ILLEGAL FIRECRACKER UNIT
Bengal warns of strict action for firecracker norms violations, urges people to exercise restraint
The West Bengal government is initiating strict measures against firecracker violations during Kali Puja and Diwali. Authorities emphasize the importance of self-awareness and adherence to pollution-control guidelines this festive season. Residents are urged to respect silence zones near sensitive locations like hospitals and old-age homes. Vigilance will be heightened for illegal firecracker sales and safety inspections at firecracker markets.
Nine killed, six injured in blast at illegal firecracker factory in Ahmedabad
Nine people died and six were injured after a powerful explosion at an illegal firecracker factory. The blast occurred Saturday afternoon in Gujarat's Ahmedabad city, triggering a significant fire. Injured individuals were promptly shifted to local hospitals for urgent medical treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced financial assistance for victims' families. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also offered condolences and financial aid to affected individuals.
Cracker of a battle: Vijay wants Sivakasi to take on China and become a global fireworks powerhouse. Here's what it'll take
Tamil Nadu's government aims to transform Sivakasi, India's firecracker hub, into a global competitor against China. The focus is now on innovation, safety and sustainability to boost the industry, which faces challenges like chemical bans and worker safety concerns.
Trapped: From Lucknow to Delhi and Jaipur, the deadly pattern behind India's summer blazes
A wave of deadly fires across India in recent months has exposed critical safety lapses and lax enforcement of regulations. From coaching centres and hotels to factories and even residential buildings, tragedies have claimed nearly 50 lives. These incidents highlight how rapid urban growth is outpacing essential safety compliance, leaving citizens vulnerable in structures they believed were secure.
3 killed, several injured as explosion erupts at firecracker factory in Madhya Pradesh
A devastating explosion rocked an alleged illegal firecracker factory in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh on Thursday. The incident claimed three lives and left fifteen people injured. Relief and rescue operations are underway at the Tonk Kalan site. Authorities have reached the location to assess the situation. Injured individuals have been transported to hospitals for medical attention.
Kerala Polls: Explosives seized in CM Vijayan's constituency
Police found explosive materials including country-made bombs and gunpowder in Dharmadam. This constituency is represented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The seizure occurred a day before vote counting for the Kerala assembly elections. Officials acted on a tip about illegal firecracker manufacturing. A case has been registered against a local resident. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijayan updated his social media bio.
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Delhi records worst post-Diwali air quality in 4 years; govt blames stubble burning in Punjab
Following the Diwali festivities, Delhi experienced its most severe air quality drop in four years, recording shockingly high PM2.5 levels. The blame game has escalated between political factions, with the BJP pointing fingers at stubble burning in Punjab, while the AAP criticizes the capital's pollution mitigation strategies.

Mob attacks police cars amid Philadelphia street races, Elon Musk jokes 'looks like a scene from Joker'
On Saturday night, Philadelphia police faced violent confrontations as they attempted to disperse illegal car meetups involving over 200 vehicles. The events, which took place across multiple locations, saw participants block intersections, use flamethrowers, and vandalize police vehicles. Despite efforts to control the gatherings, officers faced challenges due to the quick movement of participants. The disorder attracted political attention, with the House Judiciary GOP and Elon Musk commenting on the situation.

Madhya Pradesh factory blast: Shockwaves shatter windows across 15 km, many dead, dozens injured
A major blast at an illegal firecracker factory in Harda district of Madhya Pradesh has left dozens of people feared trapped. The incident has resulted in the death of at least 4 out of the 25 individuals who have been sent to the hospital so far. Rescue operations are currently underway.

West Bengal: Toll in illegal firecracker factory blast rises to 9, one arrested
The impact of the blast was such that not only did the house where the factory was operating turn into a heap of rubble, but some neighbouring concrete houses were also damaged.

Mamata Banerjee apologises to people for blast in illegal firecracker factory in Egra
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday apologised to the people of Egra area in Purba Medinipur district of the state for the blast at an illegal firecracker factory in which 12 people were killed and many injured. The Trinamool Congress supremo, who reached Khadikul village 11 days after the blast, further stated that the incident could have been averted if the intelligence had worked properly.

