• Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said floods have spread across around 12 to 16 districts, destroying crops, houses and infrastructure.
• A central team led by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to visit Bihar, likely reaching Patna on September 16.
• JD(U) spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan said Bihar has "significant expectations" from the assessment given the scale of damage.
• Official figures show around 49.67 lakh people affected across 15 districts, with several rivers still flowing above danger marks.
• CM Samrat Choudhary confirmed the central team's visit to assess flood damage and determine relief requirements.

A State Grappling With Widespread Flood Damage

Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said on Tuesday that floods have spread across around 12 to 16 districts in the state, causing extensive damage, as a central team led by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan prepares to visit Bihar to assess the situation on the ground.

The Scale of Destruction

Speaking to IANS, Yadav described the widespread impact the floods have had across the state, affecting crops, housing and broader infrastructure while leaving lakhs of people in severe distress. "The floods have spread across around 12 to 16 districts, causing extensive damage. Crops of Bihar's farmers have been destroyed, infrastructure has been damaged, houses have been washed away and lakhs of people are facing severe difficulties," Yadav said, painting a picture of a crisis affecting multiple dimensions of daily life simultaneously, from agricultural livelihoods to basic shelter.

The Central Team's Planned Visit

Yadav said the high-level team headed by Chouhan would travel to various affected areas to assess the extent of the damage firsthand. He added that a separate meeting would also be held at the level of the Chief Minister in connection with the ongoing flood situation, indicating that the state's response is being coordinated across both central and state-level channels simultaneously.

Significant Expectations From the Assessment

JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan underscored the weight Bihar is placing on this central assessment, given the scale of the damage reported so far. "Certainly, we have expectations because the damage caused by the floods in Bihar has been severe and people's difficulties have increased," Ranjan said. He acknowledged that the overall situation was gradually improving, but stressed that the state government would still require additional resources to fully restore normalcy in the affected areas. "Although the situation is improving, the state government will certainly need additional resources to restore normalcy," Ranjan said, adding that Bihar should receive all assistance it is entitled to once the central team completes its damage assessment.

Why Central Assessments Matter for Disaster Response

A central government assessment team's visit typically serves a critical procedural function beyond mere observation, it forms the basis for determining the scale and type of financial and material assistance the central government will extend to a flood-affected state. Given the scale of destruction described by state officials, spanning crops, housing and infrastructure across more than a dozen districts, the findings of this assessment could significantly shape how much support Bihar receives for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in the coming weeks and months.

Confirmation From the Chief Minister

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also confirmed that the central team led by Union Minister Chouhan would visit the state to assess the flood situation and the resulting damage. While Choudhary did not specify an exact date for the visit, it is expected to reach Patna on September 16, giving the state a concrete timeline to prepare for the assessment.

The Current State of the Flooding

The proposed visit comes as the flood situation remains serious in several parts of Bihar. According to official figures, approximately 49.67 lakh people have been affected across 15 districts of the state, a scale of impact that underscores why both state officials and the central government are treating this as a significant disaster response priority. While water levels have started receding in most rivers, including the Ganga, several rivers continue to flow above their respective danger marks at various locations, indicating that while the immediate crisis may be past its peak in some areas, the overall flood situation has not yet fully stabilised across the state.

What the Assessment Is Expected to Determine

The Centre's assessment is expected to help determine the precise extent of assistance Bihar will require for relief operations, rehabilitation of displaced residents, and the restoration of damaged infrastructure and agricultural land, an outcome that state officials and JD(U) representatives alike appear to be closely watching given the scale of the disruption already reported across the affected districts.

• Heavy rain is forecast for nine Tamil Nadu districts, including Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Salem and Vellore, on Tuesday.
• Nilgiris and Coimbatore may see continued heavy showers with strong winds until September 20.
• Two people died in separate lightning strikes in Dindigul and Tenkasi districts.
• Sudden flooding near Pachamalai hills in Perambalur stranded several people, who were later rescued using ropes.
• Chennai may receive moderate rain on Wednesday evening or night, with a trough from Karnataka to the Bay of Bengal driving the weather pattern.

An Extended Spell of Heavy Rain Across Tamil Nadu

Heavy rain is likely to lash nine Tamil Nadu districts on Tuesday, while the Nilgiris and Coimbatore may continue to experience heavy showers accompanied by strong winds until September 20, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre. The extended forecast window for these two districts suggests a more prolonged weather event compared to the rest of the state, where heavy rain is currently expected primarily for the immediate near term.

The Weather System Driving the Rain

According to the weather agency, a trough extending from southern interior Karnataka to the southwest Bay of Bengal is currently influencing weather conditions across Tamil Nadu. Under its influence, heavy rain has been forecast for the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Vellore, Tirupattur and Ranipet districts, while moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected in Madurai, Dindigul, Virudhunagar and Sivaganga.

What's Expected on Wednesday

Looking ahead to Wednesday, heavy showers may occur in Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Tirupattur and Ranipet, as well as the Cauvery delta districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam. Chennai itself is expected to receive moderate rain during the evening or night, a comparatively milder forecast relative to the heavy rain warnings issued for the western and northern districts. The weather agency also cautioned that maximum temperatures could run up to three degrees Celsius above normal at isolated places in interior Tamil Nadu, indicating that despite the widespread rain, some areas may still experience unusually warm conditions during the day.

Flooding Strands Residents Near Perambalur

The impact of this weather system has already been felt across several districts. In Perambalur district, heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning over the Pachamalai hills caused sudden flooding in fields and streams near Adakkampatti village. Several people who had ventured toward the foothills found themselves stranded after rising water cut off their return route, before local residents managed to rescue them using ropes, a stark illustration of how quickly flash flooding in hilly terrain can trap people caught unprepared.

Two Lightning Deaths Reported

The severe weather has also proven fatal in two separate incidents. In Dindigul district, Sonuram Kond, a 25-year-old worker from Odisha, died after being struck by lightning while engaged in borewell construction work at Silvarpatti near Reddiyarchatram. In a separate incident in Tenkasi district, Kasirajan, a mason, was killed by lightning while working at a construction site in Krishnapuram near Kadayanallur during a spell of light rain. These fatalities underscore the particular danger lightning strikes pose to outdoor and construction workers during active storm systems, especially when work continues despite ongoing rainfall.

Infrastructure Disruption in Madurai

Near Sholavandan in Madurai district, a large tree was uprooted during heavy rain and fell on an electricity pole, prompting an immediate suspension of power supply as a safety precaution. A delay in clearing the fallen tree resulted in a power outage lasting more than two hours, causing considerable inconvenience to local residents in the affected area.

Waterlogging Affects Businesses in Virudhunagar

Heavy showers also led to waterlogging on roads in Virudhunagar, with rainwater entering several shops in the area, affecting both residents and local traders who found their premises impacted by the flooding.

