‘Wish my son was alive to see Pradhan’s resignation’
Lakhimpur Kheri (UP), July 26: The grieving father of a 21-year-old NEET aspirant who died by suicide in Uttar Pradesh’s Kheri district on Sunday lamented that his son was not alive to witness the 37-day-long protest that ended with Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Union education minister. Though the Centre has accepted the CJP’s demand to provide compensation to the families of 21 NEET students who took their own lives, Anup Mishra said such an announcement can do little to fill the void created by the death of his son, Ritik. When the alleged NEET-UG 2026 exam paper leak surfaced, Ritik was heartbroken, as it was his third attempt, Mishra said. He added that the government’s decision to cancel the exams left him in utter despair, and he took his own life on May 14, a day after the re-test was announced. (PTI)
BJP leader Lata Gupta appointed as chairperson for DCW
New Delhi, July 26: BJP leader Lata Gupta has been appointed chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), which had been lying vacant for more than two years, the Delhi CMO said on Sunday. Shyam Bala, Malti Verma, Lata Sidhi, Sanrakshika Sharma Jha and Renu Bhalla have been appointed members of the commission, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a post on X. The DCW chairperson’s post fell vacant after Swati Maliwal resigned in January 2024 after the then ruling AAP decided to send her to the Rajya Sabha. (PTI)
India emerging as trusted global defence partner: PM Modi
New Delhi, July 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that India is emerging as a trusted global defence partner and the country continues to strengthen its defence capabilities. Addressing his monthly radio broadcast ‘Mann Ki Baat’, he also paid rich tributes to the Indian soldiers who fought the Kargil war. Despite harsh weather and the enemy’s challenges, they showed extraordinary courage during the 1999 conflict with Pakistan, he noted. The prime minister said today, be it in defence production or defence exports, India is consistently moving towards new heights. (PTI)
Three killed in explosion at firecracker godown
SIVAKASI, July 26: At least three people were killed and several others were injured after a powerful explosion ripped through an illegally operated firecracker godown near Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district on Sunday, triggering a massive blaze and a series of secondary explosions that sent shockwaves across the surrounding area. The blast occurred at Sengamalpatti village. The force of the explosion caused extensive damage to the structure, while repeated firecracker blasts sent thick plumes of black smoke into the sky, creating panic among nearby residents. Fire and Rescue Services personnel rushed to the scene and launched an intensive firefighting and rescue operation. (IANS)
