Lifestyle

New Delhi, Jan 14 (IANS) Even as India is set to soon launch promising new DCGI and US FDA-approved medicine Inclisiran to lower cholesterol and keep it low with just two doses a year, doctors, while hailing the advance, contend that the drug is expensive and stressed on better use of the much cheaper versions available.

Inclisiran is the first and only small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (also known as bad cholesterol or LDL-C) with two doses a year, after an initial dose and one at three months.

Manufactured by Swiss multinational pharmaceutical Novartis and expected to cost around Rs 1.2 lakh, it has been approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) under the brand name of Sybrava, following the successful completion of trials. The UK has also approved Inclisiran.

"There is a case for use of these injectables in India if their price comes down. As of right now, even the use of appropriate doses of statins is not so common in India. These are cheap medicines which are available in generic form in India and they are still not used so at the moment, one should focus on how to use them better," Dr Vivek Chaturvedi, Head, Department of Cardiology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, told IANS.

"The use of these injectables will only take place for those people in India who find too many side effects of statins. The reason being that, for most Indians, cholesterol is controlled using statins which are much cheaper," he added.

Inclisiran is able to reduce the amount of LDL-C in the bloodstream by improving the liver’s natural ability to prevent the production of a protein that plays a role in keeping circulating cholesterol levels high.

It is a subcutaneous injection with an initial dose, then again at three months, and then every six months. This approach may help those who have trouble sticking to medicines that are self-administered and have greater dosing frequency.

"Inclisiran is a new cholesterol-lowering drug administered subcutaneously twice yearly. Being both very expensive and a very potent drug, its use will initially be restricted to those patients with severely raised blood cholesterol levels that don’t respond to current orally administered pills," Dr Atul Mathur, Executive Director-Interventional Cardiology & Chief of Cath Lab, Fortis Escorts Hospital, New Delhi, told IANS.

"However, the most noteworthy fact is that we are entering an era where we will soon replace daily pills with subcutaneous shots needed once or twice a year. This is how with time we are moving ahead in the management of cardiovascular diseases," he added.

Dr. Chaturvedi said that there are several drugs already available for effective reduction of cholesterol.

"The most studied to-date and the most effective in terms of its response and cause are the statins which are readily available in India. These are the first drugs which should be given to a patient because of their long-standing record and LDL lowering capacity," he said.

There are two more oral drugs available in India -- one is histamine and a newer one called bampidoic acid which are used along with or sometimes instead of statins when people have statin-associated muscle symptoms.

"These medicines, as of right now, are too expensive for the common Indian household. So, their use is reserved at best. Hence, even the drugs that are available like evolocumab, are still not very widely used in India," Dr. Chaturvedi said.

According to a study by the Indian Council and Medical Research and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, and published in The Lancet last year, about 213 million people in India -- or almost 24 per cent of the population -- have dyslipidemia, a disorder marked by abnormal levels of lipids, such as cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), in the blood.

"Lipid lowering therapies are well-established to prevent cardiovascular events in adults with dyslipidemia and multiple risk factors. However, global clinical usage of statins remains sub-optimal, with adherence to low rates mainly due to concerns about side effects and misconceptions about benefits," Dr Ashwani Mehta , Senior Cardiologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told IANS.

"This new therapy is a very powerful way of reducing cholesterol and thereby taking care with the adherence issues and can be a breakthrough in checking this global epidemic of heart disease," he added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 25 (IANSlife) India, with its rich cultural heritage, is a tapestry of traditions, and Christmas is a vibrant thread weaving its enchanting spell across this diverse landscape. Unique celebrations unfurl in every nook and cranny, painting the country in a kaleidoscope of festive hues. The spirit of Christmas serves as a unifying force, effortlessly transcending cultural boundaries and bringing people together in a joyous celebration of love and togetherness.

Adding an extra layer of vigour to the festivities, infusing the touch of magic into Christmas celebrations becomes paramount. Whether you find joy in indoor festivities or revel in the great outdoors, we have curated a list of activities to infuse fun into your celebrations, ensuring a memorable and spirited Christmas for all.

