Taste of Mango, a documentary that affirms the power of generational connections while celebrating the new generation’s drive to question, challenge, and seek answers has won Best Documentary Audience Award at BFI London Film Festival 2023 and Best Debut Director Award, BIFA 2023. It is set to be released in UK and Irish Cinemas on 29th November 2024. The Taste of Mango is symbolic, invoking both the literal fruit and its metaphorical connection to the character’s search for roots, meaning, and sweetness amidst life’s struggles. The Taste of Mango is a beautiful, heartfelt exploration of belonging and identity. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
This astonishingly personal documentary about a young female filmmaker’s inter-generational trauma and healing across 3 generations of women – her mother, grandmother and herself, won both the BFI LFF Best Documentary audience award & Best Debut Director Award at the BIFAs.
Conic is delighted to announce that the BIFA and BFI London Film Festival award-winning documentary ‘The Taste of Mango’ will be released in UK and Irish cinemas from 29th November 2024.
Director Chloe Abrahams’ debut feature documentary ‘The Taste of Mango’ won the Best Debut Director Award at the 2023 BIFAs and the Best Documentary Audience Award at the 2023 BFI London Film Festival.
In this hypnotically cinematic love letter flowing through time and generations, director Chloe Abrahams probes raw questions her mother and grandmother have long brushed aside, tenderly untangling painful knots in her family’s unspoken past.
‘The Taste of Mango’ is an enveloping, hypnotic, urgently personal meditation on family, memory, identity, violence and love. At its centre are three extraordinary women: the director’s mother, Rozana; her grandmother, Jean; and the director herself. Their stories, by turns difficult and jubilant, testify to the entangled and ever-changing nature of inheritance and the ways in which we both hurt and protect the ones we love.
Director Chloe Abrahams said: “I’m thrilled to be bringing The Taste of Mango to audiences in partnership with the wonderful team at Conic who consistently champion the best in independent cinema. I made this film as a way of connecting three generations in my own family, and I hope it helps to open up healing conversations across the U.K. and Ireland.”
This measure came after a consultation in which 845 respondents expressed strong support for the PSPO scheme, which already prohibits a range of anti-social behaviors including begging…reports Asian Lite News
The PSPO serves as a proactive approach to crime prevention and community safety, fostering a respectful and welcoming public environment for all residents.
Barking and Dagenham Council has introduced a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that specifically addresses sexual harassment in public areas, marking a significant step toward enhancing women’s safety in the borough. This measure came after a consultation in which 845 respondents expressed strong support for the PSPO scheme, which already prohibits a range of anti-social behaviors including begging, public urination, spitting, public alcohol consumption, amplified noise, and causing distress or alarm.
This PSPO is now in effect across four designated areas: Barking Town Centre, Heathway, Broad Street, and Gale Street. Sexual harassment was specifically added to the prohibited behaviors list based on residents’ feedback, acknowledging the need for safe, respectful public spaces. Councillor Syed Ghani, the Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, expressed gratitude to residents for their input and hopes the updated PSPO will positively impact the community.
Law enforcement, represented by Superintendent David Rhodes, supports the initiative, seeing it as an essential tool for tackling anti-social behavior and restoring trust with local communities. Offenders under this PSPO face penalties, including a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice or fines up to £1,000. The PSPO serves as a proactive approach to crime prevention and community safety, fostering a respectful and welcoming public environment for all residents.
The three women have spoken out following a BBC report in April in which five women accused Lancaster of bullying and sexist behaviour….reports Asian Lite News
Three more women have accused a judge of bullying during employment tribunal hearings. They say Judge Philip Lancaster was belittling and intimidating and made them feel stupid while they presented their cases. One said she felt his behaviour in her case verged on psychological abuse.
The three women have spoken out following a BBC report in April in which five women accused Lancaster of bullying and sexist behaviour. A spokesperson for the Judiciary Office, which supports the judiciary across courts in England and Wales, said judges cannot comment on matters of conduct due to constitutional arrangements.
It said allegations of misconduct in court can be referred to the Judicial Conduct Investigation Office. The three women all appeared before Judge Lancaster at the employment tribunal in Leeds between 2021 and this year.
