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FBI Releases Images of Person of Interest in Charlie Kirk Shooting at Utah Valley University

Orem Utah, USA – The FBI has released images of a person of interest sought in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

“We are asking for the public’s help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk,” the FBI’s Salt Lake City office said on Thursday while posting two images of the individual on X. The man, who appears to be college-aged, was seen wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, with one photo showing him inside a stairwell.

Authorities announced a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect.

Weapon Recovered

FBI Special Agent Robert Bohls said investigators recovered a “high-powered bolt action rifle” believed to be the weapon used in the shooting. The firearm, identified as an older imported Mauser .30-06 caliber rifle wrapped in a towel, was found in a wooded area along the suspect’s apparent escape route.

Law enforcement officials said the chamber contained a spent cartridge and three unspent rounds marked with words and symbols described as “transgender and anti-fascist.” Officials stressed that it is too early to determine whether the markings were genuine or intended as misdirection. The rifle and ammunition are undergoing DNA and fingerprint analysis.

Tracking the Suspect

According to Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason, video footage shows the suspect entering the Orem campus at 11:52 a.m., climbing through stairwells to the roof of a nearby building, and opening fire on Kirk at 12:20 p.m.

Kirk was struck by a single round and rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. After the shooting, the suspect jumped from the building and fled into a nearby neighborhood.

Investigators are canvassing the area, reviewing security and doorbell camera footage, and speaking with witnesses. Authorities have also collected a footwear impression, palm print, and forearm imprint from the scene.

“This was a targeted attack,” Mason said. “We are exhausting every lead, and we will catch this individual.”

Political Fallout

The shooting quickly sparked political reactions. Former President Donald Trump released a video statement blaming what he called “radical Left rhetoric” for fueling violence against conservatives.

“For years, those on the Left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and criminals,” Trump said. “This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism we are seeing today, and it must stop.”

Trump’s son, Eric Trump, echoed the sentiment during an interview with Fox News, saying, “I’m sick and tired of seeing the bullets — they are only going one way.”

Utah Governor Spencer Cox, visibly emotional, urged Americans to recognize the broader issue of political violence. “Our nation is broken,” Cox said. “We’ve had political assassinations recently in Minnesota. We had an attack yesterday here in Utah. This is not who we are, and it has to stop.”

The FBI is urging anyone with information, photos, or video related to the incident to contact investigators immediately.


SOURCE : ABC |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Abhishek Singh appointed India’s Next High Commissioner to Nigeria

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New Delhi, India – Shri Abhishek Singh 2003 batch IFS, presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

A career diplomat with over two decades of service, Singh has held various assignments in Indian Missions abroad, including in Venezuela, and has also served in key capacities within the Ministry in New Delhi.

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Nigeria is one of India’s most important partners in Africa, with strong ties in trade, energy, defence, education, and people-to-people exchanges. The Indian High Commission in Abuja also plays a key role in advancing cooperation under the framework of South–South partnerships and strengthening engagement with the African Union.

Singh’s appointment is expected to give fresh momentum to India–Nigeria relations, particularly in areas such as energy security, technology, capacity building, and infrastructure development.


SOURCE : MEA |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Taiwanese Celebrities Hank Chen and Lulu Huang Set to marry

Taipei, Taiwan – Taiwanese celebrities Hank Chen (陳漢典) and Lulu Huang (黃路梓茵) announced on Thursday that they are planning to marry.

Huang announced and posted photos of their engagement to her social media pages Thursday morning, joking that the pair were not just doing marketing for a new show but “really getting married.”

“We’ve decided to spend all of our future happy and hilarious moments together,” she wrote.

The announcement, which was later confirmed by the talent agency they share, appeared to come as a surprise even to those around them, with veteran TV host Jacky Wu (吳宗憲) saying he was “totally taken aback” by the news.

Huang, 34, is known as a frequent host of variety and award shows, while Chen, 41, rose to fame with his longtime role as a sidekick to the hosts of the comedy-variety talk show Kangsi Coming (康熙來了) from 2007-2016.


SOURCE : CNA |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Fiji Prime Minister Rabuka Highlights Pacific Unity in Pursuit of Ocean of Peace

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Solomon Islands, Fiji – Pacific leaders have formally endorsed the Ocean of Peace Declaration, a visionary initiative first proposed by Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in 2023, signaling a renewed commitment to regional unity and security.

The historic moment took place at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara, where the Fiji government presented a whale’s tooth—the highest token of respect and gratitude—to Forum Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremaiah Manele.

