Why Technology Must Remain Our Servant, Not Our Master
Technology may connect billions of devices, but only humanity can truly connect hearts The smartphone is undoubtedly one of humanity's greatest inventions. It has revolutionised communication, education, healthcare, banking, governance and commerce, placing an unprecedented amount of knowledge and convenience in the palm of our hands. Yet, like every technological revolution, its misuse has created challenges that society is only beginning to understand. Today, millions of people are not merely using social mediathey are increasingly living for it. Virtual approval has begun replacing genuine human happiness, while digital popularity is often mistaken for personal success. According to the Global Digital Report 2025 (DataReportal), there are over 5.5 billion internet users worldwide, including more than 5.2 billion active social media users. The average person spends over 2 hours and 20 minutes every day on social networking platforms. Among teenagers and young adults, daily usage frequently exceeds five to seven hours. What was originally designed as a communication tool has gradually evolved into a powerful force shaping emotions, relationships, opinions and even personal identity. Social media platforms are driven by sophisticated algorithms designed to maximise user engagement rather than personal well-being. Every notification, like, comment and share activates the brain's reward circuitry by releasing dopaminethe neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and anticipation. Neuroscientists have compared this intermittent reward mechanism to those employed by gambling machines, making repeated checking of smartphones almost instinctive. It is therefore unsurprising that many users unconsciously unlock their phones over 100 times a day, often without any genuine purpose. The consequences are increasingly visible in everyday life. Family dinners are interrupted by smartphones. Tourist destinations are visited more for photographs than for appreciation. Concerts are watched through mobile screens instead of with one's own eyes. Weddings, birthdays, festivals and even acts of charity are frequently staged for online audiences rather than experienced personally. Memories are no longer treasured in the heart; they are converted into reels and stories. Experiences appear meaningful only after accumulating likes, comments and shares. The Young Generation: The Greatest Casualty Perhaps the most disturbing consequence of excessive smartphone and social media use is its impact on children and adolescents. This is the first generation in history to grow up with smartphones from early childhood, and mounting scientific evidence suggests that excessive digital exposure is affecting their mental health, learning ability, emotional stability and social development. According to UNICEF, nearly one in every three internet users worldwide is a child. The Global Digital Report 2025 estimates that teenagers spend between four and seven hours daily on smartphones outside schoolwork, leaving little time for reading, sports, hobbies, family interaction or outdoor play. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that problematic social media use among adolescents has increased sharply in recent years. Many young people exhibit addictive behavioural patterns, including compulsive checking of phones, anxiety when disconnected, inability to control screen time and emotional dependence on online approval. Such behaviour has been linked with declining academic performance, poor sleep quality, reduced physical activity, increased anxiety and depression. A landmark 2023 advisory by the U.S. Surgeon General reported that adolescents spending more than three hours daily on social media face almost twice the risk of developing symptoms of anxiety and depression compared with moderate users. Excessive exposure has also been associated with loneliness, body-image dissatisfaction, eating disorders, low self-esteem and self-harm among vulnerable adolescents. Education is suffering as well. Research published by UNESCO and several international educational institutions indicates that excessive smartphone use significantly reduces attention span, weakens memory retention and interferes with deep learning. Every notification interrupts concentration, forcing the brain to restart the learning process. Cognitive scientists estimate that after each interruption, it may require 20 to 25 minutes to regain full concentration. Thus, what appears to be a harmless glance at a notification often results in prolonged loss of productivity. Sleep deprivation has emerged as another silent epidemic. Blue light emitted by smartphone screens suppresses melatonin production, delaying sleep and reducing sleep quality. The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends minimising recreational screen exposure before bedtime because inadequate sleep adversely affects memory, emotional regulation, immunity and academic performance. Social media has also created an environment of relentless comparison. Carefully edited photographs, filtered lifestyles and unrealistic standards of beauty and success often make young people believe that their ordinary lives are somehow inadequate. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that continuous exposure to idealised online images contributes significantly to anxiety, depression and poor body image, particularly among adolescent girls. Cyberbullying has become another major public health concern. According to UNESCO, nearly one in three students worldwide has experienced bullying, with online harassment becoming increasingly common. