Page 4 - Social Issues
K'taka man attempts suicide inside Assembly
A man tried to commit suicide in Vidhana Soudha (state Assembly) here on Monday, police said.The 43-year-old, identified as Revanna Kumar, tried to kill himself by inflicting wounds on his neck and hand with a sharp weapon on the third-floor washroom of the Karnataka state legislative building.The incident was seen and reported by a domestic help to the police."He has been shifted to Bowring and Lady Curzon hospital and is now out of danger. Doctors are treating his wounds," said DCP (Bangalore Central) Devraj.An attempt to suicide case will be registered at the Vidhana Soudha police station under section 309 of the Indian Penal Code, the official added.Kumar had a few documents on him, which included identification card, Aadhaar card, employment card, papers related to his appointment and a small note which requested to bring minimum wages to 6000 families.
Centre proposes to integrate FASTag bank mechanism with E-way bill to check GST evasion
The government proposes to integrate FASTag bank mechanism with E-way bill and logistic data services to track the movement of goods and check GST evasion, the Lok Sabha was informed on Monday."The government is contemplating integration of E-way bill mechanism of GST with FASTag system of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). The aspect of Logistic Databank integration with FASTag System is being examined," said Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.A Committee of Officers comprising officers from Central government, State governments, GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network), NIC (National Informatics Centre), GST Council, to examine the issue of the use of RFID data for the strengthening of E-way bill mechanism under GST, was formed by the GST Council."The representatives of NHAI and NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) were also co-opted in the committee. The Committee of Officers has submitted ...
Punjab to organise special programmes on June 26 to take on drug abuse
The government has decided to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in every district of the state with the active involvement of schools, colleges, NGOs and social welfare organisations on June 26, said Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu here on Monday."The state-level function in this regard will be observed at Tarn Taran district on June 26," said Singh, adding that his government has made a big stride forward in curbing the abuse of drug abuse."Since the Congress-led government came to power in Punjab till date more than 83,920 patients suffering from drug addiction have been provided the free treatments at 178 OOATS (Outdoor Opioid Assisted Treatment Clinics) clinics," an official statement quoted Singh, as saying."Patients are also getting free indoor treatment at 34 de-addiction and 19 rehabilitation centres of the state. In this connection the Health Department has decided to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse
Over 30 lakh enrolments under PM-SYM scheme so far: Gangwar
Over 30.6 lakh persons have been enrolled so far under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) scheme, Parliament was informed on Monday. On February 1, while presenting the Interim Budget 2019-20, then Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announced launch of the PM-SYM scheme to provide unorganised workers an assured monthly pension of Rs 3,000 after 60 years of age. The scheme, which was implemented from February 15, provides assured monthly pension of Rs 3,000, with contribution of Rs 100 per month, for workers in unorganised sector after 60 years of age, Goyal had said. In a reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Santosh Kumar Gangwar said that as on June 19, the number of beneficiaries of the scheme across various states and Union Territories (UTs) stood at 30,67,258. According to the details provided by the minister, the highest number of beneficiaries was reported from Haryana at 6,05,113, followed by Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh at
Congress slams Bihar govt over encephalitis deaths
The Congress Monday hit out at the NDA government in Bihar led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the deaths of more than 100 children in Muzaffarpur due to the outbreak of acute encephalitis syndrome. The Bihar Health Department has put the total number of AES casualties across 20 districts at 152. These include the 130 deaths reported at the two Muzaffarpur-based hospitals, which have been admitting AES patients from nearly half a dozen districts in its proximity. "BJP's double engine government and Mr Misgovernance's Bihar government are directly responsible for the killing of scores of children in Muzaffarpur," Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted in Hindi, referring to the NDA government and the chief minister. "Under Integrated Child Development Services, the budget of special nutrition programme was halved. The budget for children of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has also been drastically cut down," he said.
DCW issues notice to Labour Department on Placement Agency Bill
The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Monday issued a notice to the Labour Department seeking status of Delhi Private Placement Agencies (Regulation) Bill which is aimed at regulating placement agencies that supply domestic workers. It has directed the Labour Department to submit the information by July 1.In a letter directed to the Commissioner of Labour Department, DCW Chairperson Swati Maliwal said that the national capital has become a hub of human trafficking."Unregulated private placement agencies functioning in Delhi play a major role in the trafficking of young women, especially minors," the letter stated.Malliwal further said that her Commission has been actively advocating for a definite and stringent law to curb these illegal activities and have a definite regulatory framework for the regulation of placement agencies."In September 2018, the government of NCT of Delhi had informed the Delhi High Court that the bill was under consideration and would be introduced in the ...
