After a series of accidents in factories across the Durgapur-Asansol industrial belt as well as other parts of Bengal, the state government is preparing a new policy with stricter punitive measures to curb industrial accidents.

Bengal Minister of State for Industry Moumita Biswas Mishra said the government would not tolerate recurring industrial fatalities and was working on a policy to improve workplace safety and fix accountability.

“We won’t allow this any longer. We are set to formulate a new policy to curb the menace,” Mishra said.

The move comes after four contractual workers lost their lives and 10 went missing in separate industrial accidents across public sector undertakings and private factories during July.

Mishra said the government, which assumed office about two months ago, inherited a system marked by inadequate safety standards.

“We have just assumed office barely two months ago and most of such factory deaths are caused due to the unrelenting legacy of negligence caused due to the apathy of the previous government,” she said.

At present, industrial accidents are governed primarily under central legislation, including the Factories Act, 1948, and the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923.

Section 96A of the Factories Act provides for imprisonment of up to seven years or a minimum fine of Rs 5 lakh for deaths caused by employer negligence, along with an additional fine of Rs 25 lakh under the existing legal framework.

CITU leader Biswarup Banerjee said West Bengal does not have a standalone industrial safety policy specifically addressing factory deaths.

Workplace safety, compensation and employer accountability are currently governed by central labour laws enforced through the state Labour Department.

The minister said the proposed policy would seek to strengthen industrial safety norms and ensure greater accountability of factory management.

“Shortly, we shall expedite formulating the policy as this cannot remain unaddressed any longer,” Mishra said.

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra says he is not chasing a specific distance target as he returns to the Commonwealth Games after an eight-year gap, insisting his only goal is to give his best every time he competes for India.

The Indian javelin star, who won gold at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games but missed Birmingham 2022 due to injury, said representing the country itself is enough motivation heading into Glasgow.

“There is no specific target as such. The only thought in mind is that whenever you compete, try to give your absolute best and put in 100 percent on the day so that there are no regrets later. During the competition, the goal will simply be to give my best according to whatever the conditions turn out to be,” Neeraj told reporters on Sunday.

“Whenever I represent my country, the event automatically becomes important to me. Since I have come here to compete for India, I will give my 100 percent. How things turn out will be known on the day of the event, but I always give my best whenever I represent my country. Our other athletes are also well prepared, and we will try to deliver a good performance together,” he added.

Neeraj Chopra confident after injury recovery

The 28-year-old has competed only once this season after recovering from a lower back injury that disrupted his campaign following the World Athletics Championships last year. He finished fourth at the Doha Diamond League in June with a best throw of 85.69m.

Neeraj said he has used the time since Doha to address technical shortcomings and regain full fitness.

“Right now, I am feeling quite fine. Doha was my first competition after the World Championships. We worked on the areas where I fell short and focused on my fitness. So now, I am better,” he said.

Having finally crossed the coveted 90-metre mark earlier in his career, Neeraj said his focus remains on consistency rather than chasing another big throw.

“It isn’t pressure as such, but as an athlete, it is always in my mind to keep increasing my distance. When you compete at major Games, the biggest challenge is to win a medal against the world’s best athletes. Distance is important, but consistency is equally important. My target is to remain consistent and keep improving gradually,” he said.

Neeraj’s campaign begins with the men’s javelin qualification on July 30, with the final scheduled for July 31 at Scotstoun Stadium. The field includes Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, world leader Rumesh Pathirage, two-time world champion Anderson Peters, and former Olympic and reigning world champion Keshorn Walcott.

The family of a 58-year-old patient in West Bengal’s Durgapur claimed that he died due to medical negligence following the use of a “strong” disinfectant inside his hospital ward on Sunday.

The deceased, Rajkumar Mandal, a resident of Durapur’s Benachity locality, had been admitted to the provate hospital and was reportedly discharged by doctors on July 23 but his family claimed that Mandal was not released because of health insurance related issues.

