Australia's most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has been released from jail after being granted bail over alleged war crimes. The Victoria Cross recipient and former corporal in Australia's Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment was taken into custody last week
India's smartphone shipments fell 3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, marking their weakest quarterly performance in six years as cost pressures, price hikes and soft demand weighed on sales, said on Friday.Over 80 smartphone models saw average price hikes of 15%
Charlie Kirk murder accused pushes to ban cameras from court, says live broadcasts violate his right to fair trialTyler Robinson is due in court Friday as his attorneys press their claims that biased coverage is tainting potential jurors in his aggravated murder case. Published on: Apr 17
SpiceJet flight clips Akasa plane at Delhi airport; probe orderedThe incident occurred around 2.15pm near Terminal 1 in IGI. Updated on: Apr 17, 2026 1:52 PM IST By Jasjeev Gandhiok Share via Copy link Two aircraft — operated by SpiceJet and Akasa — clipped wings while taxiing at Delhi’s
Theegala gets off to a good start at RBC HeritageTheegala gets off to a good start at RBC Heritage Published on: Apr 17, 2026 12:46 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Hilton Head Island , Sahith Theegala started his week at the RBC Heritage with an opening round of 2-under 69 and was placed T-27 on the
Hong Kong orders removal of scaffolding mesh after deadly blaze
Hong Kong orders removal of scaffolding mesh after deadly blaze
Authorities in Hong Kong have ordered the removal of scaffolding mesh from buildings undergoing renovations by Saturday, as investigations continue into the Chinese territory's deadliest blaze in decades.
It is now known that 159 people died as a result of the fire last Wednesday at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex - with 31 still missing.
Investigators have found that a protective netting used around the complex, which had been undergoing extensive renovations, failed to meet flame retardant standards.
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said new guidelines for testing materials used in scaffolding would be issued next week.
Around 200 private residential and 10 public buildings are currently undergoing renovations in Hong Kong.
The South China Morning Post, which is based in the territory, says about 300 buildings will be affected by the removal order.
"I assure the public that we will chase to the end the accountability of any contractors using substandard scaffolding mesh," Linn was quoted as saying.
Samples had already been taken from mesh for testing, she added.
At Wang Fuk Court, flames spread quickly across the separate tower blocks on protective mesh netting and other flammable materials on the outside of the buildings, officials said.
Police have made at least 15 arrests for manslaughter as the investigation into the cause of the fire proceeds.
On Wednesday, they said they had completed their searches of the interiors of all seven of the complex's towers and would now look for bodies in other parts of the buildings such as the remnants of the bamboo scaffolding.
"We have not finished our work," Police Commissioner Joe Chow said.
As you can see... a lot of bamboo has fallen down. We still need to do some work... to see if any bodies were covered by the bamboo.
He added that 140 of the 159 bodies found to date had been identified and were those of 49 males and 91 females, aged between one and 97, Radio Television Hong Kong reports.
A married couple in their 70s, who lost their home in the blaze, returned to the charred site with their daughter on Wednesday, Reuters news agency reports.
"It all happened within just an hour or two," said the mother, whose name was given only as Leung.
She continued: "I stood there watching as one block after another went up in flames, my legs felt so weak I could hardly stand. When I saw it, I felt completely helpless. I still don't understand how the fire could spread so fiercely, devouring one building after another. It was terrifying.
The bamboo scaffolding cracked and there was banging that sounded like exploding windows, the flames were completely out of control.
Her daughter, Bonnie, added: "We also hope the truth will come out - whether there were hidden hands behind this, corruption or any improper dealings."
Source: BBC
Related Posts: Super Typhoon Ragasa Nears Hong Kong Nissanka, Hasaranga Guide Sri Lanka To Win Over Hong Kong RCB Mentor Dinesh Karthik To Lead Team India During Hong Kong Sixes 2025 Hong Kong ends rescue ops after deadly residential fire Super Typhoon Ragasa Nears Hong Kong India Eliminated From Hong Kong Sixes Following Back-To-Back Losses 65 killed, 300 still missing after deadliest fire in Hong Kong in seven decades Hong Kong reopens after world's most powerful Typhoon Ragasa Why Chinese tech companies are racing to set up in Hong Kong Pakistan Crowned Hong Kong Sixes Champions for Record Sixth Time
Korean food has quietly but firmly moved from a niche curiosity to a mainstream favourite in India, and the reasons are as much about culture as they are about taste. Fuelled by the global stardom of bands like BTS and BLACKPINK and the addictive charm of K‑dramas
4 hours ago
The Supreme Court on Friday declined Congress leader Pawan Khera’s petition to vacate a stay on a Telangana High Court order granting him transit anticipatory bail in a case registered by the Assam Police, Live Law reported. A bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar also
4 hours ago
The Centre’s proposal to expand the Lok Sabha and carry out a fresh delimitation exercise has triggered an intense political and constitutional debate, particularly around its potential impact on southern states. At the centre of the discussion is whether the proposed expansion will maintain the
4 hours ago
The initiative is a significant step towards institutionalising high-level collaboration within India’s internal security framework. In an unprecedented move, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will be preparing to participate in a landmark high-level conference that will bring together the
4 hours ago
A heartwarming video of a father intently reading his son’s job offer letter from Amazon has gone viral on social media, touching thousands with its simple display of pride and sacrifice. The now viral video, which has been widely shared and praised for its authenticity
