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Mumbai: 13 patients dead after fire breaks out in the ICU of COVID-19 hospital in Virar, CM Thackeray orders probe

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Mumbai: 13 patients dead after fire breaks out in the ICU of COVID-19 hospital in Virar, CM Thackeray orders probe

At least 13 patients have died at Vijay Vallabh Covid Care hospital in Virar West, Mumbai after a massive fire broke out in its Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the wee hours of April 23 (Friday). The Covid-19 patients died after inhaling toxic fumes.

“13 people have died after a fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit around 3 am today. 21 patients, including those in critical condition, have been shifted to another hospital,” Dr Dilip Shah, official at Vijay Vallabh COVID care hospital, said.

According to reports, after 3 AM, the fire started in the air conditioning unit of the hospital’s ICU, where, as many as 17 patients were being treated for the infection. After the fire broke, the Vasai Virar Corporation fire brigade reached the spot and doused the fire. However, until then, 13 people have lost their lives to the fire.

Name of people who lost their lives in the fire that broke out at Vijay Vallabh Covid Care hospital in Virar West, Mumbai

The authorities shifted the remaining patients to other hospitals. At least 21  patients were moved to nearby hospitals following the fire.

It is being reported that one of the relatives of a deceased created a ruckus and tried to enter the hospital but was stopped by the police.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Oxygen leak from a tanker in Nasik left 24 patients dead

Only two days ago, in another incident, an oxygen tanker leaked while being filled at Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital, Nashik. Ventilators in the hospital were stopped for at least 30 minutes due to the oxygen deprivation caused by the tank leak. Then also 24 people had succumbed to oxygen deprivation.

Fire breaks out at Bhandup mall in Mumbai which had COVID-19 hospital on the top floor

Last month, a massive fire broke out at a mall in Mumbai’s Bhandup area, which also accommodated a COVID-19 hospital, Sunrise Hospital, on its top floor. At the time the fire broke out as many as 76 COVID-19 patients were admitted to the hospital, which was located on the third floor of a mall. 10 people had reportedly died in the incident.

After the incident, the Maharashtra CM had tried to cover up the negligence of the state authorities by claiming that “most people” died of COVID-19, not the fire. He also conceded to granting Sunrise Hospital “temporary permission” in order to operate a COVID-19 Hospital inside a shopping mall.

West Bengal Assembly polls: EC bans roadshows, vehicle rallies for remaining phases, expresses anguish over COVID-19 protocols being flouted

OpIndia Staff
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West Bengal Assembly polls: EC bans roadshows, vehicle rallies for remaining phases, expresses anguish over COVID-19 protocols being flouted

Amid the ongoing Assembly polls in West Bengal, the Election Commission on Thursday (April 22) banned roadshows and vehicle rallies in the state with immediate effect. Expressing concerns over the COVID-19 guidelines being flouted during the poll campaign in West Bengal, the poll body said that no public meeting having more than 500 people would be allowed in the state.

The EC order said the commission has noted “with anguish” that many political parties and candidates are still not adhering to the prescribed safety norms during the public gatherings, therefore, “permission for roadshow, cycle/bike/vehicle rallies, if granted already, stands withdrawn.”

The Election Commission orders came into force from 7 pm on Thursday.

Prior to this, the Calcutta High Court had warned on the alarming situation saying, “If EC won’t act the court will”.

PM Modi cancels West Bengal poll rallies on 23rd April

Owing to the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the country, PM Narendra Modi had decided not to address election rallies in West Bengal on Friday.

“Tomorrow will be chairing high-level meetings to review the prevailing COVID-19 situation. Due to that, I would not be going to West Bengal,” PM Modi tweeted, effectively ending his campaign in Bengal, which will vote in two more rounds before the election results on May 2.

Amid rising cases, Mamata Banarjee holds massive rally in Dakshin Dinajpur

On the contrary, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee held a huge rally in Dakshin Dinajpur on Thursday. This while, TMC loyalist Derek O’Brien had on April 18 claimed that Mamata Banerjee will not campaign in Kolkata anymore and slashed time for rallies.

New ‘triple mutant variant’ of Covid-19 virus found in West Bengal

Amidst all this, scientists have reported that a new variant of the virus causing Covid-19 has been detected in West Bengal. The ‘triple mutant variant’ (also being referred to as the ‘Bengal strain’ of Covid-19) is reportedly more infectious than other strains. It is the second lineage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to be identified in India. It is being called ‘B.1.618’, and is mostly circulating in West Bengal. The most recent detection was on March 17.

