become a new emblem of Mangaluru's spirit, uniting both locals and visitors in shared pride and patriotism.

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