Month: April 2025

Radhika Merchant looked as graceful as ever at Vivienne Westwood’s first-ever fashion show in India.

Set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India, the fashion show saw London-headquartered Vivienne Westwood unveiling their capsule collection. Many celebrities from showbiz such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Mira Kapoor, and Janhvi Kapoor marked their presence at the prestigious gala. However, it was Radhika Merchant who stole the attention with her look.

Styled by Rhea Kapoor, Radhika exuded elegance in Vivienne Westwood’ s archival corset and scarf from her iconic 1990 A/W Portrait Collection with a custom chanderi Sari and jewels by Shachee Fine Jewellery

“Vivienne Westwood’s 1990-91 ‘Portrait’ collection is one of her most important collections, the collection has a lot of firsts for Vivienne! It was the first appearance of the famous Vivienne Westwood Boucher corset. The corset features the painting ‘Daphnis and Chloe’ by artist French artist Francois Boucher.

The Portrait collection of 1990/91 was dedicated to the richness of eighteenth-century oil painting – drawing directly from the decorative universe of the Wallace Collection. ‘Portrait was a turning point, reflects Alexander Fury. ‘Sensuous and escapist, it set Vivienne Westwood on a new course for almost a decade. For the first time, Vivienne reproduced a painting on a piece of clothing, choosing ‘Daphnis and Chloe’ by Francois Boucher, 1743-5,” Rhea’ post on Instagram read.

Radhika held the pallu in one hand and happily posed for the pictures before attending the fashion show. For the glam, she opted for minimal make up and tied her hair in a bun.

On March 31, Vivienne Westwood’s official Instagram profile shared details about their first fashion show in India.

“Vivienne Westwood is set to host their first fashion show in India, presented at the historic and prestigious Gateway of India, Mumbai, celebrating India’s rich artisanal textile heritage. The show will present a selection of Spring Summer 2025 Vivienne Westwood looks and special archive pieces, alongside a capsule collection of Vivienne Westwood couture looks crafted with the finest hand-woven Chander silks and Khadi cotton, wool and silks – the fabric reinvigorated by Mahatma Gandhi and known as a symbol of freedom in India.1st April 2025,” they shared.

For the accessories, Radhika went with a statement pearl choker and statement earrings. (ANI)

An earthquake of magnitude 4.7 struck Myanmar on Tuesday afternoon, followed by another quake of magnitude 4.5 in the evening, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS).

As per the NCS, the first tremor, a 4.7-magnitude earthquake, struck at 16:31 IST.

“EQ of M: 4.7, On: 01/04/2025 16:31:49 IST, Lat: 21.94 N, Long: 95.97 E, Depth: 18 Km, Location: Myanmar,” the NCS said in a post on X.

EQ of M: 4.7, On: 01/04/2025 16:31:49 IST, Lat: 21.94 N, Long: 95.97 E, Depth: 18 Km, Location: Myanmar.
For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0 @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/fKdAyNBHTU

— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) April 1, 2025

The second quake, with a magnitude of 4.5, occurred later in the evening at 20:57 IST.

“EQ of M: 4.5, On: 01/04/2025 20:57:42 IST, Lat: 20.07 N, Long: 96.13 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Myanmar,” the NCS wrote in another post on X.

EQ of M: 4.5, On: 01/04/2025 20:57:42 IST, Lat: 20.07 N, Long: 96.13 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Myanmar.
For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0 @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/6C8NKfdDOi

— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) April 1, 2025

Meanwhile, rescue operations continue more than three days after the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, causing widespread destruction. Buildings collapsed as far away as the Thai capital, Bangkok, and tremors were felt in neighbouring Chinese provinces, as reported by CNN.

More than 2,000 people are now confirmed dead in Myanmar.

Widespread damage was reported after the earthquake caused infrastructural damage, CNN reported citing authorities. The epicenter was recorded in Myanmar’s central Sagaing region, near the former royal capital, Mandalay.

