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1.6 million pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia for hajj pilgrimage

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1.6 million pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia for hajj pilgrimage

Over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from outside the kingdom for the upcoming Hajj, according to a Saudi official, exceeding the number of international visitors last year despite the war in the Middle East.

The conflict triggered by the US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February saw Tehran order waves of strikes on targets in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf, prompting widespread air traffic disruptions and causing travel costs to surge.

Major Gulf airlines in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain have worked to quickly restore much of their operational capacity after weeks of airspace closures and flight cancelations.

Despite the complications, pilgrims have continued to flock to Saudi Arabia to participate in this year’s Hajj.

“The total number of pilgrims arriving from abroad has reached 1,518,153,” Saleh Al-Murabba, the commander of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Passport Forces, told a press conference late Friday.

These figures are expected to rise further over the next two days as pilgrims continue to arrive from abroad ahead of the formal rituals that mark the beginning of the Hajj on Monday.

Last year, the total number of pilgrims at the Hajj reached 1,673,320, including 1,506,576 from outside Saudi Arabia.

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US Secretary of State invites PM Modi to visit White House

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US Secretary of State invites PM Modi to visit White House

New Delhi, May 23: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and extended an invitation on behalf of US President Donald Trump for the Prime Minister to visit the White House in the near future.

The development was announced by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in a post on X, where he said: “News! Secretary Marco Rubio extended an invite on behalf of President Donald Trump, for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House in the near future!”

During the meeting, Rubio briefed the Prime Minister on progress in bilateral cooperation across sectors including defence, strategic technologies, trade and investment, energy security, connectivity, education and people-to-people ties.

The US Secretary of State also shared the American perspective on various regional and global issues, including the situation in West Asia.

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s support for peace efforts and reiterated the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. He also requested Rubio to convey his warm greetings to President Trump and said he looked forward to continued exchanges with him.

Earlier in the day, Rubio arrived in Kolkata for a four-day diplomatic visit to India, marking the first visit by a US secretary of state to the city in 14 years since Hillary Clinton visited in 2012.

According to PTI, Rubio’s India tour from May 23 to 26 includes visits to Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi, and is expected to focus on trade, technology, defence, energy cooperation and the Quad partnership.

Before departing for India, Rubio described India as a “great partner” and said the US wanted to sell India as much energy as it could buy.

The Quad meeting is scheduled for May 26 and is expected to be attended by Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

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Millions across J&K determined to eradicate narco-terrorism: LG Sinha

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Millions across J&K determined to eradicate narco-terrorism: LG Sinha

Srinagar, May 23: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today Joined Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian where citizens from all walks of life vowed that narco‑terrorists will be driven out from every corner of UT of Jammu Kashmir.

Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said this collective resolve heralds the dawn of a new era.

“From every lane and by‑lane of UT, voices are rising in unison, demanding that not a single drug smuggler be spared. What began 43 days ago in Jammu has now surged into a powerful grassroots movement, echoing across communities with unstoppable force,” the Lieutenant Governor said. 

The Lieutenant Governor stated that united by a single purpose and a common goal, millions across Jammu Kashmir are determined to eradicate narcotics‑terrorism from this land of paradise.
“It is now firmly etched in the minds of our people that this is not a distant issue but a challenge confronting us at our very doorstep, one we must face head‑on with courage and resolve,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that the poison of drugs is diverting our youth from the path of progress. He said terrorist groups use proceeds from drugs to buy weapons, and with those weapons the blood of ordinary Kashmiris is being spilled.

“Today I want to state unequivocally: whether an official or anyone in public life, if they are in any way connected to the drug network or lend it support, they will face strict legal consequences. I assure the people that if even the slightest trace of this infection has seeped into our system, it will be mercilessly cut out without hesitation,” the Lieutenant governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor said that by destroying the lives of our children, thousands of smugglers and narco-terrorists have built their own dark fiefdoms. He said each brick of that sordid realm is being pulled down. The cup of suffering borne by the people at the hands of drug smugglers has overflowed; their collective cry of “no more” has risen into an unstoppable roar. He further stated that every drug sold in our towns and villages is like a bullet pressed against the chest of the people.

