Telangana Chemical Factory Blast: Death Toll at 35, PM Announces Ex-Gratia
The explosion at Sigachi Industries Ltd in Telangana’s Sangareddy district has left 35 dead and over 20 injured. The blast occurred during the production of citric acid and spread quickly due to flammable chemicals stored on-site. A probe into the factory’s safety standards is underway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Historic IAF Airstrip in Punjab Illegally Sold, FIR Filed After 28 Years
A major land scam has surfaced in Punjab’s Ferozepur district, where a historic Indian Air Force airstrip used during World War II and in the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars, was fraudulently sold in 1997 using forged documents. The 15-acre Advance Landing Ground, located in Fattuwala village near the international border, had been under IAF control but was illegally transferred to private parties.
The issue came to light after a civil suit was filed in 2008 by individuals claiming ownership of the land. A retired revenue officer later raised the matter in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which sharply criticized local authorities for their inaction and ordered the Punjab Vigilance Bureau to investigate.
Following the probe, an FIR has been lodged against Usha Ansal and her son Naveen Chand, accused of orchestrating the fraudulent sale. The High Court stressed the national security implications of losing strategic defence land and directed that the matter be treated with urgency. The land has since been restored to the Ministry of Defence.
U.S. Speeds Up Citizenship Revocation for Some Immigrants
The U.S. government has announced that it will now speed up the process of revoking citizenship for some naturalized Americans. The Department of Justice has asked federal prosecutors to prioritize cases where individuals lied or hid serious crimes during their citizenship process.
This move is part of a broader immigration enforcement effort and mainly targets people involved in fraud, war crimes, or other serious offenses. These revocation cases are handled in civil court, where it is easier for the government to prove wrongdoing, and those accused are not entitled to free legal help.
Critics argue that this may create uncertainty for naturalized citizens and their families, including children. Supporters, however, say it is necessary to protect national security and uphold the integrity of the citizenship process.
More than 2,000 cases are currently under review, with several high-profile cases already leading to denaturalization.
Jaishankar at UN: No Mercy for Terrorism, No to Nuclear Blackmail
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a strong message at the UN’s anti-terrorism event in New York. He called for strict global action against terrorism and said that no terrorist should go unpunished, no matter who supports them.
He also said that the world should not give in to threats of nuclear blackmail, clearly pointing at countries using nuclear power to shield or support terrorist activities. Without naming anyone, Jaishankar criticized state-sponsored terrorism, stressing that some governments actively fund or protect terrorist groups.
He urged the global community to act together and expose such nations, making it clear that protecting national interests should not mean promoting violence elsewhere. He also mentioned that terrorism is still one of the biggest threats to peace and that the world must unite to fight it.
India’s firm stand was welcomed by many countries during the session.
