Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:56pm on 22 Nov 2023,Wednesday India
Amidst heightened rescue efforts in Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel collapse, a 41-bed hospital is established at the Chinyalisaur Community Health Centre to attend to the 41 trapped laborers upon evacuation. An American auger machine, penetrating 45 meters through rubble, paves the way for escape. Twelve more meters to be drilled for steel pipes, facilitating workers' passage. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami onsite for inspection. Fifteen doctors, ambulances, and a helicopter on standby. Hospitals on alert. Emergency medical facilities, including an eight-bed makeshift hospital, set up for immediate care at the rescue site.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:23am on 22 Nov 2023,Wednesday India
Officials said only 18 metres of rock separates rescuers from 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand's collapsed Silkyara tunnel, calling it "very happy news". Senior official Mahmood Ahmed revealed "drilling for 39 metres has been completed" to reach the workers estimated to be 57 metres underground. But welding pipes through the narrow path is time-consuming though drilling is faster. Ahmed said "Some big news may be received tonight or tomorrow morning" but warned the remaining section is most critical. Operations have been slow amid falling debris and machine breakdowns. After 11 days, workers are tantalisingly close to rescue teams but the final push is perilous. Officials remain hopeful of reaching trapped workers just 18 metres away after the last phase of painstaking, risky drilling efforts.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:54am on 22 Nov 2023,Wednesday India
As the rescue operation in Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel entered its tenth day, rescuers sent solid food, including veg pulao and matar paneer, to the 41 trapped laborers through a 6-inch-wide alternative lifeline pipe. The meal, prepared by locals, aims to sustain those inside. Initially facing challenges, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) cleared the pipe obstruction. Besides fruits and medicines, around 150 dinner packets were prepared. Efforts continue from various angles, with horizontal drilling considered the most viable method. The government prioritizes life-saving in this challenging rescue operation.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:04am on 22 Nov 2023,Wednesday India
Delhi's air quality took a sharp downturn as several areas registered 'severe' levels with an Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 400, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. Ashok Vihar recorded 405, Bawana 447, Dwarka 405, and Jahangirpuri 429. Meanwhile, 'very poor' conditions persisted in other locations, including Anand Vihar (378), Burari Crossing (374), and Lodhi Road (392). The 24-hour average AQI, standing at 372 on Tuesday at 4 pm, showed a deterioration from previous days. Despite recent measures and eased restrictions, concerns remain as residents grapple with the ongoing air quality crisis in the city.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:02pm on 21 Nov 2023,Tuesday India
The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, cautioned yoga guru Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved against "false and misleading" medicine ads claiming to cure certain ailments. "All such false and misleading advertisements of Patanjali Ayurved have to stop immediately. The court will take any such infraction very seriously...," a bench comprising justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Prashant Kumar Mishra orally observed while hearing a plea of the Indian Medical Association (IMA). It warned of even imposing a ₹1 crore fine on every Patanjali product for false cure claims. Earlier on August 23, 2022, the top court had issued notices to the Union Health Ministry, Ministry of Ayush and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, on the plea of the IMA alleging a smear campaign by Ramdev against the vaccination drive and modern medicines.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:33pm on 21 Nov 2023,Tuesday India
In the aftermath of the tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand's Silkyara-Dandalgaon tunnel, where 41 workers have been trapped since November 12, efforts to address both the physical and mental well-being of those stranded have been initiated. Psychiatrist Abhishek Sharma, on-site, recommended activities like walking, light yoga, and regular communication to occupy their time. The workers, reached through an endoscopic camera, have shown high spirits, with the rescue team utilizing a larger pipeline for efficient delivery of air, food, and water. Officials express optimism about the potential for rescue within three days through horizontal drilling, employing a comprehensive five-option action plan.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:44pm on 21 Nov 2023,Tuesday India
Air India commended Dr. Sankaran for his heroic actions during a medical emergency aboard a Delhi-Toronto flight. Responding to a disoriented woman with seizures, the doctor, along with medical professionals, ensured her stable condition before offloading. Despite a one-hour delay due to subsequent security screenings, passengers praised Dr. Sankaran's dedication. Air India expressed gratitude, stating, "Dear Mr. Sankaran, we honor you for the part you played! Thank you for noticing our staff commitment." Dr. Sankaran's post on X garnered over 1.6 lakh views, with accolades for his unwavering commitment to passenger well-being.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:02pm on 21 Nov 2023,Tuesday India
Nehru's 'Tribal Wife' Budhni Manjhiyain, who faced ostracization from her Santhali tribal community after being garlanded by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1959, breathed her last on November 17 at the age of 80. Forced to flee her village of Kharbola, now submerged in Jharkhand, Manjhiyain found solace in West Bengal's Purulia district. Her grandson, Baapi Dutta, revealed that despite the injustice, she lived contentedly, without complaints. Recalling her ordeal, Manjhiyain's grandson emphasized how she escaped potential harm, later securing employment at Damodar Valley Corporation around 1985-86. That's where she met Sudhir Dutta, who she would go on to marry.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:24pm on 21 Nov 2023,Tuesday India
In a poignant development, trapped workers in the Uttarakhand tunnel, communicating via walkie-talkie and a camera pushed through a pipe, displayed resilience and relief. Upon instruction, they lined up, their faces reflecting a week's stubble, waving to reassure rescuers. "We will reach you very soon, please do not worry. Please come in front of the camera one by one," assured a rescuer. The lifeline connection allows for instructions and supplies. In response to the workers' confirmation of receiving the walkie-talkie, rescuers guided them on its operation. Plans to send comforting meals like Khichdi and Daliya through the pipe are underway, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to their well-being.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:24am on 21 Nov 2023,Tuesday India
President Droupadi Murmu, during her visit to Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, marked a significant step in enhancing connectivity in tribal regions by flagging off three crucial train services. The newly inaugurated Shalimar -Badampahar - Shalimar Weekly Express, Badampahar-Rourkela - Badampahar Weekly Express, and Tatanagar- Badampahar- Tatanagar MEMU Service aim to bridge the gap between tribal areas and urban centers. Emphasizing the importance of connectivity, President Murmu highlighted that these initiatives would not only bolster the local economy but also provide improved access to healthcare and promote tribal tourism. The event witnessed the presence of key leaders, including Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.