The Indian Panorama

Year: 2013

  • Obama Nominates Jack Lew as Treasury Secretary

    Obama Nominates Jack Lew as Treasury Secretary

    WASHINGTON (TIP): US President Barack Obama, in an effort to rejuvenate the battered US economy, on Thursday, January 10th, nominated his Chief-of-Staff and budget specialist Jack Lew to succeed Timothy Geithner as the next Treasury Secretary. Obama announced his nomination in the ornate White House East Room, flanked by Lew and outgoing Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. The two men and their backgrounds illustrate the nation’s changing economic landscape – Geithner a long time banking specialist with the Treasury and the Federal Reserve took office in 2009 at the height of the nation’s financial crisis and Lew, the budget expert as the government struggles with its debt and deficit challenges. Obama heaped praise on Geithner for addressing the Wall Street meltdown and shepherding an overhaul of financial regulations through Congress.

    “When the history books are written, Tim Geithner is going to go down as one of our finest secretaries of the Treasury.” Obama highlighted Lew’s past work on economic policy, from his days in the 1980s as an aide to then House Speaker Tip O’Neill to his work on the budget with President Bill Clinton. Obama said he felts “bittersweet” about losing Lew as his White House chief of staff but says “my loss will be the nation’s gain.”

    “I cannot think of a better person to continue Tim’s work at Treasury than Jack Lew,” Obama said, in a White House event announcing his nominations for the top cabinet jobs in his second term beginning January 20. “Jack knows that every number on a page, every dollar we budget, every decision we make, has to be an expression of who we wish to be as a nation,” Obama said. “So, I hope the Senate will confirm him as quickly as possible,” Obama said. “Jack Lew will bring an impressive record of service in both the public and private sectors for over three decades and economic expertise to this important role, and his deep knowledge of domestic and international economic issues will enable him to take on the challenges facing our economy at home and abroad on day one,” a White House official said, explaining the reasons behind Lew’s selection. “Throughout his career, Jack Lew has proven a successful and effective advocate for middle class families who can build bipartisan consensus to implement proven economic policies,” the official said.

    “As White House Chief of Staff, Jack Lew led the President’s team in tackling some of the toughest domestic and international economic challenges facing our nation in decades,” the official said, adding that that the challenges included strengthening nation’s recovery from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression to dealing with serious fiscal matters and challenges in the global economy.” “He also led the Office of Management and Budget under President Clinton and President Obama, negotiating a historic agreement with Congress during the Clinton administration to balance the federal budget and leading the negotiations of the bipartisan Budget Control Act in 2011, which brought discretionary spending to historically low levels,” the White House official said.

    As Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, in addition to managing the day-today operations of the Department, Lew managed the State Department’s international economic policy portfolio and travelled the world to advance our nation’s interest, said the official. “He also has a distinguished record leading private and public sector institutions and will bring strong relationships in the business community to his new role,” the official said.

    “At Citi, he was part of the senior internal management team of this global financial institution, serving as managing director and COO of Citi Global Wealth Management and then as managing director and COO of Citi Alternative Investments,” he said. A series of economic topics, including how to raise the USD 16.4 trillion federal borrowing limit to avert a first-ever default by the government and how to respond to China’s growing economic might, would await Lew at the Treasury Department, experts said.

  • It Was A Pre-Planned Operation: Dy GOC

    It Was A Pre-Planned Operation: Dy GOC

    RAJOURI (TIP): Brig JK Tiwari, Deputy General Officer Commanding of the 25 Infantry Division, said the gruesome killing of two soldiers by Pakistani troops in the Mendhar Sector on Tuesday was a pre-planned operation. Interacting with mediapersons after paying tribute to the two martyrs, Brig Tiwari termed the Pakistani Army’s action as most barbaric and inhuman. “It was a highly provocative act and pre-planned by Pakistan, which is highly condemnable,” he said. Explaining how the killings took place, Brigadier Tiwari said, “Our area domination patrol was moving from one post to another along the Line of Control (LoC). Mid-way, it came under heaving firing by a group of Pakistani troops who had crossed the LoC and intruded deep into our side. The firing continued for over half an hour,” he said.

    He said the soldiers were ambushed amid thick fog that greatly reduced visibility in the area, which has a thick forest cover and helped Pakistani troops intrude into India. “After the firing stopped, the patrol party started consolidation of the area and found two men of the advance patrolling party missing. After the search, the badly mutilated bodies of two soldiers were found. The head of one of the soldiers was taken away by the Pakistani soldiers,” he said. “They (Pakistani) are very desperate to send militants and their efforts have been successfully foiled by the Indian Army. That may be a reason for this action,” he said, adding that such an incident had not taken place along the LoC in the last eight to nine years. Earlier, Brigadier Tiwari laid wreaths on the bodies of Lance Naik Hemraj (29) and Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh (28) at the ALC Ground in Rajouri followed by a guard of honour. Wrapped in the Tricolour, their bodies were sent to their villages in UP and MP. The Army also called a high-level meeting of the 25 Infantry Division where all senior officers were present.

  • Pakistan Stops Indian Trucks On LoC

    Pakistan Stops Indian Trucks On LoC

    JAMMU (TIP): Indian trucks carrying goods were barred by Pakistani authorities from entering Pakistan, citing the tense situation along the Jammu and Kashmir border. Pawan Anand, president of the Cross-LoC (Line of Control) Traders Union, told IANS that about 50 trucks were halted at the border in Poonch district. Anand said the trucks had reached the Pakistani gates on the LoC but Pakistani officials did not open them, saying the gates will remain closed “till the situation becomes conducive”. He said no trucks came from Pakistan too. The Pakistani decision follows escalating tensions along the LoC ever since India accused Pakistani soldiers of killing and beheading two Indian soldiers. Pakistan has charged India with killing two Pakistani soldiers. The LoC divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan. The cross-LoC trade began in December 2008.

  • Naxal Ambush: Bomb Found Inside Body Of Dead CRPF Jawan

    Naxal Ambush: Bomb Found Inside Body Of Dead CRPF Jawan

    RANCHI/NEW DELHI (TIP): A 1.5 kg bomb was planted by Maoists inside the stomach of a CRPF jawan killed in an encounter with the rebels in a brutal tactic perhaps used for the first time by Naxals in the country. The Naxals had surgically inserted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the body of the slain jawan of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) who was killed three days back in an ambush in Jharkhand’s Latehar district, police said. Taking note of the Maoist strategy that has come to light, Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said in New Delhi, “they are employing new new tactics.” Doctors conducting the autopsy of the CRPF troopers at a government hospital in Ranchi were shocked when they found a 1.5 kg unexploded bomb stitched inside the abdomen of 29- year- old Constable Babulal Patel who was among those killed in the encounter.

