No fire extinguishers or water: Witnesses expose Jaipur hospital lapses

By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 06, 2025 | 11:16 AM

**Major Fire at Jaipur Hospital Raises Safety Concerns**

A devastating fire broke out late Sunday night at the Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, raising serious questions about safety preparedness at the facility. The blaze ignited on the second floor of the hospital’s trauma center, tragically killing eight people.

Thick smoke quickly filled the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), forcing family members to carry patients outside onto the streets in a desperate attempt to save lives.

**Victim Details and Accusations of Negligence**

At the time of the fire, the hospital was treating 210 patients, with reportedly only one staff member present in each ICU, according to India Today. Family members have accused the hospital administration of negligence, alleging that smoke warnings were ignored and that staff fled the scene after the fire started.

They further claimed that fire extinguishers were non-functional and that there was not even water available to douse the flames. The fire was eventually contained within two hours.

**Families Speak Out**

One grieving man who lost his mother in the fire told ANI, “The ICU caught fire, but there was no equipment to extinguish it. There were no facilities at all. My mother didn’t survive.”

Another relative of a victim, named Pintu, said they informed doctors about the smoke at around 11:20 PM on Sunday. “But the smoke kept getting thicker. As it spread, the doctors and other staff working downstairs all ran out,” he recalled.

**Rescue Efforts Amid Chaos**

Despite the chaos, some hospital staff members attempted to rescue patients. Vikas, a ward boy present during the incident, told PTI that he and others managed to save three to four patients before the flames became too intense to continue.

**Investigation Launched**

In response to the tragedy, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma ordered an investigation on Monday. “Every possible step is being taken for the safety of patients, their treatment, and the care of those affected, and the situation is being continuously monitored,” Sharma stated.

**Cause of the Fire**

A short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire. Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph confirmed that the forensic science laboratory will conduct an inquiry to determine the exact cause.

Additionally, the Rajasthan government has constituted a commission to investigate the incident. This investigation will focus on the hospital management’s response, the facility’s firefighting arrangements, and the preventive measures needed to avoid similar disasters in the future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/no-fire-extinguishers-or-water-witnesses-expose-jaipur-hospital-lapses/story

Mobile Battery Catches Fire on Osaka Metro, Two Women Injured

According to police reports, the fire started when a female passenger’s mobile battery, kept inside her bag, suddenly ignited while the train was running.

The owner of the battery and a woman sitting next to her suffered burns and were immediately taken to the hospital. Fortunately, their injuries are considered minor.

As a result of the incident, Osaka Metro temporarily suspended operations in both directions of the Midosuji Line. This disruption affected more than 50,000 passengers before service was eventually restored.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147156.php

11 children’s deaths: Drug watchdog urges strict action against Coldrif

**11 Children’s Deaths: Drug Watchdog Urges Strict Action Against Coldrif**

*By Snehil Singh | Oct 05, 2025, 11:11 am*

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is gearing up to take stringent action against the manufacturers of Coldrif syrup following the tragic deaths of 11 children, allegedly due to contaminated cough syrups.

The CDSCO has directed the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to initiate strict measures under serious offense regulations, according to a report by news agency ANI.

### National Conference and Government Response

In response to this crisis, the Union Health Secretary is set to hold a video conference with health officials from all states and Union Territories. The meeting’s objective is to discuss the rational use of cough syrups and enforce drug quality standards nationwide.

This step comes after the deaths of 11 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were linked to the consumption of contaminated cough syrups, raising serious concerns about drug safety.

### Ongoing Investigation and Risk-Based Inspections

The CDSCO has launched risk-based inspections of drug manufacturing units across six states — Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Investigators have collected 19 samples from these states for thorough testing.

A multidisciplinary team of experts is currently analyzing the samples to pinpoint the exact cause behind the deaths reported in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh.

### Sample Analysis and Findings

Earlier this week, the CDSCO confirmed that six samples tested by them, along with three from the Madhya Pradesh Food and Drugs Administration, were free from toxic compounds such as Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG). These substances are known to cause severe kidney damage.

However, it was clarified that the tested samples did not include the two suspicious cough syrups, including Coldrif, which remain under scrutiny.