However, the family members claimed that the hospital authorities informed them that Mandal’s condition deteriorated after a strong disinfectant was sprayed in his ward. He died on Sunday.

Following his death, family members and relatives staged a protest inside the hospital, accusing the authorities of negligence and demanding a thorough investigation into the incident.

“My father was forcibly kept in the hospital even after he was discharged. He died because of the hospital’s negligence. We want those responsible to be punished,” Mandal’s daughter, Kabita Chatterjee, alleged.

Hospital official Shilpa Swar denied any conclusion on the cause of death and said a post-mortem examination had been sought at a government hospital.

“We have requested a post-mortem examination to determine whether the disinfectant was actually responsible for the patient’s death,” Swar said.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. The exact cause of death will be ascertained after the post-mortem report and the findings of the investigation.

An Israeli airstrike killed a senior official of the Hamas-run Palestinian internal security service along with an associate when they were travelling in a vehicle ‌through Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza on Sunday.

According to medics and the Hamas-run interior ministry, the strike killed Colonel Wael El-Ledawi, head of the service in central Gaza, as well as Major Ramez ​Abu Zraiq, Reuters reported.

Without providing any deatils, the ​Israeli military informed that it had carried out a major strike against a Hamas militant.

Over the past few months, Israel has targetted dozens of members of the Hamas-led police force, including senior officials. It had accused them of being members of the Hamas armed wing posing threats to Israel and its forces inside Gaza.

Criticising the actions, Hamas claimed that Israeli attacks ​on the police force and its headquarters are intended to sow ​chaos and anarchy in the region, besides violating the US-brokered ceasefire.

As per the data shared by Gaza health officials, the latest deaths add to the toll of over 1,190 Palestinians, mostly civilians, killed by Israeli attacks since the ceasefire took effect.

Israel reportedly holds control over an estimated 64 per cent of the coastal Strip, which has been heavily bombarded to ruins by Israel’s two-year military assault following the 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel.

The Kolkata Police have started tightening the noose around those accused of triggering violence during the ‘NEET’ rally in Dharmatala, arresting 14 people so far, who will be produced before a court on Sunday.

The Detective Department of Kolkata Police has sought 14 days of police custody.

Police sources said the arrest count, which stood at 11 till Saturday night, rose to 14 following a late-night operation by the anti-rowdy squad. Officials have indicated that the number is likely to rise as the investigation progresses.

Those arrested in the latest crackdown include Shahbaz Khan of Karaya, Sheikh Mohammad Salman Hossain of Rajabagan and Mohammad Zahiruddin Mal of Bhangar.

Investigators are identifying other suspects by analysing CCTV footage and video clips from the scene of the violence.

According to officials from the Kolkata Police headquarters, 70 people allegedly involved in the violence have been identified.

The violence broke out on Friday during a rally organised by the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ (CJP), which marched from College Square to Dharmatala.

Clashes erupted as the procession reached Dharmatala, with a section of agitators allegedly attacking police personnel and journalists.

A spokesperson of the organisation told police that those involved in the violence were not members of the CJP and alleged that outsiders had conspired to hijack the rally.

Following the incident, the chief minister directed police to take stringent action against those responsible.

Police subsequently launched an identification drive and booked the accused under the anti-goonda law along with multiple non-bailable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Seven cases have been registered in connection with the violence, six at Hare Street Police Station and one at Entally Police Station.

Investigators said the accused had allegedly planned to flee to another state after creating the disturbance. Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Kunal Agarwal said Mohammad Azad and Mohammad Afroz were arrested by the anti-rowdy squad from Andal while they were allegedly attempting to escape the state.

A 26-year-old woman alleged died by suicide in the Parappana Agrahara area of Karnataka’s Bengaluru after speaking to her husband over video call and allegedly confronting him over his “extramarital relationship”.

The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday, IANS reported.

According to police, the deceased has been identified as Sanika Gowda, a homemaker. She is said to have taken the extreme step shortly after speaking to her husband, Sharan Gowda, over a video call.