4 hours ago
Gold rate today: Prices fall amid US war on Iran, 24K at ₹1.53 lakh; check latest rates in your cityOver the past week, 24-carat gold has eased by 0.41%, while it is down 5.74% over the past month. Updated on: Apr 17, 2026 12:29 PM IST By HT News Desk Share via Copy link Gold prices declined on
4 hours ago
A 10-day ceasefire deal agreed between Lebanon and Israel took effect on Thursday (April 16, 2026), as U.S. President Donald Trump said he was trying to set up the first-ever meeting between the leaders of the two countries. The truce, which Mr
4 hours ago
Vivo Y600 Pro has been officially teased in China, with the brand revealing key details about its design and positioning. The most interesting aspect of this phone is that it will pack the largest battery ever seen on a Vivo phone. Here’s a look at what to expect from it
4 hours ago
China is using social media platforms like Douyin to spread messages from Taiwanese opposition figures. These clips are then shared on platforms popular in Taiwan, aiming to discredit President Lai Ching-te's government. The campaign seeks to weaken Taiwan's resolve and discourage defense spending
4 hours ago
Nearly 20% of the 1,478 candidates contesting the first phase of the West Bengal polls are crorepatis, with a significant share belonging to the Trinamool Congress (TMC), while the poorest candidate has declared assets of just ₹500, according to an analysis of poll affidavits
4 hours ago
The round of job losses, the biggest at the BBC since 2011, is being set in motion before the former top Google executive Matt Brittin takes over as director general next month. BBC Layoffs: UK media giant British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on Wednesday announced that it has planned to axe as
4 hours ago
A new space race is unfolding as the United States and China compete for lunar dominance. Both nations are pushing for crewed Moon landings, with the US Artemis program and China's 2030 goal. They are also vying to set the rules for future lunar governance
4 hours ago
The 2026 Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid has been launched at Rs 76,500 for the base model(drum), and the top variant(disc) will set you back by Rs 95,200. The new updates include newly sculpted tail section, redesigned taillights, flashers, and distinctive V‑iconic taillight design
4 hours ago
A viral video showing Donald Trump handing a $100 tip to a DoorDash delivery worker inside the White House has taken over social media, but even he now admits it didn’t quite land the way it was meant to. Speaking at a roundtable in Las Vegas, Trump addressed the moment directly
4 hours ago
'The camel dreams of cottonseed...': Iran mocks Trump's peace deal claimsThe Iran state media also shared a Persian proverb: "The camel dreams of cottonseed; sometimes gulping it down, sometimes eating it grain by grain" Updated on: Apr 17, 2026 12:29 PM IST By Karishma Ayaldasani Share via Copy
4 hours ago
Chinese carmaker Seres has been granted a patent for what it calls an "in-vehicle toilet" that slides under a passenger's seat for visits to the loo while on the road. The feature is meant to "satisfy users' toilet needs on long journeys, while camping or while staying in the car"
4 hours ago
Chennai's Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency sees a key contest between Udhayanidhi Stalin and Adhi Rajaram. Stalin seeks re-election from this DMK stronghold. Rajaram aims to end the DMK's dominance and promises development. Other candidates are also in the fray
4 hours ago
India has entered summer, and some parts of the country are already facing harsh weather conditions. The heat of the summer season is slowly but surely getting unbearable. When the mercury crosses 40°C, which has been predicted to happen this month
4 hours ago
World Athletics on Thursday rejected applications from 11 elite athletes seeking to transfer their allegiance to Turkey, dealing a major blow to the country’s medal prospects at the 2028 Olympics. Four leading Jamaicans, including 2024 Olympic men’s discus gold medallist Roje Stona
4 hours ago
The Indian rupee gains against the US dollar in early trade on Friday, supported by easing geopolitical tensions, positive domestic equity markets and fresh foreign fund inflows. The Indian rupee strengthened by 39 paise to 92.75 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday
4 hours ago
Viral video shows Hyderabad security guard working under mosquito net at night, raises questions on dignity of labourA Hyderabad security guard was seen sitting under a mosquito net on night duty, sparking debate over poor working conditions and lack of basic facilities. Published on: Apr 17
4 hours ago
As India’s AI ecosystem moves from experimentation to execution, the need to recognise real, measurable innovation has become critical. The ET Most Innovative AI Product Awards 2026 is designed to evaluate AI products based on architecture, deployment, and business impact across startups, SMEs
4 hours ago
Shruti Haasan looks stunning in a crimson cocktail saree as she poses with a suited Kamal Haasan at INCA Awards 2026The father and daughter turned heads on the red carpet as they posed in dapper outfits. Here's a closer look at what Shruti Haasan and Kamal Haasan wore. Updated on: Apr 17
4 hours ago
, India’s fourth-largest software services exporter, reported a decline in attrition to 13.8% from 14.2% in the fourth quarter on Thursday.After a net addition of 6,529 employees in the December quarter, the company added only 136 staff between January and March, taking its total headcount to 242
4 hours ago
IGPL South Africa: Red-hot Mane fires flawless 64 to take six-shot leadIGPL South Africa: Red-hot Mane fires flawless 64 to take six-shot lead Updated on: Apr 17, 2026 1:58 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Johannesburg, Continuing his red-hot form
4 hours ago
In 2025, Alia Bhatt’s sister, Shaheen Bhatt, made her relationship with fitness coach Ishaan Mehra Instagram official. Since then, the duo has been giving major couples on social media. Interestingly, the couple is now engaged. On April 17, Shaheen took to social media and shared a series of
4 hours ago
Brent crude slipped toward $98 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $93, partially reversing previous session’s sharp gains Oil prices eased after US President Donald Trump struck a more optimistic tone on the prospects of a lasting ceasefire with Iran
4 hours ago
