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Emirates Group Launches Global Hiring Drive to Recruit Over 17,000 Staff

Dubai, UAE In one of the aviation industry’s largest post-pandemic hiring initiatives, the Emirates Group has announced a global recruitment drive to hire 17,300 professionals across more than 350 roles during the current financial year.

The expansive hiring campaign will span functions such as cabin crew, pilots, engineers, IT, HR, finance, customer service, sales, ground handling, and catering. Emirates subsidiary dnata alone is looking to fill over 4,000 positions in cargo, catering, and ground services to support its growing global operations.

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H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, emphasized the strategic significance of this move, stating:

“The Emirates Group’s people strategy is anchored in Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and our own projected growth and expansion. We’re seeking world-class talent to fuel our bold ambition, redefine the future of aviation, and continue our commitment and culture of innovation and excellence. This is an opportunity for skilled and talented professionals to play a stellar role in our future, our strategy, and our growth story.”

To source top-tier talent, the Group plans to host over 2,100 open days and recruitment events in 150 cities worldwide throughout the year. These include Dubai-based initiatives aimed specifically at engaging UAE national students and graduates.

Since 2022, Emirates Group has added over 41,000 new professionals, with nearly 27,000 hired into critical operational roles. The Group’s current workforce now exceeds 121,000 employees worldwide.

Last year alone, the company received more than 3.7 million job applications, cementing its reputation as an employer of choice globally. Job seekers are drawn by the Group’s strong brand identity, tax-free salaries, world-class benefits, and its commitment to training, development, and employee recognition.

Professionals worldwide continue to be attracted to Dubai’s dynamic work environment, known for its safety, economic opportunity, cutting-edge infrastructure, and status as a cosmopolitan lifestyle hub.

This recruitment drive not only reinforces Emirates Group’s role as a leading global aviation player but also signals Dubai’s confidence in the future of travel, technology, and talent.


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

17 Killed in Horrific Head-On Collision Between Minibus and Truck in Zimbabwe

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Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe At least 17 people were killed on Tuesday in a devastating head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a haulage truck along Seke Road near Chitungwiza, a densely populated town just southeast of Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, authorities confirmed.

The crash occurred after the truck’s driver lost control, veering into the opposite lane and colliding directly with an oncoming minibus. According to police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the truck had already struck two pedestrians walking along the center island moments before the impact.

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All 17 victims — including 15 minibus passengers and two pedestrians — died at the scene, Nyathi said. Several other passengers were injured and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of devastation, with twisted metal and shattered glass scattered across the highway. The state-run Herald newspaper reported that the minibus was “completely flattened, with only fragments of its chassis visible beneath the truck’s undercarriage.” Rescue workers continued to retrieve trapped bodies well into the afternoon.

Chitungwiza Mayor Rosaria Mangoma called the crash “one of the most disturbing and traumatic scenes” the town had ever witnessed and urged the government to declare the accident a national disaster.

Road traffic accidents remain a persistent and deadly issue in Zimbabwe, particularly involving public transport vehicles. Contributing factors include reckless driving, over-speeding, and poorly maintained roads.

In February, a similar tragedy claimed 24 lives when a bus and truck collided near Beitbridge, close to the South African border.

According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, the country of 15 million records a road accident every 15 minutes, with at least five fatalities daily—ranking among the highest road death rates in Africa.

Authorities have once again called for improved road safety measures, driver education, and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to stem the rising toll.


SOURCE : AGENCIES VIA AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Over 32,000 Arrested in UAE for Violating Residency Laws in First Half of 2025

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Abu Dhabi, UAE The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has announced the arrest of more than 32,000 individuals for violating the Foreign Entry and Residency Law across the United Arab Emirates between January and the end of June 2025.

The arrests were carried out under the nationwide initiative “Towards a Safer Society”, which seeks to strengthen legal compliance related to residency and employment regulations for foreigners in the UAE. The campaign is part of ongoing efforts to enhance community security and promote lawful living and working conditions for all residents and visitors.

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the ICP, stated that the campaign reflects the Authority’s ongoing commitment to protecting national security and social stability. He emphasized that the inspections aim to reduce violations and ensure that everyone residing in the country does so legally and respectfully, in accordance with UAE laws.

“Providing opportunities for individuals to correct their legal status or face deportation contributes to a secure and stable society,” said Al Khaili.