    Patel hailed from Allahabad. Jharkhand DGP G S Rath said the body of Patel with the IED implanted in it was recovered by patrol squads last evening from near the encounter site. ‘The doctors became suspicious when they saw the body ofthe CRPF jawan. The bomb disposal squad was then called and the body was placed in an open field,’ Rath told PTI in Ranchi. Police also said an X-ray showed a bomb. Later, the IED was defused by the bomb squad, a senior CRPF official said. The IED was a pressure bomb prototype which explodes on being disturbed, he said. Rath said doctors initially refused to conduct the postmortem after they became suspicious on seeing stiches on the abdomen. The IED placed in the stomach of the jawan air-lifted from the encounter site to Ranchi did not explode, Latehar Superintendent of Police Kranti Kumar said. ‘The IEDs were fitted in the stomachs of two personnel. The one in the body of CRPF jawan Baijanath Kisku exploded inflicting casualties,’ Kumar said.

    The death toll in the encounter rose to 14 with the recovery of the body of another civilian. In all, nine CRPF personnel, one personnel from the state’s special anti-Naxal force ‘Jharkhand Jaguars’ and four civilians were killed in the encounter that occurred on January 7. Rath said the Maoists planted explosives underneath the bodies which exploded when they were being removed. This tactic has been previously employed to inflict casualties but a bomb disposal squad expert said it could be for the first time the Naxals have planted an explosive inside a dead body. Kumar claimed nine Maoists were killed and several were injured in the encounter. The dead and injured were dragged away by the rebels leaving behind trails of blood, he added.

  • 2 Indian-Americans Sworn in as Members of US House of Representatives

    2 Indian-Americans Sworn in as Members of US House of Representatives

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian- Americans Ami Bera and Tulsi Gabbard were sworn in as members of the US House of Representatives January 4, much to the delight of the small but powerful community in the country.

    Born of immigrant parents from Punjab, California-based physician Bera is only the fourth Indian American to be a member of the US House of Representatives, while Iraq war veteran Tulsi Gabbard is the first Hindu ever to win Congressional election.

    The 113th Congress commenced on January 3, 2013 with the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected Members of Congress. The new Congress in session till January 3, 2015 has 43 African American members (all but one in the House of Representatives), a record high number of 100 female, seven LGBT members, and one member of the Kennedy family returning to elective federal office after a brief pause from public service from the family.

    Bera, 47, from seventh Congressional District from California and Gabbard, 31, from Hawaii’s second Congressional District, are reflective of the diversity of the new Congress. Both are from the Democratic Party of President Barack Obama. Hindus represent less than one per cent of the current US population.

  • Gang-Rape Victim Nirbhaya Wrote Names Of Rapists

    Gang-Rape Victim Nirbhaya Wrote Names Of Rapists

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Even through the trauma of a brutal gang-rape and murderous assault, Nirbhaya remembered the names of her rapists. As she lay in great agony in hospital, unable to speak, the 23-year-old braveheart correctly wrote down the names of four of the assaulters — Ram Singh, Mukesh, Vinay and Akshay. Nirbhaya had heard the names during the assault. She scribbled these in presence of the magistrate while her statement was being recorded under section 164 of CrPC. Other words she wrote on the paper were ‘rod se, lohe/wood’ and ‘kuch logon ko dekha, sources said. The paper was signed by the magistrate. Sources said the victim was asked questions in a way that she could reply in gestures.

    This was the time when a statement under section 164 was recorded through gestures, the sources added. While taking her statement, questions were also asked in a multiple choice format so that she could point to the correct option. Sources said Nirbhaya answered correctly many multi-option questions like the colour of the bus (white), the bus stand from where they boarded (Munirka), number of people in the bus (5-7), the fare charged by accused (Rs 20), time of the incident (around 9.30 pm) and so on. Before her statement was recorded, a doctor at Safdarjung Hospital had opined that the girl was conscious, cooperative, meaningfully communication oriented and that she responded to questions through gestures, the sources said.

    Sources said Nirbhaya preferred to write herself the answer to questions such as the names of the accused. The victim had given her statement twice, once in front of an SDM and then a Metropolitan Magistrate. Investigators say her answers were consistent on both occasions and also matched with the statement provided by her male friend. While Nirbhaya showed unusual courage, she appears to have received shoddy treatment at Safdarjung Hospital the night she was brought there. According to her medical status report dated December 20, she was brought to the hospital in a PCR van around 11.30pm on December 16 but was shifted to the ICU only around 5am — more than 5 hours later. Subsequently, when the cops sent the teeth samples of the accused to match with the bite marks on the body of victim, the hospital reportedly said it was not equipped to carry out that examination, sources said. The examination is now being conducted outside Delhi.

  • Treat Your Hair To Natural Oils

    Treat Your Hair To Natural Oils

    Here’s how you can use some natural oils according to your hair texture. Getting that natural lustre and gloss on your hair without leaving a dent in your wallet or going to snazzy salons is what most women crave for. Oiling your hair is that one secret that has been passed on from generation to generation. Be it the hot oil treatment or the various hair masks your granny recommended, natural oils have always been a friend to a woman’s hair.
    Thin hair
    Using rosemary oil for thin hair is a folk remedy. As thin hair attracts more dirt and impurities, this oil helps in cleansing the scalp. Used to prevent hair loss, rosemary oil is an aromatic oil that helps stimulate hair follicles. It is also known that this oil prevents premature graying. Being high on calcium, vitamin B and iron, this oil also helps the hair with conditions of the scalp like dandruff, oily scalp and brittle or frizzy hair.

    Thick hair
    If you have thick, coarse, unmanageable hair, olive oil is the best remedy. This oil has a high level of mono-unsaturated fat, which in turn helps dry and damaged hair. Olive oil also helps in strengthening and moisturising the hair.

