In a sign that world's second-largest economy is losing momentum, China's factory output grew more slowly than expected and retail sales unexpectedly dropped in October as it struggles with protracted covid-19 curbs and a property downturn.

World Business Watch: China's factory output, retail miss forecasts

Following a chemical leak at an Indian meat processing company on Thursday, authorities said that dozens of employees lost consciousness and were sent to the hospital. This was the second such incident in as many days.&nbsp;

A pipe carrying ammonia ruptured in a meat factory of Aligarh in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, spewing toxic gases into the premises and causing the workers to complain of breathing difficulties and many of them passing&nbsp;out, said police.

"At least 55 workers, mostly women, were rushed to the hospital after the leak," a local police official told AFP. "Most of the workers were unconscious."

Emergency personnel arrived at the business quickly and began attempting to contain the deadly gas's spread.

According to police, the factory had been temporarily blocked and the event was being looked into.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-5000-ghost-flights-flew-to-or-from-the-uk-since-2019-report-520875">More than 5,000 ‘ghost flights’ flew to or from the UK since 2019: Report</a>

The leak in Aligarh occurred less than a day after an ammonia gas leak at a shrimp processing facility in eastern Odisha state left 28 workers sick, with at least five of them in critical condition.&nbsp;

In 1984, a gas leak at a pesticide facility operated by the US business Union Carbide resulted in thousands of deaths, making it one of the greatest industrial catastrophes in history for India.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Following a chemical leak at an Indian meat processing company on Thursday, authorities said that dozens of employees lost consciousness and were sent to the hospital.

Following a chemical leak at an Indian meat processing company on Thursday, authorities said that dozens of employees lost consciousness and were sent to the hospital. This was the second such incident in as many days. A pipe carrying ammonia ruptured in a meat factory of Aligarh in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, spewing toxic gases into the premises and causing the workers to complain of breathing difficulties and many of them passing out, said police. "At least 55 workers, mostly women, were rushed to the hospital after the leak," a local police official told AFP. "Most of the workers were unconscious." Emergency personnel arrived at the business quickly and began attempting to contain the deadly gas's spread. According to police, the factory had been temporarily blocked and the event was being looked into. Also Read: More than 5,000 ‘ghost flights’ flew to or from the UK since 2019: Report The leak in Aligarh occurred less than a day after an ammonia gas leak at a shrimp processing facility in eastern Odisha state left 28 workers sick, with at least five of them in critical condition. In 1984, a gas leak at a pesticide facility operated by the US business Union Carbide resulted in thousands of deaths, making it one of the greatest industrial catastrophes in history for India. (with inputs from agencies)

Dozens fall unconscious after ammonia leak at meat factory in India, probe on

Japan's factories extended expansion and output to a second month in July as motor vehicle production improved, marking a positive start to the third quarter for manufacturers in broader economic activity.

Japan's factories expand output for a second month in July

Oil prices dropped about 4% on Monday as weak manufacturing data in several countries weighed on the demand outlook while investors braced for this week's meeting of OPEC and its producer allies on supply.

Oil sinks about 4% after weak factory data sparks demand concerns

In yet another mass shooting incident in the United States, a shooter opened fire at factory workers in Maryland. Three people have been killed.

Maryland factory shooting: Shooter opens fire at factory workers

A major blast at a chemical factory in northern Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur claimed 12 lives and injured 20 after a boiler exploded. The officials have found traces of gunpowder and suspect that it may have caused the explosion.

The incident took place at an industrial facility in Dhaulana, around 60 kilometres from the capital New Delhi, on Saturday around 3 pm. There were around 30 people in the affected area.

Residents of Dhaulana said that the blast was so intense that they felt “earthquake-like tremors”. Some of the factories located in the vicinity were damaged. It took three hours for fire tenders to douse the blaze.

Superintendent of Police of Hapur Deepak Bhuker said a probe has been launched to determine the cause of the incident.

"The factory was given the licence to manufacture electronic items. And now, it is a matter of probe what exactly was going on here. This is a sad incident. Forensic teams have reached here and are collecting samples," District Magistrate of Hapur Medha Roopam was quoted as saying by PTI news agency.

"Our efforts are to ensure that the injured persons get the best medical treatment. Some of them have been referred to Safdarjung Hospital," she added.

Other factories in the area will be inspected, the district magistrate said, adding that action would also be taken against officials concerned if it was found in the probe that the incident took place due to their laxity.

The factory is located adjacent to a CNG pump. Rescue and relief measures were taken up at the site, according to officials.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kid-complains-of-rashes-in-uttar-pradesh-samples-sent-for-monkeypox-testing-485058" hreflang="en">Kid complains of rashes in Uttar Pradesh; samples sent for monkeypox testing</a>

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the loss of lives.

"The accident in the chemical factory of Hapur, Uttar Pradesh is heart-wrenching. I express my condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in this. The state government is actively involved in providing treatment to the injured and all possible help," Modi tweeted.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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A major blast at a chemical factory in northern Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur claimed 12 lives and injured 20 after a boiler exploded. The officials have found traces of gunpowder and suspect that it may have caused the explosion.

A major blast at a chemical factory in northern Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur claimed 12 lives and injured 20 after a boiler exploded. The officials have found traces of gunpowder and suspect that it may have caused the explosion. The incident took place at an industrial facility in Dhaulana, around 60 kilometres from the capital New Delhi, on Saturday around 3 pm. There were around 30 people in the affected area. Residents of Dhaulana said that the blast was so intense that they felt “earthquake-like tremors”. Some of the factories located in the vicinity were damaged. It took three hours for fire tenders to douse the blaze. Superintendent of Police of Hapur Deepak Bhuker said a probe has been launched to determine the cause of the incident. "The factory was given the licence to manufacture electronic items. And now, it is a matter of probe what exactly was going on here. This is a sad incident. Forensic teams have reached here and are collecting samples," District Magistrate of Hapur Medha Roopam was quoted as saying by PTI news agency. "Our efforts are to ensure that the injured persons get the best medical treatment. Some of them have been referred to Safdarjung Hospital," she added. Other factories in the area will be inspected, the district magistrate said, adding that action would also be taken against officials concerned if it was found in the probe that the incident took place due to their laxity. The factory is located adjacent to a CNG pump. Rescue and relief measures were taken up at the site, according to officials. Also read | Kid complains of rashes in Uttar Pradesh; samples sent for monkeypox testing President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the loss of lives. "The accident in the chemical factory of Hapur, Uttar Pradesh is heart-wrenching. I express my condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in this. The state government is actively involved in providing treatment to the injured and all possible help," Modi tweeted. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: 12 dead, 20 injured after chemical factory blast near capital New Delhi

An explosion has rocked an electronics factory in India. At least 12 people were killed and 21 were injured in the blast. PM Modi has expressed grief.

