The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Associations (FORDA) called off its nationwide strike on Tuesday after receiving assurances from Union Health Minister JP Nadda.

FORDA President Aviral Mathur informed ANI that after meeting with the minister, they were assured that their demands for a safer working environment would be promptly addressed.

“We recently met Union Minister JP Nadda at his residence and presented our revised demands. He assured us that he would ensure a safe working environment for doctors and that our demands would be addressed within a specified timeframe,” Mathur said.

Mathur also mentioned that a committee, including FORDA representatives, will be established to monitor the implementation of these issues. As a result, FORDA decided to end the strike.

The indefinite strike, which began on Monday, was sparked by the brutal murder of a female doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. This led to disruptions in elective services such as OPDs and non-emergency surgeries.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) also met with Health Minister Nadda to present key demands, including declaring hospitals as safe zones and enacting a central law against violence in healthcare settings.

The strike was initiated following the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College last Thursday. Her body was found in the seminar hall of the government-run hospital in Kolkata.

On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court ordered that the investigation be transferred from the Kolkata Police to the CBI. A division bench led by Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam urged the striking doctors to return to work, emphasizing their “pious obligation” to treat patients at government hospitals.

Two CBI officers visited Tala Police Station in Kolkata on Tuesday evening to gather documents related to the Kolkata Police’s investigation into the case.

The president of the CAS ad hoc division has granted Hon. Dr. Annabelle Bennett, the Sole Arbitrator in the case involving Vinesh Phogat, United World Wrestling (UWW), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), an extension until 6:00 p.m. (Paris time) on Friday, August 16, 2024,” according to a release from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) has postponed its verdict on Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for a joint silver medal in women’s 50kg wrestling at the Paris Olympics 2024 until August 16. This marks the second delay in the CAS decision regarding the matter.

The hearing took place on August 9, with CAS initially promising a decision by August 10. However, it was later deferred to August 13. The CAS ad hoc division, specifically established to resolve disputes during the Games, had previously accepted Vinesh’s appeal against her disqualification for being 100 grams overweight on the morning of her final against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the USA, who ultimately won gold.

The United World Wrestling (UWW) had stripped Vinesh of a podium finish according to the competition rules.

The IOA expressed hope for a favorable outcome in Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her failed weigh-in. Vinesh was replaced in the summit clash by Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who had been defeated by Vinesh in the semifinals.

In her appeal, Vinesh has requested to be awarded a joint silver medal with Lopez, arguing that she was within the prescribed weight limit during her earlier bouts.

Vinesh was represented by prominent senior advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania. The IOA noted that as the case is still under review, they could only confirm that Sole Arbitrator Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC (Australia) had heard all parties involved—Vinesh Phogat, UWW, the IOC, and the IOA—over a period of three hours.

All parties were given the opportunity to submit detailed legal documents before the hearing and present oral arguments. The Sole Arbitrator indicated that the decision would be issued soon, with a detailed reasoning to follow later.

IOA President PT Usha thanked Salve, Singhania, and the Krida Legal team for their support and arguments during the hearing. She reaffirmed the IOA’s unwavering support for Vinesh, regardless of the outcome. “We are proud of her many achievements on the wrestling mat throughout her distinguished career,” Usha said.

Earlier, the ad hoc division had anticipated a decision by the end of the Games on Sunday. Following the challenge to her disqualification, Vinesh announced her retirement from the sport, citing a lack of strength to continue.

On Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Ahmedabad, urging the youth to actively contribute towards transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. He praised the achievements of the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating they have “astonished the entire world.”

Shah highlighted that the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, initiated by Prime Minister Modi, has become a symbol of patriotism and commitment to creating a developed India by 2047. He noted that this campaign is energizing not only Gujarat but the entire nation.

In the lead-up to Independence Day, Shah emphasized the goals of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ initiative by Prime Minister Modi:

1. To educate every child, youth, and citizen about the history of India’s freedom struggle.
2. To highlight the accomplishments of India over the 75 years of independence, especially to the younger generation.
3. To inspire all 1.4 billion citizens to pledge to make India a global leader in every field by focusing on the country’s development during the next 25 years of ‘Amrit Kaal,’ leading up to the centenary of India’s independence.

Prime Minister Modi will hoist the national flag at the Red Fort on August 15 and address the nation from the monument’s ramparts for the 11th time.