India launched ‘Operation Brahma’ on Saturday to support earthquake-impacted Myanmar.

India launched Operation Brahma to provide necessary support, including Search and Rescue (SAR), humanitarian aid, disaster relief and medical assistance, following the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28.

Being the First Responder in times of crisis in the Neighbourhood, Operation Brahma is a whole-of-government endeavour by India to respond to widespread destruction in Myanmar. So far, six aircraft and five Indian Naval ships have delivered 625 MT of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) material, the MEA said in its statement.

MEA underscored that India stands ready to deploy more material assistance and resources to Myanmar depending on ground-level needs and requirements.

India’s ongoing efforts under Operation Brahma reflect its commitment to respond swiftly and in full measure to natural disasters in the neighbourhood.

As a first responder, India stands with Myanmar, a key partner of our Neighbourhood First and Act East policy, MEA added. (ANI)

BNP-M President Sardar Akhtar Mengal said on Monday that his party’s sit-in demanding the release of arrested Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders will continue until “our women are released and reach their homes”, according to a report by Dawn.

Mengal had announced a “long march” from Wadh to Quetta to protest the arrests of BYC chief organiser Mahrang Baloch and other leaders as well as police crackdowns on a sit-in. However, the Quetta administration had denied the party permission for the rally, Dawn reported.

On Saturday evening, a provincial government delegation comprising Zahoor Ahmed Buledi, Bakht Muhammad Kakar and Sardar Noor Ahmed Bangulzai met Mengal and other BNP-M leaders at the party’s sit-in site in Mastung but could not convince Mengal to end the sit-in, which continued.

Addressing the protesters today, Mengal said, “The sit-in will be written in history and will continue until our women reach home after being released” as quoted by Dawn.

On the fourth day of the ongoing protest sit-in at Lakpas area of Mastung, BNP Awami chief and member of Balochistan Assembly Mir Asad Baloch, National Party leader Sardar Kamal Khan Bangulzai, Prince Muhammad Baloch, son of the Khan of Kalat, and other political leaders also expressed solidarity with the sit-in protesters.

Addressing the sit-in on Saturday, Mengal had said, “The government delegation spoke to us about cooperation and finding a way. “We told them that they must find a way and let us go to Quetta”, as quoted by Dawn.

Mengal elaborated, “The government delegation asked us if we wanted to hold a rally, to which we said that if we wanted to hold a rally, we would have done it in Khuzdar. “We told the government our only demand is to release the women,” Mengal said. “We told them that we will march towards Quetta, demanding the release of our women,” as cited by a Dawn report. (ANI)

More than 100 people were injured in a fire that broke out following a gas pipeline leak on the outskirts of Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, on Tuesday, Al Jazeera reported.

The fire erupted after an explosion and fireball at 8:10 am (local time) on Tuesday in the suburb of Putra Heights, central Selangor state. The gas pipeline belonging to Malaysia’s state-run energy firm Petronas.

Selangor’s Chief Minister said that the blaze quickly spread, threatening nearby villages during a public holiday for Eid celebration, Al Jazeera reported, citing state news agency Bernama.

As many as 112 people were injured, with 63 of them taken to the hospital for burn injuries, breathing difficulties and other injuries, according to Selangor Deputy Police Chief Mohamad Zaini Abu Hassan, as reported by Al Jazeera. At least 49 houses were also damaged in the fire, Hassan added. No deaths have been reported in the incident.

In a statement, the state’s disaster management unit said that efforts were underway to rescue trapped residents, with several people receiving treatment for burns, Al Jazeera reported.

Selangor’s Chief Minister said 82 people had been rescued so far. The chief minister further said that residents will be temporarily moved to a nearby mosque until the situation is under control. (ANI)

Chinese President Xi Jinping in his congratulatory message to President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday, which marked the 75th anniversary of establishment of bilateral relatins, said that China and India should work more closely together. He said that the relationship between China and India should “realize a cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant, which completely serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples.”

