Category: News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India takes a strong position on terrorism because “we are big victims of terrorism.”

Jaishankar’s remarks came at a time when there is an ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and New Delhi abstained from a UN resolution that did not condemn Hamas terror attacks. He also stressed the need to take “consistent position” on terrorism.

“Today, a good government and strong governance stand up for its people. Just as good governance is necessary at home, right judgements are necessary abroad. We take a strong position on terrorism because we are big victims of terrorism. We will have no credibility if we say that when terrorism impacts us, it’s very serious; when it happens to somebody else, it’s not serious. We need to have a consistent position,” Jaishankar said while speaking at a Town hall in Bhopal yesterday.

India abstained from voting on the Jordanian resolution which called for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce” between Israeli forces and Hamas terrorists in Gaza. However, it is pertinent to note that India was in favour of the Canadian resolution which condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas.

The Jordanian-led draft resolution was adopted by the General Assembly, with 120 votes in favour, 14 against and 45 abstentions. The 45 nations that abstained from voting on the resolution included Iceland, India, Panama, Lithuania and Greece.

The resolution was adopted during the UN General Assembly’s emergency special session on the Israel-Palestine crisis. The UNGA also demanded “continuous, sufficient and unhindered” provision of lifesaving supplies and services for civilians trapped inside the enclave.

Notably, expressing deep concerns over the deteriorating security situation and the astounding loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, India at the UN urged both parties to “de-escalate, eschew violence.”

India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Yojna Patel on Friday (local time) in her remarks at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Emergency Special Session on the Israel-Hamas war said, “India is deeply concerned at the deteriorating security situation and the astounding loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict. The escalation of hostilities in the region will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. It is necessary for all parties to display the utmost responsibility.”

The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages. Over 8,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 7. More than 1,400 people were killed in the Hamas attack on Israel.

Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar in Bhopal further highlighted how India’s image has changed across the globe.

“So, how do you have a government that stands for what is necessary and in the best interest of its people? A strong government and good government are two sides of one coin. In the last few decades, India’s image in the world has changed a lot. The way we handled the pandemic when developed nations were too stressful; as some had a totally collapsed public health response. We made, ‘Made in India’…’Invent in India’ vaccine, we had a COWIN platform as well,” the EAM said.

“Similarly, when every other country looks after the welfare of its people and its economic interests, the same countries in Europe are saying don’t buy oil from Russia; they were themselves taking it and they made such a schedule that impacts their own population in the least possible way,” he said.

Jaishankar also talked about the digital consumption of data in India and added, “Our digital consumption of data in this country has doubled in the last 5 years. Five years ago, for the 5G either you went to Europe or China. Europe was costly and China, you very well know…”

“In the last five years, we have made our own 5G technology…Today we have fought covid, we deployed 5G; whatever has happened in last few weeks, the Chandrayan mission…it has left an impression on the entire world,” he stressed. (ANI)

At least six people died and 18 were injured when coaches derailed after Visakhapatnam-Ragada passenger train hit a Visakhapatnam-Ragada train travelling on the same route in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district on Sunday evening, officials said.

“Six people died and 18 injured in the Andhra Pradesh train accident,” Deepika, SP, Vizianagaram said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan ordered to take immediate relief measures and to send as many ambulances as possible from Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli.

“CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy ordered to take immediate relief measures and to send as many ambulances as possible from Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli, the nearest districts of Vizianagaram, and to make all kinds of arrangements in nearby hospitals to provide good medical care,” Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Office posted on X (Formerly Twitter).

“The Chief Minister has issued orders to coordinate other government departments including health, police and revenue to take quick-relief measures and ensure that the injured receive prompt medical services,” the CMO stated.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)

To enhance the safety system in public transport, the Uttar Pradesh Government is planning to install CCTV cameras and panic buttons in buses, Ola, and Uber.

A total of 21,155 buses, Ola and Uber have been identified to install panic buttons along with CCTV cameras to strengthen the safety of women and elderly people. These include 1,235 city buses, 9,840 Ola vehicles, 1,122 Uber vehicles, and 8,958 other private vehicles.

As per the release, ramps are being constructed in government and private buildings for the differently-abled while public information in Braille script is being included for the visually impaired individuals. With this, the government aims for the safety and convenience of women, senior citizens, and divyangjan.

