Page 53 - Social Issues
Taiwan legalizes same-sex marriage
Taiwan's Parliament on Friday legalized same-sex marriage following a vote, a landmark decision that makes the self-ruled island the first in Asia to pass gay marriage legislation.
Ten drug smugglers sentenced to death in Vietnam
Vietnam has sentenced 10 people to death for smuggling meth, ketamine and ecstasy across the country by train, state media reported Friday as the communist country deepens its crackdown on drugs. The gang shifted 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of drugs from northern Vietnam to the southern economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City between 2015 and 2016, according to state-run media on Friday. Five men and five women were given the death penalty after the trial this week in Hanoi, while two others got life in prison. "The two ringleaders were paid hundreds thousands of dollars," for trafficking the drugs, state-run Vietnamnet news site reported. Court officials could not be reached for comment on Friday. The trial comes on the heels of several massive drugs busts in Vietnam, which boasts some of the world's toughest drug laws. Anyone caught with more than 600 grams (21 ounces) of heroin or more than 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine can face the death penalty. Last week police seized half a tonne of
Taiwan's parliament approves same-sex marriage
Taiwan's parliament legalised same-sex marriage on Friday in a landmark first for Asia as the government survived a last-minute attempt by conservatives to pass a watered-down version. The island's lawmakers comfortably passed a law allowing same-sex couples to form "exclusive permanent unions" and a second clause that would let them apply for a "marriage registration" with government agencies. The vote is a major victory for the island's LGBT community who have campaigned for years to have similar of equal marriage rights as heterosexual couples and places the island at the vanguard of Asia's burgeoning gay rights movement. In recent months conservatives had mobilised to rid the law of any reference to marriage, instead putting forward rival bills that offered something closer to limited same-sex unions. But those bills struggled to receive enough votes. Hundreds of gay rights supporters gathered despite heavy rain near Taipei's parliament as a mammoth legislative debate got under ...
Fear of BJP's rise many propel Bengal minorities to vote for Mamata
Despite growing disenchantment with the Mamata Banerjee government over unfulfilled promises in education, health and employment sectors, the lion's share of the minority vote is likely to go to the Trinamool Congress, which may prove to be a key factor in the battle for the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal.
Teen pregnancy in India strongly linked to child stunting: Study
Children born to teenage mothers in India are more likely to be stunted than those born to adult moms, according to the first comprehensive study to examine links between teen pregnancy and chid undernutrition in the country. India is home to more stunted children than any other country and is one of the ten countries with the largest burden of teenage pregnancy, said researchers at the US-based International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Although marriage before the age of 18 years is illegal in India, the 2016 National Family and Health Survey (NFHS)-4 revealed that 27 per cent of girls are married before their 18th birthday and 31 per cent of married Indian women gave birth by the age of 18 years. "Reducing adolescent pregnancy in India can hasten our progress towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to poverty, health, nutrition, general wellbeing, equity, and education," said IFPRI Research Fellow and study ...
Trump proposes 'merit-based' immigration system
US President Donald Trump has proposed a sweeping change to the immigration system to make it "merit-based" favouring professionals and well-educated people who will be high earners.
Taiwan parliament to vote on Asia's first gay marriage bill
Taiwan's parliament began debating Asia's first gay marriage law on Friday as conservative lawmakers launched a last-ditch attempt to scupper the most progressive bill in favour of a watered-down "civil-union" law. Hundreds of gay rights supporters gathered despite heavy rain near Taipei's parliament as a mammoth legislative debate got under way over an issue that has bitterly divided the island. Parliament is up against a ticking clock. Taiwan's top court has ruled that not allowing same-sex couples to marry violates the constitution. Judges gave the government until May 24 this year to make the changes or see marriage equality enacted automatically. But they gave no guidance on how to do that. With that deadline fast approaching, three bills have been tabled for Friday's vote -- which also happens to be the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. The most progressive is the government's bill, the only one to use the word "marriage" and to offer limited ...
