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Business Standard
16-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Rabies deaths: Kerala to sterilise strays, allow euthanasia of sick dogs
Kerala will launch a crackdown on stray dogs by rolling out mobile sterilisation units in 152 blocks and permitting the euthanasia of seriously ill animals, following public concern over recent rabies-linked deaths in the state. Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh said on Wednesday that before deploying the portable ABC (Animal Birth Control) units across the blocks, a pilot study would be conducted in Nedumangad, near here, using one unit under the leadership of the Animal Husbandry Department. "These portable units are more cost-effective than permanent ABC centres," he told a press conference after a joint discussion involving the Animal Husbandry, Local Self-Government, and Law Departments regarding stray dog control. He also said a large-scale vaccination drive for stray dogs would be conducted in August. "Each portable ABC unit will cost Rs 28 lakh. Once an order is placed, it will take about two months for the units to be delivered. During this period, suitable locations for operating the units will be identified by the respective panchayats and municipalities," the minister said. According to him, 158 trained personnel from the Animal Husbandry Department are currently available for catching stray dogs. "Local bodies will identify more people for this work through Kudumbashree. Those who catch dogs for the ABC centres will be paid Rs 300 per dog. The services of the Indian Veterinary Association will be utilised for carrying out the sterilisation procedures," Rajesh said. The minister said that in September, special camps would be organised to provide vaccination and licensing for pet dogs. He said people's committees would be formed at the level of local bodies to monitor the functioning of the mobile ABC centres, and police would be instructed to take action under Sections 107 of the CrPC and 186 of the IPC against those who obstruct the operations of these centres. Rajesh said stray dogs that are gravely ill or injured may be euthanised, provided a veterinary surgeon certifies their condition. "Under Section 8(a) of the Animal Husbandry Practices and Procedures Rules, stray dogs that are seriously ill or injured may be subjected to euthanasia. This requires certification from a veterinary surgeon confirming the condition of the animal," the minister said. He added that the increasing challenges posed by the conditions in the central rules, along with public resistance when action is taken under these rules, are now creating a major crisis. The minister appealed to the public to cooperate in effectively controlling stray dogs by avoiding littering and supporting the operations of the ABC centres. Rajesh added that the state would approach the Central Government seeking relaxation in the ABC regulations. Animal Husbandry Minister J Chinchu Rani, who also attended the meeting, said the department would procure seven more mobile portable ABC centres. "Currently, 17 permanent ABC centres are operational in the state, and 13 more are in their final stages of construction. Locations have been identified for 28 new centres," she said. Rani said that just like cattle are fitted with chips, dogs would now also be implanted with chips. "These chips will carry a 12-digit number, which can be used to identify the owner's address, whether the dog has been vaccinated, and if it has a licence," she added. Since April this year, four children from various parts of the state have died after being bitten by stray dogs, despite receiving the anti-rabies vaccine.
India Gazette
08-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Uttarakhand CM Dhami participate in 300th birth anniversary program of Ahilyabai Holkar
Haridwar (Uttarakhand) [India], June 8 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Tricentenary Birth Anniversary program of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, organised by Dhangar Samaj in Haridwar. On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced that the Gram Sabha of Salempur will be named after Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, on the proposal and with no objection. CM Dhami, while paying homage to Lokmata Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar, said that the Pal-Dhangar society has been the main basis of India's livestock-based economy since ancient times. 'Not only did she contribute significantly economically to the progress and development of the country, but she has also played an important role in preserving and advancing our rich cultural heritage. Even today, this society is making an important contribution in the creation of a self-reliant India on the strength of its hard work, dedication and self-respect,' he said. The Chief Minister said that Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar is such a pious soul of Indian history who presented the best example of women's power. Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar's entire life was dedicated to the re-establishment of Sanatan life values and Indian culture. 'She rebuilt temples and ghats in Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, Dwarka, Rameshwaram, Ayodhya and Mathura as well as Badrinath, Kedarnath and Haridwar of our Devbhoomi. Rani Ahilyabai Holkar also presented such a unique example of women empowerment in that period, which was difficult to even imagine at that time,' CM Dhami said. Chief Minister said, 'For hundreds of years, foreign invaders and then even after independence, governments suffering from the mentality of slavery did not give the contribution of our great personalities the respect they really deserved. A well-planned conspiracy was hatched to deprive our young generation of their glorious history.' The Chief Minister said that today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has entered the Amritkaal of the renaissance of its cultural consciousness. 