Explosion at an electronics factory in India: At least 12 killed, 21 injured in the blast

Even after two years of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, China is still reeling under the negative impact of the pandemic. The worst COVID outbreak in Asia's largest economy in two years has brought sporadic lockdowns and factory closures.

China's factory activity shrinks, worst covid-19 outbreak in two years

Japan's manufacturing activity expanded at the slowest pace in five months in February as output contracted, underscoring the prolonged impact that global supply chain disruptions are having on the world's third-largest economy.

Japan's Feb factory activity growth falls to 5-month low

Moderna said Thursday that it planned to build a vaccine manufacturing facility in Africa, news that was welcome for the long term but that does not address the continent’s immediate need for COVID-19 vaccines.

The company said that a new “state-of-the-art” facility would eventually produce up to 500 million doses a year of Moderna’s mRNA vaccine, which has shown an efficacy rate of more than 90%&nbsp;in preventing COVID-19. The plant will, in time, also produce other Moderna vaccines, the company said.

However, Moderna gave no time frame and said it was only now beginning the process of identifying which country would host the plant.

Building vaccine manufacturing sites in Africa will increase the continent’s future access to the drugs. But that does not answer calls from African leaders and activists to waive patent laws that would give more drugmakers access to details on how coronavirus vaccines are produced. It also does not address the continent’s immediate COVID-19 vaccine shortages.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-halts-use-of-moderna-vaccine-for-young-adults-418712">Also read |&nbsp;Sweden halts use of Moderna vaccine for young adults</a>

“It doesn’t necessarily solve our problems today,” Dr. John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a regular news briefing Thursday. “The problems we have are quick access to vaccines, redistribution of vaccines, making sure that certain licenses are provided so that manufacturing can start regionally.”

Moderna’s announcement comes amid mounting pressure on biotech firms to share their expertise with manufacturers in countries that desperately need more coronavirus vaccine doses.

Drugmakers Pfizer and BioNTech said in July that they had partnered with Biovac, a public-private partnership pharmaceutical company in Cape Town, South Africa. In Gqeberha, the South African coastal city formerly known as Port Elizabeth, Johnson &amp; Johnson has partnered with Aspen, a local manufacturer, in a fill-and-finish manufacturing process.

Moderna said that it expected to invest up to $500 million in its future site and that its facility would manufacture the doses with fill-and-finish capacity, in addition to packaging facilities.

“While we are still working to increase capacity in our current network to deliver vaccines for the ongoing pandemic in 2022, we believe it is important to invest in the future,” said Stephane Bancel, Moderna’s CEO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-ceos-of-pfizer-and-moderna-say-life-will-be-back-to-normal-in-a-year-416527">Also read |&nbsp;Covid pandemic: CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna say life will be back to normal in a year</a>

African leaders had already established the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing, which works within an existing “ecosystem” of Africa’s vaccine needs. Launched in April, it has political backing from the continent’s leaders, including Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

Moderna, an American drug company, developed its coronavirus vaccine with billions of dollars in taxpayer money and received initial research and development funding from Covax, the vaccine-sharing facility supported by the global vaccine alliance Gavi and the World Health Organisation.

Moderna said Thursday that it planned to build a vaccine manufacturing facility in Africa, news that was welcome for the long term but that does not address the continent’s immediate need for COVID-19 vaccines.

Moderna said Thursday that it planned to build a vaccine manufacturing facility in Africa, news that was welcome for the long term but that does not address the continent’s immediate need for COVID-19 vaccines. The company said that a new “state-of-the-art” facility would eventually produce up to 500 million doses a year of Moderna’s mRNA vaccine, which has shown an efficacy rate of more than 90% in preventing COVID-19. The plant will, in time, also produce other Moderna vaccines, the company said. However, Moderna gave no time frame and said it was only now beginning the process of identifying which country would host the plant. Building vaccine manufacturing sites in Africa will increase the continent’s future access to the drugs. But that does not answer calls from African leaders and activists to waive patent laws that would give more drugmakers access to details on how coronavirus vaccines are produced. It also does not address the continent’s immediate COVID-19 vaccine shortages. Also read | Sweden halts use of Moderna vaccine for young adults “It doesn’t necessarily solve our problems today,” Dr. John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a regular news briefing Thursday. “The problems we have are quick access to vaccines, redistribution of vaccines, making sure that certain licenses are provided so that manufacturing can start regionally.” Moderna’s announcement comes amid mounting pressure on biotech firms to share their expertise with manufacturers in countries that desperately need more coronavirus vaccine doses. Drugmakers Pfizer and BioNTech said in July that they had partnered with Biovac, a public-private partnership pharmaceutical company in Cape Town, South Africa. In Gqeberha, the South African coastal city formerly known as Port Elizabeth, Johnson & Johnson has partnered with Aspen, a local manufacturer, in a fill-and-finish manufacturing process. Moderna said that it expected to invest up to $500 million in its future site and that its facility would manufacture the doses with fill-and-finish capacity, in addition to packaging facilities. “While we are still working to increase capacity in our current network to deliver vaccines for the ongoing pandemic in 2022, we believe it is important to invest in the future,” said Stephane Bancel, Moderna’s CEO. Also read | Covid pandemic: CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna say life will be back to normal in a year African leaders had already established the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing, which works within an existing “ecosystem” of Africa’s vaccine needs. Launched in April, it has political backing from the continent’s leaders, including Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Paul Kagame of Rwanda. Moderna, an American drug company, developed its coronavirus vaccine with billions of dollars in taxpayer money and received initial research and development funding from Covax, the vaccine-sharing facility supported by the global vaccine alliance Gavi and the World Health Organisation.

Moderna says it will build a vaccine factory in Africa

The management of Ford India Private Ltd is yet to come out with their plans for the workers who will be affected by the closure of its three plants — two in the southern state of Tamil Nadu's Chennai and one in the western state of Gujarat's Sanand, said a union official.

On September 9, Ford India announced that it will wind down vehicle assembly in Sanand by the fourth quarter of 2021 and vehicle and engine manufacturing in Chennai by the second quarter of 2022.

Ford India has four plants in the country — vehicle and engine plants in Chennai and Sanand.

Ford India has decided to continue operating the engine plant in Sanand while closing down the other three.

“On Monday, the Sanand plant management had a discussion with us. They wanted to know whether we have any questions on the company’s decision to close down the plants,” Sanand workers’ union General Secretary Nayan Kateshiya told IANS.

“We had asked them about the future of the engine plant workers and how long it would be operational. We also asked them about the future of the plants that are to be closed, whether they would be sold/leased out,” Kateshiya added.

According to him, the management had no answer and said they would revert.

