logo
Bridge collapse kills 9 in India's Gujarat state

Bridge collapse kills 9 in India's Gujarat state

CNA09-07-2025
VADODRA, India: At least nine people were killed after a bridge over a river collapsed in India's western Gujarat state on Wednesday (Jul 9), news agency Press Trust of India reported while quoting police officials.
Gujarat's Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said several vehicles were on the bridge when a portion of it collapsed, sending many into the river. He said at least five people were rescued.
The incident occurred in Gujarat's Vadodara district, which has witnessed heavy rains over the past few days. The bridge was constructed in 1985, Patel said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the accident was 'deeply saddening' and offered condolences to those who died.
India's infrastructure has long been marred by safety concerns, sometimes leading to major disasters on its highways and bridges.
In 2022, a century-old cable suspension bridge collapsed into a river in Gujarat, sending hundreds plunging into the water and killing at least 132.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

China says it is looking to work with India to maintain border peace
China says it is looking to work with India to maintain border peace

CNA

time6 hours ago

  • CNA

China says it is looking to work with India to maintain border peace

India's prime minister and China's top diplomat are set to hold talks, as both sides work towards improving relations after years of tensions along their disputed Himalayan border. Wang Yi held talks with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval earlier in the day. The two officials praised the strengthened ties between the countries and agreed to hold their next border meeting in China next year. Discussions had been expected to focus scaling back military presence along the border and the resumption of trade, in light of Washington's tariffs. Rebecca Bundhun and Tan Yew Guan report.

Vingroup inaugurates and breaks ground on six major projects nationwide to celebrate Vietnam's 80th national day
Vingroup inaugurates and breaks ground on six major projects nationwide to celebrate Vietnam's 80th national day

CNA

time9 hours ago

  • CNA

Vingroup inaugurates and breaks ground on six major projects nationwide to celebrate Vietnam's 80th national day

HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – To mark the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vingroup inaugurated and broke ground on six major projects across the country. The highlight was the inauguration ceremony of the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Dong Anh, Hanoi, alongside five other landmark projects in the fields of socio-economic infrastructure, transportation, industry, urban development, and tourism in Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Ha Tinh, Tay Ninh, and Dong Nai. The General Secretary, the Prime Minister, and other delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the National Exhibition and Convention Center – a key national project. These events form part of the official national program to inaugurate and commence construction of projects celebrating the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025). The inauguration of the National Exhibition and Convention Center at Tu Lien Bridge Road, Dong Anh, Hanoi, served as the central venue of the program, with the attendance of General Secretary To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, members and former members of the Politburo, members of the Party Central Committee, as well as current and former leaders of the Party, the State, and heads of central and local ministries and agencies. Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that the National Exhibition and Convention Center, completed in just under 10 months, is poised to become a space that will foster the development of Vietnam's cultural and entertainment industries. The Prime Minister praised the determination of enterprises, particularly private ones, in building and developing national infrastructure with the spirit: "What we say, we do. What we commit, we deliver. Once we act and commit, there must be tangible results. And today, we have proved this." Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also affirmed that these projects demonstrate Vietnam's determination to achieve self-reliance and master technology in socio-economic infrastructure development, creating projects in Vietnam, for Vietnam, and by the Vietnamese people. "I hope that we will see more iconic projects of Vietnam, admired and recognized by friends across the region and around the world," the Prime Minister said. The National Exhibition and Convention Center spans more than 900,000 m², positioned to become the largest exhibition complex in Southeast Asia and one of the Top 10 largest in the world. At the core of the complex is the iconic Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, featuring a colossal 24,000-ton steel dome, 56 meters high, inspired by the legendary Golden Turtle God (Kim Quy) whose myth is closely linked with the heritage site of Co Loa. Covering approximately 130,000 m², the Kim Quy Hall comprises nine major exhibition halls and one central grand hall, offering an ideal space for specialized exhibitions and large-scale events, with versatile layouts optimized for diverse displays. The exhibition ecosystem also includes a permanent exhibition center (Block A), four outdoor exhibition areas (East – West – South – North), and VinPalace Co Loa, the largest international convention center in Vietnam, covering 16,800 m² with 12 banquet and conference halls that can host events from several hundred to over 5,000 guests. Complementary facilities include landscaped parks and lakes, a food court of over 3,000 m², and parking areas spanning more than 18 hectares, accommodating over 10,000 vehicles. After an accelerated construction period of just 10 months, the National Exhibition and Convention Center has officially been inaugurated and is ready to host the national milestone event celebrating the 80th National Independence Day: the exhibition"80 Years of Independence – Freedom – Happiness." The second project site was the inauguration of the May Chai Bridge (Royal Bridge) and its approach roads, part of the Vinhomes Royal Island project in Hai Phong. Spanning nearly 2.2 km in length and 21 meters in width with four lanes, the bridge connects Vu Yen Island with Le Thanh Tong Street, reducing travel time to the city center to under five minutes. With its twin arch towers symbolizing both soaring wings and a welcoming "World Gateway Bridge," the Royal Bridge is set to become a new landmark of Hai Phong, embodying openness to investment and economic opportunities. The third project site was the groundbreaking of an 18-hole international-standard golf course in Quang Hanh, Quang Ninh, covering 100 hectares. Nestled among natural forests with views of both mountains and Ha Long Bay, the course was designed under the philosophy of environmental preservation by renowned contemporary golf course designer Doug Carrick. Once operational, it will elevate Quang Ninh's reputation in tourism and sports. The fourth project site marked the start of construction on the Vinhomes Industrial Park in Vung Ang, Ha Tinh. Located on lots CN4 and CN5 of the Vung Ang Economic Zone, the project spans nearly 965 hectares, making it one of the largest in the region, with modern, synchronized infrastructure including factories, ports, and logistics facilities. The project is set to attract leading national and regional enterprises in industry, high technology, logistics, and exports—driving local economic growth and enabling Vietnamese enterprises to expand globally. The fifth project site was the groundbreaking of the Phuoc Vinh Tay New Urban Area in Tay Ninh, covering 1,089.6 hectares. Developed as an eco-smart sustainable city, it will feature a complete ecosystem of education, healthcare, commerce, and services, positioning it as one of the province's most significant future urban developments. The sixth project site was the commencement of Component Project 1: Construction of the Western North-South Expressway, Gia Nghia (Dak Nong) – Chon Thanh (Binh Phuoc) section, passing through Dong Nai province. The expressway spans 124.13 km (23.1 km in Dak Nong, 101.03 km in Binh Phuoc), designed for a full six-lane scale. Strategically, it will connect the Central Highlands with the Southeast region, particularly Dak Nong and Binh Phuoc with Ho Chi Minh City, unlocking regional economic potential and creating new growth momentum. By simultaneously inaugurating and breaking ground on national-scale infrastructure projects across six provinces and cities, Vingroup reaffirms its pioneering role in strengthening Vietnam's internal capabilities. These projects reflect the spirit of innovation and progress in the nation's 80-year journey of independence, renewal, and global integration.