In October 2022, Jackie Moore represented her daughter who had brought a case of constructive unfair dismissal and disability discrimination against her employer. Moore had spent two years preparing the case and had a number of preliminary hearings before different judges who she found “efficient and polite.” However, she says none of that prepared her for the full five-day hearing she had before Judge Lancaster. She says he was “patronising” right from the start. “He thought I wouldn’t have a clue.”
Moore said the judge repeatedly snapped at her and “blocked or challenged” the questions she was asking the witnesses provided by her daughter’s employer.
She says she felt “battered, intimidated and bullied by him, throwing his weight about”. When she read the accounts by other women who had appeared before the judge she realised she was not alone.
Employment tribunals are specialist courts that rule on disputes between employers and employees. There are about 30,000 hearings in Scotland, England and Wales annually, mainly involving issues such as unfair dismissal, redundancy terms and discrimination. Northern Ireland has a separate system.
Earlier this year, another woman spent seven days in a hearing before Judge Lancaster, having brought a case of age discrimination, constructive dismissal and unfair discrimination against her employer.
The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, says she felt “fully prepared” as she had spent well over a year working on her case, even attending other hearings in Leeds to see how litigants-in-person – people who represent themselves – were treated.
Again, she says her preliminary hearings had gone well. “Everyone allowed me to talk, nobody shut me down, nobody made me feel useless.” That experience, says the 45-year-old, was in direct contrast to how she was treated by Judge Lancaster.
“He made my life hell,” she recalls. “He’d put his hands on his head, and appeared disinterested in what I was saying. He repeatedly asked why I was asking [my employer’s witnesses] particular questions and raised his voice numerous times. I felt useless.” She is now appealing the ruling.
Angela Gates brought a case of disability discrimination and constructive dismissal against her employer in 2021.
She says a hearing in front of Judge Lancaster made her feel “like a villain being prosecuted”. She says: “I felt I couldn’t give my side on anything.”
The four-day hearing was held on Zoom, and Gates, 53, says Judge Lancaster regularly shouted at her, repeatedly telling her to be quiet. She says his behaviour was “appalling and degrading, verging on psychological abuse”, adding: “I don’t believe I’ve been given a fair trial.”
In his judgement, the judge said he agreed with the defence’s description of Ms Gates as “tipping into paranoia”, saying this was not a criticism of her but “a fact, given her poor mental health”. Ms Gates says she found this grossly offensive.
“He has no medical training to reach that conclusion,” she says.
She appealed the judgement but didn’t complain about Judge Lancaster’s behaviour as, like many other litigants, “you are told not to complain on the grounds of bias”.
“You feel it will affect your case if you get personal about a judge.”
A spokesperson for the Judiciary Office said appeals can be lodged against any judgement where a party believes there is an error of law or they did not receive a fair hearing.
But bringing a complaint against a judge in the employment tribunal system is extremely difficult. Judge’s notes are regarded as the official court record but there is no obligation to release them. Since late last year, proceedings in some tribunals have been recorded but there is also no obligation on the court to release the audio or provide the claimants with a transcript.
Step into the enchanting world of BELLA, where beauty meets innovation. Founded by Sabina Ranger, BELLA brings to life a vision of exceptional, 100% vegan beauty solutions. Their unique formulations, crafted with precious ingredients, deliver powerful performance and immediate results. Drawing on generations of expertise, their products are beautifully curated with flowers, fruits, and crystals to captivate and delight. The BELLA butterfly symbolizes kindness, joy, hope, and love, guiding you on a journey to discover and embrace your inner butterfly. Experience the magic of BELLA and transform your beauty routine-A feature by Lifestyle columnist Riccha Grover for Asian Lite International.
Sabina’s foray into the beauty industry began with her quest to find a mascara that could replace false lashes while delivering lasting results and nurturing her lashes. After three years of meticulous research, she introduced WANDERLASH mascara, a revolutionary water-based formula renowned for its exceptional volumizing power. The mascara’s acclaim from celebrities and beauty experts paved the way for BELLA, a brand dedicated to offering a comprehensive range of innovative, solution-oriented beauty products.