Chinese Premier Li Qiang also sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Xi in his message said that both nations should view and handle bilateral ties from a “strategic and long-term perspective, and seek ways for neighboring major countries to get along in peaceful coexistence, mutual trust and mutual benefit, and common development.”

Terming China and India “ancient civilizations, major developing countries and important members of the Global South,” Xi noted that both countries are at a critical stage in their respective modernization drive.

A statement issued by the Chinese Ambassador in India, Xu Feihong stated, “President Xi Jinping exchanges congratulatory messages with President Droupadi Murmu on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. President Xi pointed out that China and India are both ancient civilizations, major developing countries and important members of Global South. Both countries are at a critical stage in their respective modernization drive.”

“The development of China-India relations demonstrates that it is the right choice for both sides to become partners for mutual success and realize a cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant, which completely serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples. Both sides should view and handle China-India relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and seek ways for neighbouring major countries to get along in peaceful coexistence, mutual trust and mutual benefit, and common development, and jointly push forward world multipolarization and democracy in international relations,” he added.

According to the statement, Xi expressed his readiness to work with President Murmu, taking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity, to promote strategic mutual trust, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, deepen communication and coordination on major international affairs, jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in China-India border regions, advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development.

According to the statement, President Murmu in her message to her Chinese counterpart said “stable, predictable and amicable” bilateral relations will bring major benefits to both nations and the world.

Xu Feihong stated, “President Xi expressed his readiness to work with President Murmu, taking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity, to promote strategic mutual trust, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, deepen communication and coordination on major international affairs, jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in China-India border regions, advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development, so as to contribute to world peace and prosperity.”

“President Murmu said that India and China are two large neighbours, who represent a third of humanity. Stable, predictable and amicable bilateral relations will bring major benefits to us both, as indeed to the world. Let us utilize the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomaic relations to work towards healthy and stable development of India-China bilateral relations,” the Chinese envoy said.

President Xi Jinping exchanges congratulatory messages with President Droupadi Murmu on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India.
🔹President Xi pointed out that China and India are both ancient civilizations, major developing… pic.twitter.com/1Jzz7M0jRV

— Xu Feihong (@China_Amb_India) April 1, 2025

According to the statement, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang expressed readiness to work with India. Meanwhile, PM Modi said progress in bilateral ties will contribute not only to global stability and prosperity but also to the emergence of a multi-polar world

In a post on X, Xu Feihong stated, “Premier Li Qiang exchanges congratulatory messages with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Premier Li stated that China stands ready to work with India, taking the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomat relations as an opportunity, continue to enhance strategic mutual trust, promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields, properly handle the boundary question, advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples.”

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India and China are two ancient cultures and civilizations. We have played a significant role in shaping human history and bear a significant responsibility now to promoting peace and development. Progress in our bilateral relations will contribute not only to global stability and prosperity but also to the emergence of a multi-polar world. The 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomaic relations may usher in a period of healthy and stable development in India-China bilateral relations,” he added.

In a recent interview with American podcaster Lex Fridman, PM Modi emphasised about normalcy returning to the border and the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two nations. He expressed optimism about India’s relationship with China, emphasizing the importance of learning from and understanding one another. Despite ongoing border disputes, PM Modi acknowledged the ancient cultural and civilizational ties between the two nations, noting that there’s no real history of conflict between them.

The two countries have been locked in a tense border standoff since the 2020 Galwan clashes, which severely strained diplomatic relations. Earlier in March, India and China discussed resuming dialogue mechanisms betwen the two nations in a “step-by-step” manner focusing on “each other’s priority areas of interest and concern,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

During a meeting in Beijing between Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Liu Jinsong, Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides acknowledged the progress made in bilateral relations following the October 2024 meeting between PM Modi and President Xi in Kazan. (ANI)

The capital city of Thailand is geared up to host the 6th BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation in Bangkok with the preparations underway in full swing.