“Work on completing the assembly of the cars that are remaining on the production lines is being done. The engine plant is running.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ford-to-end-manufacturing-in-india-take-2-billion-hit-411902">Ford to end manufacturing in India, take $2 billion hit</a>

Meanwhile, the Chennai Ford Employees Union (CFEU) in a statement said it does not accept Ford India’s decision of closing down the plants.

The CFEU has requested the company management to ensure jobs for the workers at the Chennai plant with the proposed buyer of the factory.

The company management is having a meeting with CFEU officials on Tuesday.

Ford’s quit India decision will result in an uncertain future for about 5,300 employees – workers and staff, Union officials said.

According to Union officials, Ford India’s Chennai plant has about 2,700 associates (permanent workers) and about 600 staff.

“In Sanand, the number of workers will be about 2,000,” Kateshiya said.

Ford India had said more than 500 employees at the Sanand engine plant, which produces engines for export, and about 100 employees supporting parts distribution and customer service, also will continue to support Ford’s business in India.

According to Ford India, about 4,000 employees are expected to be affected by its decision.

The management of Ford India Private Ltd is yet to come out with their plans for the workers who will be affected by the closure of its three plants — two in the southern state of Tamil Nadu's Chennai and one in the western state of Gujarat's Sanand, said a union official.

The management of Ford India Private Ltd is yet to come out with their plans for the workers who will be affected by the closure of its three plants — two in the southern state of Tamil Nadu's Chennai and one in the western state of Gujarat's Sanand, said a union official. On September 9, Ford India announced that it will wind down vehicle assembly in Sanand by the fourth quarter of 2021 and vehicle and engine manufacturing in Chennai by the second quarter of 2022. Ford India has four plants in the country — vehicle and engine plants in Chennai and Sanand. Ford India has decided to continue operating the engine plant in Sanand while closing down the other three. “On Monday, the Sanand plant management had a discussion with us. They wanted to know whether we have any questions on the company’s decision to close down the plants,” Sanand workers’ union General Secretary Nayan Kateshiya told IANS. “We had asked them about the future of the engine plant workers and how long it would be operational. We also asked them about the future of the plants that are to be closed, whether they would be sold/leased out,” Kateshiya added. According to him, the management had no answer and said they would revert. “Work on completing the assembly of the cars that are remaining on the production lines is being done. The engine plant is running.” Also read | Ford to end manufacturing in India, take $2 billion hit Meanwhile, the Chennai Ford Employees Union (CFEU) in a statement said it does not accept Ford India’s decision of closing down the plants. The CFEU has requested the company management to ensure jobs for the workers at the Chennai plant with the proposed buyer of the factory. The company management is having a meeting with CFEU officials on Tuesday. Ford’s quit India decision will result in an uncertain future for about 5,300 employees – workers and staff, Union officials said. According to Union officials, Ford India’s Chennai plant has about 2,700 associates (permanent workers) and about 600 staff. “In Sanand, the number of workers will be about 2,000,” Kateshiya said. Ford India had said more than 500 employees at the Sanand engine plant, which produces engines for export, and about 100 employees supporting parts distribution and customer service, also will continue to support Ford’s business in India. According to Ford India, about 4,000 employees are expected to be affected by its decision.

Ford India yet to spell out plans for workers affected by closure

At least 43 have been killed, 20 others injured and many are feared trapped after a massive fire raged through a factory in&nbsp;Bangladesh, officials said on Friday.

The cause of the fire, which originated at a ground floor of a multi-storey building of the juice factory on Thursday night in Narayanganj, 20 km (12 miles) from Dhaka, was not immediately known.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-bangladesh-sees-record-201-single-day-fatalities-396814">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Bangladesh sees record 201 single-day fatalities</a>

"It is not clear how many workers are trapped. We are gathering information," Mustain Billah, the Narayanganj district administrator, told Reuters from the scene.

Two people died at the scene and a third in hospital, he added, with 20 people injured.

All of those were hurt as they jumped off the second floor and third floor of the building, Shah Alam, a fire service official said.

Such accidents in factories, many of which operate illegally and without proper fire safety measures, are common in&nbsp;Bangladesh.

At least 43 have been killed, 20 others injured and many are feared trapped after a massive fire raged through a factory in Bangladesh, officials said on Friday.

At least 43 have been killed, 20 others injured and many are feared trapped after a massive fire raged through a factory in Bangladesh, officials said on Friday. The cause of the fire, which originated at a ground floor of a multi-storey building of the juice factory on Thursday night in Narayanganj, 20 km (12 miles) from Dhaka, was not immediately known. Also read | COVID-19: Bangladesh sees record 201 single-day fatalities "It is not clear how many workers are trapped. We are gathering information," Mustain Billah, the Narayanganj district administrator, told Reuters from the scene. Two people died at the scene and a third in hospital, he added, with 20 people injured. All of those were hurt as they jumped off the second floor and third floor of the building, Shah Alam, a fire service official said. Such accidents in factories, many of which operate illegally and without proper fire safety measures, are common in Bangladesh.

Fire at Bangladesh juice factory kills at least 43, many feared trapped

Gaza's Pepsi bottling company was forced to halt operations this week due to Israeli import restrictions that were tightened during an 11-day conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants last month, the company's owners say. 
 
With a truce between Israel and Gaza's Hamas largely holding, Israel on Monday allowed a limited resumption of exports from the enclave. 
 
But it has kept in place tightened measures on raw material imports, including carbon dioxide gas and syrup that the bottling company's factory needs to produce Pepsi, 7UP and Mirinda soda, said Pepsi Gaza's Hamam al-Yazeji. 
 
"Yesterday, we completely ran out of raw materials, and unfortunately, we had to shut down the factory, sending home 250 workers," Yazeji said. Before the May fighting, he said, Pepsi Gaza was generally allowed to import needed materials. 
 
Asked for comment, COGAT, a branch of Israel's defence ministry, said: "Due to the security situation, the import of industrial raw materials from the State of Israel into the Gaza Strip is not possible." 
 
COGAT said Israel was allowing other imports into Gaza, including fuel, food, medicine and medical equipment. 
 
Israel and neighbouring Egypt keep tight control over Gaza's borders, and say the restrictions are necessary to stop weapons reaching Hamas and prevent them from being produced locally. 
 
Egypt and the United Nations stepped up mediation last week after incendiary balloons launched from Gaza drew retaliatory Israeli air strikes on Hamas sites, challenging the fragile ceasefire. 
 
Shutdowns could also occur in other Gaza factories if Israeli restrictions are kept up, analysts say. Manufacturing makes up around 10 per cent of Gaza's service sector-dominated economy, according to UN&nbsp;data. 
 
Pepsi Gaza's factory has operated continuously since 1961, when the Gaza-based Yazeji Soft Drinks Company acquired rights to produce 7UP and other types of soda in the enclave. 
 
Worth about $15 million, the owners say, the factory's products are distributed locally. A separate branch operates in the occupied West Bank, worth about $30 million, which serves the territory as well as East Jerusalem. 
 
