A major fire broke out on Monday at the Refinery-cum-Petrochemical Complex located in Pachpadra in Rajasthan’s Balotra district. Soon after the incident, thick plumes of black smoke were seen rising from the industrial complex, creating alarm in the surrounding area. Firefighting vehicles were immediately rushed to the site, and emergency response teams began operations to control the blaze. As of now, efforts to douse the fire are still underway, and officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the incident. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and further updates are expected as the operation progresses.

In a separate incident earlier, another significant fire erupted at a garbage dumping yard in the Mandholi drains area of the city. The fire quickly spread across the site, causing panic among nearby residents. Valuable composting machinery worth several lakhs of rupees was destroyed in the blaze. Locals, upon noticing dense smoke and flames, promptly informed the fire brigade. Fire tenders reached the location without delay, and firefighters made strenuous efforts to bring the situation under control.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that strong winds played a major role in accelerating the spread of the fire, which quickly engulfed multiple machines stationed at the yard. Out of three composting units used for processing waste into manure, two were completely gutted, while the remaining one sustained heavy damage. The incident has led to substantial financial losses, though exact estimates are still being assessed. Thick smoke from the fire spread across the area, affecting visibility and causing inconvenience to residents nearby. According to fire brigade driver Sumer Singh, timely action by the team helped contain the fire before it could escalate into a larger disaster.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

A major liquor smuggling racket involving supplies meant for Army canteens has been busted in Assam’s Misamari area, with authorities seizing around 150 cases of liquor, officials said on Saturday. According to officials, the seizure was carried out on April 17 near Misamari railway station during a joint operation conducted by Assam Police, the Tezpur-based Gajraj Intelligence Unit, and local Army authorities.

The consignment was originally meant for distribution through Canteen Stores Department (CSD) outlets that cater exclusively to Army personnel. However, it was allegedly being illegally diverted into unauthorised markets and private channels. Officials stated that acting on specific intelligence inputs, the joint team intercepted the truck carrying the consignment while it was being moved out of the depot premises. The timely action prevented the suspected illegal diversion of restricted goods.

Authorities further noted that the operation has exposed a well-organised smuggling attempt involving sensitive military supply chains. They emphasized that such coordinated efforts between multiple agencies are crucial in ensuring transparency and preventing misuse of defence-related logistics.

The recovery of around 150 cases of liquor has raised concerns about internal loopholes and possible involvement of organized networks in diverting CSD supplies. Investigators are now examining how the consignment was rerouted and whether more individuals are involved in the racket.

An FIR has been registered at Misamari Police Station in connection with the case. Police have initiated a detailed investigation to trace the entire network behind the smuggling operation, including suppliers, transport handlers, and possible beneficiaries. Officials added that further inquiry is underway, and more arrests or disclosures may follow as the investigation progresses. The authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to tightening surveillance over military supply channels to prevent such incidents in the future.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

A relative of one of the accused in a case involving alleged sexual harassment and forced religious conversion at a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) BPO unit in Nashik, Maharashtra, has described the matter as a “conspiracy.” Raza Rafiq Memon, 35, is among seven TCS employees from the Nashik BPO unit who have been arrested. His uncle, Razak Kazi, told reporters on Thursday that the families are distressed and claimed the entire episode is part of a planned conspiracy. He also alleged involvement of the Hindu organisation Bajrang Dal and said the victim’s family played a role in bringing them in. According to him, a person was initially released after questioning but was later re-arrested, and he claimed the events appeared “scripted.”

In a separate statement, the father of another accused, Tausif Attar, rejected the allegations and called the case false. He emphasized that both he and his son are educated, noting that his son holds a Bachelor of Computer Applications degree. He further claimed that the accused have been wrongly implicated in a pre-planned manner and that all accusations are baseless.

The case involves multiple complaints filed by eight female TCS employees who allege mental and sexual harassment by senior colleagues, along with claims that the HR department failed to act on their grievances. Police have also included a complaint from a male employee alleging attempted religious conversion at the workplace.

Seven male employees—Danish Sheikh, Tausif Attar, Raza Rafiq Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Shafi Sheikh, Asif Aftab Ansari, and Shahrukh Sheikh—have been arrested and suspended. A woman employee, Nida Khan, remains absconding. Authorities say the accused were allegedly part of a coordinated group operating within the office.