During preliminary investigation in the matter, officials found out that the woman was distressed over her husband’s alleged affair with another woman.

Police sources told IANS that Sharan sent Sanika an audio recording of his conversation with another woman. She got deeply upset after listening to the audio clip.

Later on, she confronted her husband over the video call and then allegedly hanged herself from a ceiling fan at her parents’ residence in Rayasandra locality.

Sanika reportedly died by suicide in the presence of her seven-month-old child. Her brother was discovered by her body when he went to check on her room.

According to police officials, the incident took place at around 3 a.m.

Sanika and Sharan, both native of Chikkamagaluru, had been married for approximately one-and-a-half years. She was at her parental home for postnatal care prior to the incident.

In connection with the incident, a case has been registered at the Parappana Agrahara Police Station, while the woman’s body has been shifted to St. John’s Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination. Further investigation is underway.

India added another medal to their Commonwealth Games 2026 tally on Sunday as weightlifter Rishikanta Singh Chanambam clinched silver in the men’s 60kg category after producing a record-breaking performance in the snatch.

Rishikanta finished with a combined total of 264kg (121kg snatch + 143kg clean and jerk), taking second place behind Malaysia’s Mohamad Aniq Kasdan, who secured gold with a Games record total of 273kg. Kenya’s Joshua Amunga Mboya claimed bronze with 260kg.

The Indian made a brilliant start to the competition, successfully lifting 116kg and 119kg before clearing 121kg on his third and final snatch attempt to set a new Commonwealth Games record and move to the top of the standings. Moments later, Kasdan matched the 121kg mark, leaving the two lifters level heading into the clean and jerk.

Rishikanta carried that momentum into the second discipline, opening with a confident 143kg lift to stay firmly in contention for gold.

He then attempted 148kg on his second lift but failed to complete it, allowing Kasdan to edge ahead with a successful 149kg effort.

Needing a huge lift to snatch victory, Rishikanta called for 151kg on his final attempt. He cleaned the weight successfully but was unable to complete the jerk, finishing with a total of 264kg and securing the silver medal.

Kasdan, with gold already assured, signed off by lifting 152kg in the clean and jerk to set a new Commonwealth Games total record of 273kg.

Although he fell just short of gold, Rishikanta’s silver medal and record-breaking 121kg snatch ensured India opened Day Four’s medal account on a high note.

As many as 14 jute mills across West Bengal, including three in Hooghly district, have resumed operations in a span of less than 90 day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in the state.

This follows a series of tripartite meetings initiated by the state government, providing relief to thousands of workers whose livelihoods were hit after the mills shut down nearly five months ago.

Several jute mills in the district had ceased operations citing a shortage of raw jute, leaving thousands of workers and their families without regular income.

The issue had emerged as a major electoral plank ahead of the Assembly elections.

The then Trinamool Congress government had promised to reopen the mills while blaming the Narendra Modi-led Central government for its alleged indifference towards the crisis.

However, the BJP, in its election manifesto, had pledged that reopening all closed jute mills would be among its first priorities if voted to power.

Soon after assuming office, State Labour Minister Arjun Singh and Minister of State Bhaskar Bhattacharya, who also oversees the Labour Department and is the MLA from Serampore, launched a joint initiative to revive the closed mills.

The government held a series of tripartite meetings involving the Labour Department, jute mill owners and managements, and representatives of workers’ unions.

Speaking on the reopening, Arjun Singh said the availability of the new jute crop had addressed concerns over raw material supply.

“The new yield of raw jute is now available, which will enable the mills to function without interruption,” he said.

Bhaskar Bhattacharya said the government had focused on improving the welfare and living standards of jute workers and their families.

He said the mill managements were asked to revise wage structures and ensure the clearance of gratuity dues, provident fund contributions and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) benefits.

A consensus was also reached on modernising the mills by introducing new technology and machinery without retrenching workers.

