Supreme Court forms National Task Force to check rising student suicides
New Delhi: In response to the alarming rise in student suicides across higher educational institutions, the Supreme Court has formed a National Task Force (NTF) to devise effective measures to prevent such tragedies and tackle the underlying mental health issues.
A two-judge bench, comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan, instructed the Delhi Police to register an FIR following the complaints of the families of two students who tragically died by suicide while studying at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, in 2023. The top court ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest District) to ensure the FIR is filed and assign an officer not below the rank of Assistant Police Commissioner for investigation, as reported by The New Indian Express on Tuesday.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Supreme Court directed the formation of the NTF, which will be led by former Supreme Court judge Justice S. Ravindra Bhat. The Task Force has been given four months to submit a comprehensive report identifying the root causes of student suicides and to propose strategies to strengthen preventive measures.
The apex court emphasised that these tragedies highlight a critical need for a robust, comprehensive, and responsive mechanism that addresses the multifaceted pressures students face. It further underscored that failing to establish such a mechanism would signify a failure in fulfilling the true purpose of education, which is to uplift, empower, and transform lives, the report added.
It further stressed that authorities, including the NTF, should not only exercise authority over students but also offer vital support during times of crisis. The bench lamented the loss of countless young students with immense potential who could have grown into successful professionals contributing to the nation's progress.
It also referenced the 210th report of the Law Commission of India, which identified suicide as a significant factor in the premature loss of life. The bench pointed out the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2021 revealed a grim reality: over 13,000 students died by suicide, nearly double the number recorded a decade ago.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
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Gold, silver soar as US-Iran deal hopes lift bullion demand
New Delhi (PTI): Gold prices rebounded by Rs 2,900 to Rs 1.55 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday, while silver climbed to Rs 2.54 lakh per kilogram as easing geopolitical tensions triggered a pullback in oil rates, boosting demand for precious metals.
According to the All India Sarafa Association, the yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity jumped by Rs 2,900, or nearly 2 per cent, to Rs 1,55,400 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from Tuesday's closing level of Rs 1,52,500 per 10 grams.
Traders attributed the surge in bullion prices to reports that Washington and Tehran are close to finalising a framework agreement to end months of conflict, raising the prospects of smoother flows through the Strait of Hormuz and easing inflation concerns tied to energy markets.
"Gold rallied strongly on Wednesday as easing geopolitical tensions triggered a sharp reversal in key macro drivers that had recently pressured precious metals," Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.
Silver prices also advanced for the third straight session by rising Rs 3,500, or 1.4 per cent, to Rs 2,54,500 per kg (inclusive of all taxes). The metal had settled at Rs 2,51,000 per kg in the previous session, as per the Association.
"The prospect of a diplomatic breakthrough triggered a steep decline in oil prices and the US dollar, easing concerns about inflation while boosting demand for precious metals," Gandhi said.
Globally, spot gold increased by USD 106.15, or 2.33 per cent, to USD 4,663.70 per ounce while silver gained USD 3.40, or 4.68 per cent, to USD 76.24 per ounce.
"Gold witnessed a sharp rally as markets reacted positively to reports that the US and Iran are moving closer to a one-page agreement framework aimed at ending the conflict," Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities, said.
Despite strong international gains, rupee strength limited the upside in domestic gold prices. The market is now highly focused on final confirmation and execution of the proposed deal, he added.
Any negative surprise or breakdown in negotiations could trigger a sharp sell-off in gold, while a successful agreement and sustained ceasefire could push the bullion prices higher in the near-term, Trivedi said.
