Two people were killed and around 56 others were injured in multiple blasts at&nbsp;a Sunday prayer convention of the Jehovah’s Witnesses sect&nbsp;in Kalamassery, located in Ernakulam district of the Indian state of Kerala.&nbsp; 
 
The blasts are suspected to be a terror attack. More fire units and police personnel reached the site of the blast. 
 
Kochi city police commissioner and Anti-terrorist police personnel were also present at the site and Intelligence ADGP is expected to reach Kalamassery. As per media reports, the blasts' site was cordoned off and the fire rescue team and police were pressed into service, said Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev.

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The explosions took place while a Jehovah Witness Convention was going on, as per reports. The distress call was made by the authorities at 9 am&nbsp;(local time).

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Speaking to regional Indian channels, Assistant Commissioner ACP Thrikkakara said that one person was killed and 20 to 25 people were injured in the blasts which took place within 5-10 seconds. 
 
“Situation is in control, according to initial investigation, two blasts happened in 5 to 10 seconds… Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams are at the spot. The investigation will give clarity on whether this was a bomb blast,” he added.

<h2>State government asks doctors to report on duty</h2>

As per ANI, Kerala Health Minister Veena George appealed to all government healthcare professionals to report for duty, even those who were on leave, after the blast occurred. She further asked the Director of the Health Department and the Director of the Medical Education Department to give the best treatment to those injured in the blasts. 
 
The minister also gave instructions to prepare for additional facilities at Kalamassery Medical College, Ernakulam General Hospital and Kottayam Medical College.

WATCH |&nbsp;Indian troops in Maldives asked to leave by President-elect

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Reacting to the incident, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, “It's a very unfortunate incident. We are collecting details regarding the incident. All top officials are there in Ernakulam. DGP is moving to the spot. We are taking it very seriously. I have spoken to DGP. We need to get more details after the investigation.” 
 
According to preliminary probe, the blasts at convention centre in Kalamassery were due to IEDs,&nbsp;news agency PTI quoted Kerala DGP as saying. He said that the police is investigating all angles, and an SIT will be constituted to carry out the investigation. 
 
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Kerala CM&nbsp;Vijayan and took stock of the situation. He has also directed the National Security Guard (NSG) and the anti-terror probe agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) to send teams to Kerala to assist in investigation.

Kerala DGP Dr Shaik Darvesh Saheb said that&nbsp;an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which was kept in a tiffin box, was recovered from the blast site.&nbsp;

"Today morning at 9:40 am approximately there was an explosion at Zamra International Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre in which one person died and 36 persons are undergoing treatment. In the convention centre, we witnessed a regional convention happening. All our senior officers are on the spot. Our additional DGP is also in the way. I will also reach the spot shortly. We are conducting a thorough investigation, we will find out who is behind this and take strict action," DGP Darvesh stated.&nbsp;

"We will be constituting a special team today itself after I reach the spot," he&nbsp;added.

<h2>Delhi on high alert, blast suspect nabbed&nbsp;</h2>

After the Kerala blast, Delhi was placed on alert and instructions were given to increase security around churches.

"The Special Cell of the Delhi Police is in constant touch with intelligence agencies and is taking any input seriously. Security arrangements are being made at crowded places," said the Delhi Police, in a statement.

As per reports, the blast suspect was detained by the police in&nbsp;Kannur. 
 
The Jehovah Witness Convention is a gathering which takes place annually. In this, larger assemblies which are known as “Regional Conventions” take place and continue for three days. 
 
The explosion took place amid ongoing controversy over Hamas leader Khaled Mashal's participation in an event in Kerala. Reacting to the incident, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that the blast shows “the failure of the Pinarayi Vijayan government” and the event's organisers are justifying it as “nothing unusual”.

In an event held in Kerala,&nbsp;Hamas terrorists Khaled Mashal spoke from Qatar and asked participants to get ready for Jihad and get down on the streets in India.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Two people were killed and around 56 others were injured in multiple blasts at a Sunday prayer convention of the Jehovah’s Witnesses sect in Kalamassery, located in Ernakulam district of the Indian state of Kerala.