Employees will be provided training to operate the upgraded machinery while continuing to receive their salaries, Bhattacharya said.

“The discussions were fruitful. All stakeholders have agreed to ensure smooth and uninterrupted functioning of the mills and to resolve disputes through dialogue so that workers’ unrest can be avoided,” Bhattacharya said.

Among the mills that have resumed operations in Hooghly district are the Gondalpara Jute Mill in Chandannagar, India Jute Mill in Serampore and Wellington Jute Mill in Rishra.

Officials said maintenance work would continue for the next two weeks while workers would be inducted in phases. A fully operational jute mill can employ nearly 4,000 workers across different shifts.

The reopening of the mills was welcomed by workers and their families, many of whom celebrated the development and thanked chief minister Suvendu Adhikari for fulfilling the BJP’s election promise to revive the state’s closed jute mills.

Amid investigation into Am Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) leader Humayun Kabir’s alleged inflammatory speech in Murshidabad, the police have arrested the Naoda MLA’s close associate Selim Sheikh on Sunday.

Selim Sheikh, an AJUP leader, was arrested during a late-night raid at his residence in Nabagram under Shaktipur police station limits.

He was produced before the Berhampore district court on Sunday, with police seeking his custodial interrogation.

According to police, Sheikh was present at the public meeting in Shaktipur where Kabir allegedly made provocative remarks that triggered a political storm and led to the registration of a criminal case.

The controversy dates back to a public rally at Kashipur in the Rejinagar area, where Kabir allegedly warned BJP leaders against “showing arrogance” despite the party’s electoral performance in Murshidabad.

During the speech, he allegedly said that if he mobilised Muslims and launched an assault, his political opponents would “find no escape route.”

The remarks drew sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused the MLA of attempting to incite communal tensions.

The issue also reached the Assembly, where Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari warned that no individual would be allowed to make inflammatory statements capable of disturbing communal harmony.

Soon afterwards, a formal police complaint was lodged, leading to the registration of a case and the launch of an investigation.

Police had earlier arrested three organisers of the controversial meeting.

Investigators also summoned Humayun Kabir on multiple occasions and questioned him for several hours over the contents of his speech and the circumstances surrounding the rally.

Officers also visited the MLA’s residence as part of the probe.

The arrest of Selim Sheikh is being seen as the latest development in the investigation, with police attempting to establish the role of those involved in organising and attending the meeting.

Humayun Kabir had not issued any public statement on Sheikh’s arrest till Sunday afternoon. Police said the investigation is continuing and that further action would depend on the evidence gathered during the probe.

India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bat first against Zimbabwe in the third and final T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday, handing opportunities to Ashok Sharma and Suryansh Shedge as the visitors chase a 3-0 series sweep.

Having already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead with a dominant 90-run victory on Saturday, India made two changes to their playing XI.

Fast bowler Ashok Sharma replaces Prince Yadav, who has been ruled out with a left hamstring injury sustained in the second T20I, while seam-bowling all-rounder Suryansh Shedge comes in for Shivam Dube.

Iyer: We need to adapt quickly

Explaining the decision to bat first, Iyer said the used surface could slow down as the match progresses.

“We’re going to bat first considering that we are playing on the same wicket and anticipating for it to get slower and slower. We got 220 on the board yesterday and the boys gave us a phenomenal start. Reflecting on that performance gives me thrills, and obviously I want to replicate the same performance again.

“It’s going to be important for us to adapt as quickly as possible. We can’t guarantee how the wicket is going to play. The quicker we adapt, the better for us, and then we’ll try to put a great score on the board.”

Zimbabwe make one change

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza revealed that left-arm pacer Richard Ngarava misses out with a niggle, with Wellington Masakadza replacing him.

“We wanted to bat first as well. The team is lacking slightly more runs from the captain. Hopefully myself and the team have a good outing.”

IND vs ZIM 3rd T20I: Playing XIs

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (capt), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani.