Company officials had made plans to celebrate 60 years of operations before the shutdown on Sunday. 
 
Yazeji had tears in his eyes as he walked through his empty factory on Monday. The shutdown was 'catastrophic', he said. 
 
"This year should have been exceptional, celebrating 60 years since we began production. 
 
"We are deprived of marking this anniversary." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Gaza's Pepsi bottling company was forced to halt operations this week due to Israeli import restrictions that were tightened during an 11-day conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants last month, the company's owners say.

Gaza's Pepsi bottling company was forced to halt operations this week due to Israeli import restrictions that were tightened during an 11-day conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants last month, the company's owners say. With a truce between Israel and Gaza's Hamas largely holding, Israel on Monday allowed a limited resumption of exports from the enclave. But it has kept in place tightened measures on raw material imports, including carbon dioxide gas and syrup that the bottling company's factory needs to produce Pepsi, 7UP and Mirinda soda, said Pepsi Gaza's Hamam al-Yazeji. "Yesterday, we completely ran out of raw materials, and unfortunately, we had to shut down the factory, sending home 250 workers," Yazeji said. Before the May fighting, he said, Pepsi Gaza was generally allowed to import needed materials. Asked for comment, COGAT, a branch of Israel's defence ministry, said: "Due to the security situation, the import of industrial raw materials from the State of Israel into the Gaza Strip is not possible." COGAT said Israel was allowing other imports into Gaza, including fuel, food, medicine and medical equipment. Israel and neighbouring Egypt keep tight control over Gaza's borders, and say the restrictions are necessary to stop weapons reaching Hamas and prevent them from being produced locally. Egypt and the United Nations stepped up mediation last week after incendiary balloons launched from Gaza drew retaliatory Israeli air strikes on Hamas sites, challenging the fragile ceasefire. Shutdowns could also occur in other Gaza factories if Israeli restrictions are kept up, analysts say. Manufacturing makes up around 10 per cent of Gaza's service sector-dominated economy, according to UN data. Pepsi Gaza's factory has operated continuously since 1961, when the Gaza-based Yazeji Soft Drinks Company acquired rights to produce 7UP and other types of soda in the enclave. Worth about $15 million, the owners say, the factory's products are distributed locally. A separate branch operates in the occupied West Bank, worth about $30 million, which serves the territory as well as East Jerusalem. Company officials had made plans to celebrate 60 years of operations before the shutdown on Sunday. Yazeji had tears in his eyes as he walked through his empty factory on Monday. The shutdown was 'catastrophic', he said. "This year should have been exceptional, celebrating 60 years since we began production. "We are deprived of marking this anniversary." (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza Pepsi factory shuts down, owners blame Israeli restrictions

At least 15 people have died after a blaze swept through a sanitiser factory in the western Indian city of Pune on Monday, police said.

"We have recovered 15 bodies so far," an officer in Pune's rural police control room, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP.

"The fire broke out around 4:15 pm at a sanitiser factory, we still don't know what sparked the fire."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vaccine-supply-will-be-increasing-in-the-coming-days-says-pm-modi-389960" hreflang="en">Vaccine supply will be increasing in the coming days, says PM Modi</a>

The officer could not say if there were any injured or missing.

The plant was located on the outskirts of Pune in a village, the Times of India reported.

Those killed were trapped in the factory when the fire broke out after an explosion inside a machine, the newspaper added, citing local revenue officials.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-madras-alumni-contribute-2-million-for-covid-19-relief-efforts-in-india-389935" hreflang="en">IIT Madras alumni contribute $2 million for COVID-19 relief efforts in India</a>

Video footage aired by local media showed huge plumes of smoke billowing from the top of a building.

India is frequently rocked by industrial disasters that experts blame on poor planning and lax enforcement of safety rules.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences, and tweeted that financial compensation would be provided to the families of the victims as well as those injured.

At least 15 people have died after a blaze swept through a sanitiser factory in the western Indian city of Pune on Monday, police said. "We have recovered 15 bodies so far," an officer in Pune's rural police control room, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP.

At least 15 people have died after a blaze swept through a sanitiser factory in the western Indian city of Pune on Monday, police said. "We have recovered 15 bodies so far," an officer in Pune's rural police control room, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP. "The fire broke out around 4:15 pm at a sanitiser factory, we still don't know what sparked the fire." Also read | Vaccine supply will be increasing in the coming days, says PM Modi The officer could not say if there were any injured or missing. The plant was located on the outskirts of Pune in a village, the Times of India reported. Those killed were trapped in the factory when the fire broke out after an explosion inside a machine, the newspaper added, citing local revenue officials. Also read | IIT Madras alumni contribute $2 million for COVID-19 relief efforts in India Video footage aired by local media showed huge plumes of smoke billowing from the top of a building. India is frequently rocked by industrial disasters that experts blame on poor planning and lax enforcement of safety rules. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences, and tweeted that financial compensation would be provided to the families of the victims as well as those injured.

At least 15 dead in India sanitiser factory fire

A violent clash broke out between the employees and authorities in the iPhone maker&nbsp;Wistron Corporation's factory in the Southern city of India, Bangalore.

The Taiwan-based company faces allegations for not paying employee's salaries on time amid the coronavirus pandemic. The dispute started when employees were finishing a late-night shift on the weekend.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-push-india-to-trump-china-in-arena-of-mobile-manufacturing-says-it-minister-ravi-shankar-prasad-349691">Will push India to trump China in arena of mobile manufacturing, says IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad</a>

Wistron Corporation runs on the efforts of nearly 5,000 workers who have now alleged the iPhone manufacturing company has not been paying their wages completely in the recent past which has negatively affected the employees, especially due to the ongoing pandemic.

While exiting the factory on Saturday, employees started hitting furniture, assembly units, equipment and vehicles parked outside. The whole tussle was caught on the company's CCTV cameras. The glass panes and windows were also broken by a few employees, as shown in several videos recorded by employees, which are surfacing on various social media accounts.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/someone-hacked-the-iphone-but-waited-6-months-to-tell-the-world-347121">Someone hacked the iPhone. But waited 6 months to tell the world</a>

Employees have alleged the company has been paying them an amount much lower than what they were guaranteed at the time of joining, and even though the work is being completed on time, the salary is being delayed from the employer's end.

As the employees were ending a late-night shift on the weekend, many of them started talking among themselves about this delay and unmet promises. The discussion soon turned to anger which then led to a sudden violent outburst.

