Mamata Banerjee (File Photo)Breaking News Highlights: In a significant turn of events the Trinamool Congress crisis, Arup Roy has been appointed as the party’s new Chairman, replacing Mamata Banerjee by the faction of rebel MLAs led by Ritabrata Banerjee. The party also announced a new leadership structure with Aroop Biswas, Firhad Hakim, Javed Khan, and Rathin Ghosh as Vice Presidents and javed Khan, Sandipan Saha, Ritabrata Banerjee, and Sabina Yasmin as General Secretaries.
Lucknow tragedy: A massive fire has destroyed a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday. Following the blaze, the Lucknow fire department launched a rescue operation at the location. According to officials, information about the fire was received around 3 pm from a coaching institute located on Usha Mehta Marg. Firefighters rushed to the spot and launched rescue and firefighting operations to bring the situation under control. At least 15 people were killed and nine injured, as per Uttar Pradesh DGP headquarters. The deceased include 12 men and three women. One man jumped from the building to avoid the flames and sustained multiple fractures.
UK PM Keir Starmer steps down. While addressing the media, he said that he will remain the Prime Minister until next PM face is chosen. While speaking to media, he said that he will remain caretaker prime minister until a new Labour leader is chosen in the next few weeks. Starmer made the announcement after facing growing pressure to hand over to a new leader, says the Associated Press. He has been in office since leading the Labour Party to a landslide election victory in July 2024. His departure was triggered by the victory of Andy Burnham in a special election last week.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has called a meeting of all party MLAs and MLCs after six of the party’s Lok Sabha MPs decided to back the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The six MPs, Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar officially announced their support for Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The United States and Iran reached several key understandings during their first high-level talks in Switzerland, agreeing on a 60-day timeline to finalise a deal, setting up a High Level Committee to oversee the negotiations, and establishing communication mechanisms for the Strait of Hormuz, despite a tense start and a brief walkout by Iranian negotiators. After the first session of technical talks with the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said major progress had been made to end the “Lebanon war,” describing it as the “first real test.” However, the talks were expected to continue into the early hours of Monday, according to a US official. Tensions briefly flared during the negotiations, with President Trump issuing a sharp threat to the Iranian delegation over Hormuz before talks resumed.
Mother of 25-year old Lucknow fire victim Aditya Srivastava, Kalpana Srivastava, recalling the incident said, "I saw boys and girls trying to come out with the help of a drainage pipe. My son's friends jumped, but he just could not come out. Our last conversation with him was around 1 pm." Srivastava questioned building's safety standards, "How did they give a licence to such a place to operate without proper ventilation and a proper exit?"
Arup Roy has been appointed as the party's new Chairman, replacing Mamata Banerjee by the faction of rebel MLAs led by Ritabrata Banerjee. The party also announced a new leadership structure with Aroop Biswas, Firhad Hakim, Javed Khan, and Rathin Ghosh as Vice Presidents and javed Khan, Sandipan Saha, Ritabrata Banerjee, and Sabina Yasmin as General Secretaries.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini offered his heartfelt tributes to the victims and prayed for strength for the grieving families and a swift recovery for the injured on the X platform.
लखनऊ में हुई आगजनी की घटना में जनहानि का समाचार अत्यंत दुःखद एवं व्यथित करने वाला है।
— Nayab Saini (@NayabSainiBJP) June 22, 2026
इस हृदयविदारक दुर्घटना में जान गंवाने वाले सभी लोगों को भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करता हूँ। ईश्वर दिवंगत आत्माओं को अपने श्रीचरणों में स्थान दें और शोकाकुल परिवारों को यह असहनीय दुःख सहन करने…
Expressing deep grief over the tragic Lucknow coaching center fire, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extended condolences to the bereaved families and urged the government to provide immediate compensation and relief.
लखनऊ के कोचिंग सेंटर में आग लगने की दुखद घटना में कई लोगों की जान चली गई है, जो बेहद पीड़ादायक व हृदयविदारक है।
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 22, 2026
पीड़ित परिवारों के प्रति मेरी गहरी संवेदनाएँ। कांग्रेस पार्टी सभी शोकसंतप्त परिवारों व घायलों के साथ है। मैं दिवंगत आत्माओं को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करता हूँ तथा घायलों…
After visiting the fire scene, UP CM Yogi Adityanath visited the trauma centre where the victims of the tragedy were taken.
#watch | Lucknow coaching institute fire incident | Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath visits King George's Medical University (KGMU) and meets the family members of the victims in the fire incident.
— ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2026
15 people lost their lives in the fire incident. pic.twitter.com/liUgiN03jt
A photograph displaying an intense rescue operation led by the firefighters amid flames shooting out from all sides of the coaching centre building in Lucknow.
Express photo by Vishal Srivastava
A doctor on duty at the trauma centre handling victims of the Lucknow fire said that most of the deaths were caused by smoke inhalation leading to asphyxia.