A Mix of Relief and Disruption Elsewhere

Not all of the rainfall's effects were disruptive, however. Moderate rainfall brought welcome relief to people and farmers in several parts of Theni district, while Kodaikanal and its surrounding areas experienced notably cooler weather after receiving moderate rain for over three hours. Similarly, Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district recorded widespread rainfall for about an hour during the afternoon, offering residents relief from the humid conditions that had prevailed prior to the rain.

A State Bracing for Continued Wet Weather

With the current weather system expected to persist, particularly over the Nilgiris and Coimbatore through September 20, authorities and residents across Tamil Nadu are likely to remain on alert for further disruptions, ranging from localised flooding and infrastructure damage to the kind of lightning-related risks that have already proven fatal in multiple districts this week.

• EAM S Jaishankar called the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi a "resounding success"
• Summit coincided with BRICS' 20th anniversary
• Held September 12–13 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with India as 2026 BRICS chair
• PM Modi called BRICS an "ecosystem of solutions," urged time-bound implementation of outcomes
• New Delhi Declaration adopted at the summit
• China to host the next BRICS summit
• BRICS bloc: 11 members + 10 partner countries

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday described the 18th BRICS Summit, held in New Delhi, as a resounding success, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for bringing together nations from varied geographies and cultures around common ground.

Sharing his assessment in a video posted on X, Jaishankar noted that the summit — held as BRICS marked its 20th year — reflected progress in narrowing differences among member states, with discussions that stayed open and constructive throughout.

Outcome Reflects Push for Global South, Says Jaishankar

The External Affairs Minister said the summit's outcome document reflected a shared commitment among BRICS members to advance the interests of the Global South. He credited Indian officials for working intensively behind the scenes to deliver the summit's results, and pointed to what he described as growing worldwide traction for Modi's emphasis on peace, dialogue and diplomacy.

India Hosted Two-Day Summit as 2026 BRICS Chair

As BRICS chair for 2026, India hosted the two-day summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, bringing together leaders from BRICS member states, partner countries and outreach invitees.

BRICS currently comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE, alongside ten partner countries: Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

PM Modi Calls for Time-Bound Action on Summit Outcomes

Speaking a day earlier at the summit's session on "Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," Prime Minister Modi said the two days of discussions had reinforced BRICS' role as an "ecosystem of solutions" rather than merely a grouping of nations. He expressed hope that the New Delhi Declaration adopted at the summit would offer clear direction for the bloc's future cooperation, and called for translating outcomes into concrete, time-bound action rather than documentation alone.

Modi thanked fellow BRICS leaders for their participation and said their input had added depth to the grouping's cooperation, describing the scale of engagement as a sign of BRICS' growing relevance and inclusiveness.

Looking ahead to BRICS' third decade, Modi said the bloc now faces rising expectations for concrete results rather than ideas alone, and expressed confidence that collective effort would meet those expectations. He also extended good wishes to China, which will host the next BRICS summit, and thanked the organising teams for the New Delhi summit's success.

(Inputs: IANS)

• Four-day campaign launches September 18: BJP's 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra' will begin in Pathankot and conclude in Bathinda on September 21.
• Nitin Nabin leads the opening leg: BJP National President will kick off the campaign in Pathankot, focused on highlighting drug abuse in Punjab.
• Rekha Gupta joins in Fatehgarh Sahib: Delhi CM will participate in the September 19 leg of the yatra.
• Arjun Ram Meghwal in Fazilka: The Union Minister will join the campaign's September 20 stop.
• Shivraj Singh Chouhan concludes in Bathinda: The final leg on September 21 will see the Union Minister wrap up the four-day campaign.
• Aimed at organisational and public outreach: The BJP seeks to strengthen its network in Punjab while spotlighting its stance on the drug menace.

Chandigarh: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to launch a mega 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra' from September 18, and senior party leaders are scheduled to participate in the campaign across different parts of Punjab.

The four-day yatra, aimed at highlighting the BJP's campaign for a drug-free Punjab, will cover key districts across the state, beginning in Pathankot and concluding in Bathinda on September 21.

According to the schedule released by the party, BJP National President Nitin Nabin will lead the campaign in Pathankot on September 18, marking the beginning of the mega outreach programme focused on the issue of drug abuse in the state.

Day-By-Day Route Of The Yatra

On September 19, the 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra' will move to Fatehgarh Sahib, where Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is scheduled to participate and support the party's campaign for a drug-free Punjab.

The yatra will proceed to Fazilka on September 20. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is scheduled to join the campaign and participate in the BJP's outreach activities in the district.

On September 21, the final leg of the four-day campaign will reach Bathinda, where Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will participate in the yatra, bringing the BJP's state-wide campaign to a close.

Political Objectives Behind The Campaign

The BJP's 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra' is expected to serve as a major public outreach initiative centred on the issue of drug abuse, which remains a significant concern in Punjab.

The participation of senior BJP leaders is likely to provide political momentum to the campaign and underline the party's focus on addressing the drug menace in the state.

Through the yatra, the BJP is also seeking to strengthen its organisational network and public outreach across Punjab. The issue of drug abuse has remained a prominent subject in the state's political discourse, with parties frequently highlighting the need for stronger measures to tackle the problem.

During the campaign, the BJP is expected to highlight its vision and proposed approach for creating a drug-free Punjab while engaging directly with people in the districts covered by the yatra.

The party is likely to use the four-day programme to raise awareness about the adverse impact of drugs and reiterate its emphasis on combating the menace.

Full Schedule

The schedule of the BJP's 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra' is as follows: September 18 in Pathankot, led by BJP National President Nitin Nabin; September 19 in Fatehgarh Sahib, with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta; September 20 in Fazilka, with Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal; and September 21 in Bathinda, with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

(With inputs from IANS)

• Statewide celebrations: The Gowri-Ganesha festival was marked across Karnataka with devotees thronging temples and markets on Monday.
• 3,000 additional CCTV cameras in Bengaluru: Security was ramped up with new cameras, KSRP platoons, and drone surveillance in sensitive areas.
• Heavy crowds at K.R. Market: Shoppers arrived from early hours for puja materials, disrupting traffic from around 5 a.m.
• Milk abhisheka at Dodda Ganapathi Temple: Around 1,000 litres of milk were used in special worship, with devotees queuing from 3 a.m.
• 101 Ganesha idols in Mysuru: The historic 101 Ganesh Temple saw a large turnout, with idols installed by 101 families across four tiers.
• 2,500+ idols in Davanagere: Police tightened security in 13 hypersensitive areas as devotees preferred idols from the Kunnur region.

Bengaluru: The Gowri-Ganesha festival was celebrated across Karnataka with religious fervour and enthusiasm on Monday, with devotees thronging temples and markets to mark Ganesh Chaturthi.

In Bengaluru, elaborate security arrangements were in place across the city. In addition to the existing CCTV network, around 3,000 more cameras have been installed to monitor movements in sensitive and hypersensitive areas.

