Muzaffarpur Hospital ICU Fire: Five Dead, Questions Raised Over Safety Standards

BREAKING: Delhi Fire Exposé Reveals Unsafe PGs, Basement Rooms and No Exit Systems in Malviya Nagar

ABP News Bureau — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 15:16:06 +0530

A ground investigation following the deadly Malviya Nagar hotel fire in Delhi, which claimed 21 lives, has exposed alarming patterns of unsafe construction and widespread violations in similar guest houses, PG accommodations, and hotel-like establishments operating in narrow residential lanes. Reporters observed multiple buildings in the area with makeshift hotel setups, including basement rooms, sealed structures, and minimal ventilation, raising serious concerns about urban safety compliance. The visuals from the affected locality show tightly packed rooms constructed in basements and upper floors, many resembling enclosed boxes with little or no ventilation. In several cases, access routes were found to be narrow corridors or single-entry points, creating conditions where escape during emergencies would be extremely difficult. Investigators noted that such layouts could trap occupants in case of fire or electrical failure, similar to what is believed to have happened in the recent tragedy. The ground report highlights that several properties in the area appear to operate as PGs or budget hotels without visible safety infrastructure such as emergency exits, fire escape routes, or proper licensing documentation. In some instances, basements have been converted into living spaces, further increasing the risk during emergencies due to poor air circulation and restricted exits. Officials are now examining whether these establishments were functioning with valid approvals and whether fire safety audits were conducted as required. The incident has also intensified scrutiny of regulatory enforcement in densely populated urban zones, where commercial and residential spaces often overlap. The tragedy has sparked renewed debate over systemic failures in urban planning, enforcement gaps, and the unchecked expansion of unsafe lodging facilities. As authorities continue their investigation, attention is now shifting toward identifying similar high-risk buildings to prevent further loss of life in the future.

UN Warns Of Strong El Niño Return With 80% Chance By August, Risks Of Extreme Weather Rise

Deutsche Welle — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 15:14:17 +0530

(Edited by: Wesley Rahn)

According to an update issued Tuesday, the UN weather agency, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) projects an 80% likelihood of an El Nino event between June and August.

El Nino is a periodic warming of sea temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, which typically lasts nine to 12 months, according to the WMO.

The weather pattern can lead to increased temperatures worldwide, increasing rainfall to some parts of the world and prompting droughts in others, while also spurring hurricane formation in the central and eastern Pacific.

What did the WMO say about the chances and effects of El Nino?

The WMO said that as well as the 80% chance of El Nino beteween June and August, there was a probability "near or above 90%" of it continuing until at least November if it began.

"Although some uncertainty remains about El Nino peak strength and timing, most forecast models will suggest it will be at least moderate — and possibly strong," the WMO said.

The WMO's most senior official said it would be prudent to prepare for the most serious scenario.

"We need to prepare for a potentially strong El Nino event — which will ‌exacerbate drought and heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean," said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

Ohter associated risks can include higher prevalences of diseases spread by insects like mosquitoes or ticks — as well as reduceed food and water supplies.

At-risk crops susceptible to climate change like cocoa could also face unusually poor harvests.

What did the UN's Guterres say?

Indications of a likely El Nino period have been gathering and noted by the WMO and other groups for several months now, in large part because of high ocean temperatures.

The last El Nino period between 2023 and 2024 contributed to 2024 being the hottest year on record worldwide.

"El Nino will pour fuel on the fire of a warming world," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a video statement. "Impacts will hit even harder, travel even further, and cross borders with devastating speed."

He said that the "only effective response is climate action equal to the crisis," such as ending the fossil fuel "addiction," accelerating the shift to renewables, protecting the most vulnerable and delivering early warning systems for all, seemingly mixing and matching between long-term plans and more immediate mitigation methods for the coming months.

Heat waves in western Europe, parts of Asia

The warning follows soon after an early summer heat wave bringing record May temperatures to several parts of western Europe.

It also coincides with typically high temperatures in parts of Asia like India and China.

In late April to mid-May, the sea-surface temperature in the central-eastern Equatorial Pacific — the area used as a monitoring reference — was approaching El Nino thresholds, the WMO said, with sub-surface temperatures more than 6 degrees Celsius (roughly 10.8 Fahrenheit) above average.

The WMO said that for June to August, forecasts project "a nearly universal dominance of above normal temperatures in nearly all parts of the globe".

(Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.)