India: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer (capt), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Ravi Bishnoi, Ashok Sharma, Yash Thakur, Mayank Yadav.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya on Sunday cited the latest Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report to accuse the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of leaving behind a severe fiscal burden for the present Suvendu Adhikari administration.

Addressing the issue, Bhattacharya claimed on X that the CAG report for the 2024-25 financial year paints an alarming picture of the state’s finances, highlighting mounting debt, widening deficits and inadequate utilisation of public funds.

Quoting figures from the audit report, the senior BJP leader said West Bengal recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 39,727 crore and a fiscal deficit of Rs 64,488 crore during 2024-25. He further claimed that the state’s outstanding debt has crossed Rs 7.35 lakh crore, while capital expenditure has declined and the burden of interest payments has continued to rise.

২০২৪-২৫ অর্থবর্ষের সিএজি রিপোর্ট পশ্চিমবঙ্গের আর্থিক ব্যবস্থাপনা নিয়ে ভয়াবহ দুরবস্থার চিত্র তুলে ধরেছে। রাজস্ব ঘাটতি ₹৩৯,৭২৭ কোটি, রাজকোষ ঘাটতি ₹৬৪,৪৮৮ কোটি এবং রাজ্যের নেওয়া মোট ঋণের পরিমাণ ₹৭.৩৫ লক্ষ কোটিরও বেশি। একই সঙ্গে মূলধনী ব্যয় হ্রাস, সুদ পরিশোধের ক্রমবর্ধমান বোঝা… pic.twitter.com/y5a81z5V3T

— Samik Bhattacharya (@SamikBJP) July 26, 2026

Bhattacharya also alleged that funds allocated under several Centrally-sponsored schemes were not fully utilised, a factor that, according to him, reflected deficiencies in financial management.

Referring to the state’s long-term fiscal position, he said the CAG report indicates that West Bengal has remained in revenue deficit continuously from 2015-16 to 2024-25, spanning ten consecutive financial years.

He further claimed that nearly 52 per cent of the state’s revenue receipts came from transfers by the Centre. “The report clearly shows that although borrowings increased during the tenure of the previous Trinamool Congress government, the funds were not adequately channelled into productive investments,” Bhattacharya said.

He argued that sustainable development cannot be achieved merely through increased borrowing and expenditure, but requires fiscal discipline, transparency and prudent utilisation of public resources.

“People pay taxes for development, not for wasteful expenditure or financial mismanagement,” he said, adding that every rupee collected from taxpayers should be spent responsibly and with accountability.

The BJP leader maintained that the time had come for an administration that would ensure efficient use of public funds, adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption and wasteful expenditure, and prioritise development through transparent governance.

Highlighting his party’s vision for the state, Bhattacharya said a BJP government would focus on good governance, fiscal prudence and public welfare while working towards building a strong, prosperous and self-reliant West Bengal.

“The BJP is committed to establishing a responsible and transparent administration in Bengal,” he said, asserting that financial discipline would remain central to the party’s governance model.

The Trinamool Congress had not reacted to Bhattacharya’s remarks till the time of filing this report.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led the tributes to Anahat Singh after the teenage squash sensation became the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship title, calling her achievement a “historic feat” and expressing confidence that it would inspire more youngsters to take up the sport.

Taking to X, the prime minister wrote, “A historic feat at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championship. Proud of Anahat Singh for winning the gold medal and becoming the first Indian squash player ever to win the World Junior Championship title. This accomplishment will further popularise squash among the youth.”

A historic feat at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championship.

Proud of Anahat Singh for winning the Gold Medal and becoming the first Indian squash player ever to win the World Junior Championship title. This accomplishment will further popularise squash among the youth.… pic.twitter.com/NtvHnrKNDQ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2026

The 18-year-old produced a dominant display in the women’s singles final at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, defeating Egypt’s second seed, Ruqayya Salem, 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 to lift the biggest title of her young career.

Top seed Anahat became the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship and the first non-Egyptian player to claim the girls’ title since American Amanda Sobhy in 2010, ending Egypt’s 15-year dominance of the event.

