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.

Chennai: The intense campaign for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 will come to an end today, marking the start of the mandatory silent period ahead of voting scheduled on April 23. Over the past few weeks, the state has witnessed a high-energy political battle, with top national and regional leaders holding rallies, roadshows, and public meetings across all 234 constituencies. Prominent leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress le

N. Chandrababu Naidu marked his birthday with intense political activity, choosing to campaign in Tamil Nadu for the National Democratic Alliance instead of celebrating the occasion. The veteran leader arrived in Coimbatore, where he received a strong reception from supporters and members of the Telugu community, signaling the growing momentum of the NDA campaign ahead of the Assembly elections. Continuing his schedule, Naidu interacted with local leaders and key political figures, holding discussions on electoral strategy and regional issues. His visit reflects a broader push by the NDA to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu, with Naidu playing an active role in mobilizing support. His decision to campaign on his birthday highlights his commitment to political work and alliance responsibilities. During his address, Naidu criticized the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for opposing the delimitation bill, stating that the move could negatively impact southern states in the future. He argued that the bill was intended to address concerns arising from population-based seat allocation and warned that resistance to it could harm the region’s political representation. Naidu’s remarks came as he took a firm stance in support of the delimitation proposal, even while speaking in a region where the issue remains politically sensitive. He emphasized that such reforms are necessary to ensure balanced representation and long-term benefits for states in South India. Following his engagements in Coimbatore, Naidu is expected to continue his campaign in Chennai, where he will participate in roadshows and public meetings. His active involvement underlines the NDA’s strategy to intensify outreach efforts in the state ahead of the polls. With his continued presence on the ground and focus on key political issues, Naidu’s campaign signals a determined push by the NDA to make inroads in Tamil Nadu. His efforts are likely to play a significant role in shaping the alliance’s performance in the upcoming elections.

The Israel Defense Forces has confirmed the authenticity of widely circulated images showing one of its soldiers damaging a statue of Jesus in Southern Lebanon, triggering criticism and prompting an internal investigation. The incident, which quickly gained traction online, has drawn attention amid ongoing

In a major political development, a united Opposition on Friday, April 17, 2026, defeated the government’s Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, marking the first legislative setback for the NDA government in over a decade. Despite last-minute appeals from Prime Minister

The Fort Worth Art Fair is returning for its fifth year, bringing a multi-day celebration of visual art and live music to Sundance Square in Fort Worth. The open-air event will feature more than 100 artists alongside a lineup of musical performances, offering visitors a walkable and immersive cultural experience in the city’s downtown district. Organizers say the fair will run for four con

Former Justin Fairfax was found dead alongside his wife, Cerina Fairfax, in their Annandale, Virginia, residence early Thursday, April 16, 2026, in what authorities have described as a suspected murder-suicide. According to the Fairfax County Police Department, officers responded shortly after midnight to a 911 call placed from the couple’s home in the 8100 block of Guinevere Drive. Police

India’s nuclear strategy has consistently evolved, reflecting the country’s changing security landscape and its response to emerging global challenges. With a doctrine centered on credible minimum deterrence, India ensures that its nuclear capabilities are sufficient to deter adversaries without striving for nuclear superiority. This strategic posture maintains a delicate balance, ensuring national security while preventing the escalation of conflicts into nuclear war.

On April 15, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the US will no longer extend the sanctions waivers that allowed several countries to purchase oil from Russia and Iran. These waivers, which were initially intended to ease global oil supply disruptions, are now being revoked. Bessent emphasized that the move to not renew the general licenses on Russian and Iranian oil would lead to penalties for countries still involved in these transactions. He further warned that secondary san

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha during the ongoing special Parliament session, offering a strong assurance that the proposed delimitation process will be conducted without bias toward any region. His statement comes at a time when the issue has triggered a major political confrontation between the ruling NDA and Opposition parties, especially leaders from southern states who fea

Mark Mobius, a pioneer in global investing and a key figure in emerging markets, passed away on April 16, 2026, at the age of 89. Widely regarded for transforming investment strategies in developing economies, Mobius played a crucial role in directing billions of dollars into markets across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Over a caree