BREAKING: Delhi Hotel Fire Preliminary Probe Points to Short Circuit, Exit Lapses Exposed

ABP News Bureau — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 15:04:41 +0530

The preliminary investigation into the Malviya Nagar hotel fire in Delhi, which claimed 21 lives, has revealed that the blaze is believed to have been triggered by a short circuit rather than an LPG cylinder explosion. Officials indicate that the fire likely originated in the basement of the hotel, where electrical wiring is suspected to have malfunctioned under heavy load conditions. According to early findings, the fire rapidly spread from the basement to upper floors, engulfing the structure within minutes. The building reportedly had a single exit route, which became blocked as flames intensified, leaving occupants trapped inside with limited or no means of escape. The absence of alternative emergency exits is being cited as a critical factor that contributed to the high death toll. Investigators are also examining whether excessive electrical usage, faulty wiring, and overloaded systems may have contributed to the short circuit. Preliminary observations suggest that air conditioners and other high-load electrical equipment were operating extensively, increasing strain on the system. The fire is believed to have escalated quickly, filling the building with thick smoke and cutting off evacuation routes. Authorities have pointed to serious violations of fire safety norms, including the absence of proper fire exits, inadequate emergency preparedness, and possible deviations from approved building plans. Reports also suggest that the structure may have been expanded beyond permitted limits, raising further questions about regulatory oversight. The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies reviewing licensing documents, fire safety compliance records, and operational approvals. Officials have also questioned whether mandatory fire audits were conducted regularly. The incident has reignited concerns about urban fire safety enforcement, especially in densely populated commercial buildings. As families mourn the victims, the focus has now shifted to accountability and systemic failures that may have allowed such a tragedy to occur.

BREAKING: Malviya Nagar Fire Victims’ Foreign Bodies to Undergo DNA Test Before Handing Over

ABP News Bureau — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 15:02:09 +0530

The Malviya Nagar hotel fire in Delhi, which claimed 21 lives including a large number of foreign nationals, has led authorities to adopt strict identification protocols before handing over the victims’ bodies to their families. Officials have confirmed that none of the foreign victims will be released immediately, as DNA profiling is now mandatory to establish accurate identities. The decision comes after investigators reported that many of the bodies recovered from the site were severely burned, making visual identification impossible. Due to the extent of damage, authorities believe there is a high risk of misidentification if traditional methods are used. As a result, forensic DNA testing has been made the primary method for confirming the identities of the deceased. According to officials, samples will be collected from the remains of the victims as well as from their relatives, who will be contacted by authorities and asked to provide DNA samples. These will then be sent to forensic laboratories for detailed analysis and matching. Only after a successful match will the bodies be formally released to the next of kin or handed over to the respective embassies for repatriation. The process is being coordinated between Delhi Police and the Ministry of External Affairs, as diplomatic involvement has increased due to the presence of multiple foreign nationals among the deceased. Embassy representatives from affected countries are also reportedly in touch with Indian authorities to ensure proper identification and handling of remains. Officials have emphasized that although the procedure may take time, it is essential to ensure accuracy, dignity, and transparency in the handling of victims. The incident has drawn international attention and raised serious concerns about fire safety compliance and emergency preparedness in commercial establishments in Delhi. As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, families of the victims remain in distress, awaiting confirmation and the return of their loved ones.

‘Those Seeking Power Can Go With Shivakumar’: New Karnataka Congress Chief B K Hariprasad

PTI — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 14:53:08 +0530

Bengaluru, Jun 4 (PTI) Newly appointed Karnataka Congress President B K Hariprasad on Thursday told party leaders that those who want power and position may go with Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and those who wish strengthening the organisation may follow him.

He stated that his comment had no additional meaning and it meant moving forward by sharing the responsibilities of both the organisation and the government.

The 71-year-old MLC was appointed as the Karnataka Congress president on Wednesday. An OBC leader from Billava community, he replaced CM D K Shivakumar as the state congress chief.

Shivakumar had been the Karnataka Pradesh Congress chief from 2020 till he assumed the office of chief minister on Wednesday.

"My prayer to everyone in the party is, Rahul Gandhi, Maliikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are fighting our cause. When they are fighting our cause, we have to give strength to them, to do that we should also get on to the streets and fight," Hariprasad said responding to a question whether senior leaders who were not made ministers will be utilised for party organisation work.

Speaking to reporters here, he said: "Those who want power and positions, go with D K Shivakumar. All those who want to grow the Congress party strongly and want to strengthen the hands of Sonia Gandhi, Kharge come with me. This is what I want to say. There is no other colour in what I'm saying. What I'm saying is going forward by sharing the responsibilities of organisation and government." Asserting that he will make all honest efforts to take the party forward, he also assured the Congress workers that he is with them.

Hariprasad thanked Congress leadership including Sonia Gandhi, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, party general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi, K C Venugopal and Randeep Singhh Surjewala for appointing him as the KPCC President.

Stating that he is happy with the appointment, he said that from his student days, he has the experience of working from the block to the national level, and this experience will be helpful during his presidency of the KPCC. He said he will officially take charge after meeting the Congress leadership in Delhi.