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying follows victims into their homes through their digital devices, leaving them with no safe refuge and causing long-lasting psychological trauma. If these trends continue unchecked, society risks raising a generation that communicates fluently through screens but struggles with empathy, patience, attentive listening and genuine human relationships. Emotional intelligence develops primarily through face-to-face interactionnot through emojis, notifications, or follower counts. Perhaps the greatest casualty has been genuine human relationships. Modern communication has become faster but not necessarily deeper. A person may have thousands of online followers yet struggle to find a single trusted friend during a personal crisis. Family members living under the same roof increasingly spend evenings interacting more with their screens than with one another. Digital communication has expanded networks while paradoxically shrinking emotional intimacy. Another troubling development is the growing influence of algorithms on independent thinking. Social media platforms personalise content according to previous preferences, gradually creating echo chambers where users repeatedly encounter only opinions that reinforce their existing beliefs. This weakens critical thinking, narrows intellectual diversity and increases political and social polarisation. Instead of encouraging thoughtful dialogue, algorithms often reward outrage, sensationalism and confirmation bias because such content generates higher engagement. Public discourse has also changed. Charity initiatives, environmental campaigns and acts of kindness undoubtedly deserve appreciation. However, when humanitarian work is undertaken primarily for publicity rather than compassion, the line between genuine service and self-promotion becomes blurred. Increasingly, the value of an action appears to depend not on its social impact but on the number of views, likes and shares it receives. The economic consequences are equally significant. Workplace studies indicate that repeated smartphone interruptions substantially reduce productivity because every distraction requires additional time for the brain to regain focus. Employees who constantly switch attention between work and notifications experience reduced efficiency, increased errors and greater mental fatigue. None of this suggests that technology itself is harmful. On the contrary, smartphones have revolutionised education, enabled telemedicine, improved disaster management, expanded financial inclusion through digital payments and connected families separated by continents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital technologies allowed education, business and governance to continue despite unprecedented restrictions. The challenge, therefore, lies not in technology itself, but in the manner in which society chooses to use it. The solution lies not in rejecting technology but in restoring balance. Families should consciously establish screen-free periods during meals and conversations. Schools should incorporate digital literacy alongside conventional education, teaching students not merely how to operate technology but how to use it responsibly. Employers should encourage uninterrupted work periods, while individuals should periodically disconnect from digital platforms to reconnect with nature, hobbies and meaningful face-to-face relationships. Ultimately, the quality of life cannot be measured by online popularity. A thousand likes cannot replace a heartfelt conversation. Viral fame cannot substitute genuine friendship. No algorithm can replicate the comfort of a caring family or the peace of a clear conscience. Technology must remain humanity's servantnot become its master. The true richness of life lies not in how many people view our moments online, but in how deeply we experience those moments ourselves. If society fails to restore equilibrium between the virtual and the real, it risks sacrificing independent thought, meaningful relationships, mental well-being and inner contentment for the fleeting illusion of digital validation. The greatest achievements of civilisation have never been measured by notifications, followers or viral content. They have always been built upon wisdom, compassion, integrity, meaningful relationships and strength of character. Technology may connect billions of devices, but only humanity can truly connect hearts. (The Author is B.E. (Mech), B.O.E., ASME, Deputy Director of Boilers (Retd.), Mysuru)
Unicorn procedure successfully performed on cardiac patient at Jayadeva hospital in Mysuru
Mysuru airport authorities issue warning against use of laser lights
Improper Underpasses, Wildlife Corridors On Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway Affects Elephants Crossings
The Expressway was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March, 2023 ahead of Assembly elections in Karnataka.
Black flag protest against SIR in Mysuru
Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls begins in Mysuru
17,478 enumeration forms distributed on day one; exercise also launched in Mandya and Kodagu
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Young Indians Parliament gives Mysuru students a taste of democracy
Wife Strangulates Hubby To Death In Mysuru, Questioned By Police
The suspicion is that Susheela allegedly strangled her husband at around 2 am on Monday after Nityananda returned drunk and soon fell asleep.
Two killed, nine injured as Mysuru-bound KSRTC bus topples in Chamarajanagar
Mysuru Literature Festival to be held on July 4 and 5
Bengaluru-Mangaluru four-track rail corridor under consideration: Union Minister V Somanna
Union Minister V. Somanna announced plans for a four-track railway line between Bengaluru and Mangaluru, alongside similar corridors for cities near Bengaluru. The Bengaluru-Tumakuru quadrupling project is set for tendering soon, with Bengaluru-Mysuru survey underway. Direct rail to Kolar and improved connectivity to Mangaluru port are prioritized. A Vande Bharat Sleeper service to Vijayapura is expected in months, and the Bengaluru-Pune high-speed rail project will be pursued.