### Regional Actions Against Coldrif Syrup

In light of these developments, several states have taken proactive measures against Coldrif syrup. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh have imposed bans on its sale. Telangana has issued a public alert urging people to stop using the product immediately.

These actions are part of broader efforts to ensure drug safety and uphold quality standards across India, following the heartbreaking loss of children linked to contaminated cough syrups.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further casualties.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/drug-watchdog-urges-strict-action-against-coldrif-makers-report/story

11 children’s deaths: Drug watchdog urges strict action against Coldrif

**11 Children’s Deaths: Drug Watchdog Urges Strict Action Against Coldrif**

*By Snehil Singh | Oct 05, 2025, 11:11 AM*

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is set to take stringent action against the manufacturers of Coldrif syrup following the tragic deaths of 11 children, allegedly caused by contaminated cough syrups.

According to reports from ANI, the CDSCO has directed the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to initiate strict measures under serious offense provisions to tackle this grave issue.

**Union Health Secretary to Convene National Conference**

In response to the crisis, the Union Health Secretary will conduct a video conference with health officials from all states and Union Territories. The discussion will focus on the rational use of cough syrups and enforcing drug quality standards nationwide.

This move follows the deaths of 11 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, which have been linked to contaminated cough syrups.

**Ongoing Investigations and Inspections**

The CDSCO has launched risk-based inspections targeting drug manufacturing units across six states: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

Authorities have collected 19 samples from these regions for comprehensive testing. A multidisciplinary team of experts is currently analyzing the samples to uncover the cause behind the fatalities in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh.

**Sample Analysis Results**

Earlier this week, the CDSCO confirmed that six of its tested samples, along with three from the Madhya Pradesh Food and Drugs Administration, were free from toxic compounds such as Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG). These chemicals are notorious for causing severe kidney damage.

However, officials clarified that these tested samples did not include the two cough syrups under suspicion, including Coldrif.

**Regional Actions Against Coldrif Syrup**

In light of the findings, several states have taken immediate action against Coldrif syrup. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh have imposed bans on its sale. Meanwhile, Telangana has issued a public alert advising citizens to discontinue use of the product.

These measures are part of a larger effort to ensure drug safety and quality across India, following the heartbreaking loss of young lives allegedly linked to contaminated cough syrups.

*Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/drug-watchdog-urges-strict-action-against-coldrif-makers-report/story

11 children’s deaths: Drug watchdog urges strict action against Coldrif

**11 Children’s Deaths: Drug Watchdog Urges Strict Action Against Coldrif**

*By Snehil Singh | Oct 05, 2025, 11:11 AM*

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is set to take stringent action against the manufacturers of Coldrif syrup following the tragic deaths of 11 children, allegedly caused by contaminated cough syrups.

According to reports from ANI, the CDSCO has directed the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to initiate strict measures under serious offenses to address the issue.

**National Conference to Address Drug Safety**

In response to the incident, the Union Health Secretary will conduct a video conference with health officials from all states and Union Territories. The meeting aims to discuss the rational use of cough syrups and enhance drug quality standards across India.

This initiative comes amid investigations linking the deaths of 11 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to contaminated cough syrups.

**Ongoing Investigation and Risk-Based Inspections**

The CDSCO has commenced risk-based inspections of drug manufacturing units in six states: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

Authorities have collected 19 samples from these regions for comprehensive testing. A multidisciplinary team of experts is currently analyzing these samples to determine the cause of fatalities in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh.

**Sample Analysis Results**

Earlier this week, the CDSCO confirmed that six tested samples, along with three from the Madhya Pradesh Food and Drugs Administration, were free from toxic compounds such as Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG). These substances are known to cause severe kidney damage.

However, officials noted that these tested samples did not include the two cough syrups currently under scrutiny, including Coldrif.

**Regional Actions Taken**

Following the CDSCO’s findings, several states have taken decisive steps against Coldrif syrup. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh have banned the sale of the product.

Meanwhile, Telangana has issued a public alert advising people to stop using Coldrif syrup immediately.

These actions form part of a broader effort to safeguard drug safety and quality in India after the unfortunate deaths linked to contaminated cough syrups.

*Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/drug-watchdog-urges-strict-action-against-coldrif-makers-report/story

Panvel Teen Loses Arms, Slips Into Coma After Electrocution At Pandal Site; Contractor Booked Under BNS For Negligence

**17-Year-Old Boy Battles for Life After Severe Electrocution at Worksite in Panvel**

A 17-year-old Class XII pass boy has been fighting for his life in a coma after suffering a severe electrocution accident that led to the amputation of both his arms. The incident occurred in May this year at a pandal decoration site in Chikhale village, Panvel.

### Incident Details

The boy, identified as Shubham Andhale, was reportedly forced to work under unsafe conditions by contractor Pankaj Janeshwar Phadke. While working on a ladder, Shubham came into contact with a high-tension electric wire, which caused him to fall and sustain grave head injuries along with severe burns on his limbs. As a result, doctors had to amputate both his arms from the elbows.

“Since the incident on May 1, Shubham has remained in a coma-like state, unable to move or respond, with only his heart and eyes still functioning,” said his father, Kundalik Andhale, a rickshaw driver.

### Family Struggles Amid Medical Crisis

The family is struggling to cope with the mounting medical expenses. Andhale explained that they have exhausted all their savings and taken on heavy debt to afford Shubham’s treatment.

“My son was a bright student and talented in sports. He took up labour work to help improve our family’s living conditions. But now, he is fighting for his life and weighs barely 30 kg, down from a healthy 85-kg. We have already spent over ₹11 lakh on his treatment, yet the contractor who employed him has abandoned us,” Andhale shared emotionally. “We are pleading with the government and authorities to save my son’s future.”

### Treatment and Financial Assistance

Shubham spent three months in the ICU at MGM Hospital, Kamothe, on a ventilator. Due to unbearable expenses, the family had to bring him home. His mother and brother now feed him liquid nutrition through a nasal tube.

So far, the family has received ₹1 lakh in aid from Minister Pankaja Munde, and ₹50,000 from the pandal owner, who later distanced himself from further responsibility.

### Legal Action Against Contractor

Police have booked contractor Pankaj Phadke under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

– Section 125(a): Causing danger to human life through reckless actions
– Section 125(b): Acts endangering human life where grievous hurt is caused
– Section 289: Negligent conduct with respect to machinery
– Section 351(2): Criminal intimidation

Phadke is accused of employing a minor without proper safety measures and intimidating the family when they sought accountability for the accident.

### Family’s Ongoing Struggles and Plea for Help

Besides Shubham, the family has a 21-year-old elder son who is struggling to pay his college fees. Andhale added, “My wife used to earn ₹10,000 a month, but now she must stay home to care for our son. That source of income has also stopped.”

The family continues to appeal to authorities and well-wishers for support to help save Shubham’s life and secure his future.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/panvel-teen-loses-arms-slips-into-coma-after-electrocution-at-pandal-site-contractor-booked-under-bns-for-negligence

Cockpit recorders of Delta jets that collided on LaGuardia taxiway are being analyzed

Two Delta Air Lines regional jets collided at the intersection of two taxiways at LaGuardia Airport in New York, injuring a flight attendant, damaging a cockpit, and tearing off part of a wing, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported Thursday.

The NTSB said it sent a team of 10 investigators to the airport following the collision on Wednesday night. Flight recorders have already been recovered from both airplanes and sent to NTSB headquarters for analysis.

It was not immediately clear who was at fault. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that air traffic control had instructed the Virginia-bound plane “to hold short and yield to the other aircraft” before the collision occurred.

According to Delta, an aircraft carrying 32 people was preparing for takeoff to Roanoke, Virginia, when its wing made contact with the fuselage of an arriving aircraft from Charlotte, North Carolina, which had 61 people aboard. The airline described the incident as a “low-speed collision” but did not disclose the exact speeds of the planes, noting that this information is “germane to the open and ongoing investigation.”

A passenger video captured one plane moving at a relatively high speed when the collision happened.

The flight attendant was taken to a hospital, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed. Audio posted by www.LiveATC.net revealed that one of the pilots informed the control tower that the flight attendant had hit her knee during the collision.

Fortunately, there were no reports of passenger injuries.

According to air traffic control audio, a pilot described the damage: “Their right wing clipped our nose and the cockpit. We have damage to our windscreen and … some of our screens in here.” Images showed a broken wing on one plane and a shattered cockpit window with a deeply gouged nose on the other.

