Latest news with #Protection
Express Tribune
38 minutes ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Punjab gets first Child Protection Policy
The Punjab cabinet has approved the province's first-ever comprehensive Child Protection Policy. This policy developed by the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau with technical support from UNICEF Pakistan was described as a new benchmark for child welfare, marking a transformative step toward ending violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect against children in the communities. The policy, according to the CPWB chairperson, serves as a comprehensive roadmap for child protection mechanisms across Punjab. It is the culmination of efforts that began over two years ago with the submission of the draft to the home department. Case management activities under the policy framework have been underway for over a year. Chairing the cabinet meeting that took up 101 agenda items, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also announced a plan to reduce the power tariffs in order to provide maximum relief to the people. This is the second time that a province was fiddling with electricity tariffs that originally is a federal subject. Once implemented, Punjab will became the first province to voluntarily reduce electricity tariffs. The chief minister approved reduction in the tariffs of Punjab's power companies. On the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the tariffs may be reduced by 30 to 40 per cent. The provincial cabinet approved the reduction in tariffs of the Quaid-i-Azam and Punjab Thermal Power Private Limited. To address the grievances of the provinces estranged farmers, the chief minister said that a huge package is going to be given to the wheat growers. It was informed in the meeting that the payment of Rs5,000 per acre subsidy has been completed to 514,000 wheat farmers. The payment will be made after the verification process of another 500,000 farmers is completed. Al allocation of Rs63 billion was provided in the second phase through the Kisan Card and farmers have purchased fertilizer worth Rs18 billion. The cabinet approved the Chief Minister Wheat Programme 2025. Continuing with the tradition the provincial PML-N government of creating layers upon layers of companies and authorities, the cabinet approved the establishment of the Air Punjab Private Limited Company. The CM set a target of launching the Air Punjab within a year. She ordered immediate steps for closing vaping centres in the province. She also directed the authorities to ensure safety gear for labourers and assigned the labour department a target of implementing safety SOPs for workers within a month. The provincial cabinet approved ration cards for workers and miners registered with the labour department and provision of electric buses in nine divisions of Punjab. The CM issued directives to establish charging stations in all major cities as soon as possible. Eco-tourism project were approved for Changa Manga and Lal Sohanra parks.
India Today
11 hours ago
- General
- India Today
Understanding SPF for Children: What every mother in India should know
India's climate, defined by long summers, intense sunlight, and increasingly unpredictable weather, poses unique challenges for parents trying to protect their children from sun damage. While sunscreen is a familiar part of adult skincare, many Indian parents are still unsure about when to introduce sun protection for kids. Is sunscreen safe for toddlers? What level of SPF is enough? How often should it be reapplied?advertisementWith UV levels rising across the subcontinent and cases of skin sensitivity and sun damage increasing even in children, it's time we look at SPF not just as a cosmetic afterthought, but as an everyday CHILDREN NEED SUN PROTECTION Children's skin is much more delicate and permeable than adults', making it more vulnerable to UV rays. According to dermatologists, just a few blistering sunburns during childhood can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer later in life, including more concerning is that up to 80% of lifetime sun exposure typically happens before the age of 18. Sun protection in the early years isn't optional, but it is a long-term investment in a child's 101: WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT MATTERSSPF, or Sun Protection Factor, refers to how effectively a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, the ones responsible for sunburn and skin cancer. Here's a quick reference:SPF 15 blocks ~93% of UVB raysSPF 30 blocks ~97%SPF 50 blocks ~98%advertisementThough the differences seem minor, they can be meaningful for children who spend extended hours in the sun. Also, higher SPF does not mean longer wear; reapplication every two hours remains WHAT ABOUT UVA?While SPF measures UVB protection, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause long-term cellular damage, ageing, and pigmentation. Look for sunscreens labelled broad-spectrum, meaning they shield from both UVA and UVB THE RIGHT