Mysuru: Poor monsoon prospect triggers crop advisory for farmers
Pulse polio campaign launched in Mysuru, 2.19 lakh children to be covered
CM Shivakumar inaugurates 10.7 km signal-free road in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday, June 27, inaugurated Bengalurus major arterial road, a 10.7 km long, 100 meters wide, signal-free and toll-free corridor named after former CM SM Krishna. According to officials, the road, built with a Rs 631 crore investment, will reduce travel time between Magadi Road and Mysuru Road from Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Siddaramaiah receives a heros welcome in Mysuru
Bloom Avenue: A Year-Round Flower Corridor on Bengaluru's Major Arterial Road in Kempegowda Layout
UnboxingBLR joins the record-breaking plantation drive on June 27th announced by the state government. Spread across 8 kms and 6,000+ saplings, UBLRs drive focuses on avenue roads, round-abouts in the new Kempegowda Layout Thrust on native, colour-sequenced flowering species to ensure that some part of the corridor is always in bloom round the year The plantation drives two-pronged approach keeps both aesthetics and environment in mind while boosting Bengalurus green heritage UnboxingBLR joins forces with the Bangalore Development Authority's (BDA) plantation drive with its uniquely designed Bloom Avenue project on the Major Arterial Road connecting Mysuru Road and Magadi Road. UBLR planting the first sapling for Bloom Avenue on Major Arterial Road On June 27th, as part of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Jayanthi celebration, the Karnataka government announced a single-day plantation drive with over 50,000 volunteers planting 1.5 million saplings in Bengaluru - targeting a spot in the Guinness World Record. The city-focused not-for-profit UBLR participated in the initiative with its Bloom Avenue project. Along the major arterial Road in Kempegowda Layout and roundabouts, UBLR has begun planting 6000+ saplings across 8 kms. UBLRs plantation drive is at least partly inspired by the citys green historical legacy. Bengaluru's identity as India's Garden City was never accidental, it was cultivated. The city's most enduring botanical legacy traces to Gustav Hermann Krumbiegel, the landscape architect who shaped its parks and avenues in the early twentieth century. This received a major boost in the 1980s from the then Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) S. G. Neginhalwho played a significant role in expanding Bengaluru's urban tree cover and reinforcing its Garden City identity. Both Krumbiegel and Neginhal have given Bengaluru its defining character of tree-lined avenue roads and seasonal colour. That legacy has shaped how generations of residents relate to their city. Bloom Avenue is a conscious continuation of that tradition by restoring intentional, aesthetically considered greenery to a major urban corridor at a moment when the city's green cover faces sustained pressure from rapid growth and densification. Bloom Avenue concept visualised using AI UBLRs Avenue Bloom focuses on flowering species that are colour-sequenced and coordinated so that some part of the corridor is in bloom every month of the year. The initiative strikes a delicate balance between aesthetics and native species in its plantation drive. Bloom Avenue is a deliberate greening intervention on a Bengaluru arterial road in recent memory. Further, the green initiative is designed to attract birds and butterflies to the layout when the saplings mature and grow into trees. The Project Bloom is being executed in partnership with BDA, which also supplied the flowering saplings through its Forest Division. UBLR has funded and executed all ground-level operations, including pit digging and planting. UBLR will undertake all protective measures during the growth period and will be responsible for watering and maintenance of these plants for the first three years. The corridor is divided into eight one-kilometre sub-zones, each planted with a distinct colour pairing drawn from complementary species ensuring that at least one sub-zone is in full bloom at any point in the year. Species selection prioritises indigenous varieties deeply adapted to Bengaluru's climate; where naturalised non-native species are included, they carry strong cultural and botanical ties to the city's history. Phase 2 will extend planting to service roads alongside ongoing maintenance of Phase 1 saplings. The three-year maintenance commitment covers watering, monitoring, replacement of failed saplings, and upkeep to BDA standards. Long back, German botanist Krumbiegel made Bengaluru bloom all through the year. Decades later, the beauty of his work endures, enriching the citys natural heritage and enhancing Bengalurus aesthetic appeal. Taking inspiration, Project Bloom focuses on both native species and flowering aesthetics to boost Bengalurus natural heritage for future generations. What makes this project special is the coming together of citizens, institutions, and government around a shared vision for the city, Prashanth Prakash, Chairman, UnboxingBLR Foundation. We are very pleased to see Bloom Avenue move from concept to ground reality. The BDA has been glad to facilitate this, from providing the saplings and granting the necessary approvals, to supporting a model of civic collaboration that we hope will inspire many more such partnerships across the city. The Magadi RoadMysuru Road corridor will be greener and more beautiful for it, Major Manivannan P, Commissioner, Bangalore Development Authority. "Bloom Avenue is exactly the kind of initiative Bengaluru needs by being citizen-led, rigorously planned, and built for the long term. A green, blooming corridor along Magadi Road and Mysuru Road will benefit the residents and communities and serve as a model for how our arterial roads can be transformed. We are happy to have it as part of the plantation drive for Kempegowda Jayanthi celebration on June 27th," N. A. Haris, Chairman, Bangalore Development Authority. About UnboxingBLR Foundation UnboxingBLR (UBLR) is a Bengaluru-focused not-for-profit platform working with multiple stakeholders to envision and execute city-scale projects. UBLR operates at the intersection of content, culture, and city-building, documenting the city's journey, shaping its civic agenda, and building programmes designed to last. Founded in 2023 by Prashanth Prakash and Malini Goyal, UBLR brings together people, communities, and institutions to co-create Bengalurus story, serving as a city champion, catalyst and an enabler for a range of initiatives. UBLR drives initiatives such as BLR Hubba, a city-wide festival celebrating art and culture; Namma Bengaluru Challenge, a city-focused accelerator program that supports startups and changemakers tackling urban challenges; WeAreCity annual data report that offers multi-dimensional data-led insights on India's top eight cities; Code to Culture, a podcast focused on voices and stories from the city. UBLR in partnership with the Department of IT/BT/DoE is also building India's first Museum of Innovation, Startup and Technology in Bengaluru.