Security Arrangements Across The City

Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) platoons have been deployed at key locations, while drones are being used for aerial surveillance. Police have also issued directions regarding the use of loudspeakers and made security arrangements along the procession routes.

The situation is being closely monitored from the police command centre, with strict vigil being maintained throughout the city.

Heavy Crowds At K.R. Market

K.R. Market witnessed heavy crowds from the early hours as people arrived to purchase fruits, flowers, vegetables, puja materials and other items required for the festival. Traffic movement around the market was disrupted from around 5 a.m. due to the large gathering.

Dodda Ganapathi Temple: A 1,000-Litre Milk Abhisheka

At the historic Dodda Ganapathi Temple in Bengaluru's Basavanagudi, devotees began queuing up as early as 3 a.m. on Monday. Temple priests performed special worship around 2.30 a.m., followed by a milk abhisheka using around 1,000 litres of milk. Maha Mangalarati was performed at 6 a.m.

The temple is scheduled to remain open for devotees until 12.30 a.m. on Monday.

Temple management head Srinivas said arrangements had been made to distribute prasadam to devotees from 6 a.m. until midnight. He said a special milk abhisheka involving 1,000 litres of milk had already been performed as part of the celebrations.

Mysuru's 101 Ganesh Temple

In Mysuru, the historic 101 Ganesh Temple also witnessed a large turnout of devotees. Special worship began at around 3 a.m., with people queuing up to seek the darshan of all 101 Ganesha idols installed at the temple.

According to the temple's chief priest Sunil, 101 families had come together to install the 101 idols within the temple premises. There are 32 idols on the first step, 26 on the second, 24 on the third and 18 on the fourth, while a large Ganesha idol is installed at the top, taking the total number of idols to 101.

Sunil said special worship is conducted at the temple on every Sankashta Chaturthi. Devotees believe that visiting the temple, offering akshate and submitting their prayers helps them get relief from sins and doshas.

Hubballi And Davanagere Celebrations

In Hubballi, popularly regarded as the Chota Mumbai, the festival was also celebrated with great enthusiasm. Streets witnessed large crowds as people came out to purchase Ganesha idols. Several people from rural areas arrived in bullock carts to buy idols and take them home for installation.

In Davanagere, more than 2,500 Ganesha idols are being installed as part of the festival celebrations. Police have stepped up security measures, particularly in 13 identified hypersensitive areas, to ensure peaceful celebrations and prevent any untoward incidents. People preferred to buy idols from the Kunnur region, believing that the land and soil were blessed by a revered Sufi saint, Santa Shishunala Sharif.

Authorities across the state have urged people to celebrate the festival peacefully, while maintaining communal harmony and following safety regulations during processions and idol immersions.

• South Bengal, including Kolkata, will see no heavy rain in the coming days, only scattered light to moderate showers with thunderstorms.
• Rain intensity in south Bengal is expected to decrease further over the next five days.
• North Bengal districts, including Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar, face yellow alerts for heavy rain through the week.
• Kolkata's rain is linked to the monsoon axis stretching from Jaisalmer to Gopalpur, with a low-pressure area over south Chhattisgarh having no further impact on Bengal.
• Kolkata's Saturday maximum temperature was 31.02°C, slightly below normal, with humidity ranging between 77-95%.

A Break in the Rain for South Bengal

South Bengal is set to receive some relief from persistent rainfall, with the Met Office confirming on Sunday that there is no forecast for heavy rain in the region over the next few days. However, scattered light to moderate showers accompanied by thunderstorms may continue across the area, including Kolkata, meaning residents shouldn't expect entirely dry conditions just yet, only a reduction in intensity.

The Weather System Behind the Shift

According to the Met Department, the current low-pressure area is positioned over south Chhattisgarh and is not expected to have any further impact on West Bengal. Instead, the region's rainfall is currently being shaped by the monsoon axis, which extends from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan to Gopalpur in Odisha and further stretches into the east-central Bay of Bengal, a system whose positioning explains why south Bengal is seeing reduced intensity even as monsoon activity continues more broadly across the wider region.

What to Expect in Kolkata

An official from the Met Department detailed the near-term outlook for the city specifically. "Light to moderate rain with thundershowers is likely in Kolkata. Gusty winds may blow at a speed of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour. The amount of rain will further decrease from tomorrow. The relative humidity in the air today is 77 to 95 per cent," the official said, indicating that while some wind and thunderstorm activity should still be expected, the overall rainfall trend is clearly downward starting from Monday. The department further indicated that rain will continue decreasing across south Bengal over the next five days, suggesting the current wet spell affecting the region is winding down rather than merely pausing temporarily.

A Different Picture in North Bengal

While south Bengal moves toward drier conditions, districts in north Bengal are set for a considerably wetter stretch. The Met Office has issued a Yellow Alert for heavy rain in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts on Monday, with scattered rain expected across the remaining districts in the north as well.

A Rolling Series of Alerts Through the Week

The alerts continue into the following days with shifting geographic focus. On Tuesday, a Yellow Alert for heavy rain has been issued specifically for Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri districts. This is followed by a broader alert on Wednesday covering Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts, indicating an intensifying and geographically expanding rain event across north Bengal's hill and foothill districts through the middle of the week.

A Localised Alert to Close Out the Week

By Thursday, the alert narrows again, with a Yellow Alert issued for heavy rain accompanied by thundershowers at one or two places specifically in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts. After this point, rainfall in north Bengal is expected to decrease as well, though the Met Department noted this easing trend holds only in the absence of any new weather system forming in the Bay of Bengal in the meantime, an important caveat given how quickly such systems can develop and alter regional forecasts.

Kolkata's Recent Temperature and Humidity Readings

Providing additional context on recent conditions, the department noted that Kolkata and its surrounding areas recorded a maximum temperature of 31.02 degrees Celsius on Saturday, which was 1.03 degrees below normal for the period. The minimum temperature stood at 27.01 degrees Celsius, marginally above normal by 0.07 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity levels ranged between a maximum of 95 per cent and a minimum of 77 per cent, consistent with the generally moist conditions typical of this stage of the monsoon season in the region.

• Continuous heavy rainfall since Saturday night has caused severe waterlogging in Mumbai, Nalasopara and Vasai-Virar.
• Railway tracks at Kurla station have flooded, disrupting train movement, while commuters waded through water near Nalasopara station.
• IMD has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning and winds up to 40-50 kmph.
• Further rainfall is expected on Monday, with light to moderate rain likely on Tuesday during Ganesh idol immersion processions.
• The rain coincides with the first day of the Ganesh festival, raising concerns over disruption to celebrations.

A Wet Start to the Weekend Across Mumbai

Continuous heavy rainfall has disrupted normal life across Mumbai and its adjoining areas, with waterlogging at multiple locations causing significant inconvenience to commuters and motorists as the city grapples with an intense spell of monsoon activity.