“Wherever drug smugglers and drug traffickers take root, their first victims are our youth. I know that many parents across Jammu Kashmir live under this shadow of fear, constantly worried that their family could be the next target. We must banish that fear completely and ensure safety for every household in the Union Territory,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted that more than 7,000 women’s committees have been formed in Jammu Kashmir and it is now the administration’s duty to empower these committees and ensure they can work effectively. In the past 43 days, 797 FIRs have been registered and 894 drug smugglers and peddlers have been sent behind bars. 59 traffickers have been arrested under PIT‑NDPS provisions. 81 narcotic palaces built with the traffickers’ black money have been demolished. 101 immovable properties have been attached and seized. Other assets worth crores have been attached. 457 driving licenses have been suspended. Recommendations have been made to cancel passports of 22 smugglers and to cancel registrations of 606 vehicles. Large quantities of drugs have been seized. About 5,641 drug stores were inspected; licenses of 268 stores were suspended or cancelled, and FIRs filed against 6 drug stores.

A comprehensive rehabilitation policy is also being prepared. The Lieutenant Governor said that our aim is not only to free addicted youth through de‑addiction programs but also to reintegrate them into the mainstream by providing employment and jobs.

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International ties purposefully structured to serve India’s youth: PM Modi

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International ties purposefully structured to serve India’s youth: PM Modi

New Delhi, May 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India’s international partnerships are purposefully structured to serve the country’s youth and leaders of global corporations, representing dozens of nations, have talked about India’s youth and its technological advancement.

After virtually distributing appointment letters for central government jobs to more than 51,000 youths at a ‘Rozgar Mela’, Modi also said the youth will play a crucial role in realising the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India) in the years to come.

Sharing insights from his just-concluded five-country tour, the prime minister conveyed the excitement that leaders of global corporations, representing dozens of nations, had expressed about India’s youth and its technological advancement.

“The world wants to be a part of India’s development journey,” he said.

Modi made it clear that India’s international partnerships are purposefully structured to serve its youth.

“The purpose is that India’s youth get employment and global exposure,” he said.

Elaborating on the diplomatic and economic outcomes of his visits to the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy, the PM outlined sector-specific agreements forged and dialogues held with each nation.

He said discussions were held on semiconductors, water, agriculture and advanced manufacturing with the Netherlands; on cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation with Sweden; on green technology and maritime cooperation with Norway; MoUs signed on strategic energy and technology partnerships with the UAE; and agreements signed on defence, critical minerals and science and technology with Italy.

Modi underlined the long-range significance of these collaborations and said these are the sectors that will shape industries, defining global growth for the next 25 years.

Citing the ASML-Tata Electronics agreement as a concrete example of India’s growing stature as a trusted global supply chain partner, he pointed out that India is among only a handful of countries with which the Dutch semiconductor giant has signed an accord.

He said partnerships with Sweden on AI and cooperation with the UAE on supercomputing would similarly bolster India’s technological capabilities.

“This ASML-Tata Electronics agreement alone will create thousands of new employment opportunities in India,” he said.

Highlighting the rapid rise of clean energy, critical minerals, green hydrogen and sustainable manufacturing as sectors of immense opportunity, the PM noted that growing collaboration with Sweden, Norway and Italy in green transition and sustainable technology would position India strongly in the clean manufacturing industries of the future.

“These partnerships are opening the doors of a new economy and new opportunities,” he said.

Pointing to accelerated work on ports, shipping and maritime infrastructure agreements, Modi observed that partnerships with the UAE and Norway would fortify India’s shipbuilding ecosystem, directly expanding the horizon of opportunity for the country’s engineers, technicians and skilled workers.

“New opportunities will be created for India’s engineers, technicians and skilled workers,” he said.

Noting that each new partnership simultaneously widens global connectivity for Indian startups, researchers and young professionals, the PM reflected on a world today that respects nations which innovate, build, and deliver at scale.

He exuded pride that India is advancing on all three fronts. “The greatest force behind this transformation is India’s youth, all of you,” he said.

Welcoming the new entrants into government service, Modi underscored their imminent contribution to India’s development across sectors, including railways, banking, defence, health and education.

Honouring the dedication and rigorous preparation that brought the appointees to this milestone, the prime minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to each one of them.

Conveying the direct relevance of each international agreement to employment generation, Modi emphasised that every new investment, every technology partnership, and every industrial collaboration ultimately creates fresh opportunities for India’s young people.

Anchoring the moment within the larger national mission, he spoke of the collective resolve to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, affirming that cross-sectoral investment by the government is generating millions of new employment opportunities as a direct consequence of this ambition.