Also, under the Safe City Project, the Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh is establishing Day Care Centers for senior citizens . In the first phase, the process of setting up modern Day Care Centers in all 17 municipal corporations has begun. Currently, one Day Care Center is operational, and the construction of four others is underway at a war footing. Soon, the construction work for 12 more Day Care Centers will also begin, stated the release.

The Public Works Department is paying attention to the needs of visually impaired individuals. They will include essential information in Braille script on government and private buildings, intersections, and public places. Along with this, signage at zebra crossings at intersections and ramps in buildings is being installed for divyangjans.

As per the release, The Public Works Department had identified 135 zebra crossings to put up signages in 17 municipal corporations, which has been completed. Additionally, 119 buildings controlled by the department have been made barrier-free for the divyangjans. In Gautam Buddh Nagar, signage has been installed at 7 locations for zebra crossings, and 2 buildings have been made barrier-free for the divyangjans.

The Health and Family Welfare Department has identified 54 locations in 17 municipal corporations to construct ramps, and the work on 49 locations has been completed. Similarly, one location has been identified for ramp construction in Gautam Buddh Nagar, and the construction work is in progress. (ANI)

Skipper Rohit Sharma completed 18,000 runs in international cricket, becoming the only fifth Indian to do so.

The 36-year-old veteran accomplished this milestone during India’s ICC Cricket World Cup match against England at Lucknow.

During the match, Rohit batted in an extremely tough situation. Withstanding a fall of wickets from the other end, he kept one end steady to score 87 in 101 balls, with 10 fours and three sixes. He scored runs at a strike rate of over 86. However, he could not complete his eighth World Cup century.

In 457 international matches, Rohit has scored 18,040 runs at an average of 43.57 and a strike rate of 86.71, with 45 centuries and 99 half-centuries. His best score is 264, which is also the highest-ever score in ODIs.

In 52 Tests, Rohit has scored 3,677 runs at an average of 46.54, with 10 centuries and 16 half-centuries in 88 innings. His best individual score is 212.

Rohit has also played 257 ODIs for India, in which he has scored 10,510 runs at an average of 49.57. He has 31 fifties and 54 half-centuries in this format, with the best score of 264. He is the sixth-highest run-scorer for India in ODIs.

In 148 matches in the T20I format, Rohit has scored 3,853 runs at an average of 31.32 and a strike rate of over 139. He has scored four centuries and 29 half-centuries in 140 innings, with the best score of 118. He is the second-highest run-scorer ever in T20Is.

The highest run-scorer for India and international cricket overall is Sachin Tendulkar, who has 34,357 runs in 664 matches at an average of 48.52, with 100 centuries and 164 fifties. His best individual score is 248*

In 23 ICC Cricket World Cup matches, Rohit has scored 1,376 runs at an average of 65.52, with seven centuries and five fifties in 23 innings. His best score in the tournament is 140. He is the sixth-highest run-getter in tournament history and has the most centuries ever in the World Cup.

In six WC games in this tournament, he has scored 398 runs at an average of 66.33, with a strike rate of over 119. He has scored a century and two fifties, with the best score of 131. Rohit is the fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament currently.

England skipper Jos Buttler won the toss and elected to field against India in the ongoing World Cup on Sunday at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.

India will look to continue to keep their unbeaten run intact in the ongoing World Cup while England will look to bounce back as their hopes of making their place in the semi-finals will depend on the result of this game.

England (Playing XI): Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(w/c), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj. (ANI)

China has been supporting the junta rule in Myanmar through diplomatic and economic means, in order to deepen its influence in South Asia, Myanmar-based Mizzima reported.

According to the report by Sun Lee — a pseudonym for a writer who covers Myanmar and Asian affairs — the ‘Myanmar gambit’ is part of China’s larger plan of penetrating South Asia for security and economic gains.

The nature and scale of China’s links to Myanmar’s ruling establishment have been subject to considerable scrutiny, with some observers noting that Myanmar is a little wary of Chinese influence, but the latter’s penetration is so deep and pervasive that it is difficult for the government to give up the link, Mizzima reported.

Historically, China has been an influential player in Myanmar’s internal affairs since its independence in 1948.

Domestically, China has very good ties with the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAO), which makes it the ideal mediator between the government and the EAOs.

Mizzima reported citing Myanmar’s Investment and Companies Directorate, that between the coup and February 2023, China invested more than USD 113 million and is the second-largest foreign investor after Singapore in Myanmar. Also, Beijing has never wavered in its support for the junta since its February 1, 2021 coup.

