-The Hindu The approval for large-scale induction of women personnel into the Delhi Police is being described by many as a knee-jerk reaction to the public outrage over the gang-rape and murder of a 23-year-old physiotherapy student last month. However, whether the move would make any significant change depends entirely on the degree of sensitivity shown by all the stakeholders and efficient handling of police investigations into crimes against women, particularly rape...

-The Hindu There is little doubt that US universities have a long way to go in terms of making women safe on campus In the wake of the high-profile gang rape incident in New Delhi on December 16, media and public comments have significantly centred on anti-woman attitudes in Indian society, particularly among young men. This line of introspection is indeed warranted, for there can be little doubt that these values have fuelled...

-The Hindu In a typical case of putting the cart before the horse, the Health Ministry is now in the process of amending the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 to regulate human clinical trials taking place in the country. More than the death of over 2,000 people during 2008-2011 in clinical trials, it was the recent rap by the Supreme Court that has shaken the government from its “deep slumber” and...

-The Hindu Mid-January last year a fragile, dazed 14-year-old girl walked into the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences Trauma Centre here clutching what looked like a tiny bundle of clothes. Sensing something amiss, the Medical staff there immediately swung into action, unfolding what was to be one of the worst reported cases of child assault by a juvenile in the country. Malnourished, pregnant and with a history of being violently abused mentally,...

-Outlook Jammu:  For the second time in a row, Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as the number one state this year for providing better primary health care service, achieving 43 per cent infant mortality lower than the national average of 47 per cent. "The rate of infant mortality in Jammu and Kashmir has come down to 43 per cent which is better than the national average of 47 per cent," an official...