    Fine hair
    Pomegranate Seed Oil is known to revitalise dull and dry strands of hair because of the content of punicic acid it has in it. Another advantage of this oil is that it protects the hair from chemicals and environmental impurities.Wavy Hair Sweet almond oil has been a natural remedy for hair for ages. Massaging the scalp with this oil stimulates blood circulation allowing oxygen in the hair follicles. It also helps add shine and lustre to ones hair.

    Damaged hair
    Avocado oil is rich in amino acids and proteins and thus helps deal with hair fall, dandruff and thinning hair.

  • Terrorism, Cyber Security Dominate Brics Meet

    Terrorism, Cyber Security Dominate Brics Meet

    NEW DELHI (TIP): India on January 10 hosted the first standalone meeting of the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations that featured discussions on a range of global issues, including terrorism, cyber security and piracy. The meeting was attended by India’s NSA Shivshankar Menon, Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo, Russia’s Security Council Secretary Nikolai P Patrushev, Brazil’s Secretary for Strategic Affairs Ricardo Paes de Barros and South Africa’s Minister of State for Security Siyabonga C Cwele. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Menon said the BRICS NSAs have met on the sidelines of each summit.

    However, it had been felt that the NSAs should also hold meetings regularly to discuss cooperation among the five countries as well as to take stock of global developments. The five BRICS nations that represent nearly 43 per cent of the world population have maintained stable and fast growth on the whole thus becoming an important force in pushing forward the global economic agenda. The meeting also discussed major international security-related issues that the five nations’ top leadership will talk about during the fifth BRICS summit in Durban, South Africa, in March. Menon said there was an in-depth discussion on the situation in Syria, Libya and Mali. The representatives of the five countries were of the view that the Syrian people should be allowed to decide their future without any outside interference. The international community should only play the role of a facilitator.

  • President Urges Overseas Indians To Invest In India

    President Urges Overseas Indians To Invest In India

    KOCHI (TIP): President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee expressed confidence that the Indian economy would bounce back to an 8-9% GDP growth due to its strong economic fundamentals and the reforms driven policy initiatives of government of India.

    Addressing the valedictory session of the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here on January 9, Mr. Mukherjee said, “To achieve this order of growth over a sustained period of time, would need large doses of investment. The overseas Indians could help by investing in Indian companies and in the capital market and earn higher dividends as the yield of the equity markets in India was much higher than elsewhere.”

    India, he said, was a “land of immense opportunity; the second fastest growing economy after China. But for a brief period of economic deceleration, six of the nine years that have gone by witnessed a GDP growth of around 8%.”

    The President said that he wished to see the Indian Diaspora as a strong partner in India’s development, not just in economic growth but in the knowledge economy. “Knowledge and experience you have gained can ply decisive role in the growth story of India”, he said. “Together, we will keep our tryst with destiny,” he said, amid huge applause an added “we are proud of your services to India”. Earlier, the President gave away the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to 15 eminent persons of Indian origin for their outstanding contribution for enhancing India’s prestige in a tangible way.

    The award winners for 2013 included Mr. Rajkeswur Purryag President of Mauritius, who was “recognized for his outstanding contributions in public service and fostering friendly relations between India and Mauritius; Australia-India Society of Victoria (award received by Mr. Gurdip Singh Arora) “recognized for its role in protecting the rights of Indian migrants and establishing a network of welfare activities”;

    Mr. Ashok Shambhomal Vaswani, Guinea “recognized for his efforts in building strong bridges between India and the people of the Republic of Guinea”; Indian Doctors Forum, Kuwait (award received by Dr. Narayan Namboori) “recognized for its contribution to the field of healthcare facilities for Indians and Kuwaitis”; Tan Sri Ravindran Menon, Malaysia “honored for his contribution in fostering better understanding of Indian community in Malaysia, and for his philanthropic works”; Dr. Rasik Vihari Joshi, Mexico “honored for eminence in his field of work, for enhancing India’s image and for promoting better understanding of India abroad”;

    Dr. Satendra Kumar Singh, Fiji “honored for his immense contribution to promotion of Indian culture and heritage in New Zealand, Fiji and South Pacific”; Mr. Gilbert Canabady Moutien, Reunion Islands “recognized for his immense contribution to strengthening and fostering business ties between India and Reunion Island and his efforts in promoting Indian culture and heritage”;

    Mr.Mohammed Rabeeh Karuvanthodi, Saudi Arabia “honored for his efforts and contribution in promoting healthcare facilities in GCC countries and his philanthropic activities”; Mr. Ismail Ebrahim Ebrahim, South Africa “recognized for his commitment to the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity, his outstanding contribution to public service and fostering closer ties between India and South Africa”; Mr. Bava Pandalingal, Abu Dhabi, UAE “honored for his efforts and dedication in the service of Indian communities in UAE”; Ms. Patricia Maria Rozario, UK “recognized for her outstanding contribution to the Western Classical Music and her eminence in skills which have enhanced India’s prestige abroad”; Dr. Narendra Ramkrishna Kumar, USA “honored for his contribution in the healthcare sector and promoting India and Indians abroad”; Mr. Subash Razdan, Chairman and Co- Founder of Gandhi Peace Foundation, USA “recognized for enhancing the prestige of India through his contribution to public and the Indian community”; and Prof. Dr. Gurcharan Singh Chatwal, Germany, “honored for fostering closer scientific relations between India and Germany, and for enhancing India’s prestige abroad”. Dr. Chatwal, however, could not arrive to receive the award due to “unavoidable reasons”.

  • 37-Year-Old Woman Is AIIMS First Full Body Donor

    37-Year-Old Woman Is AIIMS First Full Body Donor

    NEW DELHI (TIP): A 37-year-old woman from Uttarakhand who suffered irreversible brain damage in a haemorrhagic attack has become the first whole body donor at All India Institute of Medical Sciences this year. While her heart, liver and two kidneys have been used for transplant into needy patients, other organs like the cornea and bones are preserved for future use, Arti Vij, chief of the Organ Retrieval and Banking Organisation at the institute, said. She added, “Chandrakanta Rawat was admitted to AIIMS on January 2. She was declared brain dead by a team of doctors two days later. Her husband gave the consent for retrieval of the organs.” Vij said while the deceased’s heart was used for transplant at the institute itself, her two kidneys were sent to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and the liver was used for transplant at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in Vasant Kunj.