While other countries have condemned the military regime, pulled their investments, and refrained from trading with the nation, China has chosen to step up its engagement with the generals in Naypyidaw.

China’s overt and covert support for the country’s military rulers is also the primary reason for widespread anti-China sentiment in Myanmar.

China has also provided diplomatic support to protect the regime from international condemnation and humanitarian intervention, at a time of international isolation. Beijing has even made concerted efforts to block UN resolutions expressing concern over the military and its actions, and has provided Myanmar with loans, investments, and trade to keep the economy afloat, Mizzima reported.

Significantly, Chinese military equipment has also enabled the generals to quell anti-junta protests and fight insurgencies. Pertinently, many Myanmar locals view the robust and multifaceted Chinese support of the military as being a crucial factor that ensures the longevity of the junta’s rule.

How deeply rooted the Chinese presence is in Myanmar can be understood with the Kyaukphyu Port. The under-construction port on the westernmost tip of Myanmar, adjoining the Bay of Bengal lies in Rakhine State.

But, it happens to be the same state, where India has also invested in assets like Kaladan multi-modal transport corridor.

Mizzima cited recent reports that Chinese activities in the region have intensified in myriad ways. A 2019 Human Rights Watch report revealed cases of trafficking of girls from the states of Kachin and Shan into China, where they are married off to Chinese men.

The report further stated that Myanmar nationals of Chinese descent are buying property in Ann, Maei, Kyaukphyu and Ramree townships, anticipating good price appreciation once the Kyaukphyu SEZ Deep Sea Port Project becomes operational.

Also, China has managed to use the “extant laws” of Myanmar to acquire land in Myanmar

The Chinese nationals have acquired land in Myanmar either through marriage or by getting Myanmar citizenship by bribing the immigration authorities, Mizzima reported.

According to the report, the military regime is suspected of having issued ID cards to Chinese citizens in an effort to influence the forthcoming election. The real estate agents close to the military regime are allegedly threatening locals to sell their land or get it confiscated without any compensation.

Lahiso, the capital of Shan, a trading hub between China and Myanmar, is being developed as a China township by converting farmland into commercial plots. Wealthy Kokang businessmen of Chinese origin are rushing to buy land in Lashio to construct casinos and gambling dens.

The decline in the economy has forced citizens to sell their land to make ends meet rendering the locals to rent out their premises for running gambling activities. Similarly, a cross-border Economic Zone in Chinshwehaw, linking the Shantownship of Laukkai, the capital of the Kokang Special Autonomous Zone, to Lincang in Yunnan province is being constructed, Mizzima reported.

However, Laukkai, with its 30 casinos and 50 hotels, has gained a reputation as a violent and crime-ridden frontier town. In recent years, the Chinese government has been embarrassed by a number of overseas Chinese crime syndicates.

For instance, scandals involving Kokang-run casinos eventually triggered an intervention to shut down their casinos in the southern Cambodian town of Sihanoukville.

The most notorious example in Myanmar is the case of Shwe Kokko Yatai New City in Myawaddy township, close to the Thai border. This was the first project in Myanmar that claimed to be associated with the BRI, but it was publicly disavowed by the Chinese government in a public statement saying that “this is a third-country investment and has nothing to do with the Belt and Road Initiative,” according to Mizzima.

Radio Free Asia reported that about 1,400 migrant workers (500 carrying single-use temporary border passes, viz., green cards and 900 carrying border travel permits viz., red book) are entering China through Muse in Shan State despite a recent wage cut by half by the Chinese employers.

Desperate for work amid the current economic downturn, thousands have been hoping to use the TBP scheme to find long-term employment in China, even though it’s only meant for short-term visits.

Since most of the migrant workers are from conflict-ridden villages in Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay regions and Shan state, the move could be part of a joint strategy of otherwise populous China and Myanmar’s ruling military regime to wean local youth away from anti-regime resistance groups, according to Mizzima.

Of far greater significance is a recent report that states that China is exploring likely sites of nuclear technology projects in Sagaing and Mandalay regions after Myanmar’s Ambassador to China sought advanced nuclear technology from China for use in Myanmar’s agriculture, health and energy sectors.

A release by Myanmar’s foreign ministry said the Ambassador, Tin Maung Swe, made the request at the China-ASEAN Forum for Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology in Nanning, China.

This request makes China the second country to be approached by Myanmar regarding nuclear technology. Currently, the military-led government is collaborating with Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom after opening the country’s first nuclear information centre in Yangon early this year.