Nalasopara Bears the Brunt

Heavy rains that have persisted since Saturday night have resulted in severe waterlogging on the eastern side of Nalasopara Railway Station. Despite the difficult conditions, passengers were forced to wade through accumulated water to reach their destinations, with large crowds gathering inside the station premises even as the rainfall continued.

Vasai-Virar Roads Turn Impassable

The persistent downpour has also lashed Vasai-Virar city since Saturday night, leaving several roads in Nalasopara waterlogged, including areas around Centre Park and Tulinj Bridge. These conditions created considerable difficulty for both motorists and pedestrians attempting to navigate the area during the morning hours, highlighting how quickly sustained rainfall can overwhelm local drainage infrastructure in low-lying pockets of the city's northern suburbs.

Central Mumbai Sees Disruption Too

The rain's impact wasn't confined to the western suburbs. Mumbai's Dadar area also experienced continued heavy rainfall, causing inconvenience for commuters travelling through the locality. Perhaps most significantly for the city's transport network, railway tracks at Kurla station were flooded following the continuous downpour, directly affecting train movement in and around one of Mumbai's busier railway junctions.

IMD Issues a Yellow Alert

In response to the ongoing weather conditions, the India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar for Sunday, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, light to moderate rainfall, and strong winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph in some areas. The weather department elaborated on the expected conditions, stating that the sky would remain generally cloudy with occasional moderate rain or thundershowers, accompanied by lightning and strong winds, while noting that isolated areas could see heavier rainfall spells.

Why This Timing Adds Complexity

The persistence of this rain spell carries particular significance given its timing. Sunday marks the first day of the Ganesh festival, one of Mumbai's largest annual public celebrations, drawing enormous crowds for pandal visits and processions across the city. Continued waterlogging and transport disruptions during this period could complicate movement for both residents and visitors participating in festival activities, adding a logistical dimension to what is typically one of the city's busiest and most vibrant periods of the year.

More Rain on the Horizon

The IMD has indicated that Mumbai is likely to witness further rainfall on Monday as well, with prevailing weather conditions expected to sustain rainfall activity over the city and its neighbouring areas in the coming days. For Sunday itself, the department has forecast moderate rainfall, directly coinciding with the festival's opening day.

Concerns Ahead of Idol Immersion

Looking further ahead, the idol immersion processions, a major and highly anticipated component of the Ganesh festival, are scheduled to begin on Tuesday. According to the current weather forecast, the city is expected to receive light to moderate rainfall on that day as well, raising questions about how the ongoing wet spell might affect the scale and conduct of immersion activities, which typically involve large processions moving through the city's streets toward various water bodies and the coastline.

• Gandhinagar received development projects worth Rs 1,848 crore, split between the Municipal Corporation (Rs 798 crore) and Roads and Buildings Department (Rs 1,050 crore).
• CM Bhupendra Patel and Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi flagged off around 30 new e-buses under PM-eBus Sewa and rode one to the Ministers' Residential Complex.
• New projects worth Rs 48.26 crore were announced for traffic and urban infrastructure, including a Rs 20.76 crore underpass at Bhat-Koteshwar Crossing.
• Civic works include new CC roads, an overhead water tank in Randheja, drainage lines across 30 sectors, and a new urban primary health centre in Sargasan.
• Officials credited PM Modi's original vision and MP Amit Shah's continued involvement in transforming Gandhinagar into a smart, green city.

A Major Infrastructure Push for the Capital

Gujarat's Gandhinagar district received development projects worth Rs 1,848 crore on Saturday, covering road connectivity, drainage, water supply, healthcare, public transport and urban amenities. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi marked the occasion by flagging off around 30 new electric buses under the 'PM-eBus Sewa' scheme, adding a public transport dimension to the day's broader infrastructure announcements.

Breaking Down the Rs 1,848 Crore Allocation

The overall investment is split between two major implementing bodies: works worth Rs 798 crore under the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation, and a larger allocation of Rs 1,050 crore under the state's Roads and Buildings Department. This division suggests a coordinated approach spanning both civic-level amenities managed locally and larger road infrastructure projects handled at the state level. Alongside this, Chief Minister Patel announced a further Rs 48.26 crore in new projects specifically aimed at addressing traffic congestion and strengthening urban infrastructure in the capital.

A Symbolic Bus Ride

After the flag-off ceremony, Patel and Sanghavi chose to travel as ordinary passengers on one of the newly inaugurated e-buses from the event venue to the Ministers' Residential Complex, a gesture that put the new public transport initiative directly in view of officials and the public alike. They were accompanied on the ride by Minister of State for Urban Development Darshna Vaghela, MLAs Rita Patel and Alpesh Thakor, Mayor Mira Patel, Deputy Mayor Natuji Thakor, Standing Committee Chairman Gaurang, City BJP president Dr Ashish Dave, and several other municipal office-bearers and former mayors.

Targeted Traffic and Connectivity Projects

Among the specific works announced, a Rs 20.76 crore underpass is planned at the Bhat-Koteshwar Crossing, intended to ease the growing traffic burden on the Gandhinagar-Koba-Airport Road, a route that has evidently seen rising congestion as the surrounding area develops. The government will also allocate Rs 12.80 crore to strengthen the bridge over the Sabarmati River connecting Raksha Shakti Circle toward GIFT City-Shahpur, an important corridor given GIFT City's growing prominence as a financial and business hub. Further funds include Rs 7.70 crore for junction and road development from GIFT City toward PDPU, and Rs 7 crore for road safety and paver works between Raksha Shakti Circle and GIFT City Circle, together forming a cluster of investments focused on improving connectivity around the GIFT City corridor specifically.

Expanding Civic Infrastructure Beyond the Core City

The civic works extend beyond arterial roads to more localised improvements as well. These include an 80-metre road connecting Airport Road with Raysan, a service road linking Raksha Shakti to Sargasan, and new cement-concrete roads across several villages, including Khoraj, Pethapur, Randheja, Kolavada, Vavol, Vasana Hadmatiya and Adivada. This spread across multiple outlying villages signals an effort to extend infrastructure investment beyond Gandhinagar's central, older sectors into areas more recently incorporated into the city's administrative boundary.

Water, Drainage and Healthcare Upgrades

To address recurring monsoon-related issues, a new overhead water tank will be constructed in Randheja, while new drainage lines will be laid across Sectors 1 to 30 and seven surrounding villages, directly targeting waterlogging concerns that have evidently affected these areas during the rainy season. On the healthcare front, a new urban primary health centre will be established in Sargasan, adding to the city's existing network of medical facilities.

Child Development and Public Spaces

The development plan also includes modern, theme-based smart Anganwadis, designed to offer children facilities comparable to those found in private play schools, a notable upgrade to early childhood care infrastructure. Additional civic amenities include modern gardens in Jhundal, Amiyapur and Sector 20, the renovation of the Swarnim Cultural Centre at Raysan, and the development of Raysan Chowk, rounding out a mix of functional infrastructure and public recreational spaces.

