VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Sohail Khan breaks silence on sudden weight loss after his viral video sparks health concerns denies taking Ozempic, fat-burning supplements In 2011, Myanmar suspended a giant China-backed dam after public outrage; it now plans to restart a project that could flood an area the size of Singapore Horoscope Today: Daily astrological predictions for August 16, 2026 Cauvery row: Water released from KRS? 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NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee president Ganesh Godiyal on Saturday criticised the Pushkar Singh Dhami government over the Pipalkoti tunnel accident in Chamoli district, questioning how a reported leak at the site was allegedly overlooked despite workers claiming it had persisted for some time. The criticism came as the death toll in the under-construction THDC tunnel accident rose to eight, with two workers still trapped and rescue operations continuing.Godiyal said workers injured in the accident had told him that water leakage had been occurring at the same spot for a considerable period before the tunnel was inundated by a massive surge of water.”When I spoke to the injured, I learned that a leak had been occurring for quite some time at the very spot where the incident took place. How this was overlooked or why there was such apathy towards it is a matter for further investigation. NTPC provided Rs one lakh, but that amount is insufficient. I will discuss what arrangements can be made to ensure the families can sustain themselves properly,” Godiyal told ANI.He also questioned the compensation announced for the families of those killed in the accident.”The CM announced compensation of Rs four lakh, though I believe that amount is not sufficient,” he said.Congress leader Harikrishna Bhatt echoed the criticism, saying the compensation did not reflect the value of human life and calling for safety audits across all ongoing infrastructure projects in the state.”Regarding the announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh, a human life cannot be valued at merely Rs 4 lakh,” Bhatt said.”Safety audits should have been conducted for all such ongoing projects. The entire population of Uttarakhand is bearing the brunt of these disasters which are man-made. There is a need for a thorough analysis to determine what actual interests the people of Uttarakhand have in these large-scale projects,” he added.The death toll increased to eight on Saturday after rescue teams recovered another body from the tunnel. Two other workers remain trapped inside the under-construction THDC tunnel, where operations by the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, District Disaster Response Force and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police are continuing.Rescue efforts have been complicated by water and accumulated sludge inside the tunnel, restricting movement and slowing the search for the remaining workers.THDC India Limited executive director Ajay Verma said the massive inflow of water appeared to have originated from a pre-existing natural cavity.”Regarding the leakage and the massive influx of water in the tunnel, it appears there was a pre-existing natural cavity. During the rainy season, this cavity filled with water. The volume was so great that it found a weak point, specifically where we were excavating the tunnel from below, leading to the leakage,” Verma said.He described the scale of flooding as unprecedented for a hydro-tunnel project.”The inflow consists mostly of water, with very little debris. Historically, such a massive influx of water, enough to fill the tunnel for a stretch of 1.2 kilometres, is unprecedented in hydro-tunnel projects. This level of leakage is highly unusual and unexpected. It is a matter requiring investigation,” he added.Verma said authorities had lowered the water level by around 1.5 metres and were continuously increasing the number of pumps.”We have managed to lower the water level by about 1.5 meters. We are continuously increasing the number of pumps in operation. Running these pumps requires laying pipelines and ensuring a power supply; we are managing all these tasks simultaneously,” he said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe added that less than a metre of water remained inside the tunnel.”We are about to go inside with the chairman to show him how much water has been drained. Less than a metre of water remains now,” Verma said.”We will aim to pump out all the water by this evening and try to conclude the operation by tomorrow,” he added.The accident occurred on Thursday evening when a landslide-like event near the Birhi River sent a powerful surge of water and debris into the tunnel, trapping workers who were on duty, according to NDRF team commander Amrit Lal Meena. Rescue teams are continuing efforts to pump out water, clear sludge, and reach the remaining trapped workers.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? 