According to ICP, approximately 70% of those arrested have already been deported after undergoing due legal procedures. The remainder have been detained and referred to the relevant authorities for further legal action.

The Director General highlighted that inspection campaigns will continue across the country, with specialized teams working around the clock to identify and apprehend violators. He warned that the Authority will not be lenient with those who break the law or those who employ or shelter illegal residents, noting that the UAE imposes strict penalties and fines on both offenders and their enablers.

“The Authority is determined to eliminate the phenomenon of violators through strict legal enforcement, while also offering individuals the chance to rectify their status where applicable,” Al Khaili added.

He called on all members of the public and private sectors to adhere to the Law on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners, urging them to avoid employing undocumented individuals and to contribute actively to upholding the rule of law.

The “Towards a Safer Society” initiative continues to be a cornerstone of the UAE’s internal security strategy, reinforcing the country’s long-standing commitment to legal order, safety, and social harmony.


SOURCE : AGENCIES VIA ARN NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Students Rally in Grief After Bangladesh Fighter Jet Slams Into School, Killing 31, Mostly Children

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Dhaka, Bangladesh A day of national mourning turned into public outrage on Tuesday after a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed into a school in Dhaka, killing 31 people—most of them children—and sparking widespread student protests across the capital.

The Chinese-made F-7 BGI aircraft ploughed into Milestone School and College on Monday afternoon, erupting in flames as it smashed through the two-story building just as students were preparing to return home. Among the victims were at least 25 children, a teacher who died trying to help others escape, and the pilot, who was reportedly on his first solo flight.

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Authorities said 171 people, most of them students, were rescued—many with severe burns. As of Tuesday evening, 165 were hospitalized, and 70 remained under treatment, according to the Health Ministry.

The crash triggered widespread grief and fury. Hundreds of students from Milestone and nearby schools gathered at the crash site as government officials arrived, shouting “Why did our brothers die? We demand answers!” Some students held up photos of classmates they had lost.

Elsewhere in the city, student protesters stormed the gates of the federal government secretariat, calling for the resignation of the education adviser and an investigation into the use of outdated aircraft. Police responded with baton charges, forcibly dispersing demonstrators.

Heartbreaking stories emerged from the wreckage. Abul Hossain, father of nine-year-old Nusrat Jahan Anika, said he had dropped his daughter at school like any other day, unaware it would be the last time he saw her. “She was buried last night,” he said through tears.

Rubina Akter shared how her son, Raiyan Toufiq, narrowly survived. “His shirt caught fire on the stairs. He jumped onto the grass and rolled to extinguish the flames. Tearing off his clothes saved him,” she recalled.

The military said the fighter jet had taken off from a nearby air base on a routine training flight but suffered a mechanical failure. Despite attempts by the pilot to divert the aircraft, it crashed into the densely populated school campus.

In a statement, the military confirmed the death toll at 31 and announced a day of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and prayers held across places of worship.

Student protesters have issued a list of demands, including:

  • Public release of all victims’ names
  • Compensation for families of the deceased
  • Retirement of aging fighter jets
  • A review of air force training protocols
  • A ban on training flights over populated areas

Interim administrator Muhammad Yunus’s office said in a statement that steps were underway to publish the victims’ list and investigate the crash. It also stated the air force would be instructed to cease training operations in civilian areas.

The F-7 BGI is the final and most advanced variant of China’s Chengdu J-7, based on the Soviet-era MiG-21. Bangladesh acquired 16 such jets under a 2011 contract, completed in 2013.

This tragedy comes as South Asia reels from another major aviation disaster. In neighboring India, an Air India aircraft crashed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad last month, killing 241 passengers and 19 people on the ground—the deadliest air disaster globally in over a decade.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, remains politically fragile. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country last August amid violent student-led protests. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Yunus, has pledged to hold elections next year, though pressure mounts to bring them forward.

Indian officials confirmed plans to send a team of burn specialists and nurses to assist Dhaka’s hospitals. However, tensions between India and Bangladesh remain high following last year’s student uprisings.


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At Least 17 Dead, 11 Missing After Torrential Rains Devastate South Korea

Seoul, South Korea At least 17 people have died and 11 others remain missing after five days of relentless downpours triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure collapses across South Korea, officials said on Sunday.

