INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026 1 A We e kl y N e w s p a p e r Fe a tu r i ng N ew s an d Tren d s f ro m the In d ian Sub- Co n tin en t Pub li s hed From the U S Ca pi ta l Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 35 No. 26 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday June 26, 2026 12 Indians Among 13 Killed in Qatar Gas Facility Explosion Doha, Qatar, June 22, 2026(AN): — A devastating explosion and fire at the Barzan gas supply facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar, has claimed 13 lives, including 12 Indian nationals, according to updated information released by QatarEnergy and the Embassy of India in Doha. The incident occurred on Sunday evening during the restart of operations at the Barzan facility, which had remained shut since December 2025 for urgent maintenance work. QatarEnergy stated that the plant had resumed operations only two days before the accident. The Embassy of India in Doha confirmed that 12 Indian citizens lost their lives in the tragedy and expressed deep con- dolences to the bereaved families. The mission said it is working closely with Qatari authorities to assist affected families and facilitate the early repatriation of the mortal remains. According to QatarEnergy, 66 people were injured in the explosion and subsequent fire. Authorities reported that all injured individuals are in stable condition and receiving appropriate medical treatment, with none suffering life-threatening injuries. The victims who died were identified as Indian and Pakistani nationals. Those injured include citizens of Qatar, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Nepal. QatarEnergy emphasized that the inci- Lucknow, June 22 (ANI): A devastating fire at a coaching institute building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area claimed the lives of 15 students and left several others injured on Monday, triggering widespread grief across the country and prompting the Uttar Pradesh government to order a high-level investigation into the tragedy. The blaze broke out in a multi-purpose commercial building that housed a coaching centre, an animation training institute, a library, a computer training facility, and a pet shop. Thick smoke rapidly engulfed the premises, trapping several students inside and sparking a large-scale rescue operation involving fire brigade personnel, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, and local residents. Initially, officials feared that 10 to 12 people were trapped inside the building. Firefighters struggled to enter due to the intensity of the flames and dense smoke. Rescue teams eventually gained access by breaking through a wall on the second floor of an adjacent building and conducted a room-by-room search, including washrooms and upper floors. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who visited the site, confirmed that 14 children had lost their lives while four others sustained serious injuries and were admitted to the King George’s Medical dent was an operational accident and not an act of sabotage or hostile activity. Preliminary findings released by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior indicate that a technical malfunction during operations caused the explosion. Emergency re- sponse teams from QatarEnergy and Qatar Civil Defence were immediately deployed and successfully contained the fire. Search and rescue operations have been completed, while investigators continue to examine the exact technical causes of the accident. Authorities have also reassured the public that no hazardous gas leak has been detected and that there is no threat to nearby communities or the environment. QatarEnergy stated that the explosion has not affected the country’s LNG production facilities, Ras Laffan Port, logistics operations, or export capabilities. The Embassy of India has issued emergency helpline numbers for affected families: +974-55647502; +97455384683 Email: cons. doha@mea.gov.in QATAR EXPLOSION SEE PAGE 4 15 Students Killed in Devastating Fire at Lucknow Coaching Centre; High-Level Probe Ordered Remember: “When you fight to protect the wolves, you are sacrificing the sheep.” -Anon University (KGMU) Trauma Centre. He stated that authorities had completed the search operation and confirmed that no one remained trapped inside. “Our priority is providing the best possible treatment to the injured. The exact cause of the fire will be determined after the inquiry report. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible,” Pathak said. Describing the challenging rescue efforts, he noted that heavy smoke generated by wooden furniture inside the building severely hampered visibility. Fire brigade teams used exhaust fans to clear smoke while conduct- ing exhaustive searches throughout the structure. According to eyewitnesses, panic spread quickly after the fire erupted. Local resident Aman said that thick smoke billowed from the building and that residents managed to rescue five to six people before emergency teams arrived. “There is a library or a computer course institution here. When we reached the spot, we saw thick smoke coming from the building. We managed to save five or six people. One man jumped from the building in panic and was seriously injured,” he said. Medical officials reported that the injured are receiving treatment and are currently out of danger. KGMU spokesperson Dr. K.K. Singh said that multiple victims were brought to the hospital following the incident. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was attending a programme in ALIGANJ FIRE SEE PAGE 4
