Dubai: Buildings in central Dubai shook after loud explosions were heard and a thick cloud of smoke was seen rising over the city’s financial district on Friday. Authorities confirmed that that no injuries were reported.

An AFP correspondent reported hearing a loud double blast that rattled nearby structures and left a large plume of black smoke hanging over a central area. Sirens were later heard from the direction of Sheikh Zayed Road which is one of the city’s main thoroughfares.

In a statement posted on X, the Dubai Media Office said debris from a “successful interception” caused a minor incident on the facade of a building in central Dubai. “No injuries have been reported,” it said.

According to reports the incident occurred in the Dubai International Financial Centre and the building sustained damage. Police have cordoned off the area following the blasts.

A day earlier, authorities had reported a “minor drone incident” in the Al Bada’a area after explosions were heard in downtown Dubai. Officials had then stated that there were no injuries.

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New Delhi (PTI): A bill seeking to provide a precise definition of the term "transgender" and provide graded punishments that reflect the gravity of the harm inflicted upon such persons was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill was introduced by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar.

It notes that it is imperative to give a precise definition for proper and definitive identification and protection of transgender persons, to whom the benefits of the present law must reach.

The protection and benefits that are provided under the present law are vast in nature, and therefore, care has to be taken that "such identification cannot be extended based on any acquirable characteristics or personal choice or claimed self-perceived identity of an individual".

The Bill also contains provisions for "designation of an authority" which will have the option to seek "expert advice" if required.

The draft law also seeks to empower transgender persons to make consequential changes in official documents.