At least five people are feared dead following a massive explosion at an ordnance factory in Bhandara, Maharashtra, this morning. The blast, which occurred at around 10:30 am, was of such intensity that it was heard from a distance of 5 kilometers. The incident took place at the ordnance factory located near Nagpur, in the Bhandara district of Maharashtra.

According to District Collector Sanjay Kolte, the explosion led to the collapse of a roof, trapping several people beneath the debris. Initial reports suggest that at least 12 individuals were caught under the rubble, though two have been successfully rescued. Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate and save survivors, with heavy machinery being brought in to assist with the removal of debris.

Rescue teams, along with medical staff, are actively engaged in the operation, while firefighters work to contain the aftermath of the explosion. A thick cloud of smoke was visible rising from the factory, as captured in a video filmed from a distance. The blast has caused widespread panic, but the full scale of the damage is yet to be determined.

Officials have confirmed that emergency response teams have been deployed at the scene, with hopes of finding more survivors. As the investigation into the cause of the explosion unfolds, authorities are working to ensure the safety of those in the vicinity.

This tragedy adds to the growing concerns about safety in industrial areas, with questions likely to arise about the maintenance and safety protocols in place at ordnance factories across the region. Further updates on the situation are awaited as recovery operations continue.

The Congress party launched its campaign anthem, “Har Jarurat Hogi Puri, Dilli Mein Congress Hai Jaruri” (“Every Need Will Be Fulfilled, Congress is Essential in Delhi”), on Thursday, marking a significant step in its strategy for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

The 2-minute 48-second song serves as a potent weapon in the party’s arsenal, aiming to capture the attention of Delhi’s electorate and sway their votes in its favour.

The anthem’s lyrics directly confront the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), highlighting the prevalent disillusionment among Delhi’s residents regarding the current governance.

It boldly addresses critical local issues, painting a vivid picture of the city’s shortcomings under AAP’s rule. The polluted Yamuna River and the subpar quality of drinking water serve as central themes, with the powerful line “Yamuna Saaf Nahi, Pani Na Saaf Hai” (The Yamuna is not clean, the water is not clean) encapsulating the public’s growing discontent.

Beyond highlighting the existing problems, the Congress anthem meticulously outlines its own vision for Delhi, presenting a compelling alternative to the incumbent AAP government. The party pledges free electricity for households consuming up to 300 units, a promise designed to resonate with the city’s residents struggling with rising energy costs.

The ambitious “Pyari Didi Yojana,” promising a monthly allowance of Rs 2,500 to women from low-income families, aims to further strengthen the Congress’ appeal among the electorate.

Addressing the widespread concern about women’s safety in the city, the anthem criticizes the AAP government’s perceived lack of focus on this crucial issue, arguing that despite promises, women continue to feel unsafe. This pointed critique underscores the Congress’ commitment to addressing this critical aspect of governance, distinguishing its approach from its rivals.

The release of the anthem is strategically timed, closely following the BJP’s launch of its campaign song, “Jo Ram Ko Lekar Aaye Unka Raj Hoga Dilli Mein” (“Those who carry Ram will rule Delhi”). The timing underscores the intensity of the upcoming electoral battle, with both the Congress and BJP vying for the support of Delhi’s voters.

Congress leaders, including Delhi Chief Devendra Yadav and national spokesperson Pawan Khera, expressed confidence in the anthem’s impact, emphasising its ability to capture the public mood and convey the party’s commitment to resolving Delhi’s pressing issues.

The anthem’s release signifies the Congress party’s full-fledged entry into the electoral fray, setting the stage for a closely contested election on February 5th, with results due on February 8th. Over 1.5 crore voters will play a crucial role in deciding the fate of the 70-member Delhi Assembly.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the ongoing discussion surrounding the potential deportation of undocumented Indians from the United States. He clarified India’s position, emphasising a commitment to facilitating the legal movement of Indian citizens globally while firmly opposing illegal immigration.

This stance, he underscored, is not unique to the United States but reflects India’s consistent and principled approach to managing undocumented citizens worldwide.

Jaishankar acknowledged the ongoing dialogue with the U.S. government regarding the repatriation of Indians who are either undocumented or have overstayed their visas. However, he cautioned against accepting unverified figures circulating in news reports, particularly those suggesting a specific number of individuals facing deportation.

He stressed that India is diligently verifying the citizenship of each individual before confirming their eligibility for repatriation.

“As a government, we wholeheartedly support legal mobility, recognizing the importance of a globalized workforce,” Jaishankar stated. “We want Indian talent and skills to flourish on a global scale. However, we maintain a firm stance against illegal mobility and migration.”

He explained that illegal activities often intertwine with other illegal actions, leading to undesirable consequences and reputational damage.

He highlighted India’s consistent willingness to cooperate with other nations to facilitate the legitimate return of its citizens found to be in violation of immigration laws. This commitment extends to the United States, where India is working to verify the citizenship of those potentially facing deportation. The process, he stressed, requires thorough verification to ensure that only genuine Indian citizens are repatriated.

Jaishankar also used the opportunity to raise concerns about excessively long visa processing times, which he argued negatively impacted the bilateral relationship. He shared these concerns directly with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasising the need for streamlined processes that facilitate legal and mutually beneficial mobility between the two nations. Rubio, Jaishankar noted, acknowledged the validity of these concerns.

In summary, India’s position remains steadfast: a commitment to global mobility for its citizens within the bounds of the law, coupled with a firm stance against illegal immigration. While cooperating with the U.S. on repatriation efforts, India prioritises accurate verification of citizenship to ensure the legitimate return of its citizens. Simultaneously, the government advocates for improvements in visa processing times to bolster the mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.