Page 389 - Social Issues
SC asks Centre, AIIMS to expedite action plan on growing menace of drugs abuse
The Supreme Court Monday asked AIIMS and the Centre to expedite the national survey as also the formulation of action plan to curb the growing menace of drug abuse in the society, including by school-going children. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud was informed by the Centre that the survey has already begun, in March this year, and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment have been involved in the process. "We expect the AIIMS and Union of India to abide by our orders. List the PIL in the 2nd week of February" the bench said when Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh sought 12 weeks time for completing the survey and the analysis of the report. The court was hearing a PIL filed last year by Ketireddy Jagadishwar Reddy, through lawyer Sravan Kumar, alleging that the 2016 verdict of the apex court on the plea of NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) was not being complied with. The apex court had on July 22 asked the All India .
Girish Radhakrishnan appointed CMD of United India Insurance Company
Girish Radhakrishnan and Tajinder Mukherjee have been appointed chairmen-cum-managing directors of the United India Insurance Company and the National Insurance Company Limited respectively, according to an order issued on Monday. Radhakrishnan, at present a general manager in the New India Assurance Company Limited (NIACL), has been appointed to the post till he attains the age of 60 years, the Personnel Ministry order said. Mukherjee has also been appointed to the post till she attains the age of 60 years. She is also a general manager at NIACL, it said.
NCW summons Kerala MLA for using abusive language against nun
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned Kerala MLA P C George on September 20 for using abusive language against a nun who has alleged that she was sexually assaulted by a bishop. George, the lone Independent MLA in the Kerala state assembly, had asked the reason behind the nun not reporting the incident earlier while making objectionable remarks against her on Saturday. Terming the language used by the MLA as "deeply disturbing", NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma said the Commission seriously condemns "such objectionable and derogatory statements made by a person who occupies responsible position in the society". "Considering the gravity of the matter, you are hereby required to provide explanation for making such irresponsible comments for which you are required to appear before the commission on Septemer 20," she said in a letter to George. Sharma had said Sunday that it is "shameful" that people occupying position of power were using such language. The NCW chief said she ..
Raj govt hikes dearness allowance of state employees
The Rajasthan government on Monday increased dearness allowance of state employees from 7 to 9 per cent with effect from July 1, 2018. The increased amount for the period between July 1, 2018 and August 31, 2018 will be credited to the General Provident Fund Account of the respective employees and cash payment shall be admissible from September 1, 2018, according to a release. The arrear of dearness allowance from July 1, 2018 to August 31, 2018 to the employees recruited to civil services on or after January 1, 2004 and who are governed by Contributory Pension Scheme will be paid in cash, the release added.
Tanzanian president seeks end to contraception
President John Magufuli has urged Tanzanian women to "give up contraceptive methods" insisting his country needs more people, local media reported Monday. "You have cattle. You are big farmers. You can feed your children. Why then resort to birth control? This is my opinion, I see no reason to control births in Tanzania," Magufuli said in a speech on Sunday, according to The Citizen daily newspaper. "I have travelled to Europe and elsewhere and have seen the harmful effects of birth control. Some countries are now facing declining population growth. They are short of manpower." Magufuli urged Tanzanians to ignore bad advice disseminated by outsiders saying: "It is important to reproduce." "Women can now give up contraceptive methods," he added. Tanzania has a population of around 60 million people, up from 10 million at independence in 1961. The UN predicts Africa's population will double to around 2.5 billion by 2050, leading to warnings of a demographic time bomb if economic growth .
SC seeks Centre's response to suggestions on eradicating leprosy, rehab of patients
The Supreme Court today asked the Centre to respond in four weeks to the suggestions mooted by an NGO to eradicate leprosy and on aspects like rehabilitation and curbing discrimination against those suffering from the disease. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra also asked the Centre to consider framing a law to repeal all state and local laws that discriminate against those affected by the disease. It granted six weeks to the government for taking a decision on it. The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, perused the suggestions given by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy (VCLP), the NGO which has filed the PIL, on aspects like creating awareness, rehabilitation and sensitisation of common public about the disease. Senior advocate Raju Ramachandran, appearing for the NGO, said the suggestions pertained to "awareness, sensitisation and dissemination of action taken, non-discrimination, pensionary benefits for persons affected by leprosy, health ...
New UN rights chief decries abuses of minorities, migrants
The new UN rights chief decried Monday crackdowns on minorities in countries like Myanmar and China and urged Western countries to respect migrant rights, warning that erecting walls only caused chaos and suffering. In her first address, Michelle Bachelet opened the UN Human Rights Council's 39th session stressing her "commitment to bridging the differences between communities and promoting respect, well-being and freedom." Diplomats and activists from around the world gathered in Geneva to hear her maiden speech, seeking clues as to whether she will mimic the abrasive style of predecessor Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein. Bachelet, a former Chilean president, hailed Zeid but seemed to stake out a softer approach, only briefly mentioning a few concrete rights situations and refraining from full-blown criticism. "I am convinced that this council must strive for consensus," she said. Bachelet did however voice particular concern about the situation in Myanmar, where UN investigators say there is ..