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026 Kolkata godown shed collapse: Death toll rises to 5; CM Adhikari terms incident “very unfortunate” Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 24 (ANI): The death toll in the under-construction godown shed collapse in Kolkata’s Taratala area rose to five on Wednesday, while 20 people sustained injuries, of whom two are undergoing treatment in the Intensive Coronary Care Unit (ICCU). West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also mentioned that 18 people who are receiving treatment are out of danger now. Speaking to reporters after meeting the injured undergoing treatment at SSKM Hospital, Adhikari said, “Death toll stands at five. A total of 20 people are injured, of whom two are in ICCU (Intensive Coronary Care Unit), and 18 are out of danger.”The incident occurred at around 12:07 pm at an under-construction private godown near Brace Bridge in Taratala. Rescue operations began at 12:45 pm and are being carried out jointly by the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Kolkata Police, Fire Department, Civil Defence and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). Earlier, Adhikari had termed the incident “very unfortunate” and said that around 12-15 people were feared trapped under the debris as rescue teams worked round the clock to evacuate those stranded.” The incident took place at 12:07 PM... NDRF, Army, SDRF, Police, and the Fire Department are all working together,” he had said after visiting the site. The Chief Minister also said that preliminary information pointed to possible irregularities in the sanc- Drass (Ladakh) [India], June 24 (ANI): One person died and three others went missing after a vehicle met with an accident near Marpochoo in Drass and plunged into the Drass River, police said on Wednesday. According to Drass Police, four people were travelling in the vehicle when the accident occurred. The deceased has been identified as Agha Syed Baqir (35), son of Syed Muslim and a resident of Lankerchay. His body was recovered from Thanda Morh in the Chowkiyal area. The three missing persons have been identified as Sajad Hussain (26), son of Haji Abbas and a resident of Lankerchay; Hasina Banoo (25), daughter of Mehmood Hussain and a resident of Gato Lankerchay; and Sogra Banoo (23), daughter of Mohd Ali and a resident of Gato Lankerchay. Police said search and rescue operations along the river are underway to locate the three missing people.Further details are awaited. (ANI) tioned construction plan.” The project plan was approved on January 17, 2026. The owner of the land is SMPA, and it has a lease on the land in the name of Shambhunath Behera and partners. As per initial information, a wrong plan was initially sanctioned,” Adhikari had said. In a post on X earlier in the day, the Chief Minister said he was “deeply pained and saddened” by the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families.” Words fail to express my sorrow for the precious lives lost in this tragedy. My deepest condolences go out to their bereaved families. The state government stands firmly with them in this hour of unimaginable grief, and we will extend all possible support to them,” he said. He further stated that the Urban Development and Municipal Affairs (UDMA) Department had been instructed to closely coordinate the rescue operation and that Minister of State Dr Indranil Khan was present at the site supervising the efforts. The three deceased were identified as Rohit Chowdhari (40), Krishna Chowdhury (30), and an unidentified male aged 30, while two others are yet to be officially identified.Among the injured are Durbasha Mallan (56), Mani Chand Kumar (22), Sahid Kumar (26), Rajesh Ruidas (25), Biswa Prakash (28), Bodan Munda (28), Rajendra Rao (55), and Ram Prasad Choudhury (21).Rescue operations are continuing at the site, with officials closely monitoring the situation. (ANI) New Delhi [India], June 24 (ANI): As India marks the 14th Passport Seva Divas, the government continues to expand the ease of services with over 500 Passport Kendras and a delivery of 1.5 crore passports and related services in 2025 alone, a Ministry of External Affairs official said on Wednesday. As per the MEA official, in 2025, 1.5 crore passports and related services were delivered, of which passports alone accounted for 1.39 crore. With six working days for passports, excluding police verification, the time spent at PSKs and POPSKs spans less than 45 minutes. The MEA official underlined how there are now 545 Passport Kendras across the country in comparison to 77 Passport Kendras present 10 years ago–thus recording a sixfold increase in the number of Kendras. “We opened 10 POPSKs last year, and this year another 10 will be opened,” the official said. The MEA official further informed that now for Indians, countries with visa-free entry stand at 27, seeing an increase from 16 in 2019. “47 countries have a visa on arrival for Indians and 66 countries offer electronic visa for Indians,” the official added. The official highlighted that mobility agreements are mostly with Europe. “They facilitate easier mobility of academics, students, apprentices, regular tourists, and businesses. Also, creating a mechanism for easier return of illegal migrants. On the occasion of the 14th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday hailed the efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric passport services, highlighting the