April 21, 2026

Fifteen children and seven adults were hospitalized in Sikar, Rajasthan, after inhaling toxic fumes near an industrial area. Preliminary investigations suggest the fumes originated from a furnace burning clothes. Authorities are investigating the incident, and affected children are reported to be in stable condition. Representative image (AI-generated) NEW DELHI: More than 22 people, including 15 children, were hospitalised on Sunday after inhaling toxic fumes near an industrial area in Sikar, Rajasthan.According to officials, local residents and students were among those admitted after experiencing difficulty in breathing. Sikar ADM Ratan Lal said preliminary investigations suggest the fumes may have originated from a nearby furnace where clothes were being burned. He added that the children affected are in stable condition. “The children brought here are nearly fine. We are investigating this and have deployed the Pollution Control Board. Twenty-two patients, including 15 children, have been admitted. Prima facie, the cause appears to be the burning of clothes in a nearby furnace,” Ratan Lal said.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPiyush Goyal Completes Three Day Israel Visit Emphasizing Strengthened Ties And Future CooperationTrump Says He Brokered Eight Peace Deals Including India And Pakistan During Mamdani MeetUP Gears Up For Biggest Crackdown Yet As CM Yogi Mandates Detention Hubs For Illegal ImmigrantsModi, Meloni Share Warm Laughter on G20 Sidelines in Johannesburg‘In memory of our brothers’: Russian Pilot’s Heartfelt Note For Indian Tejas Pilot After Dubai Crash’Objective Is To Destroy The Enemy’: Op Sindoor Echoes As Indian Army Vows Stronger Response to PakIndian Army Chief Reveals How A Trusted Orchestra Crushed Nine Targets in Operation Sindoor BlitzManipur Sangai Festival 2025- ThemeAt G20 Summit, PM Modi Proposes Global Knowledge, Skills, Health And Security Initiatives For FutureSangai Festival 2025 Opening Ceremony123PhotostoriesSmriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal: The couple’s most romantic pics that you must see ahead of their weddingForgotten Bollywood actor returns for one last big film chanceTop 7 Baby girl names that signify power and courage as the SunFrom saunf to ajwain: 5 natural additions to water for a healthy morningToday’s travel inspiration: 6 beautiful journeys in India that are as stunning as the destinationMorning walk vs evening walk: Which one is better for weight loss?5 easy and smart tips to make long-distance relationships workFeeling the winter blues?: 6 mind-clearing habits to try at home5 style lessons to take from Italy’s PM Giorgia MeloniHansika Motwani’s rise shows her steady mix of hard work and charm123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayBihar Minister List 2025Bihar CM Oath CeremonyGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingAuston Matthews InjuryKim KardashianBrittany MahomesTaylor SwiftDelhi School AdmissionsChris Blake GriffithJosh Allen InjuryCharvarius WardFortnite Chapter 7 LeakedCade Cunningham

