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In an exclusive interview, former WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan highlighted that only 3% of individuals tested for Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI) in India are infected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that has recently gained attention due to cases reported in China. Swaminathan noted that HMPV has circulated in India for years but is often overlooked in discussions about respiratory illnesses. She emphasized that the prevalence of HMPV varies seasonally and is not correlated with COVID-19, urging the public to wear masks and monitor symptoms, especially in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. As India ramps up surveillance for respiratory illnesses, the health expert advised against panic, suggesting that increased testing could reveal many more cases. The government has also called for heightened awareness and preventive measures against HMPV without inciting fear. 
Published: Jan 07 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA tragic stampede at Vishnu Niwasam in Tirupati claimed the lives of six devotees during the distribution of Vaikunthadwara Sarvadarshanam tokens, with sixteen others injured and taken to Ruia Hospital. The incident occurred due to a massive influx of devotees, leading to chaos as many fell on top of each other while trying to collect tokens. Witnesses and locals criticized police negligence, alleging that ambulance drivers were absent, delaying medical assistance. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed his shock and ordered immediate relief measures, while ruling out conspiracy. A probe is underway to investigate potential police mismanagement. Political leaders, including MLA Nara Lokesh and Congress's YS Sharmila, emphasized the need for better crowd control measures to prevent such tragedies. The tokens were scheduled for distribution starting at 5 am the following day, drawing large crowds of devotees eager to visit the temple.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 11 pmeznews.inFormer Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud has dismissed criticisms regarding the Supreme Court's vacation periods, asserting that they are "completely unfounded." In an interview with NDTV, he emphasized that Supreme Court judges work continuously, noting that they do not enjoy weekends and often engage in case preparation and judgment delivery even during so-called vacations. Justice Chandrachud highlighted that the Supreme Court operates for an average of 222 days per year, longer than many global counterparts, and that critical cases are often addressed during breaks. He acknowledged the ongoing debate over vacation periods, referencing comments made by former Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, who expressed public concerns about the court's long breaks. Justice Chandrachud urged a better understanding of judges' workloads, stating that their commitments extend beyond the courtroom, including legal aid and educational outreach, which contradicts the notion of judges enjoying excessive leisure time.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 11 pmeznews.inFormer Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud, who retired after a decade-long tenure, reflected on his nearly 30-year legal career in a recent interview with NDTV. He discussed significant rulings he authored, including those on electoral bonds, Article 370, and same-sex marriage, emphasizing the importance of humility and intellectual rigor in judicial decision-making. Chandrachud shared insights from his early life, revealing that he initially aspired to be an economist but was influenced by his father, former Supreme Court Chief Justice YV Chandrachud, to pursue law. He recounted the challenges of being a judge, including the pressures of social media scrutiny and the need to balance high-profile constitutional cases with individual appeals. He also addressed the necessity of revisiting past judgments, including some made by his father, to reflect societal changes, asserting that the Supreme Court's finality does not equate to infallibility.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 11 pmeznews.inPritish Nandy, the esteemed journalist, poet, and filmmaker, passed away at the age of 73 in Mumbai on Wednesday following a cardiac arrest at his home. His last rites were conducted later that evening. Nandy, known for his transformative impact on magazine journalism in the 1980s, notably through his editorship of the *Illustrated Weekly of India*, was remembered fondly by friends and colleagues. Veteran actor Anupam Kher expressed his sorrow on social media, highlighting Nandy's influence and support during his early career in Mumbai. Journalist Sheela Bhatt also paid tribute, praising Nandy as a game changer who brought boldness and energy to the industry. In addition to his journalism, Nandy was a former Rajya Sabha member of the Shiv Sena and an animal rights advocate, with a legacy that includes iconic films such as *Sur* and *Chameli*, as well as approximately 40 poetry books.