Kuwait Fire LIVE: DNA Test Underway to Identify Victims

In the wake of the Kuwait fire tragedy that claimed lives of at least 41 Indian nationals, the Kerala Chief Minister's Office stated that the inaugural meeting, seminar and related events of Loka Kerala Sabha have been cancelled. “The Loka Kerala Sabha meeting will now be held on June 14-15 as scheduled, but there will be no celebrations,” the CMO said. 

After the tragic fire incident in Kuwait, which claimed lives of as many as 41 Indians, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on India said, “In an unfortunate and tragic fire incident earlier today in a Labour housing facility in the Mangaf area of Kuwait, around 40 Indians are understood to have died and over 50 injured. Those injured are presently admitted to 5 government hospitals (Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer and Jahra hospitals) in Kuwait and receiving proper medical care and attention.”

“Our Embassy in Kuwait continues to remain in touch with local authorities to provide relief to those affected. The Embassy has established a helpline +965-65505246 (WhatsApp and regular call) for family members to get in touch. Regular updates are being provided through the helpline,” the MEA stated.
 

EAM S Jaishnkar Spoke to Kuwaiti FM Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on the fire tragedy in Kuwait.

“Apprised of the efforts made by Kuwaiti authorities in that regard. Was assured that the incident would be fully investigated and that responsibility will be fixed. Urged the early repatriation of the mortal remains of those who lost their lives. He emphasized that those injured were getting the requisite medical attention. We will review the situation after MoS @KVSinghMPGonda reaches Kuwait tomorrow,” he said after the conversation.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police of Doda District on Wednesday announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakhs for providing the information of 4 terrorists, who are roaming in the upper reaches of Bhaderwah in Thathri of Gandoh in Doda. The police have also released sketches of these 4 terrorists who were found involved in terror related activities. 

The Jammu and Kashmir Police of Doda District on Wednesday released sketches of 4 terrorists, who are roaming in the upper reaches of Bhaderwah in Thathri of Gandoh. These terrorists were found involved in terror related activities. The Union Territory police have also announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakhs for providing the information of each terrorist. 

Following the encounter that broke out in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, a senior police official said, “Today, at approximately 8.20 pm, an encounter began between security forces and terrorists at Kota Top in Gandoh of Doda. During the encounter at Kota Top in Kerloo Bhalessa of Gandoh, Constable Fareed Ahmed, who was posted with the Special Operations Group (SOG) in Gandoh, sustained injuries. The encounter is still ongoing, and further details are awaited.”

On encounter between the terrorists and the security forces that broke out in J&K's Doda district, a police official said that the encounter is underway at an area near Jammu and Kashmir-Himachal border which around 5 Km away from the Jammu district. One police personnel sustained injury during the incident. The operation is underway in upper reaches of Doda district of Jammu, the police official confirmed. 

On fresh encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, a police official said that on Wednesday evening a contact re-established with a group of terrorists in upper reaches of Gandoh, where a gun fight broke out with the security forces. During the firing, one of the police personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir police sustained injury. 

Day after a massive encounter between the terrorists and the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, another fresh gun battle broke out in the forest area of the district on Wednesday evening.

On the Kuwait fire incident, Congress leader & Kerala LoP VD Satheesan said, "More than 45 people have died and several people have been seriously injured in the fire that broke out in the labour camp in Mangaf Block 4. According to reports, many Malayalees lost their lives in the accident. There was a tragedy that made the entire Kerala cry. It is hoped that the details of the deceased will be available in coordination with the central and state governments."

Death toll from fire in building housing foreign workers, mostly Indians, reached 49, Kuwaiti media quotes Interior Ministry.
 

In the latest in Kuwait fire, the authorities are unable to get finger print of deceased due to which identification is delayed. According to media reports, DNA analysis is the only way. Moreover, people in missing list from the company roster also being verified.

According to the Kuwait News Agency, His Highness Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the fire incident that took place in a workers’ building in the Mangaf area. His Highness expressed his sincere condolences to the victims of the unfortunate fire accident that resulted in the death and injury of dozens.

As per the news agency, His Highness directed officials to immediately follow up to determine the causes of the outbreak of this fire and hold those responsible for its occurrence accountable so that such an unfortunate incident is not repeated in the future.
 

The Government of Kuwait has released the first set of names of 16 people who died in the tragic fire incident that ripped through a residential building causing fatal injuries to at least 41 Indians. According to the list issued by the Kuwait authority, following are the names of the deceased, who have been identified:

1. Shibu Varghese
2. Thomas Joseph
3. Praveen Madhav Singh
4. Shameer
5. Luke
6. Kelu Ponmaleri
7. Stephen Abraham Sabu
8. Anil Giri
9. Saju Varghese
10. Muralidharan P.V
11. Vishwas Krishnan
12. Arun Babu
13. Sajan George
14. Ranjith  Kundatukkam
15. Akash Sasidharan Nair
16. Denny Baby Karunakaran

After the fire-tragedy in Kuwait that claimed the lives of at least 41 Indians residing in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked MoS for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh to travel to Kuwait and take stock of the relief operations being conducted to assist those who were injured. 

