Tag: Maharashtra

Surge in HIV Cases In Maharashtra: Govt Ponders Strategies

According to the statistics, in the year 2022-2023, around 14,347 people were identified with HIV in Maharashtra, of which 5-6% (674) were in the 17-22 age group.

Surge in HIV Cases In Maharashtra: Govt Ponders Strategies | Representational Pic

Mumbai: The increase in the HIV cases among the vulnerable risk groups has forced the Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) to re-think on effective strategies to step up the awareness about the deadly disease among youth.

According to the statistics, in the year 2022-2023, around 14,347 people were identified with HIV in Maharashtra, of which 5-6% (674) were in the 17-22 age group.

Surge in HIV cases among adolescents

A senior official said that considering the surge in the case among adolescents, they have listed 14,000 colleges across the state where Red Ribbon Clubs (RRC) will be organised. According to MSACS data, there are approximately 2.36 lakh people living with HIV in Maharashtra and in Mumbai there are more than 4,000 HIV-positive persons.

Meanwhile, according to the data provided by the Mumbai Districts Aids Control Society (MDACS), this year from April to August, the city has recorded 1,432 HIV cases, which means around 12 people are identified with HIV per day.

Dr Ishwar Gilada, consultant in HIV, STDs, and Infectious Diseases and President-Emeritus, AIDS Society of India, has said that there has been a slow rise in HIV cases among adolescents which is not good for society. There is a need for conducting RCC to promote awareness about HIV and sexually transmitted infections.

Scientific sex education- need of the hour

“Plenty of sex material is available on the net or on campus and young people surely explore. But scientific sex education is opposed or at best shied away. A third of young people, especially males, visiting our clinic had their first sex experience as ‘abuse’. And it is common that an abused person becomes an abuser in due course,” said Dr Gilada.

The RRC is a movement started by the Government of India in schools and colleges through which students will spread awareness of HIV / AIDS as well as promote voluntary blood donation among youth between the age of 17-25 years.

A senior health official from the state health department said, “There is no watch on adolescents of what they are doing or watching on social media. Moreover, there are several dating apps and indulging with strangers online without knowing the risk factors. The current generation is way ahead of everything due to conducting awareness camps to promote HIV which has taken a backseat.”

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/surge-in-hiv-cases-in-maharashtra-govt-ponders-strategies

18 deaths in 24 hours at civic hospital in Maharashtra’s Thane, probe ordered

As many as eighteen patients have died in the past 24 hours in civic-run Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Maharashtra’s Thane.

Civic commissioner Abhijit Bangar said the casualties included ten women and eight men, with six hailing from Thane city, four from Kalyan, three from Sahapur, one each from Bhiwandi, Ulhasnagar, Govandi (in Mumbai), one from an undisclosed location, and another yet to be identified.

Twelve of the deceased were aged above 50.

Abhijit Bangar revealed that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered the formation of an independent investigation committee. The committee, which will be led by the commissioner of health services, will focus on investigating the clinical aspects surrounding these deaths.

The deceased patients were grappling with various medical complications, ranging from kidney stones, chronic paralysis, ulcers, pneumonia, kerosene poisoning, to septicemia, Abhijit Bangar said.

“The line of treatment will be probed and statements of kin of the deceased etc will be recorded. Allegations of negligence levelled by some kin is a serious matter, which the probe committee will look into,” Abhijit Bangar was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

The Thane Municipal Corporation has dispatched officials to the facility to analyze the situation, including an in-depth review of records.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Ganesh Gawde said, “The hospital management told us some of the patients arrived there in a critical stage and succumbed during treatment. Some were elderly. We have increased police presence at the hospital to avoid any untoward incident due to these high number of deaths.”

Jitendra Awhad, NCP leader from the Sharad Pawar camp, criticised the hospital’s management, urging the administration to rectify the situation before it becomes irreversible.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/patients-death-24-hours-thane-hospital-maharashtra-probe-ordered-2420441-2023-08-13

Viral’s in the Air! ‘1 in 3 Houses in K’taka, 1 in 5 in Delhi-NCR, 1 in 6 in Maha Have Patient With Covid-Like Symptoms’

he survey received over 19,000 responses from residents of Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Amid the new Covid variant Eris, at least one in three households in Karnataka, one in five in Delhi-NCR and one in six in Maharashtra have someone with viral fever or Covid-like symptoms, a survey by LocalCircles has found.

