Increase in rape cases of minor girls or gang rapes in the State is a matter of great anxiety and concern for the Government and civil society. The graph of this type of crime has been showing upward trend since 2011. We have year-wise statistics available that show the crime is increasing. It is not restricted to rural or to urban areas, nor do we speak of regions of Jammu or Kashmir. It is a phenomenon prevailing across the State and has to be tackled on war footing. Social scientists have brought forward various causes of increase in rape cases and molestation or harassment of women in public places, offices, and in homes. This is a very disappointing picture and much responsibility devolves on the shoulders of parents and social institutions. Unfortunately, in our conservative society, a rape case is not quickly and ordinarily reported to the police station for necessary action. Out of fear of stigma sticking to the name, the victims cannot pick up courage to file FIR or report the matter to their parents who would in turn inform the police.
The Government shall have to come down with a heavy hand on social criminals of this class. We have the yearly statistics of rape and molestation cases but we don’t have any record of whether any involved person was prosecuted and what punishment was given to how many of them. In 2013 the police in the State recorded 378 cases of rape which means more than one rape each day. This is unacceptable. Laws covering rape and molestation and harassment of women should be made more stringent. Importantly, police stations manned by only women police staff should be opened at each district headquarter. This social evil has to be fought tooth and nail.
Surge in rape cases
Copper futures rise on global cues, spot demand
NEW DELHI, June 23: Copper prices rose by 0.66 per cent to Rs 418.20 per kg in futures trade today on the back of a firm global trend and increased domestic demand.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, copper for delivery in June traded higher by Rs 2.75, or 0.66 per cent, to Rs 418.20 per kg in a business turnover of 426 lots.
The metal for delivery in August edged up by Rs 2.55, or 0.61 per cent, to Rs 420.65 per kg in 54 lots.
Globally, copper for delivery in three months climbed 0.60 per cent to USD 6,862 per tonne in the London Metal Exchange, while at Shanghai Futures Exchange, it gained 1.4 per cent to 49,460 yuan (USD 7,949) a tonne for delivery in August.
Market analysts said besides increased demand from consuming industries, a firm trend in base metals overseas as a private gauge of Chinese factory output beat estimates boosting demand prospects in the biggest user, mainly influenced copper prices at futures trade here. (PTI)
Lead futures up 0.51% on overseas trend
NEW DELHI, June 23: Lead futures traded up by 0.51 per cent to Rs 129.05 per kg today on a firming trend in base metals in the global markets amid increased demand from domestic battery-makers.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, lead for delivery in July traded higher by 65 paise, or 0.51 per cent, at Rs 129.05 per kg, with a turnover of two lots, while prices for delivery in June rose 60 paise, or 0.47 per cent, to Rs 127.80 per kg in a turnover of 114 lots.
Marketmen said apart from rising demand in the spot markets from domestic battery-makers and other consuming industries, a firming trend in base metals at the London Metal Exchange after a private gauge of Chinese factory output beat economic estimates boosting demand prospects for metals by the biggest user, supported the upside in lead futures here. (PTI)
I hope my show goes on as far as it can: Kim Kardashian
NEW YORK, June 26: Socialite Kim Kardashian hopes her family reality show goes on for a long time as she loves sharing her life with the audience.
Kardashian, 33, has learnt a lot of things through her show, ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’, reported the Huffington Post.
“I love sharing my life. And I hope it (show) goes on for as long as it can,” she said.
The show documents the life of the star and her family. Kardashian said she uses the programme to keep tabs on her siblings’ lives.
“I’ll find out things on TV on our show that I might not have noticed,” she said. “I’ll see what my sisters are doing when I’m not there, and I’ll notice different things that I wouldn’t have picked up on before,” she said.
Kardashian, who has a one-year-old daughter with rapper-husband Kanye West, said motherhood has been the only thing which has brought a shift in her ‘life in the spotlight’ perspective.
