17 mysterious deaths in Jammu, risk from bottled water, and USA's Gaza takeover
Feb 6, 2025
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Arun Sharma, a reporter at The Indian Express, dives into the unsettling mystery of 17 unexplained deaths in Jammu's Baddal village, revealing how doctors and the state administration are stumped by the ongoing health crisis. He discusses alarming symptoms linked to potential neurotoxins. The conversation then shifts to Anonna Dutt, who explains the recent classification of packaged drinking water as high-risk food in India, emphasizing the need for tighter safety measures. Finally, there’s a look at the geopolitical implications of the U.S. potentially taking control of the Gaza Strip.
The mysterious deaths in Jammu's Baddal village have led to investigations into potential organophosphate poisoning amid ongoing medical uncertainties.
The FSSAI's new classification of packaged drinking water as high-risk food highlights the importance of regular inspections for consumer safety.
Deep dives
Mysterious Deaths in Jammu
Seventeen residents of Badal village in Jammu have died since December due to an undisclosed illness, initially thought to be food poisoning. Symptoms included sudden fever, breathing difficulties, and loss of consciousness, with the first death occurring shortly after a wedding. Medical investigations revealed the presence of neurotoxins in food and within the victims' bodies, leading to quarantines and further testing of food and water sources. Although doctors suspect organophosphate poisoning, definitive conclusions remain elusive as samples are being examined across multiple laboratories.
Packaged Drinking Water as High Risk
Packaged drinking water has been classified as a high-risk food by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure regular inspections and enhance consumer safety. This classification requires manufacturers to be inspected at least once a year, streamlining the licensing process by eliminating the previous necessity for Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification. The categorization reflects the potential for contamination rather than an inherent danger in the product itself, as proper monitoring aims to improve safety standards. High-risk foods also include raw seafood, meat, and certain sweets, all requiring rigorous oversight to maintain public health.
Trump's Proposal on Gaza Strip
During a press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a potential U.S. takeover of the Gaza Strip to promote stability and economic development in the region. Trump emphasized the need for the U.S. to manage the area responsibly, dismantle explosives, and rebuild to provide jobs and housing for its residents. Netanyahu expressed support for this unconventional approach, outlining Israel's objectives to neutralize Hamas and secure hostages while aligning U.S. actions with their plans. Trump's remarks signal a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, aiming for long-term peace in a historically volatile region.
First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Arun Sharma about the 17 mysterious deaths that have happened in Jammu's Baddal village. The cause of the deaths couldn't be identified. Arun shares how the deaths have stumped the doctors and how the state administration has responded to the issue.
Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt who explains why packaged drinking water has been added to the high risk food category in a recent notification by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). (8:14)
Finally, we talk about US President Donald Trump saying that US will take over the Gaza Strip. (14:41)
Produced and hosted by Niharika Nanda Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
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