Beauty visionary Sabina Ranger, founder of BELLA, is dedicated to redefining beauty through innovation and the use of precious ingredients. “Our mission goes beyond makeup; we strive to create moments of joy and wonder. With our flagship product, WANDERLASH mascara, known for its remarkable 30-second lash lift, and our range of exceptional products, we aim to make you feel radiant and uniquely special,” says Sabina Ranger.
From being praised by beauty luminaries like Hannah Martin, Nicola Chapman, Celine Bernaerts, Leyla Milani, and Kaushal Beauty, BELLA has quickly become a loved name in the beauty world. Its captivating displays at Faces UAE stores, nestled among luxury brands such as Tom Ford and Versace, showcase their commitment to bringing you extraordinary beauty experiences.
BELLA, celebrated globally, is now expanding into the UAE with exciting launches, including partnerships with NAMSHI, the region’s largest e-commerce platform, and NYSAA, a luxury beauty store with a strong omni-channel presence.
At BELLA, they redefine beauty with constant innovation. Leveraging in-depth research and advanced technology, they develop groundbreaking formulations that elevate industry standards, delivering outstanding results.
BELLA sources rare, unique ingredients globally, believing true luxury lies in the exceptional. Their products are enriched with precious gemstones, powerful botanicals, and exquisite fruits, all carefully chosen to maximize quality and effectiveness.
BELLA is dedicated to driving positive change, donating 1% of all sales to its Butterfly Fund, which supports impactful causes like mental health and education.
Each BELLA product is lovingly crafted with 100% vegan formulas and premium ingredients such as rose quartz and blueberry oil. Highlights from the latest collection include the Cosmic Kisses ultra-hydrating, long-lasting lipsticks infused with real crushed diamonds, and the best-selling Solar Opulence Eye Quads, featuring patented gel technology that creates a stunning glass-like, glitter bomb finish.
Wanderlash Mascara offers voluminous, lengthened lashes with a high-performance formula. Infused with rich pigments, it delivers intense colour while maintaining a smooth application. Enhance your lashes with confidence and flair.
Solar Opulence Quad (Mercury) – Designed with next-generation technology, these eyeshadows boast a transparent, talc-free base for exceptional colour payoff and a luminous, polished finish. Each shade is carefully formulated to achieve ideal pigment suspension, delivering vibrant, refined results with every application.
Luminosity in Rose Quartz – Experience the enchantment of this crystal-infused highlighting blush, masterfully formulated with an innovative blend of ingredients. Its buildable texture enhances your natural glow, delivering dewy, rosy skin and a radiant, flawless finish that feels effortlessly ethereal.
Cosmic Kisses Lipstick in Blushed Dust – A perfect fusion of the weightless feel of a balm and the rich intensity of a lipstick, Cosmic Kisses delivers bold, demi-matte colour while keeping your lips hydrated. This luxurious lipstick glides on smoothly for a buttery, flawless finish and a comfortable, effortless wear. Infused with real crushed diamonds for a romantic shimmer and hibiscus extract to naturally revitalize your lips, it leaves them feeling plump, refreshed, and radiant.
Liquid Lava Lip Paint (Flores) – Indulge in the weightless application and fast-drying, creamy formula of this intensely pigmented liquid lipstick. It effortlessly transforms into a smooth, velvet matte finish that lasts all day, ensuring your lips look flawless and feel fabulous from morning to night.
Ladies of Virtue Outreach CIC (LOVO) is at the forefront of community empowerment, tackling challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and domestic violence. LOVO nurtures individual potential through its core pillars: Community, Growth, Gratitude, Self-Care, and Wisdom. The £10,000 donation from Tilda will fund LOVO’s English language programmes and the weekly global lunches for 12 months, expanding their ability to reach and support more women in need.
Tilda is proud to announce its partnership with Ladies of Virtue Outreach CIC (LOVO), a non-profit organisation dedicated to engaging, equipping, and inspiring women and their families. As part of this partnership, Tilda will donate £10,000 to support LOVO’s initiatives over the next 12 months. In addition, the partnership will involve multiple joint community initiatives aimed at celebrating cultural diversity and empowering women.
