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North India Heat Wave: 143 Lives Lost, 42,000 Heat Stroke Cases

Severe heat wave in India has resulted in 143 deaths and 41,789 suspected heat stroke cases from March 1 to June 20, 2024, according to Health Ministry sources.

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North India Heat Wave: 143 Lives Lost, 42,000 Heat Stroke Cases
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A severe heat wave has swept through large parts of India, resulting in a tragic toll: 143 deaths and 41,789 reported cases of suspected heat stroke from March 1 to June 20 this year, according to sources from the Health Ministry.

Impact of Severe Heat Wave

The situation escalated dramatically on June 20 alone, with 14 confirmed deaths and nine suspected deaths due to heat stroke. These numbers reflect a significant increase from the earlier reported toll of 114 deaths for the same period.

The worst affected states include Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, and Rajasthan, as per data collected under the National Heat-Related Illness and Death Surveillance by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Uttar Pradesh recorded 35 deaths, followed by Delhi with 21, and Bihar and Rajasthan each reporting 17 deaths due to heat stroke.

In Delhi, hospitals such as RML and Safdarjung reported approximately 17 fatalities within a 24-hour period, all suspected to be related to heat-induced illnesses. Officials caution that these numbers are preliminary, as data from various states is still being compiled and verified, potentially leading to higher casualty figures.

Responding to the crisis, Union Health Minister JP Nadda conducted a review meeting where he instructed all states and union territories to submit daily reports from health facilities detailing suspected heat-related deaths. This directive comes in light of the absence of comprehensive national data on heat stroke cases and fatalities.

Furthermore, Minister Nadda emphasized the importance of disseminating timely heat wave warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). These warnings, provided daily after 4 p.m., include forecasts for the next four days and are crucial for alerting health facilities and vulnerable populations.

To address the escalating health crisis, the Ministry of Health has issued an advisory to all state health departments for the ‘Heat Wave Season 2024’. The advisory mandates thorough investigations of suspected heat-related illnesses and deaths by qualified medical officers or epidemiologists for each case.

In addition, Minister Nadda proposed the establishment of special heat wave units within central government hospitals to provide immediate care to individuals affected by heat stroke.

As northern and eastern India continue to endure scorching temperatures, the number of heat stroke casualties is expected to rise. The ongoing heat wave underscores the critical need for proactive measures and robust healthcare responses to mitigate the impact on public health.

In conclusion, while efforts are underway to monitor and manage the heat wave’s effects, vigilance and swift action remain imperative to safeguard vulnerable populations during Heat Wave Season 2024.

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Karnataka

Karnataka 2nd PUC Result 2025: Result Out Now – Pass Percentage, Toppers, and How to Check

The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) has officially released the 2nd PUC (Pre-University Course) Exam 1 results today, and the excitement is palpable. Announced at a press conference at 12:30 PM, the results are now live for students to check online.

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April 8, 2025 – It’s a big day for students across Karnataka! The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) has officially released the 2nd PUC (Pre-University Course) Exam 1 results today, and the excitement is palpable. Announced at a press conference at 12:30 PM, the results are now live for students to check online starting at 1:30 PM on the official website. If you’re one of the thousands of students who appeared for the exams, here’s everything you need to know about your scores, pass percentage, toppers, and how to access your marks memo with ease.

Karnataka 2nd PUC Exam 1 Results: A Quick Overview

This year’s Karnataka 2nd PUC Exam 1, held from March 1 to March 20, saw a massive turnout of around 7 lakh students eager to take the next step in their academic journey. The overall pass percentage for 2025 has been recorded at 73.45%, a noticeable dip from last year’s 81.15%. While the numbers might feel bittersweet for some, they reflect the hard work and dedication of students across Arts, Commerce, and Science streams.

The KSEAB shared some key insights during the press conference, including gender-wise performance, district-wise stats, and more. Girls outperformed boys this year, with a pass percentage of 77.88% (2,69,212 out of 3,45,694 passed), compared to 68.20% for boys (1,99,227 out of 2,92,111 passed). Udupi district stole the spotlight as the top performer with an impressive 93.90% pass rate—kudos to them!