commitment of the Ministry of External Affairs to provide services to the people. In a message shared on X, Jaishankar noted that the event marks the anniversary of the Passports Act of 1967 and serves as a reflection on the modernisation of India’s passport infrastructure. Jaishankar credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” as the driving force behind the success of the Passport Seva Programme. He further affirmed that the MEA has achieved significant digital milestones, including the successful operationalisa- tion of the upgraded Passport Seva Programme (PSP V2.0) domestically and the deployment of the Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP V2.0) at diplomatic missions worldwide to better serve the Indian diaspora. He noted that one of the defining features of this technological shift is the successful rollout of chip-enabled e-Passports, which meet international standards for security and authentication. (ANI) Ladakh: 1 dead, 3 missing after vehicle falls into Drass river; search operation underway Passport network expands six-fold in last decade; 1.5 cr services delivered in 2025: MEA official Immigration Lawyer Law Office of Ryan Morgan Knight Email or call for free consultation ryan@immigrationknight.com 1 (888) 735-0560 Ryan Knight Licensed to practice immigration law Nationwide; Licensed to practice art law in Maryland
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026 3 Priti’s Fashion and Jewelry Nina Jewelers 301-806-0567; 301-431-7430 Since 1991 Exclusive 22Kt Gold Jewelry, Ruby Emerald and Diamond Jewelry, 24Kt Coins and Bars Convert your gold jewelry to new designs We repair broken jewelry; We can polish and buff old jewelry to make it new AANCHAL SAREES 301-434-3029 • Artificial Jewelry • Lehengas • Sarees • Kaftans • Salwar Kamez • Children’s wear • Men’s wear and much more Visit: Priti’s Fashion and Jewelry (Nina Jewelers) 1157 University Blvd. E, Takoma Park, MD 20912 (Hampshire Langley Shopping Center) Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11:am-7:00pm Monday Closed
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026 Congress Sweeps Karnataka MLC Polls, Wins All Five Contested Seats Amid Cross-Voting in BJP-JD(S) Camp Bengaluru, June 19 (ANI): The Congress party scored a decisive victory in the Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC) elections, winning all five seats it contested and securing support beyond its numerical strength in the Assembly. The results also exposed significant cross-voting within the BJP-JD(S) alliance, prompting opposition leaders to launch an internal review. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar described the outcome as a “very big mandate” for the government and its policies. He said the election itself was unexpected, as he had initially believed there would be no contest. “The BJP and JD(S) wanted to fight the elections. The Congress leadership under Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi selected candidates who have worked tirelessly for the party across the country,” Shivakumar said after the results were announced. Thanking legislators who supported Congress candidates, he claimed that MLAs from different political parties had voted in favor of the ruling party because they endorsed the government’s policies and welfare programs. “Many legislators cutting across party lines have voted in favour of the government. They have agreed with our policies. This is the result of the unity of the Congress party,” he said. Congress Secures More Votes Than Its Strength The Congress, which has 135 MLAs in the Karnataka Assembly, secured 151 votes, enabling all five of its candidates to be elected in the first round itself. The BJP won the remaining two seats, while the Janata Dal (Secular) failed to secure representation in the Council. Congress General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the outcome a “landslide victory” and said the results demonstrated support that extended well beyond the party’s legislative numbers. “Congress had 135 votes but secured 151. The BJP fell short of its expected tally, and the JD(S) also failed to secure the votes it anticipated,” Surjewala said. He argued that the results represented an endorsement of the Congress government’s flagship welfare initiatives, particularly its five guarantee schemes. “MLAs voted with an overwhelming majority for positive politics. This is a vote in favour of the Congress government’s welfare agenda,” Surjewala said. According to him, the five guarantee schemes, under which nearly Rs 56,000 crore is transferred annually to beneficiaries including women, the poor, and economically weaker sections, have gained widespread acceptance among legislators and the public. Cross-Voting Hits BJP and JD(S) The election results highlighted notable cross-voting within the opposition ranks. The BJP, which has 64 MLAs, managed only 56 votes for its two candidates. BJP candidate Lingaraj Patil received 27 votes against an expected 30, while Raghu Koutalya secured 29 votes, one short of his target. The JD(S), which has 18 MLAs, received only 14 votes for its candidate. Under the NDA seat-sharing arrangement, the BJP had directed three of its MLAs to support the JD(S) nominee, which should have taken the total tally to 21 votes. However, the candidate ultimately received just 14 votes, falling seven votes short. The figures indicate substantial cross-voting and possible invalid ballots within the BJP-JD(S) camp. BJP Vows Action Against Rebels Reacting to the setback, Karnataka