'Our glorious history, the contribution of great national heroes and cultural heritage, which were neglected for years, are not only being restored today, but are also being made the basis of national consciousness. Today, the flag of our Sanatan culture is flying proudly all over the world and India is rapidly moving towards becoming a world leader again by connecting with its roots. Today, whether it is the construction of a grand Ram temple, reconstruction of Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines, expansion of Baba Vishwanath's corridor or the construction of Mahakal Lok,' he said. The Chief Minister said that unprecedented work is also being done in the direction of women's empowerment under the Prime Minister's leadership. 'Whether it is approving 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and Legislative Assemblies, giving priority to the education and safety of daughters through the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign, freeing women from the smoke of the stove through the Ujjwala Yojana, making women self-reliant through the Lakhpati Didi Yojana or ending the evil practice of triple talaq. Through many such decisions, PM Modi has worked to ensure the respect of the mother power,' CM Dhami said. The Chief Minister said that the state government is also fully committed to preserving the cultural values and demography of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. 'We have taken strict action against hateful mindsets like land jihad, love jihad and spit jihad in the state. Strict anti-riot and anti-conversion laws have also been implemented in the state. We are working with determination with the policy of 'zero tolerance' to end corruption in the state,' he said. Chief Minister Dhami said that earlier, there was a perception that action was taken only against small employees found involved in corruption, but today, in the state, not only small fish but also corrupt crocodiles are being caught. 'Recently, two IAS and one PCS officers have been suspended in the Haridwar land scam,' he added. (ANI)
Chicago Tribune
03-06-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Children's Museum in Oak Lawn teams up for new birth to 5 resource hub
The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn has long been a resource for area parents looking for fun and educational experiences for their kids. Now they're taking that mission online and expanding it, teaming with other area organizations to host the Early Childhood Resource Hub. The Early Childhood Resource Hub, at helps parents of children up to age five find early intervention services, educational programs, health resources and other important support for those early years so vital to an individual's development. Other organizations that participated in developing the site, include Birth to Five Illinois, Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 and its Early Learning program and the Illinois Resource Center. Birth to Five Illinois funded the project with a $12,500 grant, which covered its creation, design and a part-time staff person to manage the data. 'We've been doing a lot of work in early children with our Wee Ones program and it just seemed like kind of a natural fit for us to take the lead on it,' said Adam Woodworth, executive director of the museum, who added the Birth to Five Illinois Region 1-B-C Action Council had the resource hub idea in place when he joined that council about a year ago. Woodworth said parents might not know where to turn when they need help for their kids. 'I think everybody talks about getting ready for kindergarten and investing in these birth- to-five years before they get there,' Woodworth said. 'A lot of parents don't know where to go when they need help. 'There really hasn't been anything like this that has existed … it does now because we created it.' The museum and the other organizations involved are trying to get the word out and also let reputable young children's organizations know they can be listed on the web site. Ashonti Jackson, regional council manager for Birth to Five Illinois-Region 1-B-C, which supports all of south Cook County, said the new resource hub was sorely needed. 'Families and caregivers in Region 1-B-C have repeatedly shared their struggle with the lack of awareness and access to critical services,' Jackson said. 'Can you imagine how frustrating it is to search for help, only to be sent to two or three different places before finding the right support? 'The Resource Hub changes that. It brings everything into one centralized space, making it easier for families to get what they need and for community partners to connect, collaborate, and build a stronger support system that truly puts families first.' Christine Fuller, director of the Early Learning Center at District 123, who is also on the Birth to Five Forum of South Cook County, said she was one of several administrators who wanted to be sure parents had access to helpful resources in the region. 'I think this is very important because it continues to help families figure out where resources are in their community easily,' Fuller said. 'We know that over 90% of a child's brain is developed before age 5, so we need to make sure children are maximizing all the resources we have in our community.' Fuller said she knew finding the right help could sometimes be a cumbersome process. 'Ultimately it's a beautiful thing if families know where their local preschool is because then they don't have to jump through a lot of hoops to figure it out,' Fuller said. 'I hope it streamlines the experience of families struggling with where to go.' She also said the museum was a good place for the information. 'The Children's Museum is a very open, free-spirited and welcoming environment where children go to play,' Fuller said. 'When you're doing those things and it's like 'Oh, by the way, we have this resource — how great is that?'