Two people were killed and around 56 others were injured in multiple blasts at a Sunday prayer convention of the Jehovah’s Witnesses sect in Kalamassery, located in Ernakulam district of the Indian state of Kerala. The blasts are suspected to be a terror attack. More fire units and police personnel reached the site of the blast. Kochi city police commissioner and Anti-terrorist police personnel were also present at the site and Intelligence ADGP is expected to reach Kalamassery. As per media reports, the blasts' site was cordoned off and the fire rescue team and police were pressed into service, said Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev. ALSO READ | India's Modi dials Egypt's El-Sisi to raise caution against escalation of Israel-Hamas war The explosions took place while a Jehovah Witness Convention was going on, as per reports. The distress call was made by the authorities at 9 am (local time). #WATCH | Visuals from Ernakulam, Kerala where one person died, and several injured in an explosion at a Convention Centre in Kalamassery https://t.co/hir8k808v2 pic.twitter.com/305HuzA4gg — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2023 × Speaking to regional Indian channels, Assistant Commissioner ACP Thrikkakara said that one person was killed and 20 to 25 people were injured in the blasts which took place within 5-10 seconds. “Situation is in control, according to initial investigation, two blasts happened in 5 to 10 seconds… Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams are at the spot. The investigation will give clarity on whether this was a bomb blast,” he added. State government asks doctors to report on duty As per ANI, Kerala Health Minister Veena George appealed to all government healthcare professionals to report for duty, even those who were on leave, after the blast occurred. She further asked the Director of the Health Department and the Director of the Medical Education Department to give the best treatment to those injured in the blasts. The minister also gave instructions to prepare for additional facilities at Kalamassery Medical College, Ernakulam General Hospital and Kottayam Medical College. WATCH | Indian troops in Maldives asked to leave by President-elect Reacting to the incident, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, “It's a very unfortunate incident. We are collecting details regarding the incident. All top officials are there in Ernakulam. DGP is moving to the spot. We are taking it very seriously. I have spoken to DGP. We need to get more details after the investigation.” According to preliminary probe, the blasts at convention centre in Kalamassery were due to IEDs, news agency PTI quoted Kerala DGP as saying. He said that the police is investigating all angles, and an SIT will be constituted to carry out the investigation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Kerala CM Vijayan and took stock of the situation. He has also directed the National Security Guard (NSG) and the anti-terror probe agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) to send teams to Kerala to assist in investigation. Kerala DGP Dr Shaik Darvesh Saheb said that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which was kept in a tiffin box, was recovered from the blast site. "Today morning at 9:40 am approximately there was an explosion at Zamra International Convention & Exhibition Centre in which one person died and 36 persons are undergoing treatment. In the convention centre, we witnessed a regional convention happening. All our senior officers are on the spot. Our additional DGP is also in the way. I will also reach the spot shortly. We are conducting a thorough investigation, we will find out who is behind this and take strict action," DGP Darvesh stated. "We will be constituting a special team today itself after I reach the spot," he added. Delhi on high alert, blast suspect nabbed After the Kerala blast, Delhi was placed on alert and instructions were given to increase security around churches. "The Special Cell of the Delhi Police is in constant touch with intelligence agencies and is taking any input seriously. Security arrangements are being made at crowded places," said the Delhi Police, in a statement. As per reports, the blast suspect was detained by the police in Kannur. The Jehovah Witness Convention is a gathering which takes place annually. In this, larger assemblies which are known as “Regional Conventions” take place and continue for three days. The explosion took place amid ongoing controversy over Hamas leader Khaled Mashal's participation in an event in Kerala. Reacting to the incident, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that the blast shows “the failure of the Pinarayi Vijayan government” and the event's organisers are justifying it as “nothing unusual”. In an event held in Kerala, Hamas terrorists Khaled Mashal spoke from Qatar and asked participants to get ready for Jihad and get down on the streets in India. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: Two killed, 56 injured in multiple blasts at convention centre in Kerala, terror angle suspected

India’s G20 leader's meetings will be held at the newly-developed ITPO complex in New Delhi. It is situated in Pragati Maidan and was inaugurated on Wednesday, 26 July. The site is owned by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and has been under redevelopment by state-owned construction company NBCC (India) Ltd since 2017.&nbsp;

With a campus area of approximately 123 acres, the Pragati Maidan Complex holds the title of India's largest MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) destination.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-members-dont-have-consensus-over-ukraine-war-text-ahead-of-summit-report-619571">G20 members fail to strike consensus over Ukraine war mention in text ahead of summit: Report</a>

The IECC complex is truly impressive in terms of its size and capacity to host events. It ranks among the top 10 exhibition and convention complexes in the world, alongside other famous names such as the Hannover Exhibition Centre in Germany and the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) in Shanghai. The IECC's infrastructure is a testament to India's ability to host large-scale events, and it's truly a sight to see.