Ladies of Virtue Outreach CIC (LOVO) is at the forefront of community empowerment, tackling challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and domestic violence. LOVO nurtures individual potential through its core pillars: Community, Growth, Gratitude, Self-Care, and Wisdom. A cornerstone of LOVO’s mission is their weekly global lunch in Peckham, where women from diverse cultural backgrounds come together to share traditional dishes. Given that rice is a common ingredient in these meals, Tilda’s support aligns perfectly with LOVO’s celebration of cultural diversity and unity.
The £10,000 donation from Tilda will fund LOVO’s English language programmes and the weekly global lunches for 12 months, expanding their ability to reach and support more women in need. “This partnership with Tilda is a significant step forward for our organisation,” said Ola Olive Stephen, Founder & Director of LOVO. “The funds will enable us to reach more women and provide them with the tools and support they need to overcome their challenges and lead fulfilling lives.”
In addition to financial support, the Tilda x LOVO collaboration will include a series of community events in 2024, engaging local communities and providing valuable support and resources. The first joint event in June featured a vibrant community gathering in Peckham, with activities such as a Zumba class, a nutritionist talk, and a well-being session. Looking ahead, the partnership will continue with a second major event in September, promising to further amplify the impact of this collaboration.
“We are honoured to partner with LOVO on its mission to empower women now and in the future,” said Jean Phillipe, Managing Director of Tilda. “At Tilda, we are committed to supporting initiatives that align with our belief in the importance of strengthening our community and cultural diversity.”
Tilda’s B Corp certification in 2023 underscores its commitment to meeting high standards of social and environmental responsibility. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Tilda’s ongoing efforts to contribute positively to society by supporting organisations championing diversity. Together with LOVO, Tilda looks forward to making a tangible difference in the lives of women and their families, creating a future where life in all its flavours can thrive.
The recent spate of crimes against women should force honest self introspection to uncover the roots of the malaise, writes Droupadi Murmu
The gruesome incident of rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata has left the nation shocked. I was dismayed and horrified when I came to hear of it. What is more depressing is the fact that it was not the only incident of its kind; it is part of a series of crimes against women. Even as students, doctors and citizens were protesting in Kolkata, criminals remained on the prowl elsewhere. The victims include even kindergarten girls. No civilised society can allow daughters and sisters to be subjected to such atrocities. The nation is bound to be outraged, and so am I.
On the occasion of Women’s Day last year, I had shared my thoughts and hopes about women’s empowerment in the form of a newspaper article. I remain an optimist, thanks to our past achievements in empowering women. I consider myself as an example of that spectacular journey of women empowerment in India. But I myself feel deeply anguished when I hear about brutality against women in any part of the country.
More recently, I was in a unique predicament when some schoolchildren who had come to celebrate Rakhi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan asked me innocently if they could be assured that there would be no recurrence of the Nirbhaya type incident in future. I told them that though the State is committed to protect every citizen, training in self-defence and martial arts is essential for all, particularly girls, to make them stronger. But that’s not a guarantee for their security as women’s vulnerability is influenced by many factors.
Obviously, the full answer to that question can come only from our society.
For that to happen, what is needed first of all is honest, unbiased self-introspection. The time has come when we as a society need to ask ourselves some difficult questions. Where have we erred? And what can we do to remove the errors? Without finding out the answer to that question, the half of our population cannot live as freely as the other half.
“To answer it, let me explain it right at the beginning. Our Constitution granted equality to all, including women, when it was only an ideal in many parts of the world. The State then created institutions to establish this equality, wherever needed, and promoted it with a series of schemes and initiatives. Civil society came forward and supplemented the State’s outreach in this regard. Visionary leaders in all spheres of society pushed for gender equality.
Finally, there were exceptional, feisty women who made it possible for their less fortunate sisters to benefit from this social revolution. That has been the saga of women’s empowerment.
Yet, this journey has not been without its obstacles. Women have had to fight for every inch of ground they have won. Social prejudices as well as some customs and practices have always opposed the expansion of women’s rights. This is a rather deplorable mindset. I won’t call it a male mindset, because it has little to do with the gender of the person: there are many, many men who don’t have it. This mindset sees the female as a lesser human being, less powerful, less capable, less intelligent. Those who share such views then go further and see the female as an object.