A passenger on the landed plane, William Lusk, told ABC, “The plane stopped, jerked, and jumped to the right. Everyone went dead silent. As everyone went dead silent, the pilot calmly came on and said, ‘Hey, we’ve been in a crash, everyone remain calm.’”

Incidents like this raise concerns about aviation safety, coming in the wake of recent crashes and near misses, including the deadliest plane crash in the United States in decades, when an Army helicopter collided with an airliner preparing to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Jeff Guzzetti, a former NTSB and FAA crash investigator and now an aviation safety consultant, explained the roles involved: “The ground controller lines up planes on taxiways and directs them where to go, but the pilots are expected to avoid other planes as they move at slow speeds while controllers focus on keeping the runways clear.”

He added, “You’re supposed to have situational awareness about where your wings are poking out at and what they could hit as you’re taxiing. They (controllers) expect the flight crews to see each other since they’re taxiing at a slow speed. And the controller’s main function is to make sure the runway is clear for takeoff and landings.”

Given that the collision happened at night, and that planes typically turn off their nose lights while taxiing, it may have been more difficult for the pilots to see exactly where the other aircraft was, Guzzetti noted.

He further explained that a plane’s taxi lights are located on the wings. Landing lights, which improve visibility and help ensure other pilots can see the plane, are used cautiously because they can impair night vision.

In a statement, Delta said, “Delta will work with all relevant authorities to review what occurred as safety of our customers and people comes before all else. We apologize to our customers for the experience.”

The Delta Connection aircraft involved in the collision were operated by Endeavor Air. Both were CRJ-900 planes, which can seat between 70 to 90 passengers. The FAA and NTSB are jointly investigating the incident.

LaGuardia Airport is one of 35 major airports equipped with advanced surface radar systems that track aircraft and vehicles on the ground, alerting controllers to potential conflicts. It remains unclear what role this system played in the collision.

Guzzetti said he is unsure whether the system would have sounded an audible alarm during the taxiway incident, noting that the primary purpose of the system is to prevent collisions on runways.

Following the collision, passengers on both planes were provided meals and hotel accommodations and were rebooked on flights departing on Thursday.

___

Associated Press writers Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire, Hallie Golden in Seattle, and Sarah Brumfield in Cockeysville, Maryland, contributed to this report.
https://fox5sandiego.com/news/national-news/ap-delta-jets-have-low-speed-collision-on-the-ground-at-new-yorks-laguardia-injuring-1/

‘Stranger Asked For Nude Pics’: Akshay Kumar Reveals Daughter’s Disturbing Online Game Incident; Warns Parents Of Cyber Threats

**Mumbai: Akshay Kumar Shares Disturbing Incident Involving Daughter’s Online Gaming Experience**

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, who is known for keeping his personal life private, recently opened up about a troubling experience involving his 13-year-old daughter during a cyber awareness program. The actor revealed how an unknown individual tried to target his daughter while she was playing an online video game.

### Harmless Messages Turned Threatening

Kumar recounted, “A few months ago, my daughter was playing an online game. Some games allow interaction with strangers. While she was playing, she received messages like ‘Thank you,’ ‘That was great,’ ‘You’re doing so well,’ ‘Fantastic’ – very courteous messages that seemed harmless.”

However, the tone of the conversation soon changed. “Suddenly, the person asked where she was from. She replied, ‘Mumbai.’ The conversation continued politely at first, but then the stranger asked, ‘Are you male or female?’ She answered, ‘Female.’ Shockingly, the stranger then requested her to send nude pictures,” Akshay shared.

### Quick Action Prevented a Potential Threat

Thankfully, Nitara immediately closed the game and informed her mother, Twinkle Khanna, about the incident. Akshay praised his daughter’s quick thinking and her courage to share the matter with her parents.

“This is exactly how such incidents start. Children are often trapped online, later extorted for money, and in many cases, these crimes have even led to suicides,” Kumar warned.

### Call for Cyber Awareness

The actor urged parents to closely monitor their children’s online activities and highlighted the importance of awareness regarding the dangers lurking on gaming and social platforms.

“Parents must educate their children, supervise online interactions, and teach them how to respond to strangers in digital spaces,” he emphasized.

