The bodies of 45 Indian nationals who tragically perished in a massive fire in Kuwait have been repatriated to Kerala. The victims, primarily migrant workers, were among 176 residents in a housing facility in Mangaf city affected by the blaze. Indian authorities expedited identification and paperwork, completing DNA testing for confirmation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced compensation for the families of the deceased. Local and Indian officials coordinated efforts for swift repatriation, reflecting on the humanitarian crisis affecting expatriate workers. The incident remains under investigation for overcrowding in the building.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George alleged she was "denied permission" by the central government to travel to Kuwait following the Mangaf building fire that killed 45 Indians. George stated that many of the deceased and injured were from Kerala. A special IAF aircraft, carrying the victims' bodies, arrived in Kochi on Friday. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, onboard the flight, coordinated with Kuwaiti authorities for swift repatriation. Kerala had planned to send George and officials to Kuwait to assist the injured and oversee the repatriation, but the Centre reportedly refused the travel request.

An Indian Air Force aircraft carrying the bodies of 45 Indians killed in the Mangaf fire in Kuwait arrived at Cochin International Airport on Friday. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh accompanied the remains. Authorities confirmed the identities through DNA tests. The tragedy claimed 49 lives and injured 50 others. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other officials were present to receive the bodies. Of the 45 deceased, 31 are from southern states and 14 will be sent to Delhi. Kuwaiti authorities attributed the fire to an electrical fault.

An Indian Air Force plane carrying the mortal remains of 45 Indians who died in the Kuwait building fire tragedy has taken off from Kuwait and will land in Kochi, Kerala. Of those killed, 23 were from Kerala. Ambulances and police have been deployed at Cochin International Airport to receive the bodies. The plane will then proceed to Delhi with the remaining bodies. Initial investigations have revealed lapses, including two dozen gas cylinders on the ground floor, inflammable materials used as partitions, and locked doors to the rooftop, preventing workers from escaping.

A special Indian Air Force aircraft is transporting the bodies of 45 Indians who died in a massive fire in Kuwait. The plane will land in Kochi, Kerala around 11 am before heading to Delhi. Gonda MP Kirti Vardhan Singh, now a junior foreign ministry minister, is on board after coordinating repatriation efforts. The fire occurred in a six-story building in Mangaf city, killing 48 people. Among the 176 Indian workers housed there, 45 died and 33 are hospitalized. The Indian embassy confirmed these details and reported the rest of the workers are safe. Ambulances are ready at Cochin airport for the victims.

An Indian Air Force Super Hercules transport aircraft has departed for Kuwait to repatriate the bodies of 45 Indians killed in a devastating fire incident. The tragic blaze in Kuwait claimed a total of 49 lives and injured over 50 individuals. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh is overseeing efforts to assist injured Indians and facilitate the return of victims' remains. Kuwaiti authorities have pledged support, including medical care and investigations into the incident. The aircraft is expected to return with the bodies tomorrow, as per defence officials.

US Embassy in India anticipates a record number of student visa applications in 2024, potentially surpassing last year's high of 140,000 visas. To manage the influx, interviews have started earlier than usual. The embassy aims to interview around 4,000 students daily to accommodate the increased demand. Wait times for most visa categories have been drastically reduced, facilitating smoother processing. The US emphasizes the importance of academic exchange between the nations, reflecting a longstanding commitment to fostering educational opportunities. This surge underscores Indian students' growing preference for US universities, strengthening bilateral ties.

Following a devastating fire in Kuwait that claimed 49 lives, including 45 Indians, efforts have escalated to assist injured citizens and repatriate victims. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh visited hospitals, meeting with injured Indians and coordinating relief measures with Kuwaiti authorities. DNA tests are underway to identify charred bodies, with an Indian Air Force aircraft on standby for repatriation. Kuwait's leadership assured full support, including medical care and an investigation into the incident. Singh praised Kuwait's swift response and medical care, emphasizing India's commitment to aiding those affected by the tragedy.

Taral Patel, a 30-year-old Indian-American running for Fort Bend County Commissioner, was arrested by Texas Rangers for online impersonation and misrepresentation of identity. Patel faces a third-degree felony and a Class A misdemeanor, with bonds set at $20,000 and $2,500. He reported derogatory Facebook comments against him last year, which included allegations of terrorism and communism. Patel has served as the youngest chief of staff for the Fort Bend County judge's office and has been involved in several political campaigns. He was born to Indian immigrants and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Italy on Thursday to attend the G7 summit. This is his fifth time at the event. No bilateral meeting is planned with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Relations between Modi and Trudeau have been strained due to Trudeau's lack of action against Khalistani terrorism in Canada. Trudeau also accused India of being involved in the killing of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada last year. This has further soured relations. India recently reduced the number of Canadian diplomats in the country, accusing them of political interference.