Assembly Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka said the party would identify and take action against those responsible for cross-voting. “It will be known who did this. Those who betrayed the party will be caught,” Ashoka told reporters. While expressing satisfaction over the victory of BJP candidates Lingaraj Tamil Nadu: 76-year-old retired police officer uses pension to feed hundreds of monkeys in Madurai Madurai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 23 (ANI): Malathi, a 76-yearold retired police officer from Madurai, has been using a significant portion of her pension to feed hundreds of monkeys around the Tirupparankundram area, continuing a service she began nearly a decade ago. Malathi has dedicated her life to serving others. After working as the Director of Physical Education at Gandhigram University, serving at an international school in Kodaikanal, and spending 33 years in the Tamil Nadu Police Department, she retired in 2010. Since 2015, she has been using a significant portion of her pension to feed monkeys living around Tirupparankundram. Despite her age and health challenges, she continues to visit several locations every Saturday, where nearly 350 to 400 monkeys gather when she calls them. ‘For Malathi, caring for these animals brings immense joy and mental satisfaction. Her selfless commitment reflects her deep compassion for creatures often neglected by society. She hopes to continue this service for as long as she lives, making her retirement a remarkable journey of kindness and dedication. Speaking to ANI, Malathi said she started feeding the monkeys in 2015 after noticing the large population of the animals around the Tirupparankundram Murugan Temple and nearby areas.” These monkeys live in forested and hilly regions and struggle daily to find food. Around 2015, I noticed the large monkey population in and around Tirupparankundram Murugan Temple and decided to help them. Since then, I have been feeding them regularly. For many years, I visited the area every day. However, I am now 76 years old, and due to health issues, walking long distances has become difficult. Even so, I continue my service every S a t u r d a y, ” she said. Malathi visits six locations around Tirupparankundram, including the temple premises, Saravana Poigai, Palchunaikanda Subramaniam Temple, Mayil Thoppu (Peacock Grove) and the Fort area. According to her, nearly 350 to 400 monkeys gather at these locations every week.”There are approximately 350 to 400 monkeys across these locations. Every Saturday at around 3:30 p.m., when I call them, they gather for food. At some places, nearly 50 monkeys come at once. Around the Cave Temple, there are about 150 monkeys, while Peacock Grove is home to nearly 200 monkeys,” she said.She added that monkeys of all ages, from infants to fully grown adults, gather for the food she provides. Malathi said the service gives her immense happiness and deep mental satisfaction. “Serving these animals gives me immense happiness and deep mental satisfaction. Their trust and affection bring great meaning to my life. As long as I am physically able, I will continue this mission. It is my sincere wish to carry on this service until the very end of my life,” she said. (ANI) Patil and Raghu Koutalya, he acknowledged that some votes had been lost due to cross-voting and an invalid ballot. “We will examine who cross-voted and why they did it. The matter will be discussed on the party platform,” he said. Political Significance The MLC election outcome has strengthened the Congress government’s political position in Kar- nataka, with party leaders portraying the results as a validation of its governance model and welfare guarantees. At the same time, the cross-voting episode has raised questions about unity within the BJP-JD(S) alliance, setting the stage for further political scrutiny in the state. Election officials are yet to provide complete details regarding the exact number of cross-votes and invalid ballots. 12 Indians Among 13 Killed in Qatar Gas Facility Explosion EXPLOSION FROM PAGE 1 The Government of India and the Indian community in Qatar have expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and offered prayers for the deceased and the speedy recovery of those injured. A full investigation into the incident is underway. “We stand in solidarity”: India expresses deep concern over explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility The Indian Embassy in Doha has expressed “deep concern” regarding the explosion that struck Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City on Sunday evening, affirming that the Indian community stands in solidarity with the people and government of the Gulf nation during this crisis.” At this challenging and difficult time, the Embassy of India and the entire Indian community in Qatar stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Qatar. We wish for the speedy recovery of those injured and hope and pray for the safety of those missing,” the mission stat- ed in a message shared on X. While QatarEnergy noted that the fire is now under control, officials have not yet detailed the extent of the damage to the facility, which is vital for Qatar’s domestic gas supply and power generation. Qatar’s Ministry of Interior reported that at least 54 people sustained injuries in the blast, while 18 individuals remain unaccounted for. Authorities have characterised the explosion as a “technical accident” and provided assurances that no hazardous leaks are threatening public safety. In response to the emergency, the Qatari International Search and Rescue Group, in coordination with civil defence units, has launched an intensive operation to locate the missing persons. While rescue and recovery efforts continued through the night, officials have not yet released information regarding the nationalities or identities of the victims. An investigation is currently underway to determine the precise cause of the technical malfunction. (ANI)
