There has been a phenomenal rise in the percentage of elderly who are abused by their own family members, and although most of the victims are aware of police helplines, they seldom adopt such solutions. What can be the explanation behind such social behaviour? Based on a survey conducted in 12 cities across 8 states with a sample size of 1,200 elders covering both metro (Tier I) and non- metro (Tier...

-The United Nations   In the aftermath of the global economic crisis, more than 70 per cent of the world population is without proper social protections, the United Nations labour agency today reported, urging governments to scale up investment in child and family benefits, pensions and other public expenditures. "The global community agreed in 1948 that social security and health care for children, working age people who face unemployment or injury and older...

-Odisha Sun Times Bureau   Keonjhar (Odisha): In a shocking, shameful and barbaric incident, a lady worker and a cook of an anganwadi centre in Odisha's Keonjhar district allegedly threw piping hot liquid residue (peja) of cooked rice on a child, leaving him critically injured. The child was reportedly punished for ‘defiling' the boiled eggs kept for the children in the Anganwadi Kendra. The child's father Rilu Munda has alleged that his child suffered...

-Frontline   A Delhi High Court verdict says the State government is bound to ensure that poor and vulnerable sections of society have access to treatment for rare and chronic diseases. SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Mohammed Ahmed Khan looked on helplessly as his father, Sirajuddin, narrated the sordid tale of the loss of four of his children to Gaucher's disease, a rare genetic disease that requires lifelong, exorbitantly expensive enzyme replacement therapy. Sirajuddin, a rickshaw...

-The Times of India MUMBAI: Indians approaching their silver innings seem most worried about their ability to foot their medical expenses in future, found an online survey. Respondents above 45 years rated high out-of-pocket spending on health above fears about physical and mental wellbeing. While life expectancy is up, thanks to medical advances, this generation is more likely to be living their sunset years alone as the young migrate for work. "As they...