Arab League highlights global peaceful co-existence
The Arab League has highlighted the importance of spreading the culture of peaceful co-existence in the world.
US dollar rises amid upbeat economic data
The US dollar strengthened as investors digested positive economic data that point to robust US housing and labour markets.
Trump proposes points-based immigration system, DACA remains unresolved
In a bid to overhaul the existing American immigration system, US President Donald Trump on Thursday outlined his plan for a merit and points-based immigration system, which would see the proportion of highly-skilled immigration go up to 57 percent from the existing 12 percent, once approved."The biggest change we make is to increase the proportion of highly skilled immigration from 12% to 57% and we would like to even see if we can go higher," Trump told the gathering at the White House on Thursday.Furthermore, his plan, which is yet to be approved by the US Congress, limits family-based immigration and asylum and diversity admissions."This will bring us in line with other countries and make us globally competitive. At the same time, we prioritise the immediate family of new Americans - spouses and children, the loved ones you choose to build a life with. We will replace the existing Green card categories with a new visa - the 'Build America Visa'," he stated during the ...
Trump unveils merit-based immigration system
US President Donald Trump Thursday rolled out a merit-based immigration system from which foreigners, including hundreds and thousands of Indian professionals and skilled workers, waiting to get Green Cards or permanent legal residency stand to benefit. The immigration reform proposals significantly increase the quota for skilled workers from existing nearly 12 per cent to 57 per cent. Besides, under the proposed reforms, immigrants will be required to learn English and pass a civics exam prior to admission. The major immigration policy, however, is unlikely to see the Congressional node soon, given the bitter across the aisle political divide between the Democrats, who have majority in the House of Representatives, and the Republicans who control the Senate. Trump, in his Rose Garden announcement, himself conceded the difficulties ahead in getting his plan become the law of the day. Signaling to make it an election issue next year, Trump said the Republicans needs to regain control ..
Italy renews appeal for Libyan truce, peace talks
Rome, May 16 (IANS/AKI) There must be a ceasefire in the deadly battle for Tripoli and a return to dialogue to prevent a "humanitarian crisis" in Libya and to safeguard its people, Italy's Premier Giuseppe Conte said in a statement on Thursday after meeting eastern Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar here.
East Delhi records highest transgender voter turnout
The East Delhi parliamentary constituency saw the highest turnout of transgender voters among the seven Lok Sabha constituencies in the national capital, according to data. Out of 79 registered transgender voters, 28 turned up to cast their votes accounting for 35.44 per cent polling percentage, the data shared by the Chief Electoral Office in Delhi stated. Chandni Chowk saw the second highest turnout at 32.58 per cent as 43, out of 132 transgender voters exercised their franchise. In the Northeast Delhi constituency, 27 transgender voters, out of 86 cast their ballots, the data stated. Out of 24 transgender voters in New Delhi, eight cast their ballots while 14 such voters exercised their mandate in West Delhi. According to the data, South Delhi saw the least turnout of third gender voters at 13.85 per cent. Out of 130 registered transgender voters, only 18 turned out to vote in the constituency. Northwest Delhi had the maximum number of transgender voters but saw a turnout of 15.19 .
Tension prevails three days after killing of businessman in Delhi, police beef up security
Basai Darapur in Delhi, where a 52-year-old businessman was stabbed to death, continued to remain tense as members of his community staged a protest after a 'mahapanchayat' on Thursday. Police said the protest by the members of the Tyagi community -- to which the deceased belonged -- was largely peaceful and was also joined by others. Traffic was affected in the area in west Delhi due to the large gathering, the police said. The community called for a 'mahapanchayat' to mourn the death of the businessman who was stabbed multiple times by some neighbours when he objected to lewd remarks on his daughter in the early hours on Sunday. The victim's 19-year-old son was also stabbed when he tried to intervene. A 45-year-old man and his 20-year-old son have been arrested in connection with the killing. The police apprehended two juvenile sons of the main accused. His wife and daughter were also arrested. The protesters demanded death sentence for the accused and compensation for the victim's .
