Hyderabad: Following a 13-day break, schools in the State are scheduled to reopen on Thursday. The School Education department had previously declared Dasara holidays for school students from October 13 to 25.
Similarly, junior colleges are also slated to resume classes on Thursday as the first-term holidays, which commenced on October 19, come to an end on Wednesday. Notably, the colleges under Osmania University’s jurisdiction will recommence class activities from Wednesday as well. The university had observed Dasara vacation from October 14 to 24.
Nalgonda: The district council of the Communist Party of India (CPI) made a unanimous resolution on Tuesday, declaring their intent to participate in a friendly contest in the Munugode assembly constituency, even if the party forges a poll alliance with the Congress. This resolution will be forwarded to the state council of the CPI for approval.
During the district council meeting convened at the party’s local office, CPI national council member Palla Venkat Reddy briefed party members on the ongoing political developments in Telangana in light of the upcoming state legislative assembly elections. Notably, Munugode assembly constituency, located in Nalgonda district, has traditionally been a stronghold for the CPI.
In response to this, district council members voiced their strong dissatisfaction with reports suggesting that the CPI might concede the Munugode assembly constituency to the Congress as part of a pre-poll alliance. They urged both the state council and the national council of the party to negotiate with the alliance party, requesting that Munugode assembly constituency remain with the CPI if an alliance with the Congress is indeed formed. Should the Congress decline this proposal, the council suggested that the CPI should field a candidate for a friendly contest. They also reminded that in the 2018 elections, Munugode assembly constituency was allocated to the Congress as a last-minute decision in the context of a poll alliance.
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, also the president of BRS (Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi), is set to resume his election campaign from October 26. The campaign will kick off with visits to Atchampet, Wanaparthy, and Munugode on October 26, followed by public meetings at Paleru, Mahabubabad, and Wardhannapet on October 27.
The Chief Minister had initiated his poll campaign with a spirited gathering in Husnabad on October 15, energizing party supporters and releasing the party manifesto, providing a boost to the cadre. Following a brief break due to Dasara festivities, during which he strategized and coordinated with party candidates, he is now prepared for an intense 13-day campaign.
During this period, Chandrashekhar Rao is scheduled to address an impressive total of 36 public meetings, covering approximately three constituencies daily, as outlined in the tentative schedule. The campaign will culminate with a special puja at Sri Venkateshwara Swamy temple in Konaipalli, Siddipet district, on November 9. On the same day, he will file nominations at Gajwel and Kamareddy constituencies, followed by a public meeting at Kamareddy. Details of the remaining constituencies’ visits are expected to be finalized later this month.
The resumption of the Chief Minister’s campaign has reignited enthusiasm among BRS cadre, as they intensify their electioneering efforts. The party has also witnessed a surge in support from various political quarters and favorable results from voter perception surveys, bolstering the ruling party’s prospects in the upcoming elections.
In a scathing critique, the Indian National Congress has called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what it perceives as his indifference towards the ongoing crisis in Manipur. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh emphasized that it has been a harrowing 175 days since Manipur was engulfed in turmoil, resulting in severe damage to social harmony within the state.
Ramesh accused the Prime Minister of “abandoning” Manipur when his intervention and outreach were urgently required. He pointed out that the people of Manipur and the entire Northeast are closely observing the Prime Minister’s lack of involvement during this critical period.
The Congress leader firmly asserted, “He cannot escape accountability and responsibility by completely ignoring the crisis.” Ramesh posed five crucial questions that need immediate answers:
Why has the Prime Minister not met with the Chief Minister of Manipur and the elected MLAs of the state, many of whom belong to his party or are its allies?
Why has the Union Minister of State for External Affairs, representing Manipur (Inner) in the Lok Sabha, not been able to meet the Prime Minister?
Why has the Prime Minister, known for his extensive public speeches, only devoted a few minutes to address the Manipur situation, primarily under pressure from the opposition?
Why, despite his propensity for frequent travel, has the Prime Minister not visited Manipur to express his concern?
Why is the Chief Minister, who has faced widespread criticism across various sections of Manipur’s society, still allowed to remain in office?
The Congress party has been relentless in its criticism of the Modi government’s handling of the Manipur crisis. Their demands include the removal of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, whom they accuse of failing to effectively manage the situation.
As the crisis in Manipur continues, the Congress party is determined to hold the Prime Minister accountable and seek answers to these pressing questions.
In a maritime disaster off the northern coast of Germany, two cargo ships, the British-flagged Verity and the Bahamas-flagged Polesie, collided in the early morning hours today, resulting in one fatality and four crew members missing.
The collision occurred at approximately 5 a.m. local time, approximately 22 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of the island of Helgoland, according to Germany’s Central Command for Maritime Emergencies. The incident took place around 31 kilometers northeast of Langeoog island, located just off the German mainland.