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee promises free and fair Panchayat polls
Ahead of the Panchayat polls, several incidents of violence has marred West Bengal in the last few weeks

Another blast in Bengal, third in seven days
The two back-to-back blasts followed a huge explosion that claimed 12 lives in another illegal firecracker factory in Purba Medinipur district on May 16. In order to make sure that such illegal factories do not exist any more, the state Cabinet decided to set up clusters for manufacturing green firecrackers industry and formed a committee headed by Chief Secretary HK Dwivedi to look into the matter, a senior minister said here.

Nine killed in huge explosion at illegal firecracker factory in West Bengal
A blast at an illegal firecracker factory in Khadikul village in East Midnapore's Egra has killed at least nine people and injured two others. A CID probe has already been ordered, but the West Bengal government has no objection to also having an NIA probe. The illegal factory, located in a house owned by Bhanu Bag, has been completely destroyed. Repeated blasts in the past have made locals unhappy, and they beat up police officials.

Diwali bust: 13,700 kg crackers seized, 75 cases registered in Delhi this October, data shows
The police seized 13,767.719 kg firecrackers for storage or sale and registered 75 cases in this connection. It has also registered six cases related to bursting of firecrackers and seized 3.608 kg crackers.

Delhi: Police seizes 4,000 kg firecrackers, 26 arrested before Diwali
The licensing unit of the Delhi Police stated that no new licences would be issued for sale of crackers and even licences of permanent shops would be cancelled in case they violated the norms after the ban was imposed on the sale and bursting of firecrackers till January 1, 2022 to combat pollution.

Workers, the axis of Sivakasi's fireworks industry, toil and sweat to fight odds
As the sun sets, workers of firework units mill around the solitary liquor shop downing their choice beverage and laughing away their travails, which is also a pointer to alcohol dependence among a chunk of them.

Pollution board to abide by govt's COVID advisory, 90-db noise cap for Diwali in place: Official
The West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) said on Sunday that the existing noise cap of 90 decibel on crackers will be in place during this Diwali, and all COVID-19 advisories by the state and the Centre would be strictly followed to avoid the spread of the viral disease.

Gas filled balloons explode during PM Modi's birthday fete in Tamil Nadu
The incident occurred when BJP members, all set to release the balloons, burst firecrackers while garlanding a farmers wing state level office-bearer, Muthuraman at Padi on Friday.

Green crackers' market sees red due to low supply, lack of varieties
It has been a year since conventional crackers were banned. So to satisfy the demand for crackers, manufacturing licences were given to firework makers to make eco-friendly firecrackers which has limited options and it doesn't seem to be doing well in markets.

Govt says it has open mind on considering demand of lawyers
Around 1.5 million lawyers across the country are on a strike Tuesday demanding among other things insurance cover and housing.

To ban or not to ban: Metros react to prohibition on crackers
Mumbaikars also welcomed the ban, with some activists suggesting a calibrated approach towards Diwali celebrations in the metropolis that has a diverse population.

To ban or not to ban: Metros react to prohibition on crackers
Every year Maharashtra Pollution Control Board carries out a test of firecrackers at an open ground in the presence of environment activists and record the sound.

Government sounds 'alert' on illegal import of crackers
The Central Board of Excise and Customs' (CBEC) recent order to chiefs of customs zones across the country comes ahead of Diwali on October 19.

Delhi smog: Govt bans crackers, only allowed during religious functions
The LG has also issued directions for strict action against polluting industries running in Delhi, particularly in non-conforming areas

Demand for ban on fireworks display: Government calls all-party meet
The Kerala government today called an All-Party Meeting on April 14 to discuss whether or not to ban fireworks display during festivities in places of worship.

'Anti-crackers campaign at schools leads to 25% dip in sales'
Anti-crackers campaign launched by school authorities across metros and other large cities has led to a fall of 20 to 25 per cent in its sales this Diwali, according to an Assocham survey.

Sivakasi fire accident: India's cracker town lax in adopting safety measures
A visit to India's cracker town Sivakasi could tell you how it's been lax in adopting safety-related measures.
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