Page 110 - Social Issues
Mumbai readies for two key LS contests (Dangal 2019)
The country's commercial capital is prepared to witness two key contests in the Mumbai North-Central and Mumbai North-West Lok Sabha constituencies.
Cabinet gives nod for signing MoU with Indonesia on combating illicit trafficking of drugs
The government Wednesday approved the signing of a pact between India and Indonesia to combat smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors. The approval has been given at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here. The MoU will help in mutual cooperation in regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and in combating drug trafficking, an official statement said. The agreement will come into force on the date of signing and will remain in effect for a period of five years. India has signed similar conventions or MoUs or agreements with 37 other countries. The MoU will facilitate and enhance cooperation between the two countries in combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors as defined by the United Nations International Drug Control Conventions, the statement said. The cooperation under this MoU includes the exchange of information on existing legal instruments of ..
Muslim women come out with manifesto for political parties, demand law against mob lynching
A group of Muslim women from over 10 states Wednesday said the new dispensation at the Centre should bring a law against mob lynching. Ahead of the April-May parliamentary election, the women, including Khalida, the wife of alleged lynching victim Umar Khan, published a manifesto listing their demands. The women, who came together under Bebaak Collective - a movement against hatred, demanded the political parties "restore" constitutional rights of women and minorities. "I live in constant threat. Even attending court hearings has become extremely difficult because of threats we receive from fringe groups," said Khalida, who came with her 14-month-old son. "I don't want anyone to go through what my family is going through and that is why I request the political parties who is elected to power to frame law against mob lynching," said Khalida, a mother of eight. Umar Khan was killed in 2017 in an exchange of fire with alleged cow vigilantes in Alwar in Rajasthan. Umar's body was found on
ST people exempted, but Centre trying to levy income tax from
The opposition Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and the Congress on Wednesday accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of trying to impose income tax from the Scheduled Tribes like the Mizos, though tribals are exempted from paying income tax. The ZPM and the Congress have forged an alliance to contest the Lok Sabha election and an assembly by-poll in Mizoram to be held on April 11. Addressing a joint press conference here, leaders of the ZPM and the Congress alleged that the Modi regime was trying to levy income tax from the Mizos through Tax Deduction at Source (TDS). Though the leaders did not elaborate on this, the ZPM had earlier this month raised the issue in Mizoram assembly. Scheduled Tribe people were exempted from paying income tax under section 10 (26) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, but the Ministry of Finance recently issued a notification instructing public sector banks to collect 10 per cent of annual interest from Rs 10,000 or above, ZPM legislature party .
TikTok 'Safety Centre' now in 10 Indian languages
China-based short video sharing platform TikTok on Wednesday launched a localised version of its "Safety Centre" with safety policies, tools and resources in 10 Indian languages.
Detained Saudi women's rights activists expected in court
Saudi women's rights activists are expected to appear before a judge for their second court session on charges that include speaking to foreign journalists. Several people with knowledge of the cases say the charges for the nearly dozen women relate to their efforts to promote women's rights and sharing information with accredited foreign reporters, diplomats and human rights groups. The women, who've been detained for 10 months, were expected to appear at Riyadh's criminal court Wednesday. The women are being tried separately and have been allowed to appoint a lawyer. In remarks to The Associated Press, Walid al-Hathloul, the brother of detained activist Loujain al-Hathloul, questioned why speaking to Western journalists would be a deemed a crime when Saudi officials regularly conduct interviews with Western media outlets.
Brunei to impose death by stoning for gay sex and adultery
Adultery and gay sex in Brunei will be subject to death by stoning from next week, authorities said, under a strict Sharia law that has been on hold for four years amid heavy criticism. Rights groups reacted in horror Wednesday to the latest hardline move from the resource-rich nation on Borneo, which practises a stricter brand of Islam than its neighbours Malaysia and Indonesia. The tiny sultanate will implement the harsh new penal code -- which also prescribes amputation of a hand and foot for theft -- next Wednesday. Homosexuality is already illegal in Brunei but it will now become a capital offence. The law only applies to Muslims. The new penalty for theft is amputation of the right hand for a first offence, and the left foot for a second offence. Amnesty International Wednesday urged Brunei to "immediately halt" implementing the new penalties. "To legalise such cruel and inhuman penalties is appalling of itself," Brunei researcher Rachel Chhoa-Howard said in a statement. "Some ..
EC offers various avenues to Kashmiri migrants to cast votes in LS polls
In a bid to encourage migrant Kashmiri voters to exercise their franchise in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission has opened up various avenues like the digital platform, setting up special polling stations and allowing postal ballots. A scheme was earlier devised to help the Kashmiri migrant population living in various parts of the country to vote during elections to the legislative assembly in September-October 2002 and the general elections in 2004, 2009 and 2014, a notification said. Although rules do not expressly provide setting up of polling stations outside the territorial jurisdiction of a constituency, Section 36-A of the Jammu & Kashmir Representation of People Act, 1957 makes provision of setting up such polling stations outside the territorial jurisdiction of the constituency, it said. The Election Commission, after taking into consideration the success of this scheme has decided to extend it for the general elections scheduled to be held in ...