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Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Rabuka highlighted the importance of unity as the region faces mounting challenges. “Today, I’m mindful that I appear before you as, perhaps, a diminishing group of a generation of Pacific leaders, tasked with the time-honoured tradition of nurturing and cementing vanua relationships or the Veiwekani Vakavanua, Land, Fanua or Whenua links and ties. This tradition is the anchor of our vuvale, our people, history, and unique cultures,” he said.

Rabuka underscored the range of existential threats confronting the Pacific, from climate change and epidemics to terrorism, transnational crime, and geopolitical pressures. He stressed that these challenges are insurmountable individually but manageable through regional solidarity. “Our hope is in the collective. Nothing must come between us, not even economic interests or the rising seas. A combined Pacific voice rings loud and echoes afar. Our unity is our dignity and strength,” he said.

Climate change, Rabuka warned, remains the most urgent threat. “The call to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is not just a target—it is a lifeline. For us, this is neither about politics nor a mere scientific debate. It is a matter of survival, and our survival is not negotiable,” he said. He also cautioned against weakening the multilateral system, noting that rules and order are essential for justice and peace, especially for small island states.

The Ocean of Peace Declaration, Rabuka said, embodies Pacific values and a shared commitment to peace. “Today, Pacific leaders have spoken with clarity and authority. Leaders have declared that their home, the Blue Pacific Continent, is an Ocean of Peace. The world knows that we, the Pasifika people, mean business, and it starts here, with us.”

Rabuka highlighted that the initiative followed extensive consultations across the Pacific, spanning two years and 24 days from August 16, 2023, to September 10, 2025. The declaration, he said, allows Pacific nations to affirm that their homes, waters, food sources, livelihoods, and development aspirations are free from coercion. “By this declaration, we have declared and secured this right. The Pacific as an Ocean of Peace creates the opportunity for our unique cultures and peoples to thrive in safety and harmony,” he said.

He also urged leaders to consider future generations. “Our silence must never be misread for emptiness or weakness. While we might be small, our determination and faith in the God we serve are the very source of our being and resolve. Together, as Pacific nations, we must ensure that our ocean remains a source of life and harmony for generations to come.”

The declaration emphasizes adherence to principles enshrined in the UN Charter, with Rabuka stressing that unity within the Forum family is essential for its success. “The Forum family is called upon to live by values reflecting peace as one of the highest virtues. We are the demonstration of the principles we advocate, and the Pacific Way is the fountain and platform on which we stand,” he said.

Following the signing, Pacific leaders will travel to Munda for the Forum Leaders’ retreat, set to conclude on Friday. Prime Minister Rabuka will not attend the retreat as he returns to Fiji, with Minister for Infrastructure Ro Filipe Tuisawau representing him.


SOURCE : PINA |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Former Labour MP Stuart Nash resigns after comment about women

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Wellington, New Zealand – Former Labour MP Stuart Nash has resigned from his role at recruitment agency Robert Walters following a formal review of comments he made about women.

The resignation comes after Nash apologised for telling the Platform on Tuesday that a woman is a “person with a p*y and a pair of ts.” Robert Walters confirmed that a review was launched after the company became aware of the remarks, which were made in Nash’s personal capacity.

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A spokesperson for Robert Walters said the comments were “deeply inappropriate and do not reflect our values or the standards of our business. We have initiated a formal review and will not be commenting further while that process is ongoing.”

When approached by RNZ, Nash declined an interview but confirmed he had resigned, saying he had “thoroughly enjoyed working for them” but decided it was best for both himself and the company to step down, effective immediately. Robert Walters later confirmed in a statement that Nash was no longer with the company and would not provide further comment.

On Wednesday, Nash issued an apology on LinkedIn, describing his remark as “crude and disrespectful.” He wrote: “It was wrong and unacceptable, and I apologise unreservedly for the offence that this comment may have caused. Words matter, and I take full responsibility for my actions. I have immense respect for all women and this is not who I am or what I believe, and I have let myself, my family, and my friends down. I will work hard to rectify this.”

Nash had recently spoken at New Zealand First’s annual conference and has been widely rumoured to be aligning himself with the party ahead of the next election. NZ First leader Winston Peters, when asked about Nash’s resignation, said he was not involved and had not discussed the matter with Nash. Peters added that while it was a “dumb mistake,” Nash had apologised unreservedly and “some people make mistakes.”

The incident has drawn widespread attention in New Zealand, highlighting ongoing discussions around accountability and conduct by public figures even after leaving political office.