The company has alleged a loss of INR 437.40 crore which rises out of the destruction of assembly lines, equipment, mobile phones, cars, golf carts, and more. The Director of the company Sudipto Gupta has assured they will be assisting the police completely in the investigation. "We follow the law and are supporting the authorities with their investigation. The safety and wellbeing of our team members is always our top priority," he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-this-loophole-allowed-a-hacker-to-remotely-hack-an-iphone-347324">ALSO WATCH|</a>

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Company&nbsp;executive T D Prashanth has alleged the destruction was carried out by nearly 5,000 employees of the company and 2,000 unidentified and unknown people, who are being rumoured to be outsiders.

An investigation in this matter has been launched after an official complaint was launched by the company in the&nbsp;Vemagal police station.

A violent clash broke out between the employees and authorities in the iPhone maker Wistron Corporation's factory in the Southern city of India, Bangalore. The Taiwan-based company faces allegations for not paying employee's salaries on time amid the coronavirus pandemic.

A violent clash broke out between the employees and authorities in the iPhone maker Wistron Corporation's factory in the Southern city of India, Bangalore. The Taiwan-based company faces allegations for not paying employee's salaries on time amid the coronavirus pandemic. The dispute started when employees were finishing a late-night shift on the weekend. Also read| Will push India to trump China in arena of mobile manufacturing, says IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Wistron Corporation runs on the efforts of nearly 5,000 workers who have now alleged the iPhone manufacturing company has not been paying their wages completely in the recent past which has negatively affected the employees, especially due to the ongoing pandemic. While exiting the factory on Saturday, employees started hitting furniture, assembly units, equipment and vehicles parked outside. The whole tussle was caught on the company's CCTV cameras. The glass panes and windows were also broken by a few employees, as shown in several videos recorded by employees, which are surfacing on various social media accounts. Also read| Someone hacked the iPhone. But waited 6 months to tell the world Employees have alleged the company has been paying them an amount much lower than what they were guaranteed at the time of joining, and even though the work is being completed on time, the salary is being delayed from the employer's end. As the employees were ending a late-night shift on the weekend, many of them started talking among themselves about this delay and unmet promises. The discussion soon turned to anger which then led to a sudden violent outburst. The company has alleged a loss of INR 437.40 crore which rises out of the destruction of assembly lines, equipment, mobile phones, cars, golf carts, and more. The Director of the company Sudipto Gupta has assured they will be assisting the police completely in the investigation. "We follow the law and are supporting the authorities with their investigation. The safety and wellbeing of our team members is always our top priority," he said. ALSO WATCH| × Company executive T D Prashanth has alleged the destruction was carried out by nearly 5,000 employees of the company and 2,000 unidentified and unknown people, who are being rumoured to be outsiders. An investigation in this matter has been launched after an official complaint was launched by the company in the Vemagal police station.

Dispute breaks out at iPhone maker Wistron's Karnataka factory

At least 12 people were killed and two others suffered injuries after gas cylinders exploded in a perfume factory in Shahdara area of Lahore.

An operation is underway to rescue the remaining people trapped under the debris.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/4-chinese-among-5-under-observation-for-suspected-coronavirus-in-pakistan-276879">Pakistan: 4 Chinese among 5 under observation for suspected coronavirus</a>

According to residents, at least 15 workers were inside the factory when the fire broke out.

Further details are awaited.

At least 12 people were killed and two others suffered injuries after gas cylinders exploded in a perfume factory in Shahdara area of Lahore. An operation is underway to rescue the remaining people trapped under the debris.

At least 12 people were killed and two others suffered injuries after gas cylinders exploded in a perfume factory in Shahdara area of Lahore. An operation is underway to rescue the remaining people trapped under the debris. Also Read: Pakistan: 4 Chinese among 5 under observation for suspected coronavirus According to residents, at least 15 workers were inside the factory when the fire broke out. Further details are awaited.

Pakistan: 12 killed, 2 injured in gas clyinder blast in Lahore

A Dalit man was tied and beaten to death with a stick in Shapar industrial area&nbsp;on Sunday in Gujarat's Rajkot on orders of factory owner&nbsp;after suspicion of theft.&nbsp;

As per reports, his wife was also thrashed and tortured by the men and is now in a critical state. The man, identified as Mukesh Vaniya, succumbed to his injuries at Rajkot Civil Hospital.

Five people have been detained in relation to the incident and an FIR has been lodged in the case under section 302 of the Indian Penal Code.

The complaint was filed by the wife of the deceased, Jaya, said the report. It further said that the factory workers stopped beating up her husband only after she rushed to the spot with some of her relatives.

Sharing a video of the incident, Gujarat's Congress Committee president Amit Chavda said that the name of the man beaten to death was Mukesh Vaniya, and that he used to collect garbage from the factory where he was beaten up mercilessly.

Dalit leader Jignesh Mewani said it was "worse than the Una attack" which happened in 2016 where four Dalits were thrashed by cow vigilantes while they were skinning a cow that had been electrocuted.

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Dalit named Mukesh Vaniya was brutally beaten to death by factory owners where he used to collect garbage, on the suspicion of theft. His wife was also brutally beaten and tortured. - I strongly condemn this heinous and inhuman act. <a href="https://t.co/Vqf9WrUQ86">pic.twitter.com/Vqf9WrUQ86</a>
— Amit Chavda (@AmitChavdaINC) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitChavdaINC/status/998438957871333376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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'Mr. Mukesh Vaniya belonging to a scheduled caste was miserably thrashed and murdered by factory owners in Rajkot and his wife was brutally beaten up'.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratIsNotSafe4Dalit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratIsNotSafe4Dalit</a> <a href="https://t.co/ffJfn7rNSc">pic.twitter.com/ffJfn7rNSc</a>
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&nbsp;

The man's wife was reportedly also thrashed by the men and is now in critical condition. The man, identified as Mukesh Vaniya, died from his injuries at Rajkot Civil Hospital

A Dalit man was tied and beaten to death with a stick in Shapar industrial area on Sunday in Gujarat's Rajkot on orders of factory owner after suspicion of theft. As per reports, his wife was also thrashed and tortured by the men and is now in a critical state. The man, identified as Mukesh Vaniya, succumbed to his injuries at Rajkot Civil Hospital. Five people have been detained in relation to the incident and an FIR has been lodged in the case under section 302 of the Indian Penal Code. The complaint was filed by the wife of the deceased, Jaya, said the report. It further said that the factory workers stopped beating up her husband only after she rushed to the spot with some of her relatives. Sharing a video of the incident, Gujarat's Congress Committee president Amit Chavda said that the name of the man beaten to death was Mukesh Vaniya, and that he used to collect garbage from the factory where he was beaten up mercilessly. Dalit leader Jignesh Mewani said it was "worse than the Una attack" which happened in 2016 where four Dalits were thrashed by cow vigilantes while they were skinning a cow that had been electrocuted. Dalit named Mukesh Vaniya was brutally beaten to death by factory owners where he used to collect garbage, on the suspicion of theft. His wife was also brutally beaten and tortured. - I strongly condemn this heinous and inhuman act. pic.twitter.com/Vqf9WrUQ86 — Amit Chavda (@AmitChavdaINC) May 21, 2018 × 'Mr. Mukesh Vaniya belonging to a scheduled caste was miserably thrashed and murdered by factory owners in Rajkot and his wife was brutally beaten up'.#GujaratIsNotSafe4Dalit pic.twitter.com/ffJfn7rNSc — Jignesh Mevani (@jigneshmevani80) May 20, 2018 ×

Video: Dalit man tied up, beaten to death in Gujarat. Factory owners said he had stolen

A Delhi court on Wednesday has taken the owner of the firecracker unit in outer Delhi&#39;s Bawana industrial area, to five-day police custody.

