A powerful explosion at a fireworks factory in China’s Hunan province on Monday (May 4) has tragically killed at least 21 people and injured 61 others, according to state media reports. The explosion occurred at the Changsha Liuyang Huasheng Fireworks plant in the city of Liuyang, a major hub for the country’s fireworks industry. Videos circulating online showed thick grey smoke rising high into the sky, with the intensity of the blast visibly shaking nearby structures. Chinese

Raghu Rai’s photography stands as a timeless tribute to Bengal’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage, capturing a remarkable spectrum of personalities and moments that shaped the region’s identity. Widely regarded as one of India’s most influential photographers, Raghu Rai used his lens to document not just events, but the deeper emotions and stories behind them. His iconic black and white portraits of legends such as Satyajit Ray and Mother Teresa remain some of the most powerful visual records of their lives and work. Through subtle expressions, light, and composition, Rai was able to reveal the humanity, depth, and quiet strength of his subjects, turning simple photographs into lasting narratives. Kolkata, often considered the cultural capital of India, played a central role in Rai’s photographic journey. The city’s streets, intellectual circles, and artistic traditions frequently appeared in his work, giving audiences a glimpse into its vibrant soul. His images went beyond famous figures to include everyday life, traditions, and social realities, creating a layered and authentic portrayal of Bengal. Over the years, his work has not only preserved history but also inspired generations of photographers and art lovers. As tributes continue to pour in, his legacy endures through images that still speak with emotional clarity and cultural significance, ensuring that the spirit of Bengal’s icons and people lives on through his extraordinary vision.

A tragic explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode, located in Kerala, has claimed the lives of at least 13 people and left around 40 others injured, several of them in critical condition. The incident occurred just days before the grand celebrations of Thrissur Pooram, one of the most prominent temple festivals in the state, where elaborate fireworks displays are a major highlight. According to initial reports, the blast took place while workers were preparing fireworks for the upcoming festival. The explosion triggered a massive fire that quickly engulfed the unit, causing widespread destruction and panic in the surrounding area. Eyewitnesses described multiple blasts occurring in quick succession, indicating the presence of highly volatile materials stored inside the facility. Authorities rushed to the spot immediately after receiving alerts, with fire and rescue teams working tirelessly to control the flames and search for survivors. Due to the intensity of the explosion and the extent of the damage, drones were deployed to assess the situation from above and help locate victims trapped under debris. Emergency services shifted the injured to nearby hospitals, where doctors confirmed that several victims remain in critical condition. The incident has raised serious concerns about safety standards in fireworks manufacturing units, especially during peak festival seasons when production is at its highest. Officials have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to check whether safety regulations were violated. Preliminary findings suggest that improper storage or handling of explosive materials may have contributed to the tragedy. Local authorities have also initiated a review of all licensed fireworks units in the region to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, families of the victims are grappling with immense grief as the state mourns the loss of lives in what is being described as one of the deadliest industrial accidents in recent times.

A skydiver participating in a pre-game demonstration at Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium became entangled in a large electronic scoreboard just before the start of a spring football game on April 18, 2026. The event, part of a planned aerial display involving parachuters carrying American flags, took an unexpected turn when one of the skydivers drifted off course during descent. Multiple skydivers entered the stadium ahead of kickoff, with at least one landing safely on the field. However, another diver was pushed off the intended landing path and collided with the scoreboard structure. The parachute became caught in the framework, leaving the individual suspended above the playing surface. Eyewitness footage showed the skydiver trapped between sections of the scoreboard signage, unable to free themselves. Initial reports indicate that changing wind conditions played a key role in the incident. Stadium environments are known to produce unpredictable air currents, and large structures such as scoreboards can intensify turbulence. These factors can significantly impact precision landings during aerial demonstrations, particularly at lower altitudes where maneuverability is limited. The skydiver remained suspended for several minutes as emergency crews prepared a rescue operation. During this time, the individual released equipment, including a flag, into the stands. Fire and rescue teams deployed aerial ladders and other equipment to reach the stranded diver, executing a controlled extraction without further incident. Authorities confirmed that the skydiver was conscious and did not sustain injuries. The game was delayed by approximately one hour while the situation was managed and cleared. Officials have not released the identity of the individual involved. The incident underscores the challenges associated with stadium skydiving events, where precision and environmental conditions must align closely. Even minor deviations can lead to significant safety risks, highlighting the need for careful planning and risk assessment in such demonstrations.