The various facets of China’s penetration of Myanmar make it clear that Beijing is present in a big way in Myanmar, according to Mizzima.

While its cultivation of the military over the years has given it an edge, the real difference is in the Chinese penetration of the socio-economic landscape. It is this factor which makes the spread of Chinese influence, mostly negative, in Myanmar, an inescapable reality, the report by Sun Lee further stated. (ANI)

Calling the situation in West Asia ‘volatile’ and worrisome’ due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Lebanese Ambassador to India Rabie Narsh said that the country calls for a ‘peaceful solution’ to the conflict, adding that ‘two-state solution’ is the only solution to the crisis.

“The situation in Lebanon is volatile. It’s tense and worrisome, of course. We are worried because we have experienced Israeli aggression. We know that Israel is a real threat. And we have experienced the harsh aggression of Israel. So yes, we are worried and the situation is very tense”, the Lebanese Ambassador told ANI during an interview here.

“But at the same time, we are doing all our efforts to keep the situation limited to what we have seen in the exchange of fires. We call for a peaceful solution to the crisis. This solution will only be the two-state solution that all the international community has been calling for”, the envoy added.

On the possibility of Hezbollah joining the ongoing conflict amidst the speculations of a two-front war, the envoy said that ‘there is a possibility of escalation’ but his government is ‘doing its best not to get involved in this conflict.’

“Given the fact that the societies in the Middle East are so interrelated that we consider ourselves the Arab race. I mean, one family or one people. So what hurts a Palestinian would hurt a Syrian, a Lebanese and every Arab. So, given this fact and the fact that the human loss is unbearable, what we have seen in Gaza is genocide, as well as ethnic cleansing from the Israeli side. So, there is a possibility of course of escalation,” said the Lebanese envoy.

“But having said that, again, our government is doing all its best not to involve Lebanon or not to drag Lebanon into this war. We are not interested in war, but obviously, Israel is interested in war. That’s why they kept provoking Hezbollah and provoking the situation by bombing homes in southern Lebanon”, added the envoy.

Talking further about Iran’s involvement in the ongoing conflict, the envoy said that according to what he has heard, ‘Iran doesn’t want to get involved’.

“I don’t speak for Iran. I mean, they speak for themselves, but what I’ve heard is that they are not involved. I mean, they don’t want to get involved. And so far, you know, the situation has been there for three weeks–more than three weeks–with no involvement from Hezbollah or Iran. It’s only one side attack, from Israel, on the Palestinian and civilian infrastructure of Palestine. Like I said, it is ethnic cleansing. It is a genocide by Israel. It’s madness and this madness has to stop,” said the Lebanese envoy.

Earlier, the head of Lebanon’s Hezbollah met with the top leaders of Palestinian terrorist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the Times of Israel reported on Wednesday.

The Israeli publication posted an image tweeted on social media X to show Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Hamas deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri, and Islamic Jihad chief Ziad al-Nakhala.

Previously, Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned that fighting against Israel might open on “other fronts” if Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza.

“Time is running out very fast,” Abdollahian said during a live televised interview with Iranian state television. “If the war crimes against the Palestinians are not immediately stopped, other multiple fronts will open and this is inevitable,” the NYT reported.

While talking further about India’s position in the conflict, the envoy stated, ‘India is a peace-loving country’ and that his country calls for more involvement and pressure from the Indian side towards the Israelis.

“India is a peace-loving country. India is a big player in the international community. They have the rising power and they have lots of responsibilities because, with this and promoting themselves, I mean, they are a peace-loving country and they do have lots of things to do with this crisis. Of course, they are in contact with the leaders in our region, but we also call for more involvement and more pressure from India on the Israeli side to stop this madness,” said the envoy.

When asked if there have been conversations between Lebanon and India, the envoy said that there ‘hasn’t been any direct or bilateral contact between Indian officials and Lebanese officials’ though they ‘are in continuous cooperation and coordination with the Indian side’.

Commending India’s peacekeeping presence in Lebanon, the envoy said that ‘India has a big role to play’.

“This is very much commendable. We always commend India. Like I said, India is a peace-loving country, and they are maybe one of the biggest contingents in Lebanon in the peacekeeping forces. We are happy to see this Indian contribution to peace and stability in Lebanon. We commend India for that and we asked them to keep up this peaceful presence in Lebanon because, like I said, India has a big role to play,” stated the envoy.

The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages.