Clarifying that he never said he wanted to become minister, the new party chief said: "I'm not here for power, I'm a soldier and worker of the Congress party, who abides by its ideology, principles and the constitution....I have worked for the party for 53 years at various levels in 20 states, working for party and knowing this country is my passion." He said Shivakumar, who worked for the organisation as KPCC President is now the Chief Minister. Similarly, G Parameshwara is the Deputy CM. Everyone under the leadership's guidance, will take the state forward.

Hariprasad said his biggest responsibility is fighting against the removal of real voters from the voters list through the process of SIR and CAA, by misusing constitutional institutions.

"To protect the idea of India, we will have to take all religions, castes and languages together. We will have to fight against those conspiring against it, and not for any power or position. The ideology and principles that the Congress party believes in should be taken further," he added.

Accusing the BJP and RSS of snatching and hijacking the democratic process, Hariprasad said he will have to fight the BJP and RSS in Karnataka.

He expressed confidence that Congress will come back to power in the state in 2028, as it has fulfilled the promises made to people in 2023, most importantly maintaining peace and law and order.

(Disclaimer: This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

Heavy Rains Lash Delhi, Noida After A Hot Day, IMD Warns Of Hailstorm

Bharathi SP — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 14:49:26 +0530

Heavy rain has begun in parts of Delhi, with the weather department warning of a hailstorm, thunderstorm, lightning and moderate rainfall over the next two hours. Areas likely to be affected include Narela, Alipur, Burari, Badli, Model Town, Karawal Nagar, Azadpur, Delhi University, Civil Lines, Dilshad Garden, Seemapuri, Kashmiri Gate, Seelampur, Shahdara, Vivek Vihar and Red Fort, along with Loni Dehat in the NCR region. Authorities have also warned of gusty winds ranging between 30-50 kmph, accompanied by lightning activity.

Delhi Under Yellow Alert

After several days of intense heat, parts of Delhi finally received heavy showers on Thursday, offering residents a welcome respite from the scorching conditions. The rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, cooled temperatures across the city and brought relief to those struggling with the prolonged summer heat.

Delhi: Heavy rain lashes many parts of national capital

(Visuals from India Gate) pic.twitter.com/T3rIKcntWA
— IANS (@ians_india) June 4, 2026

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Even before the rains, IMD said that Delhi was expecting a change in weather on Thursday, with light rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph. In view of the expected weather activity, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for the national capital.

Despite the possibility of rain, daytime temperatures are likely to remain high, with the maximum temperature forecast between 37°C and 39°C.

Night Temperatures Rise Above Seasonal Average Across Delhi

The city also saw warmer-than-usual nights, with minimum temperatures remaining above the seasonal average across key weather stations. Safdarjung, Delhi’s primary weather observatory, recorded a minimum temperature of 29.7°C, which was 2.8°C above normal and 2.3°C higher than Wednesday's reading.

ALSO READ: Delhi Hotel Owner Fled As Fire Killed 21, Drove Past Building 'Out Of Fear'

Palam registered a minimum of 27.6°C, 0.4°C above normal and 1.8°C higher than the previous day, while Lodhi Road recorded 28.4°C, 1.4°C above the seasonal average and 2.6°C higher than Wednesday.

Twisha Sharma's Husband, Mother-In-Law Getting VIP Treatment In Jail: Sources

Ambuj Pandey — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 14:28:07 +0530

Former model Twisha Sharma's husband and mother-in-law are reportedly getting VIP treatment in jail after being sent to 14 days of judicial custody by a local court in Madhya Pradesh.

Twisha's husband Samarth Singh and her mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, who is a retired district judge, were reportedly shifted to the hospital ward inside Bhopal Central Jail instead of being housed in regular barracks following their judicial remand, ABP News has learnt.

Also Read: Overqualified Candidates Can't Claim Jobs Meant For Lower Qualifications: Supreme Court

Sources said Giribala Singh has been accommodated in the jail hospital citing security concerns, while Samarth Singh has been kept there on medical grounds linked to injuries. The development has triggered allegations that the accused mother-son duo are receiving preferential treatment despite being sent to 14 days of judicial custody by a local court.

Dramatic Scenes In Courtroom

The controversy comes a day after dramatic scenes unfolded in court when Giribala Singh, accused in connection with the death of her daughter-in-law Twisha Sharma, expressed fears about her safety inside prison. The former judge told the court that during her years in service she had sentenced several criminals who are now lodged in the same jail and claimed that her life, as well as that of her son, could be at risk.

She also alleged that Samarth Singh had been assaulted by a lawyer representing Twisha Sharma's family during an earlier court appearance in Jabalpur. The defence sought an inquiry into CCTV footage from the court premises and requested protection from what it described as excessive media scrutiny.