China promises to address India's rare earths needs as border talks begin, Indian source says
China promises to address India's rare earths needs as border talks begin, Indian source says

Straits Times

time11 hours ago

  • Straits Times

China promises to address India's rare earths needs as border talks begin, Indian source says

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox NEW DELHI - There is an upward trend in India-China relations and Beijing has promised to address New Delhi's needs on rare earths, a top Indian official and a source said on Aug 19 , as the neighbours rebuild ties that were damaged by a 2020 border clash. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting India for the 24th round of border talks with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and is also due to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Aug 19 , days before Modi travels to China for the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. 'There has been an upward trend. Borders have been quiet. There has been peace and tranquillity,' Mr Doval told Mr Wang as he opened the talks. 'Our bilateral engagements have been more substantial.' 'The new environment that has been created has helped us in moving ahead in the various areas that we are working on,' he said. Mr Wang said the setbacks the two countries experienced over the past few years were not in the interests of the people of the two countries, according to a translation of his remarks by Indian news agency ANI. Earlier on Aug 19 , an Indian source said that China had promised to address three key Indian concerns. Mr Wang, the source said, had assured Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar that Beijing is addressing India's need for fertilisers, rare earths and tunnel boring machines. The Indian foreign and mines ministries did not respond immediately to Reuters requests for comment. China's commerce ministry also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It was not immediately clear whether China had agreed to approve export licenses faster or grant blanket exemptions for India. China has previously committed to speeding up export licenses for Europe and the US without actually dismantling the control regime. China's exports of rare earths and related magnets jumped in June after these agreements and as the commerce ministry worked through a huge backlog of applications. However, rare earth magnet exports to India were still down 58 per cent compared to January levels, according to Chinese customs data. June is the last month for which country-level data is available. India has the world's fifth-largest rare earth reserves, at 6.9 million metric tonnes, but there is no domestic magnet production. India relies on imported magnets, mainly from China. REUTERS

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store