  • Justify Separate Laws For Mps, Citizens, SC Asks Centre

    Justify Separate Laws For Mps, Citizens, SC Asks Centre

    NEW DELHI (TIP): The Supreme Court on January 10 directed the Centre to justify the existence of two different laws – one for ordinary citizens involved in criminal cases and another for the similarly placed elected representatives. “How did you carve out separate laws for the ordinary citizens and MPs? Can Parliament make one law for its own members and another for the citizens,” a Bench comprising Justices AK Patnaik and Gyan Sudha Misra wanted to know while hearing a PIL on decriminalisation of politics. When Additional Solicitor General Paras Kuhad tried to explain, the Bench said it would not accept any oral submissions on the issue. “Please put it in an affidavit,” the court said. On the other hand, other provisions in the same section debarred people from contesting any Assembly or Parliamentary election if they had been convicted for a serious crime.

    This distinction between the candidates aspiring to contest an election and sitting members was against the fundamental right to equality guaranteed under Article 14 of the Constitution, senior counsel Fali S Nariman contended while arguing for the PIL petitioner, Lily Thomas. The petition has prayed for declaring the provision which was very lenient against convicted representatives of the people. The Bench noted that criminalisation of politics was the root cause of most of the problems being faced by the country. “We are quite aware of that. You don’t have to strive hard to convince us on this aspect,” the Bench told retired IAS officer SN Shukla, whose NGO was an intervener in the case. The Bench made the remark when Shukla contended that criminals in politics were responsible for almost all problems in governance.

  • India Wastes 21 Million Tonnes Of Wheat Every Year: Report

    India Wastes 21 Million Tonnes Of Wheat Every Year: Report

    NEW DELHI (TIP): India stands out for its glaring lack of infrastructure and food storage facilities, in a new study that says 21 million tonnes of wheat — equivalent to the entire production of Australia — goes waste in the country. The report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IME) on global food wastage found that as much as 50 per cent of all food produced around the world never reaches a human mouth. “Considerably greater levels of tonnage loss exist in larger developing nations, such as India for example, where about 21 million tones of wheat annually perishes due to inadequate storage and distribution, equivalent to the entire production of Australia,” said the ‘Global Food Waste Not Want Not’ report, released here on Thursday.

    “In neighboring Pakistan, losses amount to about 16 per cent of production, or 3.2 million tones annually, where inadequate storage infrastructure leads to widespread rodent infestation problems,” it said. Overall, wastage rates in vegetables and fruit are even higher than for grains. At least 40 per cent of all fruit and vegetable is lost in India between the grower and consumer due to lack of refrigerated transport, poor roads, inclement weather and corruption. According to the latest survey, wastage tends to move up the distribution chain as the standard of development improves and regional and national transport, storage and distribution facilities fail to match the improvements made at the farm level.

    This is a particular issue in India, which requires massive investments in the food logistics chain. “Controlling and reducing the level of wastage is frequently beyond the capability of the individual farmer, distributor or consumer, since it depends on market philosophies, security of power supply, quality of roads and the presence or absence of transport hubs. “These are all related more to societal, political and economic norms, as well as engineered infrastructure, rather than to agriculture,” the authors of the report said, calling on governments in the developing world to introduce better technology and food storage facilities. The Indian government has maintained that the recent reforms in the retail sector approved by Parliament, allowing 51 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail and 100 per cent FDI in the single-brand segment, will lead to increased investments in infrastructure and improve the logistics chain.

  • Anti-Ageing Tips For Oily Skin

    Anti-Ageing Tips For Oily Skin

    Oily skinned women have typically less lines and wrinkles visible as compared to women with normal and dry skin. Though there are a few benefits of having oily skin, here’s how you can prevent your skin from ageing faster
    Apply sunscreen regularly
    Whatever the skin type, using sunscreen is a must. If protecting your skin from damage caused due to sun was never your priority, start now. Sunscreen will protect your skin from sun and you’ll look younger. Most importantly, go for sunscreens for oily skin to avoid clogged pores.

    Don’t wash your face too often
     Don’t over cleanse your face even though your oily skin texture may tempt you into washing your face again and again. Yes you may want your skin to look fresh, clean and oil-free but washing your face several times in a day actually leads to increase in oil production. Also, over-cleansing may make your skin dry. You can wash your face twice a day and use blotting papers during the day to keep oil away.

    Nourish your skin
    Antioxidants help prevent oxidising and help your skin stay supple. So antioxidants is certainly something that you need to incorporate in your skin-care routine. Opt for oil-free moisturisers that contain antioxidants. Also follow a diet that includes berries, beans and veggies to feed your skin

    Get adequate sleep
     Sleep is extremely important not only for your skin but your overall health. This doesn’t mean you sleep all day, just get adequate sleep of around 8 to 9 hours. Also, sleep on your back as sleeping on your face can wrinkle the skin and age skin at a faster rate.

    Consume Omega-3 fatty acids
    Omega-3 fatty acids revitalises your skin and repairs it from inside. Eat foods rich on omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, halibut, eggs, soy milk and yogurt. They are not only delicious but also do a lot of benefit to your skin.

    Avoid sugar, smoke and alcohol
    Quitting smoking is the best thing you can give yourself as it not only damages your health but also your skin. And if you have a sweet tooth and indulge in too many sweets, cut down on them. Studies have shown that consuming lots of sugar over long periods can cause skin to age and dull due to a process in our body called glycation.

  • Muslim Panchayat Bans Use Of Cellphones By Girls

    Muslim Panchayat Bans Use Of Cellphones By Girls

    JAIPUR (TIP): After the khaps in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, a Muslim community panchayat in Rajasthan on banned girls from using cellphones and also from dancing and singing at weddings, ostensibly in an effort to prevent incidents like Delhi gang rape. Boys and girls have also been prohibited from marrying someone against the wish of their family members or someone from a different community, panchayat members said on Thursday. The restrictions have been imposed on the Muslim community members at Salumbar town in Udaipur district, some 400 km from Jaipur, by the Anjuman Muslim Panchayat, a minority community council.

