Capital of Uttar Pradesh; administrative hub of its district and division
A fire in a Lucknow building housing a pet shop, veterinary clinic, study center and animation studio has killed at least 14 people, most of them students. Rescue teams faced heavy smoke as they evacuated and searched for survivors. Authorities say the cause is under investigation.
India's education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, has resigned after weeks of nationwide protests led by the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Tens of thousands of students have protested exam paper leaks and police violence at Jantar Mantar; CJP has suspended its agitation after government assurances but reports of detentions in Assam, West Bengal and Bihar continue.