Officials Frame the Work Within a Larger Vision

Mayor Mira Patel positioned Saturday's announcements within a longer-term transformation of the city, tracing its origins back to a vision first laid out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation for Gandhinagar's development, and the vision of transforming it from an administrative centre into a world-class smart and green city is being realised," she said. She also credited Gandhinagar MP and Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah for his continued attention to the city's development, including planning for new lakes, gardens and facilities in outlying villages, and acknowledged the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister for approving and financially supporting the various development proposals. She specifically thanked the Chief Minister for inaugurating and laying foundation stones for municipal works worth approximately Rs 798 crore.

A City With Existing Infrastructure Momentum

Gandhinagar North MLA Rita Patel added further context on the city's ongoing development trajectory, noting that Gandhinagar had already built up modern infrastructure in education and healthcare, including libraries, UN Mehta Hospital, Civil Hospital, and various primary and community health centres. She also highlighted the scale of the city's green infrastructure efforts, noting that around 125 modern gardens, including the Central Vista, had already been developed, alongside the recent planting of approximately 18 lakh trees, underscoring that Saturday's announcements build on an already active development pipeline rather than marking an isolated initiative.

• PM Modi personally welcomed BRICS leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, at Bharat Mandapam.
• India holds the BRICS Chairship in 2026 under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."
• The summit opens with a closed session on "Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism."
• Leaders will visit the "Bharat Innovates Exhibition," take a family photo, join a tree plantation and attend a dinner hosted by PM Modi.
• 2026 marks 20 years since BRICS's founding, and India's fourth Chairship after 2012, 2016 and 2021.

A Ceremonial Start to a Major Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed a lineup of world leaders at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday, marking the ceremonial opening of the 18th BRICS Summit. Among those received by PM Modi were Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and other heads of state and government ahead of the summit's formal proceedings.

India's Role as 2026 BRICS Chair

As BRICS Chair for 2026, India is hosting the two-day summit at Bharat Mandapam, with proceedings beginning Saturday. According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, India's chairship this year is guided by the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," which the MEA has linked to PM Modi's people-centric vision rooted in the spirit of "Humanity First."

Why This Summit Carries Extra Significance

This year's gathering arrives at a symbolically important moment for the grouping, coinciding with 20 years since BRICS's establishment. For India, hosting a milestone-anniversary summit while also marking its fourth chairship term, following earlier stints in 2012, 2016 and 2021, adds a layer of significance beyond the summit's regular agenda, positioning India as a country with a sustained, recurring leadership role within the bloc rather than a one-time host.

What the Leaders Will Discuss

Beyond the ceremonial welcome, the leaders are expected to discuss ways to strengthen intra-BRICS cooperation on shared priorities, while also exchanging views on global and regional issues of mutual interest. The summit's substantive engagement begins with a closed session exclusively for BRICS member countries, titled "Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism," a topic that reflects the grouping's continued emphasis on reforming global institutions to better represent emerging economies.

BRICS's Expanded Membership

The BRICS grouping currently comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates as full members, alongside ten partner countries: Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. This expanded structure reflects the bloc's significant growth since its founding as a smaller group of major emerging economies two decades ago.

A Packed Schedule Beyond the Formal Sessions

Later in the day, BRICS leaders are scheduled to visit the "Bharat Innovates Exhibition," followed by a formal family photograph and a tree plantation ceremony, activities that are typically used at such summits to project shared symbolic commitments alongside the more substantive closed-door discussions. The day's proceedings are set to conclude with a dinner hosted by PM Modi for the visiting heads of state and government.

A Founding Member's Recurring Leadership Role

As a founding member of BRICS, India's decision to use this year's chairship, its fourth overall, to mark the bloc's 20th anniversary underscores the country's long-standing and continuing involvement in shaping the grouping's direction, from its original five-nation composition to its now significantly expanded membership spanning multiple continents.

• Adani Electricity is offering temporary electricity connections to Ganesh pandals at residential rates.
• Connections can be approved within 48 hours of application via the company's website.
• Over 1,000 pandals received uninterrupted power last year, with a Quick Response Team on standby this year too.
• The company will install 2,958 floodlights across more than 167 idol immersion locations.
• Adani Electricity has issued detailed safety guidelines covering wiring, load limits, earthing and access to meter cabins.

A Festival-Season Commitment to Power Continuity

Adani Electricity announced on Saturday that it will support Mumbai's upcoming Ganesh Festival celebrations by offering temporary electricity connections to Ganesh pandals at residential rates, an initiative aimed at ensuring reliable power supply throughout the festivities. Under the scheme, pandals can expect their connections to be approved within 48 hours of submitting an application.

How the Application Process Works

Organisers looking to set up temporary connections can visit the Adani Electricity website and navigate to the 'New Connection' section to apply for temporary supply. An Adani Electricity spokesperson framed the initiative as part of the company's broader commitment to customer service during the festival period. "By offering reliable temporary electricity connections for Ganesh Pandals, we aim to ensure the festival's spirit is celebrated with uninterrupted power. This initiative reflects our dedication to serving our customers," the spokesperson said.

Why This Matters for a City-Wide Festival

Mumbai's Ganesh Festival involves thousands of pandals set up across residential and public spaces, many of which require short-term power access for lighting, sound systems and decorative displays over the course of the celebration. Offering these connections at residential rather than commercial rates, combined with a fast 48-hour turnaround, reduces both the cost burden and administrative delay for often informally organised community pandals, a detail that matters given how many of these setups are run by neighbourhood committees rather than commercial entities with dedicated resources for utility applications.

Building on Last Year's Scale

The company pointed to its track record from the previous year as evidence of its readiness to handle this year's demand. "Last year, we successfully provided uninterrupted power to over 1000 Ganesh pandals across the city. We've made thorough preparations to expedite connection approvals and maintain reliable power supply throughout the festival. Our dedicated Quick Response Team is strategically deployed to address any issues swiftly," the spokesperson said, signalling that the infrastructure and response mechanisms built up over previous festival seasons are being scaled up again this year.

Extensive Lighting for Immersion Sites

Beyond individual pandal connections, Adani Electricity confirmed it will provide illumination through 2,958 floodlights installed at more than 167 idol immersion locations across the city. Immersion sites typically see large crowds gathering after dark during the festival's concluding days, making adequate lighting a significant safety consideration alongside its role in supporting the visual spectacle of the immersion processions.

Safety Guidelines for Pandal Organisers

Given the scale of temporary electrical setups involved, Adani Electricity has laid out detailed safety guidelines for organisers. The company is urging pandals to use only authorised, licensed electrical contractors for wiring work, and has outlined a series of specific precautions: ensuring wiring readiness at the site, restricting meter cabin access to authorised personnel, using standard wires and switches, installing a single isolation point for emergencies, securing wires with standard insulation tape, maintaining clear access to meter cabins and switches, and ensuring connected load stays within sanctioned limits.