TCS has stated that it maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward harassment and has suspended the employees involved while an internal investigation is underway. Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran described the allegations as deeply concerning and confirmed that a detailed probe is being conducted under Chief Operating Officer Arathi Subramanian. The National Commission for Women has also formed a fact-finding committee to investigate the matter.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.

India and Austria on Thursday announced 15 key outcomes during Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker’s four-day official visit to India. The discussions, held with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, focused on strengthening cooperation in defence, technology, trade, innovation and skill development, with a special emphasis on creating a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.

This marks the first visit by an Austrian Chancellor to India in 40 years. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both countries agreed to expand collaboration across strategic sectors and reaffirmed their shared commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border threats. A major outcome of the talks was a Letter of Intent to establish a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism to boost coordination against global terror challenges. In the defence sector, another Letter of Intent aims to deepen cooperation through joint industrial projects, policy exchanges, training, and capacity-building initiatives.

The two sides also signed an Agreement on Audiovisual Co-production to promote collaboration between their film industries and encourage cultural exchange through joint projects. To improve economic engagement, they introduced a Fast Track Mechanism to support Indian and Austrian businesses by addressing investor concerns and improving ease of doing business.

In the field of food safety, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between AGES Austria and India’s FSSAI to enhance cooperation in regulatory practices, standards and scientific exchange. A separate agreement on vocational education and skills development will promote apprenticeships, knowledge sharing, and mutual recognition of qualifications. Additional initiatives include renewed cooperation in road infrastructure, expansion of the India-Austria Startup Bridge, and the launch of an Institutional Cybersecurity Dialogue. Both countries also agreed to work together in emerging technologies such as quantum computing, machine learning, advanced materials, and wastewater management.

Further plans include a bilateral space industry seminar in Vienna in 2026, a Working Holiday Programme, and a structured dialogue on higher education cooperation. After the meeting, Prime Minister Modi described the discussions as highly productive in a post on X, noting that Austria’s Chancellor chose India as his first destination outside Europe after taking office and highlighting the significance of the long gap since the last Austrian Chancellor visit. He also emphasized strong potential for collaboration in defence, semiconductors, startups, and future technologies.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the leaders reviewed the entire scope of bilateral relations, including trade, investment, innovation, green technologies, education, and people-to-people ties, along with global and regional issues. The visit is seen as timely, especially in light of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to open new avenues for trade, manufacturing, investment, and employment. The 15 outcomes signal a stronger, innovation-focused partnership between India and Austria moving forward.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@narendramodi.

In “Made in SG,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews author K. C. Vijayan about his biography The Benjamin Sheares Story: From Pioneering Gynaecologist to Singapore President. The book offers a vivid and humanising account of Benjamin Sheares, Singapore’s second President and a prominent figure in the Eurasian community, tracing his journey from working in busy maternity wards during the baby boom era to serving as President of Singapore from 1971 to 1981 at the Istana.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

A new AI system developed by NTU can forecast the rate at which food spoils, enabling supermarkets to reduce waste, enhance safety, and manage inventory more efficiently. The technology works by predicting bacterial growth in food. Could this signal the future of food retail? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss with Natalie Ong, CNA journalist, and Professor William Chen, Executive Director of FRESH@NTU, to explore the possibilities.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

This week, as the repercussions of the US-Israel conflict with Iran continue, Australians are feeling the pinch from a worsening fuel crisis. At the same time, the Liberal Party faces a critical moment as voters increasingly shift toward One Nation. In this edition of the Guardian’s Australian Politics podcast, political editor Tom McIlroy talks with Andrew Hastie, shadow minister for industry and sovereign capability, about Australia’s approach to the global fuel shock, the need for reindustrialisation, and his perspective on how the Liberal Party should respond to the rise of One Nation.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

In spring 2003, the initial euphoria over Saddam Hussein’s fall quickly turned into deadly chaos across Iraq. Guardian reporters, whether working independently or embedded with military units, witnessed the violence and disorder firsthand, documenting the rapid shift from jubilation to conflict, looting, and unrest that marked the early days following the invasion and the collapse of Saddam’s regime.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.