A shocking fire at Jhansi Medical College has taken the lives of 10 infants and left 16 others injured, as sources revealed the staff had ignored a previous short circuit. The state government has launched a 4-member committee to look into the incident while CM Yogi has offered financial assistance to the bereaved families. Meanwhile, politicians like PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu have expressed their condolences and called for a thorough probe of the incident.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, expressed his deepest condolences for the loss of innocent children in a devastating fire at a medical college in Uttar Pradesh. The District Magistrate confirmed that the fire, believed to be caused by an electrical short circuit, broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. President Droupadi Murmu and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have also voiced their grief and directed officials to provide proper treatment to the injured infants.
After his formal appointment by the Union government, Justice Sanjiv Khanna officially took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He succeeded Justice DY Chandrachud, who had recommended him as his successor in line with constitutional norms. With a distinguished four-decade long judicial career, Justice Khanna is set to serve a short six-month tenure before his retirement in May 2025.
Bibek Debroy, chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, passed away on November 1, 2024 at the age of 69. His death drew condolences and tributes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and other prominent figures. Known for his contributions to public policy and his work in translating India's ancient texts, Debroy's passing has left a void in the country's intellectual landscape. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also noted his involvement in policy making.
On the birth anniversary of India's first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other dignitaries gathered at the Patel Chowk to pay tribute to his leadership and dedication to national integration. This day serves as a reminder of Patel's efforts to unite India's diverse princely states and promotes a sense of solidarity among the people. The event was also attended by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, Union Ministers of State for Home Affairs and BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj.
Atmospheric conditions over the Bay of Bengal have facilitated the intensification of a low-pressure area into a depression, which is expected to transform into a severe cyclonic storm by October 23. The storm is predicted to make landfall on October 24, causing heavy rainfall and strong winds along the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal for three days. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings for fishermen and local authorities to prepare for potential damages, and has designated hundreds of cyclone shelters to accommodate evacuees.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying homage to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary. Shastri is remembered for his leadership, courage, and simplicity, and is seen as an inspiration for the nation. Many political figures, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, also paid their respects to the freedom fighter and Bharat Ratna awardee who dedicated his life to serving his country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri by visiting their memorials in the national capital and participating in cleanliness-related activities. He also highlighted the importance of their principles of truth, harmony, and equality in today's world. Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu also joined in paying homage to Gandhi and attended a multi-faith prayer at Rajghat.
On the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, Indian President Droupadi Murmu delivered a powerful message, urging her countrymen to embrace the values of truth, non-violence, love, and purity. She praised the life of Mahatma Gandhi, who fought for social justice and women empowerment, and influenced the world with his moral principles. Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated annually on 2 October, and is now recognized as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations.
A presidential complaint about potholes in the city of Pune, India not only made national headlines but also spurred action from the municipal corporation. As a result, the Pune Police directed the civic body to address the issue before Prime Minister Modi's scheduled visit later this month. The PMC has already begun repair work, but the city's branch of the AAP has threatened to lock the municipal body if the roads are not fixed promptly.