<h2>New Convention Centre for G20: Details and features</h2>

Seating capacity

The IECC has an impressive seating capacity of 7,000 on level 3, making it a world-class venue for hosting large events. This makes it even larger than the seating capacity of approx. 5,500 of the iconic Sydney Opera House in Australia. This impressive feature establishes the IECC as a venue fit for hosting mega conferences, international summits, and cultural extravaganzas on a global scale.
<img alt="Seating capacity " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="95c6c7b9-ca65-4a1e-a870-a87321fce06d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/F1s-xLPagAE1BaJ.jpg" />
Exhibition halls

The exhibition halls offer seven innovative spaces for showcasing products, innovations, and ideas. These state-of-the-art halls provide an ideal platform for exhibitors and companies to engage with their target audience, fostering business growth and networking opportunities.
<img alt="Exhibition hall" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93c817e4-bcd1-4bba-81cd-baaaf92c2b15" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/F1sqcZtaAAAurht.jpg" />
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-woman-anju-marries-pak-man-changes-name-to-fatima-father-says-shes-dead-for-us-619605">Indian woman Anju marries Pak man, changes name to Fatima; father says 'she's dead for us'</a>

Amphitheatre&nbsp;

The IECC truly has so many great things to offer. One standout feature is its impressive amphitheatre, which can accommodate up to 3,000 people. Equivalent to three PVR theatres combined, this grand amphitheatre sets the stage for captivating performances, cultural shows, and entertainment events, captivating the audience with its mesmerizing ambience.
<img alt="Amphitheatre" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2af3410a-9a5e-4308-aea7-8deb60a5c181" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/F1s-xLNagAIdDEX.jpg" />
Parking lots

At the IECC, the priority will be the convenience of visitors. The convention centre has over 5,500 parking spaces available for vehicles, which is a huge relief. And the roads leading to the venue are signal-free, so getting there is a breeze.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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India’s G20 leader's meetings will be held at the newly-developed ITPO complex in New Delhi. It is situated in Pragati Maidan and was inaugurated on Wednesday, 26 July.

India’s G20 leader's meetings will be held at the newly-developed ITPO complex in New Delhi. It is situated in Pragati Maidan and was inaugurated on Wednesday, 26 July. The site is owned by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and has been under redevelopment by state-owned construction company NBCC (India) Ltd since 2017. With a campus area of approximately 123 acres, the Pragati Maidan Complex holds the title of India's largest MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) destination. Also Read | G20 members fail to strike consensus over Ukraine war mention in text ahead of summit: Report The IECC complex is truly impressive in terms of its size and capacity to host events. It ranks among the top 10 exhibition and convention complexes in the world, alongside other famous names such as the Hannover Exhibition Centre in Germany and the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) in Shanghai. The IECC's infrastructure is a testament to India's ability to host large-scale events, and it's truly a sight to see. New Convention Centre for G20: Details and features Seating capacity The IECC has an impressive seating capacity of 7,000 on level 3, making it a world-class venue for hosting large events. This makes it even larger than the seating capacity of approx. 5,500 of the iconic Sydney Opera House in Australia. This impressive feature establishes the IECC as a venue fit for hosting mega conferences, international summits, and cultural extravaganzas on a global scale. Exhibition halls The exhibition halls offer seven innovative spaces for showcasing products, innovations, and ideas. These state-of-the-art halls provide an ideal platform for exhibitors and companies to engage with their target audience, fostering business growth and networking opportunities. Also Read | Indian woman Anju marries Pak man, changes name to Fatima; father says 'she's dead for us' Amphitheatre The IECC truly has so many great things to offer. One standout feature is its impressive amphitheatre, which can accommodate up to 3,000 people. Equivalent to three PVR theatres combined, this grand amphitheatre sets the stage for captivating performances, cultural shows, and entertainment events, captivating the audience with its mesmerizing ambience. Parking lots At the IECC, the priority will be the convenience of visitors. The convention centre has over 5,500 parking spaces available for vehicles, which is a huge relief. And the roads leading to the venue are signal-free, so getting there is a breeze. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Mega convention centre inaugurated in Delhi ahead of G20 summit | Details

Jacksonville, Florida, where the Republicans are set to hold their national convention in August have declared that face masks will be mandatory due to surge in coronavirus cases.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-and-republicans-want-answers-from-trump-on-russia-bounty-reports-309509" hreflang="en">Democrats and Republicans want answers from Trump on Russia bounty reports</a>

The Republicans relocated the venue for the convention from Charlotte, North Carolina due to strict social distancing measures in place in the city.

The state health department reported 5,266 new infections and 28 new deaths due to COVID-19 on Monday.

The state's totals rose to 146,341 confirmed cases and 3,447 deaths.

"At 5 p.m. today, the city of Jacksonville will be adopting a mandatory mask requirement for public and indoor locations, and in other situations where individuals cannot socially distance," the city government said in a statement.