Restoring Trust in NEET Without Militarising Examinations
The use of military resources in civilian functions may appear harmless in isolated situations. However, it carries certain long-term risks The recent deployment of nearly 200 Indian Air Force sorties to transport NEET-UG retest question papers has been projected as a strong response to allegations of question paper leaks and examination irregularities. While the intention of reassuring students and parents is understandable, the development raises a larger and more important question: Should the credibility of a civilian examination system depend upon military intervention? The issue before the nation is not merely the transportation of question papers. It concerns the integrity, competence and public credibility of India's examination system. NEET: An Examination of National Importance NEET-UG is one of the largest entrance examinations in the world. More than 22 lakh students compete annually for approximately 1.18 lakh MBBS seats and other medical courses. For most candidates, the examination represents years of preparation, financial sacrifice and family aspirations. Any allegation of question paper leakage, therefore, strikes at the very foundation of meritocracy and equal opportunity. The National Testing Agency (NTA), established in 2017 by the Government of India, was created specifically to conduct high-quality, transparent and efficient examinations. Consequently, the long-term solution lies not in extraordinary logistical arrangements but in strengthening the institutional capacity of the examination authority itself. Military Resources Must Remain Reserved for National Priorities The Indian Air Force exists primarily for the defence of the nation. Its constitutional and statutory role is linked to national security, strategic preparedness, disaster response and humanitarian assistance. Military aircraft are maintained at enormous public expense. Every sortie involves fuel, maintenance, technical manpower and operational planning. Although the exact expenditure incurred for transporting NEET question papers has not been publicly disclosed, defence analysts consistently point out that military aviation assets are among the most expensive government resources to operate. The concern, therefore, is not whether the armed forces are capable of performing such tasksthey undoubtedly arebut whether civilian administrative deficiencies should routinely require military support. A mature democracy must ensure that civilian institutions are capable of discharging their responsibilities independently. The Risk of Militarising Civil Administration The use of military resources in civilian functions may appear harmless in isolated situations. However, it carries certain long-term risks. 1. Weakening Institutional Accountability If every major administrative failure is solved through extraordinary intervention, the responsible civilian institutions may escape necessary scrutiny and reform. The real questions remain: How did the leak occur? Who was responsible? What procedural weaknesses existed? What corrective actions were implemented? Military transportation cannot answer these questions. 2. Creating a False Sense of Security Question paper leaks generally occur at one of several stages: Printing Packaging Storage Digital transmission Human handling Distribution chain Transporting papers by aircraft addresses only one component of the process. If vulnerabilities remain elsewhere, the risk continues despite extraordinary transportation arrangements. 3. Normalisation of Emergency Measures Exceptional measures are justified during wars, natural disasters or national emergencies. However, if military deployment becomes a recurring feature of civilian administration, it risks blurring the distinction between civilian governance and military functions. Strong democracies are built upon competent civilian institutions, not routine dependence on military mechanisms. Existing Legal and Administrative Framework India already possesses extensive legal provisions for maintaining examination integrity. Several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, relating to criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, conspiracy and corruption can be invoked against examination fraud. In addition, Parliament enacted the: The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 This legislation specifically targets: Question paper leaks. Organised cheating. Examination fraud syndicates. Unauthorised access to examination materials. The Act provides severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines. The existence of this legislation demonstrates that the solution envisioned by Parliament is stronger accountability and punishment of offendersnot routine militarisation of examination logistics. Learning from UPSC and Other Trusted Institutions India's Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has conducted examinations for decades with remarkable credibility. Millions of candidates have appeared for UPSC examinations over the years without requiring military aircraft for question paper transportation. The credibility of UPSC rests on: Strict secrecy protocols. Multiple security layers. Chain-of-custody documentation. Institutional accountability. Continuous monitoring. The lesson is clear: public trust is built through robust systems, not extraordinary symbolism. Strengthening the National Testing Agency The present controversy should become an opportunity for reform. Several measures deserve consideration: End-to-End Digital Tracking Every packet of question papers should be electronically tracked from the printing press to the examination centre through GPS-enabled monitoring. Tamper-Evident Security Seals Modern forensic seals can immediately reveal any unauthorised access. Background Verification Personnel involved in printing, storage and transportation should undergo rigorous verification and periodic audits. Independent Security Audit Annual third-party audits should be made mandatory for all major examinations. Decentralised Secure Printing Encrypted question papers may be transmitted electronically and printed only shortly before the examination under controlled conditions. Stronger Accountability Officials responsible for lapses should face prompt disciplinary and criminal