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Fifteen children and seven adults were hospitalized in Sikar, Rajasthan, after inhaling toxic fumes near an industrial area. Preliminary investigations suggest the fumes originated from a furnace burning clothes. Authorities are investigating the incident, and affected children are reported to be in stable condition. Representative image (AI-generated) NEW DELHI: More than 22 people, including 15 children, were hospitalised on Sunday after inhaling toxic fumes near an industrial area in Sikar, Rajasthan.According to officials, local residents and students were among those admitted after experiencing difficulty in breathing. Sikar ADM Ratan Lal said preliminary investigations suggest the fumes may have originated from a nearby furnace where clothes were being burned. He added that the children affected are in stable condition. “The children brought here are nearly fine. We are investigating this and have deployed the Pollution Control Board. Twenty-two patients, including 15 children, have been admitted. Prima facie, the cause appears to be the burning of clothes in a nearby furnace,” Ratan Lal said.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPiyush Goyal Completes Three Day Israel Visit Emphasizing Strengthened Ties And Future CooperationTrump Says He Brokered Eight Peace Deals Including India And Pakistan During Mamdani MeetUP Gears Up For Biggest Crackdown Yet As CM Yogi Mandates Detention Hubs For Illegal ImmigrantsModi, Meloni Share Warm Laughter on G20 Sidelines in Johannesburg‘In memory of our brothers’: Russian Pilot’s Heartfelt Note For Indian Tejas Pilot After Dubai Crash’Objective Is To Destroy The Enemy’: Op Sindoor Echoes As Indian Army Vows Stronger Response to PakIndian Army Chief Reveals How A Trusted Orchestra Crushed Nine Targets in Operation Sindoor BlitzManipur Sangai Festival 2025- ThemeAt G20 Summit, PM Modi Proposes Global Knowledge, Skills, Health And Security Initiatives For FutureSangai Festival 2025 Opening Ceremony123PhotostoriesSmriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal: The couple’s most romantic pics that you must see ahead of their weddingForgotten Bollywood actor returns for one last big film chanceTop 7 Baby girl names that signify power and courage as the SunFrom saunf to ajwain: 5 natural additions to water for a healthy morningToday’s travel inspiration: 6 beautiful journeys in India that are as stunning as the destinationMorning walk vs evening walk: Which one is better for weight loss?5 easy and smart tips to make long-distance relationships workFeeling the winter blues?: 6 mind-clearing habits to try at home5 style lessons to take from Italy’s PM Giorgia MeloniHansika Motwani’s rise shows her steady mix of hard work and charm123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayBihar Minister List 2025Bihar CM Oath CeremonyGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingAuston Matthews InjuryKim KardashianBrittany MahomesTaylor SwiftDelhi School AdmissionsChris Blake GriffithJosh Allen InjuryCharvarius WardFortnite Chapter 7 LeakedCade Cunningham


Rajasthan: 22 hospitalised, including 15 children after inhaling toxic fumes in Sikar; probe under way
Representative image (AI-generated)

NEW DELHI: More than 22 people, including 15 children, were hospitalised on Sunday after inhaling toxic fumes near an industrial area in Sikar, Rajasthan.According to officials, local residents and students were among those admitted after experiencing difficulty in breathing. Sikar ADM Ratan Lal said preliminary investigations suggest the fumes may have originated from a nearby furnace where clothes were being burned. He added that the children affected are in stable condition. “The children brought here are nearly fine. We are investigating this and have deployed the Pollution Control Board. Twenty-two patients, including 15 children, have been admitted. Prima facie, the cause appears to be the burning of clothes in a nearby furnace,” Ratan Lal said.