Spend quality time at home with loved ones:

Christmas beckons the entire family to come together for a heart-warming celebration. Seize the festive spirit by exchanging gifts, sharing laughter, and basking in the joy of togetherness. Amplify the holiday vibes by adorning your home and introducing a charming Christmas tree into the mix. Delve into the warmth of the season by reading Christmas stories with your loved ones and harmonizing in joyous carols – a perfect way to cherish quality time together. Engaging activities, such as baking cookies or enjoying romcom movies, add an extra layer of merriment. To effortlessly encapsulate the essence of the holiday, consider embracing the Nikon Z f mirrorless camera. This state-of-the-art device boasts a powerful full-frame 24.5MP sensor and innovative autofocus system, ensuring that every precious moment is impeccably captured, immortalizing the magic of Christmas.

Take a stroll in the Markets immersed in Christmas spirit.

December unfolds with a crisp chill, accompanied by the enchanting spirit of Christmas, turning markets into veritable wonderlands for delightful exploration. Immerse yourself in the holiday cheer by exploring Delhi’s Khan Market or Santushti Complex (Chanakyapuri). Mumbai boasts the vibrant Christmas energy of Crawford Market, and The IC Colony markets, while central Kolkata invites you to discover the festive wonders of new market.

Step into unique shops adorned in festive red and white, illuminated by fairy lights, offering thoughtful gifts that add an extra layer of magic to your celebrations. Amidst the lively ambience of these bustling markets, be sure to capture the enchanting moments, creating lasting memories. Elevate your photography and videography experience with the Nikon Z 8, a perfect companion for the task. Whether you're a seasoned videographer or just starting out, the Nikon Z 8 can shoot ultra-high-resolution video of 4K/120p and 8K up to 60p, thereby taking your video quality to whole new level. Not just that the Z 8 offers in-camera 10-bit N-Log video for better color grading and creative filters which set the mood of your videos, bringing out vibrant hues and infusing your footage with an extra touch of magic."

Explore picturesque Cafés with Christmas decorations

Discover the holiday magic as many cafes in town transform into an enchanting Christmas-themed dreamland.

In Delhi, dive into the festive spirit by exploring picturesque cafes like Café the Flora, Diggin Café for a truly mesmerizing experience. Olive Bar & Kitchen and the Sassy Spoon Café can provide an escape from the busy Mumbai life. In Kolkata iconic spots like Flurys or The Tea Trove are tranquil locations for a relaxed time with loved ones. Additionally, Mrs. Magpie and Paris Café offer charming tearoom vibes. In Jaipur, enjoy your Christmas at Taruveda Bistro, Nibs Café, Chocolataria and Anokhi Café.

These cafes have a cozy ambience, and you can sip on a warm cup of hot chocolate while surrounded by twinkling lights and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. The charming outdoor seating areas in these Cafés are adorned with festive garlands and ornaments, creating a magical atmosphere that will make your holiday season unforgettable. Adding a desi flavour to your festivities, you can also order in McDonald’s newly launched Kebab Rolls and all new special wraps.

Enjoy a Christmas feast at the ITC Kohenur:

Indulge in the festive spirit and treat your senses to a celebratory Christmas feast at ITC Kohenur, as their award-winning dining outlets unfold a culinary extravaganza. Whether you prefer the charm of exquisite a la carte offerings, the leisurely indulgence of a delectable brunch, or a festive dinner buffet, ITC Kohenur’s culinary experts have crafted an experience that promises to elevate your Christmas mood. Revel in the joy of the season surrounded by the warm ambiance of ITC Kohenur, where every dish is a celebration, and every moment is an opportunity to create lasting memories.

Keep your health a priority during Christmas:

As the winter chill descends, strengthen your health and keep the Christmas festivities vibrant with the added support of mineral supplements. Embracing the season of joy doesn't mean compromising on well-being. Stay hydrated and add a few drops of Vestige Marketing’s Concentrated Mineral Drops (CMD into your daily routine to ensure your body receives the nutrients it requires to stay resilient during the colder months. Let the warmth of the holiday season be complemented by the internal warmth of good health. Make these supplements your wellness companions, making this winter season festive and healthy.