Israel has characterised its Gaza offensive as targeting Hamas’ infrastructure with the goal of eliminating the entire terror group while making efforts to minimise civilian casualties, The Times of Israel reported.

At least 7,326 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 7. More than 1,400 people were killed in the Hamas attack on Israel. (ANI)

Marking the end of his 34-year-long association with Congress ahead of the Telangana Assembly polls, the chairman of state Congress’ minority department, Abdullah Sohail Shaik, has resigned from the party.

Talking to ANI, Shaik hit out at the Congress and its leader, Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the allocation of tickets in the party depends on one’s relationship with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or one’s wealth.

“I was in the Congress party for 34 years. With a lot of pain, I have sent my resignation to the High Command. The reason for my resignation was that the PCC president is giving tickets to two categories, either they should have a relationship with the BJP or they should be rich. Of the 100 tickets declared, 25 are in this category. As a minority chairman, I cannot campaign for someone who is related to the BJP…,” the leader said.

Taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi’s slogan ‘Mohabbat ki dukkan’, Shaik said that the Wayanad MP has given

Rahul wants to open ‘Mohabbat ki Dukan’ in India but has given Telangana’s ‘Mohabbat ki Dukaan’ keys to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) agent.

“I was in the Congress party for 34 years. With a lot of pain, I have sent my resignation to the High Command. The reason for my resignation was that the PCC president is giving tickets to two categories, either they should have a relationship with the BJP or they should be rich. Of the 100 tickets declared, 25 are in this category. As a minority chairman, I cannot campaign for someone who is related to the BJP… Rahul wants to open ‘Mohabbat ki Dukan’ in India but has given Telangana’s ‘Mohabbat ki Dukaan’ keys to RSS agent…” Abdullah Sohail Shaik said.

In an 8-page resignation letter addressed to the party’s high command, Shaik called the decision of quitting the party a ‘painful goodbye’ and blamed TPCC chief A Revanth Reddy’s leadership primarily for his reason to resign from the grand old party.

“……the entry of Revanth Reddy as the TPCC President in June 2021 completely changed everything. He turned the Congress party into a grocery shop where people with heavy wallets could walk in and purchase any post. Today, a majority of people who are holding top positions in the party, never worked on the ground. They never participated in any agitation, and never faced arrest. They entered the Gandhi Bhavan in their Mercedez, received a red carpet welcome, paid a certain amount, and purchased a top position.

He further said that unfortunately, the Congress high command, which boasts of a huge organisational network and an active vigilance mechanism, did not realize that the party headquarters Gandhi Bhavan has been turned into a shopping mall.

Shaik said he believed that only the Congress had a real secular character and ideals to work with legendary leaders like V Vengal Rao, Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy, Dr K Rosaiah, Kiran Kumar Reddy, Ponnala Laxmaiah, and N Uttam Kumar Reddy.

He said it was “unfortunate” that he had to work under the leadership of current TPCC president and former Sangh Parivar activist A Revanth Reddy for the last two and a half years.

“Out of 34 years in politics, the last two and a half years were extremely painful as I witnessed the Congress comprising [sic] its ideals just to come to power,” he said in the letter.

Notably, the state is going to the polls on November 30.

The counting of votes for the Telangana Assembly will be held along with those of four other poll-bound states on December 3. (ANI)

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said its fighter jets struck over 450 military targets of the terrorist organisation Hamas across the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours.

“In the last day, fighter jets of the Air Force attacked over 450 military targets of the terrorist organization Hamas throughout the Gaza Strip. Among the targets attacked: military headquarters, observation posts, anti-tank firing positions of the terrorist organization,” the Israeli Air Force posted from its official handle on X.

Meanwhile, the IDF said it has increased the number of troops on the ground as part of its expanded operation in the Gaza Strip.

Forces are also operating deeper in the enclave than they have since the start of the war.

An IDF officer was seriously hurt by a mortar impact while a soldier was moderately hurt during a gun battle with Hamas, the military said, as per The Times of Israel, adding that both incidents took place in the northern Gaza Strip overnight.

The IDF said the pair was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Israel has been fighting Hamas since October 7, after some 2,500 terrorists infiltrated Israel, by land, sea and air, killing over 1,400 people, a majority of them civilians in their homes and at an outdoor music festival.

Meanwhile, IDF on Sunday re-issued urgent calls for civilians in Gaza to move south as the ground forces move to the next phase of its war with the terrorist group Hamas.

