- Six Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs officially joined Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena in Mumbai, reducing Uddhav Thackeray’s faction to three MPs and boosting Shinde’s strength in Parliament.
- Keir Starmer resigned as Labour leader after electoral setbacks, internal dissent, policy failures and controversies weakened his authority. He will remain UK prime minister until a successor is chosen.
- At least 15 students were killed and several injured in a major fire at a coaching-cum-gaming facility in Lucknow’s Aliganj area, triggering rescue operations and high-level government intervention.
- India and the UAE are holding early-stage talks on the potential sale of BrahMos missiles and the Akashteer air defence system, reflecting deepening strategic ties and growing regional security concerns.
- Former South Africa batter Daryll Cullinan has expressed concern over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s workload and aggressive batting style, warning that the 15-year-old could face injury risks while still developing physically.
Here are the top 5 stories for the day:
Shinde welcomes 6 rebel Uddhav MPs into Shiv Sena fold
Six rebel Lok Sabha MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) formally joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in Mumbai on Monday, making the split in Uddhav Thackeray’s party official. Welcoming the MPs, Shinde declared “Operation Tiger” successful and described the move as the second phase of expanding the Shiv Sena founded on Balasaheb Thackeray’s principles. The switch leaves Sena (UBT) with only three MPs in the Lok Sabha, while Shiv Sena’s tally rises to 13. The six MPs meet the two-thirds requirement needed to avoid anti-defection disqualification. Read the full story.
Keir Starmer steps down as UK PM
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Labour Party leader, saying he accepted the party’s verdict “with good grace” and would remain caretaker prime minister until a successor is elected. His departure follows poor local election results, growing support for Reform UK, and mounting internal criticism. Andy Burnham’s return to Parliament intensified leadership pressure, while senior ministers publicly challenged Starmer’s authority. Unfulfilled promises on economic growth and public services, policy reversals and controversies, including the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, further eroded support. Read the full story.
Lucknow fire tragedy: ‘Students jumped out of building’, at least 15 killed
A devastating fire at a coaching-cum-gaming centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area claimed at least 15 students’ lives and injured several others on Monday. Fourteen fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, were deployed to contain the blaze and carry out rescue operations. Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak said all trapped children had been accounted for and assured strict action against those responsible after an inquiry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia compensation for victims’ families, while UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath cut short his Aligarh visit and rushed to Lucknow. Read the full story.
UAE looking to buy India’s BrahMos, Akashteer
India is in advanced early-stage discussions with the United Arab Emirates over the possible sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and the indigenous Akashteer air defence command system, according to Reuters. If finalised, the UAE would become the fourth foreign buyer of BrahMos after the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia. The talks come amid heightened Gulf security concerns and efforts by Abu Dhabi to diversify defence suppliers. The potential deal highlights expanding India-UAE strategic cooperation and follows a sharp rise in India’s defence exports and growing global interest in BrahMos. Read the full story.
‘Sachin’s career almost got cut short’: Ex-cricketer warns Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Daryll Cullinan has cautioned against overlooking the physical strain placed on teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose explosive batting has drawn widespread admiration. The former South Africa batter warned that the 15-year-old’s powerful swings, heavy bat use and packed cricket schedule could increase the risk of wrist, elbow and joint injuries while his body is still growing. Citing Sachin Tendulkar’s career-threatening tennis elbow as an example, Cullinan stressed that modern players face greater workloads and urged attention to Sooryavanshi’s long-term health despite advances in training and recovery methods. Read the full story.
