Within minutes, classrooms turned into smoke-filled chambers and corridors into escape routes. A major fire at a coaching centre in Lucknow's Aliganj area on Monday triggered scenes of panic and a large-scale rescue effort, leaving at least 14 people dead and several others injured. PICS/PTI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the third edition of the Sansad Khel Mahakumbh in Lucknow, emphasising the rapid expansion of sports infrastructure across India. He highlighted that modern facilities are now reaching rural and remote areas, and credited Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for investing heavily in sports development (Pics/PTI)