Dress Up in festival spirit and Spread Cheer:

Embrace the Christmas spirit by dressing up in holiday attire and spreading joy with your friends and family. Whether it is a Santa hat or a reindeer sweater, dressing up in the festival spirit brings an extra layer of joy to the festivities. The harmonious blend of red, green, and gold combine to create an aesthetic that reflects the vibrancy of the season. So, step into the season, wrap yourself in the colours of celebration, and become an embodiment of the holiday spirit. After all, spreading cheer is a gift and you should do it more often.

Making the most of the occasion by capturing these precious moments using the Nikon Z fc. The Nikon Z fc comes with a 20.9MP DX CMOS sensor paired with the EXPEED 6 engine blending design and cutting-edge performance, ensuring your memories are preserved in high-quality photos and videos. This way, you can relive these joyful holiday moments for years to come.

Attend a special Christmas Eve midnight mass at a Church

Experience the serene beauty of Christmas while thanking the Almighty. Attend a midnight mass at one of the many incredible churches in major Indian cities. In Delhi, the Sacred Heart Cathedral and St. Stephen’s Church open their doors to those seeking a spiritual experience. In Goa, revel in the grandeur of the Holy Cross Shrine and the Church of Saint Cajetan. Kolkata boasts the stunning St. Paul's Cathedral along with the historic Basilica of the Holy Rosary.

These churches beautifully decorate their interiors with lights and ornaments, creating a serene and joyous atmosphere. It is a wonderful way to connect with the community and experience the true spirit of Christmas. Singing Christmas carols at the church along with the crowd will make the festivities even more enjoyable.

IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Dec 25 (IANS) Singer Dolly Parton revealed about some procedures that she regrets.

"Every now and then you'll get a hematoma, or sometimes with fillers and Botox you can get too much and have to wait till the swelling goes down to look normal again," Parton told Saga Magazine for its January 2024 issue, reports aceshowbiz.com.

"It means that instead of being back at work in two weeks, it's a month."

Parton also divulged when she would go under the knife.

"If something is bagging, sagging or dragging, I'll tuck it, suck it or pluck it," she declared.

In November, Parton stated on SiriusXM's 'The Howard Stern Show' that she tries not to "overdo" plastic surgery in case things go wrong.

"I always say, 'Just find the best doctors. You've just got to be very careful not to overdo it because you never know, anytime you go under the knife you could come out looking not good," she said.

"I try to do just little bits at a time - I don't do like really big stuff," the music icon continued. "I do fillers, Botox … only when I have to do something a little more, and even then, I try to be careful."

--IANS

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London, Dec 24 (IANS) Sniffing women’s tears lowers brain activity related to aggression in men, reducing aggressive behaviour, researchers have discovered.

The Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel conducted the study, which discovered that human tears include a chemical signal that decreases activity in two aggression-related brain regions.

In the study, published in the journal PLOS Biology. In the study, researchers, led by PhD student Shani Agron from the institute's Brain Science Lab, set out to determine whether tears have the same aggression-blocking effect in people as they do in rodents.

In a series of experiments, men were exposed to either women’s emotional tears or saline, without knowing what they were sniffing or being able to distinguish between the two.

Following that, they played a two-player game designed to generate hostile behaviour in one player towards the other, who was portrayed as cheating.

When given the opportunity, the men could get revenge on the perceived cheaters by causing them to lose money, though they themselves gained nothing.

After sniffing women's emotional tears, the men's revenge seeking aggressive behaviour throughout the game decreased by 44 per cent, or roughly in half, the researchers noted.

The researchers mentioned that this result seemed equivalent to the effect observed in rodents, but rodents have a structure in their noses called the vomeronasal organ that picks up social chemical signals.