The symptoms of Eris are reported as sore throat, runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, dry cough, headache, wet cough, hoarse voice, muscle aches, fever and altered smell.

The survey received over 19,000 responses from residents of Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra and Karnataka. A total of 63% respondents were men, while 37% were women.

The survey asked residents of Maharashtra, “How many individuals do you have in your household who currently have one or more Covid/ flu/ viral fever symptoms like fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, joint pain, body ache, respiratory issues, etc.?” A total of 62% of the respondents were men, while 38% were women.

This query received 7,652 responses, with 12% indicating that one individual in their household was unwell with Covid/viral symptoms, while 4% indicated that two-three individuals in their household were unwell. The remaining 84% indicated that “no one, thankfully” was unwell in their household. In sum, 16% of households surveyed in Maharashtra now have one or more individuals with COVID/ viral symptoms.

The survey sought to understand the situation from residents of Delhi-NCR. A total of 66% of the respondents were men, while 34% were women.

Of the 7,888 households in Delhi-NCR who responded to the same query, 14% indicated that 2-3 members in their household were unwell, and 7% indicated one person was unwell. However, 79% of respondents were thankful that as yet “no one” was unwell in their household.

In sum, 21% of households surveyed in Delhi-NCR currently have one or more individuals with viral/Covid-like symptoms.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/virals-in-the-air-1-in-3-houses-in-ktaka-1-in-5-in-delhi-ncr-1-in-6-in-maha-have-patient-with-covid-like-symptoms-8528807.html

Maharashtra: 17 killed, 3 injured after crane collapses on Samrudhi Highway in Thane

The crane was being used for the construction of a bridge on the highway when the incident took place. Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force were deployed soon after the accident for rescue operations.

According to officials, at least six more people are feared trapped under the debris.

At least 17 workers were crushed to death and three others injured early Tuesday after a crane collapsed on a bridge slab during the construction of the third phase of the Samruddhi Expressway in Maharashtra’s Thane district.

According to officials, the accident took place around 12 am near Sarlambe village under the Shahapur tehsil, around 80 km from Mumbai. The equipment that collapsed was a special-purpose mobile gantry crane used in bridge construction and to install precast box girders in highway construction projects, they said.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said an inquiry has been ordered into the Shahapur accident.

“The deaths of the workers are very sad and heart-wrenching. I pay my heartfelt tribute to them and we share in the grief of their families. Three workers were injured in the accident. They are undergoing treatment in a hospital. I pray to God for their speedy recovery,” Fadnavis said.

Soon after the accident, teams of the police, fire brigade, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed for rescue operations. The three injured workers have been rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/samrudhi-highway-thane-crane-accident-maharashtra-death-toll-rescue-8870264/

Maharashtra: 25 passengers charred to death as bus catches fire on Samruddhi Expressway; driver’s error suspected

Eight persons, including the driver and `cleaner’ (driver’s assistant) survived. A case for negligent driving was registered against the driver with police believing, prima facie, that he dozed off and lost control of the vehicle.

Maharashtra CM
Maharashtra CM, Eknath Shinde and Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis visit the accident site in Buldhana district (PTI Photo)

Twenty-five passengers were charred to death when the private bus they were travelling in caught fire after hitting a pole and a divider on the Nagpur-Mumbai `Samruddhi Expressway’ in eastern Maharashtra’s Buldhana district in the early hours of Saturday, police said.

Eight persons, including the driver and `cleaner’ (driver’s assistant) survived. A case for negligent driving was registered against the driver with police believing, prima facie, that he dozed off and lost control of the vehicle.

The private sleeper coach bus was on its way to Pune from Nagpur when it met with the accident around 1.30 am at Pimpalkhuta village near Sindkhedraja, 130 km from Nagpur.

“After hitting the pole and divider, the bus overturned and fell on its right side with its entry/exit door facing the sky. Within minutes, the vehicle caught fire. Some of the passengers were able to come out through broken windows from the rear side,” a senior police official from Buldhana said.

