Page 409 - Social Issues
Kanye West issues apology over 'slavery was a choice' remark
Rapper Kanye West has apologised for his comments about slavery, which found him at the center of controversy three months ago."I don't know if I properly apologised for how the slavery comment made people feel," the 41-year-old said during a radio interview with WGCI Chicago. "So I want to take this moment right now to say ... I'm sorry for people who felt let down by that moment," he added, reported People magazine."And I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to talk to you about the way I was thinking and what I was going through and what led me to that and I just appreciate you guys holding on to me as a family," Kanye continued.In May, West had stirred up a controversy after he made an offensive statement about slavery in an interview with TMZ."When you hear about slavery for 400 years ... For 400 years? That sounds like a choice," he had said.
US lawmakers call for sanctions over Xinjiang camps
US lawmakers urged President Donald Trump's administration to slap sanctions on Chinese officials involved in the internment of a Muslim minority in the country's far-west Xinjiang region, Florida senator Marco Rubio announced. In a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, the members of Congress -- from both parties -- called for sanctions against seven officials and two surveillance equipment manufacturers, The Wall Street Journal reported. "Today I & a bipartisan group of 16 members of Congress asked @POTUS to use the Global Magnitsky Act to freeze the assets & ban the entry of Chinese officials responsible for the mass roundup of Muslims in internment camps in the #Xinjiang region," Rubio said on Twitter. China has denied allegations that one million of its mostly Muslim Uighur minority are being held in internment camps. A Chinese official told a UN human rights committee in Geneva earlier this month that tough security measures in ...
Bihar: Buddhist Monk arrested for sexually assaulting children
A Buddhist monk of Bodh Gaya's Prajna Jyoti Buddhist School and Meditation Centre was on Wednesday taken into custody for alleged sexual abuse of 15 children from Assam, who were studying at the institution."The children had complained about the monk to their respective guardians. Also, they informed us that they were thrashed, mistreated and sexually abused while staying in the school. We are investigating the matter now and will take relevant action," DSP Rajkumar Shah said.This comes at a time when the Bihar government is being strongly criticised by the Opposition parties over the growing number of cases of sexual harassment in the state.Earlier this year, Mumbai's leading research institute -Tata Institute of Social Sciences - stated in a report that the girls are falling prey to sexual abuse at a shelter home in Muzaffarpur.The police had rescued 44 girls living in the vicinity and had arrested 11 employees working at the shelter home on July 24. The medical reports of ...
'Focus will be on enrolment of physically challenged voters'
The focus during the 'special summary revision of photo electoral rolls' in Mumbai will be on enrolment of physically disabled voters, a senior official today said. The drive will taken up from September 1 to October 31, said Mumbai City District (MCD) Collector Shivaji Jondhale. At present, only 543 physically disabled voters have been identified in the district, and to increase the enrolment of eligible disabled persons in voter list, the administration will seek the help of voluntary organisations, he said. "To enable physically challenged voters to cast their ballot in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, special ramps will be put up at polling booths, polling booths will have elevators, and shall have "Dolis" (palanquins) to take the physically challenged persons or senior citizens up to the polling booth," he said. Draft electoral rolls will be published on September 1, claims and objections will be accepted between September 1 to October 31, claims and objections will .
AIDWA to hold rally on Sep 4 to highlight 'rise' in crimes against women, girls
The All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) today announced that it would hold a "big rally" on September 4 to expresses its serious concern about the "rise" in violence against women, especially girl children. "AIDWA with a membership 1.12 crore women in 23 states, expresses its serious concern about the spate of rising hate crimes and violence, fear, unemployment, and hunger. It pledges that the women are not going to stay quiet anymore," the AIDWA sid in a statement In order to express the anger, it is holding a National Women's Protest Rally in Delhi September 4. The rally will begin at Mandi House at 11 am and culminate in a public meeting at the Parliament Street. The meeting will be addressed by the family members of some of the victims of violence from different parts of the country. "The main issues addressed in the rally will be the alarming increase in violence and brutality against women, especially girl children, growing unemployment, food security, the grim ...
ABVP to attract first-time voters to BJP
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), student wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), on Wednesday said it had formulated a comprehensive startegy to use "nationalism" plank to attract young and first-time voters towards the BJP ahead of the 2019 elections.
Meghalaya body demands apology from Meghalaya politician
A body representing HIV/AIDS patients in Meghalaya on Wednesday demanded a public apology from Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) leader Hispreaching Son Shylla for his "discriminatory" remarks against them.