action. Transparent Communication Students and parents should receive timely and accurate information whenever irregularities occur. Transparency often prevents panic and speculation. Trust Is Built by Competence, Not Symbolism The deployment of Air Force aircraft undoubtedly conveyed a message of seriousness. It may even have reassured many anxious students and parents. However, confidence built through symbolism is temporary. Confidence built through competence is permanent. Students will truly regain faith in the examination system only when they are convinced that: Question papers cannot be leaked. Wrongdoers will be punished swiftly. Honest candidates will not suffer. Examinations are conducted fairly and transparently. These objectives require institutional reform, not military participation. Conclusion The Indian Air Force deserves appreciation for efficiently carrying out any task entrusted to it by the Government of India. Nevertheless, the larger lesson from the NEET controversy is that civilian institutions must become strong enough to perform their duties without extraordinary intervention. The National Testing Agency should emerge from this episode not with greater dependence on emergency measures, but with stronger systems, better technology, enhanced accountability and renewed public trust. The credibility of an examination is not measured by the number of military aircraft deployed to protect it. It is measured by the confidence of every student who walks into the examination hall believing that merit alone will determine the outcome. India needs stronger examination systemsnot militarised examinations. (The Author is B.E. (Mech), B.O.E., ASME, Deputy Director of Boilers (Retd.), Mysuru)
Grand welcome awaits Siddaramaiah on his first visit to Mysuru after stepping down as CM
NAREDCO Mysuru outlines growth roadmap at two-day conclave
IIET to host MehfileSufiyana in Mysuru on Sunday
Sufi music, theatre songs to come alive at the event presented by Songgadigaru and Aparyaaptha
Special Dasara attraction: Mysuru likely to host Kambala on October 18 and 19
Vinay Rajkumar Calls for Community Action Against Drug Abuse
Mysuru, June 26: Kannada film actor Vinay Rajkumar emphasized the need for community involvement to combat the dangers of drug abuse in society. Speaking on the issue, he urged the public to remain vigilant and assist in preventing the trafficking and consumption of drugs. He stated that any activities related to drugs should be reported ... Read more Vinay Rajkumar Calls for Community Action Against Drug Abuse
Mysuru police hold anti-drug rally, step up awareness drive
Tirupati police detain intruder after panic erupts at school
The incident happened at Sri Vijetha school in citys Akkarampalli locality, where from Badvel town in Kadapa district, now living in Mysuru, reportedly entered the premises in the pretext of enquiring details about admission and fee structure
Mysuru district police collect 2.52 lakh under traffic fine rebate scheme
After facing criticism over poor resemblance, Devaraj Urs statue in Mysuru replaced
Mysuru: Surprise inspection for enhanced train passenger safety
Karnataka: ED Raids Locations Linked to Minister Jarkiholis Brother-in-Law
According to sources, the ED conducted simultaneous searches at around six locations linked to Manjunath in Belagavi, Bengaluru, Mysuru and Arsikere in Hassan district
Mysuru traffic police collect nearly 49 lakh in fines in three days
Mysuru RPF officers trained on Jan Vishwas Act, 2026
Drought fears prompt push for 100% crop survey in Mysuru
July crop survey to cover nearly 10 lakh plots; 1% survey gap could leave 9,000 farmers without benefits, says DC
18 bonded labourers, including two children, rescued from brick kiln in Mysuru, 3 arrested
Partial emergency mock exercise conducted at Mysuru airport
Climate-responsive Mysuru needs blue-green infrastructure, says VC
One-stop platform for Central welfare programmes opens in Mysuru
MP organises fair to disseminate information and spread awareness on various programmes
1,300 units of blood collected at camp organised by JK Tyre in Mysuru
The camp is organised to mark the birth anniversary of former chairperson (late) Hari Shankar Singhania
Arrest Made in Viral Photo Case Linked to Tragic Suicides in Mysuru
Mysuru, June 23: The Karnataka police have arrested Ullas Gowda, the main suspect in a case involving the alleged dissemination of a womans private photos and videos. This incident is believed to have led to the tragic suicides of the woman and her parents in Mysuru district. The incident occurred on Monday in Halekempayanahundi village, ... Read more Arrest Made in Viral Photo Case Linked to Tragic Suicides in Mysuru
Central schemes fair in Mysuru today
SBI Foundation donates sweeping machine to Mysuru City Corporation
Three of family die in suicide pact in Mysuru
Gabion Walls Shield 7 Small Islands at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
The Highway is about a km away from the sanctuary and Gabion Wall construction was suggested to NHAI officials by Mysuru Wildlife Division officials among many others
Srisailam temple to publish ancient inscriptions discovered at Ghanta Matam
These inscriptions were discovered during the reconstruction of Ghanta Matam, the most ancient of the pancha matams (five monasteries) in the temple and were deciphered by the ASI in Mysuru
Bike rally by farmers opposing Bidadi Township project near Bengaluru in Karnataka
Farmers from Tumakuru, Chickballapur, Kolar, Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, and Bengaluru South district, were among those who participated in the rally
Dedicated Stray Dogs Feeding Zones Set-Up At Selected Points In Mysuru City
A couple of places in the City limits were identified and places signboards for animal lovers to feed stray dogs. In coming days more stray dogs feeding zones would be identified and establish feeding zones: Environment officer
Mysuru: 6,039 appear for NEET-UG 2026 re-exam
Mysuru records over 1.21 lakh trees in citizen-led census
A public data portal is being planned to enable residents and others access the tree database, search for trees by ward or species and report concerns relating to tree health. The database will eventually be handed over to the Mysuru City Corporation as a living record of the citys green infrastructure.