Also Read: Kolkata Municipal Corporation's TMC Councillor Arrested For 'Molesting' Woman

Taking note of the concerns, the court directed authorities to ensure adequate security arrangements for the accused while they remain in custody. Following the hearing, the CBI escorted the two to Bhopal Central Jail under tight security.

The mother-son duo are being investigated in connection with the death of 33-year-old former model and actor Twisha Sharma. The CBI has informed the court that several aspects of the probe, including forensic examination of electronic devices and analysis of medical evidence, are still pending.

Meanwhile, the decision to keep Giribala Singh and Samarth Singh in the jail hospital has sparked debate, with critics questioning whether the arrangements amount to special treatment for the high-profile accused.

BREAKING: Jaipur Demolishes Unsafe Six-Storey Building After Evacuation in Ramganj Area

ABP News Bureau — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 14:26:32 +0530

In a major preventive safety action, the Jaipur Municipal Corporation has demolished a six-storey structurally unsafe building in the Ramganj area of the city. The operation was carried out after authorities identified the structure as highly dangerous due to severe structural instability and unauthorized construction activities. According to officials, the building had originally been constructed as a four-storey structure, but additional floors were allegedly added without proper permissions. During construction, the structure reportedly began tilting, raising immediate concerns about its stability and the risk it posed to surrounding residential properties. As a precautionary measure, civic authorities evacuated nearby houses and restricted movement in the area before initiating the demolition. The controlled operation involved technical procedures, including drilling into key pillars to weaken the structure before bringing it down in a planned manner. Officials stated that the objective was to ensure zero casualties and prevent collateral damage in the densely populated locality. The demolition site has now been secured, and debris removal operations are underway. Authorities have confirmed that the action was taken to eliminate the threat of an imminent collapse, which could have resulted in significant loss of life and property had the structure been left unattended. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding unauthorized construction and compliance violations in urban areas. The civic body has indicated that stricter monitoring and enforcement measures will continue to identify and act against unsafe buildings in the city. No injuries have been reported, and officials have praised the precautionary evacuation process that ensured public safety during the demolition operation.

BREAKING: Gurugram Social Leader Tarjani Agarwal Dies in Delhi Fire, Friend Blames Negligence

ABP News Bureau — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 14:25:35 +0530

The tragic death of Gurugram-based social entrepreneur and former pageant winner Tarjani Agarwal in the Delhi hotel fire has left her friends and associates in deep shock and grief. Her close friend and actress Manya Pathak described her as a compassionate and deeply family-oriented person who dedicated much of her time to social work through her NGO. Speaking about the incident, Pathak said she initially struggled to believe the news and had to repeatedly confirm the reports before accepting the reality of the loss. She recalled Agarwal’s active humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, when her organisation helped provide oxygen cylinders, concentrators, and other essential medical support to those in need. According to her, Agarwal was widely known for her gentle nature and commitment to helping others. The friend expressed anguish over the circumstances of the tragedy, calling it a case of severe negligence and systemic failure. She questioned how such a large-scale disaster could occur in a functioning commercial establishment and raised concerns over licensing, safety compliance, and regulatory oversight. Her remarks reflect growing public anger over repeated fire safety violations in urban hospitality spaces. Agarwal was reportedly in Delhi along with her family to visit her father-in-law at a nearby hospital when the incident occurred. The fire claimed multiple members of her family, turning what was meant to be a short visit into a devastating loss. Her friend further reflected on Agarwal’s personality, describing her as a vibrant, ambitious individual who was committed to building a meaningful life and identity through service to others. The incident has sparked renewed debate over accountability and enforcement of safety standards in densely populated urban establishments, as investigations continue into the cause of the fire.

Muzaffarpur Hospital ICU Fire: Five Dead, Questions Raised Over Safety Standards

ABP News Bureau — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 14:12:07 +0530

A devastating fire broke out in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, resulting in the confirmed deaths of five patients. The incident has triggered widespread concern over hospital fire safety preparedness and emergency response systems in medical facilities. According to initial reports, the fire spread rapidly within the critical care area, where patients were undergoing treatment. Rescue efforts were launched immediately, but the intensity of the blaze and the condition of the patients made evacuation extremely difficult. Fire department teams eventually brought the situation under control after significant effort. The tragedy has once again raised questions about compliance with fire safety norms in healthcare institutions, particularly in high-risk zones such as ICUs where life-support systems and flammable equipment are heavily used. Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire, including electrical systems and emergency protocol adherence. The state health department is under scrutiny as opposition leaders and public voices question preparedness and accountability. However, officials have so far refrained from providing detailed responses regarding the incident. Further investigations are underway, and a formal report is expected after inspection teams assess the site and review hospital safety certifications and operational protocols.