Additional safety measures recommended include keeping a fire extinguisher with clear operating instructions near the meter cabin, displaying a danger board, and ensuring proper earthing at the site. Organisers have also been explicitly warned against unauthorised extensions or direct power tapping, creating unnecessary wiring joints, blocking meter cabin access, exceeding sanctioned load limits, or allowing public access to floodlights, pedestals, fans or insulated joints.

A Balance Between Festivity and Precaution

Taken together, Adani Electricity's initiative reflects an attempt to balance the practical demands of a citywide festival, requiring fast, affordable and widespread power access, with the safety risks inherent in large numbers of temporary electrical setups operating simultaneously across densely populated areas, particularly around immersion sites where crowd density adds further complexity to electrical safety management.

• INS Sudarshini hosted Italian Navy Chief Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto at Livorno, who interacted with the crew and cadets.
• Indian Ambassador to Italy Vani Rao also visited the ship, welcoming Italian dignitaries onboard.
• Indian Navy personnel visited the ITS Virginio Fasan frigate and the Italian Naval Academy during the port call.
• INS Sudarshini undertook a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Italy's ITS Palinuro after arriving at Livorno on Wednesday.
• The visit follows the ship's six-day Barcelona port call as part of its ongoing Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition.

A High-Level Reception at Livorno

Indian Navy sail training ship INS Sudarshini hosted Italian Navy Chief Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto during its port call at Livorno, in an engagement that underscored the deepening maritime relationship between India and Italy. The Admiral was briefed on the ship's activities and spent time interacting with its crew and cadets, an exchange the Indian Embassy in Rome described as reflective of the enduring friendship and growing naval cooperation between the two countries.

Ambassador Rao's Onboard Visit

Indian Ambassador to Italy Vani Rao also visited INS Sudarshini at Livorno, spending time with officers, sailors and cadets aboard the vessel and welcoming Italian dignitaries who attended a reception held on the ship. According to the Indian Embassy, Rao used the occasion to highlight the longstanding maritime linkages between India and Italy, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation on maritime security. She also extended wishes for fair winds and following seas to the crew as they continue their Lokayan26 voyage.

Why This Port Call Matters

Sail training deployments like Lokayan26 serve a dual purpose for the Indian Navy: they build seamanship and leadership skills among cadets while doubling as instruments of naval diplomacy across the ports the ship visits. The Livorno stop, involving both a chief-of-navy-level reception and ambassador-level engagement, signals that India views its maritime relationship with Italy as one worth reinforcing at multiple levels simultaneously, military and diplomatic, rather than treating the port call as a routine logistical stop.

Professional Exchanges Beyond the Ship

Beyond the receptions, Indian Navy personnel used the Livorno stop to visit ITS Virginio Fasan, an Italian Navy Carlo Bergamini-class frigate, as well as the Italian Naval Academy. The Indian mission in Italy noted that these visits fostered professional exchanges between the two navies and added further depth to the port call's programme, extending the engagement beyond ceremonial interactions into working-level naval cooperation.

A Passage Exercise With the Italian Navy

INS Sudarshini arrived at Livorno Port on Wednesday and, during its stay, carried out a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Italian Navy's ITS Palinuro. The Indian Embassy described the exercise as having boosted interoperability and camaraderie between the two navies, framing it as evidence of both countries' shared commitment to deepening maritime cooperation. Passage exercises of this kind typically allow participating navies to coordinate manoeuvres and communication protocols, offering a practical dimension to what might otherwise remain largely symbolic port visits.

Part of a Larger Transoceanic Expedition

The Livorno engagement comes shortly after INS Sudarshini concluded a six-day port call in Barcelona, Spain, earlier in the week, as part of its ongoing Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition. That Barcelona stop had similarly reaffirmed maritime ties between India and Spain, suggesting a broader pattern to the voyage: using an extended sailing expedition to systematically strengthen India's naval relationships across multiple European ports rather than concentrating engagement in a single destination.

• 85,000+ jobs created: CM Mohan Yadav said the state aims to generate around one lakh new government jobs annually, alongside promotions for nearly 2.5 lakh posts.
• Comments made at "Seva Sankalp Abhiyan" event: The month-long campaign marks PM Modi's 25 years in public life.
• Response on recent tragedies: Yadav addressed the Chhindwara cough syrup deaths and the Sagar liquor tragedy that killed 16, saying prompt action was taken in both cases.
• Healthcare push for backward regions: The government plans more hospitals across the Rewa-Satna to Betul and Chhindwara belt to reduce dependence on Jabalpur or Nagpur.
• Jabalpur to become a metropolitan city: Preparations are underway to develop the city to better serve the surrounding region.
• Investment and infrastructure claims: Yadav cited MP's investment growth, the Ken-Betwa and Kalisindh-Chambal river-linking projects, and rising medical college numbers.

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Friday that the state government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remains firmly committed to providing employment to the youth.

He announced that more than 85,000 government jobs have already been created and that the state aims to generate around one lakh new jobs every year, along with promotions for nearly 2.5 lakh posts.

CM's Remarks On PM Modi's 25 Years In Public Life

Addressing a press conference at the state BJP headquarters on the month-long "Seva Sankalp Abhiyan" to mark Prime Minister Modi's 25 years in public life, Chief Minister Yadav said the work done by the Prime Minister during this period would be remembered for generations.

He noted that despite attempts to disrupt global trade, India continues to move forward with strength while keeping its national interests paramount.

The Chief Minister highlighted India's growing global prestige, saying that the country now confidently engages with major powers, including the United States and China, while prioritising its own interests.

Recalling PM Modi's past days when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Chief Minister Yadav said the United States had denied him a visa, yet today India under his (PM Modi's) leadership has established a strong presence on the world stage.

The continued resilience of the Indian economy amid global challenges, he added, further validates the Prime Minister's visionary leadership.

Response On Chhindwara And Sagar Tragedies

Responding to questions on recent incidents in the state, including the Chhindwara cough syrup deaths and the Sagar toxic liquor tragedy that claimed 16 lives, CM Yadav said the state government had taken prompt and strict action in every case.

He told that the main accused in the Sagar liquor case faced a "short-encounter" while trying to escape.

A state-wide campaign against drug abuse is also underway, and negligence at any level will not be tolerated, the Chief Minister asserted.

Healthcare Expansion In Backward Regions

Chief Minister Yadav said the region from Rewa-Satna to Betul and Chhindwara has long remained backward and requires more hospitals.

The state government is focusing on establishing allopathic and Ayurvedic facilities so that people do not have to travel to Jabalpur or Nagpur for treatment, he added.

This, he said, would also generate local employment.

Preparations are in progress to develop Jabalpur as a metropolitan city to serve the surrounding region better, the Chief Minister added.

Investment And Infrastructure Claims

He also said that Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the country's leading state in attracting the fastest investment, and the Global Investment Summit will again be held in Bhopal next year.

"Under the Prime Minister's leadership, the state has secured major river-linking projects such as Ken-Betwa and Kalisindh-Chambal."