Describing India’s rise as a major electronics manufacturer, Modi pointed to the Production Linked Incentive scheme as the engine driving record electronics production and generating millions of jobs for the youth, with the entire electronics value chain being built domestically.

He also called upon the newly appointed government employees to remain mindful of their role in facilitating business and enterprise. “Ease of Doing Business is a great priority for the country,” he said.

Underscoring the foundational role of infrastructure in driving employment generation and inclusive growth, the PM observed that the true dividend of national progress reaches its full potential only when villages, small towns and remote regions are integrated into the development fabric.

Celebrating the emergence of a new culture of self-employment and entrepreneurship across the country, he noted that India has become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 2.3 lakh recognised startups and that this transformation is no longer confined to metropolitan centres.

He also noted that the youth from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are entering the world of startups and innovation in large numbers, and that this movement has become an important component of the national economy. He further highlighted the growing and decisive role of India’s women in this entrepreneurial surge.

In keeping with the prime minister’s commitment to prioritising employment generation, the ‘Rozgar Mela’ is a major initiative aimed at translating this vision into a reality, officials said.

The ‘Rozgar Mela’ was held at 47 locations across the country on Saturday.

The appointees, selected from all parts of India, will join various ministries and departments, including railways, home affairs, health and family welfare, and departments of financial services and higher education, among others.

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Police halt demolition drive in Jammu briefly to retrieve national flag

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Police halt demolition drive in Jammu briefly to retrieve national flag

Jammu, May 23: Police briefly halted a demolition drive in the outskirts of Jammu city on Saturday to remove two tabletop national flags from the building being pulled down, officials said.

“The police officials stopped the demolition for a brief period and ensured that the Tricolour was taken out of the building with due respect before the operation continued,” an official said.

The incident occurred during an ongoing demolition drive against properties allegedly belonging to a suspected drug peddler, identified as Bablu, in the Miran Sahib area on the city’s outskirts.

A purported video showing a policeman taking out two tabletop national flags from a room during the demolition drive surfaced on social media.

According to officials, the demolition team, led by Sub-Inspector Rinku Sharma, paused the operation and sent a policeman inside the building to retrieve the national flags before resuming the drive.

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Kharge attacks after 3rd fuel price hike

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Kharge attacks after 3rd fuel price hike

New Delhi, May 23: After the third fuel price hike in eight days, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday alleged that the government was “looting” the public’s earnings in instalments.

In a post in Hindi on X, Kharge claimed that there was a leadership crisis in the government , saying that while other countries are providing relief to their people, the BJP government here continues to “loot” them.

“Petrol has now crossed Rs 100, this time around…Looting the public’s earnings in instalments!

“The BJP’s appetite isn’t satisfied even after slapping a central tax of Rs 1,000 crore daily on petrol-diesel… When international prices were low, they didn’t pass on the benefits to the people – instead, they looted them relentlessly,” he said in his post.

Kharge claimed that when the crisis hit, the BJP leadership got involved in elections and after the elections, and they preached sacrifice. “Then, in just 8 days, they hiked petrol-diesel prices three times,” he said. “We were told that prices in India are the lowest compared to foreign countries.”

“When the war in West Asia broke out and PM Modi was busy feeding us Indians the ‘everything’s fine’ sedative, other countries were providing relief to their citizens,” he claimed.

The Congress chief cited the example of Italy saying it cut excise on fuel, giving their people some relief, while Australia reduced excise duty, slashing petrol prices by about Rs 17 per litre for citizens.

He also said that Germany lowered taxes on oil, reducing fuel prices by Rs 17-19 per litre, while the UK provided 100 pounds in oil aid to households and cut taxes on fuel and electricity.

Ireland’s 250 million euro relief package brought petrol prices down by about 0.15 euro/litre and diesel by 0.20 euro/litre, he said.

“Narendra Modi ji, tell us — Who all are getting a share of this installment-based loot? Why are you so compromised?

“The real crisis in this government is one of leadership — 140 crore Indians have now figured that out,” Kharge alleged.

Petrol and diesel prices were raised by 87-91 paise per litre on Saturday, taking the cumulative increase in retail fuel rates to nearly Rs 5 a litre in under 10 days as state-owned firms passed on soaring international oil prices.

The latest revision pushed petrol prices higher by 87 paise per litre and diesel by up to 91 paise across the country, according to industry sources.

The back-to-back increases follow a prolonged freeze in retail fuel prices and come amid elevated crude oil prices in the global market.

