Page 824 - Social Issues
Policy for incentives to switch from fossil fuel to electric
The Delhi government would come out with a policy to give incentives to people switching from fossil fuel to electric driven vehicles, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said today. Speaking at a conference on 'Electric Vehicles: Future Roadmap for India' hosted by the ASSOCHAM, Gahlot requested the Centre to help states with more subsidy to enable them to have electric buses. "The Delhi Government is likely to come out with a policy soon to incentivise people willing to shift from fossil fuels as an energy source to electric (energy)," he was quoted as saying in an ASSOCHAM statement. The cost of electric buses are way to high and unsustainable. "I would request the central government for more subsidy along with financial and technical help," he said The minister also sought subsidy on power to be consumed by electric vehicles. The Delhi government has prepared a short-term plan to procure 500 electric buses to tackle air pollution in the city. Gahlot also sought clarity
USD 1.5 million released for Rohingya refugees in Bangla: WHO
The World Health Organisation has released USD 1.5 million to scale up health operations in Bangladesh's Rohingya refugee camps over the next six months, in response to a "diphtheria outbreak" there. The global body said it has deployed additional staff and resources to respond to the rapidly spreading outbreak of the disease among the refugees in Cox's Bazar, adding that it has seen more than "1,500 probable cases including 21 deaths". "The WHO has released USD 1.5 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to help finance scaling up of health operations in Cox's Bazar over the next six months," the health body said in a statement here today. "The Rohingya refugees are an extremely vulnerable population with low routine vaccination coverage. WHO is applying a 'no regrets' policy when allocating resources to help prevent and protect communities from the spread of diphtheria and ensure that those who are sick receive critical care and treatment," said Roderico ...
Delhi government likely to incentivise use of electric vehicles
The Delhi government is likely to incentivise the use of electric vehicles.
Consensus after detailed debate needed for any decision on Sec
Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today said "consensus" after a detailed debate was required to take any decision regarding Section 377 of IPC, which criminalises homosexuality. He was replying to a debate on two bills passed by the Lok Sabha to repeal obsolete laws and a demand by BJD MP Pinaki Misra to strike down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Misra said the Supreme Court has repeatedly said that it is up to Parliament to take any decision on this "archaic" law. "The 2012 judgement, by which the Delhi High Court in a very bold move struck down (IPC section) 377, was set aside by the Supreme Court in the 2013 judgement on the grounds that it is the job of the legislature to do away with it, and it is not the job of the court to legislate," Misra said. The BJD MP was referring to the apex court setting aside the Delhi High Court verdict which had decriminalised sex between two consenting adults of different sexual orientation. The lesbian gay bisexual ...
Gadkari interacts with participants of 'Know India Programme'
Urging participants of Know India Programme to be torch bearers of rich Indian culture and heritage in their respective countries, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today briefed them about infrastructure projects. The Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shipping, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, interacted with a group of young students and professionals of the Indian diaspora, according to an official statement. "Gadkari talked to the participants about the importance of Indian culture and heritage and urged them to be torch bearers of the same in their respective countries. He also answered their questions regarding transport planning in India, and informed them about strides the country is making in this area," the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said in the statement. The 40-member group that includes 20 women, is in India for a 25 day Know India Programmes (KIP) from 29th November to 23rd December. The group includes participants ..
Pluralism, inclusion should be cornerstones of governance: Naidu
The notion of pluralism, inclusion and peaceful co-existence have to be the cornerstones of governance, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said on Tuesday, emphasising that development with dignity must be the agenda of nation.
Secularism safe in India as it is in people's DNA: VP
Secularism is "safe" in India because it is in the DNA of its people, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said today and stressed on telling the new generation about Indian culture of living in harmony. He also said the duty of the majority community is to win over minorities and the duty of the minority community is to think in terms of nation first. Delivering the 10th annual lecture of the National Commission for Minorities, he said India has no history of attacking any country, while there were countries which attacked and looted it. Noting that Indian civilisation has survived despite such attacks and invasions because it always believed in harmony, he said the new generation should be reminded about the Indian culture and heritage. The theme of the lecture was 'Minorities in Nation Building'. "Let me make it very clear and share my thoughts. Secularism is safe in India not simply because of the Constitition... Secularism is safe in India because secularism is in the ..