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INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026 Lucknow fire tragedy: Rajnath Singh heads to city after blaze kills 15; CM Yogi meets victims’ families, orders high-level probe New Delhi [In- this difficult time, and I dia], June 22 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the fire tragedy in Lucknow’s Aliganj area that claimed 15 lives and said he was immediately leaving for the city to assess the situation on the ground. The fire broke out in a building housing a library and a computer training institute in the Aliganj area of Lucknow. The incident claimed the lives of 15 people and left several others injured. Expressing grief over the tragedy, Singh said he had spoken to officials and was travelling to Lucknow. “I have just received information about an unfortunate fire incident in Lucknow that has resulted in a heavy loss of life, a truly distressing tragedy. My heartfelt condolences go out to all the bereaved families during pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Singh said.”I have spoken with some administrative officials, and I am immediately departing for Lucknow to take stock of the situation,” he added. In a separate post on X, the Defence Minister said, “The incident of a fire breaking out in a coaching centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area is heart-wrenching. My condolences are with all those families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Along with that, I pray for the swift recovery of all the injured.” Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cut short his visit to Aligarh and returned to Lucknow after receiving information about the incident. Addressing a gathering in Aligarh, the Chief Minister said, “I have just received informa- The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- June 26, 2026 Defending the Wolves Preying on the Sheep By Rajan George It is hard to fathom whether it is oversight Or ignorance that causes some to clamor in defense Of those who prey upon the helpless And innocent members of society. Yet, when justice pursues them, They rise in protest, vociferously defending These ferocious beasts. Injustice should never be condoned, But justice served should not be condemned. Criminals who make it their trade To prey upon innocent people deserve No defense, and no sane society Should allow itself to devolve Into such a morass. Prosecutors and judges who condone And release these criminals back Onto the streets are equal participants In such crimes and should be held In the same contempt as those who Commit them, sharing in the guilt. There is one thing these so-called Defenders of rights often forget: While they care little for the innocent And the helpless, they cry out loud, Demanding rights for the depraved, Defending the wolves injured. There are still some people trapped inside,” he told ANI. Authorities have launched relief operations, while an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.Further details are awaited. Several individuals to be questioned from Aliganj fire victims, collected evidence: Amrit Abhijat tion regarding an incident in Lucknow. Some children have been caught in a fire incident there, resulting in their tragic deaths. While the administration is engaged in relief operations, this tragic event requires me to return to Lucknow immediately.” Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, he added, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their young ones.”The Chief Minister said he had directed senior officials to visit the site and submit a report.”I have directed the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) of Uttar Pradesh to visit the site personally and submit a report on the matter. We will get to the bottom of the incident, ensure the guilty are punished,” he asserted, adding that he would undertake a separate visit to Aligarh at a later date. After returning to Lucknow, Yogi Adityanath visited King George’s Medical University (KGMU) and met the family members of those affected by the fire incident. An eyewitness, Aman, said thick smoke engulfed the building after the fire broke out, creating panic among those inside.” There is a library or a computer course institution here. When we reached the spot, we saw thick smoke billowing from the building. We managed to save 5-6 people. After the fire broke out, a man jumped from the building in panic and was seriously INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online Acting on the strict instructions of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the comprehensive investigation into the Aliganj fire tragedy is progressing at a rapid pace. On Tuesday, a two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) visited the incident site. The team subsequently met the injured victims admitted to KGMU and gathered information from them regarding the incident. A team from the Uttar Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) also collected crucial evidence from the site. SIT members Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, and Praveen Kumar, ADG, Lucknow Zone, reached the site in the morning. They conducted a detailed inspection of the entire building for over an hour. Amrit Abhijat said, “Photographs of the site had been taken from various angles, and that evidence was being collected to expedite the investigation. Individuals and departments connected with the fire incident will also be questioned. 