    “We have decided to ban the girls from carrying and using cellphones. The decision was taken with a view that cellphones are spoiling girls,” panchayat secretary Habibur Rahman told reporters. He said that a slew of measures has been taken to ensure safety of girls belonging to the community in the area. “The girls would not be allowed to dance and sing during wedding functions. A couple cannot get married against the wishes of their family members,” said the panchayat secretary. He added that punitive action will be taken against girls who are found ignoring the panchayat edicts. “If a couple runs away from house to get married, they will be ostracized and a cash fine of Rs 51,000 will be imposed on them. Fine of Rs 51,000 has also been decided for those who marry someone from a different community,” said the secretary. He added that panchayat decisions have been communicated to all members of the community in the town.

  • Focus On ‘Indian’ Innovation For The Benefit Of The Poor: Sam Pitroda

    Focus On ‘Indian’ Innovation For The Benefit Of The Poor: Sam Pitroda

    KOCHI (TIP): The Government of India declared the decade 2010-20, the ‘Decade of Innovation’ to mark the importance of innovation. India is in a phase of redesigning the nation with innovation and Internet is today driving the innovation agenda. For innovation to spread in all walks of life, domain experts would be required, said Mr. Sam Pitroda, Advisor to PM on Public Information, Infrastructure and Innovation on Day III of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas at the plenary on Innovation and Technology. Mr. Pitroda said that the Government is already in the process of setting up state-level innovation councils and sectoral innovation councils. Under this initiative, each state and sector can devise its own roadmap to encourage innovation in sectors, which are of utmost importance.

    India needs to create durable products and not disposable ones. The country requires its own set of innovative ideas because we cannot adapt the Western set-up as the environment differs completely. Also, the focus should be on the people who are at the bottom of the pyramid and we need to increase their earnings and employment opportunities, he added. Mr. Jagathrakshakan S, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Government of India, said, “Innovation is all about translating an idea into a product or service which can lead to value creation. We need to encourage women scientists and create an environment where private sector can become a part of this innovation drive. Also, we need to collaborate with foreign investors and experts.”

    He stated that research and development is an integral part of innovation. At present, India lags far behind in R&D, hence it is the aim of the Government that by the end of 12th Plan, the share of R&D must reach 2% of GDP. Mr. Kodikunnil Suresh, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Government of India, said, “I strongly recommend that India should have an Innovation Technology Commission as a driving force to our initiatives to become a world-class, knowledgebased economy. It can support applied research and development, technology transfer and application; to nurture an innovation and technology culture in the country; upholds technological entrepreneurship; provides technological infrastructure; facilitates the developmental of human capital to support innovation and technology; and promotes internationally accepted standards and conformity assessment services.”

    “The country has major challenges to address in health, food, energy and environment and these can be met by doing quality science research, showing greater inventiveness and achieving quality in product innovation,” added Mr. Suresh. Lord Karan Billimoria, UK, pointed out that innovation is the essence of entrepreneurship. Creativity is the most important for businesses to grow. Innovation is an attitude that every organization must possess today. Quoting the success story of Apple, Lord Billimoria said that innovation and creativity is all about doing a thing differently and in a better way, and then upgrade to remain competitive. Dr. A Didar Singh, Secretary General, FICCI, said that innovation is the key for economic growth. He pointed out that creativity and innovation is within us and it needs to be nurtured. Among other who spoke at the session were: Mr. P NandaKumaran, MD, State Bank of Travancore; DR. Abdool Magid Karim Vakil, President, EDISA Bank and Dr. M Anirudhan of USA.

  • Your Mattress Can Affect Your Health

    Your Mattress Can Affect Your Health

    Amattress has to be cosy and comfortable when we lie on it. Comfort is undoubtedly a critical aspect when it comes to buying mattresses but what about health. Now-a-days, Indians are increasingly becoming health conscious when it comes to food and exercise. But how many of us would have given a thought to the impact of mattresses on our health. To put things in perspective, we usually spend about 7-8 hours (1/3rd of our day) sleeping on the mattress.

    When we sleep, our spinal discs rehydrate, recuperate from the strain of the day and regain their elasticity. That’s why it is so important to get a full night’s sleep. While back pain impacts all areas of a person’s life, it will dramatically impact sleep quality. In fact, our sleep can intensify back pain and more back pain decreases sleep quality.

    Lack of sleep impacts our concentration levels and can even leave us feeling depressed. Serious sleep deprivation can trigger more accidents at work and on the roads. And for those worried about their weight, a good mattress and quality beds could help as scientists have found poor sleep can leave us piling on the pounds.

    We use a mattress in many different body positions. We sleep on our sides, backs, and in between. Some parts of the body are bearing more weight than other parts of the body. A good mattress must be orthopedically sensitive regardless of where you sleep on the mattress surface or your sleep position. Good quality pure foam mattresses, especially which are made of memory foam distribute body weight evenly, giving complete cushioning and support we require during sleep. Pressure points on the body because of sagged mattress, the leading cause of a poor night’s sleep, are completely reduced. Pure foam mattresses allow air circulation inside have a lot of breathability which reduces sweating in nights, hence, our sleep is comfortable and undisturbed.

    Another highlight of a good mattress is the Outlast fabric, originally developed for NASA astronauts and top athletes for keeping their body micro-climate constant, the outlast fabric utilizes materials that absorbs and releases heat for optimal thermal comfort thus regulating the body temperature. In short it acts like a thermostat which ensures that in whatever climate you are, your sleep is undisturbed.

    Choosing the type of mattress is a personal choice, broadly comfort can be classified into three types, viz-a-viz soft, medium and firm. Indians mostly prefer firmer mattress, but ideally you can go for the medium variety as these give optimal cushioning and support to your back and other parts of the body. It is, therefore, necessary to buy a mattress with both optimal cushioning and support. The mattress should not sag within few years of usage.

    Though comfort and support is personal, it generally defines one’s lifestyle and body weight. The mattress, in order to be proportionate to our body and to offer 100 per cent comfort, must be 20 cm longer than our body length and at least 160 cm wide if two people are sleeping on it.

    For those with impaired immune systems with symptoms ranging from a common headache or joint ache, to unexplained rashes, eczema, nosebleeds, dizziness ,even severe migraines, arthritis, ringing in the ears, nausea and more, should opt for a hypoallergenic mattress in which the materials and constant transpiration of the mattress ensure its suitability even for those who suffer from allergies.

    A good quality mattress is not just important for good sleep but also positively affects our health. International brands like Magniflex have done extensive research to tailormake mattresses for Indian backs. These mattresses are hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, internationally certified and therefore right choice for our well being.