As most victims’ bodies were charred beyond recognition, the authorities have decided to conduct DNA testing to identify them before handing them over to the relatives.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ordered a probe into the accident and announced an ex-gratia assistance of Rs five lakh for the families of each deceased.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other leaders expressed grief over the loss of life.

A case was registered against the driver after questioning, said Buldhana Superintendent of Police Sunil Kadasne.

The bus belonging to Vidarbha Travels had left Nagpur for Pune at 4 pm on Friday. It stopped at Karanja in Yavatmal district for dinner.

After the halt, the bus travelled around 150 kilometres in about two and a half hours at average speed of 60-70 kilometres per hour, said a police official.

The speed of the vehicle may not be the issue, he said, adding that prima facie it seems to be the result of a “human error”.

The driver might have nodded off. The bus went to the right side and first hit the crash barrier and then the divider, he said.

Source : https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/25-bus-passengers-charred-to-death-after-vehicle-catches-fire-on-samruddhi-expressway-in-maharashtra-10886431.html

Maharashtra: 12 dead, 27 injured after bus falls into gorge on old Mumbai-Pune highway

The private bus was going from Pune to Mumbai when it fell into the gorge near Shingroba temple on the old Mumbai-Pune highway, police said.

There were around 40 passengers in the bus, police said, adding efforts are underway to shift the injured to nearby hospital.
There were around 40 passengers in the bus, police said, adding efforts are underway to shift the injured to nearby hospital.

At least 12 persons were killed and 27 others injured after the bus they were travelling in fell into a gorge on the old Mumbai-Pune highway in Raigad district of Maharashtra early on Saturday, police said.

The private bus carrying members of a traditional music troupe was going from Pune to Mumbai when it fell into the gorge near Shingroba temple on the highway around 4.50 am, a senior police official said.

The accident occurred under the Khopoli police station limits.

“The bus was carrying members of ‘Baji Prabhu Vaadak Group’ from Mumbai’s Goregaon. They were returning to Goregaon after taking part in an event in Pimpri Chinchwad area in Pune district. The bus had left the venue around 1 am on Saturday,” he said, adding that at least 12 persons were killed and 27 others injured in the accident.

Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/maharashtra-8-persons-dead-after-bus-falls-into-gorge/3047795/

Rahul Gandhi’s anti-Savarkar remarks have put us in a difficult spot, say Maharashtra Congress leaders

“The Congress often finds itself trying to do a balancing act between secular politics and soft Hindutva,” a senior Nagpur-based Congress leader lamented.

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Nana Patole (left), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (centre), and V D Savarkar (right)

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks against Vinayak Damodar Savarkar have led to some consternation within the party unit in Maharashtra. Several elected members of the party said on the condition of anonymity that adverse comments on Savarkar do not augur well for the party in the western state.

Officially, state Congress leaders have rallied around Rahul Gandhi with greater zeal. They participated in protests against Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification from the Lok Sabha. But no party leader in Maharashtra has echoed Rahul Gandhi’s “mafiveer Savarkar” remark.

A senior state Congress leader said, “When we discuss reformers or revolutionaries, we have to be very careful about public sentiments and perceptions built over several decades.”

He further said, “Savarkar’s contribution to the freedom movement cannot be questioned. It is a fact that he was sentenced to ‘kala pani’ in the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He served 10 years of rigorous imprisonment, which is unimaginable. At the same time, it is likely that he filed a mercy petition to escape the mental and physical torture. But that does not undermine his role. He has written several books. Ideologically, the Congress may not conform to his ideology, but we should not question his patriotism.”

Not surprisingly then that the recent Congress rallies held in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Akola, and Buldhana saw the party focusing its attack on PM Narendra Modi and the BJP, said political observers.

The Congress stuck to the ‘script’ that the BJP plotted to divest Rahul Gandhi of his Lok Sabha membership as he had asked uncomfortable questions related to Narendra Modi’s ‘nexus’ with Gautam Adani, they added.

While making a public speech, MPCC (Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee) president Nana Patole said: “Savarkar’s two-nation theory is a reality. The fact that his politics led to the Hindu-Muslim divide cannot be ignored. The Hindutva that he propounded led to the creation of hatred between Hindus and Muslims which had lasting implications.”

State Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe said, “I would like to ask those attacking Rahul Gandhi, how will they justify BJP’s silence when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was being insulted? CM Eknath Shinde is just enacting BJP’s script when he says that they will hold rallies across the state to protest Savarkar’s alleged insult.”

A senior Nagpur-based Congress leader said, “We are not learning from our mistakes. Attacking Savarkar does not make any difference to the RSS-BJP. On the contrary, they get an opportunity to question our patriotism. We should not rake up old controversies. We should not digress from our attack on PM Modi and the BJP. If we have to attack the RSS-BJP, we should question the Sakal Hindu Samaj-led rallies against ‘love jihad’ and ‘land jihad.’”

“The Congress often finds itself trying to do a balancing act between secular politics and soft Hindutva,” he lamented.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/rahul-gandhi-anti-savarkar-remarks-difficult-spot-maharashtra-congress-leaders-8524420/

17 lakh Maharashtra govt employees to go on strike from March 12 to demand for Old Pension Scheme

The talks of Unions held with the Shinde-Fadnavis government failed on Monday. As Unions remain firm, all activities across the state are likely to be affected from Tuesday.

Maharashtra’s seventeen lakh government, semi-government, teaching and non-teaching staff will go on strike from Tuesday in demand of implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

The talks of Unions held with the Shinde-Fadnavis government failed on Monday. As Unions remain firm, all activities across the state are likely to be affected from Tuesday.

What is the old pension scheme?

Government and semi-government employee Unions have been demanding the implementation of the old pension scheme for many months. They were joined by teaching and non-teaching staff.

The grade three and four employees had given warming strike last month only. On Monday, their Unions had a meeting with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Chief Secretary Manu Kumkar Shrivastav.

CM Shinde urges Unions to call off strike

Sources said that during the meeting, CM Shinde assured the Unions that the government will be positive to look into the matter. “I request you to kindly call off or postpone the strike. I assure you that the government will take care of your post-job life. Whether we will implement the Old Pension Scheme or will find the middle way, is a matter of study and discussion within the government,” said Shinde reportedly in the meeting.

Unions want firm assurance

But Union leaders felt that the assurance is vague and have no concrete sign of the government’s positive approach.

“We want some kind of firm assurance regarding the old pension scheme. But the government had no such thing during the meeting. So we have decided to continue with the strike call,” said Vishwas Katkar, general secretary of the state government’s employee association.

How the strike will affect state govt

As more than 17 lakh state employees are set to go on strike, this is going to affect all the works in Maharashtra. Possibly the effect of the strike could be seen even in Mantralaya as well as Vidhan Bhavan where the budget session is going on.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-old-pension-scheme-17-lakh-employees-to-go-on-strike-despite-cms-request

Maharashtra MLA’s bizarre advice: ‘Send stray dogs to Assam for consumption’

Bachchu Kadu was speaking in the Maharashtra assembly during a discussion regarding the problems caused by stray dogs.

Prahar Janshakti Party MLA Bachchu Kadu.(HT file)

In a statement, which has sparked a controversy, Maharashtra MLA and head of Prahar Janshakti Party Bachchu Kadu said proposed sending stray dogs in the state to Assam to control their population. According to Kadu, the locals in Assam consume dogs.

Kadu was speaking in the state assembly during a discussion on a calling attention motion raised by MLAs Pratap Sarnaik and Atul Bhatkhalkar regarding the problems caused by stray dogs, India Today reported.

Kadu, while suggesting an action plan to take action against domestic dogs found on the streets, said the experiment should be initiated in a single city.

“Stray dogs are in demand in Assam. They fetch selling price of up to ₹8,000. To control the population of stray dogs in the state, they should be dispatched to Assam,” he purportedly said.

The MLA’s comments have triggered sharp reactions with animal rights activists slamming the suggestion as inhumane and outrageous.

In a similar comment, Jharkhand BJP MLA Biranchi Narayan recently raised the issue of stray dogs attacking people and said if the state government cannot find a solution to the problem, call the people of Nagaland and the problem will go away.

The BJP MLA from Bokaro claimed in the state assembly during the budget session that around 300 people arrive every day at the dog bite centre in Ranchi alone.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/maharashtra-mla-bachchu-kadu-s-bizarre-advice-send-stray-dogs-to-assam-for-consumption-101677983816863.html

 

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