SOURCE : RNZ |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Trial begins for Australian man accused of role in alleged drug smuggling to Bali

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Bali, Indonesia – The trial for an Australian man accused of being involved in drug smuggling in Bali has begun, with prosecutors bringing charges that could carry the death penalty.

Police allege Lamar Ahchee, 43, organised to have 1.7 kilograms of cocaine worth about $1.1 million delivered to him in Bali in May.

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Mr Ahchee was paraded in front of the media following his arrest, standing behind dozens of small packages containing the cocaine.

The cocaine was allegedly hidden and wrapped in 206 Lindor Lindt chocolate wrappers.

Police allegedly found the cocaine in chocolate wrappers. Photo : ABC News

Police said they were tipped off about the packages when they arrived at Denpasar, then tracked them to Mr Ahchee at his apartment in Tibubeneng in North Kuta.

He allegedly arranged to have them picked up from post offices by ride-share drivers, with police alleging he was offered $4,700 to have them delivered to him.

Cairns-born Mr Ahchee has been living in Indonesia for several years, working in hospitality and marketing.

In August, police finished their investigation and handed the matter over to Bali’s prosecutors to bring the matter to trial.

Over the next month or two, a Bali District court will determine whether Mr Ahchee is guilty of four charges, ranging from importing and distributing, through to possession and use.

If found guilty of importing, distributing, selling, or accepting more than one kilogram of cocaine, Mr Ahchee could face the death penalty, life imprisonment or a sentence of more than 5 years.

If, however, he is found guilty of possession or a lesser charge of drug use, Mr Ahchee could be sentenced to a shorter jail term.

Death penalty unlikely

Police said the cocaine was delivered to Mr Ahchee by someone he called “the boss”.

Mr Ahchee was then allegedly told to find a phone in a brown envelope in the bushes near a Canggu café.

That phone was then allegedly used to organise the delivery.

Police also say Mr Ahchee returned a positive drug test for cocaine at the time of his arrest.

Since police handed his matter over to Bali’s prosecutors, Mr Ahchee has been held in Kerobokan, Bali’s main jail.

Those following the case say it is unlikely Mr Ahchee will be given the death penalty, or that even if he is, it is unlikely he will be executed.

Indonesia last carried out the death penalty in 2016 and several foreign nationals who have been sentenced to death have been returned home in recent years.

Three British citizens who were recently found guilty of smuggling just under 1 kilogram of cocaine into Bali were sentenced to one year in prison.

Mr Ahchee’s family. Photo : ABC

In June, Mr Ahchee’s family travelled to Bali and released a short statement to the media thanking Indonesian authorities for their “professionalism and impartiality”.

“We are grateful for the fair and respectful treatment he has received from law enforcement and legal officials throughout this process,” Mr Ahchee’s sister, Stephanie, said.

“We acknowledge the seriousness of this case and the situation and remain committed to full cooperation with the legal system to ensure a just outcome.”

Mr Ahchee’s lawyers have previously told the ABC he was a drug user, but not a dealer.

At Least 15 Dead, 10 Missing as Flash Floods Sweep Indonesia

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Jakarta, Indonesia – At least 15 people have been killed and 10 others remain missing after flash floods and landslides struck parts of Indonesia, authorities said on Wednesday. The disaster was triggered by days of torrential rain across East Nusa Tenggara province and the resort island of Bali.

Rescue workers recovered the bodies of a mother and her child buried under mud in the village of Mauponggo and a man in the nearby village of Loka Laba in East Nusa Tenggara’s Nagekeo district. In Bali, officials confirmed that two residents were killed in Jembrana regency on Tuesday night.

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Indonesia’s popular tourist destination, Bali, has endured heavy downpours since Tuesday, submerging homes and flooding key districts including Jembrana, Gianyar, Tabanan, Klungkung, and the capital Denpasar, where one of the country’s busiest airports is located. Authorities said at least 207 families were affected and 85 people, including children and elderly residents, were evacuated to temporary shelters.

Rescue operations have been hampered by submerged roads and damaged infrastructure. “Access to many affected areas has been cut off due to flooding, making it difficult for rescue teams to move quickly,” said Nyoman Sidakarya, head of Denpasar’s search and rescue agency.

Goods scattered at a fabric store that collapsed after being hit by floods in Denpasar. Photo : Dicky Bisinglasi/Reuters

In Bali’s South Denpasar area, eight victims were found earlier, including four people trapped inside a building that collapsed during severe flooding in the Kumbasari market district. Rising rivers overflowed their banks across nine cities and districts, while landslides destroyed houses and blocked mountain roads.