Nursing student commits suicide in Jodhpur
A student of AIIMS Jodhpur committed suicide here, police said Monday. The student identified as Rajni Dhanwal (23) was found hanging from the ceiling fan in her hostel room on Sunday night. Dhanwal is from Chandigarh. She took admission in the college for the nursing course in August this year. No suicide note was found in Dhanwal's room, police said. We have informed her parents. After their arrival, the post-mortem will be conducted, said ADCP (West) Sarita Singh. The ADCP said Dhanwal was upset for the past four days as one of her friends had stopped talking to her. We have been investigating the matter. On the basis of her course mates' statement, we found out that she (Dhanwal) was disappointed as a friend of hers had not been taking to her for the past four days, the official said. Police said Dhanwal was in her room on Sunday night. When a friend called her for dinner, Dhanwal did not respond. Soon the hostel warden was alerted. The hostel staff broke into the room, where they
Air Travellers Assn demands on spot passenger feedback post immigration clearance
An association representing air travellers has suggested that the government introduce an 'on the spot' passenger feedback system after completion of immigration clearance in major airports of the country which could be used to review and enhance the performance of officials. It has suggested that the Ministry of Home Affairs introduce a technology-driven simple system to obtain feedback as is done in Singapore and major airports in China. "We draw your kind attention to the technology driven simple system in vogue in Singapore, major airports in China etc. wherein passengers' feedback is obtained electronically while passing through the counter after completion of immigration clearance. "This is accomplished by simply pressing the appropriate feedback buttons categorised as 'very good', 'good', 'average' and 'not satisfactory' without having to spend an extra minute in filling up any form etc," Secretary General of the Air Travellers Association S Asokan said in a letter addressed to
Kerala nun rape: NCW summons MLA over 'prostitute' remark
Condemning Kerala Legislative Assembly member (MLA) PC George for his "prostitute" remark, the National Commission of Women (NCW) on Monday summoned him on September 20.George, an independent MLA of the Poonjar constituency in the Kottayam district, stoked a controversy on September 8 after he called a nun who has accused Bishop of Jalandhar, Franco Mulakkal of rape, a "prostitute"."No one has doubt that the nun is a prostitute. Twelve times she enjoyed it and the thirteenth time it is rape? Why didn't she complain the first time?" George had said.George drew flak for his statement, with people from several quarters condemning his remark and demanding stern action against him. Besides various political parties, the NCW and the Kerala Mahila Federation have demanded action against the MLA.On Sunday, NCW chief Rekha Sharma stated, "I met the nun in person, who was in a deep trauma. She was crying. She was protesting against the Bishop and demanding justice for herself. I have seen her ..
HRD ministry pitches for national madarsa board
Members of the HRD Ministry's NMCME have pitched for capturing details of unregistered madarsas in the country and setting up a national-level madarsa board with a suitable system for accreditation to ensure their academic standards. In a recent meeting of the National Monitoring Committee for Minorities' Education (NCME), panel member Afzar Shamsi recommended that the data of unregistered madarsas be captured. "There are two types of madarsas, one which are 'registered' which are roughly 20 per cent and the other one are 'unregistered' which are around 80 per cent. All the data which the government is having is based on registered madarsas," the minutes of the meeting quoted Shamsi as saying. "There is a need to capture the details of the unregistered madarsas and bring them within the ambit of registration so that a clear picture is available," he said. Another member Jamshid Khan said, "Madarsa boards in some states are defunct. While some states have these boards, some like ...
Dabholkar murder: Accused sent to CBI custody
A sessions court in Pune sent Sharad Kalaskar, an accused in the Narendra Dabholkar murder case, to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody until September 15.However, the court rejected the investigating agency's demand for the custody of the other two accused, Amit Degwekar and Rajesh Bangera, and instead sent them to magisterial custody.On September 6, the court had granted CBI the custody of Amol Kale, another accused until September 14.Narendra Dabholkar was an anti-superstition activist, who was shot dead by bike-borne assailants on August 20, 2013, while he was returning to his home from a morning walk.