Aadhar enrolment crosses 1 cr mark in JK
Aadhaar enrolment in Jammu and Kashmir has crossed one crore mark against a total population of 1.25 crore as per 2011 census and cards of 97 lakh residents have been generated till date. "Aadhaar enrolment which is being done on a continuous basis has reached 1.09 crore and the Aadhaar cards of 97 lakh residents have been generated so far," Secretary, Information Technology department, Saugat Biswas said at a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary B B Vyas here. In his power point presentation on the status and progress of Aadhaar enrolment in the state, Biswas apprised that 11,04,786 enrolments were done in last six months. "For this purpose, around 350 machines had been deployed at various locations in all the districts of the state. The department had contracted the work to the Electronic Corporation of India limited, a public sector undertaking of the Government of India," he said. In order to universalise the Aadhaar in the state, he said the UIDAI has appointed ...
Guj verdict a warning bell for BJP; Cong fails to tap people's
Although the BJP scraped through to an election victory in Gujarat despite a stiff challenge posed by a resurgent Congress, political observers feel that the Assembly poll outcome has sounded a "warning bell" for the BJP on a host of issues. They also feel that though the election saw Congress president Rahul Gandhi emerging as "a matured leader", the opposition party lost a "golden chance" to convert people's anger against the BJP into an electoral victory. The Gujarat election was a battle of prestige for the BJP given that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah hail from the state. The two leaders personally led a high-pitched campaign to check Gandhi making inroads into the state, coinciding with his elevation as the party chief. Although the saffron camp managed to win 99 seats in the 182-member assembly, its tally dipped from 115 in the last elections, much lower than the 150-plus seats it had hoped for. The BJP bagged just seven more than the .
Four held for suicide bid in Collectorate premises
: Taking a serious view of recurring incidents of suicide threats at the Collectorate campus here, police today arrested four persons, who indulged in such acts, pressing various demands. Those arrested on the charge of attempting to commit suicide, included functionaries of two social service outfits, who threatened self-immolation using the kerosene brought by them in a can, and a youth who cut his hand yesterday. Police said action was taken as there has been a rise in cases of petitioners coming for the weekly grievances day meet held on Mondays, holding out such suicide threats if their pleas were not met. Such petitioners allegedly brought among things kerosene and sharp weapons. The youth was arrested today after police registered a case for attempt to commit suicide. Police, meanwhile arrested one Shankar of Kasbapet in this district, for allegedly attempting to commit self-immolation inside the Collectorate yesterday, demanding grant of patta to him. The four ...
Centre continuously persuading states to adopt Clinical
The Centre has been continuously persuading states to adopt the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, or to consider bringing a state-specific legislation if the adoption is not suitable, the government today said. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, also said, the Act has been adopted by 10 states and all the Union Territories (UTs), "except Delhi". "Health being a State subject, the registration and regulation of clinical establishments falls within their remit. States are being continuously persuaded to adopt the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010, or to consider bringing a state-specific legislation if adoption of the Act is not found suitable," she said. The minister said the Act has been adopted by Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Assam, and all UTs, except Delhi. In a reply
Helping strangers can boost confidence of teenagers
Lending a helping hand to strangers can help teenagers improve self esteem and boost confidence, suggests new research.
Bodies of man, woman found in UP; suicide suspected: Police
The bodies of a man and a women, both in their early 20s, were found in Madhuvan police station area here, police said today, expressing apprehension that the duo might have committed suicide. According to Additional Superintendent of Police Shivaji Shukla, the deceased, Rishichand and Pratima, both aged 21, died under mysterious circumstances and their bodies were found in Bahripur village. "Family members of the deceased have submitted complaint in this regard, which is being investigated upon. It seems to be a case of suicide," ASP Shukla said. The bodies have been sent for post mortem and the matter is being probed, he said.
Painting, cake cutting programmes for jailed women
After a painting session in the open, women inmates of a correctional home near here would take part in a cake cutting ceremony in this festive season in an effort to bring them back to mainstream society. Dumdum Central Correctional Home authorities, in collaboration with an NGO, have taken these steps to make these inmates feel wanted and be a part of mainstream society. "We always extend support to such initiatives. Such steps will enable the inmates to return to mainstream society and not feel ostracised," DG & IG of Correctional Services Arun Kumar Gupta said. Chaitali Das, Managing Trustee of Rakshak Foundation, the NGO involved in the project to empower women inmates, said the inmates would participate in a cake cutting ceremony in the upcoming Christmas-New Year season. "The cake cutting ceremony will be held in the presence of jail officials. The date will be finalised soon," she said. The NGO had arranged another programme on Sunday last when four inmates ..
