Page 127 - Social Issues
Crime against women in Tripura decline 9%: CM
The zero tolerance policy on drug abuse and crime against women of the BJP-IPFT alliance government in Tripura has reduced crime against women by around 9 per cent in one year.
C'garh govt forms 3 committees to study liquor ban in state
The Chhattisgarh government has set up three committees comprising experts, social workers and MLAs to study the prospect of banning liquor in the state, a senior official said Saturday. While two committees will be headed by the secretary of Chhattisgarh's Commercial Taxes (Excise) department, the third will be chaired by senior Congress MLA Satyanarayan Sharma, the official informed. The committee which will have social workers and experts will take up case studies of states that have banned alcohol and will study the change in their economic and social scenarios, he said. This committee under the secretary of Commercial Taxes (Excise), will have nine members. They are experts PK Shukla, activist Babruvahan of Jashpur, Dr J P Mishra, social worker and Padma Shri awardee Shamshad Begum, Manish Sharma, Ajay Kumar and Amitesh Kumar Singh, who has been associated with de-addiction campaign, Superintendent of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital Raipur Dr Vivek Chaudhary .
ISIS bride Shamima Begum's baby confirmed died in Syria
After a series of conflicting reports, a Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) spokesperson confirmed the death of the newborn son of the UK's runaway ISIS bride, Shamima Begum, in a refugee camp in Syria. The baby, named Jarrah and just over two weeks old, died of pneumonia, according to a medical certificate, the US-backed SDF forces running the camp where the 19-year-old was based said on Friday. A UK government spokesperson said the death of any child was "tragic and deeply distressing for the family". A paramedic working for the Kurdish Red Crescent in the camp said the baby had been suffering from breathing difficulties. He was taken to a doctor on Thursday morning before being transferred to hospital, along with his mother, but died later on Thursday. Begum has since returned to the camp and her child was buried there on Friday. Earlier, the Bangladeshi-origin girl's family lawyer had stated on Twitter that they had received unconfirmed reports from within her refugee camp in the ...
Netanyahu campaign draws accusations of incitement
Israel's prime minister is portraying an Arab lawmaker, Ahmad Tibi, as a threat to national security in a campaign that critics say questions the loyalty of the country's Arab citizens ahead of April elections. Benjamin Netanyahu has been slumping in the polls after the announcement of his pending corruption indictment. The prime minister has been repeating a campaign mantra, using his own nickname: "Bibi or Tibi." The slogan highlights Netanyahu's efforts to paint his challengers as conspiring with Arab Israelis and a hostile media to oust him. Tibi says he is concerned about what he views as Netanyahu's attempt to demonize Israel's Arab minority. Arabs make up about 20 per cent of Israel's 9 million residents. They hold full citizenship rights but have faced decades of discrimination.
Trump plans to implement transgender military ban after court ruling
US President Donald Trump's administration said that it intends to implement a ban on transgender people serving in the military after a federal court struck down the last injunction against the policy.
Access to information vital to any society : Bucknell
Free media is the lifeline of a democracy and access to information is vital to any society, British Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata, Bruce Bucknell has said. Bucknell said the United Kingdom works hard to defend media freedom. "Media pluralism is limited by the ongoing fact that women remain comparatively unrepresented in the media workforce and in decision-making roles," he said at a conference here on Friday. Bucknell said as freedom of expression underpins all human rights "we must all defend a free media." On the issue of gender equality and womens empowerment, Bucknell said, "No country can truly develop if it leaves half of its population behind." "Women make up over 50 per cent of the population and deserve to have their voices heard and their rights protected. We believe girls and women everywhere should be treated equally, be empowered, and be safe," he said.
Mizoram Cabinet approves Liquor Prohibition Bill
The Mizoram Cabinet has approved the proposed liquor prohibition bill in the state, officials said Saturday. The Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Friday approved the Mizoram Liquor Prohibition Bill, 2019, the official said. The bill would be introduced in the state Assembly during the Budget session starting from March 20, the official added. The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) had promised during the state Assembly election in November last year that if voted to power it would ensure total prohibition in the northeast state. There was total prohibition in Mizoram from 1997 till January 2015 with the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act in force in the state. The previous Congress government of Lal Thanhawla allowed opening of wine shops in the state from March 2015.