Sharing information about the same, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal stated, “As directed by PM Narendra Modi, MoS for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh is urgently travelling to Kuwait to oversee assistance to those injured in the fire tragedy and to coordinate with local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains of those who have died in this unfortunate incident.”

On fire-tragedy that claimed lives of at least 41 people, Deputy Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah said, "Unfortunately, the greed of real estate owners is what leads to these matters."

Minister of Public Works, Minister of State for Municipality Affairs Dr Noura Al-Mashaan gave orders to suspend Ahmadi Municipality officials following the tragic fire in Mangaf that killed more than 40 people, and refer them to investigations.

The UAE expressed solidarity with Kuwait in the wake of a tragic fire that killed more than 40 people in Mangaf on Wednesday. In a statement, the UAE's Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to the Kuwaiti government and people, and to the families of the victims, wishing speedy recovery for the injured.

Reacting to the deadly Kuwait building fire that killed 41 Indians, PM Narendra Modi said, "The fire mishap in Kuwait City is saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with the authorities there to assist the affected."

Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al Yusuf Assabah visited the site of the fire in Kuwait.

The minister ordered the house arrest of the owner of the building where the fire occurred, the watchman of the building and the owner of the company responsible for the workers death.

He also directed that they should not be released from the criminal court without his permission. The information is that evidence is being collected to find out the cause of the fire. The minister termed the incidents that took place this morning in Mangaf as a real tragedy.

The Minister said that the incident was caused by the greed and ambition of the company and the building owners.

"In connection with the tragic fire-accident involving Indian workers today, Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246. All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. Embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance," the Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a post on X.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed deep anguish over the Kuwait fire tragedy that killed over 40 Indians. He said, “Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait City. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalized. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information.”

"Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. Wish early and full recovery to those who have been injured. Our Embassy will render the fullest assistance to all concerned in this regard," he added.

As many 41 Indians were killed on Wednesday in a major fire at a building in Kuwait housing workers. 

PM Modi has reached Raj Bhavan, Bhubaneswar for the Oath taking ceremony of Mohan Charan Majhi as Odisha CM. 

A core-committee meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is underway in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh LoP Jairam Thakur and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur are present in the meeting.

SKM MLA Mingma Norbu Sherpa has been unanimously elected the speaker of the Sikkim assembly. Raj Kumari Thapa is elected the deputy speaker of the House.

Six newly elected legislators on Wednesday took oath as members of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly. Former minister and BJP MLA from Dharamshala, Sudhir Sharma was the first to take oath followed by Congress MLA Anuradha Rana from Lahaul and Spiti.

The others who took oath are Congress MLA from Sujanpur, Captain Ranjit Singh, BJP MLA from Barsar, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Congress MLA from Gagret, Rakesh Kalia and Congress MLA from Kutlehar, Vivek Sharma.

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav arrived at Bhubaneswar airport to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Odisha CM-designate Mohan Charan Majhi, later today.

Last respects ae being paid to CRPF jawan Kabir Das Uikey who lost his life in action during an ongoing anti-terror operation in Sohal village of Hiranagar of Kathua. 

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia took charge as the Minister of Development of North Eastern Region. Dr. Sukanta Majumdar is MoS DoNER on Wednesday. He also thanked PM Modi for trusting him with the responsibility.

"We extend thanks to PM Modi for entrusting us with this big responsibility...Northeast India has always been the priority of PM Modi...We pledge to fulfil the vision of PM Modi for Northeast India..." said Scindia after taking charge. 

Odisha CM-designate Mohan Charan Majhi met outgoing CM Naveen Patnaik and invited him to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the Odisha Government to be held later today.

K Atchannaidu, Nadendla Manohar, P Narayan and Kollu Ravindra took oath as ministers in Chandrababu Naidu's cabinet on Wednesday, June 12. 

TDP leader and Chandrababu Naidu's son, Nara Lokesh, took oath as the cabinet minister in the Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday, June 12. 

Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan took oath as the deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, June 12. 

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu hugged Prime Minister Narendra Modi after taking the oath on Wednesday, June 12. 

TDP supremo and NDA leader Chandrababu Naidu took oath as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, June 12. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Vijaywada for the the swearing-in ceremony of TDP chief & Andhra Pradesh CM-designate N Chandrababu Naidu. He walked on the stage along with Naidu. 

Union Ministers Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Nitin Gadkari, Ramdas Athawale, Anupriya Patel and Chirag Paswan havve arrived at the swearing-in event of TDP chief & Andhra Pradesh CM-designate N Chandrababu Naidu. 

Along with them, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, NCP leader Praful Patel and former vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu are also present. 

Amit Shah and JP Nadda arrived at Kesarapalli IT Park in Vijaywada to attend the swearing-in ceremony of TDP chief & Andhra Pradesh CM-designate N Chandrababu Naidu. 

TDP National General Secretary Nara Lokesh and Actor-politician Nandamuri Balakrishna arrived at Gannavaram Mandal, Kesarapalli IT Park for the swearing-in ceremony of TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh CM-designate N Chandrababu Naidu. He will also be inducted in Naidu's cabinet as a minister. 