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. PACHPADRA/JAISALMER/NEW DELHI: A day before PM Narendra Modi was scheduled to inaugurate Pachpadra refinery in Balotra district of Rajasthan, a massive fire engulfed its core processing units around 1:55 pm on Monday, prompting authorities to order a probe.Fire broke out in the vicinity of the crude distillation unit (CDU) at HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL), ministry of petroleum and natural gas said in a post on X. “An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause(s) of the incident and to undertake necessary remedial measures. A revised date for the dedication will be announced in due course,” it said.The ministry said the fire was brought under control promptly by the refinery’s emergency response team with support from the local administration, and there were no reports of any casualties or injuries.Prima facie, the fire appeared to have been caused by the leakage of hydrocarbons from a valve or flange in the heat exchanger circuit, officials said. They added that the blaze remained localised to the heat exchanger stack within the CDU section. The crude distillation unit, vacuum distillation unit and other associated units were quickly isolated, and all are structurally safe and unaffected. No other part of the refinery complex suffered any impact.Most of the 200-odd workers engaged in the units were having lunch when the fire broke out, said an official at the refinery. “More than 100 fire tenders were deployed to contain the massive blaze. By 2.30 pm, the raging fire was brought under control,” said a witness.The HRRL refinery is a joint venture between state-owned Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Rajasthan govt, with equity participation of 74 per cent and 26 per cent respectively. The Union cabinet had, earlier this month, approved the cost escalation of the greenfield integrated refinery-petrochemical complex from Rs 43,129 crore to Rs 79,459 crore, and had said commercial operations were likely to start from July 1.The inauguration had been postponed from March 19 to April 21. It could have ended the cost escalation that the project had seen since its foundation stone was first laid by Sonia Gandhi in 2013, and then for a second time by PM Modi in 2018.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? Zelenskyy Signals Big Move Amid Russia Ukraine WarUnmanned Mine Counter Measure Vessels Take Lead In Demining OperationsIndia-South Korea Mega Deal: PM Modi & Lee Jae Myung Target 50 Billion Trade, Boost TiesFire Erupts At Rajasthan’s HPCL Refinery Ahead Of PM Modi’s Launch EventNSA Doval Meets Top Saudi Leaders, Focus On Security And EnergyFact Check: No, Indian Navy Did NOT Detain Somali Pirates In Viral Video123Photostories6 Psychology hacks that actually work6 types of food you should not store in plastic containers: Food authority’s strict guidelines on plastic materials safe for food productsMay garden checklist, Australia: What to plant for non-stop color and harvest8 condiments you should never keep back in the refrigerator once openedFrom two small spots in her MRI scan to losing 2 kgs in a month and following intermittent fasting, Shoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar talk about her health3 signs of a loyal partner, as revealed by Gauranga DasThese are the only 5 nations in the world that begin with letter “D” and each tells a unique storyAre you a traveller who loves to buy gold? 5 largest gold-producing countries in the world where gold can be cheaperPriyanka and Rahul Gandhi spotted relishing Gelato: What is Gelato and how is it different from ice cream and other frozen desserts10 Vedic baby girl names that begin with letter V123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBan vs NZCardi BNoah LylesHailee Steinfeld heartbreaking confessionTaylor SwiftMike Vrabel DivorceAndhra Pradesh Murderh-1b VisasTrumpJapan Earthquake

. PACHPADRA/JAISALMER/NEW DELHI: A day before PM Narendra Modi was scheduled to inaugurate Pachpadra refinery in Balotra district of Rajasthan, a massive fire engulfed its core processing units around 1:55 pm on Monday, prompting authorities to order a probe.Fire broke out in the vicinity of the crude distillation unit (CDU) at HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL), ministry of petroleum and natural gas said in a post on X. “An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause(s) of the incident and to undertake necessary remedial measures. A revised date for the dedication will be announced in due course,” it said.The ministry said the fire was brought under control promptly by the refinery’s emergency response team with support from the local administration, and there were no reports of any casualties or injuries.Prima facie, the fire appeared to have been caused by the leakage of hydrocarbons from a valve or flange in the heat exchanger circuit, officials said. They added that the blaze remained localised to the heat exchanger stack within the CDU section. The crude distillation unit, vacuum distillation unit and other associated units were quickly isolated, and all are structurally safe and unaffected. No other part of the refinery complex suffered any impact.Most of the 200-odd workers engaged in the units were having lunch when the fire broke out, said an official at the refinery. “More than 100 fire tenders were deployed to contain the massive blaze. By 2.30 pm, the raging fire was brought under control,” said a witness.The HRRL refinery is a joint venture between state-owned Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Rajasthan govt, with equity participation of 74 per cent and 26 per cent respectively. The Union cabinet had, earlier this month, approved the cost escalation of the greenfield integrated refinery-petrochemical complex from Rs 43,129 crore to Rs 79,459 crore, and had said commercial operations were likely to start from July 1.The inauguration had been postponed from March 19 to April 21. It could have ended the cost escalation that the project had seen since its foundation stone was first laid by Sonia Gandhi in 2013, and then for a second time by PM Modi in 2018.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? Zelenskyy Signals Big Move Amid Russia Ukraine WarUnmanned Mine Counter Measure Vessels Take Lead In Demining OperationsIndia-South Korea Mega Deal: PM Modi & Lee Jae Myung Target 50 Billion Trade, Boost TiesFire Erupts At Rajasthan’s HPCL Refinery Ahead Of PM Modi’s Launch EventNSA Doval Meets Top Saudi Leaders, Focus On Security And EnergyFact Check: No, Indian Navy Did NOT Detain Somali Pirates In Viral Video123Photostories6 Psychology hacks that actually work6 types of food you should not store in plastic containers: Food authority’s strict guidelines on plastic materials safe for food productsMay garden checklist, Australia: What to plant for non-stop color and harvest8 condiments you should never keep back in the refrigerator once openedFrom two small spots in her MRI scan to losing 2 kgs in a month and following intermittent fasting, Shoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar talk about her health3 signs of a loyal partner, as revealed by Gauranga DasThese are the only 5 nations in the world that begin with letter “D” and each tells a unique storyAre you a traveller who loves to buy gold? 5 largest gold-producing countries in the world where gold can be cheaperPriyanka and Rahul Gandhi spotted relishing Gelato: What is Gelato and how is it different from ice cream and other frozen desserts10 Vedic baby girl names that begin with letter V123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBan vs NZCardi BNoah LylesHailee Steinfeld heartbreaking confessionTaylor SwiftMike Vrabel DivorceAndhra Pradesh Murderh-1b VisasTrumpJapan Earthquake