'72% Indians want employers to make easier for men to combine childcare with work'
As many as 72 per cent Indians want employers to make it easier for men to combine childcare with work, according to a Ipsos International Women's Day Survey 2019.
Domestic waters consumers in Rajasthan not have to pay up to certain limit
Domestic water consumers will not have to pay the water charges up to certain limit in rural as well as urban areas of the state from April 1, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Friday. It would benefit about 3.36 crore people across the state and they would be absolved off sum amounting Rs 161 crore in their domestic water bills, the CM said in a statement released here. As per the decision, in rural areas where supply of water is through different projects and those areas without the projects, no water charges would be collected for the supplies up to 40 litres per capita per day. About 2.8 people of rural population would be benefitted by this, it said. In urban regions, no water charge, sewerage and development charge or surcharge would be billed to those domestic metered connection whose monthly consumption is up to 15 kilolitres per month. Water charges would not be collected for the flat rate connections in urban regions as well. About 56 lakh urban population would be .
Istanbul police fire tear gas at banned women's day rally
Istanbul police fired tear gas at thousands of women who took to the city's central avenue on International Women's Day on Friday in defiance of a protest ban to demand greater rights and denounce violence. Security forces in riot gear pushed the crowds of women -- some wearing colourful wigs and masks -- at the entrance to the city's main pedestrianised shopping street of Istiklal Avenue, an AFP correspondent reported. Police then used tear gas on the marchers and then menaced them with dogs with dogs. Many protesters fled to the sidestreets. The event took place peacefully last year but just before this year's march, authorities issued a statement banning any demonstration on the city's central avenue. The area was flooded with police who set up cordons around the central Taksim Square and many local shops were closed. One woman, called Ulker, speaking to AFP from behind the cordon, said: "Take a look at this. "Here is the bitter truth: There is a system, there is a state that is ...
Delhi Police reiterates its commitment for safety, security of women
On the occasion of International Women's Day, the Delhi Police reiterated its commitment for safety and security of women and said zero tolerance towards crime against women was its utmost priority. In the aftermath of the December 16, 2012, gang-rape incident there was a paradigm shift in dealing with cases rated to crime against women, police said. Sexual assault survivors stood up and reported their cases, leading to an unprecedented increase in registration of rape and molestation cases, they said. For instance, 850 rape and 1,869 molestation cases were registered during the first six months of 2013 as against 327 rape and 279 molestation cases during the corresponding period in 2012, police said. The Delhi Police has been continuing its special efforts to ensure that women's grievances are registered immediately and they are treated with respect and sympathy, an official said. All 178 territorial police stations in all the 15 districts of Delhi have separate women help desks, run
Drug abuse reason behind crime against women: Deb
Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb Friday said drug abuse was the main reason behind incidents of crime against women in the northeastern state. Deb, however, claimed that such incidents of crime have gone down significantly since the BJP-IPFT government came to power in Tripura and conducted a series of raids to stop the menace. Speaking at the inaugural event of International Womens' Day at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan here Friday, Deb said most incidents of crime against women were found to have occurred after use of drugs. "Crime against women was very high when the government assumed office in March last year and we found that many incidents of crime against women were committed under the influence of drugs. We launched raids on illegal use of drugs. Women also whole-heartedly supported us," he said. Deb also blamed the former Left Front government for inaction against drug peddlers. "Violence against women was very high previously. But after the new ...
Trump honours women on International Women's Day
President Donald Trump on Friday wished all women on the occasion of International Women's Day and honoured them for their "vital role in shaping and strengthening families, governments, and businesses."In a statement issued by the White House on the occasion, the US President said, "We honour women worldwide for their vital role in shaping and strengthening our communities, families, governments, and businesses. We celebrate their vision, leadership, and courage, and we reaffirm our commitment to promoting equal opportunity for women everywhere.""Through the efforts of remarkable women trailblazers in the United States and around the world, we have made tremendous progress in the fight for equality and justice for all. My Administration has championed initiatives to promote women's global economic empowerment through business, technology, and increased access to capital," Trump said.The initiatives include the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative, Canada-United States Council for ..