Buddhist monk held for alleged sexual abuse of 15 boys
A Buddhist monk was today taken into custody at the international pilgrim town Bodh Gaya near here for alleged sexual abuse of 15 children from Assam who were studying at a school-cum-meditation centre run by him, police said. Superintendent of Police (City), Gaya, Anil Kumar said the monk was being interrogated by Town Deputy SP Rajkumar Shah. The monk ran an institution called "Prasanna Jyoti Buddhist School and Meditation Centre" at Mastipur village in Bodh Gaya where the 15 children - all hailing from Karbi Anglong district in Assam - were studying. The police had received information that the boys were being sexually exploited by the monk. "The children are being questioned by the SHO of Mahila Thana. They will be produced before a magistrate tomorrow and their statements recorded under the relevant CrPC section. They will also be taken for medical tests based on the results of which a case may be lodged against the monk.
SAD leader, Budhlada MC president commits suicide
A SAD leader and president of the Budhlada municipal council allegedly committed suicide by consuming a poisonous substance, police said today. Harvinder Singh (40) was depressed because of the allegations of embezzlement of funds against him, his family claimed. Police said a case was registered yesterday against 20 persons, including 15 members of the municipal council in Mansa district, on the charge of abetment to suicide. The family members of deceased alleged that some council members had held protest against Singh twice, accusing him of embezzling funds. Gurtej Singh, the deceased's brother-in-law, said Harvinder left home to meet his friend at 2 pm and then consumed poison at a friend's shop. He was facing a no-confidence motion in the council which was to be taken up on August 29. Gurtej claimed that Harvinder was working honestly and efficiently. "Some persons in the council were harassing him unnecessarily. He was fearing social stigma of being called as corrupt and then ...
Police probe into Kashganj violence 'grossly compromised', claims report by activists
Muslims were "selectively targeted" in the wake of the January 26 communal clashes in Uttar Pradesh's Kashganj and the police probe into the violence was "grossly compromised", a report prepared by civil rights activists has alleged. The report -- Truth of Kashganj -- also alleged that there were "inconsistencies" in the police version of the violence and there were attempts to protect certain people. The activists also demanded a "high-level inquiry" into the clashes. Former IPS officer S R Darapuri, civil rights activist Teesta Setalvad, Magsaysay awardee Sandeep Pandey, lawyer Shoaib Mohammad and academician Apoorvanand released the report, which is based on studying of the police reports and first person accounts of affected people. Communal clashes had broken out in that western Uttar Pradesh town after stones were pelted on a 'Tiranga Yatra' taken out to celebrate the Republic Day. The police had said some people were riding motorcycles carrying the tricolour and were chanting .
Britons sent abroad as children sue government over abuse
Britons who were sent overseas as poor or orphaned children under state-approved programs in the decades after World War II are suing the British government over the abuse and neglect they suffered, their lawyer said today. In March a child-abuse inquiry ordered the government to compensate 2,000 survivors of programs that sent children to countries including Australia, Canada and Southern Rhodesia now Zimbabwe. The survivors are the last wave of some 150,000 children sent to Britain's then-colonies starting in the 17th century. The programs were intended to ease pressure on British social services, provide the children with a fresh start and supply the empire with a sturdy supply of white workers. But many children ended up in institutions where they were physically and sexually abused, or were sent to work as farm labourers. The British government took over primary responsibility for the policy after World War II and did not end it until 1970. Lawyer Alan Collins, who represents ...
Muzaffarpur shelter home scandal: HC asks CBI to expedite probe, submit report on Sep 17
The Patna High Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today to expedite its probe into the Muzaffarpur shelter home sex scandal case and submit a status report before it on September 17. The court also ordered that the investigation be monitored and supervised by a CBI special director rank officer who shall be free to constitute a fresh investigating team. The officer would ensure that a speedy probe is conducted and the guilty are booked and prosecuted at the earliest, a division bench comprising Chief Justice M R Shah and Justice Ravi Ranjan said. It also directed that a status report be submitted on the next date of hearing on September 17. The orders followed the recent transfer of an CBI SP, J P Mishra, who was part of investigation team. A CBI officer posted in Lucknow has been given the additional charge of the SP, Special Crime Branch, Patna. The CBI had submitted a status report in a sealed cover before the court on August 27. Taking note of the Bihar ...
Skill India introduces insurance cover for PMKVY certified candidates
Skill India has introduced two new benefits, accident insurance cover and DigiLocker facility, for certified candidates under the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) to encourage youth to take up skill enhancement programmes. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is implementing the Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Ministry's flagship scheme PMKVY. "NSDC has collaborated with The New India Assurance Co. Ltd. (NIA) to provide Kaushal Bima insurance facility to the certified candidates under the scheme. As per the current regulations of IRDA, 3-year Personal Accidental Insurance covering death and permanent disability for a sum insured of Rs 2 lakh will be provided through the scheme," an official statement said. The New India Assurance Company Ltd. has created a master policy for all the candidates who will receive the insurance benefit under PMKVY scheme with a validity of three years from the date of certification. The insurance premium will be borne by the NSDC. A ...
