Nationwide OPD Disruptions as Doctors Protest Kolkata Medic’s Rape and Murder
Outpatient services across India were severely impacted on Saturday as doctors participated in a 24-hour nationwide strike, protesting the rape and murder of a Kolkata doctor. The Indian Medical Association called for the suspension of non-emergency services, leading to the paralysis of medical operations in numerous states. While OPDs and non-essential services were largely halted, emergency and casualty services continued with the help of faculty staff from medical colleges.
Mpox Alert in India
The Health Ministry conducted a review to assess the potential risk of a Mpox outbreak in India after new cases from a novel strain were reported outside Africa for the first time. The World Health Organization had reclassified Monkeypox as a public health emergency on August 14. While the risk of a large-scale outbreak in India is considered low, authorities remain vigilant for the possibility of imported cases in the coming weeks.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Faces Prosecution
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot approved the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment scam. The permission followed a complaint by activist Snehamayi Krishna, accusing the CM and others of document forgery to claim compensation. Siddaramaiah has denied any wrongdoing, asserting the legality of the process and vowing to fight the charges in court. He also dismissed calls from the BJP to resign from his position.
FPIs Shift to Net Selling in Indian Equities
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) reversed their two-month trend of buying Indian equities, turning net sellers in August. According to NSDL data, FPIs offloaded ₹21,201 crore worth of Indian equities, with net outflows totaling ₹9,653 crore as of August 16, considering debt, hybrid, debt-VRR, and equities. Despite this, FPI investments in debt markets have reached ₹9,112 crore so far this month.