Police officials have identified Virendra Shukla as the owner of the building where the fire broke out. Shukla's son, Akhilesh Shukla, was running the graphics centre. A police official said neither Virendra Shukla nor Akhilesh Shukla came to the incident location after the fire, and were also not found at their residence.
Rescue teams at the Lucknow fire site said that several victims were found dead inside a washroom, where they had reportedly taken refuge in an attempt to escape the flames and smoke.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reached the site of the massive fire incident in Lucknow.
VIDEO | Lucknow Fire Tragedy: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak (@brajeshpathakup) inspect the incident site.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 22, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/1Ni9ANEXnq
The death toll has climbed to 15, with authorities confirming that the deceased include 12 men and three women. One man jumped from the building to avoid the flames and sustained multiple fractures. Among those killed were students and staff members of a graphics and animation study centre as well as people present at a library located on the second floor of the building.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the devastating fire accident in Lucknow, conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
लखनऊ में हुई भीषण अग्नि दुर्घटना में अनेक लोगों की मृत्यु का समाचार अत्यंत दुखद है। मैं शोक संतप्त परिवारों के प्रति हार्दिक संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करती हूं। मैं घायलों के शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना करती हूं।
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 22, 2026
Rescue teams evacuated several animals as firefighters continued efforts to bring the fire under control.
Photo Credit: Screenshot/PTI
Dr. Amiya Agrawal, Medical Superintendent at the Trauma Centre, KGMU Lucknow, gave an update on the casualties, saying, "21 to 22 children have been brought here. Five of them have injuries and have been admitted. Two of those who jumped from the building have back injuries and their CT scans have been done, they are currently being treated. Fifteen were brought in dead and will be sent to the mortuary for autopsy. Five have already been sent and the process to send the remaining ten is underway."
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also reacted to the tragedy, saying the news of deaths and injuries in the Lucknow coaching centre fire was extremely heartbreaking.
He extended his deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and expressed hope for the speedy recovery of those injured.
लखनऊ के कोचिंग सेंटर में आग लगने के हादसे में कई लोगों की मृत्यु और कई अन्य के घायल होने का समाचार अत्यंत पीड़ादायक है।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 22, 2026
सभी शोकाकुल परिवारों को अपनी गहरी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करता हूं और घायलों के जल्द स्वस्थ होने की आशा करता हूं।
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the incident, posting on X handle, he said, "The incident of a fire breaking out in a coaching centre in the Ali Ganj area of Lucknow is heart-wrenching. My condolences are with all those families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. At the same time, I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured."
The DGP Headquarters has confirmed that 14 people were killed and five others injured in the massive fire incident in Lucknow.
Initial reports suggested that the fire broke out from a coaching centre in the building and people were feared trapped. There is no confirmation on casualties so far from the police.
(Express Photo by Vishal Srivastav)
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences for the tragic loss of life in the Lucknow fire accident and prayed for the departed souls and the injured.
लखनऊ में अग्नि दुर्घटना में हुई जनहानि अत्यंत दुःखद एवं हृदय विदारक है।
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) June 22, 2026
मेरी संवेदनाएं शोकाकुल परिजनों के साथ हैं।
प्रभु श्री राम से प्रार्थना है कि दिवंगत आत्माओं को शांति तथा घायलों को शीघ्र स्वास्थ्य लाभ प्रदान करें। pic.twitter.com/GR7TUpy82E
The fire broke out in a building located on Usha Mehta Marg within the Aliganj police station limits.
(Express Photo by Vishal Srivastav)
Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, extends his condolences for Lucknow fire bereaved.
The loss of lives in a fire accident in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh is deeply painful. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured.
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) June 22, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the Lucknow fire tragedy.
On a post in x, he said, "My condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance."
He said, "PMNRF will provide Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured."
Anguished by the loss of lives in a fire mishap in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. My condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 22, 2026
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from…
All six rebel MPs of Shiv Sena (UBT) join ruling Shiv Sena, headed by Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, in Mumbai.
VIDEO | All six rebel MPs of Shiv Sena (UBT) join ruling Shiv Sena, headed by Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde (@mieknathshinde), in Mumbai.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 22, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/DpYP7Q2mIe
(PTI)
Babita Dhakad alias Khadija, was taken into custody on Sunday by the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), over allegations for being in contact with the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.
A preliminary examination of her mobile phone revealed the use of two SIM cards and a Facebook account containing objectionable content and links to foreign-based profiles.
(PTI)
People from the Adi Dravida community have staged a hunger strike in the village of Kambalikarankuppam, Puducherry, demanding free house site patta documents.
VIDEO | Puducherry: Adi Dravida community people stage hunger strike demanding free house site patta documents in Kambalikaran Kuppam.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 22, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/W4705kEpih
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak while talking to the media said that, "Three to four children who managed to come out informed us that some students were still inside the washrooms. We are conducting a room-by-room search, and fire brigade personnel are checking every washroom. So far, there have been no reports of any casualties. Hospitals and ambulances have been placed on alert. Some children who jumped from the building have been taken to hospital for treatment. We will ensure that everyone is evacuated safely."