“The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is expanding its operations. We are moving to the next phase of our war against Hamas in Gaza, from the air, land, and sea. On October 7, Hamas committed a crime against humanity. Israel is in a war, it did not start, and it did not sink. Hamas is attacking Israeli civilians while firing from among dozen civilians. These are both war crimes. Our fight is with Hamas. Not with the people of Gaza,” IDF Spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a video posted to the IDF’s profile on ‘X’.

“Civilians in northern Gaza and Gaza city should temporarily move south of Wadi Gaza to a safer area where they can receive water, food and medicine. Tomorrow, the humanitarian efforts to Gaza led by Egypt in the United States will be expanding,” he added.

The IDF spokesperson said Hamas was using Gazans as human shields amid the ongoing offensive. “Hamas operated inside and under civilian buildings, precisely because they know the IDF distinguishes between terrorists and civilians,” he said.

Earlier, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the second stage of the war against Hamas started with the entrance of more ground forces into Gaza on Friday night, The Times of Israel reported.

He said Israel’s goal is to “defeat the murderous enemy and to ensure our existence in our land”. (ANI)

A man has surrendered before the Kerala Police in connection with the serial blasts that took place at a prayer meeting in Kalamassery on Sunday morning, said Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar.

The alleged accused have been identified as Dominic Martin claiming that he belonged to the same group of sabha.

“One person has surrendered in Kodakra Police Station, in Thrissur Rural, claiming that he has done it. His name is Dominic Martin and he claims that he belonged to the same group of sabha. We are verifying it. We are looking into all aspects of this case…The blast took place in the central part of the hall,” Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar said on the blast at Zamra International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Kalamassery.

He further said that around 45 people were injured one person died in the incident and the condition of another five persons is serious.

“There was an explosion in the function in which around 45 people were injured one person has died. The condition of another five persons is serious. The person who died is suspected to be a lady, she died because of burn injuries the other people are also having burn injuries. All the concerned agencies including central agencies are in place and we are looking into it,” he added.

One person died and several others were injured after multiple explosions took place at a prayer meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Kalamassery area of Kochi district at around 09.00 am.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also condoled the loss of life in the incident, saying, “It’s a very, very unfortunate incident.”

Earlier, the state DGP confirmed that there were two explosions adding that 36 injured persons were undergoing treatment in various hospitals in the district and a thorough investigation into the incident is underway.

“Preliminary investigation suggests that IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) were used to trigger the blasts. We are carrying out further investigations,” Kerala DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.

In a post on X, the Kerala police said that strict action will be taken against those who spread fake news through social media promoting communal hatred.

Meanwhile, an eight-member National Security Guard (NSG) team, including an officer, is on the way to Kerala to inquire about the bomb explosion. The team is expected to reach the bomb blast site by today evening.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took stock of the situation in the state during a phone call with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Kalamassery CI Vibin Das said earlier first explosion took place around 9 am.

According to officials, more than 2,000 people were attending the prayer meeting when the blasts took place. (ANI)

As England geared up its do-or-die World Cup against the ‘Men in Blue’, British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, kitted up for a game of cricket with the students of Prerna Girls School in Lucknow on Sunday.

Ellis tried his hand at batting, even attempting a flick off his pads, during his timeout with the students on Sunday.

Sharing his experience of playing cricket on the street of Lucknow and also weighing in on the big-ticket World Cup clash between defending champions England and hosts India, who are yet to be beaten in the tournament, Ellis told ANI, “I’m very excited to be in Lucknow. It’s the most beautiful city. I am a little anxious about the game because India are playing very well and England are not playing so well. But I hope that we’re going to see a really tight game. There are some great players on both sides. It’s just a pleasure to be here in Lucknow.”

Saying that India, on current form, appeared to be the favourites to lift the title, the British High Commissioner to India said, “I think India looks the best at the moment. Australia are coming through nicely. I think they look strong as well. South Africa’s batting is superb. Probably India would be the favourite, I would think. I’m very excited for today’s match. I’ve seen England and India play many times before. It’s usually a good game, so I hope we’ll have the same today.”

While India’s victories in all its previous matches after restricting their opponents in the field and chasing targets with lots of balls to spare, England might put the hosts under pressure if the coin flips in their favour on Sunday.

The defending champions hold a 4-3 lead over the hosts in head-to-head encounters in ODI World Cups, India appear the favourites on paper and on current form.

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav.

England: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Brydon Carse, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes. (ANI)