Manila, June 14: At least 61 people were killed, 40 missing and 1,403 injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mindanao, the Philippines, on June 8, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Sunday.

The NDRRMC earlier said the quake has affected more than 75,300 households, or over 346,000 people, and more than 45,000 affected residents have been displaced, with over 12,600 houses sustaining damage. The quake also triggered 45 related incidents, mainly landslides, reports Xinhua news agency.

The council added that the earthquake affected the operation of 45 road sections, eight bridge sections, one airport, and two seaports, as well as the agriculture, husbandry and fishery industries. Power services were affected across 48 cities and municipalities.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the tectonic earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. local time at a depth of 33 km, with the epicentre 32 km southwest of the coast of Maasim town in Sarangani province on Mindanao Island.

Earlier, Junie Castillo, spokesperson for the Philippines’ Office of Civil Defence, said 10 victims were reported in South Cotabato’s General Santos, a port city with a population of over 700,000, and at least 12 people remain missing so far.

The deaths were caused by falling debris, building collapse and landslides. The Philippine National Police earlier said that no fewer than 134 people were injured.

A two-story school building in General Santos collapsed with students trapped inside, and authorities said they are verifying details of the incident. Online videos show university and restaurant buildings collapsed in disaster-hit areas.

Some commercial facilities sustained structural damage, with signs falling and window panes shattered. Local residents rushed outdoors to seek safety.

The powerful earthquake hit shortly after schools across the Philippines started reopening following the summer break. Surveillance footage from several schools captured violent shaking during the quake. Teachers and students either evacuated urgently or took shelter under desks.

The number of schools affected by the earthquake has risen to 8,642 across 43 divisions in six regions, local media reported, citing figures from the Department of Education.

New Delhi, June 14: The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Madhya Pradesh has intensified its crackdown on suspected anti-national activities, continuing raids for the second consecutive day and arresting alleged mastermind and senior agent Naeem Qureshi in a major development in the case.

The arrested accused was taken into custody from the Sarangpur area of Uttar Pradesh and later produced before the court, where he was remanded to four days of ATS custody for further interrogation.

He is accused of sharing sensitive information with foreign elements, training Bhopal resident Mohammad Faraz, and planning to send him to Afghanistan. Evidence of jihadist literature, suspicious documents, and calls to Afghanistan and Pakistan have been found.

Officials said that during the investigation, evidence, including suspected jihad-related literature, suspicious documents, and financial transaction records linked to religious institutions, was recovered.

ATS sources further stated that digital examination of the accused’s mobile phone revealed communication with numbers based in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Investigators also found evidence suggesting the accused used an application to communicate with foreign contacts.

The probe has also indicated that photographs and videos from multiple cities in Uttar Pradesh were allegedly being sent to Pakistan, raising concerns about a wider cross-state network.

Investigators suspect that the module may be spread across several states and could be operating in a sleeper-cell-like structure. Agencies are now working to identify additional members and establish the full extent of the alleged network.

A statement issued by the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) said the operation also led to further arrests and detentions. It said ATS arrested Haji Azhar from Dhar (Madhya Pradesh) and also brought a suspect from Nuh, Haryana, to Bhopal for questioning.

The agency further alleged that a handler based in Saudi Arabia was inciting youths for jihad-related activities.

Officials said the investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are likely as agencies continue to examine digital evidence, financial trails, and communication records connected to the case.

Mumbai: Student Dr. Sejal at a comedy event Sejal has been sent on 15-day leave along with a departmental inquiry and further action will be taken only after its final report. Institutional action in the matter related to Dr. Sejal Pawar.

Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital have taken due cognizance of the public concern arising out of the remarks made by MBBS third year student Sejal Pawar during a comedy event and the subsequent circulation of the related video material on social media platforms.

Immediately after receiving the complaints, the institute initiated a preliminary fact-finding process. The concerned student was called, his explanation/apology was taken on record, and the relevant material was reviewed. In view of the preliminary findings, the sensitivity of the matter, and the need to maintain the dignity of deceased persons, body donors and the professional standards expected of medical students, an interim disciplinary/administrative order has been issued against Pawar today.

Accordingly, Pawar has been placed on compulsory leave for a period of 15 days, with effect from May 13, pending detailed inquiry and further orders. At 10:30 am today, he was entrusted with the care and supervision of his parents/guardians during the said period. He has also been directed to cooperate fully with the institutional inquiry and to be available in person or through online mode whenever called by the inquiry committee.

A proposal has also been made to constitute a comprehensive five-member inquiry committee comprising senior faculty, one external/non-faculty member and appropriate institutional representation. The committee is expected to examine the facts, context, implications and relevant records including the aspect of social media circulation and make its reasoned recommendations for further action. The Institute reiterates that respect for patients, deceased, body donors and their families is a core value of medical education. The matter will be dealt with seriousness, sensitivity and due process with fairness. Further action will be taken as per applicable NMC MUHS, BMC and institutional norms after receipt of detailed inquiry report.

No final conclusion should be drawn at this stage, as a comprehensive inquiry is currently underway.