Washington, July 22: President Donald Trump has formally approved a landmark nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that could permit uranium enrichment inside the kingdom and generate tens of billions of dollars for American companies, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing US officials.

The 30-year agreement would give Saudi Arabia access to a civilian nuclear programme. It is designed to place US companies at the centre of the kingdom’s emerging nuclear infrastructure while excluding foreign competitors, the Journal said.

The deal could mark a significant expansion of nuclear cooperation between Washington and Riyadh. It is also expected to revive concerns in Congress about the spread of sensitive nuclear technology in the Middle East.

Under a key provision, American companies could build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia. The project would proceed only if a joint US-Saudi study concluded that such a facility was warranted, according to the Journal.

Uranium enrichment can produce fuel for civilian nuclear reactors. The same technology, if taken to much higher levels, can also be used to produce material for nuclear weapons. That dual-use capability has long made enrichment one of the most sensitive parts of international nuclear negotiations.

Trump administration officials contend that direct American involvement would give Washington greater influence over the Saudi nuclear programme. They argue that US participation would also help prevent nuclear technology from being diverted for military purposes, the report said.

The agreement is expected to be submitted to Congress for review in the coming days.

Trump gave the agreement the green light late last week, the newspaper reported. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman are expected to sign it on Wednesday.

Wright discussed the proposed cooperation with his Saudi counterpart during his first overseas visit to the region in April 2025. The agreement could bring large contracts for US companies involved in reactor construction, nuclear fuel services and associated infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia has sought to develop civilian nuclear power as part of its effort to diversify its energy mix and economy beyond oil. The kingdom has also argued that nuclear energy could help meet rising domestic electricity demand and free more oil for export.

Mumbai, July 22: Marking the birth anniversary of the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Shiv Sena chief and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday paid a heartfelt tribute, describing the occasion as a poignant mix of celebration and sorrow.

He said the day was marked by contrasting emotions, as it celebrated Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ birthday while also remembering the late Ajit Pawar, whom he described as the architect of the Mahayuti alliance.

“Today brings joy in one eye and tears in the other. No one can truly fill the void left by Ajitdada. I pray that Deputy Chief Minister Sunetratai finds the strength to carry forward his dream of building a prosperous Maharashtra by continuing the path of development he laid down,” Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said in his message.

Reflecting on Pawar’s distinct leadership style, Shinde highlighted how the late leader served as an inspiration for an entire generation of politicians. He lauded Pawar’s hallmark traits.

“Administrative Command: Exceptional discipline and firm control over governance. Punctuality & Commitment: A tireless dedication to utilizing every moment of the day for public service. Deep Expertise: A thorough understanding of finance, agriculture, and the cooperative sector, visible in his work as Finance Minister,” he stated.

Shinde emphasised that the state budget presented by Pawar to fulfill Mahayuti’s promises remains a cornerstone of inspiration for Maharashtra.

Reflecting on their shared goals, Shinde shared that they had envisioned numerous economic and social milestones for the state before fate unexpectedly took Pawar away. He remarked that actively realising those grand visions for development is the greatest and most authentic homage the coalition can pay him.

The deputy CM paid tribute with poetic lines honouring his memory: “Days will come and go, the wheel of time will turn…But the fragrance of Dada’s memories will forever remain.”

Reaffirming their shared commitment to public welfare and joint development, Shinde expressed lasting gratitude for Ajit Pawar’s immense contribution to Maharashtra.

Earlier, recalling past years filled with joy, warmth, and widespread celebrations, Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar, expressed the pain of adjusting to life without her lifelong partner.

“For so many years, I celebrated your birthday with such joy, enthusiasm, and pride… The home and family would be filled with happiness, showers of blessings all around. But today, observing this very same day as your ‘jayanti,’ my heart breaks completely from within. Even today, my heart refuses to accept this bitter truth, Dada,” she said.

She described the sudden emptiness left in her life following his untimely demise, highlighting how Ajit Pawar stood as her pillar of strength through every stage of life. Addressing her late husband directly, Sunetra Pawar emphasised that while he may no longer be physically present, his political legacy, public service, and strict discipline will remain immortalised.

New Delhi, July 22: Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused the government of exploiting students and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Home Minister Amit Shah over the NEET paper leak controversy.

LoP Rahul Gandhi, who was detained by Delhi Police during a sit-in outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence at Lok Kalyan Marg and later released, said the issue must be debated in both Houses of Parliament.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the Speaker of the Lok Sabha earlier in the day, LoP Rahul Gandhi said he had requested a debate on the treatment of students during Monday’s protests.

“The Speaker said he needed to take permission from the Government, but it was very clear to us in the hours after that that there was no interest in the Government of having a debate,” he said.

He added that the Opposition then decided to stage a dharna outside the Prime Minister’s residence to bring the students’ issue to national attention.

“This is the most crucial issue for the country, along with what has been done against them,” Gandhi remarked.

Questioning the state of the education system, LoP Rahul Gandhi asked: “Why is the Indian education system collapsing? Why are papers leaking? Why is education so expensive in India? Why do families have to destroy themselves financially to educate their children? These are legitimate questions, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking them.”

Outlining the students’ demands, Gandhi said they included the resignation of Pradhan and Shah, action against those who beat and humiliated the students, and the withdrawal of all cases registered against them.

He added that the entire Opposition wanted the issue debated in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

“My suggestion to Modi ji, as LoP, is that for what happened yesterday, what your Government and your Home Minister did, you should apologise to the students of the country and start reforms in the examination system and education system as soon as possible,” LoP Rahul Gandhi said.

Thanking supporters, he added: “You all supported us. To everyone fighting together for the cause of the students, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

The confrontation highlights the deepening rift between the government and the Opposition over the sensitive issue of paper leaks in competitive examinations, which continues to affect lakhs of students across the country.