How to Check Your Karnataka 2nd PUC Result 2025

Wondering how to get your hands on your marks memo? It’s super simple! Follow these steps to check your Karnataka 2nd PUC Exam 1 result online:

  1. Head over to the official website: karresults.nic.in.
  2. Look for the “PUC II Exam 1 Result 2025” link on the homepage and click it.
  3. Enter your registration number and select your stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts).
  4. Hit “Submit,” and voilà—your result will pop up on the screen!
  5. Download it or take a screenshot for your records.

Pro tip: Keep your registration number handy to avoid any last-minute stress. The website might experience heavy traffic today, so if it’s slow, don’t panic—just try again after a few minutes.

Karnataka 2nd PUC Toppers 2025: Who’s Leading the Pack?

Every year, the toppers’ list is a moment of pride, and 2025 is no exception! While the full list is still rolling out, early highlights include standout performances across streams. Stay tuned as we update this space with the names and scores of the brightest stars of Karnataka 2nd PUC 2025. These students have set the bar high, and their achievements are sure to inspire others!

Pass Percentage Breakdown: Urban vs. Rural and Stream-wise Stats

The results paint an interesting picture when you break them down. In urban areas, 5,03,900 students appeared, and 3,75,188 passed, giving a pass percentage of 74.55%. Rural areas saw 1,34,505 students take the exam, with 93,251 clearing it—a pass rate of 69.33%.

Stream-wise, Science students led with an 82.45% pass rate, followed by Commerce at 76.07%, while Arts trailed at 53.29%. These numbers show the diversity of challenges and triumphs across different fields of study.

What’s Next After the Results?

Not happy with your scores? Don’t worry—there’s a Plan B! Students can apply for revaluation or retotalling between April 12 and April 17, 2025. The fee is ₹1,670 per subject for revaluation and ₹530 for a scanned copy of your answer script. Applications for scanned copies are open from April 8 to April 13, with downloads available from April 12 to April 16.

For those who didn’t clear the exam this time, the KSEAB has your back with Exam 2 (April 24 to May 8) and Exam 3 (June 9 to June 21). Plus, there’s no registration fee for repeat candidates from certain categories, including all girls and boys from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Category-1—pretty thoughtful, right?

The Karnataka 2nd PUC results are more than just numbers—they’re a milestone for students dreaming of college, careers, and beyond. Whether you’re celebrating a top score or gearing up for a second shot, this moment is all about resilience and hope. So, take a deep breath, check your results, and let us know how you did in the comments below—we’re rooting for you!

For the latest updates on Karnataka 2nd PUC Result 2025, including the official toppers’ list and more, keep refreshing this page or visit karresults.nic.in. Here’s to new beginnings and big dreams!

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Indian Students Worried as Proposed U.S. Bill Threatens to Scrap OPT Program

A new bill introduced in the United States has sent waves of concern through the Indian student community studying abroad. This proposed legislation aims to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a critical opportunity for international students to gain work experience in the U.S. after graduation. For many Indian students, this news feels like […]

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A new bill introduced in the United States has sent waves of concern through the Indian student community studying abroad. This proposed legislation aims to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a critical opportunity for international students to gain work experience in the U.S. after graduation. For many Indian students, this news feels like a punch to the gut, stirring up anxiety about their future plans and career dreams.

Published on April 7, 2025, this development has sparked a frenzy of discussions among students who rely on OPT to kickstart their professional lives in America. The program currently allows STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates to work in the U.S. for up to three years post-graduation, offering a vital bridge between education and employment. For non-STEM students, the window is shorter, at just one year. If this bill passes, however, that lifeline could vanish, leaving students with no choice but to pack up and head home right after their studies—unless they secure an H-1B visa, which is notoriously tough to snag.

Why Indian Students Are Freaking Out

The stakes are especially high for Indian students, who make up a huge chunk of the international student population in the U.S. According to the Open Doors 2024 report, over 300,000 Indian students were enrolled in American universities during the 2023-24 academic year, with roughly a third eligible for OPT. That’s a massive number of young people now facing uncertainty. “OPT is a game-changer,” says Poorvi Chothani, an immigration expert from LawQuest in Florida. “It gives students a year to find a job, and STEM grads get an extra two years if they’re with a qualified employer. Without it, they might have to leave immediately—no transition, no backup plan.”

The panic is real. Students who’ve poured their hearts (and hefty tuition fees averaging $60,000 a year) into studying in the U.S. are now wondering if it’ll all be for nothing. Many take out loans to fund their education, banking on OPT to land jobs and start paying off that debt. “Losing the chance to work here and earn a U.S. salary is a huge blow,” Chothani adds. “It’s not just about jobs—it’s about financial survival.”