"These findings suggest that tears are a chemical blanket offering protection against aggression – and that this effect is common to rodents and humans, and perhaps to other mammals as well," said Prof Noam Sobel, head of the Brain Sciences Department.

Agron said: "We knew that sniffing tears lowers testosterone, and that lowering testosterone has a greater effect on aggression in men than in women, so we began by studying the impact of tears on men because this gave us higher chances of seeing an effect."

--IANS

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Positive news like decline in the US bond yields and weakening crude can help the market to revive but it may not sustain given the uncertainty surrounding the West Asian conflict. Investors may opt for a cautious approach to the market till some clarity emerges on the geopolitical situation, he said.

An important feature of the near-term market is the weakness of the broader market. On Monday when the Nifty corrected by 1.3 per cent, Nifty Small-cap crashed by 3.9 per cent. Since the valuations in mid and small-cap space are higher than that of large-caps, this weakness is likely to persist, he added.

Safety is now in large-caps particularly in banking majors which are fairly valued, he said.

Vaishali Parekh, Vice President - Technical Research, Prabhudas Lilladher said Nifty tanked heavily with profit booking witnessed once it breached below the crucial and important support zone of 19,500 levels with bears taking control of the situation and overall bias has turned very cautious.

The 19,200 zone shall be a crucial support zone failing which there can be further intensified selling pressure with next major support maintained near 18,800 levels. The support for the day is seen at 19,100 levels while the resistance is seen at 19,450 levels, Parekh said.

BSE Sensex is down 17 points at 64,544 points on Wednesday. Infosys is down 2 per cent.

--IANS

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The study, published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, showed that higher daily tallies of physical activity are linked to a lower risk, irrespective of the amount of time spent seated every day.

A highly sedentary lifestyle is associated with a heightened risk of death, said the researchers from the University of Tromso in Norway.

The study of about 12,000 people aged at least 50 showed that being sedentary for more than 12 hours a day was associated with a 38 per centheightened risk of death compared with a daily tally of eight hours -- but only among those totaling up fewer than 22 daily minutes of moderate tovigorous physical activity.

More than 22 daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity was associated with a lower risk of death.

While a higher amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity was associated with a lower risk of death, irrespective of the amount of sedentary time, the association between sedentary time and death was largely influenced by the amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

For example, an extra 10 minutes a day was associated with a 15 per centlower risk of death in those spending fewer than 10.5 sedentary hours, and a 35 per centlower risk among those spending more than 10.5 sedentary hours, every day.

Light-intensity physical activity was only associated with a lower risk of death among highly sedentary people (12+ daily hours).

This is an observational study, and as such, can't establish cause and effect, said the researchers.

Nevertheless, the researchers noted, "Small amounts of MVPA [moderate to vigorous physical activity] may be an effective strategy to ameliorate the mortality risk from high sedentary time, where accumulating more than 22 minutes of MVPA eliminates the risk of high sedentary time.”

“Efforts to promote physical activity may have substantial health benefits for individuals," they said.

--IANS

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According to the researchers from the US-based Stanford Internet Observatory, the findings raise serious concerns about the effectiveness of safety efforts across so-called 'decentralised' platforms, which allow users to join independently run communities with their own moderation rules, particularly when dealing with the internet's most vile content, reports The Wall Street Journal.

Over two days, researchers found 112 matches for known CSAM in addition to nearly 2,000 posts that used the 20 most common hashtags which indicate the exchange of abuse materials.

The Internet Observatory searched for CSAM on the 25 most popular Mastodon instances. Researchers also used Google's SafeSearch API and PhotoDNA, a tool that helps find flagged CSAM, to identify explicit images.

“We got more photoDNA hits in a two-day period than we’ve probably had in the entire history of our organisation of doing any kind of social media analysis, and it’s not even close,” David Thiel, one of the study’s authors, was quoted as saying.

During its search, the team discovered 554 pieces of content that matched hashtags or keywords commonly used by online child sexual abuse groups, all

of which were identified as explicit with 'highest confidence' by Google SafeSearch.