An 18-foot bronze sculpture now stands outside the newly opened V&A East museum in East London, presenting a striking contrast to the traditional statues that line the entrance of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s main site. The work, titled “A Place Beyond,” was created by British artist Thomas J Price and depicts an anonymous young Black woman in a casual, contemporary pose. The figure, dressed in a T-shirt tucked into jeans and wearing Nike Air Rift sneakers, holds a phone

MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has intensified his protests against the Centre’s proposed delimitation move, burning a copy of the bill and hoisting a black flag. This move is part of a broader statewide agitation initiated by Stalin, who has termed the proposed delimitation as a direct attack on Tamil rights and federalism. In a symbolic gesture of defiance, Stalin called the bill a "black law" and urged widespread resistance across Tamil Nadu. The protest was spark

At least 10 workers were killed and more than 30 others injured following a major explosion at a Vedanta power plant in India’s Chhattisgarh state, marking one of the region’s most serious industrial accidents in recent years. The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 PM IST on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in the Sakti district while workers were on their lunch break, triggering panic and a large-scale emergency response. Officials confirmed that 33 workers sustained injuries, with

A nuclear weapon explosion unleashes an overwhelming amount of energy through either nuclear fission or fusion, resulting in devastating consequences that can persist for decades. Upon detonation, a rapid chain reaction occurs, converting a tiny amount of mass into an enormous amount of energy, based on Einstein’s Mass–energy equivalence principle. This energy is released in multiple destructive layers, each contributing to the profound impact on the environment and living organisms

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday(Apr-2nd-2026) that he has removed Pam Bondi from her position as attorney general, naming Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as acting head of the Justice Department. In a statement, Trump said Bondi would transition to a role in the private sector, praising her service but offering no detailed explanation for the decision. The move follows reports of growing internal frustration with Bondi’s leadership, including disagreements over high-profile investigations and enforcement priorities. Sources familiar with the situation indicated that Trump had recently discussed replacing her and held a direct conversation about her future earlier in the week. Bondi, who had served as attorney general for about a year, faced scrutiny over several issues, including handling sensitive investigations and political pressures tied to ongoing cases. Despite some legal actions initiated during her tenure, challenges in court and internal disagreements appeared to strain confidence in her leadership. Todd Blanche, a former defense attorney for Trump, will now oversee the Justice Department on an interim basis as discussions continue over a permanent replacement. Potential successors are reportedly under consideration as the administration signals a broader shift in its legal and political strategy.  

As India faces a severe liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortage due to the disruption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which affects nearly 60% of the country’s LPG imports, Argentina has stepped in to provide vital support. The South American country, previously not a key supplier to India, has rapidly become a crucial energy partner, delivering over 50,000 tonnes of LPG in the first quarter of 2026 alone—more than double the amount it shipped in all of 2025. Th

In a groundbreaking transaction that highlights the soaring valuation of Indian cricket, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), reigning IPL champions, have been sold to a consortium led by Aditya Birla Group (ABG) for a record Rs 16,660 crore (USD 1.78 billion). This historic deal is the most expensive franchise acquisition in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The consortium, which is spearheaded by ABG’s Kumar Mangalam Birla, also includes The Times of India Group

A massive explosion at the Valero Port Arthur refinery in Texas on Monday (March 23) has triggered an emergency response and raised fresh concerns over fuel supply stability in the United States. The incident sent flames and thick black smoke into the sky, prompting authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents. Local emergency officials urged people in surrounding areas to remain indoors as a precaution, citing potential risks from hazardous smoke. The refinery