The country’s Interior and Safety Ministry reported that one person died Sunday when their home collapsed due to the rain, while another was swept away by a swollen stream in Gapyeong, northeast of Seoul. In Sancheong, a southern town hit hard over the weekend, 10 people were confirmed dead and four more remain missing after landslides and flash floods overwhelmed the area.

Additional fatalities include one person in Gwangju, where seven people remain unaccounted for, as well as earlier casualties last week in Osan, South Chungcheong Province, and other parts of the country.

In total, the victims include:

  • 1 fatality in Gapyeong
  • 1 in Gwangju
  • 10 in Sancheong
  • 1 in Osan, where a car was buried under a collapsed overpass
  • 3 in South Chungcheong Province, found in a submerged car, a stream, and a flooded basement

As of 4 p.m. Sunday, more than 2,730 residents had been evacuated, and local media reported nearly 10,000 total evacuations since the rains began on Wednesday. Over 41,000 households experienced temporary power outages during the storm.

Some areas in the south received an estimated 600 to 800 millimeters (24 to 31 inches) of rain, one of the heaviest rainfall events in recent years.

President Lee Jae-myung expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged swift recovery efforts. On Sunday, he ordered that the worst-hit regions be designated as special disaster zones, a move that will unlock additional financial aid and support services for recovery.

“The government will mobilize all available resources to support affected communities,” said Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung, urging local authorities to act swiftly in relief and repair operations.

Although the rain subsided in much of the country by Sunday afternoon, weather officials warned that heavy rain may return to the capital Seoul and northern regions, prompting continued alerts and preparedness measures.

This disaster adds to the growing concerns over climate-linked extreme weather patterns, with South Korea witnessing a rise in sudden, high-intensity rainfall events in recent years.


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

Pakistan Monsoon Tragedy: 65 Dead in Punjab in a Day, Nationwide Toll Rises to 180

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Lahore, Pakistan — Torrential monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across Pakistan’s Punjab province, killing 65 people and injuring nearly 300 within the past 24 hours, according to provincial officials. The new figures bring the nationwide death toll to at least 180 since the rains began in late June.

The relentless downpours on Thursday triggered widespread flooding and building collapses, with many deaths caused by the collapse of poorly constructed rooftops. Lahore, the provincial capital, reported 15 fatalities, while Faisalabad recorded nine. Several more deaths occurred in the towns of Okara, Sahiwal, and Pakpattan.

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In the southern regions, rescue teams deployed boats to evacuate families stranded along riversides. “Children were screaming for help, and women stood on rooftops, waving their shawls and begging to be rescued,” said Tariq Mehbood Bhatti, a farmer in Ladian village.

In Rawalpindi, adjacent to the capital Islamabad, authorities ordered immediate evacuations of low-lying areas after water levels in the Nullah Lai River surged. A public holiday was declared to keep residents indoors as small dams burst, flooding nearby areas. Military helicopters were dispatched for rescue operations.

“Pakistan has seen devastating floods over the last few years. This monsoon season is no different,” said disaster management official Hyder, warning of increasingly extreme weather events in the years ahead due to climate change.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), since late June, 103 people have died and 393 have been injured in Punjab alone. The rains have damaged over 120 homes and killed six livestock animals.

A high flood alert has been issued for the Jhelum River near the northern town of Mangla, where water inflows are expected to surge. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has also warned that nearby streams may overflow in the next 24 hours, threatening surrounding communities.

While monsoon rains are vital for agriculture and water reserves in South Asia, their destructive effects have intensified in recent years due to rapid urbanization, inadequate drainage infrastructure, and climate-induced weather extremes.

Authorities remain on high alert as more rainfall is forecast in the coming days.


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

Three Drones Shot Down Near Moscow, Flight Operations Disrupted, Officials Report

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Moscow, Russia — Russian air defense systems intercepted three drones heading toward Moscow on Saturday, prompting the temporary closure of two of the capital’s busiest airports, Vnukovo and Domodedovo, according to city mayor Sergei Sobyanin and aviation authorities.

Russian aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia confirmed that all arrivals and departures were briefly suspended for safety reasons, with over 140 flights canceled and more than 130 diverted. Operations later resumed, but the disruption highlights growing concerns over intensified Ukrainian drone attacks deep inside Russian territory.

The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed more than 230 Ukrainian drones were shot down across the country since Saturday morning—27 of them over the capital. Kaluga International Airport, southwest of Moscow, also halted services after 45 drones were intercepted in the region.