"Please continue to practice personal responsibility to help stop the spread of this virus."

On June 11, Trump's political party announced that the venue was shifted to Jacksonville attacking the strict rules set for the Charlotte convention. Trump went on to attack North Carolina governor Roy Cooper saying that he "is still in shelter-in-place mode" and "doesn't want to give an inch."&nbsp;

Jacksonville, Florida, where the Republicans are set to hold their national convention in August have declared that face masks will be mandatory due to surge in coronavirus cases.

Jacksonville, Florida, where the Republicans are set to hold their national convention in August have declared that face masks will be mandatory due to surge in coronavirus cases. Also read: Democrats and Republicans want answers from Trump on Russia bounty reports The Republicans relocated the venue for the convention from Charlotte, North Carolina due to strict social distancing measures in place in the city. The state health department reported 5,266 new infections and 28 new deaths due to COVID-19 on Monday. The state's totals rose to 146,341 confirmed cases and 3,447 deaths. "At 5 p.m. today, the city of Jacksonville will be adopting a mandatory mask requirement for public and indoor locations, and in other situations where individuals cannot socially distance," the city government said in a statement. "Please continue to practice personal responsibility to help stop the spread of this virus." On June 11, Trump's political party announced that the venue was shifted to Jacksonville attacking the strict rules set for the Charlotte convention. Trump went on to attack North Carolina governor Roy Cooper saying that he "is still in shelter-in-place mode" and "doesn't want to give an inch."

Florida city hosting Republican convention makes masks mandatory after surge in COVID-19 cases

New Zealand fire services were battling a massive blaze on Tuesday on the roof of a convention centre being built in the city of Auckland, considered to be the country's biggest current building project.

The fire, which broke out at the SkyCity Convention Centre, is close to the Sky City tower in downtown Auckland. Videos posted by witnesses on Twitter showed fire and black smoke billowing from the roof.

"Fire is really building," Auckland's mayor, Phil Goff, said on Twitter. "People can be seen on the roof."

Fire and emergency crews are fighting to bring the blaze under control, police said in a statement, adding that they were assisting Fire and Emergency NZ with cordons and evacuations of workers.

About 23 fire trucks from across greater Auckland had responded to the blaze, Fire and Emergency New Zealand said.

"There have been no reported injuries," SkyCity said on Twitter, adding that everyone had been evacuated from the convention centre, with Sky Tower and a casino closed until further notice.

Construction workers were among the hundreds of people evacuated, media said. Traffic came to a standstill in central Auckland, with people asked to avoid the business district and urged to take precautions against inhaling smoke.

The $452-million&nbsp;SkyCity Convention Centre, which sits on a 3.5-acre&nbsp;site, with a floor space of 349,827 sq ft, is considered to be New Zealand's biggest building project.

Owned by New Zealand casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group, the project has been plagued by delays.

The country's largest builder, Fletcher Building Ltd, is building the centre. Shares of SkyCity were down 4 per cent&nbsp;at NZ$3.82 on the New Zealand exchange after the fire reports.

New Zealand fire services were battling a massive blaze on Tuesday on the roof of a convention centre being built in the city of Auckland, considered to be the country's biggest current building project.

New Zealand fire services were battling a massive blaze on Tuesday on the roof of a convention centre being built in the city of Auckland, considered to be the country's biggest current building project. The fire, which broke out at the SkyCity Convention Centre, is close to the Sky City tower in downtown Auckland. Videos posted by witnesses on Twitter showed fire and black smoke billowing from the roof. "Fire is really building," Auckland's mayor, Phil Goff, said on Twitter. "People can be seen on the roof." Fire and emergency crews are fighting to bring the blaze under control, police said in a statement, adding that they were assisting Fire and Emergency NZ with cordons and evacuations of workers. About 23 fire trucks from across greater Auckland had responded to the blaze, Fire and Emergency New Zealand said. "There have been no reported injuries," SkyCity said on Twitter, adding that everyone had been evacuated from the convention centre, with Sky Tower and a casino closed until further notice. Construction workers were among the hundreds of people evacuated, media said. Traffic came to a standstill in central Auckland, with people asked to avoid the business district and urged to take precautions against inhaling smoke. The $452-million SkyCity Convention Centre, which sits on a 3.5-acre site, with a floor space of 349,827 sq ft, is considered to be New Zealand's biggest building project. Owned by New Zealand casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group, the project has been plagued by delays. The country's largest builder, Fletcher Building Ltd, is building the centre. Shares of SkyCity were down 4 per cent at NZ$3.82 on the New Zealand exchange after the fire reports.

New Zealand battles to rein in blaze at convention centre

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