“I would be OK with that too — I think that’s how motherhood has changed me. You’re kind of OK with whatever is going on as long as your baby is OK,” Kardashian said, when asked how will she feel if he show goes off air. (PTI)
Jill Duggar marries Derick Dillard
LOS ANGELES, June 23: ’19 Kids & Counting’ star Jill Duggar has tied the knot with boyfriend Derrick Dillard before a gathering of more than 1,000 family and friends.
Duggar, 23, married Dillard at the Cross Church in her hometown of Springdale, reported People magazine.
“I’m very excited at this wedding,” Duggar’s younger brother Jackson said. “Derick is like a brother already. He tells jokes (and) he plays around with us,” he added.
The wedding was a huge family affair for the bride who is the second daughter of Jim Bob and Michelle.
Five of her sisters were bridesmaids, two brothers were groomsmen, her sisters and a niece served as flower girls, five brothers were ushers and a brother and nephew shared ring-bearer responsibilities.
The traditional ending to the ceremony marked the couple’s first kiss – a moment both Jill and Dillard were anticipating.
“We are so glad that Derick is an answer to her prayers. It’s an emotional time, but a joyful time,” Jim Bob said.
An emotional Dillard, who asked people at the rehearsal dinner to pray for his mother, Cathy, who is battling cancer, was overjoyed she was able to attend the wedding. (PTI)
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Alice Cooper returning to comics
LONDON, June 23: Rocker Alice Cooper is all set to make a comeback to comic book world.
Dynamite Entertainment has announced a new comic titled ‘Alice Cooper #1’ , reported Digital Spy.
‘X-Files’ writer Joe Harris will be joined by artist Eman Casallos in the series, which imagines Cooper as the protector of mankind’s dreams.
“Artistically, for me there is hardly a better medium,” Cooper said.
“There is so much you can do in the form of a comic that we’d never been able to do onstage. It’s just a different way of storytelling, and it really has almost limitless possibilities.
“We’re looking forward to stretching the existing boundaries of the comic medium again. We have new stories to tell, but we’ll do it with the same theatrical, sinister sensibility that comes with the name ‘Alice Cooper’. This is just the beginning. Welcome to my new nightmares!,” he added.
Cooper, 66, featured in Marvel Premiere in the 1970s, as well as the Neil Gaiman-written 1990s miniseries ‘Alice Cooper: The Last Temptation’.
‘Alice Cooper #1’ will be released in September. (PTI)
Miley Cyrus sends emotional message for ailing fan
NEW YORK, June 23: Pop star Miley Cyrus sent a heartfelt message for her fan, who was battling cystic fibrosis, an hour before she passed away.
The 21-year-old singer, who had met Caley Camarillo a few years ago, said in a video message that she was praying for her recovery, reported the Huffington Post.
“Hey Caley, it’s Miley. I’ve been talking to your mama the past few days. I know we met a few years ago, but I just wanted to let you know that I’m still praying for you, I’m still thinking about you.
“I’m sending you some love, and I just wanted to let you know that you are on my mind and in my heart,” Cyrus said in the message on June 13.
The 12-year-old girl watched the video before passing away.
Caley was popular on Twitter and Instagram, where she shared her everyday experiences with fans and supporters, and also used the platforms to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis. (PTI)
Silver futures down 0.32% on profit-booking, global cues
NEW DELHI, June 23: Silver prices fell 0.32 per cent to Rs 44,428 per kg in futures trade today as speculators booked profits amid a weak trend in global markets.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver for delivery in July traded lower by Rs 142, or 0.32 per cent, to Rs 44,428 per kg in a business turnover of 395 lots.
Similarly, the white metal for delivery in far-month September declined by Rs 113, or 0.25 per cent, to Rs 44,799 per kg in a business volume of 55 lots.
In the international market, silver traded 0.40 per cent lower at USD 20.79 an ounce in Singapore.
