Latest news with #Vishakha
NDTV
5 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
From Muscle Cramps To Brittle Nails, Doctor Shares 10 Symptoms Of Common Nutrient Deficiencies In The Body
Suffering from dandruff, excessive hair fall, brittle nails and other health issues is not uncommon today. But have you ever wondered if your body is trying to tell you something? These symptoms, which may have minimal or very subtle effects at first, can often signal serious underlying concerns. Sometimes, they are key ways our bodies send signals indicating nutrient deficiencies. Wondering how to understand the potential health issues related to these signs? Worry not! Dr. Vishakha has shared a video on Instagram offering valuable insights into decoding these body cues. "These signs may be your body's SOS - catch them early, fix your health faster," read the caption alongside the video. Take a look at her video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr Vishakha (@doctorvee) In the video, Vishakha discusses 10 "BODY CLUES" and their hidden messages regarding nutrient deficiencies. Here's how to read the signs and what deficiencies they may indicate: Dandruff – If you have a flaky scalp, the doctor reveals that your body might be lacking in fatty acids, zinc and vitamin B complex. Frequent mouth ulcers – According to Vishakha, recurring canker sores, which are small, painful yet non-contagious ulcers that occur inside the mouth, may indicate a deficiency in folate or zinc. Brittle nails – Weak, brittle nails are key signs that your body is deficient in iron, zinc, or protein. Muscle cramps – Painful muscle cramps, which are sudden contractions of one or more muscles, may signal a deficiency in magnesium, calcium, or potassium. Swollen, bleeding gums – Also known as gingivitis, these signs indicate a lack of vitamin C, according to Vishakha. Dry, thinning eyebrows – Thin eyebrows may point to potential thyroid issues, especially hypothyroidism, or an iodine deficiency. Constant brain fog – Difficulty concentrating may be due to a lack of omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin B12 complex. Slow wound healing – If your wounds take too long to heal, you might be lacking zinc or protein. Hair thinning/hair loss – To prevent hair thinning and excessive hair loss, Vishakha suggests checking your protein, zinc, and iron levels. Persistent fatigue – Feeling tired and burned out all the time may indicate deficiencies in vitamin D, iron, or magnesium. Recognising these signs and boosting your diet with nutrient-rich foods can help prevent potential health risks. According to the doctor, if you notice these signs in your body, you should check your nutrient levels immediately and start taking proactive steps to maintain optimal health Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Unfinished business of gender justice in India
No history of gender justice laws in India can be written without drawing a direct, scarred line from the brutal assault on Bhanwari Devi in 1992 to the gut-wrenching tragedy of the 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder. Not as isolated crimes, but as eruptions of women's long-endured trauma into public and legal arenas. In 2012, a 23-year-old woman's brutal gangrape and fatal assault on a bus in Delhi by six men tore through the nation's conscience. And this time, the State's response was swift. (HT Photo) The story of Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan (1997) begins not in the hushed halls of the Supreme Court, but in a village in Rajasthan, where Bhanwari Devi, a grassroots worker with the Women Development Programme, dared to challenge age-old patriarchal traditions by trying to prevent the child marriage of a one-year-old girl in her village. As punishment, she was brutally gang-raped by five Gujjar landlords. What followed was a chilling display of apathy and systemic failure. The police refused to file an FIR, Bhanwari Devi's medical report was incomplete, and the court acquitted the accused, casting doubt on her husband's testimony and asserting that upper caste men wouldn't rape a lower caste woman. The verdict struck a match to years of simmering feminist anger. The 1980s and 90s were the decades of dowry deaths, bride burnings and misogyny. Women across India were fighting back, marching the streets, protesting and picketing. Bhanwari Devi was assaulted while on duty. Yet, her employer — the State — offered neither protection nor support. Sparking a firestorm of fury within women's collectives and Dalit groups, Bhanwari's case became a lightning rod for the historic case that was to follow. It was now up to the highest court to do what the lower court would not: Rule that workplace safety is a constitutional right. And so, in 1997 a historic PIL was filed by a cohort of organisations under the banner of Vishakha against the Rajasthan and the Union governments. The Supreme Court recognised gender equality as integral to rights under Articles 14 (equality before the law), 19(1)(g) (right to practice profession), and 21 (right to life with dignity). It held that sexual harassment at the workplace violates these rights, making it a constitutional issue. In the absence of legislation at the time, the Court framed the landmark Vishakha Guidelines — binding directives making employers responsible for safe, non-discriminatory workplaces. It also acknowledged the psychology of shame, the courage required for women to come forward, and the reality of police and judicial indifference. Yet, despite the celebrated judgment, implementation remained spotty. Few employers complied, fewer women dared complain, and the State dragged its feet on making the guidelines law. Societal attitudes, too, remained stubbornly unchanged. Until December 2012. In 2012, a 23-year-old woman's brutal gangrape and fatal assault on a bus in Delhi by six men tore through the nation's conscience. It exposed once again the State's chronic failure to protect women in public spaces, reigniting the public and legislative urgency begun by Vishakha. Once again, the country erupted in thunderous, unstoppable outrage. And this time, the State's response was swift. All the accused were arrested and charged with sexual assault and murder. One died in police custody. The remaining four adult men were tried, found guilty and sentenced to death. The juvenile received the maximum sentence under the Juvenile Justice Act: Three years in a reform facility. But most importantly, it snapped Parliament out of legislative slumber. The government responded with historic, if long overdue, laws. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 finally gave legislative teeth to the Vishakha Guidelines, making employer inaction a punishable offence. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, expanded the legal definition of sexual violence, added offences like stalking and voyeurism, increased penalties, and mandated swifter trials. The arc from Bhanwari Devi's assault to Delhi rape-murder is a reminder that justice in India too often arrives only after unimaginable suffering. Vishakha exposed the cost of legal neglect; the Delhi rape and murder laid bare the deadly gap between law and enforcement. Yes, laws now exist. But women still fear walking home alone. Victims still face shame and disbelief. The courts still drag, and perpetrators still walk free. Why must women bleed before the law takes notice? Rights mean little without action. That is the unfinished business of gender justice. Bhanwari's last surviving rapist still walks free. Yet her legacy planted a stake in the ground. The fight is unfinished. But the path is lit. Insiyah Vahanvaty is a socio-political commentator and the author of The Fearless Judge. Ashish Bharadwaj is professor and dean of BITS Pilani's Law School in Mumbai. The views expressed are personal.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Grant Full Benefits to Widow of Cop Mowed Down by Truck Illegally Transporting Animals: HC
Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court has criticised the Maharashtra govt for denying enhanced compensation for over six years to the widow of a police constable, who was killed in line of duty. The court ruled his death fell squarely within the scope of "organised crime" under a 2008 govt policy. Constable Prakash Meshram, appointed in April 2012, was posted at Bhadrawati police station in Chandrapur district. On January 20, 2019, while conducting an operation with Warora police, he was run over by a vehicle illegally transporting animals. The incident led to registration of a case under various sections of Indian Penal Code, including murder alongside provisions of Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and Motor Vehicles Act. His widow, Vishakha, petitioned the court through counsel Shilpa Giratkar for benefits under the govt resolution (GR) dated November 29, 2008, which provides enhanced compensation to families of police personnel killed in action while tackling Naxalism, terrorism, dacoity, or organised crime. The state sanctioned ₹7.5 lakh under a different GR from 2012, contending the incident did not meet the "organised crime" threshold and no charges were filed under Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Algeria Solar Panels: See How Much It Will Cost To Install Them (See Prices) Solar Panel | Search Ads Learn More The HC division bench rejected that argument, pointing out that the special inspector general of police (administration) had explicitly recommended the 2008 GR's application, noting Meshram died while "controlling organised crime". The judges clarified the 2008 policy does not require MCOCA provisions for enhanced compensation. "When the senior police official, who is well aware of ground and field realities, recommended the case of the petitioner for grant of benefits under the govt resolution of November 29, 2008, stating the deceased lost his life while controlling organised crime, it's not open for the state govt to substitute its opinion merely because the offence was not registered under MCOCA Act," the bench said. The judges emphasised the policy was designed to provide social and financial security to families of officers killed on duty, especially in hazardous situations. "We fail to understand what prompted the state govt to disagree with the recommendations of the special inspector general of police," the court observed. The court directed the additional chief secretary (home) to ensure that all benefits due under the 2008 GR be paid to the petitioner and other legal heir within three months, adjusting the amount already disbursed. "A young police official lost his life while controlling organised crime," the judges noted, calling the denial of full benefits "unjustified". Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Time of India
Rape accused should be hanged, says law college vice-principal after GB meeting
1 2 Kolkata: The vice-principal of the law college where a first-year student was gang raped said the perpetrators should be hanged even as the governing body expelled Monojit Mishra and decided to appeal to the bar council for the cancellation of his licence to practice in court. "The rapists should be hanged for committing such a heinous crime on the college premises," Nayna Chatterjee, the vice-principal of the law college said after the governing body meeting on Tuesday. The meeting had been convened following a nudge from the higher education department to discuss issues that have come to the fore in the wake of the incident. The governing body expelled the key accused, Mishra, who was working as a casual staff member at the college since last year. He will also be asked to return the money that he had been paid by the college. Pramit Mukherjee and Zaib Ahmed — the other two accused — were barred from the campus and won't be able to get admission to any institute in Bengal. The governing body will also appeal to the bar council for the cancellation of Mishra's licence. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata College operating hours have been revised. The new timings will be from 7 am to 2 pm, instead of the previous schedule of 9 am to 4 pm. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Need To Kill Time On Your Computer, This Popular Strategy Game Is A Must Forge Of Empires Undo It has been decided that all college activities and services should be completed within this time period. No one will be allowed to stay on the college premises after working hours. If the family agrees, the governing body is ready to provide monetary assistance, including covering the survivors' medical treatment. New CCTV cameras will be installed at prominent positions. The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has been formed following the Vishakha guidelines. The college had a seven-member sexual harassment cell that was non-functional, but a proper ICC was formed by the governing body on Tuesday. The governing body has terminated the contract with the private security agency and blacklisted it. The college will select a new security service provider, prioritising enhanced surveillance systems, strict personnel verification, and comprehensive security protocols to ensure safety on the college campus. The college will appoint female security staff, too. The governing body president Ashok Deb said: "GB has strongly condemned this incident, and we want all the accused to receive the highest punishment. No one will be spared, and GB members will cooperate with the investigative agency." He also stated that classes would stay suspended until police permission was given to start regular classes, but the office will be functional from Wednesday. Sibranjan Chatterji, the govt nominee and the veteran educationist in the governing body, said: "There were some complaints made against him that were not about molestation, and it was GB's decision, not the individual's." He also admitted that police verification was not done when a casual staff was appointed to check people's criminal records. Haripada Banik, teaching staff representative in the governing body, said, There were all types of pressures by Monojit and his associates, and he introduced a threat culture on the campus. " Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
States without protection for inter-faith, inter-caste couples in contempt of SC: Mihir Desai
Prominent human rights lawyer Mihir Desai has said that all States which have failed to put in place mechanisms for the protection of inter-faith and inter-caste couples are in contempt of the Supreme Court. He was referring to the apex court's 2018 Shaktivahini judgment, which directed all States to establish protective measures for such couples, including helplines, special cells, and safe houses. In an interview with The Hindu, Mr. Desai emphasised the urgent need for a national law to protect the rights of individuals entering interfaith and intercaste marriages. 'An overwhelming majority of the States do not have the mechanism to protect such couples. In fact, by not having these mechanisms, they are in complete violation of the Supreme Court orders. They are in contempt,' he said. Mr. Desai drew a parallel with the Vishakha guidelines on workplace sexual harassment, noting that codification into law could provide the much-needed legal framework. 'If a law is properly worded and drafted in the right spirit, it would be very welcome,' he added, while expressing doubt about the political will for such legislation. The lawyer was speaking in the context of a recent order issued by the Maharashtra government, which laid out detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the protection of inter-faith and inter-caste couples. The order followed sustained monitoring by the Bombay High Court in response to a petition filed by Mr. Desai on behalf of a Hindu man and a Muslim woman who were forced to flee to Delhi in 2022 following threats over their decision to marry. The couple approached the Bombay High Court in September 2023, seeking protection and safe housing. After nearly two years of court-monitored proceedings, the Maharashtra government submitted SOPs that satisfied the court, leading to the disposal of the petition. Mr. Desai expressed gratitude to the High Court, stating that the State's response would not have materialised without judicial intervention. 'On its own, the State government would not have acted - especially in a political environment where there is hostility towards inter-faith marriages, and a focus on so-called 'freedom of religion' laws that are effectively aimed at curbing conversions, rather than safeguarding individual autonomy,' he said. Systemic Patriarchy and Social Backlash Reflecting on the broader societal landscape, Mr. Desai said, 'Even today, inter-caste marriages are shunned. Just look at the matrimonial columns. There is fierce resistance to inter-faith marriages not just from families, but also from communal forces across all religions.' He noted that the threats and violence faced by such couples reflect deep-rooted patriarchal and regressive attitudes. 'The idea that an adult woman has the agency to choose her partner is still difficult for many to accept. That is how patriarchy operates in India,' he said. Need for Proactive State Intervention Mr. Desai also criticised the general reluctance of the State to proactively defend the individual's fundamental right to choose a life partner. 'The State needs to step in - even if it means confronting societal pressure - to uphold the rule of law and constitutional rights,' he said. The Shaktivahini judgment, delivered in the context of caste-based violence and khap panchayats in Haryana, recognised that inter-faith couples also face significant threats across the country. The guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in 2018 called for: (1) helplines to report threats and seek immediate assistance, (2) special cells for lodging complaints, and (3) safe houses for couples at risk of violence. This week, Maharashtra became one of the few States to formally implement all three components.
