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Holi hues! - Pasay City marks traditional Hindu festival with vibrant celebrations and prayers for peace

Holi hues! - Pasay City marks traditional Hindu festival with vibrant celebrations and prayers for peace

"The dull grey of city life was momentarily banished in Pasay City, Philippines, as the local Hindu community infused the town with every shade of joy for Holi at the exhilarating 'Festival of Colours' on Sunday. Footage reveals the seaside boulevard of the SM Mall of Asia transformed into a vibrant kaleidoscope as the Filipino-Indian community engaged in the intoxicating ritual of throwing coloured powder, as feversome dancing took place throughout the festival. "It’s a festival for bringing people together. We’re celebrating the new year and the start of a new season, and it’s important to get together and have fun together," shared a participant. Amid the rhythmic beats of the dhol, some attendees shared poignant thoughts, offering prayers and well-wishes for those facing hardship amid global conflicts. "This Holi, we pray for peace in the Middle East. We may have different religions and ethnicities, but we pray for a peaceful world. God bless everyone," said a participant. This call for unity came at a critical moment, as many in the Philippines - a nation with a significant number of overseas Filipino Workers in the Middle East - remain deeply concerned about regional stability. Holi, often referred to as the ‘Festival of Colours,’ is a cherished Hindu celebration that marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Rooted in the legend of Prahlada and Holika, the festival symbolises the victory of devotion over the demon king Hiranyakashipu. It is also a ‘harvesting festival,’ where people celebrate the abundance of food and the vitality of nature. The vibrant turnout at the Mall of Asia reflected the growing presence of the Indian community in the country, with the Indian population in the Philippines estimated to exceed 150,000 as of 2026."

Dhaka procession for Khamenei - Thousands mourn late Iranian Supreme Leader, call on govt to 'stand with Muslims'

Dhaka procession for Khamenei - Thousands mourn late Iranian Supreme Leader, call on govt to 'stand with Muslims'

"Thousands of mourners gathered at Hussaini Dalan in Old Dhaka on Monday to mourn the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The organisers described the massive turnout as a show of religious solidarity. Footage shows members of Bangladesh's Shia community joined by Sunni supporters marching through the streets with flags of Iran and portraits of Khamenei, and chanted slogans. "Iran has been attacked from American bases in the Middle East. By establishing bases in the region, America has turned all Muslim countries into its vassal states, leaving them powerless to advocate for Muslims and against the US. We urge the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) to reconsider its purpose," said one of the protesters. "We call on the Bangladesh government to vehemently protest and resist the attack on Iran. Stop supporting the UN and the US, and stand firm for Muslims," added another. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes carried out against Iran on Saturday, Iranian state television confirmed. The Supreme Leader, who had ruled since 1989, held ultimate authority over Iran's political, military and religious institutions.  Iranian officials warned that Khamenei's killing would mark a turning point, with the Revolutionary Guard vowing retaliation and declaring that "this great crime will not go unpunished."  Washington and Tel Aviv launched coordinated strikes on 'Iranian military targets' on Saturday, with US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating their intention to dismantle Iran's missile capabilities.  In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced 'widespread missile and drone attacks' targeting Israel. Reports indicated that US military bases in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, and Kuwait were also targeted.  The escalations follow three recent rounds of nuclear talks between Iranian and American officials, one held in Muscat and two in Geneva."

More than 20 killed, others critically injured in deadly blast in a fireworks unit in India's Kakinada

More than 20 killed, others critically injured in deadly blast in a fireworks unit in India's Kakinada

"At least 21 workers were killed and several others injured after a massive explosion ripped through the Suryashri Fireworks manufacturing unit on Saturday in the Indian port city of Kakinada. Police have cordoned off the factory premises in Vetlapalem village as officials investigate the cause of the blast. Footage from Sunday shows the magnitude of the explosion, with multiple structures damaged and debris scattered across the site. Smoke continues to rise from burning grass in the aftermath. According to initial reports, the blast occurred while workers were preparing firecrackers, resulting in a sudden, powerful explosion. Villagers said the intensity of the blast was so severe that some bodies were flung into nearby agricultural fields. Around 70 workers were present at the unit at the time. The impact also damaged houses in the vicinity. Several others sustained injuries, and officials fear the death toll could rise. Fire and rescue teams rushed to the site and launched relief operations. A local politician questioned the government’s handling of the situation, pointing to a pattern of deadly incidents. “Before issuing licences, there must be thorough scrutiny, and the government must act quickly to ensure safety procedures,” Bukta Bangaru Raju said. “When workers are employed at such sites, the Labour Inspectorate should step in to protect their rights. Accidents can happen in factories, but when so many people die at the same time, it shows a serious failure," he added. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia payment of ₹200,000 ($2,195.8) for the next of kin of each victim, while the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh announced ₹2 million ($21,958.75) in compensation. Four officials have also been suspended. Authorities said the bodies would be handed over to families after DNA tests are completed. Hospital authorities reported that several survivors sustained burns ranging from 90 to 100 percent. Nine injured workers are undergoing treatment at Kakinada government hospital and private facilities, while two remain untraced. Officials suspect the accident may have been triggered by over-pressurisation during the filling of firecracker materials, with large stocks stored inside the unit, making the blast catastrophic."