Videos released by Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency showed vehicles being swept away in muddy waters and residents stranded on rooftops as soldiers and volunteers evacuated children and elderly people using rubber boats. The floods inundated thousands of homes and tourist areas, forcing electricity cuts and leaving hotels, restaurants, and hospitals dependent on backup generators, Bali Governor Wayan Koster said.

Koster added that landslides had hit 18 neighborhoods across Karangasem, Gianyar, and Badung districts, damaging shops, homes, roads, and bridges. “This disaster also caused material losses for traders and tourism businesses,” he said, noting that more than 800 people were staying in temporary shelters after floodwaters rose as high as 2.5 meters in some areas.

In Nagekeo district, East Nusa Tenggara, flash floods swept through villages, destroying houses and carrying away vehicles. At least six people were killed and four were reported missing, according to the local disaster agency. The floods also damaged bridges, rice fields, plantations, and government offices. A landslide triggered by the rains blocked three major roads, complicating rescue and relief efforts.

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency warned that Bali remains at risk of moderate to extreme rainfall of up to 150 millimeters per day, accompanied by thunderstorms, although conditions are expected to ease later in the week. Residents in flood-prone areas were urged to evacuate at the first signs of rising water levels or landslides.

The severe weather underscores Indonesia’s vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly during the rainy season, when flooding and landslides are common in its mountainous and densely populated regions.


SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Larry Ellison Overtakes Elon Musk as World’s Richest After Oracle Gains

New York, USA – Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison on Wednesday rose to the very top of global wealth rankings, becoming the world’s richest person after a dramatic surge in Oracle’s stock lifted his net worth to 393 billion dollars, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Ellison, 81, who continues to serve as Oracle’s chairman and chief technology officer, saw his fortune grow by an unprecedented 101 billion dollars in a single day, propelled by a wave of investor confidence following the company’s announcement of several multibillion-dollar contracts in its latest quarterly report.

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The stock rally pushed him ahead of Tesla and SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk, whose wealth Bloomberg pegged at 385 billion dollars. Musk had dominated Bloomberg’s index for nearly a year before Ellison overtook him.

Yet, billionaire rankings remain divided. Forbes’ real-time billionaires list, which uses a different methodology, continued to place Musk at number one with 440 billion dollars, while ranking Ellison second at 406.3 billion dollars. Such discrepancies are common as both Bloomberg and Forbes adjust their valuations based on stock fluctuations, private holdings, and asset disclosures.

Oracle’s Rise

Founded in 1977 by Larry Ellison, Bob Miner, and Ed Oates, Oracle began as a small software firm focused on database management. It quickly grew into one of the most influential technology companies in Silicon Valley, pioneering enterprise software systems used by corporations and governments worldwide. Today, Oracle stands as a global leader in database solutions, enterprise software, and cloud computing, competing with the likes of Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

Over the past decade, Oracle has invested heavily in cloud infrastructure, positioning itself as a critical player in an industry central to digital transformation. The company’s expansion into cloud services, combined with its ability to win massive government and corporate contracts, has fueled both its growth and Ellison’s soaring fortune. Its recent contracts—valued in the billions—underscore Oracle’s growing role in handling sensitive data and providing large-scale computing power.

Ellison’s Wealth and Lifestyle

Ellison’s wealth has long been tied to Oracle’s fortunes, as he remains the company’s largest individual shareholder. Beyond Oracle, his financial empire extends into real estate, yachting, and aviation. He owns nearly the entire Hawaiian island of Lanai, purchased in 2012, where he has funded sustainability projects and luxury developments. His portfolio also includes sprawling estates in California, Nevada, and other prime locations.

Known for his lavish lifestyle, Ellison is also a prominent figure in sports and technology circles. He is an avid yachtsman and has been a driving force behind America’s Cup sailing competitions. At the same time, he has positioned Oracle at the heart of cutting-edge technology, emphasizing artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and secure enterprise systems.

Legacy in Technology

Ellison’s influence stretches far beyond his personal fortune. As one of the original pioneers of Silicon Valley, his career parallels the rise of the global technology sector. Oracle’s early dominance in database systems laid the foundation for the digital economy, while its recent pivot to cloud services underscores the company’s resilience in adapting to technological change.