"The Suryaghar free electricity scheme has given a strong push to green energy, while the number of medical colleges in the state has seen a historic rise."

(With inputs from IANS)

Staged at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, on Thursday, 10 September, the production wove together classical dance, music and visual storytelling to reflect on pressing environmental challenges — from the degradation of rivers and forests to humanity’s expanding footprint beyond Earth. The evening was graced by Stefan Priesner, UN Resident Coordinator in India, as Chief Guest.

This collaboration extends ReNew’s commitment to taking the clean energy and climate conversation beyond the energy sector. At the heart of this effort is Clean Energy Humse Hai, ReNew’s campaign that makes the clean energy transition personal and relevant to every Indian. Built on the idea that clean energy is not just about technology or policy, but about all of us, the campaign seeks to inspire collective ownership of the choices shaping our future.

Conceived by Guru Dr. Shovana Narayan, along with her Asavari Repertory, Fractured Harmonies unfolds across four acts — exploring polluted rivers and seas, deforestation and its impact on communities, humanity’s growing presence in space, and the challenge of space debris. The performance culminates in Restoring Nature’s Harmony — a call to move from recognition to responsibility, and from awareness to collective action.

Drawing on the regenerative forces of Sooraj, HawaaurPaani, the production uses the vocabulary of Kathak to reflect on the interconnectedness of life and the possibility of renewal.

Speaking at the occasion, Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co founder, ReNew, said: “Clean Energy Humse Hai is about recognising that the transition to a cleaner future is not somebody else’s responsibility — it belongs to each of us. Art has a unique ability to make us pause, reflect and feel. Our collaboration with Guru Dr. Shovana Narayan brings this message to life in a powerful new way.”

She added: “Fractured Harmonies reminds us that the choices we make today have consequences for generations to come. But it also reminds us that renewal is possible. We can restore balance when we recognise our shared responsibility and act together.”

“Fractured Harmonies is a subject very close to my heart,” says Guru Shovana Narayan. “Through dance, we have sought to engage with some of the most pressing concerns of our time. While the production acknowledges what is being lost, it also looks towards renewal and our shared capacity to restore balance. Art can encourage us to pause, reflect and perhaps see our responsibilities differently.”

Through this initiative, ReNew is broadening the public conversation around India’s clean energy transition, encouraging greater individual ownership of the journey towards a sustainable future. By bringing the message into the realm of art and culture, ReNew seeks to make climate action not just something we understand, but something we feel and engage with.
This collaboration reflects a shared belief: addressing the climate challenge requires both systemic change and individual participation. As India moves towards a cleaner energy future, the conversation must reach beyond the energy sector and become part of the larger national dialogue on how we live, consume and coexist with our natural world.

• 80 lakh vaccinations administered: The Union Ministry of Health announced India has crossed 80 lakh HPV vaccinations, calling it a key milestone in preventive healthcare.
• Campaign launched in February: PM Modi launched the nationwide HPV vaccination drive for girls aged 14 and above from Ajmer, Rajasthan.
• Goal: Eliminate cervical cancer: The initiative aims to protect millions of girls from developing HPV-associated cancers in the future.
• Expert backing: Oncologist Dattatreyudu Nori said the vaccination drive gives India a "decisive advantage" in eliminating cervical cancer within years.
• 200 deaths daily cited: Nori noted that around 200 women die of cervical cancer in India every day, calling the disease preventable, detectable and curable.
• Broader healthcare progress noted: Nori also credited the establishment of the National Cancer Institute and expanded cancer treatment facilities over the past 12 years.

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Health on Friday announced that India has crossed 80 lakh Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations, marking an "important milestone" against HPV infection and HPV-associated cancers.

In a post on X, the Health Ministry said: "India has crossed 80 lakh HPV vaccinations, marking another important milestone in strengthening preventive healthcare and advancing protection against HPV infection and HPV-associated cancers."

"With every vaccination, India takes another step towards a healthier, cancer-free future for its daughters," it added.

About The Nationwide Campaign

The nationwide HPV vaccination campaign for girls aged 14 years and above was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Rajasthan's Ajmer in February.

What Is HPV And Why This Vaccine Matters: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that, in persistent infections, is the primary cause of cervical cancer — one of the most common cancers among women in India. The HPV vaccine works by protecting against the virus strains most responsible for triggering these cancers, making early vaccination, before likely exposure to the virus, a key preventive tool rather than a treatment.

The initiative aims to eradicate cervical cancer among women in India.

By expanding access to the HPV vaccine, the programme is expected to protect millions of girls across the country from developing life-threatening cancers in the future.

Expert View: "We'll Be Able To Eliminate Cancer Of The Cervix"

Earlier this year, Indian-American radiation oncologist Dattatreyudu Nori said HPV vaccination could give India a decisive advantage in its fight against cervical cancer and help eliminate the disease in the coming years.

"Now, with the HPV vaccination, we have an upper hand, and in few years, we'll be able to eliminate cancer of the cervix from India," Nori said in an interview with IANS.

The 2026 Padma Bhushan awardee described cervical cancer as preventable, detectable and curable, making the continued loss of lives particularly distressing for doctors working in oncology.

"Cancer of the cervix is preventable, is detectable, is treatable and curable," he said.

Nori said about 200 women die of cervical cancer every day in India. He welcomed the introduction of free HPV vaccination for girls, saying it could substantially strengthen prevention efforts.

Broader Progress In India's Cancer Care

He also praised the changes he said had taken place in India's healthcare sector over the past 12 years, particularly in cancer prevention and treatment.

"A lot of significant positive changes have happened in healthcare," he said.

Nori also cited the establishment of the National Cancer Institute and the expansion of cancer treatment facilities among the important steps taken during this period.

• Five-member inspection team formed: Headed by the Majhgawan SDM, the team will identify structures obstructing the Mandakini River's natural flow in Chitrakoot.
• Flood levels far exceeded HFL: During floods on August 28-29, water at Arogyadham reached 145.76 metres against the designated High Flood Level of 139.60 metres.
• Hanumandhara Bridge washed away: The flooding caused significant infrastructure damage, including the loss of the bridge.
• Inspection follows SC and NGT guidelines: The exercise will assess illegal plotting, weak structures and new constructions along the riverbanks.
• Minister had flagged encroachments: Kailash Vijayvargiya had earlier said encroachments obstructing the river's flow would be removed.

Satna: The Satna district administration in Madhya Pradesh has constituted a five-member team to inspect constructions and encroachments along the banks of the Mandakini River in Chitrakoot following the flooding of the river last week.

The team, headed by the Majhgawan Sub-Divisional Magistrate, will identify structures that may be obstructing the natural flow of the river and also assess the High Flood Level (HFL) of the Mandakini, Collector Satish Kumar S. said.

The inspection will be carried out in accordance with guidelines issued by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), he said in a statement.

Flood Severity: Water Level Exceeded HFL By Over 6 Metres

During the floods on the night of August 28-29, the water level of the Mandakini River at Arogyadham reached 145.76 metres, against the designated HFL of 139.60 metres. The Hanumandhara Bridge was also washed away in the flooding.