Cover of book on 1st transgender mother unveiled on Women's
The cover of a book, which chronicles the life and struggles of Gauri Sawant, the first transgender mother of the country, was unveiled here Friday on the occasion of the International Women's Day. The book, "Gauri- The Urge to Fly", will be launched on May 12 on the occasion of the Mother's Day, said its author Rhythm Wagholikar. He said the book chronicles the varied aspects of Sawant's life, her struggle and motherly love for the sex workers' children who are abandoned after birth. The 38-year-old transgender activist, born in Pune, was discarded by her father in childhood. She runs an NGO, Sakhi Char Chowghi, that promotes safe sex and counsels transgenders. The revenue earned from the book will go to fund Sawant's project "Nani Ka Ghar" under which homes will be provided to transgenders," the 25-year-old author said. Born as Ganesh Sawant, she realised that she was different from other boys. As a child, she has always felt more inclined to female gender, prompting ..
Twitter lets you add more details when reporting tweets with personal information
Reporting abusive tweets is getting easier with a new feature that lets you specify how a particular tweet in question is violating your privacy.In its official tweet, the company wrote that starting today, users will be able to tell more about the tweet they are reporting.For instance, if a tweet by a malicious user leaks out your personal phone number, you will be able to choose exactly the reason from the 'Report Tweet' section and specify how the tweet is abusive or harmful to you.There are a couple of options you can choose from if the tweet reveals private information, such as phone number, address, government ID, and so on.
Amarinder urges employees to end stir
With Punjab government employees on strike in support of their demands, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday promised employees that his government would implement the decisions taken by the Committee of Ministers on Employees' Issues in letter and spirit.
Woman entrepreneur from Mathura to represent India at global conference
A young woman entrepreneur from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh has been invited for representing India at an international conference in the United States. Pawani Khandelwal (24), promoter of a unique initiative to empower women by teaching them to drive two-wheelers, said she will represent the country at the conference on women entrepreneurship and economic empowerment to be held in Washington DC and Chicago from March 22. Khandelwal runs an organisation called 'Aatm Nirbhar' (meaning self-dependent) in five cities. It is run by women and for women. The organisation plans to spread its wings to 120 cities of the country by 2020. "Aatm Nirbhar has so far empowered over 5,000 women and will add a few zeros to the figure very soon," she told PTI, feeling immensely happy and grateful to have come this far. Khandelwal and nine other women heading social organisations across the globe have been selected for a fully-funded program by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation North America. The young ...
Legal Affairs Secretary to head committee on insurance scheme for lawyers
The government on Friday set up a five member committee headed by Legal Affairs Secretary Alok Srivastava to examine issues related to framing of a structured scheme for providing insurance cover to advocates.
HC orders TN govt to implement 3% job quota for disabled persons
The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to instruct all its departments to implement three per cent job reservation for people with disabilities. The government should issue a proper circular and ensure that the implementation was according to provisions of the 'Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act,' the court said. Justice M V Muralidharan issued the directive recently on a petition from S Gopikrishnan, seeking a direction to the NGNG Higher Secondary School in Coimbatore district to provide three per cent reservation for physically handicapped for all non-teaching posts as per the cadre strength in the school. The petitioner had submitted that he was denied the job of a junior assistant (a non-teaching post) at the school on the ground that he was disabled. The judge directed the state chief secretary to issue within two months, instructions to all the departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs) and .
Women's Day: NSE rings the bell for gender equality
India's leading bourse NSE joined 80 other exchanges globally to commemorate the International Women's Day 2019 through a special initiative dubbed as 'Ring the Bell for Gender Equality'. The initiative is intended to raise awareness about women's economic empowerment and the opportunities for the private sector to advance gender equality and sustainable development. The event is "a partnership between IFC, Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative, UN Global Compact, UN Women, the World Federation of Exchanges and Women in ETFs", an NSE release said. As part of the event, participants are encouraged to make commitments to improve gender equality in their market. The NSE invited the women leaders from the bourse to ring the bell to express support to the cause of gender equality. "Exchanges have become one of the most important capital market pillars and exchanges can play a lead role in spreading awareness about gender equality," NSE CEO and MD Vikram Limaye said.