It is this objectification of women by a few that is behind the crimes against women. It is ingrained deeply in the minds of such people. Let me also note here that, regrettably, this is the case not only in India, but across the world.
Difference between one place and the next is more of a degree than kind.
Countering this mindset is a task for both the State and the society. In India, over the years, the two have fought hard to change the wrong attitude. There have been laws and there have been social campaigns. Yet, there is something that continues to come in the way and to torment us.
In December 2012, we had come face to face with that element when a young woman was gang-raped and murdered. There was shock and rage. We were determined not to let another Nirbhaya meet the same fate. We made plans and devised strategies. These initiatives did make a difference to an extent. Yet, our task remains unfinished as long as any woman feels unsafe in the environment where she lives or works.
In the twelve years since that tragedy in the national capital, there have been countless tragedies of similar nature, though only a few drew nationwide attention. Even these were soon forgotten. Did we learn our lessons? As social protests petered out, these incidents got buried into a deep and inaccessible recess of social memory, to be recalled only when another heinous crime takes place.
This collective amnesia, I am afraid, is as much obnoxious as that mindset I spoke of.
History often hurts. Societies scared to face history resort to collective amnesia to bury their heads in the sand like the proverbial ostrich. Now the time has come not only to face history squarely but also to search within our souls and probe the pathology of crime against women.
I am of the firm belief that we should not let amnesia prevail over the memory of such criminality. Let us deal with this perversion in a comprehensive manner so as to curb it right at the beginning. We can do this only if we honour the memory of the victims by cultivating a social culture of remembering them to remind us of our failures in the past and prepare us to be more vigilant in future.
We owe it to our daughters to remove the hurdles from their path of winning the freedom from fear. Then we can collectively give a firm answer to the innocent query of those children in the next Raksha Bandhan. Let us collectively say enough is enough.
The incidence of uterine fibroids is becoming a major gynaecological concern in young women in the country, but the precise cause remains unknown. The factors that are frequently associated with the condition include genetics and certain lifestyle factors…reports Asian Lite News
While diabetes has been linked to the risk of developing uterine fibroids, the association is not completely proven, said experts on Sunday.
Uterine fibroids are benign tumours of the uterus that frequently occur in women during their childbearing years.
The incidence of uterine fibroids is becoming a major gynaecological concern in young women in the country, but the precise cause remains unknown. The factors that are frequently associated with the condition include genetics and certain lifestyle factors.
“The idea that diabetes is linked to uterine fibroids is not proven, but the relationship is complex and still under study,” Dr Chetna Jain, Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurugram, told IANS.
“There is evidence suggesting that factors associated with diabetes, such as insulin resistance, obesity, and chronic inflammation, may contribute to the development of fibroids. However, the exact mechanisms and the strength of this association are not fully understood, and more research is needed to clarify the connection,” the doctor added.
Studies showed that between 20 per cent and 80 per cent of women develop uterine fibroids by the time they are 50. They are most common in women in their 40s and early 50s.
While some studies have shown a higher prevalence of uterine fibroids in women with diabetes, other factors like age and overall metabolic health also play significant roles in fibroid development.
Also many problems, such as pain, heavy menses, and sometimes even infertility due to fibroids can be worsened with the presence of diabetes.
“Thus, while there is a plausible link, it’s not yet conclusive that diabetes directly causes uterine fibroids. The relationship is more likely due to a combination of hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory processes that are common in both conditions,” Dr Jain said.
Dr. Dheeraj Kapoor, Chief – Endocrinology, Artemis Hospitals explained that uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus.
“The connection between diabetes and the development of uterine fibroids may be due to insulin resistance, a common feature of diabetes, which can lead to higher levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factors. These factors promote cell growth, including the growth of fibroids,” he told.
Not only this, obesity, often associated with type 2 diabetes, is a known risk factor for fibroids. Managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication can significantly help in reducing the risk of fibroids in people suffering from diabetes, the expert said.
The Human Rights Watch has identified various triggers for honour-related crimes, including violations of social norms and accepted behaviors. A woman’s choice of clothing, employment, or education; refusal to accept an arranged marriage; getting married without family consent; seeking a divorce; being raped or sexually assaulted; or even alleged intimate relations outside marriage are seen as valid reasons for honour killings … writes Dr Sakariya Kareem
Thousands of women and young girls are brutally hacked to death, or shot in a gruesome manner in the name of honour with the state watching like a mute spectator despite stringent laws against such heinous crimes.
