At least 10 patients were killed in a major fire at the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Cuttack early Monday morning, officials said, reported the ANI. The blaze reportedly broke out between 2:30 am and 3 am, when several critically ill patients were undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit. Following the incident, multiple fire engines and emergency teams rushed to the hospital to control the fire and evacuate patients from the affected area. During the rescue operation, at least eleven hospital staff members suffered burn injuries while attempting to save patients trapped in the ICU, according to the ANI. Officials said that 23 patients were safely shifted to other wards and departments as part of the emergency evacuation. According to officials, seven critically ill patients died while being shifted to other ICUs and wards, while three more later succumbed to their injuries, taking the death toll to ten. CM orders judicial inquiry Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital after the incident and reviewed the situation. He ordered a judicial inquiry to determine the cause of the fire and directed officials to ensure that all affected patients receive uninterrupted medical care. Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, the Chief Minister announced Rs 25 lakh as ex-gratia compensation from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for the families of each deceased patient. "A total of 10 patients have died in the incident," Majhi told reporters. He said that the fire probably originated from a short circuit, reported the PTI. The chief minister said the fire erupted at the ICU of the Trauma Care department of the hospital, where critically ill patients were being treated. Majhi also announced a judicial probe into the matter and asked the DG, Fire Service, to inquire into the matter and report to him immediately. "I direct the Fire Service DG to personally visit SCB Medical College and Hospital and ensure fire compliance," Majhi said. If anyone is found guilty in the incident following the report after a judicial probe, strong action will be taken, assured the chief minister. One of Odisha’s largest hospitals SCB Medical College and Hospital is among the largest government-run healthcare facilities in Odisha, treating thousands of patients from across the state every year, the news agency reported. The officials said that the investigations were ongoing to examine the circumstances that led to the fire and assess safety measures at the hospital. (with ANI and PTI inputs)
16 March,2026 09:15 AM IST | Bhubaneswar | mid-day online correspondentLok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the latter's congratulatory letter to the Speaker after the rejection of the opposition's no-confidence motion. In a post on X, Birla on Sunday underscored the Prime Minister's "unwavering faith" in Parliamentary rules, procedures, and the fundamental nature of debate and dialogue. He shed light on the PM's celebrated public life as the PM and as the former Chief Minister of Gujarat. "I have received your letter. You have always held an unwavering faith in the rules, procedures, and traditions of India's parliamentary democracy. Your letter expresses those highest ethical values of public service that you have lived by throughout your long public life; both in your current role as Prime Minister of India and previously as Chief Minister of Gujarat," he wrote. The Speaker lauded the PM for respecting "every voice raised in Parliament" and striving to find resolutions to every issue raised in Parliament. "You have always held a deep belief in the fundamental nature of Parliament--dialogue, debate, and deliberation. You accord respect to every voice raised in Parliament as the voice of millions of Indian citizens. You consistently accord the highest priority to parliamentary functions and strive to find resolutions to every issue raised in Parliament," Birla wrote. The Speaker further thanked the PM for his message and described him as an inspiration for all members of the Parliament, state and local bodies. "This message of yours, transcending the boundaries of party lines, will inspire all elected representatives in Parliament, state legislatures, and local bodies, and will further strengthen the robust ethical foundation of the democracy established by our freedom fighters and the members of the Constituent Assembly. Heartfelt thanks for your inspiring words," he wrote. This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to Om Birla, congratulating him for the rejection of a no-confidence motion brought by the opposition, and said that the motion was driven by "personal interest and arrogance". माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी,आपका पत्र प्राप्त हुआ। भारत के संसदीय लोकतंत्र के नियमों, प्रक्रियाओं और परंपराओं के प्रति आपका हमेशा अटूट विश्वास रहा है। आपका पत्र लोक सेवा के उन उच्चतम नैतिक मूल्यों को व्यक्त करता है, जिन्हें आपने अपने दीर्घ सार्वजनिक जीवन में जिया… pic.twitter.com/2eXTMULPhw — Om Birla (@ombirlakota) March 15, 2026 The Prime Minister, in his letter, framed the Speaker's post-motion address as a masterful interpretation of India's parliamentary history, characterising Birla not merely as a "facilitator of proceedings" but as "a vital custodian of constitutional norms". By highlighting the Speaker's assertion that no member is above the rules, the Prime Minister positions the Chair as the defender of democratic integrity against what he describes as politically motivated "misadventures." In a veiled attack against the Opposition, the PM said that while the differences of opinion are natural in democracy, it gets concerning when "political disagreement appears to turn into a lack of respect for parliamentary decorum." He lauded the Speaker for his "restraint, balance, and impartiality" in handling the situation. The PM further drew a historical parallel to the tenure of former Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, suggesting that the current opposition's behaviour is part of a recurring, negative trend rooted in a "dynastic and feudal mindset." He concluded the letter by expressing confidence in the Speaker for a dedicated, peaceful and impartial conduct of the House proceedings and said that "the dignity and dedication with which you are discharging this duty will certainly further strengthen our parliamentary democracy." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 March,2026 09:01 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIAmid concerns over cooking gas availability, Delhi Food Supplies Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa reassured the residents in the national capital, saying that supplies are stable. Global supply challenges from Gulf disruptions have led to some tightness worldwide, compounded locally by rumours sparking unnecessary panic-buying. Sirsa urged calm, noting that certain opposition voices are unnecessarily heightening fears, which only benefits those looking to exploit the situation. "Some are repeating past patterns of misinformation, as seen during demonetisation and COVID times, but we appreciate the public's trust and understanding," Sirsa said. The Delhi government has mobilised 70 teams from the Police, Weights and Measures, and Food and Supplies (F and S) departments. These teams are closely monitoring markets, checking stocks, and taking strict action against any hoarding or unfair practices. Sirsa further informed that sales of commercial LPG cylinders have also commenced in compliance with the directions of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. This initiative, in coordination with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), ensures up to 20 per cent of average daily commercial consumption, approximately 1,800 cylinders, is available through a priority-based system for essential sectors like hospitals, educational institutions, restaurants, and dairies. The policy mandates regulated distribution via 19-kg cylinders, with bookings tracked on a first-in-first-out basis to prevent hoarding and promote equity. Joint enforcement teams are monitoring compliance, allowing commercial users to access supplies reliably while domestic needs remain fully prioritised. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is personally overseeing daily updates to keep everything on track. "There is no need for any kind of panic; all supplies are in order," Sirsa reassured. "We're here to support every household." The minister added that Delhi's vigilant approach ensures reliability. "Delhi is in safe hands under the leadership of CM Rekha Gupta," he added. "Together, we'll navigate this smoothly." Sirsa encouraged reporting any concerns via helplines, promising prompt resolution. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 March,2026 08:57 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha to fill 37 seats across 10 states are scheduled on Monday (March 16), with counting of votes set for the same day at 5 pm. The term of 37 members who were elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will conclude in the month of April, vacating the seats for new members to be elected. Out of these, 26 candidates have already secured victory unopposed. Voting will now take place for the remaining 11 seats, including five from Bihar, four from Odisha, and two from Haryana. In key battlegrounds in Bihar, Haryana, and Odisha, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is working to defeat Opposition gains. So far, 26 candidates have been elected unopposed, with the BJP securing seven, Congress five, the Trinamool Congress four, the DMK three, and Shiv Sena, RPI(A), NCP, NCP(SP), AIADMK, PMK, and UPPL one each. Notable names among the winners include Sharad Pawar, Abhishek Singhvi, Tiruchi Siva, and Vinod Tawade. As preparations are underway for the biennial elections, all attention has turned to Haryana, Bihar and Odisha, which have emerged as key arenas of contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition bloc for four important seats. The most interesting part of these Rajya Sabha polls is the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Nitish Kumar, Bihar's longest-tenured Chief Minister for over two decades, announced that he would be heading to the Rajya Sabha and filed his nomination in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, among other leaders. The 75-year-old also said that the new Cabinet would have his full support. "I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time. I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance," Nitish Kumar posted on X. Apart from Nitish Kumar, other NDA candidates, including Upendra Kushwaha and BJP chief Nitin Nabin, also filed their nominations for the Upper House. Amid apprehensions of possible cross-voting and allegations of horse-trading, several political parties, particularly the Congress, have moved their legislators to resorts and locations outside their home states in a bid to ensure unity within their ranks ahead of the polling. Among those elected without contest are Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar, Republican Party of India (Athawale) president Ramdas Athawale, and senior AIADMK leader M Thambidurai. The counting of votes will be conducted on the same day as polling at 5 pm. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 March,2026 08:47 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Election Commission has ordered the appointment of Dushyant Nariala as the new chief secretary of West Bengal which goes to assembly polls in two phases next month. Till now, Nandini Chakravarty was the state chief secretary. In a letter to the state government sent on Sunday night, the poll authority also directed the appointment of Sanghamitra Ghosh, IAS, as Principal Secretary of the Home and Hill Affairs Department. “The officers transferred out shall not be posted in any election-related posts until the completion of the elections,” the EC underlined. It said its directions are to be implemented with immediate effect and a compliance report in respect of joining of the officers should be sent by 03:00 pm on Monday. Assembly polls will be held in the state in April 23 and 29 and votes will be counted on May 4. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 March,2026 08:44 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIAn Indian-flagged crude tanker sailed out safely from the UAE’s Fujairah after loading oil, despite an attack on the oil terminal. The vessel, Jag Laadki, carrying about 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude oil, departed Fujairah at 1030 hrs IST for India, with all crew members safe. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 March,2026 08:39 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesThe army on Sunday said that it has foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, killing a Pakistani terrorist. “Based on a specific intelligence input provided by JKP regarding an infiltration attempt, a joint operation was launched on intervening night of 14-15 Mar 26 in Gen area Buchhar, Uri sector,” Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 March,2026 08:35 AM IST | Srinagar | AgenciesA major fire broke out at Nature Bazaar in south Delhi’s Andheria Mor area on Sunday morning, gutting around 50 shops and triggering a massive firefighting operation, an official of the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said. A call regarding the blaze was received at 7.37 am, following which 10 fire tenders were rushed to the spot to control the flames. No injury was reported in the incident. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 March,2026 08:31 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesThe Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, DK Upadhyaya, has declined a request by former chief minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal and others to transfer CBI’s plea against their discharge in the excise policy case from Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma to another judge. According to sources, Justice Upadhyaya opined that Justice Sharma was hearing CBI’s petition against the trial court’s decision in accordance with the roster, and there was no reason to pass an order of transfer on the administrative side. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 March,2026 08:29 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesUnion Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for health projects worth Rs 2,092 crore in Assam. Shah inaugurated the Rs 675-crore Pragjyotishpur Medical College and Hospital in Guwahati, at a programme held on its premises. He also virtually inaugurated two cancer centres at Golaghat and Tinsukia. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 March,2026 08:26 AM IST | Guwahati | AgenciesForest authorities, environmental scientists and wildlife conservationists from India, Nepal, and Bhutan have agreed to form a collaborative network to strengthen the protection and conservation of small wild cats in the region. The decision was taken at the concluding session of the third international transboundary meet organised at the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve by the Global Tiger Forum under its GEF-7 programme, according to forest department officials. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 March,2026 08:19 AM IST | Lakhimpur Kheri | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
