Explosion kills 15

Guntur, Nov. 16 (PTI): At least 15 people were killed and 20 injured when gelatin sticks stocked in a house blew up because of a fire triggered by a gas cylinder blast in a Guntur village today.

The explosion was so powerful that nearly 15 neighbouring houses were razed, police said. Eight bodies have been recovered so far and more persons are feared trapped in the debris.

White House

Washington (PTI): Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary was celebrated for the first time in the White House on Monday, with musicians from the Golden Temple holding a performance. The event comes months after the first Diwali was celebrated in the White House.

IUML bandh

Kasaragod (PTI): The Indian Union Muslim League called a day-long bandh in Kerala’s Kasaragod district on Monday to protest the death of an activist in police firing at a rally on Sunday. Business establishments and educational institutions remained closed while vehicles kept off the roads.

Bible

Kochi (PTI): A “water-resistant” Bible has been launched for the first time in India. Called Immerse Bible, the 261 page book, priced at Rs 290, has its cover and pages wrapped in thin plastic sheets. The Bible has been printed in China and was launched this month in Kerala.

26/11 delay

Islamabad (PTI): A Pakistani anti-terror court on Monday adjourned till November 23 the trial of seven suspects arrested for alleged involvement in the Mumbai attacks. “The proceedings were adjourned as the Punjab bar association elections are scheduled for Saturday,” Shahbaz Rajput, one of the defence lawyers, said.

P. Upendra

Hyderabad (PTI): P. Upendra, who was the Union information and broadcasting minister in V.P. Singh’s government, died on Monday of renal failure. He was 73. Upendra is survived by wife, three sons and a daughter.