Explosive Device Blows Up at Convention Center in South India Killing at Least One and Wounding 36

Indian citizens stand at the site of the incident (local media)
Indian citizens stand at the site of the incident (local media)
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Explosive Device Blows Up at Convention Center in South India Killing at Least One and Wounding 36

Indian citizens stand at the site of the incident (local media)
Indian citizens stand at the site of the incident (local media)

An explosive device blew up at a convention center in southern India killing at least one person and wounding 36 others Sunday, authorities said.
Hundreds of Jehovah’s Witness faithful were gathered for a prayer session at the Zamra International Convention Center in the town of Kalamassery in Kerala state when the explosion took place, The Associated Press said.
The state’s top police officer, Sheik Darvesh Saheb, said an initial investigation has revealed an improvised explosive device was used.
The wounded, many of them with burn injuries, were transported to hospital for treatment, he said.
Videos filmed right after the blast and shared online showed fire inside the convention center and rescuers helping people evacuate the building.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters police were investigating the “unfortunate incident.”
Police and medical personnel were put on high alert state-wide.
Jehovah’s Witnesses identify as Christians but are guided by distinctive beliefs and practices. They are known for their door-to-door proselytism.



Trump Open to Meeting Iran's Leaders

President Donald Trump waves as he arrives on the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, April. 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
President Donald Trump waves as he arrives on the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, April. 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
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Trump Open to Meeting Iran's Leaders

President Donald Trump waves as he arrives on the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, April. 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
President Donald Trump waves as he arrives on the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, April. 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)

US President Donald Trump said he was open to meeting Iran's supreme leader or the country's president, when he was asked by Time magazine in an interview on April 22 whether he would meet with either as the countries began nuclear talks.

Negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program will return Saturday to the sultanate of Oman, where experts on both sides will start hammering the technical details of any possible deal.

The talks seek to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of some of the crushing economic sanctions the US has imposed on Iran closing in on half a century of enmity. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to unleash airstrikes targeting Iran’s program if a deal isn’t reached. Iranian officials increasingly warn that they could pursue a nuclear weapon with their stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels.

Neither Iran nor the US have offered any explanation on why the talks will return to Muscat, the Omani capital nestled in the Hajar Mountains. Oman has been a mediator between the countries. Last weekend's talks in Rome offered a more-equal flight distance between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, who are leading the negotiations.

But Rome remains in mourning after the death of Pope Francis, whose funeral will be Saturday.