On Wednesday, Bengal reported 10,784 new coronavirus cases in the state. Total active cases stood at over 63,496.

‘Sacred’ monument comes up at spot where George Floyd died, has special instructions for White people who seek to enter

OpIndia Staff
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‘Sacred’ monument comes up at spot where George Floyd died, has special instructions for White people who seek to enter

White people who wish to visit the “George Floyd Square”, the spot where the 46-year old African man died last summer, will now need to follow special instructions when they go there. Matt Finn, national correspondent at Fox News, shared a photograph of a signboard put up at the site.

The George Floyd Square, where the convicted Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on George Floyd and was recorded on video, quickly turned into a memorial for Floyd and was renamed in his memory shortly after his death.

A sign placed at the entrance of the Square welcomes people to a “sacred” space. It is not clear when the signboard was put up.

The sign calls upon visitors to “honor the space as a place to connect and grieve as caring humans.” However the sign also includes a special set of instructions for White people. White visitors need to “decenter” and “come to listen, learn, mourn, and witness.”

“Remember you are here to support, not to be supported,” the sign reads. White people are called upon to “contribute to the energy of the space, rather than drain it.” Any “processing” must be brought to “other white folks” so that “BIPOC” (an acronym for “Black and Indigenous people of color”) are not harmed.

If White visitors see other White folks doing “problematic things”, they are encouraged to “speak up with compassion to take the burden (off of) Black folks and our siblings or color whenever appropriate.” White people are then encouraged to “engage rather than escalate so that it can be a learning moment rather than a disruption.”

Election Commission cracks down on road shows, pad yatras, cycle rallies; allows public meetings for up to 500 people

OpIndia Staff
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Election Commission cracks down on road shows, pad yatras, cycle rallies; allows public meetings for up to 500 people

The Election Commission (EC) today announced new restrictions on electoral campaigning, prohibiting roadshows, pad yatras, and cycle rallies completely; with public meetings allowed for up to 500 people with social distancing.

The EC also declared that any prior permission given for any roadshow, cycle/bike/vehicle rally, if granted already, stands withdrawn.

The Commission also acknowledged with anguish that many political parties and candidates are not adhering to the safety norms prescribed by the EC during public gatherings, which is making it difficult for the state/district election machinery to enforce the guidelines.

These new norms regarding bike rallies and public gatherings have already gone into effect as of 7 PM today. Incidentally, today Mamata Banerjee held a major rally in Dakshin Dinajpur, whereas PM Modi decided to cancel all rallies in West Bengal tomorrow in order to chair a high-level meeting reviewing the COVID-19 situations.

Nithyananda bans Indians from entering Kailasa citing Covid-19, issues guidelines for ’embassies’ around the world

OpIndia Staff
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Nithyananda bans Indians from entering Kailasa citing Covid-19, issues guidelines for ’embassies’ around the world

Sri Nithyananda of Kailasa has banned travelers from India into his fledgling nation amidst the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic in the country. Travelers from the European Union, Brazil and Malaysia have been barred as well. Sri Nithyananda made the announcement in a video statement.

The self-proclaimed Supreme Pontiff of Hinduism has also passed an executive order issuing Covid-19 guidelines for all Kailasa embassies to follow. The embassies in India, Brazil and Malaysia have been instructed to shut down and members have been directed to quarantine themselves and obey local laws.

Statement by Sri Nithyananda
Statement by Sri Nithyananda

The European Union was called a country although it is not one. It is a Union of European countries. The order was issued on the 19th of April and are in effect till further notice.

Interpol had issued a Blue Corner Notice in 2020 seeking information about the self-styled godman Nithyananda, who had fled the country the previous year, dodging security agencies after a rape case was filed against him in Karnataka in June 2018.

The Gujarat police had registered an FIR against Nithyananda after two girls went missing from his ashram in Ahmedabad in November 2019. The ‘Swami’ was charged with kidnapping and wrongful confinement of children to make them collect donations from followers to run his ashram in Ahmedabad. Nithyananda was earlier declared wanted by the Gujarat Police.

Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to fund construction of two oxygen plants in Ayodhya

OpIndia Staff
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Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to fund construction of two oxygen plants in Ayodhya

In view of the ongoing oxygen scarcity across India, the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust announced today that they will be providing funds for the installation of two oxygen plants in Ayodhya district. These two oxygen plants will be constructed at Dashrath Medical College. The trust was established by the Government of India in order to construct the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.