Drones were also reported downed in several other areas including the Rostov and Bryansk regions near the Ukrainian border, and over the Black Sea. No casualties were reported from the drone strikes inside Russia.

Russia’s Association of Tour Operators (Ator) revealed that Moscow airports were closed 10 times within 24 hours due to repeated drone incursions. This incident mirrors a similar disruption in May, when over 500 drones launched by Ukraine stranded an estimated 60,000 passengers at airports nationwide.

While Russia contended with aerial attacks, it also continued its own strikes across Ukraine. Ukrainian regional authorities reported at least three civilians killed during overnight Russian air raids. In Donetsk, two people lost their lives in separate strikes, and a 78-year-old woman died in Sumy after residential buildings caught fire. Additional attacks were reported in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia.

Ukraine’s air force stated it had intercepted 18 out of 57 Russian drones overnight, with seven others reportedly lost due to radar jamming.

Amid this escalation, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains open to peace talks but reiterated that Russia’s primary objective is to achieve its “strategic goals.”

“President Putin has repeatedly expressed his willingness to reach a peaceful resolution, but this process is complex and demands serious effort,” Peskov said in a televised statement.

The latest wave of attacks underscores the continued volatility in the conflict, now in its fourth year, with no immediate end in sight.


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

At Least 37 Dead as Tourist Boat Capsizes in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay Amid Sudden Storm

Hanoi, Vietnam — At least 37 people have died and five remain missing after a tourist boat capsized during a sudden thunderstorm in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, according to state media reports.

The vessel, named Wonder Sea Boat, was carrying 48 passengers—many of them children—and five crew members when it overturned on Saturday afternoon during extreme weather conditions. Vietnamese authorities confirmed that 10 survivors were rescued by Saturday evening, while recovery teams had retrieved 37 bodies by Sunday morning.

Among those rescued was a 14-year-old boy who survived nearly four hours trapped in the overturned hull of the boat. Another survivor, a 10-year-old child, described his harrowing escape to local media: “I took a deep breath, swam through a gap, dived, then swam up. I even shouted for help, then I was pulled up by a boat with soldiers.”

Four of the deceased have yet to be identified, while rescue teams continue to search for the missing. The boat has since been salvaged and brought ashore, according to Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

Most of the passengers were Vietnamese families visiting from the capital, Hanoi. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the tragedy. “Violations, if found, will be strictly handled,” a government statement said.

Experts from the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting attributed the sudden storm to a convergence zone exacerbated by recent high temperatures, creating volatile weather across northern Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin. The area is also bracing for further severe weather due to the incoming Storm Wipha, which entered the South China Sea on Sunday and is expected to strengthen as it approaches Vietnam early next week.

Wipha has already caused disruptions in Hanoi, about 175 km from Ha Long Bay, where strong gusts toppled trees and forced several flight delays and diversions at Noi Bai International Airport.

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Vietnam’s top tourist attractions, known for its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts. The region draws millions of tourists annually. However, boat safety concerns have resurfaced following similar incidents, including last year’s Typhoon Yagi, which sank 30 vessels in the nearby Quang Ninh province.

Authorities are urging tour operators to review safety protocols as stormy weather continues to threaten the region.


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

Thailand Legalized Marijuana First in Asia — But the Fallout Has Sparked National Debat

Bangkok, Thailand — Three years after becoming the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis, Thailand is reversing course. The government this week introduced sweeping regulations that restrict cannabis use to strictly medical purposes, a dramatic shift from the liberal policies that triggered a nationwide “green rush.”

As of Thursday, cannabis can now only be sold to individuals with a valid doctor’s prescription. Recreational use is effectively banned, and the country’s more than 18,000 licensed dispensaries must adapt to the new regulations or face closure.

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“This must be clearly understood: cannabis is permitted for medical use only,” said Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin in an interview with CNN on Wednesday. He also revealed the government’s intention to eventually reclassify cannabis as a narcotic — a major reversal of the 2022 policy that allowed open trade and consumption of marijuana products.

Pro-cannabis activist Kitty Chopaka, seen here at a protest against the Thai government in 2024, says the new rules will not stop people from buying marijuana for recreational purposes. Photo : Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images

New Restrictions on the Cannabis Industry

Under the new Health Ministry guidelines, cannabis shops must:

  • Sell only to customers with a medical certificate.
  • Keep detailed sales records.
  • Submit to regular inspections.
  • Cease all forms of commercial advertising.
  • Avoid vending machine and online sales.