With the latest hike, petrol and diesel prices have risen close to Rs 5 a litre since the state-owned oil marketing companies on May 15 ended the hiatus in rate revision, stoking concerns over inflationary pressures and higher transportation costs across the economy.

Petrol and diesel prices were increased by Rs 3 per litre each on May 15 and 90 paise a litre on May 19.

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Major Abhilasha Barak of India to receive 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award

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Major Abhilasha Barak of India to receive 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award

United Nations, May 23: Indian peacekeeper serving with the UN mission in Lebanon, Major Abhilasha Barak, has been named the recipient of a prestigious military gender advocate award by the world body.

Barak has been honoured with the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her outreach efforts with women and girls during her deployment in the West Asian nation.

“Proud to announce that Major Abhilasha Barak has been awarded the 2025 @UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. She is being recognised for her outreach and community engagement activities for women and adolescent girls and gender sensitisation training for peacekeepers,” the Permanent Mission of India to the UN said in a post on X Friday.

Barak is serving with the Indian Battalion as the Commander of the Female Engagement Team (FET) in UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). She is also the first woman combat helicopter pilot of the Indian Army. She will be honoured at the UN headquarters when the world body commemorates the International Day of UN Peacekeepers that is marked annually on May 29.

In a moment of pride for India, Barak is the third recipient of the award from the country, following Major Suman Gawani and Major Radhika Sen, who were honoured for their commendable work while serving in UN Peacekeeping missions.

Gawani had served with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and received the 2019 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. She was a co-recipient of the 2019 recognition along with Commander Carla Monteiro de Castro Araujo, a Brazilian Naval officer working in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Major Radhika Sen, who served with the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), received the prestigious 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.

Created in 2016 by the Office of Military Affairs within the Department for Peace Operations (DPO), the award recognises the dedication and efforts of an individual military peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. It underlines the contribution of the military peacekeeper who has best integrated a gender perspective into peacekeeping activities.

Each year, the awardee is selected from among candidates nominated by Force Commanders and Heads of Mission from all peace operations, according to UN Peacekeeping.

India is among the largest troop and police contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions. As of February 2026, UNIFIL’s force consists of 7,538 peacekeepers from 48 troop-contributing countries, including 642 personnel from India, the fourth highest after Italy (784), Indonesia (756) and Spain (660).

In March, India had condemned attacks on UN peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon, urging all parties to ensure safety and security of the Blue Helmets. India had joined nearly 30 troop-contributing countries to the UN peacekeeping Force in Lebanon to express deep alarm at the escalation of hostilities in the West Asian country and strongly condemn Hezbollah’s “reckless decision” to join the Iranian attacks against Israel.

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Police attach Rs 5 crores worth properties under NDPS Act in Srinagar

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Police attach Rs 5 crores worth properties under NDPS Act in Srinagar

Srinagar, May 23: Continuing its intensified crackdown on narcotics networks under the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan – 100 Days Campaign’, Srinagar Police has attached multiple immovable properties worth approximately ₹5 crore belonging to individuals involved in drug trafficking and related unlawful activities across Srinagar and adjoining districts, police officials said

In a press statement, an official spokesperson said that Srinagar Police attached two residential properties comprising a single-storey and a double-storey house belonging to Bilal Ahmad Sheikh, son of  Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh and Aneek Ahmad Sheikh, son of  Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, both residents of Larbal Beerwah, Budgam.

They said the accused were involved in FIR No. 37/2024 U/S 8/20 NDPS Act of Police Station Saddar Srinagar.

The properties, valued at approximately ₹30 lakhs and ₹50 lakhs respectively, were attached under Section 68(F) of the NDPS Act after completion of due legal formalities. The proceedings were conducted in the presence of the concerned Tehsildar and respectable members of the locality. the statement said.

In another action, Srinagar Police attached a double-storeyed residential house, valued at approximately ₹1 crore, belonging to Suhaib Farooq Khan, son of Farooq Ahmad Khan, resident of Mini Colony, Chanapora, involved in FIR No. 15/2023 U/S 8/21 NDPS Act of Police Station Chanapora.

The property was attached under Section 68-F(1) of the NDPS Act vide Attachment Order No. 02/2026 issued by Police Station Chanapora. The proceedings were carried out in the presence of police officials, Executive Magistrate and local witnesses, the statement said.