In a gruesome incident earlier this month, a mother and her three daughters were found shot and hacked to death in their home in Swat, a suspected case of ‘honour’ killing. This tragic event has once again highlighted the persistent issue of honour killings in Pakistan, a practice that continues to claim thousands of lives annually with little effective intervention from the state or civil society.
Despite the horror of such crimes, they often fail to elicit strong reactions. Newspapers report the stories for a day, civil society groups make token noises, but widespread protests and outraged articles remain conspicuously absent. The recent Swat incident is a stark reminder of this disturbing apathy.
Swat, known for its beautiful mountainous landscapes, has seen a spiraling number of honour killings, sexual assaults, and suicides since 2012. According to The Awakening, a civil rights group, 229 people have been killed in the name of honour in Swat over the past seven years, including 211 women and 18 men. Tabassum Adnan, founder of the women’s group Khuvindu Jirga, expressed deep concern over this rising trend, stating that perpetrators often show pride rather than remorse for their actions.
In Pakistan, suspects in honour killings are typically relatives of the victims, leading to fewer cases being registered and even fewer testimonies being recorded. This familial connection often allows the accused to escape punishment, perpetuating a cycle of violence. Low prosecution rates have only emboldened people to commit such crimes with impunity.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has noted that the passage of the Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offences in the Name or Pretext of Honour) Act 2016 has not significantly reduced the number of honour killings. These killings are driven by the belief that ‘honour’ resides in women’s bodies, a notion deeply ingrained in Pakistan’s patriarchal society. The HRCP estimates that over 1,000 women are killed each year in Pakistan in the name of honour, though many cases go unreported due to family and community pressure.
The Human Rights Watch has identified various triggers for honour-related crimes, including violations of social norms and accepted behaviors. A woman’s choice of clothing, employment, or education; refusal to accept an arranged marriage; getting married without family consent; seeking a divorce; being raped or sexually assaulted; or even alleged intimate relations outside marriage are seen as valid reasons for honour killings.
A particularly shocking case from 2011 involved a video of five young women and a teenage boy clapping, singing, and dancing. Although the video did not show the women and the boy together, it sparked a major controversy. All five women and the two boys were subsequently killed by their families. When a relative campaigned for justice, his house was firebombed, and he was killed in 2019.
Efforts to outlaw honour killings in Pakistan began nearly two decades ago. In 2004, the National Assembly passed the Honour Killing Act, criminalizing such murders. However, a loophole allowed family members to forgive the convict through an Islamic legal practice known as Diya. This practice is especially troubling in honour killings, where family members often commit the murder.
Following the high-profile murder of social media star Qandeel Baloch in 2016, the National Assembly enacted the Anti-Honour Killing law, which mandated life imprisonment for the convict even if forgiven by the victim’s relatives. However, the law allowing relatives to forgive the murderer remains in practice. Qandeel Baloch’s brother was acquitted under this law after his mother forgave him, with the judge ruling the case was not an honour killing.
This ruling, coupled with the fact that many honour killings go unreported, continues to leave women and men vulnerable to being killed in the name of protecting family honour. The persistent prevalence of honour killings in Pakistan underscores the urgent need for more stringent legal reforms and a societal shift to protect the fundamental rights and lives of all individuals.
The Court has also interacted with the Petitioner, and she has confirmed that this is her own personal decision, and after receiving a medical opinion from AIIMS, she is inclined to terminate her pregnancy, it added…reports Asian Lite News
The Delhi High Court on Saturday allowed a plea of a married woman seeking permission to medically terminate her 32 weeks pregnancy of abnormal foetus.
The High Court grants the permission after considering the recommendation by the medical board of AIIMS and physical-mental well-being of the petitioner woman.
Justice Sanjeev Narula allowed the petition and said, “The continuation of the pregnancy poses a significant risk to the Petitioner’s physical and mental health and is likely to result in the birth of a child with severe health issues.”