British Ship Sinks; One Dead, Four Missing
The British cargo ship, Verity, measuring 91 meters (299 feet) in length and 14 meters (46 feet) in width, was en route from Bremen, Germany, to the English port of Immingham. Regrettably, the Verity is believed to have sunk, with seven crew members on board. Two sailors have been successfully rescued, while the body of one crew member was recovered from the sea. Tragically, four crew members remain unaccounted for.
Bahamas-Flagged Polesie Remains Afloat
Conversely, the Bahamas-flagged cargo ship, Polesie, measuring a substantial 190 meters (623 feet) in length and 29 meters (95 feet) in width, was heading from Hamburg to A Coruna, Spain. All 22 crew members aboard the Polesie are reportedly unharmed.
The cause of the collision remains unknown at this time, and investigations are ongoing.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Efforts to rescue the missing crew members are underway, with various vessels, including the cruise ship Iona, being deployed to the scene. The Iona is equipped with medical personnel and stands ready to provide treatment as necessary.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the maritime community, and authorities are working diligently to determine the cause of the collision and ensure the safety of those affected. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
The city of Hyderabad is witnessing a surge in respiratory illnesses, particularly among individuals with weakened immune systems, leading to a growing number of complaints about persistent coughing. Many people are seeking medical attention due to these symptoms.
Representational picture
The rise in cases involves individuals who already had pre-existing conditions, leaving them with weakened immune systems. Doctors attribute these symptoms to the RSV virus, which appears to target individuals with weakened immune systems.
RSV is known to be particularly aggressive in those with compromised immune systems. This illness can lead to persistent coughing and breathing difficulties, often accompanied by swelling in various parts of the body.
Reports suggest that people of all ages in the city are falling victim to this virus, necessitating proper medical care. The constant coughing and breathing difficulties can lead to restlessness and fatigue.
Medical professionals strongly advise those experiencing persistent coughing and breathing difficulties to consult with healthcare experts rather than attempting self-treatment. Medications should be used under the guidance of medical professionals to prevent further complications. In cases of RSV infection, the persistent symptoms make it more challenging to treat other diseases, emphasizing the need for effective treatment and prevention measures.
For children and young adults grappling with persistent coughing and breathing difficulties, it is essential to seek a proper diagnosis from a medical doctor.
Among the more than 1.6 million people in Palestine’s Gaza who are in dire need of humanitarian aid, children, expectant mothers, and the elderly remain the most vulnerable.
Pregnant Women’s Plight
At least 50,000 pregnant women in war-torn Gaza are unable to access essential health services, according to the World Health Organization, with some 5,500 due to give birth in the coming month. Around 160 women give birth each day in Gaza.
Newborns at Risk
Meanwhile, the lives of at least 120 newborn babies in incubators in Gaza’s hospitals are at risk as fuel runs out in the besieged Palestinian enclave, UNICEF warned.
Electricity Shortages Threaten Premature Babies
“If they (the premature babies) are put in mechanical ventilation incubators, by definition, if you cut the electricity, we are worried about their lives,” UNICEF spokesman Jonathan Crickx said.
Hospitals Shut Down
At least seven of 30 hospitals have been shut down in the besieged territory due to damage from relentless Israeli strikes and a lack of power, water, medicine, and other supplies due to Israel’s full-fledged blockade.
United Nations Agencies’ Plea
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is “catastrophic,” five United Nations agencies said on October 21, calling for more international help as conditions continue to deteriorate in the densely populated coastal enclave.
Queens, New York City witnessed a heartbreaking incident as a 66-year-old Sikh man lost his life in a violent road rage confrontation, prompting his family to call for the authorities to treat it as a hate crime.
Jasmer Singh, accompanied by his wife, was returning from a medical appointment in Kew Gardens around noon last Thursday when a seemingly minor traffic accident turned into a fatal encounter, as recounted by law enforcement officials.
The other party involved in the collision, 30-year-old Gilbert Augustin, was apprehended the following day and faced a slew of charges, including manslaughter, assault, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, according to the police.
A witness at the scene reported hearing a male voice uttering “No police” and witnessed a man forcibly seizing Singh’s cellphone moments after their vehicles collided, details documented in a criminal complaint.
Following the collision, Singh stepped out of his vehicle to confront Augustin, resulting in a heated argument. While the victim was able to retrieve his phone, the altercation didn’t end there.
Upon returning to his Toyota, Augustin allegedly struck Singh three times in the head and face, inflicting severe injuries, including a brain injury, according to court documents. Singh’s son, identified as Mr. Multani by the media outlet WCBS, disclosed that the assault left his father with a fractured skull and the loss of two front teeth.
Mr. Multani has appealed to authorities to investigate potential hate crime charges against Augustin, citing the distinctive Sikh attire his father wore. He emphasized that there was no justifiable reason for the intensity of the attack, suggesting his father may have been targeted in a possible hate crime.