'No bullying' at meeting: WADA probe
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said independent investigators found no evidence of bullying and harassment by senior executives during a stormy meeting last year which addressed the lifting of a drugs ban against Russia. WADA had hired external legal investigators to conduct an investigation following accusations of bullying leveled against senior officials by Canadian cross-country skier Beckie Scott. Scott, who had spoken out against WADA's plans to lift sanctions against Russia's anti-doping agency (RUSADA), said she had been treated with a "level of disrespect" by fellow WADA officials at the meeting in the Seychelles. But a 58-page report by independent investigators concluded that while colleagues had treated Scott in an "aggressive, harsh and disrespectful" manner, it did not constitute bullying. The report recommended a series of measures to be implemented, including training of executive committee members on boardroom dialogue. "Although the investigation found there was
Delhi govt to devise Equal Opportunity Policy for people with disabilities
The Delhi government will devise an Equal Opportunity Policy (EOP) for people with disabilities living in the national capital, officials said. According to an official, Social Welfare Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam Thursday held a meeting with senior officers to discuss the modalities of the new policy. The EOP will be prepared in consultation with the disability commissioner, people with disabilities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)," the official said. "Under the proposed policy, in cases of discrimination, a gazetted officer will head a committee consisting of an employee with disability and and a disability expert from outside," she said. There will also be identification of post for Persons with disabilities (PwD) which will be done within two months. Preference in transfer and posting and providing accommodation will be included in the Equal Opportunity Policy, she also said. To cater to the needs of the 21 categories in the PwD, the social welfare minister has already ..
Slipper attack on Kamal at election rally
Enraged by actor-politician Kamal Haasan's 'Hindu terrorist' remark, a person threw his slipper at him at Thiruparankundram in Tamil Nadu.
61 Pakistanis deported by US and Greece arrive in Islamabad
Fifty-two Pakistani immigrants deported by the US have arrived here by a special chartered flight amid tight security, a media report said Thursday. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on Tuesday that US authorities detained and prosecuted the Pakistani nationals for immigration violations, criminal conduct and other serious charges. Dawn newspaper, quoting immigration sources, reported that 53 Pakistanis were scheduled to be deported, but only 52 people arrived on Wednesday as one person fell sick at the US airport and was not sent back. US security officials were guarding the Pakistani deportees when they arrived at the Islamabad International Airport on a special chartered flight. Soon after landing, they asked the Pakistani authorities to take custody of the deportees who had been arrested by the US police. The Trump administration recently launched a crackdown on the foreigners who stayed in the US ...
Caste comes to fore in Bihar ahead of May 19 vote
Chandan Rai, a middle-aged construction worker and resident of Bikram town near Patna, has decided to vote for the Rashtriya Janata Dal in the Lok Sabha polls to support and strengthen the hands of his caste's big leader -- jailed RJD supremo and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad.
Atrocities against minority Christians growing rapidly in Pak, says activist
Minorities in Pakistan, especially Christians, are facing constant discrimination and persecution by state and non-state agencies, alleges Noel Malik, a political activist and member of Pakistan Minorities Alliance.In a recent interview, Malik said that Christians in Pakistan are facing atrocities of highest degree, with the state subjecting them to arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances and even cold-blooded homicides."They (Christians) are not secure, there is no safety. Discrimination and persecution is widespread. Blasphemy laws are still there. In fact, I feel the situation is deteriorating every day and minorities are finding it hard to sustain in Pakistan," Malik said.In places, where the minorities are not facing death threats, they are treated as second class citizens and discriminated on grounds of education, employment and religious belief.Abusive enforcement of Pakistan's blasphemy laws has further suppressed the lives of minorities. The law enforcement agencies ...