Mandaviya: ‘A proud moment for every Indian’

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya also congratulated Anahat, describing the victory as a landmark moment for Indian sport.

“History Made! Congratulations to Anahat Singh on becoming the first Indian ever to win the World Squash Junior Championship. A phenomenal achievement and a proud moment for every Indian,” he posted on X.

History Made! 🇮🇳

Congratulations to Anahat Singh (@Anahat_Singh13) on becoming the first Indian ever to win the World Squash Junior Championship.

A phenomenal achievement and a proud moment for every Indian. pic.twitter.com/SfURD0Zg69

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) July 25, 2026

The Sports Authority of India also celebrated the achievement, saying Anahat had created a landmark moment for Indian squash and inspired a new generation of players.

The title also ended India’s 21-year wait for a women’s finalist at the World Junior Championships, with Joshna Chinappa having last reached the final in 2005.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who took additional charge of the Ministry of Education on Sunday, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has “placed full trust” in him and hence gave him the new responsibility.

Joshi, who currently serves as the Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs, noted that he is holding back-to-back meetings to review all details regarding the education portfolio, IANS reported.

Joshi has taken over the additional charge of the Education Ministry after Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation amid nationwide protests, headed by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), over examination paper leaks.

“The Prime Minister has placed full trust and given me this responsibility. I was in Karnataka yesterday, reached here at night, and came here this morning to take charge and handle the portfolio,” Joshi said.

He added, “All details, whatever we need to see, make decisions on, gather information about, I have tried to understand the entire ministry. From roughly 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., I held continuous meetings. The subject is new to me, so after fully understanding it, I will talk to you in detail”.

In a post on X, Joshi earlier stated that he is accepting the new responsibility “with humility and a deep sense of duty”.

His appointment comes at a time when the Ministry of Education has been under intense public and political scrutiny over widespread student protests demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in various competitive examinations.

Pradhan’s resignation was confirmed by the President’s Secretariat through an official communique issued on Saturday. As per the communique, President Droupadi Murmu, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Council of Ministers with immediate effect. The resignation was accepted under Article 75(2) of the Constitution.

After the recent violence at Esplanade and the assault on media personnel on Friday, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that it was the result of a conspiracy involving radical fundamentalist elements backed by foreign forces.

He said that genuine NEET aspirants and protesters had no role in the violence.

Addressing reporters after a Kargil Vijay Diwas programme in Bengal’s Nandigram on Sunday, the chief minister said, “The real NEET protesters are not involved in this barbaric incident. They themselves have issued statements on social media condemning the attacks on journalists and have refused to own responsibility for the violence.”

“Left groups later joined the CJP rally, and taking advantage of the situation, some radical Jamaati and fundamentalist elements created the unrest,” he added.

He said seven FIRs had already been registered based on complaints lodged by journalists who were attacked during the rally.

Fourteen identified accused have been arrested, and action would be taken against them under the newly enacted Gunda Act.

Drawing a distinction between the protesters and those involved in the violence, Adhikari said the accused were not students but “hardened anti-social elements” attempting to weaken the country.

“We do not merely describe the media as the fourth pillar of democracy in speeches; we demonstrate it through action. I rushed to SSKM Hospital immediately after the incident. Our assurance encouraged journalists to come forward and lodge FIRs,” he said.

“After examining video footage, 14 notorious criminals have been arrested. None of them are students; they are part of a fundamentalist conspiracy aimed at weakening India,” he said.

The chief minister also referred to incidents during the previous government, claiming journalists had been assaulted during the 2023 panchayat elections, the 2022 municipal polls, and agitations at Bhangar, Sandeshkhali and RG Kar Hospital without any effective police action or arrests.

Explaining what he described as the motive behind the violence, Adhikari claimed that several nationalist administrative measures undertaken by his government over the past 10 weeks had angered anti-social elements.