Violators could face up to one year in prison or a fine of 20,000 baht (approximately $620). Further legislation may increase penalties and impose stricter business regulations.

These rules are expected to significantly impact cannabis tourism in popular destinations like Bangkok’s Khao San Road and Pattaya’s beach strips, where dispensaries and weed-themed cafés flourished amid lax oversight.

Tourists and locals alike will now need documentation proving medical necessity for conditions such as chemotherapy-induced nausea, epilepsy, or chronic nerve pain. Foreign tourists can present prescriptions from their home countries.

“We want tourists to enjoy Thailand’s culture and nature — but not view it as a hub for recreational cannabis,” Somsak said.

From Legal Boom to Backlash

Thailand first legalized medical marijuana in 2018. In 2022, it became the first Asian nation to fully decriminalize cannabis — removing it from the narcotics list. But without accompanying laws to regulate the booming industry, a legal gray zone emerged.

Thousands of cannabis shops and cannabis-themed businesses opened rapidly, from hemp spas to weed festivals. One such event in Bangkok earlier this month featured former boxing champion Mike Tyson promoting his cannabis brand.

A government report from 2022 projected the Thai cannabis industry could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025, though officials now admit that widespread unregulated trade has made it difficult to track the industry’s true size.

Somsak said the new regulations are intended to close this legal gap and prevent the social harms associated with unchecked cannabis use.

“We are not shutting down cannabis shops, but we are prioritizing medical regulation,” he explained. “Revenue may dip at first, but responsible, law-abiding businesses will remain stable.”

Rising Concerns and Smuggling Cases

The push to tighten laws follows rising public concern about cannabis misuse, especially among youth. Reports of underage use, street smoking, and complaints of strong odors have spurred backlash in tourist areas and islands like Phuket, where zoning proposals are being considered.

“Cannabis addiction is rising and has become a social issue,” Somsak warned. “It affects children, causes public nuisance, and damages public safety.”

Adding to the problem is a spike in cannabis smuggling. Several recent cases involving British tourists attempting to smuggle cannabis from Thailand have made international headlines. In response, Thai and British authorities have formed a joint task force to combat illegal drug exportation.

As Thailand moves to reclaim control over its cannabis industry, many are watching to see whether this crackdown marks the end of Asia’s most liberal cannabis experiment — or just a course correction toward more responsible use.


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At Least 39 Killed in Fire at Sigachi Pharmaceutical Factory in Telangana

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Telangana, India — At least 39 people have died and 34 others were injured following a devastating explosion and fire at a chemical factory operated by Sigachi Industries in southern India, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The tragic incident, which occurred on Monday, has prompted the company to halt operations at the affected facility for 90 days.

The explosion ripped through the pharmaceutical supplier’s plant in Telangana state, causing the entire structure to collapse. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency crews still working to clear the debris.

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“We are still clearing the debris,” said GV Narayana Rao, director of the Telangana Fire Disaster Response Service. “Only after this is complete will we know if any more bodies are trapped.”

Authorities say more than 140 workers were present in the plant when the blast occurred. At least 25 of the deceased have yet to be identified, according to district official P. Pravinya.

One survivor, Chandan Gound, 32, recounted his escape:

“I stepped out to use the restroom and suddenly heard a loud blast — like a bomb. Flames erupted, and I had to jump the wall to escape. Many managed to flee, but a large number were trapped inside.”

The Telangana state government has formed a five-member investigative committee to determine the cause of the explosion, which remains unknown. Sigachi has stated the plant is fully insured and that it has begun processing claims for the extensive damage to its equipment and infrastructure.

Sigachi Industries is a major producer of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), an essential ingredient in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. The Telangana facility accounts for over 25% of the company’s total production capacity of 21,700 million metric tons annually. MCC is widely used for its compressibility and ability to enhance drug release in tablets, as well as in low-calorie foods and skincare products.

The company’s shares fell nearly 8% on Tuesday, heading for their steepest two-day decline on record.

In a separate incident on Tuesday, five people were killed and four injured in a massive fire at a firecracker factory in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu — a region notorious for repeated industrial accidents involving explosives.

Both tragedies have renewed concerns over industrial safety standards in India, particularly in the hazardous chemicals and manufacturing sectors.


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