Latest news with #CC
The Star
11 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
QuickCheck: Does salmon DNA improve your skin?
Salmon DNA is apparently beneficial for your skin. - Pix courtesy of Nick Longrich (CC BY-SA 4.0). NEW skincare technology is being developed each day, especially from countries like South Korea, Japan, and France who have been in the skincare game for years. Among the latest trending ingredients is salmon DNA, commercially introduced in the 2010s by brands such as Pluryal (Italy), Neogen (Korea), and Biopelle (US). But does salmon DNA actually improve skin over time? Verdict: TRUE Yes, the benefits are real. Clinical research and dermatological use confirm that salmon DNA, specifically polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) which is derived from Salmon DNA, can help repair skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve hydration — when applied or injected properly. PDRN promotes tissue regeneration and stimulates collagen production. A 2017 study reported that it supports wound healing and skin renewal, making it effective in anti-aging treatments. It also has hygroscopic, or water-binding, properties that help the skin retain moisture. Dermatologists highlight that marine-derived DNA fragments can strengthen the skin barrier, boosting hydration and elasticity. Salmon DNA is commonly used in microneedling and injectable treatments, where doctors have observed noticeable improvements in skin texture, firmness, and fine lines over time. In short: the buzz around salmon DNA isn't just hype — it's backed by science. Just make sure treatments are administered by licensed professionals, and you could be looking at smoother, stronger, and more hydrated skin. References: 1. health/salmon-sperm-facial 2. science/article/pii/ S2096691122000723 3. articles/PMC11311621/
India Today
5 days ago
- Business
- India Today
7 essential checks before you take possession of your new home
Taking possession of a new home is often filled with excitement. However, amid the rush of final paperwork and handover formalities, several crucial checks get overlooked—often deliberately omitted from your builder's checklist. But what you do before you sign the possession letter can make all the difference between a smooth transition and a nightmare move-in. Here's a practical pre-possession checklist that no builder will voluntarily offer but every homebuyer should Final Inspection—With Purpose, Not Just CeremonyDo not treat the site visit as a mere formality. Instead, come prepared with a flashlight, measuring tape, notebook, and ideally, a civil engineer or architect. Check room dimensions against the floor plan, inspect ceilings and corners for cracks or dampness, and verify that wall finishes, tiling, and flooring match what was promised. Pro tip: Tap walls and tiles to check for hollowness—an early sign of poor workmanship.2. Plumbing and Electrical Sanity CheckTurn on every faucet. Flush all toilets. Check water pressure and drainage. Test all power outlets with a mobile charger or tester. Ensure light fixtures, fan points, and geyser switchboards are in place and functional. Also confirm that the electricity meter is installed in your name and that the builder is not passing off temporary supply as final possession-ready infrastructure.3. Door and Window Audit Open and shut every door and window—including bathroom and balcony units. Check for alignment, smooth functioning, and locking systems. Loose latches, poor sealing, or misaligned frames are common problems left unaddressed.4. Common Amenities: Delivered or Just Promised?If the project promised a clubhouse, swimming pool, garden, or gym, don't just accept a verbal 'it's coming.' Visit the space, check readiness, and take photos. A certificate of completion should include common area readiness as well. Ask for timelines in writing for incomplete amenities.5. Check for Completion and Occupancy CertificatesLegally, possession can't be handed over without the Occupancy Certificate (OC). Some builders push for "fit-out possession" which means you can begin interiors but can't legally stay. This workaround should raise red flags. Ensure both the Completion Certificate (CC) and OC are available before possession.6. Dues and Charges TransparencyAsk for a final settlement sheet—this includes pending dues, maintenance deposit, clubhouse charges, electricity meter fees, and any legal documentation costs. Builders sometimes slip in inflated or hidden charges at the last minute . Don't sign possession documents until all financials are clear and acknowledged.7. Legal Paperwork and HandoversDemand originals or certified copies of all crucial documents: sale deed, allotment letter, builder-buyer agreement, OC, CC, and warranty details for fixtures. Take written confirmation of handover of keys, parking allotment, and society formation status. Possession is not a gift—it's a contract closing. Once you sign the possession letter, most builders will consider their job done. That's why it's essential to treat your pre-possession inspection like an audit. What you miss now could cost you heavily later—in time, money, and peace of wait for a builder's checklist. Bring your own—and stick to from Saurabh Tyagi, co-founder and CEO of PropChk- Ends
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Suhakam criticises MoE over lack of concrete action against school bullying
KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 — The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) today urged the Ministry of Education (MOE) to take stronger action against bullying, saying current efforts fall short of protecting students. Children's Commissioner (CC) Dr Farah Nini Dusuki said schools must become safe spaces again, warning that fear and violence are becoming normalised. In the span of one week, three disturbing cases involving 13 to 15-year-olds have emerged, including a student who jumped from a school building and a serious assault, she said. The Children's Commissioner said she contacted the MOE to confirm if the cases were under review and found the ministry was aware but had yet to act decisively. 'While the CC welcomes these efforts, the CC urges the MOE to take more concrete and immediate action. 'In reviewing the MOE's Guidelines for Handling Bullying in Schools (launched in 2023), the CC notes provisions requiring engagement between the parents of the bully and the victim,' she said in a statement. She raised doubts about whether teachers investigating bullying cases were properly trained or supervised. The guidelines require parental involvement but there are concerns about the consistency and outcome of such engagement, she added. Dr Farah also called for more proactive school monitoring, particularly in dorms, halls, and prefect rooms where abuse may occur. Statistics from MOE show a worrying trend, with over 11,000 students involved in nearly 6,000 bullying cases in 2023 alone. Dr Farah then insisted that the education system must do more to protect students and uphold their right to a safe learning environment.
The Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- The Wire
Bottom 50% Consumers' Share in GST Same as That of Middle 30%, Says New Study
This study contradicts a 2023 Oxfam report that said the poorest 50% of Indians were paying two-thirds of the total GST collection while the richest 10% accounted for a mere 3-4%. 'A balanced GST structure is essential to bridging the gap between MSMEs and the larger companies they supply.' Photo: Ishan Khosla/Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0). New Delhi: The bottom 50% of Indian consumers pay the same amount of Goods and Services Tax (GST) as the middle 30%, a new study by a Delhi-based think tank has shown. The study, authored by Sacchidananda Mukherjee of National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), used data from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) for 2022-23 to analyse the impact of the indirect tax regime on consumption. It found that both the bottom 50% and the middle 30% of Indian consumers living in rural areas shared 31% of the GST burden. Similarly, in urban areas, the bottom half and the middle 30% groups faced 29% and 30% of the GST burden respectively. The top 20% in rural areas accounted for 37% of GST collection while those in urban areas accounted for 41%. According to the Indian Express, the findings of this study contradict a 2023 Oxfam report that said the poorest 50% of Indians were paying two-thirds of the total GST collection while the richest 10% accounted for a mere 3-4%. The latest study, however, suggests that GST is 'moderately progressive' as it has had a redistributive effect. A tax system is considered progressive when higher-income groups pay a higher rate of tax. The study has come amid talks of a major overhaul of the GST brackets. Among the proposals for this overhaul is the elimination of the 12% slab by dividing goods from this bracket between the 5% and the 18% slab, the Indian Express reported. The study divided 390 items across nine categories: exempt, exempt to 5 per cent, 5 per cent, 5-12 per cent, 12 per cent, 12-18 per cent, 18 per cent, 28 per cent, and more than 28 per cent. Items like alcohol and fuel were part of a separate 'Out of GST' category. According to Mukherjee's study, 45% of the monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) in both rural and urban areas was on items in the 'exempt' and 'exempt to 5%' GST buckets. Items in the 'Out of GST' category accounted for 9% of rural MPCE and 10% of urban. The study found that 47% of rural consumption was limited to items that were either exempt from GST or had a GST rate of up to 5%. The study warned that reducing the number of items exempt from GST may increase the tax burden for least-consuming people in rural areas. It also cautions against increasing the tax on items in the 5-12% slab as that would increase the tax burden on low-income households in both urban and rural areas. Mukherjee argued that while the consumption of items in the 12-28% bucket was complex, increasing the tax on these items 'may not be regressive if designed carefully'. Indirect taxes like GST are considered regressive as they increase the tax burden on the poor. The share of indirect taxes in the country's total tax collection has been rising since GST's implementation, while the share of direct taxes as well as corporate tax has fallen. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
The Star
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Police step up in scam fight
PUTRAJAYA: Bukit Aman's Commercial Crime Investigation Department has officially taken the reins of the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic). The Home Minister said previously that the NSRC did not have a lead agency despite consisting of the police, Bank Negara, the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission and the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre ( CC). 'Two weeks ago, I, along with the police, met with the Prime Minister, stating that the police are willing to lead the NSRC, and he agreed. So the police have taken the lead in NSRC's operations, effective immediately,' he said after the ministry's monthly assembly yesterday. Saifuddin Nasution said the police needed to lead the CC as the number of scam cases has become worrying. 'Previously, the ones manning the NSRC were appointed by Bank Negara. Now the NSRC will have 129 permanent staff who will handle the 997 hotline 24 hours a day,' he said, adding that a proper headquarters for the NSRC is being planned. 'We hope to better serve the public to curb scams. Awareness programmes on scams will also be intensified,' he added. On another matter, Saifuddin Nasution said the police will facilitate the upcoming 'Himpunan Turun Anwar' rally on July 26. He said the police would ensure the safety of the participants despite organisers no longer being legally required to notify the authorities, following a landmark Federal Court ruling on July 1. However, Saifuddin Nasution admitted that the ruling has somewhat complicated police preparations. 'In the past, when organisers were required to inform the police, the police could better estimate crowd sizes and mobilise resources accordingly, not to restrict the gathering but to facilitate it. 'Now, without prior notice, the police have to deploy all available assets to prepare a suitable security strategy,' he said. He gave assurance that the police will professionally handle the rally, but also reminded organisers and participants to adhere strictly to provisions under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012. Saifuddin Nasution said the government fully supports the people's democratic rights, including freedom of expression. On July 1, the Federal Court ruled that penalising individuals for not giving five days' notice before a peaceful assembly contravenes the Federal Constitution, effectively nullifying Section 9(5) of the Act.