Sudan police save 85 minors from trafficking network: Interpol
Police in Sudan have rescued nearly 100 people, 85 of them minors, after breaking up a human trafficking network in the northeast African country last month, Interpol said Monday. Two men and twelve women were arrested and around $20,000 of suspected ransom money was seized in the operation at several locations in Khartoum as well as at gold mines east of the city, the international policing agency said. The victims, some of whom were as young as 10, were from several African countries including Chad, DR Congo, Eritrea and Niger. "The diversity of nationalities amongst those rescued shows how human trafficking and people smuggling is a truly transnational problem which requires a coordinated international response," said Tim Morris, director of police services for Interpol, which is based in Lyon, France. The operation, called Sawiyan, was carried out on August 26-30 by some 200 Sudanese police officers assisted by Interpol agents stationed in Khartoum. The networks abducted migrants
Pastor raises slogans in court complex against homosexuality
Days after the Supreme Court decriminalised homosexuality, a city-based pastor created a flutter in a court complex here Monday, raising slogans against the landmark judgement and claiming that same sex marriage would lead to natural calamities, police said. Father Felix Jebasingh of Puliyakulam Church came to the district court complex and standing in the corridor shouted slogans urging the people not to support gay marriages. "Please do not support the court judgement on Sec.377 (of IPC). The Jesus Christ is arriving. His arrival is imminent. This type of marriages will lead to total destruction of the society," the pastor shouted vociferously even as police escorted him out. He said "God has destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah using fire and sulphur because they allowed homosexuality... don't support homosexuality". The pastor, clad in a full-sleeve white shirt and a black pant, was referring to Sodom and Gomorrah, notoriously sinful cities in the biblical book
Singapore police arrests saree-clad women for vice activities
Fourteen women, at least four of them saree-clad, have been arrested during a series of police raids targeting prostitution rackets, the Singapore Police Force said on Monday. A 33-year-old man was also arrested for offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, the Singapore Police Force said in a statement. Identities of those arrested were not revealed but photograph released by the police showed at least four of them wore sarees. Investigations are ongoing, the police said, adding that the women, aged between 20 and 52, were arrested for prostitution-related offences under the Women's Charter, the police said. They were operating from hotels and rented apartments along Jalan Besar, Eu Tong Sen Street, Temple Street, Albert Street, Jalan Sultan and Smith Street within the main city. The women had advertised their services on various social media platforms. The police advised landlords and hotel owners to ensure tenants do not carry out vice activities on their ...
Twitter India partners White Swan Foundation, unveils special emoji
In a bid to raise awareness on suicide prevention in India, Twitter India on Monday announced a partnership with non-profit organisation White Swan Foundation in which, the company will provide them with #adsforgood grants to help them reach more people.
In 1st key speech, new UN rights chief airs concerns
The new UN human rights chief is warning of abuses worldwide, citing among others the Trump administration's "unconscionable" separations of migrant families and urging Europe to create a dedicated search and rescue operation for migrants in the Mediterranean. Michelle Bachelet made her first address to the Human Rights Council as it opened a three-week session Monday. The former Chilean president became UN High Commissioner for Human Rights this month. She denounced a lack of "redress" for migrant families who were separated by US authorities after being detained in a now-discontinued practice of separating children from their families. According to prepared remarks, Bachelet said "attacks and persecution appear to be continuing" against the Rohingya minority in Myanmar's Rakhine state. She expressed concern about "ongoing military operations" in Syria's rebel-held Idlib province.
Indian insurance industry expected to grow to USD 280 billion by FY 2020: ASSOCHAM-APAS study
Overall insurance penetration in the country reached 3.7 per cent in 2017 from 2.71 per cent in 2001. Gross premium increased from Rs 3.2 trillion (USD 49 billion) in FY12 to reach close to Rs 5 trillion (USD72 billion) in FY18 ,' jointly conducted by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and APAS.
Putin's ally re-elected Moscow mayor amid pension protests
Russian President Vladimir Putin's close ally has been overwhelmingly re-elected Moscow's mayor, election officials said on Monday, following a poll overshadowed by protests over a pension reform. Sergei Sobyanin, mayor of the Russian capital since 2010, received 70.02 percent of the vote, according to results released by the Moscow election commission. Turnout stood at 30.8 per cent. In 2013, Sobyanin barely escaped a second-round run-off after a strong challenge from protest leader Alexei Navalny, winning 51.4 percent of the vote, with Putin's top critic unexpectedly picking up over a quarter of the ballots. This time round serious opposition candidates were kept off the ballot paper in favour of the incumbent. Ahead of the vote a Moscow court jailed Navalny for 30 days, just a couple weeks before he planned to stage a rally against a deeply controversial pension reform on election day. In a nationwide day of polls, members of the ruling United Russia party also won in elections for
Over 400 bandh supporters detained in Tripura
Around 400 bandh supporters were detained in different parts of Tripura Monday for trying to disrupt normal life, a senior police officer said. The bandh call by opposition Congress and Left parties over spiralling fuel prices and rupee depreciation, however, failed to evoke much response in the BJP-ruled state, he said. All government offices, including the civil secretariat, conducted business as usual and public vehicles plied on roads like any other day, Officiating AIG (Law and Order) Subrata Chakraborty said. "The strike was totally violence-free and no untoward incident was reported from any part of the state so far. More than 400 picketers were detained for trying to enforce bandh," he told PTI. Some business establishments chose to remain shut in the state capital and neighbourhood areas, but normal life wasn't affected in any way due to the bandh, he added. The Department of General Administration had issued a memo instructing employees to report in office by ...
