In this busy world where people hardly find time to stay updated, Attention India brings you the top news and insights of the day. From the arrest of Sonepat Congress MLA in an illegal mining case to Kylian Mbappe breaking records before his Real Madrid debut, Dharmendra Pradhan criticizing Rahul Gandhi over the NEET-UG controversy, Biden withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, and train derailments across India in a single week, we cover all the major highlights. Stay informed and read on!
Train Derailments Across India
This weekend saw three train derailments across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. From the morning of July 20 to the evening of July 21, a goods train derailed near Amroha in Uttar Pradesh, impacting both tracks on the Lucknow-Delhi route but causing no casualties. In Rajasthan, three wagons of a goods train derailed on the Alwar-Mathura route early on July 21, affecting traffic but not passenger services. In West Bengal, an empty goods train derailed at Ranaghata station on July 21, with no disruption to operations or injuries reported. Earlier, on July 18, the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed near Gonda, resulting in three deaths and 30 injuries.
Biden Withdraws from 2024 Presidential Race
President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 US presidential race on July 21, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Biden’s decision followed a review of polling data indicating his declining re-election chances and concerns about his health. Despite assuring commitment to the race just a day earlier, Biden decided to step down, citing the best interests of his party and country. Most White House officials were unaware of this decision until the announcement. Biden highlighted achievements during his term, including economic growth, healthcare improvements, and historic legislation. Harris now aims to become the first female president, facing Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
Dharmendra Pradhan Criticizes Rahul Gandhi Over NEET-UG Controversy
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized Rahul Gandhi over the NEET-UG controversy, claiming Gandhi understands the “maths of unfair practices” too well. Pradhan accused the Congress-led UPA government of failing to enact laws to prevent educational malpractices, specifically mentioning the Prohibition of Unfair Practices Bill of 2010. He challenged Gandhi to explain why Congress didn’t address exam irregularities. Gandhi had earlier attacked the government in Parliament, alleging the Indian exam system is fraudulent and primarily benefits the wealthy. Pradhan defended the current administration, asserting no paper leaks have occurred in the past seven years, and criticized Gandhi’s negative portrayal of the exam system.
Kylian Mbappe Breaks Record Before Real Madrid Debut
Kylian Mbappe has broken Jude Bellingham’s record even before his Real Madrid debut. The former PSG star, now fulfilling his childhood dream, received a grand welcome at Santiago Bernabeu. Mbappe has taken the iconic No.9 jersey, previously worn by Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. Notably, Mbappe’s jersey sales are reportedly five times higher than Bellingham’s, who joined Madrid in 2023 and wears Zidane’s No.5. The club is struggling to meet the high demand for Mbappe’s jersey. Mbappe, who joined as a free agent on a five-year contract, will likely debut in the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta on August 15.
Sonepat Congress MLA Arrested in Illegal Mining Case
Sonepat Congress MLA Surender Panwar was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an illegal mining case. Presented before a special court in Ambala, Panwar was placed in nine-day ED custody. He was arrested based on an enforcement case information report and a subsequent FIR in Yamunanagar, which also named former INLD MLA Dilbag Singh and five firms. Panwar is accused of receiving nearly ₹26 crore in proceeds of crime. The ED revealed that Panwar and his family hold significant shares in Development Strategies India Pvt Ltd, part of the mining syndicate. Despite his arrest, Panwar’s counsel argued that it was illegal and highlighted that previous arrests in the case had been deemed unjustified.