Gender bias: Only Afghanistan fares worse than India in South Asia
Rukmini Shrinivasan, TNN Nov 3, 2011, 04.22AM IST
NEW DELHI: India's abysmal gender inequality statistics seem to have taken a turn for the worse. New data shows the country's Gender Inequality Index (GII) worsened between 2008 and 2011, and India now ranks 129 out of 146 countries on the GII, better only than Afghanistan in south Asia.

On the Human Development Index (HDI), India ranks 134 out of 187 countries. When inequality is factored in, it experiences a 30% drop in its human development values, ranking 129 out of 146 nations.

Jayalalithaa's decision to shift Anna Centenary Library stayed by court
A Subramani, TNN Nov 4, 2011, 03.02PM IST

(The Madras high court has stayed the Tamil Nadu government's controversial proposal to shift the recently-constructed Anna Centenary Library to DPI campus in Nungambakkam. (TOI Photo))

CHENNAI: The Madras high court on Friday stayed the Tamil Nadu government's controversial proposal to shift the recently-constructed Anna Centenary Library to DPI campus in Nungambakkam.

Chief minister Jayalalithaa had on Wednesday announced that the library, set up by the previous M Karunanidhi government at Rs 230 crore, would be converted into a children's specialty hospital.

Prevention, innovation keys to heart care
Pallavee Dhaundiyal Panthry
Indians are different and more prone to coronary artery heart diseases; and it's a genetic fact. In fact, 50% of all heart diseases in the world are happening in India. So it's important to know how to save oneself," said Dr Ashok Seth, President Elect, Cardiological Society of India. The epidemic of CVDs is increasing rapidly in India, especially coronary heart disease and stroke resulting in epidemiological health transition in the country. Though CVDs are the world's number one killer, it can be prevented. Responding to the need of the hour, The Times of India organised a conclave in association with Cardiological Society of India, on October 20, in the Capital, to offer a platform to various stakeholders of the healthcare fraternity to deliberate upon effective healthcare solutions for growing concerns of health threats. Titled as 'India Heart Conclave', the health forum was spread over various sessions, namely, 'Public awareness on preventive measure before life threatening event strikes'; 'Prevention-A multi pronged strategy'; Hard hitting facts on CVDs - Millennium development goals'; 'Clinical insights: Cutting edge treatments and technologies'; and 'Making advanced care affordable to the man: Where are the road blocks and the solution'.

"In India, communicable diseases have become less burdensome, but non communicable ones are more problematic now. Longevity and fast lifestyle have landed us into this challenging situation," said Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Govt of India, while addressing the audience at the inaugural session. He added, "Besides, we should have more curative centres in the country and follow a systematic approach to prevention. Role of public and private sector together is important and government must help to promote and encourage the partnership."

The forum started with training session on 'Public awareness on preventive measure before life threatening event strikes' which was followed by discussion on prevention and role of diet, food habits and lifestyle interventions.

Find more at : TOI