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The truth about A-lister doctor who helped deliver Meghan Markle's daughter Lilibet... then mysteriously closed her practice
The California doctor who helped deliver Meghan Markle 's daughter Lilibet has opened a new practice after she was sued for allegedly causing the death of a patient's baby, the Daily Mail has learned. Dr. Melissa Drake gained international renown after the Duchess of Sussex gave birth to her second child in 2021.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘A Useful Ghost' Review: A Haunted Vacuum Cleaner Hoovers Up Attention in Pleasingly Particular Ghost Story
Grief and ghosts aren't new territory for any national cinema — and this is perhaps particularly true of Thailand. But, 'A Useful Ghost' is an entertaining and moving – if also somewhat sprawling – fable of love and loss that isn't quite like anything you've seen before. The action in the Cannes Critics' Week selection starts when a self-declared 'Academic Ladyboy' (Wisarut Homhuan) buys a vacuum cleaner, only to discover that the appliance appears to be possessed. A hot repair guy (Wanlop Rungkumjud) then shows up, but this isn't a porno (though stay tuned, because there's a sex scene between the two whose climax is both sad and funny in equal measure). He's there to introduce the main narrative: the tragic tale of the widower March (Witsarut Himmarat) lost in grief for his wife who has recently died of dust poisoning. It becomes apparent that the spouse is still very much present, albeit reincarnated in the form of a possessed vacuum cleaner. From 'Vertigo' to 'Birth,' the idea of loved ones returning to us in strange circumstances is a powerful cinematic motif. 'A Useful Ghost' marks one of the more esoteric entries in that canon. Part of the fun of the film is in seeing how other people react to the fact that March is keen to rekindle his bond with his wife, regardless of her new status as electrical appliance. Some of the film's best comedy is mined from the fact that it's less that she's a vacuum cleaner and more that she's returned at all that provokes the ire of March's family. Apparently, they never thought much of her when she was alive and her ability to transcend the limits of death and the hereafter hasn't helped endear her to the in-laws one iota. More from Variety Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor Make Cannes Sob With Powerful Gay Romance 'The History of Sound', Which Earns 6-Minute Standing Ovation Cannes Critics' Week Awards Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke's 'A Useful Ghost' Claes Bang Joins Russell Crowe and Harry Lawtey in Cold War Thriller 'Billion Dollar Spy' Directed by Amma Asante (EXCLUSIVE) Where the film gets a little chewier, moving out of enjoyable novelty into something deeper, is in using this context to explore the dynamics of appeasing an oppressor. Rather than rebel against the family who treat her so poorly, Vacuum Nat attempts to placate them by proving herself 'a useful ghost': she will help them exorcise similarly displaced spirits from their factories, where unsafe working conditions have killed others who have later come back as appliances too. This collaboration with the oppressor, rather than solidarity with the oppressed, makes Nat a complicated heroine. But because she is so low down the pecking order — being both dead and a vacuum cleaner — you have plenty of sympathy for her plight. This all works because there's something oddly refined about the vacuum cleaner's performance, despite the inherently comic premise. You might expect the comedy here to come from a clunky little machine reversing into things and bumping about like a cute robot in an '80s movie. Or perhaps a haunted vacuum cleaner would be a sinister thing, imbued with menace in the style of the Plymouth Fury in John Carpenter's 'Christine' or the innumerable porcelain dolls in Blumhouse horror movies? One could so easily imagine the hose glinting, serpentine, filled with evil intent. Instead, there's something dignified and elegant about the vacuum, as it steadily glides about with a strange vulnerability. It's an unexpected and delicious choice, echoing the elegant physicality of the actor Davika Hoorne, who portrays the haunted hoover's human self. When a bunch of monks show up to call the vacuum cleaner 'a cunt', it's both funny and oddly outrageous, calling on the viewer's protective instinct — an involving approach that would be out of place in the similarly absurdist but more nihilistic work of someone like Quentin Dupieux (a filmmaker who has also discovered the cinematic possibilities of animating the inanimate, albeit to wholly different effect). Boonbunchachoke is more compassionate, and he needs to be for the political project here to ring true: the aim is to draw attention to Thailand's track record when it comes to disposable workers and politically expedient cover ups. A more commercial film could have allowed for a 'haunted vacuum cleaner set to clean up' box office headline. Alas, being honest, 'A Useful Ghost' seems destined for an arthouse audience, though its offbeat charm is winning, as is its successful transition into melancholy mode, shot through with a distinctive sense of the macabre. Best of Variety The Best Albums of the Decade
