Kerala floods: EU donates 190,000 euros to Indian Red Cross
New Delhi, Aug 23: The European Union (EU) has donated an initial 190,000 euros to the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) for providing immediate assistance in flood-devastated Kerala.
"In response to the devastating monsoon floods that swept across large parts of Kerala, the EU has allocated an initial contribution of €190,000 in humanitarian aid funding to support the Indian Red Cross Society for immediate relief assistance," it said in a statement.
"The aid will directly benefit 25,000 from among the most affected people in some of the worst hit areas," it said.
The worst floods to hit Kerala since 1924 have claimed around 370 lives since monsoon rains began on May 29 and displaced hundreds of thousands this month.
The EU said its funding support would ensure much needed assistance through the distribution of essential shelter and household items including tarpaulins and kitchen sets.
"As outbreaks of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and malaria are common following flooding, mosquito nets are also being provided, while disease prevention and hygiene promotion activities are being conducted," it said.
"Special attention will be placed on the most vulnerable populations."
The funding is part of the EU's overall contribution to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
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Bill to provide precise definition of 'transgender' introduced in LS
New Delhi (PTI): A bill seeking to provide a precise definition of the term "transgender" and provide graded punishments that reflect the gravity of the harm inflicted upon such persons was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Friday.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill was introduced by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar.
It notes that it is imperative to give a precise definition for proper and definitive identification and protection of transgender persons, to whom the benefits of the present law must reach.
The protection and benefits that are provided under the present law are vast in nature, and therefore, care has to be taken that "such identification cannot be extended based on any acquirable characteristics or personal choice or claimed self-perceived identity of an individual".
The Bill also contains provisions for "designation of an authority" which will have the option to seek "expert advice" if required.
The draft law also seeks to empower transgender persons to make consequential changes in official documents.
