Category: News

Kolkata, India – February 25, 2025: In a surprising turn of events, the historic city of Kolkata Earthquake was rocked by a moderate earthquake early this morning. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the tremor registered at approximately 4.3 on the Richter scale and was felt across several key neighborhoods of the city.

At around 10:15 AM IST, residents reported feeling a sudden jolt as the ground shook for several seconds. The epicenter is believed to be located beneath the Bay of Bengal at an estimated depth of 15 kilometers. While the quake lasted only moments, its impact sent shockwaves—both literal and metaphorical—through the community.

Local eyewitnesses described the scene vividly. One resident shared, “It was as if the earth itself was stirring. I felt the tremors in my home, and for a moment, everything around me seemed to be in motion. Thankfully, it was brief, but the experience was unnerving.”

City officials and emergency services swiftly mobilized to assess the situation. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has initiated thorough inspections of older buildings and critical infrastructure, urging residents to remain vigilant in the event of aftershocks. “We are coordinating with state and national agencies to ensure that any potential hazards are identified and addressed immediately,” stated an official spokesperson.

While no major damages or casualties have been reported so far, the incident has ignited discussions among experts about the city’s preparedness for seismic events. Structural engineers are on-site, and local authorities are advising citizens to follow safety guidelines, such as staying away from unstable structures and keeping emergency kits ready.

This unexpected seismic event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the importance of robust disaster management systems in urban centers. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, promising to keep the public updated as more information becomes available.

Stay tuned for further developments as Kolkata works to ensure the safety and resilience of its community in the face of nature’s challenges.

New Delhi, India – [Insert Date]: In a development that has sent ripples through the political landscape of India, Sonia Gandhi, the veteran Congress leader and former party president, was admitted to the renowned Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi late yesterday. Sources close to the family confirmed the news, stating that the 81-year-old political stalwart is undergoing a series of diagnostic tests and receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.

Details of the Admission

According to hospital officials, Sonia Gandhi admitted to Hospital early in the morning amid growing concerns over her health. The admission comes after reports of her experiencing discomfort and fatigue over the past few days. Ganga Ram Hospital, known for its advanced medical facilities and expertise in handling high-profile cases, has been put on alert to ensure the best possible care is provided.

While the precise nature of her condition has not been publicly disclosed, insiders suggest that her admission was a precautionary measure following a period of declining vitality. “Ms. Gandhi’s admission is being treated with utmost seriousness. The doctors are conducting a series of tests to ascertain the exact cause of her symptoms,” said a hospital spokesperson who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter.

Political Reactions and Concerns

The news of Sonia Gandhi’s hospitalization has sparked a flurry of reactions from across the political spectrum. Senior leaders of the Indian National Congress have expressed their deep concern and are closely monitoring her condition. “Sonia ji has been the bedrock of our party for decades, and her health is our top priority,” commented a senior Congress leader. “We request our supporters and the media to respect her privacy during this challenging time.”

Leaders from opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have also weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in public life. While many have offered their well-wishes, some political analysts have noted that this development could have far-reaching implications for the Congress party’s internal dynamics and its future strategy. Political strategist Rajesh Malhotra remarked, “Sonia Gandhi’s health has always been a barometer for the Congress’s political fortunes. Her hospitalization might prompt discussions about leadership succession and the party’s long-term planning.”

Historical Context and Medical Background

Sonia Gandhi, who has been a pivotal figure in Indian politics since she entered the scene in the 1990s, has often been in the public eye not only for her political acumen but also for her personal resilience. Over the years, she has managed both the pressures of political leadership and the challenges of maintaining her health. Although there have been occasional reports of minor health concerns in the past, her recent admission marks a significant moment that has reignited public and media interest in her well-being.

Medical experts point out that at her age, it is not uncommon for even the most robust individuals to experience health setbacks. “The human body, regardless of mental strength or willpower, is subject to the natural aging process,” explains Dr. Meera Joshi, a noted geriatric specialist. “What is important in such cases is timely intervention and ensuring that all necessary diagnostic tests are carried out comprehensively.”

Insights into Ganga Ram Hospital’s Role

Ganga Ram Hospital, located in the heart of Delhi, is one of the premier healthcare institutions in the region. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities and a team of highly experienced medical professionals, the hospital has been the treatment center of choice for several high-profile individuals over the years. The hospital administration confirmed that a dedicated team has been assigned to monitor Ms. Gandhi’s condition round the clock, ensuring that she receives prompt and personalized care.

The hospital’s spokesperson further stated, “We are fully committed to providing the best medical attention to Ms. Gandhi. Our team is conducting a series of diagnostic tests, and we will keep the concerned parties updated as appropriate.”

The Political and Public Implications

Sonia Gandhi’s hospitalization arrives at a crucial juncture in Indian politics. As the Congress party grapples with internal challenges and seeks to redefine its strategy in a rapidly changing political environment, her health has inevitably become a subject of national interest. Political analysts argue that the timing of her admission could potentially trigger a series of discussions within the party about its future leadership and operational strategy.

Moreover, the news has generated considerable speculation among the public and media alike. Social media platforms are abuzz with hashtags and discussions, with citizens expressing both concern for her health and curiosity about the political ramifications. “Her health has always been intertwined with the pulse of our democracy. We hope for a swift recovery and a stable future for our political institutions,” commented a long-time Congress supporter on Twitter.

Expert Opinions on the Road Ahead

Medical and political experts alike are closely watching the developments. Dr. Anil Kapoor, a renowned health policy expert, emphasized the importance of remaining calm and allowing the medical professionals to do their work. “Speculation about the nature of her illness or the potential political fallout is premature. What matters most is that she receives the care she needs,” he said.