What’s Driving This Bill?

The push to end OPT isn’t new, but it’s gaining traction amid a wave of anti-immigration sentiment tied to President Donald Trump’s administration. This bill comes hot on the heels of promises for tougher immigration policies, including mass deportations. While past attempts to kill OPT have fizzled out, the current political climate feels different, and that’s got students on edge. The Economic Times reports that Indian students are even canceling summer trips home, terrified they won’t be allowed back into the U.S. Prestigious schools like Cornell, Columbia, and Yale have quietly advised their international students to stay put, just in case.

A Ripple Effect on Study Abroad Dreams

The U.S. has long been the top destination for Indian students chasing world-class education and career opportunities. But if OPT disappears, that appeal could take a hit. Experts are already seeing a 20% spike in applications to countries like Canada and Europe for the 2025 and 2026 academic years. “Families want certainty after graduation,” says Adarsh Khandelwal, co-founder of Collegify, a study abroad platform. “The U.S. isn’t cheap, and without OPT, it’s a riskier investment.”

Students are feeling the heat in real time. “We used to talk about coding bootcamps and internships,” Khandelwal notes. “Now it’s all legal webinars and immigration forums. The vibe has totally shifted.” It’s a stark reminder of how policy changes can upend lives overnight.

The Bigger Picture

Here’s the kicker: international students aren’t just here to study—they’re a powerhouse for the U.S. economy. In the 2023-24 academic year, they pumped a jaw-dropping $43.8 billion into the system and supported over 378,000 jobs, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Indian students, in particular, are a big part of that economic boost. Scrapping OPT could mean losing talent to other countries and taking a financial hit at home.

For now, the bill’s fate hangs in the balance. It’s got to clear the Senate and land on the President’s desk before it’s official, and with Democrats holding sway in Congress, it’s not a done deal. Still, the uncertainty is enough to keep Indian students—and their families—up at night. Will they get to chase their American dream, or will they have to pivot to Plan B? Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear: this is a story worth watching.

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Cooking Gas Prices Set to Rise by Rs 50 Per Cylinder: What It Means for You

Starting April 8, 2025, cooking gas prices in India are going up by Rs 50 per cylinder, as announced by Union Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday. This price hike, rolled out by distribution companies, affects everyone—whether you’re a general user or part of the Ujjwala scheme. For the average household, this means a […]

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Starting April 8, 2025, cooking gas prices in India are going up by Rs 50 per cylinder, as announced by Union Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday. This price hike, rolled out by distribution companies, affects everyone—whether you’re a general user or part of the Ujjwala scheme. For the average household, this means a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder will now cost Rs 853, up from Rs 803. Meanwhile, Ujjwala beneficiaries will see their subsidized rate jump from Rs 503 to Rs 553.

Why the Increase?

The minister explained that this adjustment comes after public sector oil companies faced massive losses—over Rs 41,338 crore in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025—due to selling LPG below cost. With international oil prices fluctuating, the actual cost of a 14.2-kg cylinder in Delhi should be Rs 1,028.50. However, companies have been keeping prices lower to ease the burden on consumers, leading to what’s called “under-recoveries.” Now, with losses piling up, this moderate hike aims to cover future costs, while the Oil Ministry plans to seek extra budget support to offset past deficits.

How Cooking Gas Prices Impacts Your Wallet

For Ujjwala households, cooking with LPG will now cost about Rs 6.10 per day, while general users will pay around Rs 14.58 daily. Puri called these rates “reasonable,” noting that prices will be reviewed monthly. If global oil prices drop, consumers could see some relief down the line. Alongside this, the government has also raised excise duties on petrol and diesel by Rs 2 per liter each, though retail pump prices won’t change for now—oil companies will absorb this hit thanks to lower international crude costs.

A Balancing Act

This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about keeping kitchens running affordably while managing a complex energy market. The Rs 50 hike might sting a little, especially for budget-conscious families, but it’s a step to stabilize the system. For now, oil companies are bearing the brunt of past losses, and the additional revenue from fuel duties might help them recover.

Stay tuned for monthly updates on LPG rates, and let’s hope softer global prices bring some good news soon! For the latest on cooking gas prices and how they affect your household, keep checking back here.

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