There were also 713 mentions of the top 20 CSAM-related hashtags on Fediverse (a group of federated social networking services) posts with

media, and 1,217 text-only mentions of 'off-site CSAM trading or grooming of minors'.

According to the study, the open posting of CSAM is 'disturbingly prevalent'.

Decentralised networks do not approach moderation in the same way that mainstream sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit do. Instead,

moderation is delegated to each decentralised instance, which can lead to inconsistency across the Fediverse.

--IANS

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This condition often leads to individuals walking with a distinctive gait resembling that of a duck. However, in the early stages of osteoarthritis, there are conservative methods that individuals can employ to prevent or delay the progression to an advanced stage.

Let us delve into some detailed information about the exercises that can help individuals prevent the progression of ‘Duck-Walk’ due to advanced osteoarthritis and maintain normal mobility even when they age.

First and foremost is weight reduction

One of the most effective ways to prevent or slow down the progression of 'Duck-Walk' is through weight reduction. By maintaining a healthy weight, the force exerted on the knees is reduced, resulting in a decreased likelihood of deformity progression. Incorporating a balanced diet and regular exercise can help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight, which is beneficial for overall joint health.

Exercises to Avoid ‘Duck-Walk’ in Old Age

Prone Leg Hangs: This exercise involves lying in a prone position on a bed with the knees positioned at the edge of the table and a rolled towel placed underneath for support, allowing the lower part of the legs to hang in the air but straight in alignment with the knees. Individuals should aim to perform this exercise for 10 minutes, twice a day. Prone leg hangs help certainly reduce flexion or knee bending deformities causing the 'Duck-Walk.'

Core Abdomen Strengthening: Strengthening the core and spine muscles is essential for maintaining proper posture and stability. By engaging in exercises that target the abdomen and lower back muscles, individuals can improve overall hip and thigh muscle strength, which directly impacts walking ability.

Quadriceps Strengthening: Strong quadriceps muscles at the front of thigh play a crucial role in maintaining proper knee kinematics. Exercises such as leg extensions, and lunges can help strengthen the quadriceps and provide better support for the knees.

Hamstring Strengthening: The muscles at the back of the thighs, known as the hamstrings, are vital for maintaining balance and stability during walking. Strengthening these muscles through exercises like leg curls and bridges can improve overall leg strength and reduce the likelihood of a waddling gait.

Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO) Strengthening: The VMO muscle, located on the inner thigh, plays a crucial role in knee stabilisation. Exercises like leg presses, step-ups, and inner thigh squeezes can target and strengthen the VMO, helping to alleviate knee malalignment.

Exercise Precautions and Benefits of Preventive Measures

While exercise is essential for preventing 'Duck-Walk,' it's important to avoid certain positions and exercises that may exacerbate knee pain or discomfort. Squatting and cross-legged sitting should be avoided, as they can place excessive stress on the knees. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist before starting any exercise program. By diligently practicing weight reduction and engaging in targeted exercises, individuals can potentially avoid or delay the progression of osteoarthritis of the knee. Prevention is always better than cure.

Preventing 'Duck-Walk' in old age is possible through a combination of weight reduction and targeted exercises. In some cases, offloading braces can be beneficial for individuals experiencing 'Duck-Walk.' These braces redistribute the weight and provide support to the affected knee, relieving pressure and reducing the waddling gait. By taking proactive steps to maintain joint health and mobility, individuals can enjoy an active and independent lifestyle as they age.

(Dr. Aditya Jain, is a Senior Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon- Trauma and Arthroscopy, at Primus Super Speciality Hospital)

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS

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World Brain Day is observed on July 22 every year to raise awareness about brain health and neurological conditions.

Sleep is often the overlooked aspect of our daily routine, and plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy brain. A good night's sleep is essential for our brain to function at its best.

"When well-rested, the brain demonstrates extraordinary resiliency. Sleep is an essential component of the restorative process since it helps to consolidate memories, remove toxins, and reorganise brain networks. These crucial processes are compromised when not getting enough sleep, and cognitive deficits start to show," Dr. Vipul Gupta, Chief Neurointerventional Surgery & Co-Chief - Stroke Unit, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS.

