The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a 24-hour nationwide strike starting at 6 am on Saturday, following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital. The strike is in protest against violence in hospitals and demands stronger security measures. Emergency services will remain functional. The IMA's demands include declaring hospitals as safe zones, installing CCTV cameras, and providing safe resting areas for doctors. The strike highlights the urgent need for better protection for medical professionals across the country.

Doctors across India are protesting after the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College. The victim was found dead in a seminar hall, with an autopsy confirming sexual assault. A suspect, linked to the Kolkata police, has been arrested. The Indian Medical Association has announced a 24-hour nationwide strike, starting Saturday, affecting hospital services. West Bengal’s chief minister led a protest demanding the death penalty for those responsible. Women across the country have joined “reclaim the night” marches, demanding justice for the victim. The case is now under federal investigation.

A Class 10 student was stabbed by a classmate in a Udaipur school, sparking violent protests. The incident led to stone pelting and the torching of vehicles by angry crowds. Authorities imposed a curfew and Section 144 to prevent large gatherings. The injured student is in critical condition, receiving treatment in the ICU. Police detained the accused and used mild force to control the unrest. Local leaders urged calm as the situation remains tense. Additional police have been deployed to maintain order, and an investigation is ongoing.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose condemned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s response to the Kolkata rape-murder case, likening her behavior to “Jekyll and Hyde.” Banerjee’s call to hang the accused before trial was labeled a “big joke” by Bose, who also criticized the police’s handling of the case, describing it as a “definite failure.” The Governor expressed his dissatisfaction with the state’s law and order situation and vowed to report the situation to the Government of India if necessary.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a rally in Kolkata, demanding justice for the murdered trainee doctor and death penalty for the accused. The Calcutta High Court rebuked the government over vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where the doctor's body was found. In parallel, the CBI, now investigating the case, summoned former hospital principal Sudip Ghosh for questioning. Ghosh had resigned amid protests and was ordered to go on leave by the High Court. The case has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for swift action.

Soumik Das, arrested from Nagerbazar on Friday, confessed to vandalizing property during a procession following the RG Kar Medical College attack. Das claimed he acted out of emotion after witnessing the violence at the hospital. In a media statement, he said he joined the procession spontaneously and vandalized on impulse, without any prior planning or external influence. His admission comes amid ongoing allegations that some participants in the 'occupy night' march vandalized the hospital, claims which have been contested by various sources. Das's confession adds new details to the investigation into the events that followed the attack on Wednesday night.

The tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9 has shocked the nation. The post-graduate student was found dead in a seminar hall, sparking widespread outrage. Doctors and Bollywood stars are joining protests demanding justice for the victim, who was allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered. Priyanka Chopra recently expressed her support by sharing a protest photo on Instagram. The image featured a sign reading, "Who will speak for her if you don't?" Chopra's post, which included a sad emoji, reflects the growing public outcry and call for justice.

The Union Health Ministry has mandated all government hospitals, both central and state, to file police complaints within six hours of any incident of violence on their premises or against healthcare workers. A notice issued on Friday morning stated that the head of the concerned institution would be held accountable if a complaint is not lodged within the specified timeframe. This directive comes in response to a rising trend of violence against doctors and healthcare staff in government hospitals. The ministry noted that many healthcare workers have faced physical assaults, threats, and verbal abuse while performing their duties, prompting the need for stricter measures.

The Odisha government has introduced a one-day menstrual leave for working women in government and private sectors. The policy, announced by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, allows women to take optional leave on the first or second day of their menstrual cycle. The state's women and child development department will issue detailed guidelines. Odisha is the third state, after Kerala and Bihar, to implement menstrual leave. This move aligns with nationwide demands for paid menstrual leave for students and working women. The policy aims to promote women's health, well-being, and productivity in the workplace.

The Calcutta High Court has rebuked the West Bengal government for its failure to prevent vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court described the incident as an "absolute failure of state machinery". The vandalism occurred after a doctor was murdered and allegedly raped on August 9. The court has directed the CBI to submit an interim report on the incident, which it believes was "pre-planned". The court had previously ordered a CBI investigation into the doctor's killing, citing concerns over potential lapses by hospital authorities and police. The government has been warned to ensure the hospital's safety.