Similarly, Srinagar Police attached a ₹1 crore worth of three-storeyed residential house with attic belonging to Mohsin Ibrahim Naqash, son of Mohammad Ibrahim Naqash, resident of Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar. the accuse was involved in FIR No. 42/2026 U/S 8/21, 29 NDPS Act of *Police Station Saddar Srinagar.

The property, was attached under Section 68(F) of the NDPS Act in the presence of the Naib Tehsildar Rambagh and respectable locals, ensuring transparency and due legal process, the statement said.

Further, in another major action, Srinagar Police attached a three-storeyed residential house belonging to Farhan Manzoor Pandit, son of Manzoor Pandit, resident of Kursoo, Rajbagh, involved in FIR No. 18/2026 U/S 8/21 NDPS Act of *Police Station Rajbagh.

The attached property has an estimated market value of approximately ₹50 lakhs and was attached under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act.

Additionally, Police Station Karan Nagar attached a double-storeyed residential house belonging to Fayaz Ahmad Rather, son of Farooq Ahmad Rather, resident of Patoo Mohalla Ajas, Bandipora, involved in FIR No. 01/2025 U/S 8/21, 29 NDPS Act and Section 111 BNS.

The attachment proceedings were conducted strictly in accordance with legal provisions as part of the ongoing anti-drug campaign, the spokesperson said in the statement.

In a separate action, Srinagar Police attached a double-storeyed residential house situated at Bakshiabad, Bemina, belonging to Abid Hassan Dar, son of Gh. Hassan Dar, involved in FIR No. 18/2022 of Police Station Batamaloo under Sections 8/21, 29, 27-A NDPS Act and Sections 468, 471, 473 IPC.

The property, valued at approximately ₹1.7 crores, was attached under Sections 68-F(1) and 68-E of the NDPS Act for alleged forfeiture of illegally acquired property.

Investigations in these cases have revealed that the attached properties were acquired through proceeds generated from illicit drug trafficking. Acting under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, Srinagar Police has formally attached these assets as part of sustained efforts to dismantle the financial infrastructure of drug peddlers and narcotics networks.

These actions reflect the firm resolve and unwavering commitment of Srinagar Police towards eradicating the drug menace and safeguarding the youth from the harmful effects of narcotics.

Srinagar Police reiterated that any individual found involved in drug peddling or related unlawful activities shall face strict legal action, including attachment and forfeiture of illegally acquired properties under the NDPS Act.

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PMK wants immediate closure of 717 liquor shops as per TN CM”s order

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PMK wants immediate closure of 717 liquor shops as per TN CM”s order

Chennai, May 23: PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss on Saturday urged authorities to immediately implement the Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s order to close 717 liquor shops across the State.

After assuming office on May 10, the chief minister issued an order to close a total of 717 liquor outlets belonging to the state-owned TASMAC, within two weeks.

“Only 150 from the list of 717 liquor shops have been shut, and that officials concerned have halted the work on closing the remainder, is disappointing”, he alleged in a statement here.

He said the order came directly from the chief minister, and there is no justification for stopping or delaying closures.

“The democratically elected head of the government orders the closures, officials must carry out the order rather than delay it for unclear reasons”.

The PMK leader alleged that the “liquor lobby” is using its full influence to oppose the government’s decision to close the 717 outlets.

“Under pressure from that lobby, a petition was filed in the Madras High Court seeking to block the closures”, he said, adding “the court, however, dismissed the petition and commended the government’s decision.

Stating that the chief minister is acting with good intent to close liquor shops and eliminate illegal outlets, he said, “officials must support his aim, not obstruct it”.

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Coal mine gas explosion in China kills eight, leaves dozens trapped underground

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Coal mine gas explosion in China kills eight, leaves dozens trapped underground

Beijing, May 23: A gas explosion at a coal mine in China’s northern province of Shanxi killed at least eight people and trapped 38 underground, state media reported Saturday.

The accident at Changzhi city’s Liushenyu coal mine happened Friday evening, according to official news agency Xinhua, which reported around 247 workers were underground at the time. As of early Saturday, 201 had been brought safely to the surface.

The cause of the explosion was under investigation, Xinhua reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an all-out effort to rescue the missing and an investigation of the accident’s cause while holding those responsible accountable, according to Xinhua.

Shanxi province is known as China’s main coal mining province. With a size larger than Greece and a population of around 34 million, the province’s hundreds of thousands of miners dug 1.3 billion tons (1.17 billion metric tons) of coal last year, or almost a third of China’s total.

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