Metropolitan Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh allowed the police custody of accused Manoj Jain, 49, who was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-fire-owner-of-the-factory-arrested-after-blaze-kills-17-30227">arrested on 21 January</a> in connection with the fire tragedy which took place on 20 January.

A probe revealed it was a factory of &quot;cold firecrackers&quot; used in stage shows and Holi celebrations, the police had said.

Earlier, the massive fire that broke out in Delhi&#39;s Bawana industrial area on Saturday evening caused the deaths of 17 people, including 10 women.&nbsp;

Police said an FIR had been registered under Indian Penal Code sections relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible material.&nbsp;

The factory owner had a licence to run a plastic factory but was instead running a firecracker storage unit, news reports earlier quoted the police as saying.

The rural development minister of Delhi government, Gopal Rai, on Sunday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bawana-fires-delhi-government-announces-ex-gratia-5-lakh-to-next-kin-of-victims-1-lakh-to-injured-30259">announced a compensation </a>of Rs 5 Lakh to next of kin of the victims and Rs 1 lakh to the injured in the Bawana fire incident.&nbsp;

Metropolitan Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh allowed the police custody of accused Manoj Jain, 49, who was arrested on 21 January in connection with the fire tragedy which took place on 20 January

A Delhi court on Wednesday has taken the owner of the firecracker unit in outer Delhi's Bawana industrial area, to five-day police custody. Metropolitan Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh allowed the police custody of accused Manoj Jain, 49, who was arrested on 21 January in connection with the fire tragedy which took place on 20 January. A probe revealed it was a factory of "cold firecrackers" used in stage shows and Holi celebrations, the police had said. Earlier, the massive fire that broke out in Delhi's Bawana industrial area on Saturday evening caused the deaths of 17 people, including 10 women. Police said an FIR had been registered under Indian Penal Code sections relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible material. The factory owner had a licence to run a plastic factory but was instead running a firecracker storage unit, news reports earlier quoted the police as saying. The rural development minister of Delhi government, Gopal Rai, on Sunday announced a compensation of Rs 5 Lakh to next of kin of the victims and Rs 1 lakh to the injured in the Bawana fire incident.

Bawana fire: Delhi court sends factory owner to 5 day police custody

A septic tank was at the centre of an explosion that ripped through the Chinese megaport of Ningbo at the weekend, killing at least two people and injuring 20 more, authorities have said.

The blast<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-killed-in-blast-in-china-port-city-official-25154">, which erupted in a vacant lot</a>, was so powerful that it was heard several kilometers&nbsp;away, toppling nearby disused buildings, shattering windows in residential towers and mangling cars.

&quot;We were having tea and bwaaaah! It knocked my mother off her stool. It was incredibly loud,&quot; said a local woman who gave only her surname, Wu.

The local government said on one of its social media accounts late Sunday that two people were missing following the explosion. Four people were severely injured and 15 others had minor wounds.

Public security officials &quot;have confirmed that the blast&#39;s epicenter is a septic tank in an empty field&quot;, the statement said.

Methane and hydrogen sulfide -- both highly flammable substances -- can build up in septic tanks.

Authorities had thrown up a cordon around the collapsed buildings and were still investigating the cause of the explosion in Ningbo, a city just south of Shanghai and one of China&#39;s largest ports.

An elderly woman said one of her children had been in the area at the time of the blast.&nbsp;

&quot;Yes we live here and one of my children is still inside (the exclusion zone) and hasn&#39;t been found yet,&quot; she said, declining to give details about the person&#39;s age or sex.

She dabbed tears with a tissue and dialed her phone. Asked who she was calling, she said, &quot;my child&quot;.

Early Monday, locals were sweeping up piles of debris and glass at the blast site where rubble was strewn across an area several hundred meters&nbsp;wide.&nbsp;

The city government described the site of the blast as a vacant lot. State media had identified it as an abandoned factory. An AFP reporter said the site appeared to be a very rundown former light industrial area.

Residents said some people from outside Ningbo had been squatting in the area, but others disputed that.&nbsp;

&quot;Most people had left here a long time ago. It was just a wasteland lot,&quot; Wu said.

She said most structures in the blast area had already been crumbling for some time, so not all the rubble seen was caused by the explosion.

Another local man, who declined to give his name, said: &quot;It&#39;s lucky that more people did not die but no one was living here anymore.&quot;

The blast, which erupted in a vacant lot, was so powerful that it was heard several kilometers?away, toppling nearby disused buildings, shattering windows in residential towers and mangling cars

A septic tank was at the centre of an explosion that ripped through the Chinese megaport of Ningbo at the weekend, killing at least two people and injuring 20 more, authorities have said. The blast, which erupted in a vacant lot, was so powerful that it was heard several kilometers away, toppling nearby disused buildings, shattering windows in residential towers and mangling cars. "We were having tea and bwaaaah! It knocked my mother off her stool. It was incredibly loud," said a local woman who gave only her surname, Wu. The local government said on one of its social media accounts late Sunday that two people were missing following the explosion. Four people were severely injured and 15 others had minor wounds. Public security officials "have confirmed that the blast's epicenter is a septic tank in an empty field", the statement said. Methane and hydrogen sulfide -- both highly flammable substances -- can build up in septic tanks. Authorities had thrown up a cordon around the collapsed buildings and were still investigating the cause of the explosion in Ningbo, a city just south of Shanghai and one of China's largest ports. An elderly woman said one of her children had been in the area at the time of the blast. "Yes we live here and one of my children is still inside (the exclusion zone) and hasn't been found yet," she said, declining to give details about the person's age or sex. She dabbed tears with a tissue and dialed her phone. Asked who she was calling, she said, "my child". Early Monday, locals were sweeping up piles of debris and glass at the blast site where rubble was strewn across an area several hundred meters wide. The city government described the site of the blast as a vacant lot. State media had identified it as an abandoned factory. An AFP reporter said the site appeared to be a very rundown former light industrial area. Residents said some people from outside Ningbo had been squatting in the area, but others disputed that. "Most people had left here a long time ago. It was just a wasteland lot," Wu said. She said most structures in the blast area had already been crumbling for some time, so not all the rubble seen was caused by the explosion. Another local man, who declined to give his name, said: "It's lucky that more people did not die but no one was living here anymore."

