At least five dead and 19 injured in chemical plant explosion in China
At least five people have died and 19 have been injured in a chemical plant explosion in eastern China, state broadcaster CCTV has reported.
The huge blast rocked the facility in the country's eastern Shandong province at around midday on Tuesday, the broadcaster said, with thick plumes of black smoke visible from the site.
Advertisement
The authorities said six people remained missing.
The blast was powerful enough to knock out the windows at a storage warehouse more than two miles (3km) away from the factory, according to a video shared by a local resident.
His home shook from the blast, he said. As he went to the window to see what was wrong, he saw a tall column of smoke from the site, more than four miles (7km) away.
The explosion happened at the Gaomi Youdao Chemical Co, which is located in an industrial park in the city of Weifang. It manufactures pesticides as well as chemicals for medical use, and has more than 500 employees according to corporate registration records.
Advertisement
Rescuers have been dispatched to the scene of the incident, but authorities have yet to announce if there are any casualties. Local fire
officials sent more than 230 personnel to the scene, according to CCTV.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
24 minutes ago
- The Independent
India is preparing to launch its delayed census, including controversial questions about caste
India will start counting its vast population in a mammoth exercise starting next year. The first census in 16 years will be conducted digitally and include controversial questions about caste for the first time since independence. The Home Ministry announced plans to conduct a two-stage count ending March 1, 2027 in a statement Wednesday night. India's last official census in 2011 counted 1.21 billion people. The country's population is now estimated to be well over 1.4 billion, making it the world's most populous country, according to the U.N.'s Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The once-in-a-decade population survey was originally due in 2021 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical hurdles. Here's a look at what goes into India's census and why it matters. The census shapes welfare policies and representation The official count of the country's people is used to allocate many of India's welfare programs and other policies. It could also pave the way for redrawing the political landscape of India as seats are added to the lower house of Parliament and state legislatures to represent a larger population. Under the 2023 Women's Reservation Bill, a third of those seats will be set aside for women. A massive count The Indian census is said to be the largest peacetime mobilization in the world. Almost 2.7 million people were hired to implement the 2011 census, visiting more than 240 million households. The Home Ministry said the new census will be carried out in two phases and conclude by March 1, 2027. The government will spell out the details and schedule of the exercise later this month. They'll collect information about houses and their occupants, such as sex, age, marital status, religion, mother tongue, language, literacy and economic activity — as well as caste. New questions about caste are controversial The next census will be the first to consider the caste status of most Indians. Caste is an ancient system of social hierarchy in India and is critical to Indian life and politics. There are hundreds of caste groups based on occupation and economic status across India, particularly among Hindus, but the country has limited, or outdated data on how many people belong to them. Since independent India's first census in 1951, it counted only Dalits and Adivasis, members of marginalized groups known as scheduled castes and tribes. But India also has quotas that reserve government jobs, college admissions and elected offices for a swathe of lower and intermediate castes that are recognized as Other Backward Classes. India's current policy caps quotas at 50%, with 27% reserved for OBCs. A count of these groups will likely lead to calls to raise the quotas. Successive Indian governments have resisted updating caste data, arguing that it could lead to social unrest. The announcement on the census comes months ahead of a crucial election in India's poorest state of Bihar, where caste is a key issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party runs a coalition government in Bihar.
Geeky Gadgets
41 minutes ago
- Geeky Gadgets
The Ultimate Battery Test: Galaxy S25 Edge Takes on iPhone 16 Pro Max!