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. NEW DELHI: The government is likely to issue a fresh notification for laying down the test requirements for vehicles that can run on almost 100 per cent ethanol (E100) and petrol, a move that would encourage automobile manufacturers to produce Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs).While the road transport ministry, in December 2022, had notified the “applicability of test requirements” for vehicles that can run on E5 to E85 per cent fuel, a draft notification to replace the condition of E85 to “E85 or more” was issued on June 27, 2025. But the final notification could not be issued within the stipulated six months, and the process lapsed. It was during this period that a controversy had broken out over the impact of ethanol-blended fuel on the mileage of vehicles and the increased requirement of maintenance.TOI has learnt that with the focus now back on promoting alternative fuels in the light of the ongoing West Asia crisis, the government is set to publish the new draft notification to seek feedback from stakeholders before going ahead with the plan.Though most of the vehicle manufacturers have come up with prototypes of FFVs, commercial production is yet to begin. Engines that are designed to run on E100 can operate on lower ethanol blends from E20 onwards.Meanwhile, the petroleum and natural gas ministry has held two rounds of meetings with vehicle manufacturers on FFVs.TOI on March 30 had reported that the OEMs, in the first round, had flagged the need to address consumer concerns, particularly to lower fuel costs, considering that ethanol-fueled vehicles give less mileage.The industry sought a clear roadmap about the fuel stations that would dispense ethanol, compensation for mileage loss, which is around 27-30 per cent less than petrol, and an incentive for people to buy FFVs, considering these are expensive. Last year petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri had written to FM Nirmala Sitharaman seeking GST parity of FFVs with EVs. Currently, the GST for FFVs is 28 per cent compared to only 5 per cent for EVs.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? Zelenskyy Signals Big Move Amid Russia Ukraine WarUnmanned Mine Counter Measure Vessels Take Lead In Demining OperationsIndia-South Korea Mega Deal: PM Modi & Lee Jae Myung Target 50 Billion Trade, Boost TiesFire Erupts At Rajasthan’s HPCL Refinery Ahead Of PM Modi’s Launch EventNSA Doval Meets Top Saudi Leaders, Focus On Security And EnergyFact Check: No, Indian Navy Did NOT Detain Somali Pirates In Viral Video123Photostories6 Psychology hacks that actually work6 types of food you should not store in plastic containers: Food authority’s strict guidelines on plastic materials safe for food productsMay garden checklist, Australia: What to plant for non-stop color and harvest8 condiments you should never keep back in the refrigerator once openedFrom two small spots in her MRI scan to losing 2 kgs in a month and following intermittent fasting, Shoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar talk about her health3 signs of a loyal partner, as revealed by Gauranga DasThese are the only 5 nations in the world that begin with letter “D” and each tells a unique storyAre you a traveller who loves to buy gold? 5 largest gold-producing countries in the world where gold can be cheaperPriyanka and Rahul Gandhi spotted relishing Gelato: What is Gelato and how is it different from ice cream and other frozen desserts10 Vedic baby girl names that begin with letter V123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBan vs NZCardi BNoah LylesHailee Steinfeld heartbreaking confessionTaylor SwiftMike Vrabel DivorceAndhra Pradesh MurderLucknow Girl MurderTamil Nadu Firecracker Unit BlastJapan Earthquake

