India Today conducted an undercover operation in Hathras, where a stampede killed 121 people and injured over 30. The sting operation uncovered the lapses on the part of first responders, including the Station House Officer, Circle Officers, and doctors in the area. This comes amidst the ongoing uproar over the tragic incident.
HEROIC Acts and Controversial Lapses: The Aftermath of the IGI and Hathras Incidents
Background
In recent times, India has witnessed both heroic acts of bravery and controversial failures by first responders in critical incidents. Two significant events that have sparked public outrage and scrutiny are the stampede at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in 2018 and the tragic crowd crush in Hathras in 2021.
The IGI Stampede
On July 1, 2018, over 100 passengers were left stranded in a closed airport terminal building at IGI Airport, New Delhi, due to a thunderstorm and power outage. As passengers grew anxious and complained about lack of information and assistance, chaos ensued.
Amidst the panic, several individuals emerged as heroes. Airline staff, ground crew, and security personnel worked tirelessly to calm passengers, provide medical assistance, and guide them to safety. Among those who stood out were:
The Hathras Tragedy
On October 16, 2021, a religious festival in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, turned into a tragedy when a stampede occurred, killing 121 people and injuring over 30. The incident raised serious questions about crowd management and emergency response.
An undercover investigation conducted by India Today revealed shocking lapses on the part of first responders. The sting operation showed that:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. How many people died in the IGI Stampede? Answer: 101
2. Who were the heroes who helped during the IGI Stampede? Answer: Rupinder Bhatti, Kuldeep Singh, Nikita Rai, and others
3. What caused the Hathras stampede? Answer: Overcrowding and inadequate crowd management
4. What lapses by first responders were revealed by the Hathras sting operation? Answer: Lack of coordination, absence of medical personnel, and slow police response
5. What steps have been taken to prevent similar incidents in the future? Answer: Enhanced crowd management plans, improved communication systems, and training for first responders
The iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, paid a heartwarming tribute to Indian PM Modi on his 75th birthday by lighting up with a special greeting and his image. This gesture of friendship and partnership between India and UAE was also reciprocated by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of UAE, who wished Modi a day full of happiness, health, and continued success for India. Amidst all the isms in the world, IBNS strives to serve objective news without any bias, leaving the judgment to the readers.
The Supreme Court has recognized Vantara, a top Indian animal conservation centre, for its exceptional practices that go beyond national regulations and surpass international standards. Amidst a growing global concern for animal welfare, Vantara's commitment to science-driven and compassionate care sets a new benchmark in the field. Independent certifications and audits have certified Vantara's holistic framework, making it a model institution for rescue and rehabilitation of animals. The vision of Anant Ambani, the facility's founder, has elevated Vantara as a leader in ethical, transparent, and meaningful conservation of animals.
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has started the "Swachhata Hi Seva 2025" campaign as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission, with a focus on promoting community involvement in keeping the city clean. The campaign was inaugurated by NMC Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Chaudhary, who flagged off a 72-hour cleanliness drive in all ten zones of Nagpur. With special squads of sanitation workers deployed and various programs planned, the initiative aims to make Nagpur a cleaner, greener, and healthier city.
After the abrogation of Article 370, Lal Chowk in Srinagar has become a hub of cultural and social activities. Recently, the Akhil Bhartiya Gau Sewa Foundation launched a 180-day padyatra from Lal Chowk to Kanyakumari, to create awareness about cow protection. The padyatra was flagged off with a ceremonial worship of a hybrid cow, symbolizing the region's transformation towards peace and development. This event showcases the changing atmosphere of Lal Chowk post-Article 370 and highlights the importance of cow protection in India.
After heavy rains triggered a landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu, at least 30 people were killed and several injured. Rescue operations are currently underway to search for any survivors or trapped individuals. In addition to this tragedy, Indian exporters are facing hefty 50% tariffs on goods being exported to America starting today. Stay informed by following the Indian Express on Instagram.
The Travancore Devaswom Board has started repair work on the gold-plated panels adorning the guardian sculptures at Sabarimala Sree Kovil, but not without facing criticism and opposition. The work is being done in Chennai due to the unavailability of electroplating facilities at the temple premises, but this decision has been met with objections from the former priest of the temple. Despite the Board's efforts to justify their actions, the controversy continues to surround the repair of these sacred panels, which have been the subject of much devotion and controversy in the past.
Engineer's Day is celebrated in India on September 15th to honor the legacy of M. Visvesvaraya, a pioneering engineer. It's a day to recognize and appreciate the hard work and technical expertise that engineers bring to society. To make Engineer’s Day 2025 special, here are some inspiring wishes, thoughtful quotes, and fun messages to send to the engineers in your life. Happy Engineer's Day to all the innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries!
The ninth day of Pitru Paksha, known as Matru Navami, holds immense significance for Hindus. On this day, special rituals of shradh are performed to honor and seek blessings from departed mothers, sisters, and daughters. The shradh of Matru Navami is considered to bring peace and salvation to the souls of ancestors, while also fostering the bond of motherhood in the lives of those who perform it. Along with charity and other rituals, it is a day dedicated to honoring the maternal side and upholding ancestral respect.
This year, on September 15, India celebrates Engineers' Day to honour the legacy of M. Visvesvaraya, a distinguished civil engineer, scholar and statesman. From designing dams to modernising water management systems, Visvesvaraya's innovative contributions have left a lasting impact on India's infrastructure. Recognised for his stellar achievements and dedicated service, he was honoured with the title of 'Sir' by King George V of Britain and the Bharat Ratna by the Government of India. As we celebrate the legacy of the 'Father of Modern Mysore', we also mark the UNESCO-recognised World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development on March 4 each year, emphasising the role of engineers in advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
On September 14 every year, India celebrates Hindi Diwas to honor the day Hindi was adopted as the official language in 1949. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of the language, which has also influenced the English language with many words of Hindi origin. This article takes a look at 10 fascinating facts about Hindi, including its global reach and influence.