  • Mushrooms Good For Diabetics

    Mushrooms Good For Diabetics

    Mushrooms are good for diabetics since they contain little or no sugar, says an expert. “Cultivated and wild species of mushrooms are consumed because of their nutritional value. They are rich in essential nutritional constituents and are good for people with diabetes as they have little or no sugar,” said T.N. Lakhanpal from the department of bioscience at Himachal Pradesh University.

    Lakhanpal was among the delegates at the 100th Indian Science Congress, which ended here Sunday. According to the scientist, mushrooms, being almost fat-free, benefit the obese too.

    On the emerging importance of mushroom biology, Lakhanpal said: “The potential of mushrooms as neutraceuticals has emerged as an important aspect of mushroom biology in the last 20 years”.

    “Also, all the mushrooms investigated so far have been found to have curative properties against cancer, HIV and other dreaded diseases,” he said. Besides medicinal benefits, mushroom cultivation provides economic benefits, he said.
    “Mushroom cultivation is a cottage and commercial industry and is finding favour among the rural people.”

  • Obama Criticized For White Male Cabinet

    Obama Criticized For White Male Cabinet

    WASHINGTON (TIP): The first black US president is coming under fire from some of his own Democratic Party for naming a stream of white men to key cabinet and leadership posts in his second administration. President Barack Obama on Thursday named Jack Lew as his Treasury secretary, the fourth white male he has named to the most prized cabinet posts in recent weeks. Lew’s nomination follows Obama’s pick of Senator John Kerry to replace Hillary Clinton as secretary of state. He has also named former Senator Chuck Hagel to be defense Secretary and John Brennan to head the Central Intelligence Agency. Against this, he lost the first Hispanic woman in the cabinet when Labor Secretary Hilda Solis announced her resignation on Wednesday.

    And last month Lisa Jackson, who is black, announced she was stepping down as head of the Environmental Protection Agency. “It’s embarrassing as hell,” New York Democrat Charles Rangel, one of the most senior black members of Congress, said of the Obama appointments. New Hampshire Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, whose state has the only all-female delegation in Congress, described the appointments as “disappointing.” “We need a government that looks like America so we can address the concerns that we hear from across the spectrum,” she said. Republicans joined in the criticism with former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee accusing Obama of waging a “war on women,” using the same words Democrats coined to criticize Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney during the election campaign last year. “Now a lot of those females who supported Barack Obama are scratching their heads, and they’re saying, ‘Whoa! How come there is so much testosterone in the Obama Cabinet and so little estrogen?’” the former Arkansas governor said on his radio show. Obama beat Romney 55 percent to 43 percent among women, according to Reuters/Ipsos exit polling on Election Day. He also won large majorities of the African-American and Hispanic vote.

    DIVERSITY AND DEMOGRAPHICS
    Diversity in the United States is usually defined as including women and racial minorities, especially Hispanics and African-Americans. U.S. political pundits parse polling data of women, Hispanics, African Americans and other groups for signs of voting patterns. They track the “gender gap,” which is the percentage difference between Democratic and Republican support among women. Since Obama’s reelection in November, many analysts have noted the rising percentage of U.S. ethnic minorities and described his victory as a reflection of changing demography. The criticism of Obama is surprising because Republicans usually are the party accused of insensitivity to diversity. Former President George W. Bush deflected this by pointing to the two secretaries of state during his eight years in office — African-Americans Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice.

    They were followed by Hillary Clinton. If confirmed by the Senate, Kerry will be the first white male to hold the top US diplomatic post in more than a decade. Almost overlooked in the criticism is that the White House announced this week that Attorney General Eric Holder, who is black, will stay on as the nation’s senior legal officer. Obama also was widely reported to be considering an African-American woman, United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice as Secretary of State. She pulled her name from consideration because of Republican objections to her statements about the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya. White House spokesman Jay Carney urged critics on Wednesday to make their judgments only after Obama had completed his team.

    “Women are well represented in the president’s senior staff,” he told reporters, noting that his team included Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Debbie Walsh, director of Rutgers University’s Center for American Women in Politics, which tracks women in elective office, said Obama’s choices were a missed opportunity to put women into powerful jobs such as heading the Pentagon. “A case could be made that Barack Obama won on the strength of the support that he had with women, given the gender gap,” she told Reuters. With women filling 36 percent of Cabinet posts in his first term, Obama had the highest percentage of women in top jobs of any president other than fellow Democrat Bill Clinton, she said.a

  • Pollen Exposure May Harm Baby In Womb

    Pollen Exposure May Harm Baby In Womb

    Exposure to high pollen levels in late pregnancy significantly increases the risk of early asthma in the child, Swedish researchers have warned. A number of studies have previously shown that there is an association with being born during a pollen season and an increased risk of allergies.

    Although the pollen season is a regular annual event, there are large variations between years in pollen levels. Few studies have closely examined the significance of actual pollen content in different time periods before and after birth, but now, researchers at the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Umea University have conducted such a study involving 110,000 pregnancies in the Stockholm area.

    The researchers note that high levels of pollen exposure during the last 12 weeks of pregnancy resulted in a significantly increased risk of hospitalization for asthma symptoms in the first year of life for a child. The analysis was adjusted for factors such as maternal smoking and pollen season.

    There may be several reasons for the association. High pollen exposure of pregnant with pollen allergies can have allergic reactions and asthma symptoms that may also affect the unborn child’s environment and affect immune system development. It is also possible that pregnant women with severe reactions to pollen suffer complications and sometimes give birth earlier than they otherwise would have done, which in itself increases the risk of respiratory problems in the child.

  • India, China Rise Set To Shake Global Order: US Think Tank

    India, China Rise Set To Shake Global Order: US Think Tank

    WASHINGTON (TIP): The rise of China and India as major world powers and how they view their relationship with the West promises to test the established global order, according to a US think tank. In the coming decades, “as the two powers grow, they are bound to change the current international system-with profound implications for themselves, the US, and the world,” says a new publication of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “And whether they agree on the changes to be made, especially when it comes to their relationship with the West, will influence the system’s future character,” says the publication, “Crux of Asia: China, India, and the Emerging Global Order”.