Market analysts said apart from profit-booking by participants, a weak trend in precious metals in the Asian region led to the fall in silver prices at futures trade here. (PTI)
horoscope
Tuesday June 24-2014
Aries : If you are involved in monetary matters, today you will find yourself weighing the benefits. A loan that you have applied for may be sanctioned. Look at a range of choices, says Ganesha, and you will end up feeling very happy about it.
Taurus : You are likely to turn excessively self centred today, says Ganesha. This could cause you to be very insecure. You will have a tendency to control and dominate others. There is a likelihood that you may, thereby, jeopardize important relationships. You are advised to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of all those you come across. Do not allow your selfishness to get the better of you, leading you to alienate those who matter.
Gemini : You will feel blue and out of sorts today. You will feel that you are all alone in the world, emotionally. Your repressed desires and your philosophical streak will come to the fore today and will influence your dark mood, says Ganesha.
Cancer : You are most likely to appear edgy and hypercritical to others, says Ganesha. Remain your typical poised self. Try not to be harsh to others, if you wish to save your relationships and sustain a reputable image. Avoid clashes with your superiors and colleagues. Take a deep breath the moment you feel you are losing the grip on your emotions, and then this too shall pass!
Leo : Most of your time will be spent at the work place. You will excel in all your tasks today. Professional relationships will be marked by co-operation. You will have cordial relations with your colleagues. It is an auspicious and progressive day for business, says Ganesha.
Virgo : Avoid all kinds of prejudice and do not allow intolerance to enter your mind today, advises Ganesha. In all likelihood, you will look around yourself in search of love and affection. You will do well to keep negativity at bay as otherwise it may cow you down. Ganesha suggests that you marshal all your courage to live as per your convictions.
Libra : Ganesha says those of you who are married or in love will experience a good time today. As you spend more time with your life partner by going out for a drive or for dinner, you will come closer to them. Today is a day full of joy, vigor and happiness for you.
Scorpio : Today, there may come up situations which may test your patience, predicts Ganesha. However, it would be wise to sit and sort out all the differences with your colleagues or family members or your partner.
Sagittarius : As Ganesha foresees, you will be religiously inclined today. Listening to soft, instrumental music will soothe your nerves. You also feel like going back to school days and dig into detective and suspense stories of Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys. It was fun being kid, isn’t it?
Capricorn : Though less, you will get money from your investments and other resources. Don’t ignore pending projects; complete them at the earliest so that you will have clear picture about your requirements and responsibilities, advises Ganesha. Once you are done with them, you will enjoy happy times with your friends and family in the evening.
Aquarius : You are already overloaded with work. On the top of it, people around you will conveniently put their share of load on your back, and you will take it most of the times. You, however, will not get bogged down by the additional responsibilities. In fact, you will rise to the challenge and perform exceptionally well, leaving your rivals surprised.
Pisces : You are going to be very emotional today. You will be able to express your love to your wife or other loved ones in a very unique and dramatic way. It is not a good day for putting forth marriage or love proposals, and if you do it could be disappointing. Ganesha says that professionally you will be very successful in all tasks.
Crude oil futures firm up on Iraq tension
NEW DELHI, June 23: Continuing its rising streak, crude oil futures prices rose by another 0.43 per cent to Rs 6,488 per barrel today after participants indulged in creating speculative positions, tracking a firming trend in Asia.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil for delivery in July traded Rs 28, or 0.43 per cent higher at Rs 6,488 per barrel, with a business turnover of 2,020 lots.
The oil for August also moved up by Rs 25, or 0.39 per cent, to Rs 6,467 per barrel, with a business volume of 65 lots.
Market analysts attributed the persistent rise in crude oil futures to a firming trend in Asia on continued violence in Iraq.
US benchmark West Texas Intermediate was up 31 cents to USD 107.14, while Brent crude gained 35 cents to USD 115.16 in mid-morning trade. (PTI)