On the political front, scholars and analysts are discussing the possibility of a leadership transition within the Congress party should her condition take a turn for the worse. “The party has already been engaged in discussions about grooming future leaders. While Sonia Gandhi’s influence is undeniable, the party must also prepare for scenarios where decisive leadership transitions might be necessary,” noted political analyst Sunita Reddy.

Community and Public Response

The news has resonated deeply with the public, particularly with those who have followed Sonia Gandhi’s career over the decades. Her role in shaping modern Indian politics has earned her both admiration and critique, and her current health scare has prompted an outpouring of support from diverse quarters. Grassroots activists, veteran party workers, and even political opponents have sent messages of solidarity and wishes for her speedy recovery.

Local community leaders have organized vigils and prayer meetings, reflecting the sentiment that her recovery is not just a personal concern but a national one. “Her presence has been a unifying force in our political discourse. We stand with her and the entire Congress family during this trying time,” said a community leader from New Delhi.

Looking Forward: What’s Next?

As the situation unfolds, the coming days are expected to bring further updates regarding Sonia Gandhi’s health. Hospital officials have assured that any significant changes in her condition will be communicated to the public through appropriate channels. For now, the focus remains on her recovery, with the hope that she will regain her strength and continue to contribute to the political arena in her own indomitable way.

The admission has also led to calls for a broader discussion about the health and well-being of public figures in high-stress roles. There is growing recognition that the intense demands of public life can take a toll on even the most experienced leaders. In this context, the incident serves as a reminder of the human side of politics, where health issues can impact governance and decision-making processes.

While the exact time of admission is not immediately known, a source said, she was admitted on Thursday morning.

She is under the observation of a team of doctors, the source said.

Read More : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sonia-gandhi-admitted-to-hospital-in-delhi-report/articleshow/118426211.cms

Pope Francis on Friday slammed both US presidential candidates for what he called anti-life policies on abortion and migration, and he advised American Catholics to choose who they think is the “lesser evil” in the upcoming US elections.

“Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants, or be it the one who kills babies,” Francis said.

The Argentine Jesuit was asked to provide counsel to American Catholic voters during an airborne news conference while he flew back to Rome from his four-nation tour through Asia. Francis stressed that he is not an American and would not be voting.

Neither the Republican candidate Donald Trump nor the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, was mentioned by name.

But Francis nevertheless expressed himself in stark terms when asked to weigh in on their positions on two hot-button issues in the US election — abortion and migration — that are also of major concern to the Catholic Church.

Francis has made the plight of migrants a priority of his pontificate and speaks out emphatically and frequently about it. While strongly upholding church teaching forbidding abortion, Francis has not emphasized church doctrine as much as his predecessors.

Francis said migration is a right described in Scripture and that anyone who does not follow the Biblical call to welcome the stranger is committing a “grave sin.”

He was also blunt in speaking about abortion. “To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word or not, but it’s killing,” he said. “We have to see this clearly.”

Asked what voters should do at the polls, Francis recalled the civic duty to vote.

“One should vote, and choose the lesser evil,” he said. “Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I don’t know.

“Everyone in their conscience should think and do it,” he said.

The Harris and Trump campaigns did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.

US President Joe Biden, an observant Catholic, shares Harris’ strong support for abortion rights, a stance that prompted some Catholic bishops and other conservatives to call for him to be denied access to Communion.

After meeting Francis in person at the Vatican in October 2021, Biden came away saying the pope told him he was a “good Catholic” and should continue receiving Communion.

Francis asked on previous occasions about some U.S. bishops who want to deny Communion to Biden over his support for abortion rights, has said bishops should be pastors, not politicians.

Friday’s news conference was not the first time Francis has weighed in on a US election. In the run-up to the 2016 election, Francis was asked about Trump’s plan to build a wall at the US-Mexico border. Francis declared then that anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants “is not Christian.”

In responding Friday, Francis recalled that he celebrated Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border and “there were so many shoes of the migrants who ended up badly there.”

Trump pledges massive deportations, just as he did in his first White House bid, when there was a vast gulf between his ambitions and the legal, financial and political realities of such an undertaking.

The US bishops conference, for its part, has called abortion the “preeminent priority” for American Catholics in its published voter advice. Harris has strongly defended abortion rights and has emphasised support for reinstating a federal right to abortion.

In his comments, the pope added: “On abortion, science says that a month from conception, all the organs of a human being are already there, all of them. Performing an abortion is killing a human being. Whether you like the word or not, this is killing. You can’t say the church is closed because it does not allow abortion. The church does not allow abortion because it’s killing. It is murder.”

However, cells are only beginning the process of developing into organs in the earliest weeks of pregnancy. For example, cardiac tissue starts to form in the first two months — initially, a tube that only later evolves into the four chambers that define a heart. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that by 13 weeks, all major organs have formed.

In other comments, Francis:

— denied a French media report that he would travel to Paris for the December inauguration of the restored Notre Dame Cathedral, saying flat-out he would not be there. But he confirmed he would like to go to the Canary Islands to highlight the plight of migrants.

— tamped down renewed speculation that he might finally return to Argentina later this year, saying he wants to go but that nothing had been decided. He added: “There are various things to resolve first.” Francis has not been home since before the 2013 conclave that elected him pope.

— declared that China was “a promise and a hope” for the Catholic Church and hoped to one day visit.

— called sexual abuse “demonic” and weighed on the latest revelations of assault against a legendary French priest, Abbe Pierre.