Thousands perform yoga at Mysore palace as city celebrates International Yoga Day
The grand yoga session, held under this years theme, Yoga for Healthy Ageing, showcased Mysurus lasting legacy as a global hub of modern yoga and drew participation from people across all age groups
In A First Scientific Trees Count In Mysuru's 65 Wards Document 1, 21, 789 Trees
The project is the first scientific exercise to count, geo tag and permanently record every tree across all 65 wards of the City Corporation and the gathered data could be used to guide planting drives, protect old avenues trees and build continuous green networks that reduce heat and improve air quality index.
178 sickle cell anaemia patients, 1,353 carriers identified in Mysuru
Kambala to be a special attraction at Mysuru Dasara this year: Mysuru DC
As Mysuru celebrates 12th International Day of Yoga, city seeks to regain its global identity
Stakeholders say the number of foreign students visiting Mysuru to learn yoga has declined, as the city faces growing competition from established yoga destinations such as Rishikesh, Haridwar and Pune
Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 Season 5 set to begin with double-header in Mysuru - webindia123
Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 Season 5 set to begin with double-header in Mysuru webindia123
DACS Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 Season 5 to begin with double-header in Mysuru - UNITED NEWS OF INDIA
DACS Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 Season 5 to begin with double-header in Mysuru UNITED NEWS OF INDIA
Mysuru gears up for NEET re-test; 7,886 candidates to appear at 21 centres
Biometric checks from 11 a.m.; elaborate measures in place on June 21
KSIC worker fulfils dream of buying Mysore Silk saree after 30 yrs
Mysuru: For 59-year-old Bhagya, a long-cherished dream finally came true after spending three decades producing the world-famous Mysore Silk sarees. The Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) employee from T Narasipura, who has worked at the silk filature unit for nearly 30 years, recently purchased her first-ever Mysore Silk saree, an achievement she describes as one Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Anti-Rowdy squads constituted at police station level in Mysuru city
Activists question railway tree felling near Kukkarahalli Lake
Environment group meets Railways official in Mysuru, seeks review of tree felling along railway track
Building evacuation drill at Mysuru airport
Medicines Are Not Mere Merchandise: Why India Needs a Modern E-Pharmacy Law
India's pharmaceutical future may well be digital. The responsibility of policymakers is to ensure that it is also safe, transparent, and worthy of public trust K.V. CHANDRAMOULI India's pharmaceutical laws were designed for an era of neighbourhood chemists and paper prescriptions. As online medicine sales expand rapidly, the challenge is to harness digital convenience without compromising patient safety, professional accountability, and public health . A Growing Controversy in Digital Healthcare On 20 May 2026, the Chemists and Druggists Association of Goa joined a nationwide protest involving nearly 12 lakh wholesale and retail pharmaceutical outlets. Their grievance was not merely commercial competition from online pharmacies, but the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the sale of medicines through digital platforms. The protest has revived an important public policy question: Should medicines be treated like any other commodity sold through e-commerce platforms, or do they require a distinct regulatory architecture because of their direct impact on human health and life? The answer has far-reaching implications for healthcare, technology, consumer protection, and public safety. The Promise of E-Pharmacies India's e-pharmacy sector, estimated to be worth more than 1,200 crore and growing rapidly, offers undeniable advantages. Elderly patients, persons with disabilities, and residents of remote areas can access medicines without travelling long distances. Digital platforms provide price transparency, doorstep delivery, and integration with telemedicine services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, online pharmacies demonstrated their utility in maintaining continuity of treatment when physical movement was restricted. Why Medicines Are Different from Other Commodities Yet medicines are fundamentally different from books, garments, or groceries. They are potent therapeutic substances whose misuse can result in addiction, antimicrobial resistance, serious adverse effects, and even death. Consequently, the central issue is not whether e-pharmacies should exist, but whether they can be allowed to operate without adequate safeguards. India already faces a significant burden of self-medication. The Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership estimated that nearly 20 per cent of antibiotics sold in Delhi were dispensed without valid prescriptions. Such practices contribute directly to antimicrobial resistance, which the World Health Organisation has identified as one of the gravest global public health threats of the twenty-first century. Unregulated online access could further aggravate this problem by facilitating easy acquisition of prescription medicines without meaningful medical supervision. Public Health Risks in the Digital Marketplace The concerns are not hypothetical. Prescription forgery, repeated use of the same prescription, online procurement of habit-forming drugs, sale of counterfeit medicines, and improper storage during transportation are all recognised risks. Unlike ordinary consumer goods, many medicines require controlled storage conditions throughout the supply chain. Vaccines, insulin preparations, biological products, and certain injectable drugs may lose efficacy if exposed to temperatures outside prescribed limits. A defective shirt may inconvenience a consumer; a defective medicine can cost a life. The Problem of Outdated Laws These concerns expose a deeper problem: India's regulatory framework was designed for a pre-digital era. The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, enacted during British rule, remains the principal legislation governing the manufacture, sale, and distribution of drugs in India. The Act was framed at a time when pharmaceutical transactions occurred exclusively through physical establishments. Unsurprisingly, it contains no reference to internet-based sales, digital prescriptions, online platforms, electronic records, or interstate