    A close examination of Chinese and Indian perspectives on the fundamentals of the emerging international order reveals that India-China differences on many issues of both bilateral and global significance are stark, it says. “China and India’s sustained economic growth fuels their increasing geopolitical and military influence,” says the publication edited by Ashley J. Tellis, a senior associate, and Sean Mirski, a junior fellow respectively in the Carnegie South Asia Programme. Despite their developmental similarities, China and India’s bilateral strategic rivalry means that they have competing priorities on most major global issues, the publication says. Sino-Indian differences are considerable on issues relating to the nonproliferation system, Asian security, regional stability in Southern Asia, and security in the maritime commons, space, and cyberspace, it says. But the two rising powers broadly agree on matters relating to the international economic system, energy security, and the environment.

    “Because of its ongoing shift to the Asia-Pacific and status as the only global superpower, the US must manage a complex set of relationships with China and India, which are at times working at crosspurposes,” the publication says. Both China and India want a stable Asia-Pacific that will allow them to sustain their economic prosperity, but they perceive threats very differently and have divergent priorities. “Importantly, India seeks a resolute American presence in the region to hedge against possible Chinese excesses, while China sees the US as significantly complicating its pursuit of its regional goals and worries about American containment attempts,” the publication says.

  • Easy way to protect heart: Sip black tea

    Easy way to protect heart: Sip black tea

    Quercetin, a flavonoid abundant in black tea, has shown promise in protecting blood vessels against oxidative damage and lowering cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, said researchers who based their studies on mice. Flavonoids are common plant pigment compounds that act as antioxidants, enhance the effects of vitamin C, and protect connective tissue around capillaries (blood vessels).

    Natalie Ward, research fellow from the University of Western Australia (UWA) School of Medicine, and pharmacology professorial fellow Kevin Croft said although their preliminary study is based on cells and isolated mouse vessels, “our findings have suggested that quercetin is able to protect vessels against oxidant-induced damage.”

    The supervisors say there is evidence to suggest that other dietary flavonoids may reduce blood pressure as well as bring down the development of atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in arteries), the journal Biochemical Pharmacology reports. “Future studies looking at the effect of flavonoids on CVD should consider using combinations of flavonoids, as well as dietary sources of flavonoids, rather than supplementation with pure flavonoids,” said Ward and Croft, according to an UWA statement.

  • Rare Snowstorm Paralyses Jerusalem Area, North Israel

    Rare Snowstorm Paralyses Jerusalem Area, North Israel

    JERUSALEM (TIP): The worst snowstorm in 20 years shut government offices, public transport and schools in Jerusalem and along the northern Israeli region bordering on Lebanon on January 10. Many Palestinians in the hilly occupied West Bank were also snowed in and dozens were forced to flee flooded homes. Elisha Peleg, an official in charge of emergencies with Israel’s municipality for Jerusalem, urged residents to remain at home and stay off the streets, telling Israel Army Radio the area had overnight seen its greatest snowfall since 1992. He said 10 to 15 centimetres (4 to 6 inches) of snow had piled up in the city centre and more than that in outlying areas. “The downtown area is bathed in white,” Peleg said.

    “The elders of Jerusalem don’t remember such a snowstorm in years,” Peleg also said. Public transport ground to a halt for several hours. Many vehicles that ventured onto roads were stuck and citizens were urged to remain at home. Government offices also remained closed for the day. “Make it a family day. In the afternoon, the temperatures are supposed to rise and you will be able to head out for some shopping,” Peleg said. Israel Radio said a highway linking Jerusalem to Tel Aviv was blocked, and much of the northern Galilee region was paralysed by heavy snowfalls. Some traffic arteries opened later in the afternoon as temperatures rose and some snow melted. Public bus services partially resumed and were free of charge in Jerusalem, as an incentive to keep private vehicles off the slushy roads.

    In the occupied West Bank, city streets were largely abandoned, with few residents chancing the hilly and widely rutted roads and schools kept shut because of the weather. A general strike by government employees also kept Palestinians in their homes, as the Palestinian Authority has been unable to fully pay salaries following Israeli economic sanctions announced last month in anger at a campaign that won de facto United Nations recognition of Palestinian statehood. The Palestinian meteorological institute said that snow levels in the Ramallah, East Jerusalem and Bethlehem areas had reached 10-20cm and as much as 30cm in Hebron. Flooding was reported in the northern West Bank, where water “inundated dozens of houses and widely damaged agricultural areas local farmers depend on for their livelihoods,” Jenin governor Talal Dweikat told Palestinian Radio. “Dozens of families have been forced to flee their homes, but thank God there have been no deaths, and the Authority is dealing with the problem aggressively despite its financial problems,” Dweikat said.

  • Two Separate Bombs Kill 32, Hurt 100 In Pakistan Cities

    Two Separate Bombs Kill 32, Hurt 100 In Pakistan Cities

    PESHAWAR (TIP): Bomb blasts in two Pakistani cities killed 32 people and injured more than 100, police and hospital officials said. A bomb in Quetta, the capital of the eastern province of Balochistan, killed 11 people and injured more than 40, police officer Zubair Mehmood said. A local militant group claimed responsibility. Another 21 were killed and more than 60 injured in a bombing where people had gathered to hear a religious leader speak in Mingora, the largest city in the northwestern province of Swat, police and officials at the Saidu Sharif hospital said. “The death toll may rise as some of the injured are in critical condition and we are receiving more and more injured people,” said Dr. Niaz Mohammad.

    Police initially said the Swat blast was caused by an exploding gas cylinder but later police chief Akhtar Hayat said it was a bomb. It has been more than two years since a militant attack has claimed that many lives in Swat. The mountainous region, formerly a tourist destination, has been administered by the Pakistani army since their 2009 offensive drove out Taliban militants who had taken control. But the Taliban retain their ability to mount attacks in Swat and shot schoolgirl campaigner Malala Yousufzai in Mingora last October. The bomb in a market in Quetta targeted a police patrol and mostly killed sellers of vegetable and second-hand clothes, officer Mehmood said. Three police officers nearby were injured and a child was among the dead, he said. The United Baloch Army claimed responsibility for the blast.

    The group is one of several who are fighting for independence for Balochistan, an arid and impoverished region with substantial gas, copper and gold reserves. It constitutes just under half of Pakistan’s territory and is home to about 8 million of the country’s population of 180 million. Human rights groups say hundreds of bodies have been recovered in the region since 2011. Many have broken limbs, cigarette burns or other signs of torture. Local activists blame the security services. The state denies the accusations and says that insurgents sometimes put on military uniforms before kidnapping people. Sectarian attacks are also on the rise, and militant groups frequently bomb or shoot Shia passengers on buses traveling to neighboring Iran.