15 Students Killed in Devastating Fire at Lucknow Coaching Centre; High-Level Probe Ordered QATAR EXPLOSION FROM PAGE 1 Aligarh, immediately cut short his visit and returned to Lucknow after receiving news of the tragedy. Expressing deep sorrow, he directed the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to personally investigate the incident and submit a detailed report. “We will get to the bottom of the incident and ensure that those responsible are punished,” the Chief Minister said, while assuring full support to the affected families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced ex-gratia assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. The families of each deceased victim will receive Rs 2 lakh, while those injured will be provided Rs 50,000. President Droupadi Murmu described the tragedy as “extremely heartbreaking” and extended her condolences to the bereaved families. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also expressed sorrow and called for support to the victims and their families. Meanwhile, rescue teams also evacuated animals, including cats, from the pet shop located within the building. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire. The state government has ordered a high-level inquiry to establish the circumstances leading to the tragedy and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident ranks among the deadliest educational institution fire tragedies in recent years and has raised serious concerns over fire safety compliance in coaching centres and commercial training establishments across the state. (ANI) Remember: “In the Beginning was the Word, The Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made, that was made” JOHN 1:1-3
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INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026 US: Om’ resonates at Times Square as yogis celebrate International Day of Yoga New York [US], June 22 (ANI): Yoga practitioners gathered at New York’s Times Square for the 12th edition of Solstice in Times Square: Mind Over Madness Yoga — one of the world’s most striking annual wellness events and increasingly one of the most visible stages for India’s soft power abroad. The day’s first session, which began at 7:30 am on Saturday, had participants stretching and balancing against a backdrop of flashing advertisements and the roar of Midtown traffic, a contrast that has become the event’s signature. Headlining this year’s International Day of Yoga celebrations was Padma Dr HR Nagendra, president of S-VYASA University in Bengaluru and the man widely credited as the guiding force behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal yoga practice. For many in the Indian diaspora gathered in New York, his presence lent the occasion both spiritual gravity and national pride.”Our honourable Prime Minister has brought this International Day of Yoga throughout the world, and the theme this year is ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’. That’s what all of us observe: that as we age, we should continuously become healthier day by day, day by day, and that’s the theme. And that can happen when we bring balance to the catabolic and anabolic rates that are there in our body. And the catabolic rate takes over normally in our age, and we have to reduce that. For that, very special pranayamas have also been developed by our ancient masters. And yoga is an ancient science which gives direction to modern science to go beyond the physical. To understand what prana, mind, devotion, and intellect are and that which is beyond everything,” he said. Dr Nagendra’s visit was arranged at the invitation of the Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) and co-hosted by BRUHUD NY Seniors and Jaipur Foot USA. Prem Bhandari, Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA and President of RANA New York, has organised yoga programmes at some of America’s most high-profile venues, including the United Nations headquarters and Capitol Hill, for over a decade.“This is of the country’s successful Prime Minister Narendra Modi; he was instrumental in the UN declaring 21st June as International Yoga Day. As the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which the Honourable Prime Minister is also following, and we have been doing for thousands of years. The world is one family; the whole world is one family. And never before has there been such a need; there is a need for world peace,” Bhandari said.The origins of the Times Square yoga gathering are modest by any measure. On 21 June 2003, three people unrolled their mats at sunrise in the middle of one of the world’s busiest intersec- tions. Two of them went on to found Solstice in Times Square as a formal event. Over two decades, it has grown into a full-day programme offering seven free yoga classes, drawing practitioners from across New York and beyond. This year, the event was organised by the Indian Consulate in New York, a sign of how firmly it has been woven into the fabric of official India-US cultural engagement.”We have been celebrating International Day of Yoga at Times Square, and this year, the