A loud explosion was reported over Jerusalem early Tuesday following two rounds of missile launches from Iran, heightening tensions in the already volatile Middle East region. Israeli authorities confirmed that air raid alerts were triggered across several areas, prompting residents to take shelter as defense systems responded to the incoming threats. According to the Israeli military, the missile launches occurred within a short interval, with the second wave followed by an audible

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has asserted that the country has delivered a significant strategic setback to its adversaries amid the ongoing conflict involving Israel and the United States. In a written message released on Friday to mark the Persian New Year, Khamenei emphasized that national unity and resilience among Iranians had played a decisive role in shifting the balance in the confrontation. The statement comes at a time when the conflict has entered its fourth week, casting a shadow over Nowruz celebrations across the country. Despite the subdued atmosphere, Khamenei highlighted what he described as unprecedented solidarity among citizens from diverse religious, cultural, and political backgrounds. He stated that this unity had left Iran’s opponents disoriented, leading them to issue what he characterized as inconsistent and contradictory statements. Tensions escalated further following a blast in Jerusalem’s Old City, which created a crater near several significant religious landmarks, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Israeli authorities accused Tehran of being linked to what they described as an attack on sacred sites, intensifying already strained relations in the region. Khamenei rejected these allegations, firmly denying any involvement by Iran or its regional allies in reported incidents in Oman and Turkey during the conflict. He attributed such claims to what he called deliberate misinformation by Israel, referring to it as a “Zionist enemy” engaged in deceptive tactics. The current situation marks a period of heightened geopolitical tension, with both rhetoric and military developments continuing to evolve. Adding to the symbolic shift within Iran, large banners marking Nowruz have replaced images of former leader Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed at the outset of the conflict on February 28. As the crisis unfolds, Iran’s leadership continues to project confidence and defiance, framing the ongoing developments as a demonstration of national strength and unity in the face of external pressure.

Multiple explosions were reported across parts of Kabul late Monday night, heightening concerns over escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Residents in several neighborhoods, particularly in the western parts of the Afghan capital, said powerful blasts were followed by the sound of aircraft flying at low altitude over the city. Witnesses described a tense atmosphere as security forces and emergency responders rushed to the affected areas to assess the situation. Sources indic

Farooq Abdullah, the 88-year-old President of Jammu and Kashmir’s National

Iran launched a large-scale counter-attack targeting United States military bases across the Middle East, with several strikes also reported in the United Arab Emirates, triggering panic in major cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Explosions were heard in multiple locations on Saturday, prompting emergency responses and heightened security across the Gulf region. Authorities confirmed that precautionary evacuations were carried out in several high-profile locations, including the Burj Khalifa

Selena Gomez has seemingly addressed the social media backlash following her husband Benny Blanco’s viral “dirty feet” moment. The incident, which unfolded during the premiere episode of the new podcast Friends Keep Secrets, led to heated discussions online, especially regarding Blanco’s grooming and public image. In what many fans interpreted as a direct response, Gomez shared a heartfelt video on Instagram, featuring the couple in an intimate moment, with the caption, “I

A suicide bomber targeted a police checkpost in Pakistan’s Bhakkar district on Tuesday evening, killing four policemen and injuring several others in an attack that has heightened security concerns in the region. The explosion occurred around 7 pm near a bridge connecting Dera Ismail Khan with Punjab, according to local police officials. Initial reports had indicated that two police personnel were killed and four injured, but officials later confirmed that the death toll had risen

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are gearing up for one of the most talked-about weddings of the year. As they prepare for their big day on February 26, the spotlight is once again on their combined wealth, which is estimated to exceed Rs 130 crore. This power couple from Tollywood has made a mark not only in cinema but also in business and luxury living. Rashmika, often referred to as the "National Crush," boasts a net worth of approximately Rs 66 crore. Her wealth is bolste