Thailand is decked up with the flags of the seven member states with billboards and hoardings placed across various locations in the city.

BIMSTEC was established on June 6, 1997, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration, of which Thailand is one of the founding members. Currently, BIMSTEC comprises seven Member States, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, all of which share common economy and culture as well as close ties with one another through trade, culture, and relations among people for centuries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Thailand to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and for an official visit to Thailand from April 3-4. This will be Prime Minister’s third visit to Thailand. The theme of this Summit is ‘BIMSTEC-Prosperous, Resilient and Open’. The Summit on April 4 is to be preceded by the BIMSTEC Ministerial Conference and also by the Senior Officials’ Meeting.

In November 2019, he had attended the ASEAN and East Asia Summit that was hosted by Thailand and earlier, he had been to Bangkok enroute to Tokyo in November 2016, when he had gone to pay homage to the late King Rama IX.

PM Modi is expected to be in Bangkok on April 3 where he will hold bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This will be his second meeting with the Thai Prime Minister. He had earlier met her on the margins of the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane on October 11 last year.

Thailand is India’s maritime neighbour, a valuable partner in India’s Act East policy and Vision for the Indo-Pacific, and also a highly valued partner in BIMSTEC. Notably, Thailand is the third-largest economy in ASEAN and India’s fourth-largest trading partner after Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia in the ASEAN region. (ANI)

The price of diesel in Karnataka is set to rise by Rs 2 per liter as the state government has increased the sales tax on diesel to 21.17 per cent.

The price hike comes into effect immediately.

According to a government notification issued on Tuesday, the Karnataka Sales Tax (KST) on diesel has been increased from 18.44 per cent to 21.17 per cent.

“In the said notification, against Sl. No. (ii), for the words and figures “eighteen point four four percent (18.44%)”, the words and figures “twenty one point one seven percent (21.17%)” shall be substituted,” the notification read.

“After the approval of the Competent Authority, the Karnataka Sales Tax rate on diesel has been increased to 21.17%, effective from 01-04-2025. As a result, there will be an increase of 22 per liter, bringing the sale price to 291.02. However, even after this increase, the revised sale price in the state will continue to be lower compared to the neighboring states,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has introduced a new “garbage cess,” making it mandatory for Bengaluru residents to pay a solid waste management user fee starting Tuesday, April 1.

The BBMP has decided to increase door to door waste collection and disposal charges, imposing a monthly ‘garbage cess’ on various properties.

The new tax will be levied on residential buildings, shops, and hotels, with charges varying based on property size.

As per BBMP, hotels which were previously charged Rs 5 per kg of garbage, will now pay Rs 12 per kg. Similarly, for residential buildings charges are based on area. For buildings up to 600 sq ft a monthly charge of Rs 10 will be collected. While for buildings with area between 600-1,000 sq ft a monthly garbage cell of Rs 50 will be collected. Buildings ranging from 1,000-2,000 sq ft of area, a monthly cess of Rs 100 will be collected, while it has been fixed at Rs 150 per month for buildings with 2,000 – 3,000 sq ft of area. For buildings from 3,000 sq ft to 4,000 sq ft of area, a monthly garbage cess of Rs 200 will be collected, while Rs 400 will be collected per month for buildings with above 4000 sq ft of area.

The garbage cess will be collected annnually along with property tax. The BBMP expects to generate around Rs 600 crore annually through this initiative to boost its revenue.

This move follows recent hikes in milk and electricity prices, adding another financial burden on residents.

On March 27, the Karnataka government announced a Rs 4 per liter increase in the price of Nandini milk and curd, effective April 1. This decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to support dairy farmers and account for rising milk production and processing costs.

Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) Chairman Bheema Naik defended the state government’s move to increase the price of Nandini milk by Rs 4 per litre, stating that the additional cost would go directly to the farmers.