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He is refusing to take fluids, though he is drinking water. An electrolyte imbalance has been detected in him. Reports show his sodium level is 124, and ketone bodies are present in his urine, indicating starvation,” Dr Amrita said.Addressing the press conference, she also shared the health condition of other hunger strikers admitted to the hospital.”Next is Umme Habiba. Ketone bodies have been found in her urine as well. Her blood pressure is being maintained due to fluid transfusions. Then there is Rahul Kranti. Ketone bodies have been found in his urine too, at a ‘3+’ level, and his blood pressure is currently being maintained solely through fluid transfusions,” she said.This comes after Mahto alleged that police repeatedly “jostled and stopped” him from participating in a Tiranga Yatra at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi.In a post on X, Mahto said, “The police repeatedly jostled and stopped me. Eventually, I sat down right outside the door of my room. I will remain seated here until I am allowed to leave. I will not undergo medical treatment either.””I will stay right here and voice my position. My fight is for the rights of the people and for justice. My voice cannot be suppressed by stopping me,” he added.Responding to the allegations, Sadar Hospital Deputy Superintendent Dr Bimlesh Kumar also reiterated concerns over Mahto’s health and said that doctors had advised Mahto against seeking discharge and urged him to remain at the hospital for necessary treatment.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”The situation right now involves a significant electrolyte imbalance; sodium is at 124, and potassium is also low. If the patient exerts themselves in this condition, there is a risk of seizures or similar complications. Under these circumstances, we simply cannot discharge the patient,” Dr Kumar said.”That is why we have advised against discharge, and we believe he should understand this; discharging him now would lead to serious problems. For the time being, we have advised him to stay here and allow the necessary medical treatment to proceed… his condition does not permit us to let them leave or discharge him. Given the clear signs and symptoms of starvation, we simply cannot discharge the patient in this condition under any circumstances,” he added.Thousands of students and aspirants are protesting over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon Rains123PhotostoriesForget Medu Vada: 7 South Indian snacks that are worth a try with filter coffeeWhat happens when you rub lemon on dishes and cutlery? 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NEW DELHI: In an attempt to bridge gaps in access to specialist healthcare, 27 doctors from across Delhi have pledged two hours of free consultation every week for poor and underprivileged patients under a new volunteer initiative, ‘2 Ghante Desh Ke Naam’.The campaign brings together specialists from ophthalmology, oncology, orthopaedics, psychiatry, paediatrics, cardiology, gynaecology and general medicine, who will provide consultations free of cost through two hospitals and two clinics, as well as via telemedicine for patients in remote and underserved areas. Organisers said the initiative aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent patients from seeking timely medical advice.Unlike a centrally funded programme, the initiative is being run collectively by participating hospitals and clinics, each contributing voluntarily by dedicating doctors’ time and infrastructure. Organisers said there is no single funding agency or institution leading the campaign.The programme seeks to reach patients from low-income families, rural areas and urban slums who often delay treatment because of cost or the lack of access to specialists. Besides consultations, doctors will also provide treatment guidance and follow-up advice where required. Patients will be able to register directly with participating specialists through dedicated contact numbers issued by each speciality, following which they will be screened and scheduled for consultations.Organisers said the digital component of the initiative would allow patients from smaller towns and villages to consult specialists without travelling long distances. They are also reaching out to medical associations and healthcare institutions across the country to encourage more doctors to volunteer and expand the initiative beyond Delhi.”Many patients lose vision because they cannot access timely eye care. If doctors volunteer even a few hours each week, we can help prevent avoidable blindness among the poor,” said Dr Ikeda Lal, senior ophthalmologist and medical director, Delhi Eye Centre.Dr L Tomar, senior orthopaedic surgeon and founder of Tomar Foundation, said, “Access to quality orthopaedic care should not depend on a person’s ability to pay. Two hours of voluntary service every week can help reduce avoidable disability and improve quality of life.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHighlighting the need for accessible mental healthcare, Dr Deepak Raheja, senior psychiatrist and director, Hope Care India, said, “Mental healthcare remains out of reach for many because of financial and social barriers. We want to ensure that those in need can access professional guidance without worrying about cost.”Dr Ashish Gupta, chief of medical oncology at Amerix Multispecialty Hospital, said, “Cancer patients often delay treatment because of fear and financial constraints. Making specialist consultations free can encourage earlier diagnosis and timely treatment.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon Rains123PhotostoriesOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your most irritating personality traitForget Medu Vada: 7 South Indian snacks that are worth a try with filter coffeeWhat happens when you rub lemon on dishes and cutlery? 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Over 50% of families are burdened by rent; check how much tenants pay in major cities In 1923, wardens began protecting a 35-acre Texas island where the state’s last reddish egrets survived; one family lived there full time in a two-room hut, and today it holds the world’s largest nesting colony