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In a first, woman to head Xavier's in interim role

In a first, woman to head Xavier's in interim role

Time of India02-05-2025

Mumbai: For the first time in its 156-year history, St Xavier's College, Mumbai, will be led by a woman—even if temporarily.
Karuna Gokarn
(55), a microbiologist and current vice-principal (academics), has been appointed as the in-charge principal by the
Jesuit Board
. She will take charge following Rajendra Shinde's retirement on May 31.
Shinde, who had made history as the college's first principal of another faith, has served seven years in the role. With govt issuing an NOC, the college is expected to begin the recruitment process for a permanent principal soon. Until then, Gokarn will hold fort, becoming the first woman to head the iconic south Mumbai institute.
Gokarn has been associated with the college for 30 years, starting off as a microbiology teacher, then heading the biotechnology department, and more recently, being picked as nodal officer for implementation of NEP 2020 and director, internal quality assurance cell. Gokarn, who will take charge on June 1, said even if it is an in-charge post, it is a great opportunity to head the Jesuit institution. "I am acquainted with the staff and working in different portfolios has helped me gain confidence." She said she experienced extreme job satisfaction in the multiple roles she has handled and is looking forward to this one.
The college has had 22 Jesuit priests as principals. In 2015, Agnelo Menezes became the first non-Jesuit principal and Shinde took charge in 2018.
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Rector Father Keith D'Souza said Gokarn's appointment is in line with the policy of inclusion. "We are happy that we have been able to identify a capable candidate to assume leadership in this period of transition. Around 70% of our teaching staff and students' bodies are women," he said, adding that Gokarn's appointment is for six months or till the new principal is appointed.
Shinde said choosing a woman for the role goes on to fortify the institute's inclusion policy. The college was among the top 100 in NIRF for four out of six years during his tenure. During his term, the college started over a dozen new programmes and four new PhD courses, reinstated NCC after almost five decades and reintroduced Marathi after 45 years. The college even got various grants of Rs 13 crore.

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UN warns of 'unprecedented decline' in world fertility rates; Reveals the key factor responsible for the trend
UN warns of 'unprecedented decline' in world fertility rates; Reveals the key factor responsible for the trend

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

UN warns of 'unprecedented decline' in world fertility rates; Reveals the key factor responsible for the trend

You're in for some grim news. The United Nations has issued a stark warning regarding the fertility rate worldwide. According to a new report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN agency for reproductive rights, global fertility rates are experiencing an "unprecedented decline. " The agency has taken its strongest line yet on fertility decline, warning that hundreds of millions of people are not able to have the number of children they want, citing the prohibitive cost of parenthood and the lack of a suitable partner as some of the reasons, signaling a demographic shift that could reshape societies, economies, and policies worldwide. What happened? UNFPA surveyed 14,000 people in 14 countries about their fertility intentions. One in five said they haven't had or expect they won't have their desired number of children. The countries surveyed - South Korea, Thailand, Italy, Hungary, Germany, Sweden, Brazil, Mexico, the US, India, Indonesia, Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria - account for a third of the global population. They are a mix of low, middle, and high-income countries and those with low and high fertility. UNFPA surveyed young adults and those past their reproductive years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo As per Dr Natalia Kanem, head of UNFPA, who told the BBC, "The world has begun an unprecedented decline in fertility rates." What are the findings? According to Dr Kanem, "Most people surveyed want two or more children. Fertility rates are falling in large part because many feel unable to create the families they want. And that is the real crisis." The survey, which is a pilot for research in 50 countries later this year, is limited in its scope. When it comes to age groups within countries, for example, the sample sizes are too small to draw solid conclusions. However, some findings are clear. In all countries, 39% of people said financial limitations prevented them from having a child. The highest response was in Korea (58%), the lowest in Sweden (19%). In total, only 12% of people cited infertility - or difficulty conceiving - as a reason for not having the number of children they wanted to. But that figure was higher in countries including Thailand (19%), the US (16%), South Africa (15%), Nigeria (14%), and India (13%). Experts' take: As per demographer Anna Rotkirch, who has researched fertility intentions in Europe and advises the Finnish government on population policy, quoted by the BBC, "Calling this a crisis, saying it's real. That's a shift I think." She added, "Overall, there's more undershooting than overshooting of fertility ideals." Anna has studied this at length in Europe and is interested to see it reflected at a global level. She was also surprised by how many respondents over 50 (31%) said they had fewer children than they wanted. As per Prof Stuart Gietel-Basten, demographer at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, quoted by the BBC, "This is the first time that [the UN] have really gone all-out on low fertility issues.' Until recently, the agency focused heavily on women who have more children than they wanted and the "unmet need" for contraception. Still, the UNFPA is urging caution in response to low fertility. As per Dr Kanem, "Right now, what we're seeing is a lot of rhetoric of catastrophe, either overpopulation or shrinking population, which leads to this kind of exaggerated response, and sometimes a manipulative response. In terms of trying to get women to have more children, or fewer." Dr Kanem also pointed out that 40 years ago, China, Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Turkey were all worried their populations were too high. By 2015, they wanted to boost fertility. According to Prof Gietel-Basten, "We want to try as far as possible to avoid those countries enacting any kind of panicky policies." He added, "We are seeing low fertility, population ageing, population stagnation used as an excuse to implement nationalist, anti-migrant policies and gender conservative policies." Factors responsible for the decline in fertility rate: While the decline in fertility rates is a complex issue influenced by a multitude of factors, including societal changes, economic shifts, and advancements in reproductive technologies, key drivers include increased female education, changing societal attitudes towards family size, access to contraception, and rising concerns about infertility due to lifestyle factors and environmental pollution. Here's a more detailed look at the key factors: Socio-economic and cultural factors: Increased female education and workforce participation: Education and employment opportunities for women often lead to later marriages and smaller family sizes, as women prioritize careers and personal growth. Changing societal norms and attitudes: Traditional values emphasizing large families are gradually giving way to smaller, more modern family structures. Economic development and urbanization: As countries develop, the costs of raising children can increase, leading to a desire for fewer children. Greater emphasis on individual aspirations and career goals: Women and couples are increasingly prioritizing their personal and professional goals, leading to delayed childbearing. Access to family planning and reproductive health services: The availability of contraception and family planning resources empowers individuals to make informed choices about family size. Shift in childbearing preferences: Individuals are increasingly choosing to have fewer children or delay parenthood, reflecting changing values and priorities. Health and infertility: Rising cases of infertility: Lifestyle factors (obesity, stress, smoking), environmental pollution, and increased awareness of reproductive health issues contribute to rising infertility rates. Age-related decline in fertility: Both men and women experience a decline in fertility with age, with women's fertility declining more rapidly after the mid-30s. Medical conditions affecting fertility: Various medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis, can impact fertility. Technological and policy factors: Advancements in reproductive technologies: While these technologies offer hope for infertile couples, they can also contribute to a decline in natural conception rates. Family planning policies and programs: Government initiatives promoting family planning and reproductive health can influence fertility rates. Environmental factors: Pollution and environmental toxins: Environmental pollutants can negatively impact reproductive health and contribute to infertility. Climate change: The effects of climate change can also impact reproductive health and fertility. What can be done to reverse the decline? Reversing the global decline in fertility rates requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on economic stability, social support, and policy changes. While some factors like education and access to healthcare are associated with lower fertility, reversing the trend necessitates creating environments that are more conducive to having children. Here's a breakdown of strategies: Economic stability and opportunity: Promote stable employment and income growth: Economic security is a major factor in family planning decisions. 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Scorpio Moon on Jyestha Purnima 2025: Don't chase external validation
Scorpio Moon on Jyestha Purnima 2025: Don't chase external validation

