News18 Afternoon Digest: 7 Killed As Massive Fire Engulfs Rajasthan's Chemical Factory & Other Top Stories

Last Updated:February 16, 2026, 13:03 IST

We are also covering: Embarrassed Mohsin Naqvi 'Runs Away' Before India Thrashes Pakistan | Watch

In today’s afternoon digest, News18 brings you the latest updates on Rajasthan factory fire, the row over Priyank Kharge’s remarks on RSS, Bhubaneswar rooftop blast and other top stories.

7 Workers Killed, Two Trapped As Massive Fire Engulfs Rajasthan’s Chemical Factory

At least seven workers were burnt alive, while two still remain trapped after a massive fire broke out in a chemical factory in Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi town on Monday, reported PTI, citing officials. The police got to know about the incident while they were on a routine patrol. A rescue operation was launched right after that. Read more

‘Sangh United India, Congress Divided Nation’: BJP Hits Back At Priyank Kharge Amid RSS Row

The BJP on Monday mounted a sharp counterattack against Congress leader and Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge over his remarks targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), asserting that the organisation has been central to preserving India’s unity. Read more

CCTV Captures Bhubaneswar Rooftop Blast That Killed Two; Illegal Bomb-Making Angle Under Probe

Weeks after a powerful explosion rocked the Sundarpada area in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar, CCTV footage has surfaced, revealing the intensity of the blast. The January 27 blast had left four people critically injured, two of whom later died during treatment. Read more

Supreme Court Bench To Hear Case Related To Women’s Entry Into Sabarimala Temple From April 7

The Supreme Court on Monday fixed April 7, 2026, as the date for commencement of hearings in the long-pending Sabarimala review matter before a nine-judge Constitution Bench, setting in motion the next phase of judicial scrutiny into one of the most debated constitutional disputes concerning religious freedom and gender rights. Read more

US Mulls Offering Asylum To British Man Who Burned Quran If He Loses Hate Crime Appeal

A man at the center of a free speech row in Britain may receive protection from the United States if his legal fight fails in the UK, according to a report by the Daily Mail. Read more

Embarrassed Mohsin Naqvi ‘Runs Away’ Before India Thrashes Pakistan | Watch

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi was seen rushing to the exit and out of the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo in the middle of the second innings of the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash. PTI Videos captured him in a car outside the ground while the match was still on, while the media at the ground confirmed that he had left after Mohammad Nawaz got out in the 12th over. Read more

Dhurandhar Star Sara Arjun, Tamannaah Bhatia, Mouni Roy Celebrate Mahashivratri At Isha Yoga Centre | Video

Dhurandhar actor Sara Arjun, Tamannaah Bhatia, KGF’s Srinidhi Shetty and Mouni Roy yesterday, on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, visited the Isha Yoga Centre in Tamil Nadu. Now videos of them enjoying and dancing have surfaced on social media. In one of the viral videos, which has garnered fans’ attention, Tamannaah is seen leading a group as she grooves to a bhakti song, looking fully immersed in bhakti bhav. Read more

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