UT Chandigarh seeks applicability of Act for protection of medical professionals
The Chandigarh Administration on Monday sought the applicability of 'The Punjab Protection of Medical Services Persons and Medicare Services Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage of Property) Act 2008' to the Union Territory.A high-level meeting held here under the chairmanship of Punjab Governor and UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore also decided that "the government of Punjab will be asked to examine the feasibility for enhancement of punishment under the above Act from one to three years."The meeting was also attended by the president and representatives of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Chandigarh Chapter, Principal Secretary Home-cum-Health Secretary, Director General of Police and Director Health Services, UT Chandigarh."The Punjab Protection of Medical Services Persons and Medicare Services Institutions (Preventions of Violence and Damage of Property) Act--2008 will be recommended to the Ministry of Home, Government of India for its approval and applicability in
In anti-narcotic drive, three foreigners arrested in Hyderabad
In an anti-narcotic drive, three foreign nationals were arrested here on Monday.Deputy Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise in Hyderabad, C Vivekananda Reddy, told ANI, "We have arrested three foreign nationals - Zadi Pascal who is an Ivory Coast Citizen, Ugochukwu Chima Good Luck and Okorouchenna Samuel, both Nigerian citizens - for procuring and selling drugs.""Lucky supplies drugs brought from Nigeria. He co-ordinates in Mumbai and with another Nigerian Abuka who resides in Bengaluru and supplies drugs from there to Zadi Pascal in Hyderabad," he added."In this case, three have been arrested. Accused Lucky, Abuka and Dondi are yet to be arrested," Reddy said.254 grams of Cocaine was seized by the police. The accused were selling one gram Cocaine for INR 6,000.Further throwing light on efforts made by the police to combat the menace of drug abuse, Reddy said, "For the last one and a half year more than 250 drug addicts have undergone de-addiction treatment and around 1600 students
Kerala Assembly adjourned for the day amid opposition protests over NRI bizman's suicide
The Kerala Assembly was adjourned for the day on Monday amid opposition protests over the suicide of an NRI businessman.Sajan Parayil, 49, allegedly committed suicide after the Anthoor municipality caused a delay in handing over the ownership certificate of an auditorium he constructed at a cost of Rs 15 crore.On Friday, the Kerala High Court took a suo motu cognisance of the case.
Lovers end lives by jumping in front of train in UP
Two lovers committed suicide by jumping in front of the Lucknow-Jabalpur Express near the Bhimsen railway station here on Monday morning, police said. They took the extreme step after their parents did not agree to their marriage, they said. Both of the deceased were residents of Rampur village, Sachendi, and wanted to marry each other but their families were against the idea, Sachendi station officer, Raghvendra Singh, said. The couple had eloped on Wednesday last week after they failed to persuade their respective families. Their families had been looking for them, he said. Eyewitnesses told police that the duo held hands and jumped before the approaching Lucknow-Jabalpur Express in the early hours, Singh said.
Bihar encephalitis deaths: SUCI members protest outside WB Guv's residence, detained
Kolkata Police on Monday detained members of Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) (SUCI-C) who were protesting outside the Governor's residence here over the death of children in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).Protesters gathered outside the Raj Bhavan in large numbers and chanted slogans demanding justice and better public healthcare for children.The agitators were later seen being forcefully detained by police.A similar protest was carried out by the student wing of Rashtriya Janata Dal in Patna on Sunday.As many as 130 children have lost their lives in Bihar's Muzaffarpur due to the outbreak of encephalitis in the state.Encephalitis is a viral disease that causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headache.
Payal Tadvi suicide case: Court rejects bail plea of three doctors
A Sessions Court here on Monday rejected the bail plea moved by three doctors, who are accused of abetting suicide of their junior Payal Tadvi at a government hospital, last month.The bail plea, moved by Hema Ahuja, Bhakti Mehre and Ankita Khandelwal, was rejected by the District and Sessions Judge P Jadhav.Tadvi, who belonged to the Scheduled Tribe community, ended her life in her hostel room at BYL Nair Hospital on May 22, allegedly after facing harassment from her seniors due to her caste.Her family alleged that three of her seniors ragged and hurled casteist abuses at her, forcing her to take the extreme step.The Crime Branch of Mumbai Police took over the investigation from Agripada Police station on May 30.The post-mortem examination report of Tadavi's death released on June 5 revealed the evidence of a ligature mark on her neck.The three doctors were earlier sent to the judicial custody till June 21.
Tadvi suicide: Court rejects bail pleas of 3 women doctors
A special court here on Monday rejected the bail pleas of three women doctors arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide of their junior colleague at a civic body-run hospital. Judge P B Jadhav rejected the bail applications of Hema Ahuja, Bhakti Meher and Ankita Khandelwal, who are in jail since their arrest on May 29. Payal Tadvi, 26, a second-year postgraduate medical student attached to B Y L Nair Hospital here, allegedly committed suicide in her hostel room on May 22. Tadvi's family alleged that three of her seniors -- Ahuja, Meher and Khandelwal -- ragged and hurled casteist abuses at her, forcing her to take the extreme step.