Farmers will soon start receiving benefits of PM-KISAN scheme: Piyush Goyal
Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said the Centre will soon start paying farmers Rs 6000 per month as promised under the PM-KISAN scheme which was launched on February 24.Addressing a gathering here, Goyal said, "As many as 12 crore farmers will receive Rs 6000 every month under PM-KISAN scheme. I thank farmers for supporting India during the time of food crisis and ensuring food security.""In Tamil Nadu alone, 70 lakh small and marginal farmers will receive Rs 60,000 crore collectively each year. This scheme will benefit the farmers in the future also," he added.The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana or PM-KISAN scheme was unveiled at Gorakhpur on February 24. Under this scheme, the amount will be transferred directly to the bank account of beneficiaries through Direct Benefits Transfer.The amount will be given in three installments of Rs 2,000 each and is expected to benefit more than 12 crore farmers.Goyal also announced that the Centre has decided to give Rs ..
Pension department officer caught taking Rs 10,000-bribe in Jaipur
A pension department officer was caught taking bribe of Rs 10,000 here on Wednesday, police said. Assistant Accounts Officer Amit Pareek had demanded Rs 10,000 from a retired government employee for pension related work, Anti Corruption Bureau officials said. After verifying the complaint against Pareek, the ACB laid a trap and caught him, they said. Pareek has been arrested under the Prevention of Corruption Act, officials said.
Facebook to mentor start-ups leveraging AI
Social networking giant Facebook on Wednesday launched the "India Innovation Accelerator" programme with a focus on "Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Social Good", under which it would mentor and support promising start-ups which are leveraging AI to address gaps within high social impact areas.
Sri Lankan refugees welcome DMK's poll promise on citizenship
Sri Lankan refugees living in Tamil Nadu have welcomed the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's promise of citizenship if the party is voted to power in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections."Stalin has announced citizenship for us. This brings happiness to us because we want to live here," said an inhabitant of the Mandapam transit camp in Rameswaram on Wednesday.Another resident of the camp said, "There are still problems related to rehabilitation and security to Tamilians living in Sri Lanka. Rehabilitation process has not been completed yet. Many of us are willing to stay back in here in India and get rid of the refugee tag given to us. We welcome this step."DMK, in its election manifesto released on March 19, promised Indian citizenship to Sri Lankan refugees and efforts to release seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.A total of 39 Lok Sabha seats are at stake in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry. DMK will contest 20 out of 39 seats in Tamil Nadu, while its ally Congress will ...
Initiatives to maximise voters' participation in Assam
Folk song competitions, quiz programmes and appeals by celebrities are some of the initiatives being undertaken by the state election department in Assam for attracting women, first-time voters, people with physical disabilities and senior citizens to cast their votes on the polling day. Sprinter Hima Das, Whitley Awardee and environmentalist Purnima Devi Barman, singer Tarali Sarma, bodybuilder Golap Rabha and actor Kopil Bora have been roped in as state icons to create awareness about the electoral process. District election officers have been directed to reach out to the maximum number of voters in the constituencies under their respective jurisdiction, Assam Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Sahu said. "We have kept the local aspects in mind while chalking out the programmes under the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Practices (SVEEP) and our aim is to reach out to all sections of the electorate," Sahu said. Hima Das, herself a first-time voter in the ...
Sterling calls for Premier League to clamp down on racism
England star Raheem Sterling has called on the Premier League to show the way to other European countries in the fight against racism. Sterling and his England team-mates were subjected to racist chants during Sunday's 5-1 victory in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro in Podgorica. Sterling reacted by pulling his ears in front of the home fans when he scored England's fifth goal, with a missile thrown in his direction in retaliation. Speaking after the game, the Manchester City winger demanded a stadium ban for Montenegro as punishment, while the Football Association released a statement on Tuesday which condemned "abhorrent racist chanting" during the game at the Gradski Stadion. UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the hosts, which includes a charge of racist behaviour - with a partial stadium ban a possible punishment. But Sterling also faced alleged racist abuse while playing for City at Chelsea in December, the week after a Tottenham fan threw a banana skin at ..