RSS, Modi crushing voices of dissent, say activists
A large number of activists, writers and representatives of Left-affiliated organisations on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for "intimidating and crushing" the voices of dissent.
Activists' arrest: Never heard of their Naxals links, says Sharad Pawar
New Delhi [India], Aug 29 (ANI): Taking a strong exception to the arrests of five activists, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday ridiculed the government for arresting the activists in the name of association with the Naxalite movement."Those who have been arrested and at least I can say in my home state, I know some of them, they are activists. It's a very unfortunate thing that the government and the police authority are arresting them in the name of association with Naxalite movement," Pawar told reporters here."I know some individuals, and as per my information, they are not the ones, who can go to the extreme level to the assassination of X and Y," he added.The NCP chief further said that he would be visiting the homes of the arrested civil right activists and talk to their families and locals in the area."After getting information about the Maharashtra arresting, I have decided I will go to everybody's house and discuss with the local population, ...
Consumer association slams Centre's advisory on e-cigarette ban
In the wake of an advisory issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare asking states to ban e-cigarettes, an organisation that represents e-cigarette users has questioned the motive behind the proposed move.
Immigration agents arrest 160 people in Texas workplace raid
Federal immigration agents have arrested 160 workers following a raid at Texas company that manufactures trailers. The raid yesterday targeted Load Trail Trailers in Sumner, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) northeast of Dallas. It was at least the second immigration raid targeting the business, the last coming in 2014. A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement statement says its investigation began after a tip that Load Trail was knowingly hiring workers who were in the United States illegally. ICE says all detainees will be interviewed to determine who remains in custody and who get humanitarian release. In a statement, Load Trail called the raid "disappointing" and surprising, but pledged to cooperate with investigators.
Anganwadi workers in Indore go hi-tech to battle malnutrition
Anganwadi workers in rural areas of Indore district could now monitor the health and nutritional status of women and children online with the help of tablet computers. In a bid to deal with the problem of malnutrition, the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), in association with the Women and Child Development department, distributed the devices to around 110 workers at a function here today. "Under the pilot project of Nutrition Surveillance System, developed by the NIN, these workers would update the data about the health and nutrition of women and children (below five years) through tablets," said A Lakshmaiya, Head of Hyderabad-based NIN's Public Health Nutrition Division, after distributing the tablets. After studying this real-time information, the departments concerned of the state government would suggest necessary steps to improve nutritional status of women and children. Referring to the NIN study in the context of Madhya Pradesh, he said iron deficiency is .
Indian girl abandoned in Spain: WCD summons adoption agency official
The Women and Child Development Ministry has summoned the in-charge of a Madhya Pradesh adoption agency next week, after reports emerged that a girl adopted from there was later abandoned in Spain, an official said today. A Spanish couple had abandoned the 13-year-old girl after they were allegedly deceived by the Bhopal-based institution, which reportedly told them that she was seven-years old at the time of adoption earlier this year. The girl is currently living at a government home in Zargoza in Spain. The Udaan institution has been accused of defaulting under various provisions and not responding to show-cause notices. An inquiry has been initiated and its in-charge, Apoorva Sharma, asked to appear before the ministry on September 6, the official said. WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi has also asked the Indian envoy in Spain, D B Venkatesh Varma, to contact the girl immediately and take necessary steps to bring her back to India. "While we are in the process of fixing the ...
Rahul says only one ideology "based on Nagpur" respected by BJP
After his "new India" barb targeting the RSS, Congress President Rahul Gandhi today accused the BJP of respecting only one ideology "based on Nagpur", a veiled reference to the saffron fountainhead, and said the opposition was united in fighting the "undemocratic" actions. Hitting out at the government over the arrest of prominent Left-wing activists for suspected Maoist links, Gandhi had yesterday tweeted that in the "new India", there was place for only one NGO -- the RSS. In a brief interaction with media during his visit to flood-hit areas, the Congress chief today dubbed as 'undemocratic' 'certain' actions taken at the national level, apparently referring to the arrests of the activists. "I think there are certain action that has been taken at national level which are undemocratic and we are fighting that battle. The opposition is united in fighting that battle," he said. Gandhi said there were two different visions of India -- one was centralised and the other ...