Septic tank at centre of huge China blast

A factory explosion in a port city in the southern area of Shanghai injured several people and destroyed buildings surrounding the area&nbsp;on Sunday.

A factory located in the Ningbo City of Zhejiang Province, which is one of the busiest ports, had an explosion and struck the Jiangbei District on the Yong River at about 8:55 am.&nbsp;

The injured were carried to nearby hospitals. However, there was no information reported on possible casualties.

&quot;An unknown number of people were taken to a hospital but details of their injuries were unknown,&quot; China National Radio said&nbsp;on its website.

China has a long history of massive fires and accidents which are usually due to negligence. In 2015, 173 people in Tianjin, a port east of Beijing, died due to a blast that occurred because of wrongly kept chemicals, media reports said.

Authorities have taken safety measures. However, the increasing operation of industry and overhaul of urban neighbourhoods cause companies to become casual.

Sunday&rsquo;s blast knocked down nearby residential buildings which were vacant and in the process of being demolished, media reports added.

"An unknown number of people were taken to a hospital but details of their injuries were unknown," China National Radio said?on its website

A factory explosion in a port city in the southern area of Shanghai injured several people and destroyed buildings surrounding the area on Sunday. A factory located in the Ningbo City of Zhejiang Province, which is one of the busiest ports, had an explosion and struck the Jiangbei District on the Yong River at about 8:55 am. The injured were carried to nearby hospitals. However, there was no information reported on possible casualties. "An unknown number of people were taken to a hospital but details of their injuries were unknown," China National Radio said on its website. China has a long history of massive fires and accidents which are usually due to negligence. In 2015, 173 people in Tianjin, a port east of Beijing, died due to a blast that occurred because of wrongly kept chemicals, media reports said. Authorities have taken safety measures. However, the increasing operation of industry and overhaul of urban neighbourhoods cause companies to become casual. Sunday’s blast knocked down nearby residential buildings which were vacant and in the process of being demolished, media reports added.

Several injured in Chinese factory explosion

The death toll in a massive fire that broke out at a plastic manufacturing factory near Ludhiana&#39;s Sufia Chowk on Monday has risen&nbsp;to ten, officials confirmed on Tuesday.&nbsp;

A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has since been carrying out the rescue and search operations to recover people trapped under the debris.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UpdateVisuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UpdateVisuals</a> Punjab: Rescue work still underway near Sufia Chowk in Ludhiana where building collapsed after fire broke out, yesterday; District Commissioner of Ludhiana, Pradeep Aggarwal says 10 bodies have been recovered so far. <a href="https://t.co/oGklUm4vcV">pic.twitter.com/oGklUm4vcV</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/932821210961866753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UpdateVisuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UpdateVisuals</a> Punjab: Rescue work still underway near Sufia Chowk in Ludhiana where building collapsed after fire broke out, yesterday <a href="https://t.co/v5RQWanULi">pic.twitter.com/v5RQWanULi</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/932840198622273536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The five-storeyed building crumbled after a blast took place which was led to a massive fire in the building.&nbsp;

According to reports, around 20 people, including officials from the fire department and municipal corporation were trapped under the collapsed building even as&nbsp;10 bodies have been recovered so far on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Over 15 fire tenders were rushed to the spot immediately at around 8 am on Monday morning.&nbsp;

Chemicals and plastic material stored in Amarson Polymers stoked the fire, reports said.

The five-storeyed building crumbled after a dangerous blast took place which was lead by a massive fire in the building.?

The death toll in a massive fire that broke out at a plastic manufacturing factory near Ludhiana's Sufia Chowk on Monday has risen to ten, officials confirmed on Tuesday. A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has since been carrying out the rescue and search operations to recover people trapped under the debris. #UpdateVisuals Punjab: Rescue work still underway near Sufia Chowk in Ludhiana where building collapsed after fire broke out, yesterday; District Commissioner of Ludhiana, Pradeep Aggarwal says 10 bodies have been recovered so far. pic.twitter.com/oGklUm4vcV — ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2017 × #UpdateVisuals Punjab: Rescue work still underway near Sufia Chowk in Ludhiana where building collapsed after fire broke out, yesterday pic.twitter.com/v5RQWanULi — ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2017 × The five-storeyed building crumbled after a blast took place which was led to a massive fire in the building. According to reports, around 20 people, including officials from the fire department and municipal corporation were trapped under the collapsed building even as 10 bodies have been recovered so far on Tuesday. Over 15 fire tenders were rushed to the spot immediately at around 8 am on Monday morning. Chemicals and plastic material stored in Amarson Polymers stoked the fire, reports said.

Death toll rises to 10 in Ludhiana factory fire

Indian manufacturers increased activity for a fifth consecutive month in May, but the pace of expansion was weak as output growth softened for the second month in a row, a&nbsp;business&nbsp;survey showed on Wednesday.

The Nikkei Manufacturing Purchasing Managers&#39; Index, compiled by Markit, rose to 50.7 in May, from 50.5 in April. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.

Input prices rose at their fastest rate in 14 months but manufacturers absorbed much of the increase. The output price index, which offers clues on inflationary pressures, remained in expansion above 50 but fell from April.

The output sub-index declined to a five-month low, as foreign demand contracted, albeit marginally. Domestic demand appeared to have picked up.

&quot;Signs of challenging economic conditions in the Indian manufacturing sector were evident in May, with output losing further growth momentum,&quot; said Pollyanna De Lima, an economist at Markit.

&quot;So far, there is little evidence that the latest cut in the benchmark rate acted to significantly improve&nbsp;business&nbsp;conditions for manufacturers. Therefore, further stimulus may be necessary to shift the economy into a higher gear.&quot;

The Reserve Bank of India cut its benchmark repo rate by 25 basis points in its April meeting to 6.50 percent, the lowest in more than five years.

But India&#39;s central bank is seen as unlikely to ease again at its June meeting after April retail inflation rose to a faster than expected pace of 5.39 percent, the first pickup in retail inflation since January.

India&#39;s economy grew at a faster-than-expected pace of 7.9 percent in the January-March quarter from a year earlier, which could further persuade the RBI to hold steady.