“Intensified scrutiny of documents and funding sources of Khariji madrasas, implementation of the High Court’s direction cancelling illegally issued OBC certificates, stricter enforcement of the Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1950, and new regulations to curb noise pollution might have angered them,” the chief minister said.

He further alleged that during the protest, the national tricolour was displayed upside down, photographs of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister were kicked, and anti-national slogans were raised.

“These people came to malign a student movement. They will be dealt with under the Gunda Act,” he said.

Responding to a question on the alleged Trinamool Congress links of one of the accused, identified as Afroz, Adhikari said, “People of the state know that the Trinamool Congress appeases Jamaati elements. They even have problems singing ‘Vande Mataram’ or the National Anthem. Through due legal process, we will make the state completely free of such criminals.”

Earlier in the day, the chief minister paid tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the Kargil War and recalled the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach to tackling examination-related malpractices ahead of the introduction of the Public Examinations Bill, 2026 in Parliament on Monday.

Adhikari said the proposed legislation reflected the Centre’s “zero-tolerance policy against question paper leaks and examination fraud” and would provide for stringent penalties and fast-track trials to ensure greater transparency in public examinations across the country.

Anahat Singh created history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championships, defeating Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem in straight games in the women’s final before describing the achievement as one that “means the world” in her final year as a junior.

The world No. 20 and tournament top seed produced a commanding display to beat the second-seeded Egyptian 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 and clinch the biggest title of her career.

The victory also ended Egypt’s 15-year dominance in the girls’ event, making Anahat the first non-Egyptian player to lift the World Junior title since American Amanda Sobhy in 2010.

Having reached the quarter-finals and semi-finals in previous editions, Anahat completed a memorable breakthrough by becoming the first Indian in 21 years to reach the World Junior final since Joshna Chinappa in 2005 before going one step further and lifting the trophy.

‘It means the world’: Anahat Singh

An emotional Anahat admitted the achievement had not fully sunk in after ending years of heartbreak at the tournament.

“I still feel like I’m dreaming. I’ve been losing in the semis and quarters over the last four years. I’ve always said, if anyone’s asked, ‘This tournament’s a curse,’ and I’ve never been able to play well in the event,” she said.

The 17-year-old revealed she approached the final with a simple mindset, knowing it was her final opportunity to win the junior world title.

“This is my last year as a junior and my only chance to win it. It means the world. I knew if I’m stressed, I play terribly, so I just came out on court, hit my lines well and wanted to enjoy every moment of getting to play in a World Championship final.”

Anahat had entered the tournament on the back of a bronze-medal finish last year, but this time overcame two Egyptian opponents in the knockout stages to become India’s first junior world champion.

‘A dream come true for Indian squash’

Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) secretary-general Cyrus Poncha hailed the triumph as a landmark moment for Indian squash.

“It’s a historic moment for Indian squash. Anahat has the potential to reach great heights,” Poncha said.

He added that the achievement fulfilled a long-held vision of former SRFI patron N. Ramachandran.

“Mr N. Ramachandran always said it was his dream that India produce a world champion in individual events. We achieved it in doubles, but to replicate that success in singles is really a dream come true.

“A lot of hard work and effort by Anahat, of course, but we’ve had the entire nation behind her and her successes over the last few years.”

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Sunday, July 26, said he would not take part in any elections, but will continue to raise voice for people’s hardships.

“Since the political field has become corrupted today, I will not contest in the 2028 assembly elections. However, remaining active in politics, I will continue to stand as a voice for the people’s hardships and joys,” Siddaramaiah said while speaking at a public event in Mandya district.

He said that people in Varuna Assembly constituency are once again pressing him to contest the election.

“But I have decided that I should not contest in any elections henceforth. In the past, when I contested elections, it was the people of the constituency who gave us money and ensured our victory. But today, such a situation no longer exists,” he said.