"Sleep deprivation impairs attention, focus, and task efficiency, reducing overall productivity. It compromises our ability to learn and retain information, hindering educational achievements. Insufficient sleep also affects emotional regulation and mood, leading to negative emotions like irritability, anxiety, and depression," Dr. Anand Kumar, Professor & Head, Dept. of Neurology, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, told IANS.

Sleep also plays a part in the risk of dementia. Studies have found a correlation between chronic sleep deprivation and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life. Sleep-deprived individuals may be more vulnerable to the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques, which can eventually lead to cognitive decline and memory problems.

"One of the remarkable mechanisms during sleep is the glymphatic system, a waste clearance system that operates in the brain. During sleep, the glymphatic system works like a drainage, flushing away harmful toxins and waste products that accumulate in the brain during the day. This cleansing process is vital for maintaining brain health and optimal cognitive function," Dr. Karishma Jethmalani, Neuropsychologist, Rehabilitation and Sports medicine, Sir H.N. Reliance Hospital, told IANS.

"However, when we don't get enough sleep or are sleep deprived, this cleaning process becomes disrupted. The brain's ability to remove toxic substances is compromised, leading to a buildup of harmful proteins, including beta-amyloid, which is closely linked to Alzheimer's disease," she added.

Concern has been expressed over the diagnosis of dementia in young people as our society deals with an extraordinary prevalence of sleep problems and insufficient sleep.

Maintaining good sleep hygiene is essential for restful sleep and cognitive well-being.

Excessive use of mobile phones and screens at night disrupts our brain's natural sleep signals due to the blue light emitted by these devices, the doctors said.

"Adopting sound sleep habits is difficult due to the appeal of social media, digital entertainment available around-the-clock, and infinite distractions. A perfect storm for sleep deprivation is created by the breakdown of regular sleep rhythms and the invasion of electronic devices into the bedroom," Gupta said.

Mental stress is another factor contributing to sleep disturbances. One of the key contributors to sleep disturbances is excess worry about the activities of the next day.

"This preoccupation prevents deep sleep, which is vital for feeling energised and maintaining cognitive health. Shallow sleep, which occurs when we are stressed or anxious, is not sufficient for rejuvenation and energy restoration," Kumar said.

To improve sleep quality and cognitive functioning, it's crucial to reduce excessive worrying and engage in relaxation techniques.

Prioritising 7-8 hours of quality sleep and adopting good sleep practices are vital for overall cognitive health and well-being.

Minimising screen time before bed and managing stress levels can significantly enhance the quality of sleep and boost cognitive performance during the day, the doctors advised.

(Rachel V Thomas can be contacted at rachel.t@ians.in)

--IANS

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In a tweet, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “BJP’s own MLA in Manipur is saying that the Biren Singh govt is complicit.”

He also attached an opinion piece of Manipur BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip alleging the same.

Ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur on May 3 and since then hundreds of people have lost their lives whereas thousands have been forced to take refuge in the relief camps.

Even a video of May 4 of two women being paraded naked by a mob in Manipur went viral on July 19 leading to widespread condemnation across the country.

The Congress has been demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi of speaking on the Manipur issue inside Parliament and also immediate removal of the Chief Minister and imposition of the President’s Rule in the northesstern state.

The Opposition parties have raised the issue of Manipur on first two days of Parliament’s Monsoon Session.

On Thursday, on the first day of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session the Prime Minister expressed his pain and anger over the Manipur incident and said the gruesome incident with the women in the Northeastern state is very shameful, and can never be forgiven.

He said: “This incident is an insult for the entire nation as it has shamed 140 crore countrymen. The incident which happened with the women in Manipur can never be forgiven. I assure the countrymen that no one will be spared.”

However he went on to club incidents of violence in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh (both Congress-ruled states) also in his statement.

“The incident might be from Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh or Manipur, the culprit should not go scot-free in any corner of the country,” the prime minister said.

--IANS

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