The Special Parliament Session, set to run from April 16 to 18, has kicked off with significant debates surrounding the government’s proposed amendments. One of the most anticipated legislative pieces is the operationalization of the Women’s Reservation Act, which aims to ensure 33% representation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies by 2029. Alongside this, a Constitution amendment bill will be presented on the first day of the session, marking the beginning of what promi

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

TIME magazine released its 2026 list of the 100 most influential people in the world on Wednesday, highlighting individuals whose work has shaped global conversations across technology, entertainment, and culture. The annual TIME100 list recognizes leaders, innovators, and artists for their far-reaching impact, with Indian figures again earning international recognition. Among those featured is Sun

Bihar is witnessing a significant political shift as Samrat Choudhary prepares to take the oath of office as the state's 24th chief minister. This move marks a historic moment, with Samrat Choudhary becoming the first BJP leader to hold the chief minister's post in Bihar. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday at 10:50 AM, where Governor Syed Ata Hasnain will administer the oath. The event will be attended by key NDA leaders, including BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Union minister J.P. Nadda, and Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi. The political transition follows the resignation of JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, who stepped down as CM on Tuesday after being sworn in as a Rajya Sabha member. The NDA legislators unanimously elected Samrat Choudhary as their leader in a meeting, signaling the new government's formation. After meeting with the Governor, Choudhary staked his claim to form the government. The induction of only three leaders initially hints at a "small cabinet," with future expansions expected next month. As of now, 33 ministerial posts will remain vacant following the ceremony. The political shift also includes the induction of two deputy chief ministers from JD(U): Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav. This move signifies the continuing cooperation between BJP and JD(U), even as Nitish Kumar exits the stage after serving as Bihar’s longest-serving CM. His departure marks the end of an era, as he had been in office for 10 terms since 2005. Samrat Choudhary's ascent to the top position within the NDA is viewed as a result of his steady political career, having originally started with RJD before joining the BJP in 2017. His election as CM is seen as a strategic choice after Nitish Kumar's exit and reflects the changing dynamics within Bihar’s political landscape. This transition also came with emotional farewells, as Nitish Kumar paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his final day as CM and assured full cooperation to the incoming government. In contrast, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav mocked Choudhary, labeling him a “product of Lalu ji’s school” and questioning the legitimacy of the NDA's mandate, considering it contested elections under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. However, BJP leaders and workers expressed their enthusiasm, calling this a monumental moment for the party in Bihar's political scene. As Bihar’s political future unfolds, Samrat Choudhary's leadership and the ongoing NDA alliance will play a pivotal role in the state’s development and governance in the coming years.

Today marks a major political shift in Bihar as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar prepares to step down, ending his historic tenure as the state’s longest-serving leader. This move opens the door for the BJP to take control of the state for the first time with its own Chief Minister, signaling a significant change in the political landscape. Schedule of Nitish Kumar’s Final Day as CM 10:30 am: Nitish Kumar will pay tribute at the statue of Dr

A rare sighting of a “cloud jaguar” in Honduras is offering renewed hope for wildlife conservation after the elusive big cat was photographed at high altitude for the first time in a decade. The lone male jaguar was captured on camera traps on Thursday, February 6, at approximately 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) in the

The ISDE India Edition 2026, a two-day international conference on esophageal cancer, was inaugurated on April 10, 2026, by Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna, Chairman & Managing Trustee of NBTRMCF, at The Westin Hyderabad, Madhapur. This is the first time the conference is being held in India, emphasizing the country’s growing role in esophageal cancer research and clinical expertise. The conference, in association with the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the early implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, urging political parties to work together to ensure it is in place before the 2029 general elections. In a letter dated April 11 to leaders of all political parties in both Houses of Parliament, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to implement the law, officially known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, in its true spirit. A special three-day session of Parliam

The Dallas Zoo has announced the birth of two Sumatran tiger cubs and is inviting the public to help name one of them through a donation-based voting initiative. The cubs, a male and a female, were born on Saturday, February 22, 2026, to mother Sukacita, also known as Suki, and father Kuasa. At birth, each cub weighed approximately 2.5 pounds. Zoo officials described the arrival as a significant milestone, particularly given the fragile status of the species. The Sumatran tiger, nat