“We were selling milk in Karnataka at a price lower than that elsewhere in the country. KMF procures 86 lakh-1 crore (milk) every day. 1 litre of milk is sold at Rs 42 (Karnataka). In Gujarat, it is Rs 53, in Andhra & Telangana, it is Rs 58, in Delhi and Maharashtra, it is Rs 56, in Kerala, it is Rs 54. This decision has been taken in the interest of herders. These 4 Rupees are going to farmers,” Naik told ANI. (ANI)

Keeping it comfy yet stylish, actor Alia Bhatt caught the attention of her fans with her latest airport look.

Before entering the airport on Tuesday afternoon, Alia greeted the shutterbugs and briefly posed for the pictures.

She was all smiles as she waved at the paps who were stationed outside the airport.

The ‘Raazi’ star looked pretty in a fitted white inner top that she layered with a long beige shrug featuring a collar design and wide-leg trousers. She also gave a sporty touch to her look with white sneakers.

She accessorized the co-ord set with a luxurious hang bag.

Last month, the ‘Jigra’ actress had a pre-birthday celebration amidst the media.The event, held ahead of the big day, was made even more memorable by her husband, Ranbir Kapoor, who joined her in the celebrations.

Amid the celebration, Ranbir confirmed that the second installment of their film Brahmastra is very much in the pipeline.

“Brahmastra 2 is something that Ayan has been nurturing as a dream for a very long time–the entire story of Brahmastra. As you guys know, he’s currently working on War 2, and once the film releases, he’s going to start pre-production of Brahmastra 2. It’s definitely happening. We haven’t really announced much of it, but there will be some interesting announcements coming regarding Brahmastra 2,” he said.

Ranbir also expressed his excitement about collaborating with Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Love and War, a film with an ensemble cast that includes Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.

Love and War will be the first collaboration between Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Leela Bhansali since the actor’s 2007 debut, Saawariya. While Vicky Kaushal has never worked with the filmmaker, Alia Bhatt teamed up with Bhansali in the 2022 drama Gangubai Kathiawadi.

In the coming months, Alia will also be seen headlining YRF’ spy drama ‘ALPHA’. (ANI)

Congress MP and Deputy Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday expressed strong disagreement on the Waqf Amendment Bill, stating the entire nation is watching how the voice of democracy is being crushed in the Lok Sabha.

“We walked out of the House. I don’t know what is in their (government’s) mind. I hope that the Speaker will take note of all of this. The entire country is seeing how the voice of democracy is being crushed slowly in the Lok Sabha,” Gogoi told ANI.

Meanwhile, the opposition party MPs walked out of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, Gogoi said, while accusing the government of bulldozing its agenda and not listening to the opposition members.

The Congress MP stated that all opposition parties have demanded discussions of various issues, including the EPIC cards issue, Manipur’s Presidential Rule resolution, the Waqf Amendment Bill and more under rule 193.

Gogoi stated that opposition MPs had to walk out in compulsion as they were not left with any other option.

“The opposition parties have walked out in the middle of the BAC meeting in protest because the government is simply bulldozing its agenda and not listening to the views of the opposition parties. We have asked for a comprehensive discussion on the Waqf Amendment Act, our views are being listened to. We asked for a proper time to be allocated for the resolution of President’s rule in Manipur but our advice is not being listened to. We have asked for important discussions under rule 193 for voter EPIC cards and decisions to link it with Aadhar. All opposition parties have demanded this. We asked for important ministries to be taken for the discussion during Demands for Grants… that has not been taken. So, this House has completely become subservient to the Government, the whims of the policitcial masters can be seen in BAC meeting. The space has not been given to opposition leader… We had to walk out because we had no any other option… They do not want to talk on any issues….” Gogoi told reporters.

Expressing dissatisfaction, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee stated that the government has not allowed any discussion and the Parliament floor is equally important for the opposition.