61 farmers ended lives in C'garh in 8 months this year: Govt
Sixty onefarmers have committed suicide in Chhattisgarh between April and November this year, thestate government informed the Legislative Assembly today. State Revenue Minister Premprakash Pandey gave this information in a written reply to a question asked by Leader of Opposition T S Singhdeo. "Sixty one farmers have committed suicide across Chhattisgarh between April 1 and November 30, 2017," the minister said. As per the reply, 14 farmers have committed suicide in Balodabazar district during the period, followed by Kabeerdham (13), Bemetara (9), Rajnandgaon (9) and Durg (4). Similarly, three suicides were reported in Dhamtari district, two each in Raipur, Balod, Kanker and Mahasamund while one in Janjgir-Champa, the reply said.
Panvel civic body passes resolution to ban liquor sale
The BJP-ruled Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) in neighbouring Raigad district has passed a unanimous resolution banning sale of liquor in the civic limits. The resolution, passed in the general body meeting of the civic body yesterday, will now be sent to the Maharashtra Urban Development department for a final approval. Established in 2016, the PCMC includes 29 revenue villages of Panvel taluka including Taloja, Kharghar, Kalamboli, Kamothe and Turbhe. Among various nodes under the PCMC, Kharghar is known as an education hub near Navi Mumbai. Explaining the rationale, PCMC Mayor Kavita Chaoutmol said the prohibition will help maintaining order in the area. "Most municipalities across the country only think about it (banning liqour sale) but we have done that. We are glad as the resolution will help maintaining sanctity of the place," Choutmol told PTI today. PWP corporator Arvind Mhatre, who proposed the resolution, said the move will bring down the incidents of
'Collecting info from states on builders committing fraud in
The Centre was collecting information from the states and union territories on private builders allegedly indulging in forgery in the name of the affordable housing scheme, Parliament was informed today. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Housing and Urban Affairs minister Hardeep Singh Puri said various steps have been taken by the ministry to deal with complaints regarding bogus developers offering flats under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). To a query whether private builders were indulging in forgery on a large scale under the housing scheme, he said, "The information is being collected from the states/UTs governments." Besides issuing public notice in major regional dailies cautioning people against possible fraud in the name of PMAY (U), the ministry has posted a disclaimer on its website intimating public that government has not authorised any private entity to collect money for availing any benefit under the affordable housing scheme, Puri said. Under .
HC stays criminal proceedings against financier Anbuchezhian
The Madras High Court today stayed till January 29 criminal proceedings against absconding film financier G N Anbuchezhian in a case relating to the alleged suicide of a producer. Justice MS Ramesh passed the interim order on a petition by Anbuchezhian who went into hiding after a case of abetment of suicide and charging exorbitant interest was registered against him. Ashok Kumar, relative of noted filmmaker M Sasikumar, had allegedly committed suicide here last month and a purported suicide note recovered from the spot blamed Anbuchezhian for pushing him to take the extreme step. Kumar reportedly had accused the financier of charging exorbitant interest on some loans obtained by him, and harassing him for the same. Contending that director Sasikumar had lodged a complaint against him with an intention to prevent him from taking steps to recover the money due, the petitioner sought to quash the criminal charges against him. Sasikumar had borrowed money for the production
Rohingya refugees to start returning from January: officials
Bangladesh and Myanmar today reaffirmed their commitment to begin repatriating Rohingya refugees from January, despite rights groups warning that their safety is still not assured should they return. The foreign secretaries of Bangladesh and Myanmar met in Dhaka to finalise the agreement signed on November 23 for the voluntary return of nearly three-quarters of a million stateless Rohingya living in refugee camps along the border. A new working group would "ensure commencement of repatriation within two months" by developing a timetable for the verification of refugee identities and logistics of their return, Bangladesh's foreign ministry said in a statement. "Now, we will start the next step of our work," Bangladesh foreign minister A.H. Mahmood Ali told reporters after the meeting. The reaffirmation comes a day after Human Rights Watch, citing analysis of satellite imagery, said Myanmar's army burned down dozens of Rohingya homes within days of signing the repatriation
UP:Illegal liquor worth Rs 80 lakh seized, two arrested
Two persons have been arrested and illicit liquor, valued at Rs 80 lakh, was seized during two separate raids here, police said today. According to the police, the illegal liquor was stocked for the illegal transportation to the neighbouring state Bihar. "During a campaign to curb illegal transportation of liquor to Bihar, police in Rasra raided a private school, and seized liquor worth Rs 58 lakh from there," Superintendent of Police(SSP) Anil Kumar said today. He added that police have arrested two liquor smugglers, while seven other smugglers fled from the spot. In another raid, which was conducted at a farm house under Revti police station area, he said police seized liquor worth Rs 22 lakh.
