47 students die of HIV in Tripura, 828 test positive
Tripura: A senior official from the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) has reported a troubling rise in HIV cases among students in the state. According to the latest data, 47 students have died due to HIV, while 828 students have tested positive for the virus.
The majority of these cases are linked to intravenous drug use, with affected students hailing from 220 schools and 24 colleges. The TSACS has indicated that between five to seven new HIV cases are being detected daily. As of May 2024, there are 5,674 people living with HIV in Tripura, including 572 students.
The surge in HIV cases has been attributed to intravenous drug abuse, particularly among children from affluent families. Many of these families, where both parents are often in government service, inadvertently support their children's drug habits until it is too late.
At a media workshop organized by the Tripura Journalist Union, Web Media Forum, and TSACS, Joint Director of TSACS presented a statistical overview of the HIV situation in the state. He noted that data was collected from 164 health facilities across Tripura, covering almost all blocks and subdivisions.
As of May 2024, TSACS has registered 8,729 people in the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centres. Of these, 4,570 are males, 1,103 are females, and one patient is transgender.
The workshop was attended by Project Director TSACS Dr. Samarpita Datta, Secretary of Tripura Web Media Forum Abhisek Dey, President of Tripura Journalist Union Pranab Sarkar, and other senior leaders of the Tripura Health Department
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CJI Surya Kant clarifies 'parasites' remarks, says 'pained' over media reports
New Delhi (PTI): Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday issued a strongly worded clarification on his 'parasites' remarks, saying he was "pained" by media reports that suggested he criticised youth.
"I am pained to read how a section of the media has misquoted my oral observations made during the hearing of a frivolous case yesterday," the CJI said in a statement.
Kant emphasised that his remarks were specifically directed at individuals entering the legal profession through "fake and bogus degrees" and were "misquoted by a section of the media."
The clarification follows a controversy during a hearing on Friday, when the CJI used words like "parasites" and "cockroaches" while pulling up a lawyer for his plea seeking senior designation.
"What I had specifically criticised were those who have entered professions like the Bar (legal profession) with the aid of fake and bogus degrees. Similar persons have sneaked into the media, social media, and other noble professions as well, and hence, they are like parasites.
"It is totally baseless to suggest that I criticised the youth of our nation. Not only am I proud of our present and future human resource, but every youth of India inspires me. It is not an exaggeration to say that Indian youth have great regard and respect for me, and I too see them as the pillars of a developed India," the chief justice said about his remarks.