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 10 pmeznews.inAir Chief Marshal AP Singh highlighted significant delays in the delivery of the Tejas fighter aircraft during the 21st Subroto Mukherjee Seminar, urging for enhanced private sector involvement in defense manufacturing and increased funding for Research and Development (R&D). Emphasizing that R&D loses relevance without timely execution, he expressed concern over the Indian Air Force's (IAF) inability to procure the first batch of Tejas jets, which commenced induction in 2016. Singh called for improved production capabilities and a competitive approach to encourage efficiency among manufacturers. With China's rapid advancements in military technology, including the development of sixth-generation stealth fighters, Singh stressed the urgency of bolstering India's defense capabilities. Additionally, the IAF's current squadron strength falls short of the sanctioned number, necessitating timely induction of new aircraft to address operational gaps, while delays in engine supplies from General Electric further complicate the situation.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 5 pmeznews.inResidents of three villages in Maharashtra's Buldhana district have experienced alarming mass hair loss, with many turning completely bald within a week. Health officials suspect that water pollution, likely from fertilizers, may be the cause. The affected villages—Borgaon, Kalwad, and Hingna—have reported that both men and women are losing tufts of hair, with some demonstrating how easily their hair is uprooted. Approximately 50 individuals have been identified as suffering from this condition, and health officials fear that the number could increase. A team led by Shegaon health officer Dr. Deepali Rahekar collected water, hair, and skin samples for testing to determine the underlying cause. While awaiting results, officials have advised residents to prioritize their health amid growing concerns about the potential link between polluted water and the rapid hair loss.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable turn of events, a man presumed dead for 17 years has been discovered alive in Jhansi, India. Nathuni Pal, a 50-year-old from Deoria, Bihar, was found by police during a routine patrol on January 6, revealing he had been living in the village for six months. His disappearance in 2009 led to accusations against his paternal uncle and four brothers, who served jail time for his alleged murder, although they maintain their innocence. The uncle has since died, while the three brothers are currently out on bail. Satendra Pal, one of the accused, expressed relief upon learning of Nathuni's survival, stating, "We are finally free of the taint of murder." The ongoing legal case remains in court as Nathuni Pal has been handed over to Bihar Police for further proceedings.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA body has been recovered and eight miners remain trapped after a flooding incident at a 340-foot deep 'rat-hole' mine in Umrangso, Assam, on Monday. Rescue operations, involving teams from the Navy and local authorities, are underway, although officials indicate the chances of survival for the trapped individuals are slim. Some miners managed to escape, while others were not on shift during the flooding, leaving them anxious for news of their friends. Survivor H Islam described the chaos as water surged into the mine, recounting his narrow escape without proper safety gear. Another worker, Jalaluddin, highlighted the perilous working conditions, noting the cramped tunnels and lack of safety equipment. The Assam government is mobilizing additional de-watering pumps and divers from the Army and National Disaster Response Force to aid in the rescue efforts, as the situation remains critical.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a significant escalation of tensions within the INDIA alliance, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot has labelled the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as an opponent in Delhi, asserting that AAP's belief in a repeat electoral victory is misguided. Arvind Kejriwal swiftly countered, suggesting Gehlot's comments reveal a covert collaboration between Congress and the BJP ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. This exchange follows AAP's demand for an apology from Congress leader Ajay Maken for branding Kejriwal as "anti-national." Meanwhile, support for AAP has emerged from other INDIA allies, including the Trinamool Congress and the Samajwadi Party, both of which have publicly endorsed AAP's candidacy in Delhi. Kejriwal expressed gratitude for this backing, emphasizing the solidarity among opposition parties. The Delhi elections are scheduled for February 5, with vote counting set for February 8.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 4 pmeznews.inAam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has received support from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections. Kejriwal expressed gratitude to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and SP President Akhilesh Yadav for their backing, highlighting the importance of their alliance as all four parties, including Congress, are part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). However, Kejriwal criticized Congress for its perceived collaboration with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), following remarks by Congress leader Ashok Gehlot that AAP's electoral expectations were misguided. The AAP and Congress, despite being part of the INDIA bloc during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, are contesting the assembly elections separately. Voting will take place on February 5, with results announced on February 8.
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