NASSCOM Says India's Strength In IT-BPM Services Must Be Consolidated, Proposes Establishment Of Tax Friendly Special Economic Zone policy
The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) announced its recommendations for the upcoming Union Budget to be tabled by the newly appointed Government in the upcoming parliamentary session. NASSCOM has explored the industrial requirements and perspective of various stakeholders taking their immediate benefits into account to ensure they don't face any roadblocks in their growth trajectory. With the industry accounting for over 6.6% of the nation's GDP and employing over 4.1 million skilled individuals, it clear that it has a multiplier effect on India's economy and promoting it is crucial to achieve the USD 5 trillion GDP milestone by 2024.
Taking all necessary steps to control outbreak of AES in Muzaffarpur, Bihar govt tells SC
The government of Bihar on Monday told the Supreme Court that it is taking all necessary steps to control the outbreak of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur and that the situation is "absolutely under control."A division bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai was hearing a petition filed by two advocates -- Manohar Pratap and Sanpreet Singh Ajmani -- seeking the constitution of a team of medical experts for the treatment of children suffering from encephalitis disease.The court while expressing serious concerns over the issue, said that "it is a matter of great concern. This (death of children) cannot go on."The apex court also issued a notice to the Centre, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh governments asking them to file affidavits within seven days giving details of facilities pertaining to public health, nutrition, and sanitation for the treatment of children suffering from AES.The two advocates had sought a direction to the Centre and the Bihar government to ...
Indian asylum seeker faces charges over attempted suicide
An Indian man who tried to kill himself by setting fire to his room at a refugee camp in Papua New Guinea faces charges of arson and attempted suicide, police have said. Punjabi asylum seeker Ravinder Singh, aged in his 30s, locked himself in a shipping container room at a camp on Manus Island on Friday and started a blaze that engulfed two other rooms before being brought under control. Manus provincial police commander David Yapu told AFP late Sunday that Singh -- who sustained burns to his face and right hand -- had been questioned and would be charged, but was evacuated to Port Moresby for medical treatment. "We will wait for his return and lay charges," Yapu said, indicating authorities may instead charge Singh in the capital. Singh is one of roughly 500 refugees and asylum seekers stuck in Papua New Guinea, having been stopped from reaching Australia. Under hardline policies, Australia turns back anyone trying to arrive in the country by sea -- including refugees fleeing wars ...
Saudi women use wedding contracts to assert right to drive
Saudi salesman Majd had just begun his wedding preparations when his fiancee sought to enshrine in their marriage contract a condition already guaranteed by law -- her right to drive. Wedding contracts have long been a safety net for brides in the deeply patriarchal society, used to guarantee demands that are often otherwise vulnerable to the whims of the husband or his family. Such legally binding contracts typically codify anything from the woman's right to have her own house, hire a maid, or to study or work. But after the kingdom last year lifted a decades-long ban on female motorists, a popular new condition in the contracts is the right to own and drive a car, according to documents seen by AFP and interviews with wedding clerics. Majd, 29, who is due to marry this month in his native Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia, signed off on two demands from his 21-year-old fiancee -- the right to drive and to work after marriage, according to the contract he shared with AFP. "She said she .
Intellectuals are cowards & opportunists: Bengal BJP chief
West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh courted controversy on Sunday for describing intellectuals of the state as "cowards and opportunists" and accusing them of being only interested in getting benefits from the government. "The entire state is burning. Opposition leaders and workers are being murdered by TMC goons. But the intellectuals of our society are completely silent as they are apprehensive that they might get into the bad books of the TMC if they protest against them," Ghosh said. "The intellectuals are basically cowards and opportunists who are only interested in getting benefits from the government of the day," the Bharatiya Janata Party leader said while addressing a seminar to commemorate the 66th death anniversary of Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The comments from Ghosh, the newly-elected MP from Medinipur constituency of the state, triggered angry reactions from the Trinamool Congress as well as a section of the civil society members. Senior TMC leader ...
Priyanka appeals UP govt to help man pleading for euthanasia lest his daughter doesn't get treatment
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday appealed to the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government to help a father who has reportedly said he along with his family be allowed to die if his daughter, suffering from aplastic anaemia, does not get proper treatment. "Lalita's family should get all possible help for her treatment. It's very shameful if someone pleads for euthanasia because they cannot afford the treatment due to lack of money," Priyanka Gandhi tweeted. "I appeals Uttar Pradeshgovernment to immediately help the family," she said. The girl's father reportedly wants the government to help his daughter in getting the treatment and said he along with family wish to die if his daughter cannot be cured for want of treatment.
Nepal issues dengue alert as studies find presence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Nepal on Sunday directed the authorities to be prepared for a possible outbreak of dengue after studies found the presence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division of the Health Ministry issued an alert in Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts. The move came after studies found the presence of dengue-carrying mosquitoes in significant numbers. Last year, at least 18 people in the Banasthali-Sano Bharyang area in the western part of Kathmandu were infected with the dengue virus. "We have alerted all local units of the Valley through the provincial government and District Public Health Offices about the possible outbreak (of dengue virus)," Ghanashyam Pokhrel, a senior public health administrator at the division, told reporters. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease which is transmitted by the female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The same vector also transmits chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika virus, according to the World ...