Akshay Kumar’s revelation serves as a crucial reminder about the need for vigilance and education to keep children safe in today’s digital world.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/stranger-asked-for-nude-pics-akshay-kumar-reveals-daughters-disturbing-online-game-incident-warns-parents-of-cyber-threats

Mumbai News: CM Devendra Fadnavis Launches Cyber Awareness Month, Urges Citizens To Report Frauds Within ‘Golden Hour’

**Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Stresses Timely Reporting of Cyber Frauds During “Cyber Awareness Month – October 2025″**

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday emphasized that timely reporting of cyber frauds is as crucial as saving accident victims during the “Golden Hour.” He urged citizens to immediately lodge complaints through helplines 1930 or 1945 to increase the chances of recovering stolen money.

The CM was speaking at the inauguration of **“Cyber Awareness Month – October 2025”** held at the Maharashtra Police Headquarters in Mumbai. The event witnessed the presence of DGP Rashmi Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Iqbal Singh Chahal, Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Rani Mukherjee, Dr. Farooq Kazi of VJTI, Prof. Manjesh Hanwal of IIT Mumbai, and senior police officials.

### Cybercrime: The Biggest Challenge of the Digital Age

Fadnavis highlighted that cybercrime is one of the biggest threats of the digital era, stressing that prevention is as important as punishment. He cautioned against the growing misuse of AI technologies such as phishing, OTP fraud, deepfakes, voice and face cloning.

“Every online transaction, social media activity, or acceptance of cookies carries the risk of data misuse, which can lead to extortion, cyberbullying, and fraud,” he warned.

### Technology: Both a Threat and a Solution

Highlighting Maharashtra’s investment in world-class cyber labs and response centres, Fadnavis underlined the importance of swift complaint registration.

“Technology itself is a threat, but technology alone is also the solution. Every digital crime leaves behind a digital fingerprint,” he said.

He also raised concern about cyberspace being used to spread propaganda. “Cyberspace not only connects people; it can hack your mind. The new danger is planting anarchist ideas in a very personalised way,” he added, referring to the emerging threat of “urban Maoism.”

### Need for Cyber Awareness in Schools

Fadnavis underlined the significant roles of parents, teachers, and communicators in educating youth about digital safety. He suggested including cyber security in school curriculums as a “revolutionary step” toward building a safer digital future.

### Akshay Kumar Shares Personal Experience

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar shared a personal incident involving his family. He revealed that his daughter once received inappropriate messages from a stranger while playing an online game.

“Thankfully, she reported it to her mother immediately. But such incidents don’t always get reported. Cyber security should be taught in schools just like history and mathematics,” he stated passionately.

With cyber threats evolving rapidly, Maharashtra’s initiative to raise awareness and improve reporting mechanisms aims to safeguard citizens in the digital age. Citizens are encouraged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities through the dedicated helplines promptly.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-cm-devendra-fadnavis-launches-cyber-awareness-month-urges-citizens-to-report-frauds-within-golden-hour

Tirupati on high alert after bomb threats

**Tirupati on High Alert After Bomb Threats**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 03, 2025, 04:22 PM*

Tirupati city has been placed on high alert following bomb threats reportedly linked to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan and former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants based in Tamil Nadu. According to News18, the warning suggested that RDX explosives could be detonated at four locations across the city.

**Threat Assessment and Investigation**

In response to the threat, Tirupati police have launched an investigation into two suspicious emails that contained the bomb warnings. Bomb disposal squads were immediately called in to assess the situation and ensure public safety.

The emails hinted at a potential conspiracy involving explosive devices targeted at key public and religious sites within Tirupati.

**Enhanced Security Measures at Religious Sites**

As a precaution, security has been significantly tightened at major temples, including the Tiruchanur Padmavati Ammavari Temple, Tirumala Temple, and Srikalahasti Temple.

In addition, thorough security checks are being conducted at crucial locations such as the RTC Bus Stand, Srinivasam, Vishnu Niwasam, and Kapilatheertham.

Bomb disposal teams and police patrols continue to monitor the city closely to mitigate any possible threats.

So far, no explosives have been found in connection to the bomb threat.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/tirupati-receives-bomb-threat/story