SUNSCREEN FOR CHILDRENWith India's growing skincare market, there are now several options specifically formulated for children. But not all are created equal. Here's what to look for:SPF 30 or higher – Suitable for Indian sun conditionsMineral-based formulations – Ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are gentle and non-irritatingFragrance-free, hypoallergenic – Ideal for sensitive young skinBroad-spectrum protection – Guards against both UVA and UVBWater-resistant – A must for playtime, especially during summer vacationsEXPERT SPEAK: WHY MOMS SHOULDN'T SKIP THE SUNSCREEN'The misconception that children don't need sunscreen, especially on cloudy days or in winter, is still prevalent in many Indian households,' says Ms. Shaily Mehrotra,CEO and Co-founder, at Fixderma Skincare, a dermatologically backed skincare brand. 'But UV radiation is constant year-round and can penetrate through clouds and even windows. Starting sun protection early builds a habit and significantly reduces long-term skin risks.' HOW TO APPLY SUNSCREEN THE RIGHT WAYApply 15–30 minutes before going outdoorsUse a generous amount – about a teaspoon for the face and a shot-glass size for the bodyCover all exposed areas – don't forget ears, neck, backs of hands, feet and scalp if every two hours, or after swimming/sweatingAvoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongestSUNSCREEN ISN'T ENOUGH—LAYER THE PROTECTIONTo truly safeguard your child's skin, sunscreen should be combined with:Protective clothing – Long sleeves in breathable fabricsHats and sunglasses – For facial and eye protectionShade-seeking habits – Encourage children to play in shaded areas during peak hoursMAKE IT A ROUTINE, NOT A REMINDERChildren learn through habits. Just like brushing their teeth or washing their hands becomes second nature, applying sunscreen should also be a part of their daily routine, especially before going outdoors. Encourage them to take part in the process by allowing them to apply the sunscreen themselves, with supervision. You can also create enjoyable rituals, like 'sun shield time,' to make it more INDIAN CONTEXT: WHY IT'S EVEN MORE IMPORTANT HEREIndia's proximity to the equator results in higher UV index levels throughout the year, regardless of the season. Additionally, increasing air pollution ironically exacerbates UV damage by thinning the ozone layer, making the need for early sun protection even more critical. A mother's instinct is to protect her child, and when it comes to sun exposure, that protection starts with knowledge. Understanding SPF and incorporating sunscreen into your child's daily routine is essential not only for preventing tans or burns but also for safeguarding their skin health for years to come. As Ms. Mehrotra emphasises, 'Sun protection in childhood lays the foundation for lifelong skin health. It's one of the simplest and most effective habits a parent can pass on.' So, the next time you head out with your child, don't forget to bring that little bottle of sunscreen. Although it may be small, its impact can last a lifetime.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Smartphone IP ratings explained: What are IP68 and IP69, and are they waterproof?
Many smartphones, be it mid-rangers, flagships, or sometimes even entry-level ones, sport an IP rating, or Ingress Protection Rating for durability. We have seen smartphones support dual IP ratings or single IP ratings, and each time the number could be different. A smartphone might support IP68, while another may support a dual IP rating of IP68 + IP69. Now, as a general consumer, it might be confusing as to what these numbers mean in real life. It is not really hard to understand. These numbers denote different levels of protection in different ratings. What you need to understand before getting started is that the first digit of this number denotes protection against dust, and the second digit denotes protection against water. When a smartphone features a combination of two different ratings, that means it is protected against the different types of ingress that particular rating allows for. So here, without much further ado, let us understand different types of popular smartphone IP ratings. Also Read: PlayStation Days of Play Sale: Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, and more games get big price cuts If a smartphone has an IP68 rating, this means that the device is dust-sealed and can be submerged in water for long periods, often beyond 1 metre in depth, under conditions specified by the manufacturer. This makes a smartphone suitable for accidental submersion in freshwater bodies like a lake or river, but, of course, it cannot be too deep, or this protection will not apply. If a smartphone has an IP69 rating, this allows for dust sealing as well as the ability to withstand high-pressure and high-temperature water jets. This allows for endurance during extreme conditions, such as very harsh environments and industrial cleaning processes. If your smartphone has an IP rating that starts with 'X' (eg, IPX8), this means it has not been officially rated for dust resistance. The subsequent digit for water resistance still applies. So, if a phone has an IPX8 rating, that means your phone will function even after being submerged in freshwater for up to 30 minutes, under specific conditions. It goes without saying, but even if your phone has the best IP rating and you're ready to submerge it in a pool, if for some reason it gets water-damaged, your smartphone company won't repair it under warranty. The key word here is 'water-resistant', not waterproof. So, if they detect water damage, your phone's warranty will be void. MOBILE FINDER: iPhone 16 LATEST Price, Specs And More