  • Hyderabad The City Of Smiles, Of Lights, Of A Thousand Faces

    Hyderabad The City Of Smiles, Of Lights, Of A Thousand Faces

    A perfect destination for an astute traveler, Hyderabad provides an enriching experience with a blend of enthralling structural masterpieces and rich cultural heritage. Explore the striking museums, temples, shimmering lakes, gardens, zoos and monuments and carry beautiful memories back home.
    Listed below are some of the famous Hyderabad Tourism places:

    Charminar
    This historical masterpiece was erected by Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah in the year 1591. It was build to celebrate the purge of plague from the city and was said to be the centre of Hyderabad.

    Mecca Masjid
    It is well-known as the biggest mosques in India with the accommodation capacity of around 10,000 worshippers. Mecca Masjib was built by Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah and its construction went on during the supremacy of Abul Hassan Tana Shah and Abdullah Qutub Shah. It finally came into its final shape in the year 1694 during the reign the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

    Birla Planetarium
     It was built on the mound of Naubat Pahad as an acknowledgement to the developments made in the field of science and technology. Birla Planetarium was launched on 8th September 1985 by the Late Mr. N.T. Rama Rao and boasts of its striking dome-shaped structural design.

    High Court
    Designed by the well-known British architect Vincent Esch, this beautiful Mughal-style edifice was constructed in the year 1916. With an estimated cost of 2 million rupees, this structure boasts of its local pink colored granite and red sandstone shaped panels.

    Falaknuma Palace
     Also known as Star of Heaven, Falaknuma Fort was constructed by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra Bahadur. It is one of the splendid Indian monuments which stand on top of a 650 m high hill.

    Golconda Fort
    The grand Golconda fort is situated on the outskirts of Hyderabad city and showcases the 400 years old great cultural legacy.

    Salar Jung Museum
    This museum showcases its various collections of antiques from all over the world. Collected by a single man, the 35,000 antiques comprise Chinese Porcelain, stilettos and other belongings of Queen Noor Jehan, Emperor Jahangir and Shah Jahan, Sword of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb, statuettes, Indian canvases and Persian carpets. Veiled Rebecca, the ammunition section, Bezzoni’s semitransparent white marble statue, the Jade section and the Oriental Section are some of the eye catching masterpieces.

    Hussain Sagar Lake
    The Lake was constructed by Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah to acknowledge the role of Hussain Shah Wali in his life. Hussain Sagar Lake or Tank Bund connects the cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

    Birla Mandir
    Located on the picturesque coasts of Hussain Sagar Lake, Birla Mandir is a modern Hindu temple in Hyderabad. It is constructed on the knoll of ‘Kala Pahad’ and offers a scenic sight of the city from the pinnacle. The marble used in constructing the structure was transported from Rajasthan and the main temple is devoted to Lord Venkateshwara.

    Jama Masjid
    Build in 1597 by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah and located near the Charminar, Jama Masjid is the oldest mosque in Hyderabad.

    Chote Hazrat Ki Dargah
    Chote Hazrat ki Dargah was constructed during the reigns of Asif Jahis in the honor of the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, Hazrat Ali. It is located inside the Devan Devadi and the row of 400 stairs guides you up to the Dargah with a magnificent view.

    Nehru Zoological Park
    Nehru Zoological Park comprise of around 250 species of fauna making it the largest zoo in the whole of Asia. Explore the prehistorical animal’s park, history museum, children and bird’s park, etc in the zoo.

    Raymond’s Tomb
     The tomb was built in the memory of Michel Raymond, a Frenchman and a good friend of the reigning Nizam. The 7 m high black granite Raymond’s tomb is located in Saroornagar in east Hyderabad and is facilitated by annual tribute.

    Qutub Shahi Tombs
    The tombs of the Qutub Shahi emperors are arched compositions constructed on a square base enclosed by erected domes. In the middle of each tomb lies the chest covering the actual burial chamber underneath. Previously, these domes were covered with green and blue floors.

    Paigah Tombs
    These are 200 years old tombs which are located at Santoshnagar in Hyderabad. Paigah tombs are the crypts of Paigah nobles better known as relatives of Nizams. They exhibit striking lime and mortar architecture which is magnificently shaped, demonstrating marble engraved work on them.

  • One In 25 US Teens Has Attempted Suicide: Study

    One In 25 US Teens Has Attempted Suicide: Study

    NEW YORK (TIP): About one in 25 US teens has attempted suicide, and one in eight has thought about it, according to a national study based on interviews with thousands of teens. Researchers, whose findings appeared in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, said those numbers are similar to the prevalence of lifetime suicidal thinking and attempts reported by adults, suggesting that the teenage years are an especially vulnerable time. “What adults say is, the highest risk time for first starting to think about suicide is in adolescence,” said Matthew Nock, a psychologist who worked on the study at Harvard University.

    The results are based on in-person interviews of close to 6,500 teens in the United States and questionnaires filled out by their parents. Along with asking youth about their suicidal thinking, plans and attempts, interviewers also determined which teens fit the bill for a range of mental disorders. Just over 12 percent of the youth had thought about suicide. Four percent had made a suicide plan and four percent had attempted suicide. Nock and his colleagues found that almost all teens who thought about or attempted suicide had a mental disorder, including depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or problems with drug or alcohol abuse. More than half of the youth were already in treatment when they reported suicidal behavior, which Nock said was both encouraging and disturbing.

    “We know that a lot of the kids who are at risk and thinking about suicide are getting (treatment),” he told Reuters Health. However, “We don’t know how to stop them – we don’t have any evidence-based treatments for suicidal behavior.” The findings leave many questions unanswered. Because most youth who think about suicide never go on to make an actual plan or attempt, doctors need to get better at figuring out which ones are most at risk of putting themselves in danger, according to Nock. Once those youth are identified, researchers will also have to determine the best way to treat them, since it’s clear a lot of current methods aren’t preventing suicidal behavior, he said. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 24, killing about 4,6000 young people annually. Although girls are more likely to attempt suicide – a patter confirmed by Nock’s study – boys have higher rates of death by suicide because they typically choose more deadly methods, such as guns.