A recent battery drain test compared the performance of 10 flagship smartphones, including the Galaxy S25 Edge, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Vivo X200 Pro, and others. This test provided valuable insights into battery life, thermal management, and overall efficiency, offering a detailed look at how these devices perform under identical conditions. If you're considering a new smartphone, these results can help you make a more informed decision by highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of today's top devices. The video below from The Tech Chap gives us more details. Watch this video on YouTube. How the Test Was Conducted To ensure accurate and unbiased results, all smartphones were tested under identical conditions. The testing methodology was designed to eliminate external variables and focus solely on the devices' performance. Here's how the process was standardized: All devices were set to maximum display brightness to simulate real-world usage in bright environments. Each smartphone was restarted before testing to clear background processes and ensure a clean slate. No apps were allowed to run in the background, making sure that battery consumption was solely influenced by the test activities. The test also included a variety of chipsets, such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite, MediaTek Dimensity 9400, A18 Pro, and Tensor G4. This broad range of hardware provided a comprehensive view of how chipset efficiency impacts battery performance. Top Performers: Battery Life Results The Vivo X200 Pro emerged as the standout performer, retaining an impressive 17% of its battery after nearly 10 hours of continuous use. This result underscores the efficiency of its MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, which appears to be optimized for prolonged usage. Following closely were the OnePlus 13 and Oppo Find X8 Pro, both of which demonstrated strong battery endurance, making them reliable options for users who prioritize long-lasting performance. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Edge struggled due to its smaller 3900mAh battery, which limited its overall runtime. Despite its advanced features and innovative design, the reduced battery capacity placed it at the bottom of the rankings. This highlights the importance of balancing hardware innovations with practical considerations like battery size. Thermal Performance: Heat Management Under Pressure Thermal management plays a crucial role in maintaining performance during demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing. The test revealed significant differences in how devices handle heat under pressure. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, powered by the A18 Pro chipset, reached a peak temperature of 45°C during intensive gaming sessions. While this reflects the chipset's high performance, it also raises concerns about sustained usability during prolonged workloads. Similarly, the Galaxy S25 Edge exhibited higher temperatures compared to its Ultra counterpart, suggesting potential limitations in its thermal design. Effective heat management is essential not only for user comfort but also for preserving long-term battery health and device performance. Standby Battery Life: Overnight Efficiency Matters Standby battery life is a critical factor for users who rely on their devices throughout the day. In this category, the iPhone 16 Pro Max excelled, with an overnight battery drain of just 2%. This result highlights Apple's focus on optimizing standby performance, making sure minimal power consumption when the device is idle. For users who prioritize overnight efficiency, this feature can significantly enhance the overall experience. Other devices displayed mixed results in this category. While some managed to minimize standby drain effectively, others showed room for improvement, emphasizing the importance of software optimization in achieving better efficiency. Mixed Results Across Other Devices The test also revealed a diverse range of outcomes for other flagship models, showcasing both strengths and areas for improvement: The Pixel 9 Pro XL demonstrated slight improvements in battery life compared to its predecessors, but it still lagged behind the top performers in this test. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Sony Xperia 1 Mark 7 underperformed, indicating that further optimization is needed to compete with leading devices in battery efficiency. The Honor Magic 7 Pro (global version) delivered impressive endurance despite having a smaller battery than its Chinese counterpart, highlighting the impact of software tuning on overall performance. Key Takeaways for Smartphone Buyers This battery drain test underscores the importance of considering multiple factors when evaluating smartphone performance. The Vivo X200 Pro stood out as the most efficient device, offering exceptional battery life and effective thermal management. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max demonstrated superior standby efficiency, making it an excellent choice for users who value overnight battery performance. When selecting your next smartphone, remember that battery performance is influenced by more than just capacity. Chipset efficiency, thermal management, and software optimization all play critical roles in determining how long a device can last on a single charge. By understanding these elements, you can choose a smartphone that aligns with your specific needs, whether you prioritize gaming, multitasking, or all-day reliability. Expand your understanding of Battery drain test with additional resources from our extensive library of articles. Source & Image Credit: The Tech Chap Filed Under: Android News, Apple iPhone, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
BBC News
43 minutes ago
- BBC News
President Trump bans people from some countries from travelling to USA
US President Donald Trump has signed a ban on travel to the United States for citizens from twelve mostly African and Asian by people from seven other countries will be restricted in Trump says the ban, which comes into effect next week, would keep America human rights groups have criticised his plans, calling them "cruel," and some experts say it is likely to be challenged in US is the second time President Trump he has ordered a ban on travel from certain countries - he signed a similar order in 2017, during his first term in office. What has Donald Trump announced? From 9 June, citizens from 12 countries will be blocked from travelling to the countries are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Nationals from another seven countries - Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela - will face a partial there are a few situations when the new rules won't include some dual citizens - people who are citizens of two countries at the same time - as well as for athletes travelling to America to compete in major sporting tournaments are due to be held in the US over the next few years including the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics in Los order also says the American government may grant exemptions on a "case-by-case" White House said these were "common sense restrictions" which would "protect Americans" and help keep the country US president made immigration a big issue in last year's election campaign. What has the reaction been to the ban? Sone people and organisations have criticised President Trump's plan and it is expected to be challenged in from President Trump's rival Democratic Party in the US said the ban "betrayed" the ideals of the USA's founders and warned it would "only further isolate" America on the world rights groups have also spoken out against the International USA described it as "discriminatory, racist, and downright cruel." There has also been reaction from some of the countries named in President Trump's promised to work with the United States to address any security Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warned that "being in the United States is a great risk for anyone, not just for Venezuelans." Has this happened before? President Trump ordered a similar travel ban during his first term in the White House in featured some of the same countries as his latest order, including Iran, Libya and gathered at airports around the US to protest against the ban, including lawyers who offered their services for free to help those 2021, when Joe Biden became US President after Donald Trump, he scrapped the travel ban.