According to Shri Ram Teerth Janmbhoomi Kshetra trustee Dr. Anil Mishra, the entire country is combating the COVID-19 virus, therefore the Trust decided to aid in this fight by installing an oxygen plant at the cost of Rs 55 lakhs.

The Trust, which is overseeing the construction of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, has collected more than 2,500 crore rupees in donations from over 10 crores devout Hindus. It is presumed that funding for the construction of the oxygen plants will come from these donations.

The Trust is also planning to build a “Darshan point”, which will allow devotees to witness the construction of the Ram Mandir. This point will be located at a spot that gives a wide view of the construction area.

As PM Modi cancels Bengal rallies to hold COVID-19 meet, here is how many times Mamata Banerjee attended the review meeting in past few months

OpIndia Staff
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As PM Modi cancels Bengal rallies to hold COVID-19 meet, here is how many times Mamata Banerjee attended the review meeting in past few months

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cancelled his rallies in West Bengal on the 23rd of April. Instead, he will be chairing high-level meetings to help combat the Covid-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will address four rallies on Friday.

Mamata Banerjee, over the course of the past 3 months, has not attended even a single meeting between Chief Ministers and the Prime Minister. She skipped both the meetings, one in March and another in April, and busied herself in campaigning for the elections instead.

Prime Minister Modi will address a meeting between Chief Ministers of high burden states at 10 a.m. Mamata Banerjee is expected to skip that meeting as well.

While the ‘intelligentsia’ has been extremely critical of political rallies by the BJP, it has chosen to give other political parties a free pass. Thus, while Narendra Modi has cancelled his rallies in West Bengal in light of the surging Covid-19 cases in the state, Banerjee appears to be at perfect ease to continue her campaign unabated.

All political parties, the Congress party, Trinamool Congress and the CPI(M), and not just the BJP, have been campaigning heavily and gathering huge crowds amidst the ongoing elections in West Bengal.

TikTok Star Funbucket Bhargav, of OMG fame, arrested for raping minor girl

OpIndia Staff
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TikTok Star Funbucket Bhargav, of OMG fame, arrested for raping minor girl

Chippada Bhargav alias Funbucket Bhargav, a TikTok star who gained popularity for his video featuring OMG girl Nithya, was arrested by the Andhra Pradesh Police on Tuesday for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl in Visakhapatnam.

As per reports, the Police arrested him in Kompally, Hyderabad and booked him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Section 376 (Punishment for sexual assault) and 354 (Assault or criminal force to woman) of the Indian Penal Code.

The famous line “Oh my God! Oh my God!” that was used in Bhargav’s videos with Nithya was picked up by several brands, including Twitter, Netflix and Swiggy. The case of sexual assault against him came to light when the victim’s family filed a complaint on April 16 at Pendurthi Police Station under the Visakhapatnam commissionerate. Reports suggest that the family filed a complaint after coming to know that the victim was four-month pregnant.

The case was transferred from Pendurthi to Disha Police in Visakhapatnam as they deal with crimes against women and children in Andhra Pradesh. These stations were set up after the horrific gang-rape and murder of a Hyderabad-based vet in 2019.

Disha Assistant Commissioner of Police Prem Kajal said that the accused had promised the victim offers in media channels after seeing her in TikTok videos. She said, “He had proposed to the survivor, and she had rejected him. But he blackmailed her, saying he had her explicit videos. The survivor is also pregnant.”

She also added that the accused was produced before the Judicial Magistrate and has been sent to remand till May 3. The Police also seized a mobile phone and a white coloured Nissan vehicle from Bhargav. The Police has also warned the people against sharing the victim’s photograph on social media as it is against the law. Anyone found posting the photograph would be dealt with as per the law.

Actor Nithya clarified she is not the victim

After the news of Bhargav’s arrest broke out on social media, several users assumed that the victim is 15-year-old Nithya, who is popularly known as the “Oh My God” girl. Nithya came forward and issued a statement in a video message and said that she is not the victim in the case.

Nithya claimed that she learnt about the allegations against Bhargav from social media. She said, “It is true that Bhargav got arrested but I am not related to that case in any way. I have come to know about this from social media after my followers have been messaging me and sending links. They were asking me what happened, even I don’t know.”

She further added that meme-makers and Youtubers are using her name, and they do not know anything about the case. “I hope you all would delete such videos if you people are not doing this intentionally. People are sending me messages feeling bad about me, but I’m fine here at the shoot,” she added. She also said that it had been around a year since she met Funbucket Bhargav and no longer shoots with him.