. NEW DELHI: The government is likely to issue a fresh notification for laying down the test requirements for vehicles that can run on almost 100 per cent ethanol (E100) and petrol, a move that would encourage automobile manufacturers to produce Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs).While the road transport ministry, in December 2022, had notified the “applicability of test requirements” for vehicles that can run on E5 to E85 per cent fuel, a draft notification to replace the condition of E85 to “E85 or more” was issued on June 27, 2025. But the final notification could not be issued within the stipulated six months, and the process lapsed. It was during this period that a controversy had broken out over the impact of ethanol-blended fuel on the mileage of vehicles and the increased requirement of maintenance.TOI has learnt that with the focus now back on promoting alternative fuels in the light of the ongoing West Asia crisis, the government is set to publish the new draft notification to seek feedback from stakeholders before going ahead with the plan.Though most of the vehicle manufacturers have come up with prototypes of FFVs, commercial production is yet to begin. Engines that are designed to run on E100 can operate on lower ethanol blends from E20 onwards.Meanwhile, the petroleum and natural gas ministry has held two rounds of meetings with vehicle manufacturers on FFVs.TOI on March 30 had reported that the OEMs, in the first round, had flagged the need to address consumer concerns, particularly to lower fuel costs, considering that ethanol-fueled vehicles give less mileage.The industry sought a clear roadmap about the fuel stations that would dispense ethanol, compensation for mileage loss, which is around 27-30 per cent less than petrol, and an incentive for people to buy FFVs, considering these are expensive. Last year petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri had written to FM Nirmala Sitharaman seeking GST parity of FFVs with EVs. Currently, the GST for FFVs is 28 per cent compared to only 5 per cent for EVs.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? Zelenskyy Signals Big Move Amid Russia Ukraine WarUnmanned Mine Counter Measure Vessels Take Lead In Demining OperationsIndia-South Korea Mega Deal: PM Modi & Lee Jae Myung Target 50 Billion Trade, Boost TiesFire Erupts At Rajasthan’s HPCL Refinery Ahead Of PM Modi’s Launch EventNSA Doval Meets Top Saudi Leaders, Focus On Security And EnergyFact Check: No, Indian Navy Did NOT Detain Somali Pirates In Viral Video123Photostories6 Psychology hacks that actually work6 types of food you should not store in plastic containers: Food authority’s strict guidelines on plastic materials safe for food productsMay garden checklist, Australia: What to plant for non-stop color and harvest8 condiments you should never keep back in the refrigerator once openedFrom two small spots in her MRI scan to losing 2 kgs in a month and following intermittent fasting, Shoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar talk about her health3 signs of a loyal partner, as revealed by Gauranga DasThese are the only 5 nations in the world that begin with letter “D” and each tells a unique storyAre you a traveller who loves to buy gold? 5 largest gold-producing countries in the world where gold can be cheaperPriyanka and Rahul Gandhi spotted relishing Gelato: What is Gelato and how is it different from ice cream and other frozen desserts10 Vedic baby girl names that begin with letter V123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBan vs NZCardi BNoah LylesHailee Steinfeld heartbreaking confessionTaylor SwiftMike Vrabel DivorceAndhra Pradesh MurderLucknow Girl MurderTamil Nadu Firecracker Unit BlastJapan Earthquake

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