Jhansi Hospital Fire Live Updates: Jhansi hospital fire caused due to short circuit, say officials

Jhansi Hospital Fire News Updates: A fire that broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College on Friday night claimed the lives of at least 10 children, while 16 others remain critically injured, officials said on Saturday.

The fire began around 10:45 p.m., reportedly due to an electrical short circuit, according to District Magistrate Avinash Kumar. Children in the outer section of the NICU were successfully evacuated, along with some from the interior section.

Jhansi Commissioner Bimal Kumar Dubey stated that infants injured in the devastating fire at Jhansi Medical College are being provided with the best possible medical care. The fire, which broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on Friday evening, claimed the lives of at least 10 newborns, while several others sustained burn injuries.

Hospital authorities reported that 54 infants were in the NICU ward at the time of the fire.

“This is a very sad and unfortunate incident. Ten newborns have lost their lives, and around 35 have been rescued. Doctors are providing the best possible treatment to the injured. The government is closely coordinating with the medical college,” Parichha stated.

Officials indicated that an electrical short circuit is the suspected cause of the fire.

On Friday, NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar delivered a speech in the rain at a rally in Ichalkaranji, Kolhapur district, expressing confidence in the MVA’s success in the upcoming assembly elections. Pawar, 83, noted that it has often rained during his speeches at rallies, and in such instances, the election outcomes have been favorable. “It has happened many times before that when I begin speaking at a rally, it starts raining, and the results of the election have been good. This time, too, it is up to you to decide who will lead the government of Maharashtra,” Pawar said.

He was likely referring to a rally in Satara during the 2019 assembly elections. On October 18, 2019, just before the elections, Pawar had campaigned for the NCP’s undivided Lok Sabha candidate in Satara. As he was about to address the crowd, heavy rain began. Pawar chose not to use an umbrella, and images and videos of him speaking in the rain went viral on social media. The NCP won the seat, and Pawar’s gesture was seen as a sign of his dedication to his supporters, which was believed to have boosted the party’s momentum during the election.

A fire that broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College late Friday night claimed the lives of at least 10 children, while 16 others remain critically injured, officials reported on Saturday.

District Magistrate Avinash Kumar stated that the fire, which occurred around 10:45 p.m., is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit. Infants in the outer section of the NICU were successfully rescued, along with some from the interior section.

Over 51,000 diyas were lit at Pandey Ghat in Varanasi on Dev Deepawali, forming the slogan “Batoge to Katoge” – a recent call by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urging Hindus to remain united. The event took place in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency and sparked criticism from opposition leaders, who labeled the slogan as “communal.”

The celebrations saw more than 21 lakh diyas illuminating the city’s ghats. Chief Minister Adityanath and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar participated by playing the damru, a percussion instrument associated with Lord Shiva. They also interacted with performers and encouraged the damru group.

Dev Deepawali, celebrated 15 days after Diwali on the full moon night of Kartik, marks Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura.

According to the Uttar Pradesh government, Varanasi’s ghats were illuminated with a record 17 lakh lamps, with an additional 4 lakh lighting up other parts of the temple city.

President-elect Donald Trump has named Steven Cheung, his campaign spokesman, as the White House communications director, CNN reported. Cheung, who previously served as director of strategic response during Trump’s first term, will now take on the role of assistant to the president and director of communications.

In addition, Sergio Gor has been appointed to lead the Presidential Personnel Office, according to CNN.

“Steven Cheung and Sergio Gor have been trusted advisors since my first presidential campaign in 2016 and have continued to champion America First principles throughout my first term, all the way to our historic victory in 2024,” Trump said in a statement. “I am thrilled to have them join my White House as we, Make America Great Again!”

The role of White House communications director is distinct from that of press secretary. Trump has yet to announce a press secretary for his administration.

Cheung, who has experience as a spokesman for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, brings communication expertise to his new position in the White House.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced the formation of a dedicated task force to achieve India’s ambitious target of 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030. The task force will involve collaboration between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Ministry of Power, ensuring the participation of all relevant stakeholders.

Speaking at the concluding session of the two-day Chintan Shivir organized by MNRE in Bhubaneswar, Joshi highlighted the need to install 288 GW of renewable energy capacity within the next six years. Achieving this milestone will require a substantial investment of Rs 42 lakh crore, including the development of transmission infrastructure.

“This target demands collective efforts from all stakeholders to address challenges in the renewable energy sector,” Joshi stated.

The event brought together 117 industry leaders, 67 state and PSU representatives, and delegates from 12 key renewable energy-producing states. The minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to the “Panchamrit” goals set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030.

To promote innovation in the renewable energy sector, Joshi announced that MNRE will host hackathons for startups, providing assured offtake to encourage the development of indigenous renewable energy technologies. Additionally, a Joint Centre of Excellence for research and development will be established in collaboration with the Ministry of Power to drive advancements in technology and solutions for the sector.

Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah has accused the Congress party of compromising national security by allegedly supporting Rohingyas and Bangladeshis. He claimed this stance has made the party a threat to the country’s safety.

Speaking to ANI, Baruah said, “There is a huge difference between the Congress before independence, after independence, and the Congress of today. The current Congress is working in favor of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis. Rohingyas and Bangladeshis have become a significant threat to national security.”

Baruah added, “Anyone supporting Rohingyas and Bangladeshis is contributing to this threat.”

He also stated that this perceived shift in priorities is why the public has increasingly rejected the Congress party.

The comments come amid ongoing discussions raised by BJP leaders, who have expressed concerns over the infiltration of Rohingyas. The issue gained attention following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remark, “Ek hai toh safe hai” (If one is united, they are safe), which has sparked further debate.