In the last few days, availability of Liquid Medical Oxygen increased by 3300 MT per day: Here’s what was discussed in PM’s high-level meeting

OpIndia Staff
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In the last few days, availability of Liquid Medical Oxygen increased by 3300 MT per day: Here’s what was discussed in PM’s high-level meeting

Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was at the helm of a high-level meeting in order to tackle the issue of declining oxygen supply across the country. The officials at the meeting informed the PM about the efforts undertaken to improve oxygen supply, in addition to discussing ways to help boost its availability.

In the meeting, the officials noted that over the last few days, availability of Liquid Medical Oxygen in India has increased by about 3,300 MT per day with contributions from private and public steel plants, industries, oxygen manufacturers as well as through prohibition of supply of oxygen for non-essential industries.

The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to PM, Home Secretary, Health Secretary & Officials from Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Road Transport, Pharmaceuticals, and NITI Aayog members.

Additionally, PM Modi spoke to officials about multiple things including increasing the production of oxygen, increasing the speed of distribution & using innovative ways to provide oxygen support to health facilities.

PM Modi was informed that the present demand of oxygen from 20 states 6,785 MT/ day of Liquid Medical Oxygen and that from April 21 onwards, the Government of India was allocating 6,822 MT/ day to these states.

The Prime Minister further placed huge importance on faster transportation of oxygen to the states, with railways being utilized for rapid and non-stop long-distance transport of oxygen tankers. Similarly, the Indian Air Force is being used to airlift oxygen tankers, essential medicines, etc. The PM also highlighted the need for states to clamp down on hoarding.

Order passed by Union Health Secretary

In light of the high-level meeting chaired by the PM, an order was passed subsequently in order to secure and boost the supply of Medical Liquid Oxygen in India. Here are some of the highlights from the order:-

  1. No restrictions on the movement of Medical Oxygen between the States to be imposed. Transport authorities shall be instructed accordingly to allow free inter-state movement of oxygen-carrying vehicles.
  2. No restrictions to be imposed on oxygen manufacturers and suppliers to limit their supply to only the one state or UT they are located in.
  3. Free movement of oxygen-carrying vehicles in the cities, without any restrictions of timings.
  4. Supply of oxygen for industrial purposes except those exempted by the Government is prohibited till further orders

The high-level meeting, along with the order passed by the Government will hopefully allow India to properly boost its supply of Liquid Medical Oxygen in order to help COVID-19 patients across India.

Rakesh Tikait organises Iftar party while protesting, declares Ghazipur border his ‘home’ even as COVID-19 cases continue to rise

OpIndia Staff
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Rakesh Tikait organises Iftar party while protesting, declares Ghazipur border his ‘home’ even as COVID-19 cases continue to rise

Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait gave a miss to all Covid-19 norms at an Iftar party organized at the Ghazipur border at a time when the nation recorded over 3 lakh new coronavirus cases.

In a video that has gone viral on social media, Tikait can be seen dining in close proximity to a large group at the protesting site.

More than the party, it is Rakesh Tikait’s response justifying the Iftar party that has stumped the nation. 

“Gathering of 50 people is permitted by the government. There were 22-35 people. Nobody met with each other, no one shook hands,” Tikait said despite the video showing otherwise. 

Tikait declares Ghazipur as his home

Despite being held responsible for occupying public space and deliberately interrupting the transportation of medical oxygen supply critical to saving the lives of Covid-19 infected patients, Tikait declared the Ghazipur border as their home.

“Farmers are at their home. Where else will we ask them to go? Is Corona spreading from here? We’ve been living here for the last 5 months, it’s our home now…Many farmers took the vaccine but are struggling to get the 2nd dose. We’ve told officers to set up camp here,” he added.

The unfortunate statement was made at a time when the national capital recorded 24000 new coronavirus cases and the city is facing an acute shortage of medical oxygen, hospital beds and testing facilities depleting rapidly. 

To add to the woes of the country battling the second wave of the coronavirus, the Bhartiya Kisan Union has announced a march to Delhi on April 21 in order to protest against the Farm laws.

Stir to continue

The farmer leader insisted that the protest will not be called off brushing off the gravity of the pandemic. “Lockdown may be imposed in the entire country, but the farmers’ stir will continue. The requisite Covid guidelines will be followed by the farmers sitting at the protest sites,” Tikait informed.

While on his visit to Jammu, Tikait had asserted that the ‘farmers’ agitation was not Shaheen Bagh that can be ended in the name of coronavirus.

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