UP: Rats spotted in orthopaedic ward of Gonda medical college; probe ordered
Gonda (PTI): A video showing rats moving freely inside the orthopaedic ward of the Gonda medical college here has surfaced on social media, prompting the district magistrate to order a probe into the incident.
The video, reportedly recorded by patients admitted at the autonomous institution and said to be around two days old, shows at least five large rats scurrying inside the ward, including on patients' beds, tables and near the oxygen pipeline, causing panic.
Taking cognisance of the clip, District Magistrate Priyanka Niranjan directed medical college principal Dhananjay Shrikant Kotasthane to take immediate and strict action.
Following the directions, anti-rodent medicines were sprayed in the wards. The district administration has also ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident.
The principal said food brought into wards by patients' attendants attracts rats. He assured that no negligence regarding patient safety would be tolerated.
He said that after spraying medicines across all wards, rats have disappeared, though the matter is still being investigated.
The medical college administration has also announced several preventive measures. Under the new rules, only one attendant per patient will be allowed inside wards except during visiting hours, and entry of multiple attendants has been restricted. Carrying large quantities of food items inside wards has also been prohibited.
Medical Superintendent D N Singh said instructions have been issued to launch a comprehensive cleanliness drive in all wards.
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Haj 2026: Government extends deadline for pilgrims booking through HGOs to January 25
New Delhi: The Union government has granted a final extension till January 25, 2026, for pilgrims booking Haj 2026 through Haj Group Organisers (HGOs) and Private Tour Operators (PTOs) to complete all required formalities.
In a circular issued on January 15, the Ministry of Minority Affairs said the decision was taken after receiving representations from pilgrims and other stakeholders seeking more time to complete booking-related procedures.
Earlier, provisionally selected pilgrims had been asked to finish all prescribed codal formalities, including booking requirements, by January 15, 2026, in line with deadlines set by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The ministry said the extension has been granted keeping in mind the larger interest of pilgrims.
As per the revised advisory, pilgrims must complete the booking process, submit valid passports to the Haj Committee of India or the concerned HGOs, and ensure successful onboarding on the Nusuk Portal within the extended timeline.
The ministry has also cautioned pilgrims to verify the registration status, quota, and approval of the concerned HGO or PTO before making any booking, and to ensure that bookings are made only through authorised operators.
The government has made it clear that this is the final extension and that no further relaxation will be granted beyond January 25, 2026, under any circumstances.