e-commerce transactions. The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 Similarly, the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, were designed around conventional retail pharmacies. They prescribe requirements relating to licensed premises, physical inspections, maintenance of records, pharmacist supervision, and storage conditions. While these provisions remain relevant, they are difficult to apply in an environment where medicines may be ordered through a mobile application, stored in a warehouse hundreds of kilometres away, and delivered through third-party logistics providers. The Pharmacy Act, 1948 The Pharmacy Act, 1948, presents another challenge. The Act rightly recognises that medicines should be dispensed under the supervision of qualified pharmacists capable of identifying prescription errors, advising patients, detecting dangerous drug interactions, and ensuring proper usage. However, the law does not clearly address remote dispensing, digital pharmacist consultations, or professional accountability in online transactions. Thus, India is attempting to regulate twenty-first-century technology through legal instruments drafted more than seventy-five years ago. Judicial Intervention and International Experience This regulatory gap has repeatedly attracted judicial attention. In 2018, the Delhi High Court directed that medicines should not be sold online without adherence to statutory requirements and highlighted the absence of a clear regulatory framework. The litigation underscored a reality that policymakers can no longer ignore: digital pharmaceutical commerce has outgrown the legal architecture designed to govern it. International experience offers useful lessons. South Korea prohibits the online sale of medicines. Several European countries permit e-pharmacies but subject them to stringent licensing and verification requirements. The United States enacted the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act following the death of a teenager who obtained controlled substances online without adequate medical oversight. The legislation mandates valid prescriptions, registration requirements, and severe penalties for violations. India does not need to replicate any foreign model wholesale, but it cannot continue operating in a regulatory vacuum. The Case for a Dedicated E-Pharmacy Law The way forward lies neither in banning e-pharmacies nor in allowing unrestricted online sales. Instead, India requires a comprehensive E-Pharmacy Regulation Act specifically tailored to contemporary realities. Such legislation should begin by clearly defining e-pharmacies and establishing a national licensing framework under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Every online pharmacy should be required to verify prescriptions through secure digital authentication systems. Prescriptions should carry unique identification numbers and digitally verifiable signatures from registered medical practitioners. Strengthening Professional Oversight Mandatory pharmacist oversight must remain non-negotiable. Technology should complement professional judgment rather than replace it. Video consultations, telephonic counselling, and documented pharmacist approvals can ensure that patients continue to receive expert guidance before medicines are dispensed. Ensuring Traceability and Enforcement The law must also establish end-to-end traceability of medicines through digital tracking systems capable of monitoring products from manufacturer to consumer. Such systems would significantly reduce the circulation of counterfeit and spurious medicines, a problem that has long plagued India's pharmaceutical sector. Equally important is strengthening enforcement capacity. State drug-control departments frequently face shortages of inspectors and technological resources. A modern regulatory system should utilise artificial intelligence, real-time transaction monitoring, and inter-state data sharing to identify suspicious purchasing patterns, forged prescriptions, and unlawful sales of controlled substances. A Risk-Based Regulatory Approach A risk-based regulatory framework is also desirable. Over-the-counter medicines may be subject to lighter controls, whereas Schedule H, H1, and X drugs should require progressively stricter levels of scrutiny and verification. Balancing Innovation with Safety The future of healthcare is undeniably digital. Telemedicine, electronic health records, wearable health technologies, and online pharmaceutical services are becoming integral components of modern healthcare delivery. Attempting to resist this transformation would be both impractical and counterproductive. However, technological innovation cannot be allowed to outpace patient safety. Medicines occupy a unique position at the intersection of commerce and healthcare. Conclusion: Building Trust in Digital Healthcare The debate over e-pharmacies should therefore move beyond the narrow conflict between traditional chemists and online businesses. The real challenge is to create a regulatory framework that preserves the convenience and efficiency of digital platforms while upholding the standards of safety, accountability, and professional oversight that healthcare demands. India's pharmaceutical future may well be digital. The responsibility of policymakers is to ensure that it is also safe, transparent, and worthy of public trust. (The Author is BE (Mech), BOE, ASME, Deputy Director of Boilers (Retd.), Mysuru)
Mysurus young men give second chance of life to injured tortoise
Mysuru: In a remarkable act of compassion and wildlife conservation, two youths from Mysuru successfully rescued an injured tortoise, repaired its severely damaged shell and released it back into its natural habitat after nursing it back to health. The incident took place near Mallipura village in Nanjangud taluk, where canal repair work was underway a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Mysuru restobar fire: Five Excise officials suspended
Gulbarga Mystics gears up for Maharaja Trophy 2026
The fifth edition of Karnataka State Cricket Associations T20 tournament will be played in Mysuru, Hubballi and Bengaluru starting Saturday
SDPI demands probe into alleged deaths at Jayadeva hospital in Mysuru
Jayadeva Mysuru records 5.98% mortality rate in June
11 die at Jayadeva in Mysuru; director says patients arrived beyond golden hour
The deaths have sparked concerns not only among residents of Mysuru but also among people from neighbouring districts, as the hospital serves as a major referral centre for cardiac care in the region.