He described his father as an educated, noble, and simple person.
Singh’s wife was deeply traumatized by the incident that claimed her husband’s life, leaving her with a harrowing experience, Multani revealed.
Augustin, who fled the scene after the violent attack, was ordered to be held without bail by Judge Danielle Hartman at his arraignment, according to the prosecutors. He is scheduled to appear in Queens Criminal Court on Thursday.
Mayor Eric Adams extended his condolences to New York City’s Sikh community in a statement on Sunday, expressing his sorrow over Jasmer Singh’s untimely death.
Jasmer Singh loved his city and deserved so much more than his tragic death. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want our Sikh community to know you have more than our condolences. You have our sacred vow that we reject the hatred that took this innocent life and we will protect you. pic.twitter.com/JvhhmDJ9v2
“Jasmer Singh loved his city and deserved so much more than his tragic death,” Adams wrote in a statement, accompanied by a photograph of the deceased. “On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want our Sikh community to know you have more than our condolences. You have our sacred vow that we reject the hatred that took this innocent life and we will protect you.”
In response to the incident, Harjinder Singh Dhami, SGPC President, strongly condemned the assault and loss of Jasmer Singh’s life. Dhami demanded rigorous legal action against the accused, calling for charges of murder and hate crime. This incident marks the second assault on a Sikh individual in New York in a short time. Dhami highlighted the significant contributions of Sikhs to the regions where they settle and their prominent roles in various countries.
He lamented the unfortunate occurrence of hateful attacks against Sikhs who aspire to promote goodwill for all of humanity. Dhami called upon the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of Sikhs abroad.
Harjinder Singh Dhami, SGPC President, shared this message through a tweet
I strongly condemn the incident of assault with a Sikh, Jasmer Singh, after which he lost his life. I demand strict legal action against accused under charges of murder and hate crime. This is the second case of assault with a Sikh in New York in a short span of time. In… pic.twitter.com/N5BqwqdyX2
Dhaka – A devastating train collision in the outskirts of Dhaka, specifically in Bhairab Upazila, Bangladesh, has resulted in the loss of at least 20 lives and left 50 individuals injured. The tragic incident occurred when a cargo train collided with a passenger train.
Officer Incharge of Kamalapur Railway Police, Mohammad Ferdous, confirmed the casualties and injuries. He reported that two relief trains have arrived in Bhairab to commence rescue operations. Fire service personnel have been actively involved in providing emergency relief to the injured. The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation.
The collision unfolded when a cargo train destined for Chattogram collided with the Dhaka-bound Egarosindur Godhuli Express passenger train, as revealed by Azizul Haque Rajon.
Train collisions are a recurring issue in Bangladesh, primarily due to unsupervised railway crossings, inadequate signaling systems, and official negligence. Authorities have stated that individuals remain trapped under the wreckage, and ongoing rescue efforts are underway.
Musharraf Hossain, a Fire and Service official, disclosed that local residents have also joined the rescue operation. He confirmed that 20 deceased individuals have been recovered thus far, with the potential for the casualty count to rise.
“Four units of the Fire and Services are currently engaged in the rescue operation. It is a chaotic situation,” Musharraf Hossain conveyed to media agencies.
Bhairab Station Master Yusuf further indicated that rail connectivity on several key routes remained suspended for over four hours as a consequence of the accident. This suspension affected the following routes: Dhaka to Chittagong, Dhaka to Sylhet, Mymensingh to Chittagong, and Sylhet to Kishoreganj.
A horrifying incident unfolded in Palanpur town in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district when a portion of an under-construction bridge collapsed, resulting in a fatality. The tragedy occurred near the RTO check post, where six recently installed concrete girders or slabs on the bridge pillars gave way, claiming the life of an individual.
Banaskantha Collector Varunkumar Baranwal provided details, stating that a person, captured on CCTV footage, abandoned his autorickshaw upon realizing the impending collapse. Despite attempting to flee to safety, he was tragically crushed under the massive concrete slabs.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that there might be two more individuals trapped in the debris, as a tractor was also crushed along with the autorickshaw.
“This bridge is a crucial railway overpass connecting Ambaji with Palanpur. Following the collapse of the six girders, we initiated a search and rescue operation. Presently, one body has been recovered. It is challenging to determine how many more individuals might be trapped. Our teams are diligently working to clear the debris,” stated Collector Baranwal.
The construction of the bridge had been ongoing for some time, with the collapsed girders having been installed on the pillars just a week before the incident. However, these girders had not yet been securely tied to the structure, raising concerns about the safety protocols observed during the construction process.
Rescue operations are underway as authorities work tirelessly to clear the wreckage and ensure the safety of any potential survivors. Investigations into the incident are also expected to shed light on the causes behind this tragic collapse.