IRIM hosts 5th edition of its annual award function for IGMC
International Research Institute for Manufacturing (IRIM) hosted 5th Edition of its flagship Annual award function for the India Green Manufacturing Challenge (IGMC) on 22nd June 2019 at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai for recognizing the Best Green Manufacturing Processes deployed by the Leaders of the Indian Manufacturing Sector.India Green Manufacturing Challenge (IGMC) is an award platform that assesses and evaluates the units which exhibit sustainable Green Manufacturing Processes on their journey to inclusive growth. The winners of the award are the companies who have exhibited excellence in the adoption of Green Processes beyond the standards and have established a new benchmark for others to follow.Among the 52 companies awarded, Welspun India Ltd. - Anjar Plant and UPL Limited, Ankaleshwar bagged the top award along with Reliance Industries Limited - Hazira, Cummins among others winning Special Awards.Anand Louie, Director - IRIM welcomed the gathering with an address towards the ...
Kashmiri women reveal about sexual exploitation in bunkers in PoK
A leading Pakistani daily has exposed sexual exploitation of young Kashmiri women in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), who took shelter in relief camps and community bunkers, near the LoC.The Dawn reported that such incidents have been continued since the 2005 earthquake when several women in PoK were kidnapped, sexually abused and raped in relief camps.Now, the women living across the Line of Control (LoC), who face cross-border firing, are hesitant to take shelter in community bunkers and camps but prefer to get migrate to safer places."They tell me that the stories of what happened to girls in relief camps and community bunkers are known across Kashmir. That's why they didn't want to move into the temporary shelters set up by the government. Instead, they came here, to Bara Kahu (Islamabad). They are one of the fortunate few families who could afford to do so", the Dawn reported.The community bunkers, several of which were built by relief agencies like the Islamic Relief in the ...
Chandrababu Naidu calls BJP, YSRCP 'husband and wife', claims Modi 'chowkidar' of criminals
Dubbing the BJP and YSRCP as "husband and wife", Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu claimed that Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is conspiring to destroy the state.Chief Minister Naidu also said that Prime Minister Modi was "chowkidar" for criminals."The BJP and YSRCP are like husband and wife, but acting for outsiders. Why these masks? Modi, K Chandrasekhar Rao and Jaganmohan Reddy should come out openly if they have guts. We will show our mettle. K Chandrasekhar Rao is hatching conspiracies to destroy the state. Modi became 'chowkidar' for criminals," Naidu said during a roadshow in Nandyal on Tuesday.Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo Naidu further said, "Modi is taking revenge on minorities. If they want safety, Modi must be defeated. Jagan took votes of minorities in 2014, and joined hands with Modi."Making a poll promise for minorities, Naidu said, "We will stand by minorities. We will increase honorarium to imams from Rs 5000 to 10000 and for moujams .
UN initiates probe in 'horrific' attack of central Mali
The United Nations has initiated a probe in Saturday's "horrific attack" in central Mali's Mopti region in which at least 150 people were killed, reports Al Jazeera.Reportedly, the attack on the Fulani community was carried out by the Dogon ethnic group. According to the UNICEF, nearly one-third of the victims were children."The horrific attack marked a "significant" surge in "violence across communal lines and by so-called 'self-defence groups' apparently attempting to root out violent extremist groups", said Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN rights office.The UN team has sent a team of 10 human rights officers, including a child protection officer and two crime scene investigators to the Mopti region.The Muslim community, Fulani, have been accused by Dogon community of aiding the jihadists.
Trump acceptance of Israeli control of Golan sparks protests
Thousands of Syrians gathered on Tuesday in different cities to protest against President Donald Trump's formal recognition of Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights.According to Al Jazeera, marchers carrying Syrian and Palestinian flags protested against Trump.Trump's Monday order drew condemnation from various countries including China.Syria has called the move "blatant aggression".The leader of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah has also criticised the order. In a televised speech on Tuesday, Hassan Nasrallah described Trump's move as "a crucial turning point in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict", which "deals a knockout punch" to peace in the region.Israel had formally annexed the territory in 1981 after capturing the region from Syria during the six-day war in 1967. The Israeli annexation has long been decried by the world community which regards Golan Heights as an occupied territory and Israeli settlements in the region are illegal as per international law.
There's an 'anti-Modi' wave in Tamil Nadu: DMK leader
Udayanidhi Stalin, son of DMK president M K Stalin, Tuesday claimed that Tamil Nadu was witnessing an "anti-Modi" and "pro-Stalin" wave. Meetings of the DMK-led alliance are seeing a "sea of people". There is an "anti-Modi wave" in the state, he said seeking votes for the DMK's Pollachi candidate Shanmugasundaram. People have already decided to oust the Modi government, Udayanidhi claimed. He also asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi was successful in bringing black money after announcing the demonetisation two years ago. Nearly 10 crore people were rendered jobless due to the GST and people of Tamil Nadu will not not forget the girl student, Anitha, who had committed suicide for not able to get medical seat due to NEET, he pointed out. There was no protection to women in the AIADMK government in the state, which was evident in the recent alleged sexual harassment case in Pollachi, he alleged, adding that the culprits would be punished once the DMK came to power.