Kalyan Banerjee said, “This is very sorry state of affairs that we have been compelled to walk out of the meeting. This Budget session was in two parts and from the very first part we were asking for a discussion under rule 193, especially on EPIC and other issues… If the BAC meeting starts fulfilling the agenda of the treasure bench of the government, what is the use of the meeting of BAC? We had walk out… Nothing has been allowed to discuss… Parliament floor is equally important for the opposition.”

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also criticised the Waqf Amendment Bill and said that this bill is unconstitutional and “grave violation” of Article 14, 25, 26 and 29 of the Indian Constitution.

Taking it further, Owaisi said that this is not Waqf Bill, rather it’s a “Waqf Barbaad Bill.”

The AIMIM chief further questioned NDA allies Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu, Chirag Paswan and Jayant Chaudhary the reason behind their support to Waqf Bill.

“This bill is unconstitutional. This bill is a grave violation of Article 14, Articles 25, 26 and 29. This is not Waqf Bill rather it’s a Waqf Barbaad Bill. If Chandrababu Naidu, Nitish Kumar, Chirag Paswan and Jayant Chaudhary will praise it then they are doing so for their political reasons… They are supporting it but what answer will they give to the public after 5 years? If no non-Hindu can become a member in the Hindu Endowment Board, then why are you making a non-Muslim here?…” Owaisi told reporters.

Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju hit out at leaders seeking to “misguide” people and said the Waqf law has been in existence for decades.

“Some people are saying that this Waqf Amendment Bill is unconstitutional. Waqf rules have existed since before independence. All these provisions are already in existence. If the Waqf Act has been in existence since before independence, then how can it be illegal? Innocent Muslims are being misled by saying that the government is going to snatch the properties and rights of the Muslims. The false things being spread by some people are very harmful to our society and nation,” Rijiju told media persons.

Many opposition parties are opposing the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, also called the ‘Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill,’ aims to address key challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.

The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. (ANI)

The death toll in the firecracker godown explosion in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district has risen to 18, police said on Tuesday.

According to officials, the explosion at the firecracker godown in Deesa area on Tuesday morning, led to the collapse of the structure, trapping several workers inside. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue to assess the situation.

Banaskantha Superintendent of Police Akshayraj Makwana said that a case has been registered in connection with the incident.

“As soon as we received information about the incident, we initiated relief work. So far, 18 people have died due to the collapse of a slab. An FIR is being filed under Section 304 (causing death by negligence), and strict action will be taken against those responsible,” SP Makwana said.

Banaskantha police have formed five teams to identify and nab those responsible for the incident, the SP added.

Earlier, 13 bodies were recovered and four people were injured after the slab collapsed on them in the firecracker godown explosion incident. District administration officials said that all the workers belonged to Madhya Pradesh.

Banaskantha Collector Mihir Patel shared details earlier, saying, “The entire slab of the structure collapsed following the explosion at the firecracker godown. Thirteen bodies were initially recovered from the site. As debris is being cleared, we continue to assess the situation.”

“Four people have been injured, with two referred to Civil Hospital in Deesa and two others to Palanpur Civil Hospital,” he added.

The Collector said they received information at around 9.45 am about the explosion at the firecracker godown, which led to the collapse of the entire structure.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed condolences over the tragic loss of lives.

“The sad news of the untimely death and serious injuries of workers from Madhya Pradesh due to the explosion in a firecracker factory in Banaskantha, Gujarat is extremely heart-rending. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” CM Yadav wrote in a post on X.

Expressing the government’s commitment to assisting the affected families, he added, “The state government is committed to provide all possible help to the injured workers and the families of the deceased. Constant contact is being maintained with the Gujarat government regarding the accident. I pray to Baba Mahakal for peace to the departed souls, strength to the bereaved families to bear this immense sorrow and speedy recovery to the injured.” (ANI)