theme of Yoga Day is ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’. Generally, I’ve been here for the last few years, and on the last two occasions, we’ve seen more than 10,000 people come and practise yoga at Times Square. And this year, we have been told by the organisers, which is Times Square Alliance, we work with them; we do the Yoga Day with them. This year, I think more than 12,000 people have registered, so that’s what we are expecting today,” Consul General Pradhan said. On performing yoga at Times Square, a participant said, “This is my second time doing yoga at Times Square… It is magical, but mainly it is about gathering all the people from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, coming together as one to raise the spiritual energy in New York and the world…”Another participant said, “Times Square is so busy and getting to be a part of this community and do yoga in the middle of it, we find peace, grounding and some stillness in the chaos.” The choice of date is not incidental. The United Nations declared 21 June the International Day of Yoga in 2014, following a proposal by Prime Minister Modi. The summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, has since become a global marker of the practice India has long called its gift to the world. (ANI) covers tuition fees, travel costs, and living allowances. Since 2004, nearly 100,000 students have benefited from the Erasmus Mundus programme, solidifying its role in fostering international academic collaboration and excellence,” the delegation stated. The newly formed network features students from 14 states and Union territories, representing a diverse array of India’s academic landscape. Participants include students from elite technical institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, and the Indian Institute of Science, as well as multidisciplinary universities like Jawaharlal Nehru University, the University of Delhi, and the University of Mumbai. The network also incorporates emerging innovation hubs, including the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad and the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, alongside regional leaders such as Panjab University, the University of Rajasthan, Gauhati University, and the University of Calicut.To mark the occasion, the EU Delegation in New Delhi hosted a pre-departure ceremony attended by scholars, alumni, education stakeholders, and representatives from EU Member States. The cohort is set to study at universities across 15 European countries, including France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy, focusing on interdisciplinary master’s programmes in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and pharmaceutical sciences. EU Ambassador to India, Herve Delphin, highlighted the significance of the awards, stating, “Erasmus+ is more than a scholarship. t’s a passport to a first-class experience. This programme opens doors for Indian students to cutting-edge European education, to the richness and diversity of cultures, and to networks that bring our two continents closer.”He further noted, “These students won’t just earn a degree; they will develop the skills and perspectives needed to facilitate the mobility of talent, which will power the India-Europe strategic partnership. “Regarding the new ambassador network, Delphin added, “This initiative is about grounding our partnership at the people’s level and building a human bridge of knowledge and mutual understanding. Besides guiding them on opportunities to study in Europe and strengthening university collaborations, these ambassadors will be agents of positive change. They will inspire young minds across India to discover, connect, and engage with the EU, shaping a vibrant, shared future for our two regions.” (ANI) EU awards 75 Erasmus+ scholarships to Indian students, launches EU-India Student Ambassadors Network New Delhi [India], June 22 (ANI): The European Union has unveiled the EU-India Student Ambassadors’ Network, an initiative designed to connect 40 student representatives from 20 universities across India. The programme seeks to promote awareness regarding academic and research prospects in Europe while encouraging youth participation in the burgeoning EU-India partnership. According to the Delegation of the European Union to India, this initiative creates a peer-led community aligned with the EU-India Strategic Agenda’s focus on knowledge-sharing, youth, and innovation. By supporting these young leaders, the project aims to ensure that academic and cultural connections between the two regions continue to flourish through a consistent exchange of ideas. Alongside the network’s launch, the EU has awarded 75 Indian students the prestigious two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) scholarships for the 2026-2028 cycle. This achievement reinforces India’s status as the top recipient of these scholarships since 2004, positioning the nation among the top three globally for the current intake. With approximately 100,000 Indian students already enrolled in higher education across the continent, Europe remains a primary destination for those seeking world-class research and academic training. The Erasmus+ programme, established in 1987 as the European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students, serves as the EU’s flagship initiative for academic exchange.”The scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis by annual calls for proposals and
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