14 fire tenders were deployed at 3 pm for the rescue and firefighting operations after the fire department received information about a blaze in a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow's Aliganj area.
The operation is underway and further details are awaited.
(PTI)
Jagpreet Singh Sandhu from Jalandhar reports that former Haryana IAS officer Ram Kumar Singh, arrested in the Rs 80-crore Panchkula Municipal Corporation fraud, was confronted with digital and documentary evidence during interrogation. Singh and co-accused Prince Sharma were sent to judicial custody after their police remand ended.
Former Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, who was seen as the favourite in the upcoming contest for Starmer’s succession has confirmed that he will run for Leader of the Labour Party and UK Prime Minister.
(AP)
A fire had broken out at a coaching centre in Aliganj area of Uttar Pradesh. Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the location and firefighting operations are currently underway.
There is no immediate information on casualties or injuries.
VIDEO | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Fire breaks out at a coaching centre in Aliganj area. Firefighters rushed to the spot and firefighting operations are underway. Further details are awaited.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 22, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/UZ1j2VLmoh
The Cockroach Janta Party has called on people to join its ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar today at 5.30 pm. CJP will be holding a candlelight gathering as a tribute to all the students who have lost their lives due to the recent NEET paper leak.
UK PM Keir Starmer steps down. While addressing the media, he said that he will remain the Prime Minister until next PM face is chosen.
Mohammed Thaver in Mumbai reports that the Thane police on Monday confirmed that a viral video showing a BMW convertible reaching 251 kmph was recorded shortly before the car crashed on the Panvel-Vadodara highway near Badlapur early on Sunday, killing two people. Police identified 26-year-old Angad Gill, the sole survivor who remains in critical condition in hospital, as the driver of the car. An FIR has been registered against Gill on charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash and dangerous driving, overspeeding and driving without wearing a seat belt, police said.
West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta presented BJP's budget. Sweety Mishra and Atri Mitra in Kolkata report that all running schemes of the Bengal government will continue. The state government has under taken an initiative of ‘Apnar Sarkar Apnar Pashe (your govt by your side). Toll free numbers have been issued where grievances can be registered. Bengal finance minister pledged to fill up 1 lakh govt vacancies, 33 per cent of which will be for women. Bengal finance minister Swapan Dasgupta announced raising MLA local area development funds from annual Rs 70 lakh to Rs 1 crore.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in a post on X said that every Sanatani is deeply saddened by the alleged theft of offerings at Ayodhya's Shri Ram Temple. He said that he will visit the temple on Friday to offer prayers.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsअयोध्या श्री राम मंदिर में चढ़ावा चोरी से हर सनातनी बेहद दुखी है।
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 22, 2026
शुक्रवार को मैं दर्शन के लिये श्री राम मंदिर जाऊँगा
Sreenivas Janyala in Hyderabad reports that an 18-year-old NEET aspirant has been detained for allegedly cheating during NEET retest on Sunday. The student’s questioning revealed that he managed to smuggle a mobile phone into the exam centre, but a long toilet break gave him away, police have said. He went to the centre – Ragannaguda Zilla Parishad High School at 7 am, an hour after the police sanitised the premises and scaled the school’s compound wall, approached the washroom and placed a mobile phone near the ventilator. He then returned home, freshened up and came to the centre to take the test.
Vallabh Ozarkar in Mumbai reports that Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has called a meeting of all party MLAs and MLCs after six of the party's Lok Sabha MPs decided to back the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The six MPs, Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar are expected to appear with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde later on Monday and formally announce their support. The development is seen as Uddhav Thackeray's biggest setback since the Shiv Sena split in 2022.
Indian share markets swung higher on Monday as Iranian negotiators said progress had been made in peace talks with the United States. The Nifty 50 climbed 0.5 per cent to 24,129, while the Sensex gained 0.51 per cent to 77,190.36. Rupee falls 9 paise to 94.42 against US dollar in early trade on Monday amid ongoing talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland.
Alok Deshpande in Mumbai reports that the ruling Mahayuti alliance won 16 of the 17 seats in the Legislative Council elections in Maharashtra, while a BJP rebel candidate secured the remaining seat by defeating a candidate from ally Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
An APSRTC Ultra Deluxe bus collided with a lorry in Andhra Pradesh's Kadapa district killing two people, including a child and a student and leaving 16 others injured. Around six seats on the right side of the bus were badly damaged in the collision. Police said about 27 passengers were travelling in the bus at the time of the accident.
Three people were killed and five others injured in a shooting at a school in the central Philippines on Monday. The incident took place at around 9 am inside San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, in Leyte province. Police said one suspect has been arrested, while another remains at large. The injured victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