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Scorpio Moon on Jyestha Purnima 2025: Don't chase external validation

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Flouting of fire norms rampant across city
Flouting of fire norms rampant across city

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Flouting of fire norms rampant across city

New Delhi: Whether it's residential apartments, exam coaching centres or hospitals, fire safety compliance remains lax across Delhi. Fire officials have repeatedly stressed that non-compliance with safety norms not only increases fire risks but also hinders rescue operations. High-rise residential buildings present a recurring pattern. At the time of application for the mandatory dire no-objection certificate (NOC), such buildings maintain proper fire-fighting systems and comply with safety regulations. However, over time, the precautions are ignored. "During the second or third inspections, we often uncover numerous shortcomings in high-rise buildings," one fire officer revealed. "The building managers also neglect to renew the NOCs, which can be extremely dangerous in the event of a fire." Another common hazard in residential structures is outdated electrical wiring. As residents use more appliances and devices, the load on old wiring increases dramatically but there often are no commensurate upgrades. This has become a significant contributor to short circuits and blazes. "In every residential fire, we encounter this common fault. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 임플란트, 지금 시작하세요 [자세히 보기] 임플란트 더 알아보기 Undo We repeatedly urge residents to upgrade their wiring, all in vain," the officer said. Till April 6, Delhi reported around 1,045 residential fire cases. Among the causes are construction practices. Use of flammable materials, such as plywood and MDF for false ceilings, allow fires to spread quickly from one floor to another. Renewal of fire NOCs ensures that safety systems such as fire alarms, extinguishers, hydrants and sprinklers remain functional. So failure to acquire the certification leaves people vulnerable and unprepared during emergencies, the officer pointed out. In medical institutions, the risks are compounded by narrow staircases and non-compliant building designs. "Many nursing homes have been set up in structures not meant for medical use, like old residential buildings," said an officer. "These spaces lack usable fire exits, so during patient evacuations — especially of critical patients — rescue teams face severe difficulties." In two years till May, Delhi suffered 78 fires in hospitals and nursing homes. Educational institutions are also plagued by fire risks. Electricity meters are often installed haphazardly and near escape routes, firefighting equipment is often missing or non-functional, buildings are overcrowded and regular electrical audits are rarely conducted. These conditions create situations ripe for disaster. Between Jan 2023 and May this year, Delhi recorded 130 fire-related incidents in schools and coaching centres. According to firemen, the incorporation of fire safety features during construction is crucial for preventing tragedies. Also, holding mock drills periodically can prove beneficial because it exposes gaps in the system. One small but important step would be to locate the electricity meters in a safe place. "Electric meters should be installed away from staircases and fire escape routes to prevent smoke creation by short circuits," the officer said. "This will also aid safe evacuation during incidents."

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