Shah commended Modi’s leadership, recalling his decisive actions against terrorism and Naxalism. “India faced terrorism and Naxalism for decades, but Modi ji has effectively countered these threats with surgical strikes and air strikes. Additionally, Modi ji ensured that 130 crore citizens received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine free of charge, utilizing technology,” Shah said.

He concluded by reiterating the call for the youth to step forward and help realize the vision of a fully developed India by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi.

The Calcutta High Court remarked on Tuesday that the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Medical College was “extremely gruesome.” During a hearing on various petitions related to the incident, which has sparked nationwide outrage, the court acknowledged that the protesting doctors had valid reasons for expressing their emotions.

The court emphasized, “We cannot suppress the press. What assurances is the State providing to the doctors? They are deeply affected by this horrific event. Their emotions are justified,” as reported by Bar and Bench.

The court has ordered Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the hospital, to take extended leave. Dr. Ghosh had been appointed as principal of CNMC College shortly after resigning from the RG Medical College.

The court also requested to review Dr. Ghosh’s resignation letter. “We want to see and review the Principal’s resignation letter. Please provide a copy or a photograph of it,” stated the bench.

The victim, a post-graduate trainee doctor, was discovered murdered in the seminar hall of the hospital. She had reportedly gone there to rest during her overnight shift.

The autopsy revealed that she was raped, tortured, and suffered severe injuries, including genital trauma and head injuries, with bleeding observed in her eyes, mouth, and private areas.

Sanjoy Roy has been arrested in connection with the crime, and the police have also summoned four junior doctors who were on duty with the victim.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called on Union Minister JP Nadda for a thorough and impartial investigation into the case and measures to enhance the safety of doctors, especially women.

On Monday, the government withdrew the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill and announced that a new draft will be issued soon. According to a press release, “The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is working on a Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill.”

The previous draft Bill, released on November 11, 2023, along with explanatory notes for stakeholder and public comments, has received various recommendations and suggestions from different associations, the release noted.

The ministry is currently conducting a series of consultations with stakeholders on the draft bill and will accept comments and suggestions until October 15, 2024. A new draft will be published following these detailed consultations.

On Monday, the government withdrew the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill and announced that a new draft will be issued soon. According to a press release, “The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is working on a Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill.”

The previous draft Bill, released on November 11, 2023, along with explanatory notes for stakeholder and public comments, has received various recommendations and suggestions from different associations, the release noted.

The ministry is currently conducting a series of consultations with stakeholders on the draft bill and will accept comments and suggestions until October 15, 2024. A new draft will be published following these detailed consultations.

The initial draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, aimed to establish a consolidated legal framework for the broadcasting sector, including OTT content, digital news, and current affairs.

The selectively circulated new draft reportedly proposes extensive regulations for independent news creators on social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and X, expanding its scope beyond OTT and digital news content.

Last week, media organizations expressed concerns about the new draft, arguing that it introduces a multi-layered legal framework to regulate and censor digital content.

Anant Nath, president of the Editors Guild of India, criticized the draft, stating, “The Broadcasting Services Bill is yet another step towards creating a multi-layered legal system to regulate, control, monitor, and censor content in the country, following the IT Rules of 2021.”

In August, the Congress party condemned the bill, accusing it of threatening freedom of speech and independent media, and warned of increased online surveillance.

Congress leader Pawan Khera argued on X, “Increased government control over content creators—from social media influencers to independent news outlets—threatens press independence and restricts free speech.”

The initial draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, aimed to establish a consolidated legal framework for the broadcasting sector, including OTT content, digital news, and current affairs.

The selectively circulated new draft reportedly proposes extensive regulations for independent news creators on social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and X, expanding its scope beyond OTT and digital news content.

Last week, media organizations expressed concerns about the new draft, arguing that it introduces a multi-layered legal framework to regulate and censor digital content.

Anant Nath, president of the Editors Guild of India, criticized the draft, stating, “The Broadcasting Services Bill is yet another step towards creating a multi-layered legal system to regulate, control, monitor, and censor content in the country, following the IT Rules of 2021.”

In August, the Congress party condemned the bill, accusing it of threatening freedom of speech and independent media, and warned of increased online surveillance.

Congress leader Pawan Khera argued on X, “Increased government control over content creators—from social media influencers to independent news outlets—threatens press independence and restricts free speech.”