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Elite mindset': HC junks Manimajra RWA plea against street vendors, imposes ₹1 lakh cost
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed a writ petition filed by Malkit Singh and others, presidents of the Manimajra Vyapar Mandal and the local RWA, seeking the removal of street vendors from Manimajra. Terming it a 'motivated attempt' to destabilise vendors, the court imposed a cost of ₹1 lakh—₹50,000 on each petitioner — to be deposited with the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation for the welfare of street vendors and their families. The ruling, delivered by a Division Bench of Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Meenakshi I Mehta, condemned the misuse of legal process to target livelihoods. The petitioners had alleged that fruit sellers, hawkers, and other vendors were encroaching on roads, footpaths, and parks, obstructing traffic and harming their businesses. They relied on a 2019 High Court order against shopkeeper encroachments and submitted photos of golgappa and vegetable vendors — none of whom were party to the case. Rejecting the plea, the bench upheld vendors' rights under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014. Citing Supreme Court rulings in Gainda Ram v. MCD (2010) and Sodan Singh v. NDMC (1989), the court affirmed street vending as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(g). Calling out class bias, the judges observed, 'There is an elite class still following the Britishers, who looks down upon their own countrymen doing small business and treat them as if they are mafias.' India, they said, remains an agrarian society shaped by rural migration to cities, and the judiciary must rise above elitist impressions. Noting that vendors can't be evicted without a proper five-yearly survey by the Town Vending Committee, the court acknowledged instances of misuse by shopkeepers and individuals falsifying records. It directed the Municipal Corporation to create a dedicated cell to curb such practices 'with integrity and dutifully.' The court also ordered that fees collected from vendors be placed under a separate budget head and used exclusively for their welfare, including medical and insurance benefits. (CWP No. 10327 of 2022)
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Town vending committee election to be held on May 30
The Tiruchi Corporation has made elaborate arrangements for the elections to the town vending committee on May 30 (Friday). A total of 15 candidates are contesting in the election to constitute the street vending committee in Tiruchi city. Six representatives of street vendors will be elected under six categories, with one representative per category. One representative each would be elected from the categories of Scheduled Caste, women, persons with disabilities, minorities, backward classes and general category. Officials said that there are about two to three candidates in each category. According to the officials, elaborate arrangements have been made for the elections. Around six polling booths have been set up and every polling booth would have a presiding officer and three polling officials. A total of 18 tables have been set up to facilitate the counting of votes. Revenue and Corporation officials have been appointed to carry out the elections and counting. Basic amenities such as drinking water and sanitary facilities were made. The polling will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bishop Heber Higher Secondary School, Puthur. Counting of votes will be taken up at 6 p.m. the same day. As many as 6,220 street vendors were provided with identity cards through a GPS-enabled survey conducted by the civic body. Earlier, about 5,231 street vendors were identified, and following a backlash, a new round of enrolment was carried out to include those who had been left out. The election to the street vending committee was announced to regulate the business of street vendors in all five zones of the city without hindering public movement. A 15-member town vending committee will be formed following the election to make suggestions for finalising the vending zones and no-vending zones for business. The election is mandated under Section 38 (1) of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, and Tamil Nadu Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Rules, 2015.