He added, “I am now 79 years old. Our government’s term still has one and a half years left. By then, I will be 81-82 years old. My health is not as robust as it used to be. It is no longer possible to work with the same enthusiasm as before. By 2028, I will be 82 years old. That will mark the completion of 50 years in my political life. I began my political journey in 1978 as a taluk board member. I have seen both defeats and victories. But I take satisfaction in the fact that I have not acted against the principles I believed in, nor betrayed my conscience.”

ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ ಇಂದು ಕಲುಷಿತಗೊಂಡಿರುವುದರಿಂದ 2028ರ ವಿಧಾನಸಭಾ ಚುನಾವಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನು ಸ್ಪರ್ಧಿಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಆದರೆ, ಸಕ್ರಿಯ ರಾಜಕಾರಣದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದು, ಜನರ ಕಷ್ಟ, ಸುಖಗಳಿಗೆ ಧ್ವನಿಯಾಗಿ ನಿಲ್ಲುತ್ತೇನೆ.

ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ಚುನಾವಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧಿಸುವಂತೆ ವರುಣ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದ ಜನರು ಒತ್ತಾಯಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಆದರೆ ನಾನು ಇನ್ನು ಮುಂದೆ ಯಾವುದೇ… pic.twitter.com/v0S4tCQ30o

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) July 26, 2026

The senior Congress leader claimed that the time has come where “if we contest elections, we would have to give money to the people.”

“Politics today is thoroughly corrupted. Honest politics seems to have no leg to stand on. In this backdrop, I have arrived at the decision not to contest in future elections. For five decades, the people of the state have seen me as one among them and affectionately guided me. This debt weighs on me. Therefore, my future life too will be dedicated to public service,” he added.

Siddaramaiah resigned as the Chief Minister of Karnataka in May, paving the way for DK Shivakumar to take over the top post in the state.

Petrol and diesel prices across the nation will be revised when the declining international crude oil prices are likely to remain at steady lower levels, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Lahiri said on Sunday.

Lahiri, however, cautioned that fuel prices would not be adjusted frequently in response to fluctuations in global crude oil prices.

“It (fuel prices) will definitely be revised when it is clear that crude oil prices have declined and are going to remain at that level. But we will not adjust the price everyday in tune with the fluctuating crude oil prices,” Lahiri told The Statesman on Sunday.

His remarks came amid the ongoing West Asia crisis and uncertainty over the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, which could have implications for global energy supplies and crude oil prices.

Asked about the potential impact of the crisis on India, Lahiri said the situation could be viewed from both a short-term and medium- to long-term perspective, depending on how long the crisis lasts.

“The medium or long term depends on whether the West Asia crisis or Hormuz crisis will last for a few months or for a few years. It’s like if you have fever, you’d like to know whether it is influenza, or typhoid, or jaundice. So, it’s difficult to say how the Hormuz crisis will unfold,” he said.

Lahiri said the government had taken steps to deal with the situation, including increasing energy efficiency and diversifying the country’s energy sources.

“One is to increase energy efficiency so that we need less petrol or diesel to run our cars, our transport system. The second is diversifying our energy sources,” he said.

The prices of petrol and diesel in the city stood at Rs 114.51 and Rs 99.82 on Sunday. In comparison the price of a barrel of crude oil hovered around Rs 8,616.

On the West Bengal government’s single-window clearance platform for investment proposals of over Rs 100 crore, Lahiri termed it a “very welcome initiative”, but stressed the need for continuous monitoring.

“When you launch any initiative you have to do mid-term corrections…you have to make constant improvement and make sure that it’s delivering what it was supposed to deliver,” he said.

Lahiri spoke on the sidelines of the inauguration of AIC Techno, West Bengal’s first Atal Incubation Centre, established under the Atal Innovation Mission of NITI Aayog, at Techno India University in Kolkata.

The NITI Aayog Vice Chairman has previously served as the Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India, Executive Director at the Asian Development Bank and Director of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy. He has also served on the Fifteenth Finance Commission and held several other senior positions in public policy and economic institutions.