NCP leader Praful Patel arrived in Vijayawada to attend the swearing-in ceremony of TDP chief & Andhra Pradesh CM-designate N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday, June 12. 

“Chandrababu Naidu is a very dynamic leader, a visionary who transformed erstwhile Andhra Pradesh. I am sure there will be a new era of development in the state under his leadership now. Pawan Kalyan has changed the way people think abut politicians. I am sure this team of Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan will do good work and transform Andhra Pradesh,” said Patel. 

“The government needs to get serious, and if such negligence continues, more such attacks are likely in the future... I don't think in such circumstances, Amarnath Yatra will be able to take place... We stand with the country. Our party stands with the country. They (terrorists) need to be dealt with with an iron fist. If terrorism prospers, the government shall tell us how we can be of help. We will do whatever we can... These attacks are being carried out with full planning to terrorise people,” said Congress leader Chaudhary Lal Singh on Kathua terror attack. 

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan Kabir Dass was critically injured in a firing by a terrorist in Kathua, who later succumbed to his injuries during treatment. On this, Dr Vijay Raina, Chief Medical Officer, Kathua said, "A CRPF personnel was brought dead to the hospital last night. Our entire team of doctors are present here to tackle any situation. Post-mortem to be conducted."

Security Forces are conducting a search operation in the Hiranagar area of Kathua following a terror attack last night. 

Security forces have recovered Pakistan-made medicines and around Rs 1 Lakh of Indian currency from the terrorist killed in Kathua. 

Recovery made from killed terrorist

1. 4 magazines 
2. 200 rounds
3. 3 live Grenades
4. 1 lakh Indian Currency 
5. Eatables( Pak made chocolates, dry chana and stale chappatis)
6. Pakistan-made Medicines and injections (pain killers) 
7. 1 syringe 
8. 2 packs of A4 batteries 
9. 1 handset wrapped in tape having antenna and 2 wires hanging from this handset.

Ahead of swearing-in ceremony, Odisha CM-designate Mohan Charan Majhi said his government's priority would be to protect the pride of people of Odisha. “The new government will take oath today. The first job after taking the oath is to work to protect Odisha's 'asmita' (pride),” said Manjhi. 

Guests have started to arrive at Gannavaram Mandal, Kesarapalli IT Park for the swearing-in ceremony of TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh CM-designate N Chandrababu Naidu. 

Odisha CM-designate Mohan Charan Majhi along with his Deputy CMs-designate KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida paid floral tributes to 'Utkalamani' Gopabandhu Das in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, June 12. 

Union Minister & BJP MP Suresh Gopi offers prayers at Tali Maha Shiva Kshetram temple in Kerala's Kozhikode city on Wednesday, June 12. 

BJP leader and union minister Nirmala Sitharaman took charge of the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday. 

BJP leader and union minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday took charge as the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, alongside Ministers of State Ajay Tamta and Harsh Malhotra. 

“Heartfelt gratitude to PM Modi for reassigning me this role in Modi 3.0. Under your visionary leadership, India will be equipped with world-class, modern infrastructure at an accelerated pace,” Gadkari said in a post on X. 

While CM-designate Mohan Manjhi is all set to take oath today, BJP MLA Laxman Bag said that no names for the cabinet have been decided as of yet. "Yesterday, Mohan Charan Majhi's name was chosen for the new CM and Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida for the new Deputy CMs. No other names for the cabinet were decided in the meeting yesterday. We hope that under the leadership of the new CM and Deputy CMs, Odisha will see new developments. I will fulfil the responsibility given to me by the party...I am not demanding any portfolio, I will accept whatever is given to me..." said the BJP leader. 

On the swearing-in ceremony, Odisha Deputy CM-designate Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said, "Our work starts from point zero. The moment we finish our oath, we will start working on the promises made to the people through our election manifesto. We had gone to the people seeking their blessing and they have been kind to give us the opportunity of coming to the govt for the next 5 years...PM Modi made the commitment that he is going to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Odisha CM. PM Modi has also said that Odisha will become the number 1 state in the next 5 years...Outgoing CM Naveen Patnaik has also consented to be present at the swearing-in ceremony..

 PM Modi, Union HM Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other leaders of the BJP will be attending the swearing-in ceremony of Odisha-CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday. 

Preparations are underway in full swing in Odisha's Bhubaneswar for the swearing-in ceremony of Odisha CM-designate Mohan Charan Majhi.

Preparations are underway in Bhubaneswar for the swearing-in ceremony of Odisha CM-designate Mohan Charan Majhi. PM Modi, Union HM Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other leaders of the BJP will attend the swearing-in ceremony.

PM Modi, Union HM Amit Shah, Union Minister and BJP president JP Nadda along with other leaders will participate in the oath-taking ceremony.

Preparations are underway at Gannavaram Mandal, Kesarapalli IT Park for the swearing-in ceremony of TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh CM-designate N Chandrababu Naidu. 

Along with Chandrababu Naidu, several other leaders are likely to take oath including Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan and its senior leader N Manohar, Naidu's son Nara Lokesh and TDP Andhra Pradesh leader Atchannaidu. Pawan Kalyan has been offered the Deputy Chief Minister's post, claimed sources.