Despite stepping down as Oracle’s CEO in 2014, Ellison remains deeply involved in the company’s direction as chairman and CTO, shaping its research, strategy, and partnerships. His leadership has often been described as bold, aggressive, and competitive—a style that helped Oracle weather challenges from newer tech giants while continuing to expand its global footprint.

A Symbol of Tech Wealth

Ellison’s new status as the world’s richest man highlights the continuing dominance of the technology sector in global wealth creation. His rise comes at a time when tech billionaires—including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill Gates—continue to define the upper tiers of wealth rankings.

For Ellison, the milestone reflects not only his personal fortune but also Oracle’s renewed relevance in a fast-changing technology landscape. As governments and corporations shift ever more operations to the cloud, Oracle’s role—and by extension Ellison’s fortune—seems set to grow even further.


SOURCE : EFE. & DT |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

At least 35 people killed and 131 injured amid Israeli attacks on Yemen

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Sanaa, Yemen – The Houthi-controlled Yemeni Ministry of Health reported that at least 35 people were killed and 131 wounded on Wednesday in a new wave of Israeli bombings against the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and the northern province of Al-Jawf.

“The total number of victims has risen to 166, including 35 fatalities and 131 people injured,” the Houthi department said in a preliminary report.

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In addition, “civil defense, ambulance, and rescue teams continue to search for missing persons and fatalities under the rubble.”

The statement detailed that Israeli attacks on Sanaa killed 28 people and wounded 113, while seven people died and 18 were wounded in Al-Jawf.

According to the Houthi-run Al Masirah TV, the raids targeted a medical facility for the health sector in southwest Sanaa and the local government compound in al-Hazm.

According to ministry spokesperson Anees al-Asbahi, the bombings also destroyed “several homes” in the al-Tahrir neighbourhood in central Sanaa, a “medical post” in the south-west of the city, and a “government complex” in al-Hazm, the capital of al-Jawf province.

Al-Asbahi denounced the attacks, stating: “We declare our firm and unequivocal condemnation of the brutal crime committed by the Zionist enemy entity, which launched several airstrikes directly targeting civilian, service, and residential facilities.”

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree had previously reported that Wednesday afternoon’s bombings against various locations in the Yemeni capital were “exclusively directed against civilians.” The attacks also targeted the headquarters of the September 26 and al-Yaman newspapers.

These attacks left “dead and wounded among journalists and other civilians,” according to Saree.

The Israel Defense Forces said it had bombed Houthi rebel “military targets” in Sanaa and al-Jawf in response to the insurgents’ latest attacks against Israel, including one carried out with a drone that hit Ramon Airport in southern Israel over the weekend.

Likewise, on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised that his country would continue to attack Yemen after claiming responsibility for a series of bombings targeting Houthi “military camps” and the Moral Guidance Headquarters in Sanaa.

This new wave of attacks on Yemen comes a day after Israel attacked Doha, the capital of Qatar, for the first time. The attack was aimed at leaders of the Palestinian group Hamas and killed at least six people, including five members of the Palestinian movement and one member of the Qatari security forces.


SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube 

One Dead, Dozens Hospitalized After Toxic Gas Leak at Gujarat Fluorochemical Factory

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Gujarat, India – A toxic gas leak at the Gujarat Fluorochemical Limited (GFL) facility in Ghoghamba, Panchmahal district, left one worker dead and more than a dozen hospitalized on Wednesday, sparking fresh concerns over industrial safety in the state.

Officials reported that the leak occurred during routine operations at the chemical plant, with workers suddenly collapsing after inhaling toxic fumes. The company’s in-house medical team administered antidotes before shifting the injured to nearby hospitals.

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At least five of the most critically affected were transferred to Vadodara for advanced treatment. Despite rapid emergency response, one worker succumbed.

Emergency Response

Local police, fire brigades, and health department teams rushed to the site, while nearby villages were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Roads around the plant were cordoned off to prevent exposure.

Authorities confirmed that a case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the leak.

Company & Government Reaction

GFL has yet to release an official statement, but senior district officials confirmed that the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has been directed to conduct an immediate safety audit.

State officials emphasized that strict action will be taken if negligence is found.

This incident adds to a series of industrial mishaps in Gujarat, a state known as India’s chemical hub. Past tragedies, including gas leaks and factory fires in Bharuch, Vapi, and Ankleshwar, have highlighted ongoing safety lapses in the sector.

Authorities said the priority is the treatment of hospitalized workers and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities. Forensic experts are expected to examine the plant’s safety systems and storage facilities to rule out systemic lapses.


SOURCE : XINHUA & DT |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |