The Tricolour was waved, sweets were distributed, and firecrackers were burst at several places across Madhya Pradesh following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday.

Hundreds of students who had been protesting in Indore for the past 25 days over the alleged NEET paper leak celebrated the development by congratulating one another and waving the national flag.

The students raised slogans of “Student Unity Zindabad.” They said the development was the result of their sustained struggle and unity. However, they clarified that their broader fight would continue until their demands for complete transparency and reforms in the examination system were addressed.

In the state capital, Bhopal, students demanding Pradhan’s resignation over the alleged paper leak also celebrated after news emerged that the Union Minister had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Similar celebrations were held in Jabalpur, Gwalior, Katni and several other places across Madhya Pradesh.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been given the additional charge of the Education Ministry following Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Education Minister after a massive Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest at Jantar Mantar.

“….as advised by the Prime Minister, the President has directed that Shri Pralhad Joshi, Cabinet Minister, be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Education, in addition to his existing portfolio,” a press communique from Rashtrapati Bhavan read.

The development comes hours after Education Minister Pradhan tendered his resignation in view of the Jantar Mantar protest over the NEET paper leak and the linked suicides of over 20 aspirants.

Who is Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi?

The 64-year-old is currently the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy.

Joshi is one of the most prominent faces of the BJP in Karnataka, representing the Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency.

He had earlier served as the Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs between 2019 and 2024

He was born into a traditional Brahmin family in Karnataka’s Bijapur on November 27, 1962. He has been married to Jyothi Joshi since 1992, and the couple has three children.

Joshi joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at a young age and played a key role in organising a movement to hoist the national flag at the Idgah Maidan in Hubli between 1992 and 1994.

He later joined the BJP and made his electoral debut in 1996 when he was elected to the Karnataka Assembly.

Joshi was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Dharwad in 2004. He has since retained the seat, winning it consecutively in the 2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024 general elections.

What Joshi said on Pradhan’s resignation?

Reacting to Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, Pralhad Joshi said that the former had an illustrious political career and hailed his commitment to the development of the nation.

“His tenure witnessed the successful implementation of NEP 2020 along with over 100 big and small reforms in the field of education. Placing larger interest above everything else, Shri Pradhan Ji’s decision to step down does not in anyway stop in him contributing to the Nation development,” he said on X.

Joshi further added, “Our paths will cross again in the line of development of the Nation.”

Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra on Saturday said that the country is appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sensitivity and his dialogue skills in finding a solution to the students’ movement.

According to Malhotra, the manner in which the PM Modi sought suggestions from the youth during the process of resolving the students’ movement was unprecedented, and following the resolution of the issue, his image among the youth has become even stronger, the Delhi BJP chief claimed. “The youth of the country stood with PM Modi, stand with him today, and will continue to stand with him in the future because he has lived up to the aspirations of the youth,” he asserted.

The Delhi BJP chief further said that the alleged provocative speeches made by Opposition leaders, particularly Arvind Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi, with the intention of turning the students’ movement violent have exposed their true colours before the people of the country as well as the youth.

The BJP leader pointed out that the identification of more than 2,500 criminal faces through the police facial-recognition system in the Jantar Mantar area makes it clear that criminal elements had dangerously intruded in the agitation.

He said throughout the duration of the movement, it was clearly visible that a power struggle was going on between Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi. While Rahul did not hesitate to compromise the PM’s security, Kejriwal engaged in provoking unrest at Jantar Mantar from the very beginning.

The manner in which he posted a false video on Friday evening claiming that “the police will remove the protest site tonight” made it clear that they had no concern for the students. They simply wanted to incite violence and defame the government, he alleged.

In preparation for Haridwar Kumbh 2027, the Uttarakhand Forest Department plans to fit radio collars on the group leaders of elephant herds to mitigate man-elephant conflicts in the Haridwar forest area. Elephant intrusions into residential areas have become a perennial issue in Haridwar.

Forest Department’s plan to fit radio collars around the necks of elephant group leaders to monitor their movements as part of preparations for Haridwar Kumbh 2027, was announced in the Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board Meeting in Dehradun on Friday chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Wildlife officials from the state Forest Department informed that this is a new technology and measure to mitigate human-elephant conflict, implemented as a pilot project in Haridwar to prevent untoward incidents, especially during the Kumbh festival. Prevention of elephant attacks is targeted mainly for the large influx of pilgrims from across the nation during Kumbh.

It was announced that the plan to fit leader pachyderms, of their respective herds, with a radio collar to monitor their movements is a first-of-its-kind measure to fix man-elephant conflicts in Haridwar. According to forest officials herd elephant leaders will first be identified and then fitted with radio collars that will allow constant tracking of the complete herd.

It was stated in the board meeting that trenches and installed solar fencings have not been able to stop elephants from entering human settlements to the extent expected.
It was shared by the chief widlife warden of the state that forest department launch a study as to the pachyderm herds in the region jointly with Wildlife Institute of India(WII) focusing security of the pilgrims during upcoming Kumbh 2027. The institute will identify the strengths of the elephant herds, their frequency and time to intrude human settlements along with other behavioural aspects of the pachyderms in the area.

This will help the study team fit radio collars easily around their necks. Elephants entering residential areas will alert the team easily to reach the spot and steer them back into the forest.
It was stated in the board meeting that a proposal seeking permission to fit radio collars on elephants has been sent to the Union Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change.
Swapnil Aniruddh, DFO Haridwar Forest Division, stated that a preliminary study had been ongoing since May. Collars will now be fitted on elephant herd leaders.

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke’s parents told reporters on Saturday that while they are happy he succeeded in ousting former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, they were extremely worried about him.

“There are tears of joy in my eyes. My son’s hard work has paid off. I am proud of him,” Abhijeet Dipke’s mother Anita Dipke told reporters on Saturday after learning about Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. She said the entire family had been under significant stress for the last two and a half months.

“Abhijit could not sleep at night. Along with him, other members of the family were also worried. All of us were worried. The entire family was going through mental stress due to the worry of the day and night agitation as well as the increasing struggle. We could not sleep at night. I am happy that my son’s hard work got rewarded today. I am proud of the stand my son took and the struggle he endured,” the CJP founder’s mother said.

“I was scared at times because he was beaten up. They slapped him. I felt terrible. Somebody threw ink at him. I kept worrying about what might happen to him. I couldn’t sleep. I stayed awake until three or four o’clock in the morning. I couldn’t eat either. Both of us lost our appetite and couldn’t sleep. Since June 7, we haven’t felt like doing anything at home,” she said.

She further said, “I was in a dilemma about whether to pick up the phone in the morning or not. I was afraid something bad might happen. I used to ask his friends about Abhijeet and his friends used to give me courage. They used to say that they stood firmly behind Abhijeet. When he comes home, I will hug Abhijeet.”

Regarding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, she called it “the success of all children”. This is the success of everyone who participated directly and indirectly in the agitation.

However, Abhijit Dipke’s family felt his life was in danger and had no faith in the Delhi Police. His sister, Sneha Vanjare, even submitted a formal representation to the President of India through the Beed District Collector, seeking special protection for Abhijeet. “We just wanted to keep him safe. Abhijeet was not even answering phone calls. He did not pick up anyone’s phone calls in our family.”

Speaking to the media, Dipke’s father Bhagwanrao Dipke, a retired engineer of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), said, “We don’t know much about politics. My son started this movement against my wishes. I was extremely worried because he got involved in social work. Dharmendra Pradhan has shown great generosity. Nobody should look at this incident from the perspective of victory or defeat. My son worked with Kejriwal for around two years, where he observed politics very closely. I don’t like politics, but whatever decision he makes, I will support him”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed the inscription of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh on the UNESCO World Heritage List, describing it as “a proud moment for every Indian” and saying the recognition celebrates India’s rich civilisational and spiritual heritage while bringing global attention to the teachings of Lord Buddha.

A proud moment for every Indian!

Delighted that Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sarnath has a close association with Lord Buddha, whose timeless message of wisdom, compassion and harmony inspires the world.

This recognition… https://t.co/KkdMOg6g0d

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 25, 2026

In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister expressed delight over the development and said the honour would encourage more people from across the world to visit the historic site and draw inspiration from the Buddha’s message.

“A proud moment for every Indian! Delighted that Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List,” Modi wrote.

Highlighting the historical and spiritual significance of Sarnath, the Prime Minister noted that the site shares a deep association with Lord Buddha, who delivered his first sermon there after attaining enlightenment.

“Sarnath has a close association with Lord Buddha, whose timeless message of wisdom, compassion and harmony inspires the world,” he said.

Modi said the UNESCO recognition was a tribute to India’s enduring cultural legacy and expressed hope that it would promote greater global engagement with the country’s Buddhist heritage.

“This recognition celebrates India’s profound civilisational and spiritual heritage. It will also inspire more people across the world to come to Sarnath and connect with the ideals of Lord Buddha,” he added.

Located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Sarnath is one of Buddhism’s holiest pilgrimage sites. It is revered as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, to his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.

The archaeological site is home to several ancient monuments, including the Dhamek Stupa, the Ashokan Pillar, monastery ruins and museums that reflect India’s rich Buddhist legacy. Its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List is expected to boost international recognition, tourism and conservation efforts while reaffirming India’s commitment to preserving its cultural and spiritual heritage.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Saturday showcased its citizen-centric initiatives and public service innovations through its dedicated stall at the Delhi Government Achievement & Scheme Expo 2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan.

The MCD stall received an encouraging response from a large number of visitors, including students, citizens and representatives of various institutions, who visited to learn about the civic body’s flagship initiatives and public welfare programmes.

Various departments of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi participated in the exhibition, including the Property Tax Department, the Department of Environment Management Services (DEMS), the Veterinary Services Department and the Public Health Department. Through interactive displays and models, informative panels and awareness material, the departments showcased their ongoing projects, digital initiatives and citizen services.

Officials from the participating departments interacted with visitors, addressed their queries and provided information on services such as online property tax payment, waste management and environmental initiatives, animal welfare and veterinary services, and public health programmes undertaken by the MCD.

The exhibition provides an important platform for the MCD to connect directly with citizens and highlight its commitment to transparent governance, improved civic services, environmental sustainability and public welfare.

The MCD stall will remain open to visitors throughout the Expo from 25 to 27 July 2026 at Hall Nos. 8, 9 and 10, Stall No. 71, Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan. Citizens are invited to visit the stall and experience the MCD’s initiatives aimed at building a cleaner, healthier and more citizen-friendly Delhi.

Delhi Government’s Social Welfare Minister, Ravinder Indraj Singh, on Saturday inaugurated a crucial road construction project on the A and B Block Main Market Road in Shahbad Dairy. The project will be funded through the Chief Minister’s Development Fund (CMDF).

The total estimated cost of the project is around Rs 1.89 crore, the minister said.

Addressing the gathering, Indraj said that the development of any nation is impossible without the comprehensive development of its villages.

He stated that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi Government is continuously working towards the holistic development of rural areas, which form an important part of the national capital.

He said that the Delhi Government’s clear objective is to equip the villages of the national capital with modern and improved civic infrastructure.

He added that the Chief Minister has given a clear message that rural development should remain the highest priority and that there will be no shortage of funds for development works.

Indraj also said that, in line with this vision, the construction and upgradation of roads, sewer lines, drinking water pipelines, drains, lanes and other basic infrastructure are progressing steadily across the Bawana Assembly constituency.

He further said that the main road project in Shahbad Dairy is expected to significantly improve public connectivity and further strengthen the area’s infrastructure.

The minister directed the departments concerned, all officials present on the occasion, and the executing agencies to complete all construction works within the stipulated timeframe while ensuring the use of high-quality construction materials.

He emphasised that no compromise on quality would be tolerated and that the agency concerned would be held accountable in the event of any complaint regarding the quality of work.

He also informed that several development projects are underway in the constituency, which will significantly improve civic infrastructure and enhance the quality of life of local residents.

Locals present on the occasion expressed their gratitude to the Delhi Government, stating that long-pending development works are now being completed on a priority basis.

A statement reportedly given by former Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. (CMRL) Managing Director SN Sasidharan Kartha to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has delivered a significant blow to former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter, Veena Vijayan.

Kartha reportedly told the ED that the payments made to Veena Vijayan and her firm were based entirely on his personal relationship with Pinarayi Vijayan. He further stated that neither Veena nor her IT company, Exalogic Solutions, rendered any actual services to Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. (CMRL).

The revelation surfaced in an ED investigation report submitted to a court in connection with a money laundering probe seeking the attachment of properties belonging to the accused.

The ED report states that CMRL founder and former Managing Director SN Sasidharan Kartha admitted to making payments to Veena Vijayan and Exalogic Solutions without receiving any services in return. During questioning, Kartha reportedly said that the payments were driven solely by Veena’s personal connection with the then Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan.

“He admitted that payments were made to Veena and Exalogic despite no services being rendered, citing her personal relationship with the then Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan,” the report said.

According to the statement, recorded from Sasidharan Kartha under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and reportedly submitted by the ED before the PMLA Adjudicating Authority, payments amounting to Rs 2.78 crore were made to Veena Vijayan and Exalogic Solutions between 2017 and 2020.

“Veena could not provide any evidence of tangible work carried out for CMRL in return for the Rs 2.78 crore received in the name of IT consultancy services,” the report said.

The ED highlighted that Exalogic Solutions operated with a weak financial base, maintaining a negative net worth of Rs 66 lakh and a standalone turnover of only Rs 5 lakh. According to the report, the company relied almost entirely on funding from CMRL.

In addition to the monthly retainers, a non-banking financial company owned by Kartha, Empower India Capital Investments Private Limited (EICPL), allegedly extended loans worth Rs 50 lakh to Exalogic.

The ED further pointed out that Exalogic, which had been incurring losses during 2014-15, entered into an agreement with CMRL only after the first Pinarayi Vijayan government assumed office in 2016.

The report further alleged that Sasidharan Kartha exercised absolute control over CMRL and orchestrated a layered scheme to misappropriate Rs 182 crore over a period of 15 years. According to the ED, the scheme involved fictitious cash expenses amounting to Rs 139 crore booked under “Sludge Handling and Transportation Expenses” using self-generated vouchers without supporting invoices or evidence of services rendered.

The report also alleged that another Rs 43 crore was siphoned off through inflated invoices raised by known vendors, who allegedly withdrew the excess amount in cash and returned it to CMRL officials after deducting their commission.

“This is nothing but circular payments made from CMRL bank accounts and taken back from vendors in cash by Kartha and others,” the report said.

Sahal Abdul Samad’s second-half strike proved decisive as Mohun Bagan Super Giant edged arch-rivals East Bengal FC 1-0 in a fiercely contested opening match of the 135th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday.

The first Kolkata Derby of the season also marked the competitive debuts of new head coaches Antonio López Habas for Mohun Bagan and Panagiotis Dilimperis for East Bengal, with both managers opting to field all-Indian starting XIs.

Mohun Bagan dominate opening half but fail to convert

Mohun Bagan looked the more threatening side from the outset, using the pace of right-back Tekcham Abhishek Singh to stretch the East Bengal defence.

Abhishek created the first opening of the evening with a teasing cross for Manvir Singh, whose glancing header drifted into the side netting. The defender continued to trouble the Red and Gold Brigade, setting up Kiyan Nassiri soon after, but Prabhsukhan Singh Gill comfortably collected the forward’s tame header.

Sahal Abdul Samad remained at the heart of Mohun Bagan’s attacking moves, testing Gill on one occasion before firing another effort into the side netting.

Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and registering 10 attempts to East Bengal’s two in the opening 45 minutes, the Mariners were unable to find the breakthrough as Anwar Ali and Sandip Mandi marshalled the visitors’ defence effectively.

Sahal breaks the deadlock after the restart

Mohun Bagan’s persistence paid off early in the second half.

Kiyan Nassiri won possession inside the penalty area after dispossessing Rohit Danu before driving a low cross across the face of goal. Sahal arrived unmarked at the far post and calmly tapped into an empty net to hand the Mariners a deserved lead in the 52nd minute.

East Bengal responded with a series of attacking changes, introducing Mohamad Rashid and P.V. Vishnu before later sending on new signings Dejan Dražić and Dani Ramírez in search of an equaliser.

East Bengal push hard but Kaith stands tall

The substitutions transformed East Bengal’s attacking intent as they began to pin Mohun Bagan inside their own half.

Vishnu forced Vishal Kaith into his first meaningful save with a powerful low drive, while Lalchungnunga produced an impressive run down the right before drawing another fine stop from the Mohun Bagan goalkeeper.

Ramírez nearly made an instant impact, striking the post after meeting Vishnu’s inviting delivery with a clever near-post run.

Kaith then produced arguably the save of the match, brilliantly denying Mohamad Rashid’s acrobatic effort after Ramírez picked him out unmarked at the back post. From the resulting corner, Anwar Ali rose highest but headed over as East Bengal’s late pressure went unrewarded.

Mohun Bagan eventually weathered the storm to secure a hard-fought derby victory and begin their Durand Cup campaign on a winning note.

Sunday’s fixtures

• Jamshedpur FC vs Defenders FC (Sri Lanka) – 5:00 PM IST, Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Ranchi
• Indian Army FT vs Samaleswari Sporting – 7:30 PM IST, Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as education minister.

“The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution of India,” the Rashtrapati Bhawan said in a press communique.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi have been assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of Education.

Joshi currently holds the charge of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & New and Renewable Energy.

The development comes hours after Pradhan tendered his resignation. The powerful BJP leader was forced to step down following massive paper leak protests across the country, with Jantar Mantar in Delhi being the epicenter of the Cockroach Janta Party-led youth movement.

His resignation over paper leaks was among the key demands of the students.

After his resignation, the government also accepted all other demands of the Cockroach Janta Party, including compensation for NEET-linked suicide victims and withdrawal of FIRs against protestors.

The CJP also withdrew its agitation at Jantar Mantar, asking supporters to leave home peacefully.

“All our demands have been accepted, so we request the protesters to withdraw immediately and return home peacefully. We will inform you of our future strategy or any other issues. But we request the protesters to withdraw immediately,” CJP National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said during a joint press conference with Union Minister JP Nadda and Minister of State (MoS) Jitendra Singh.

According to the CJP, the government has agreed to provide the “maximum possible compensation for families of NEET paper leak-related suicide victims.”

All FIRs filed by the Central Government and NDA-ruled states will be withdrawn, and no action will be taken against anyone involved in these protests in the future.

CJP’s 5-point exam reform charter will be considered by the government, and the CJP will meet with the government to discuss these reforms further.

A few years ago, senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh famously remarked, “This is not a UPA government; this is an NDA government. Our ministers do not have to resign.” He was responding to Opposition demands for the resignation of ministers facing controversies.

That remark appeared to come full circle on Saturday when Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the Union Cabinet amid sustained public protests over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak.

Following Pradhan’s resignation, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke addressed supporters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, declaring: “We have done it. Kaha jata tha is sarkar mein istife nahi hote. Jhukti hai duniya, jhukane wala chahiye (It used to be said that ministers do not resign under this government. The world bows; all it takes is someone who can make it bow).”

Pradhan’s resignation, which came during the crucial Monsoon Session of Parliament, marked a significant political development. The government is also believed to have been concerned that the Gen Z-led protests could escalate further, particularly as CJP protesters had made the minister’s resignation their principal demand.

Parliament has witnessed repeated disruptions over the Opposition’s demand for Pradhan’s resignation, while the CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar kept the issue in the public spotlight.

The resignation is expected to trigger further political developments, including the possibility of a reshuffle of the Prime Minister’s Council of Ministers and the appointment of a new Union Education Minister.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has claimed that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis could be a potential successor to Pradhan. However, there has been no official indication from the BJP or the government regarding a replacement.

Resignations have been relatively uncommon during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, making Pradhan’s exit politically significant. It is one of the rare instances in which a Cabinet minister has stepped down following sustained public and political pressure.

Technically, however, it is not the first resignation by a Union minister during the Modi era. Former Minister of State M.J. Akbar resigned in 2018 after allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him.

Pradhan’s resignation fulfils the protesters’ principal demand and could help ease the political impasse that has dominated the Monsoon Session, which began on July 20. Whether the Opposition moderates its strategy or continues to press the government on the examination controversy and other issues remains to be seen.

Political observers view the resignation as an indication that the Narendra Modi government ultimately decided to make a significant political concession in an attempt to defuse one of the most extensive student-led protest movements in recent years.

The timing of the resignation also suggests a calculated effort to contain the political fallout from the NEET controversy. By accepting the protesters’ central demand, the Centre appears to be seeking to blunt Opposition attacks and reduce disruptions in Parliament.

At the same time, the decision signals the government’s willingness to absorb political costs in the face of sustained public pressure. Whether the move succeeds in calming the protests, restoring confidence in the examination system and reshaping the political narrative will become clearer in the days ahead.

On the occasion of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) paid tribute to the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces, honouring their indomitable courage, valour and sacrifice.

A programme was organised on Saturday at Begampul Namo Bharat Station, in which school students and NCRTC officials participated.

The Chief Guest of the programme was Colonel Rajesh Tyagi (Retd.), who was part of the 4 Jat Regiment during the Kargil War. He has been conferred with numerous honors, including the Sena Medal, for his outstanding military contributions and distinguished service.

He is currently serving as the Director of Subharti Defence Academy. Colonel Tyagi shared his experiences from the war with the audience and recounted inspiring stories of the bravery of Indian soldiers. He encouraged the students to strengthen their spirit of patriotism and pursue their dreams with confidence by becoming physically and mentally strong.

To familiarise young people with the significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas, a drawing activity on the theme “Guarding the Borders” was also organised for the students. Through their artwork, the students paid tribute to the brave soldiers who continue to guard the country’s borders in difficult terrains and adverse conditions without regard for their own lives.

“Some of the artworks created by the students will also be displayed at Begampul Namo Bharat Station for commuters and the general public,” a spokesperson of the NCRTC said on Saturday.

The programme also featured a musical performance by youth band _Abhigarv_ , making the occasion even more memorable. Through patriotic songs, the band paid tribute to the courage and valour of the Indian Armed Forces and filled the entire atmosphere with a spirit of patriotism.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on 26 July to commemorate India’s victory in the Kargil War of 1999. During the military campaign, known as Operation Vijay, the Indian Army regained control of strategic positions in the Kargil region that had been occupied by Pakistan-backed infiltrators near the Line of Control.

The conflict, which lasted from May to July 1999, concluded with the Indian Army recapturing several key mountain peaks, including Tiger Hill. The year 2026 marks the 27th anniversary of this historic victory and serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian soldiers who displayed extraordinary courage and laid down their lives in defence of the nation.

The NCRTC continuously strives to develop Namo Bharat stations not only as transit facilities but also as vibrant public spaces that reflect the national, social and cultural values connected with the daily lives of commuters.

The programme organised on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas is another meaningful initiative in this direction, aimed at further strengthening respect for the valour and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces during the Kargil War, while fostering national pride and collective remembrance.

While Dharmendra Pradhan may have faced the ire of India’s youth, BJP leaders hailed his tenure as Education Minister, crediting him for ushering in structural reforms in the country’s education system and the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Pradhan was forced to step down following massive paper leak protests across the country, with Jantar Mantar in Delhi being the epicenter of the Cockroach Janta Party-led youth movement.

His resignation over paper leaks was among the key demands of the students.

“It is difficult to put into words the gratitude I feel for Shri Dharmendra Pradhan ji,” BJP national president Nitin Nabin said.

“As Union Education Minister, he worked tirelessly to restore the civilisational spirit of Bharat and to decolonise our education system. His unwavering commitment to implementing the National Education Policy, despite the political challenges it entailed, will be remembered as one of his finest contributions to nation-building,” he added.

The BJP chief stated that Pradhan’s his decision to step down “reflects the highest standards of integrity and selfless service in public life.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, whose old remarks that resignations don’t happen in BJP government went viral on social media after Pradhan’s resignation, said that the decision was a “testimony of the fact that for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our government, safeguarding the future of our students and youth is of paramount importance.”

According to Rajnath Singh, Pradhan’s tenure as Union Minister was marked by a “steadfast commitment to transforming India into developed nation.”

“His contribution to public service has been inclusive, future-ready, and aligned with the aspirations of a New India,” he added.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal also acknowledged and appreciated Pradhan’s  decades of “dedicated public service and his remarkable journey in nation-building.”

“From his early association with student movements to his distinguished roles in public life and governance, he has consistently demonstrated commitment, discipline, and a deep connect with the people, especially with the aspirations of India’s youth,” Goyal added.

Several other prominent BJP leaders, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma, also hailed Pradhan’s tenure as Education Minister.

A day after a devotee was killed and several others were injured in a crowd surge during Lord Jagannath’s Bahuda Yatra in Puri, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched a scathing attack on the BJP government, asking, “After how many more accidents will the government wake up?”

Expressing grief over the tragedy in a post on X on Saturday, Patnaik said he was “deeply saddened and heartbroken” by the devotee’s death and extended his condolences to the bereaved family. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Questioning why such incidents continued to recur during the annual Rath Yatra, the BJD chief alleged that the government had failed to learn from past tragedies. He accused the administration of functioning in a “carefree manner” and said it was not attaching adequate importance to ensuring the safe conduct of Lord Jagannath’s nine-day annual festival.

Patnaik alleged that repeated lapses had not only claimed lives but also tarnished Odisha’s image. Instead of putting in place lasting corrective measures, the government was relying on ad hoc arrangements, he said.

“After how many more accidents will the government wake up?” Patnaik asked, adding that the recurrence of such incidents year after year reflected the administration’s failure to draw lessons from earlier tragedies.

He urged the government to make special arrangements for the remaining Rath Yatra rituals, including Suna Besha and Niladri Bije, to ensure they are conducted smoothly and that devotees visiting Puri for Lord Jagannath’s darshan can do so safely.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday invoked the spirit of the Kargil War heroes while urging Jammu and Kashmir’s youth to embrace discipline, leadership and a “Nation First” approach during a Reading Marathon organised at Dal Lake in Srinagar.

Flagging off the National Book Trust event to mark six years of the National Education Policy, Sinha said the marathon should inspire young people to cultivate reading habits, protect the environment and contribute positively to society, drawing lessons from the courage of India’s young soldiers.

On the eve of Vijay Diwas, the Lieutenant Governor invoked the courage of young soldiers who fought in the Kargil War, reminding the youth of Jammu and Kashmir that discipline, leadership, and a “Nation First” attitude can create new history.

“Most of the soldiers and officers who defended the country in the Kargil War were young people aged 20 to 25. The stories of heroes like Captain Vikram Batra, Manoj Kumar Pandey and Captain Anuj Nayyar make young people realise that with the right direction and spirit, the youth can create new history. I want the Reading Marathon to spread the thinking of ‘Nation First’, a ‘Never Give Up’ attitude, and the spirit of discipline and leadership, and to kindle the flame of national service in the heart of every youth in Jammu and Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Earlier, Sinha flagged off the Reading Marathon on the banks of Dal Lake, marking a unique convergence of knowledge, fitness, and environmental responsibility. The event, organised by the National Book Trust as part of Education Week, celebrates six successful years of the National Education Policy.

Addressing thousands of students from colleges and universities across the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the Reading Marathon’s significance as a symbol of collective learning and social responsibility.

“Education should not remain confined to books and examination halls. It must reach playgrounds and social spaces, and become a way of life. Today’s Reading Marathon is a powerful example of that vision,” he said.

The reading marathon carried the message “Run for a Green Future”. The Lieutenant Governor described this motto as a life philosophy. He emphasised that both knowledge and environmental conservation require patience, discipline, and sustained collective effort.

“Reading enriches our thoughts, running strengthens our bodies, and caring for nature awakens our conscience. Together, they prepare society to face future challenges,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also urged young participants to take three important pledges. He asked the youth to make reading a daily habit, adopt environmental conservation in everyday life, and transform the spirit of the marathon into a lifelong commitment to bring positive change in society.

Dr Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convener, Chinar Book Festival, and Dr Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., were among those present on the occasion.