PM Modi takes stock of situation after blast near Red Fort, speaks to Amit Shah
New Delhi (PTI):Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he has reviewed with Home Minister Amit Shah and other officials about the situation following the explosion near the Red Fort metro station on Monday that claimed eight lives, and assured people that those affected are being assisted by the authorities.
The high-intensity explosion in the area milling with people also injured 24. They have been taken to the LNJP hospital, a few kilometres away.
"Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the blast in Delhi earlier this evening. May the injured recover at the earliest," PM Modi said on X.
"Those affected are being assisted by authorities. Reviewed the situation with Home Minister Amit Shah Ji and other officials," he added.
Earlier, government sources said PM Modi had taken stock of the situation and spoken with Shah, and taken an update.
Videos shared by the Chandni Chowk Traders' Association revealed the magnitude of the blast. A mangled body could be seen lying on a vehicle, while another clip showed a body lying on the road. Eyewitnesses said body parts could be seen scattered near the blast site.
A high alert has been sounded in Delhi, and security has been beefed up at city border points, with vehicle checking intensified.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said the car, in which the blast took place, had some occupants.
According to a senior police officer, "The blast occurred in a moving Hyundai i20 car in which three people were sitting. We have not found any pellet or puncture in the body of the injured, which is unusual in a bomb blast. We are investigating all angles."
Police sources said the car was registered in the name of one Nadeem Khan and bore a Haryana number plate.
Ten fire tenders were rushed to the spot as police cordoned off the area, the Delhi Fire Services said. The blaze caused by the blast was brought under control by 7.29 pm, officials said.
According to a fire department official, six cars, two e-rickshaws and one autorickshaw were gutted in the fire.
The blast was so powerful that it shattered the window panes of vehicles parked several metres away, and the sound was heard at ITO, a few kilometres from the site.
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Karnataka's BioEconomy reaches USD 39.2 billion, says report
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka's BioEconomy has reached USD 39.2 billion in 2025, marking strong growth from previous years and reaffirming the state's leadership position nationally, according to an official report released on Monday.
The Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), under the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, unveiled the Karnataka BioEconomy Report 2025 in collaboration with the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises.
The report that was released by IT Minister Priyank Kharge stated that the state contributes around 21 per cent of India's BioEconomy and accounts for over 10 per cent of Karnataka's GSDP.
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According to the report, the BioEconomy has expanded from USD 31.0 billion in 2023, reflecting 26.5 per cent cumulative growth, and is now adding nearly USD 10 billion every quarter to the state's GDP.
BioPharma remains the anchor with over 40 per cent share (about USD 16.44 billion), driven by biologics, biosimilars, vaccines and diagnostics, it said.
"BioIndustrial biotechnology has emerged as the fastest-growing segment (about USD 11.46 billion, around 29 per cent share), led by fermentation-based industries, biofuels, enzymes and sustainable materials," the report stated.
BioServices accounts for about 25.8 per cent share, while BioAgri contributes to sustainable agriculture and input innovation, it added.
The report said BioEconomy growth is becoming increasingly multi-regional. While Bengaluru Urban accounts for about 54 per cent of the state's BioEconomy, Mysuru contributes around 8.7 per cent, while Belagavi and Dakshina Kannada together account for over 9 per cent. Northern districts remain the Agri-biotechnology belt.
As many as 218 new biotech startups were added in 2025, taking the cumulative total to 1,451 startups, with over 75 per cent focused on life sciences and health-tech. Bengaluru accounts for about 54 per cent of startups, it stated.
Between January 2024 and October 2025, the report stated that Karnataka attracted USD 1.14 billion across around 40 deals spanning BioPharma, MedTech, precision fermentation, digital health and AgriBio.
Minister Kharge said, "With our BioEconomy crossing USD 39 billion and contributing over 10 per cent to our GSDP, biotechnology is no longer confined to laboratories - it is now a central driver of economic growth, industrial innovation and societal impact."
He said that the state government's focus is on building a full-spectrum biomanufacturing economy by supporting deep-tech startups, strengthening innovation infrastructure, and ensuring that growth reaches beyond Bengaluru to every region of the state.