Indian manufacturers increased activity for a fifth consecutive month in May, but pace of expansion slowed as output growth softened for second month in a row

Indian manufacturers increased activity for a fifth consecutive month in May, but the pace of expansion was weak as output growth softened for the second month in a row, a business survey showed on Wednesday. The Nikkei Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index, compiled by Markit, rose to 50.7 in May, from 50.5 in April. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. Input prices rose at their fastest rate in 14 months but manufacturers absorbed much of the increase. The output price index, which offers clues on inflationary pressures, remained in expansion above 50 but fell from April. The output sub-index declined to a five-month low, as foreign demand contracted, albeit marginally. Domestic demand appeared to have picked up. "Signs of challenging economic conditions in the Indian manufacturing sector were evident in May, with output losing further growth momentum," said Pollyanna De Lima, an economist at Markit. "So far, there is little evidence that the latest cut in the benchmark rate acted to significantly improve business conditions for manufacturers. Therefore, further stimulus may be necessary to shift the economy into a higher gear." The Reserve Bank of India cut its benchmark repo rate by 25 basis points in its April meeting to 6.50 percent, the lowest in more than five years. But India's central bank is seen as unlikely to ease again at its June meeting after April retail inflation rose to a faster than expected pace of 5.39 percent, the first pickup in retail inflation since January. India's economy grew at a faster-than-expected pace of 7.9 percent in the January-March quarter from a year earlier, which could further persuade the RBI to hold steady.

Indian factory growth picks up slightly in May - PMI

After a break of 20 years,&nbsp;Afghanistan&#39;s first&nbsp;cementfactory is once more clanking noisily in the countryside near Kabul as crushed-up limestone rocks rattle along a battered conveyor belt to the newly restored kiln.

In an area desperately short of industry and jobs, workers hope the relaunch of the plant, built by Czech engineers in 1957 and shut by the Taliban in 1995, heralds the revival of an industry shattered by decades of war and destruction.

&quot;By selling our products and improving the factory&#39;s production, we can avoid having our young generation go abroad,&quot; said Amir Mohammad. &quot;If there are job possibilities, they can stay with their families and look after their children.&quot;

But the outdated state-owned plant 75 km (47 miles) outside Kabul also shows how far there is to go before that promise can be achieved and there are serious questions whether the plant has a viable future unless it is thoroughly modernised.

Jabal Saraj, which now employs 150 workers, is a small factory with daily capacity of 100 tonnes and equipment that is at least 40 years out of date, the U.S. Geological Survey said in a 2011 report.

&quot;We&#39;ve tried our best and got the factory running using its old machinery,&quot; said Abdul Wakil, one of a group of former workers who have returned to help get the plant working again. &quot;As long as we have electricity, it will work.&quot;

Talks with a private operator to develop a separate, larger plant at Jabal Saraj have run for months, but for now, the government has decided the old plant still serves a purpose, a spokesman for the country&#39;s mines and petroleum ministry said.

&quot;This old factory is useful and has a profitable production capacity,&quot; Mohyaddin Noori added. &quot;It provides job opportunities.&quot;

Afghanistan&#39;s only other major&nbsp;cement&nbsp;manufacturer, the Ghori&nbsp;cement&nbsp;plant, has daily capacity of more than 1,000 tonnes, but domestic industry is dwarfed by the millions of tonnes of imports from neighbours, including Pakistan and Iran.

That fierce competition makes it tough to find domestically produced&nbsp;cement&nbsp;in Kabul&#39;s main wholesale markets, even despite the fact that domestic&nbsp;cement&#39;s bulk and relatively low cost should penalize foreign&nbsp;cement, trucked in hundreds of miles.

&quot;We have only Pakistani&nbsp;cement,&quot; said trader Ershad Shinwari. &quot;Afghan-made&nbsp;cement&nbsp;is not coming to us.&quot;

Demand for building materials has fallen sharply since international forces left in 2014 but the market has not collapsed and director Mohammadi hopes for domestic growth.

&quot;There is huge demand for&nbsp;cement&nbsp;in&nbsp;Afghanistan,&quot; he said. &quot;We&#39;ve got the factory working, so it will give investors a chance.&quot;

For the moment, however, Jabal Saraj relies on government subsidy to survive. The economics may be tough, but it is people nearby who are mainly looking for work.

&quot;We ask the other countries to help this factory and provide new machinery to replace the old machines,&quot; said plant worker Wazir Mohammad.

&quot;It will be very useful for our people as long as there is poverty in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;and everyone suffers insecurity.&quot;

After a break of 20 years,?Afghanistan's first?cementfactory is once more clanking noisily in the countryside near Kabul as crushed-up limestone rocks rattle along a battered conveyor belt to the newly restored kiln. In an area desperately short of industry and jobs, workers hope the relaunch of the plant built by Czech engineers in 1957 and shut by the Taliban in 1995.

After a break of 20 years, Afghanistan's first cementfactory is once more clanking noisily in the countryside near Kabul as crushed-up limestone rocks rattle along a battered conveyor belt to the newly restored kiln. In an area desperately short of industry and jobs, workers hope the relaunch of the plant, built by Czech engineers in 1957 and shut by the Taliban in 1995, heralds the revival of an industry shattered by decades of war and destruction. "By selling our products and improving the factory's production, we can avoid having our young generation go abroad," said Amir Mohammad. "If there are job possibilities, they can stay with their families and look after their children." But the outdated state-owned plant 75 km (47 miles) outside Kabul also shows how far there is to go before that promise can be achieved and there are serious questions whether the plant has a viable future unless it is thoroughly modernised. Jabal Saraj, which now employs 150 workers, is a small factory with daily capacity of 100 tonnes and equipment that is at least 40 years out of date, the U.S. Geological Survey said in a 2011 report. "We've tried our best and got the factory running using its old machinery," said Abdul Wakil, one of a group of former workers who have returned to help get the plant working again. "As long as we have electricity, it will work." Talks with a private operator to develop a separate, larger plant at Jabal Saraj have run for months, but for now, the government has decided the old plant still serves a purpose, a spokesman for the country's mines and petroleum ministry said. "This old factory is useful and has a profitable production capacity," Mohyaddin Noori added. "It provides job opportunities." Afghanistan's only other major cement manufacturer, the Ghori cement plant, has daily capacity of more than 1,000 tonnes, but domestic industry is dwarfed by the millions of tonnes of imports from neighbours, including Pakistan and Iran. That fierce competition makes it tough to find domestically produced cement in Kabul's main wholesale markets, even despite the fact that domestic cement's bulk and relatively low cost should penalize foreign cement, trucked in hundreds of miles. "We have only Pakistani cement," said trader Ershad Shinwari. "Afghan-made cement is not coming to us." Demand for building materials has fallen sharply since international forces left in 2014 but the market has not collapsed and director Mohammadi hopes for domestic growth. "There is huge demand for cement in Afghanistan," he said. "We've got the factory working, so it will give investors a chance." For the moment, however, Jabal Saraj relies on government subsidy to survive. The economics may be tough, but it is people nearby who are mainly looking for work. "We ask the other countries to help this factory and provide new machinery to replace the old machines," said plant worker Wazir Mohammad. "It will be very useful for our people as long as there is poverty in Afghanistan and everyone suffers insecurity."

Hopes and fears for jobs as Afghan cement factory reopens

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