“Consequently, the Court finds it appropriate to permit the termination of the pregnancy in the best interest of both the Petitioner and the unborn foetus,” Justice Mahajan said in the order passed on July 13.
The doctors from the AIIMS Medical Board stated that they have counselled the Petitioner and her husband and explained to them the procedure and the risks involved in such late-term termination, to which the petitioner is willing to undergo the procedure, the High Court order noted.
The Court has also interacted with the Petitioner, and she has confirmed that this is her own personal decision, and after receiving a medical opinion from AIIMS, she is inclined to terminate her pregnancy, it added.
Section 3(2B) of the MTP Act permits a pregnant woman to seek termination of her pregnancy, beyond the permissible 24-week gestational age, in case the said pregnancy is found to have substantial foetal abnormalities.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has issued guidelines dated August 14, 2017, for late-term termination of pregnancy referred to by a court of law.
The High Court said that pertinent to the present case, the guidelines classify the abnormalities of ‘Corpus callosum agenesis with additional major abnormalities’ as well as ‘Hydrocephalus over 20mm with dilation of all ventricles’ as major central nervous system abnormalities.
“Thus, having regard to the aforenoted provisions and the clear and explicit medical report, which suggests substantial foetal abnormalities, the Court is inclined to accept Petitioner’s request,” the bench said in the order.
Moreover, given the scheme of the MTP Act, particularly of Section 3(3), in arriving at the ultimate decision in such cases, the Court must also recognise and give due weightage to the choice of the mother and her foreseeable environment, as well as the possibility of a dignified life for the unborn child, the bench further said.
A married woman of 31 years of age had moved to Delhi High Court seeking permission to medically terminate 32 weeks of pregnancy having an abnormal foetus.
The High Court had called for a report from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Petitioner’s counsel, Amit Mishra had submitted that the foetus has abnormalities. It was revealed on July 4 after the petitioner underwent an ultrasound test. He also submitted that the petitioner took the opinion from four other labs, and the results were the same.
Considering the advanced stage of pregnancy, the bench directed AIIMS to file a medical report by July 13.
Petitioner had approached the court after she was advised by the doctors to get the permission of the court for medical termination of pregnancy, as it was beyond the permissible duration under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. (ANI)
Smriti Sharan stated that this partnership with EESL will prove to be a boon to the SHG women in rural entrepreneurship with green wheels….reports Asian Lite News
The Ministry of Rural Development on Friday signed an MoU with Convergence Energy Services Limited to empower rural women self-help groups by providing them with electric bicycles in order to give them access to green mobility.
The MoU was signed by Joint Secretary, of Rural Livelihoods from MoRD Smriti Sharan and MD & CEO, of Convergence Energy Services Limited Vishal Kapoor in the presence of Secretary, of Rural Development Shailesh Kumar Singh.
Shailesh Kumar Singh said that this partnership of Green Mobility will further support the economic and social empowerment of rural women and accelerate enabling of Lakhpati Didis in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
Smriti Sharan stated that this partnership with EESL will prove to be a boon to the SHG women in rural entrepreneurship with green wheels.
Vishal Kapoor said through this intervention CESL is keen to support the government’s initiative of enabling three crore Lakhpati Didis in rural areas, reflecting its commitment towards women empowerment and national green objectives.
The project aims to build livelihood opportunities, independence and prosperity amongst SHG women, elevating their socio-economic standing. Additionally, the project intends to keep rural mobility congestion-free thereby contributing towards decarbonisation of the last-mile mobility space.
Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) is a subsidiary of state-owned Energy Efficiency Services Limited, a joint venture of public sector companies under the Ministry of Power. CESL is focused on energy solutions that lie at the confluence of renewable energy, electric mobility and climate change.
The electric bicycles are being provided under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and is called the Sustainable Transport for Rural Entrepreneurs through Electric Bicycles” (STREE) for Self Help Group (SHG) Women.
STREE intends to empower the rural economy, especially the rural women by providing them access to green mobility through the introduction of electric bicycles.
DAY- NRLM is focusing on promoting SHG women-led enterprises with diversified opportunities in the manufacturing and service sectors covering the farm and non-farm domains.
Since its launch, DAY-NRLM has helped create the largest platform for social inclusion, access to financial services and women’s economic empowerment.