11 Deaths at Cardiovascular Institute Triggers Alarm in Mysuru
The average deaths at the Institute ranges is about 6 deaths, which comes close to internationally accepted figures
Mysuru: SC/ST Commission seeks report on reservation in tender works
Two Charred To Death By Fire At A Bar In Mysuru, 15 Rescued
The deceased have been identified as Sahil and Prakash. Both were in the kitchen when a fire ravaged the bar and destroyed the belongings there. Injured persons have been identified as Sonu, Ramesh, Mahadev Prasad, Prajwal, Avinash and pub owner Preetham Pumeeth.
Passengers get traditional Mysuru welcome as AAI celebrates Yatri Suvidha Diwas
Two killed, five others injured in fire at restobar in Mysuru
Video: 2 Killed, 6 Including Owner Injured In Massive Fire At Mysuru Pub
Those undergoing treatment in the hospital include customers Sonu, Ramesh, Mahadev Prasad, Prajwal, Avinash, and the pub owner, Pritam Pumeet.
2 killed, 7 injured in massive fire at Mysuru bar and restaurant
Mysuru: A devastating fire accident at a popular bar and restaurant in Karnatakas Mysuru claimed two lives and left seven others injured on Monday, June 15. The incident occurred at the well-known Fox Den Liquor Garage Bar and Restaurant located near Dattagalli on Ring Road in the citys RT Nagar area. According to preliminary information, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
100% ethanol fuel approval cheers sugarcane growers in Mysuru
Festival of indigenous seeds and seed conservators concludes in Mysuru
Eye surgeon couple from Mysuru lead camp in Ghana
Highlighting the urgent need for paediatric eye care in Sub Saharan Africa, Dr. K.V. Ravishankar an estimated 80,000 children require cataract surgery in the region
Yatri Suvidha Diwas at Mysuru airport on June 15
The Yatri Suvidha Diwas, organised by AAI, Mysuru airport, aims to reaffirm its commitment to passenger-centric services, community engagement, cultural heritage, and sustainable development
Students showcase their robotic and bio-mimetic machine systems at Open Day in Mysuru
The club showcased a bird-inspired ornithopter surveillance drone, a robot dog and a 6-axis robotic arm adaptable for multiple industrial applications
Young Indian Parliament chapter round in Mysuru
New MGP portal chronicles Mysurus civic and consumer rights movement
The portal brings decades of Mysurus civic activism to the public
NHAI drops plan for barrier-free tolling on Bengaluru-Mysuru highway
The BengaluruMysuru Access-Controlled Highway (NH-275) had earlier been identified as one of the corridors where NHAI planned to pilot the MLFF system.
Two-day desi seed festival begins in Mysuru on Saturday
Composite Skill Lab at Notre Dame School and PU College inaugurated in Mysuru
The NHAI is planning to establish toll collection points at various entry and exit locations along the 119-km highway, replacing the existing system under which vehicles pay a fixed toll at designated toll plazas.
Rainy respite: Showers bless parts of Mysuru after dry spell
Mysuru residents face long wait for building plan approvals
The delays follow the implementation of ULMS, a digital platform introduced by the State government to incorporate various land-related services under a single system.
Lecture on quantum mechanics to be held in Mysuru
Bengaluru seeks Centres nod for RRTS links to Mysuru, Tumakuru, Kolar
The proposal was among several key metro and transport infrastructure projects for which Mr. Shivakumar sought early approval from the Union government.
Pending dues, incentive cuts trigger ASHA workers protest in Mysuru
Legislature Committee reviews condition of street vendors in Mysuru
