At least eight people were killed and nine others suffered serious injuries after a powerful explosion ripped through an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad on Saturday.

Blast at illegally operated factory

The incident took place at Talent Fireworks in the Vastral area of Ahmedabad. According to officials, the factory was operating on a farm despite its licence having been cancelled.

The injured were immediately shifted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and LG Hospital in Maninagar for treatment. Their condition is being monitored by doctors.

Rescue teams rushed to the spot

Fire department officials said they received information about the explosion at around 3:30 pm.

Firefighters and personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were among the first responders to reach the site. They launched rescue and relief operations to assist those trapped and secure the affected area.

PM Modi announces ex gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office quoted him as saying that he was deeply saddened by the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He also wished a speedy recovery for those injured and said the local administration was providing all possible assistance.

The Prime Minister announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased victim, while ₹50,000 will be provided to each injured person.

Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace is set to launch Vikram-1 from Sriharikota, marking a significant milestone for India’s growing private space industry.

India is set to witness a landmark moment in its space journey as Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace prepares to launch Vikram-1, the country’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the mission as a “historic new frontier” ahead of the scheduled liftoff on Saturday.

PM Modi praises Vikram-1 mission

In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Vikram-1 mission reflects the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of India’s youth. He noted that the launch vehicle has been developed by Skyroot Aerospace to provide rapid and on-demand launch services, calling it a major step in India’s expanding space ecosystem.

Mission Aagaman set for liftoff from Sriharikota

The launch, named Mission Aagaman, is scheduled to lift off at 11:30 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The mission is expected to become a defining moment for India’s private space sector, highlighting the increasing participation of domestic startups in satellite launch services.

Rocket to carry PM’s ‘Vande Mataram’ message into space

Vikram-1 will carry a commemorative card featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message, “Vande Mataram”, into space. The rocket will also transport hundreds of commemorative cards carrying wishes and aspirations submitted by people from around the world.

Former ISRO chief extends best wishes

Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath wished the Skyroot Aerospace team success ahead of the mission. He described the launch as an important milestone for India’s fast-growing private space industry and expressed confidence in the team’s efforts.

    Delhi Police said the activist was moved for medical treatment following the Delhi High Court’s directions and expert medical advice as his health reportedly deteriorated during the prolonged fast.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday after remaining on an indefinite hunger strike for more than 20 days at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

Wangchuk has been observing the fast while demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak.

Police cite High Court order and medical advice

According to Delhi Police, the decision to move Wangchuk to a hospital was taken in compliance with the Delhi High Court’s directions and based on expert medical advice due to his worsening health condition.

In an official statement, the police said Wangchuk had been shifted for essential medical care. Authorities also appealed to protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar to vacate the protest site peacefully.

Police further stated that while implementing the High Court’s orders, some protesters allegedly attempted to obstruct the process, leading to a brief commotion. However, officials said maximum restraint was exercised during the operation.

High Court had ordered regular health monitoring

The police action came ahead of a scheduled hearing in the Delhi High Court regarding Wangchuk’s health.

Earlier this week, the court directed authorities to conduct daily medical examinations of the activist. Stressing that every citizen’s life is valuable, the High Court instructed authorities to ensure regular health monitoring and provide all necessary medical intervention to safeguard his life.

Doctors warned of serious health risks

Medical updates issued during Wangchuk’s fast had repeatedly raised concerns about his health.

Doctors who examined him on Friday reportedly described his condition as an emergency and expressed fears of possible organ failure if his condition continued to worsen. Earlier medical bulletins had also stated that the 59-year-old activist had lost more than eight kilograms during the prolonged hunger strike.

Opposition leaders express support

Over the past few days, several Opposition leaders visited Wangchuk at the protest site and appealed to him to end his fast in view of his declining health.

Among those who met him were Congress leader Pawan Khera, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, who expressed solidarity with his demands while urging him to prioritise his health.

Protest organisers plan Parliament march

The protest at Jantar Mantar was organised by the online satirical movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by founder Abhijeet Dipke. The group is seeking educational reforms and has demanded the resignation of the Union Education Minister over the alleged NEET paper leak, arguing that he should accept moral responsibility for the controversy.

The protesters have also announced a march to Parliament on July 20, the first day of the Monsoon Session, and have appealed to political parties to participate.

Meanwhile, Dharmendra Pradhan had earlier criticised the CJP and its supporters, describing them as a “B-team of disruptive elements” that, according to him, does not have faith in the country’s progress.