Understanding High Flood Level (HFL): The High Flood Level is the highest water level a river is officially expected to reach, based on historical data, used by authorities to plan riverside construction and flood-preparedness measures. When actual flood levels exceed the HFL by as much as 6 metres, as happened here, it signals either an extraordinarily severe flood event or that obstructions along the riverbank — like unauthorised construction — may be worsening the river's natural flow and pushing water levels higher than they otherwise would be.

"The team will identify constructions and other infrastructure obstructing the natural flow of the river. Action will be taken against violations as per rules," he said.

Who Is On The Inspection Team

The team comprises the Chief Municipal Officer, a Naib Tehsildar, Sub-Divisional Officers of the Public Works Department and Water Resources Department, and a Municipal Council sub-engineer.

What The Inspection Will Cover

Illegal plotting and government and private constructions along the riverbanks will be examined during the inspection.

The administration will also identify old and structurally weak buildings and check whether they comply with the prescribed norms. New constructions and reconstructed buildings in the riverbank areas will also be scrutinised from the safety point of view, according to the official statement.

"The exercise is aimed at minimising flood-related damage and ensuring public safety during any future rise in the river's water level," the Collector said.

Background: Minister Had Flagged Encroachments Earlier

The move comes days after Urban Development and Housing Minister and district in-charge minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said government and private encroachments obstructing the Mandakini's flow would be removed.

The inspection is expected to help the administration identify violations and determine further action to prevent obstruction of the river's flow.

• Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia announced: PM Modi announced compensation from the PM's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each person killed in the Nanded accident.
• Rs 50,000 for the injured: The Prime Minister also announced financial assistance for those injured in the crash.
• Six killed, eight critically injured: A passenger van collided head-on with a truck on the Nanded-Bhokar road on Thursday evening near Sitakhandi Ghat.
• Locals led the initial rescue: Residents rushed to the spot to pull injured passengers from the mangled van before shifting them to hospitals.
• Accident occurred on Pola festival day: The crash triggered panic in the area, with police and rescue teams managing the scene.
• Cause under investigation: Officials have not yet confirmed whether road conditions, visibility, speed or mechanical failure contributed to the collision.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed sadness over the loss of lives in a road accident in Maharashtra's Nanded and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased.

PMO India took to social media 'X' and said, "Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Nanded, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM Narendra Modi."

What Is PMNRF: The Prime Minister's National Relief Fund is a fund maintained to provide immediate financial assistance to families affected by natural disasters, accidents and other emergencies. It is funded entirely through public and corporate donations, not government budgetary allocations, and ex-gratia payments like this one are a routine mechanism the PM's office uses to offer swift support to affected families while longer-term relief and investigations proceed separately.

How The Accident Occurred

Earlier, at least six people were killed and eight others critically injured after a passenger van collided head-on with a truck on the Nanded-Bhokar road in Maharashtra's Nanded district on Thursday evening, police said.

The accident took place at around 7 p.m. near Sitakhandi Ghat, an official said.

The van was travelling from Nanded towards Bhokar when it collided with the truck. The impact left the van mangled, the police official said.

Local residents rushed to the spot following the accident and helped pull the injured out of the wreckage. The injured were subsequently shifted to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.

Victims And Ongoing Investigation

Among those killed were Syed Almas of Bilal Nagar in Bhokar, Sheikh Firoz of Bhokar, Pandurang Laxman Waghmare and his wife, Laxmibai Pandurang Waghmare, of Syed Nagar, and Balwan Pawar of Potatanda village in Taluka Hadgaon. Police have not yet identified one of the deceased.

Some of the injured were stated to be in critical condition, the official said.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, including how the van and truck came into contact on the road. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.

Officials have not yet provided information on whether factors such as road conditions, visibility, vehicle speed or mechanical failure contributed to the accident.

The accident occurred on the day of the Pola festival, triggering panic in the area. Local residents and rescue teams rushed to the spot after the crash, while police arrived and began managing traffic and rescue operations.

• Rs 1,233.87 crore transferred: The August social security pension was credited to 105.68 lakh beneficiaries across Bihar via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on September 10.
• Rs 1,100 per beneficiary: Each eligible person received Rs 1,100 for the month, up from the earlier Rs 400 monthly amount.
• Pension hike traces back to 2025 polls: The increase was announced during the 2025 Bihar Assembly election campaign and retained by the NDA government after returning to power.
• Launched from Munger: Samrat Choudhary initiated the transfer via remote control and video conferencing at an event in Munger.
• Personal visit coincides with the launch: Choudhary also attended his mother's death anniversary observance in his native Munger the same day.
• Flood relief visit: Mamata Choudhary toured flood-affected areas in Munger, meeting victims and inspecting a community kitchen.

Patna: In a major relief for social security pension beneficiaries in Bihar, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday initiated the transfer of the social security pension amount for August directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Choudhary initiated the transfer at a programme organised in Munger, using a remote control and participating in the DBT process through video conferencing.

He reached the event venue at Ganga Mor around 12:30 p.m. He subsequently launched the transfer of the August pension amount to beneficiaries across the state.

Pension Amount And Beneficiary Details

Under the social security pension scheme, each beneficiary received Rs 1,100 for the month of August.

A total of Rs 1,233.87 crore was transferred to the accounts of 105.68 lakh beneficiaries through DBT.

The pension amount was credited to the beneficiaries' accounts on September 10. Beneficiaries can check whether the amount has been credited through their respective banks or via mobile and internet banking services.

Background: How The Pension Amount Was Raised

The monthly social security pension for widows, elderly persons and people with disabilities was earlier Rs 400.

During the 2025 Bihar Assembly election campaign, the then state government announced an increase in the pension amount to Rs 1,100 per month.

The NDA government retained the enhanced pension after returning to power, continuing the higher monthly assistance for eligible beneficiaries.

The social security pension programme is aimed at providing regular financial support to vulnerable sections of society, including elderly persons, widows and persons with disabilities.

A Personal Visit To Munger

Samrat Choudhary, along with his wife Mamata Choudhary, reached his native place Munger on Thursday morning and attended an observance marking the death anniversary of his mother.

His mother had also served as an MLA from the Tarapur Assembly constituency. Later, he wrote on X, "Heartfelt tribute to the revered Mother Shri Late Parvati Devi Ji on her death anniversary."

Mamata Choudhary also toured flood-affected areas of Munger. She met flood victims to enquire about their well-being and inspected arrangements at a community kitchen.

(With inputs from IANS)

• Launcher collapse in Vaishali: A bridge launcher collapsed near Jalalpur village in Lalganj block around 9:30 am, injuring several labourers and trapping one worker.
• One worker critical: A worker from neighbouring Muzaffarpur district remained trapped under the structure; rescue teams used gas cutters to reach him.
• Site details: The collapse occurred at an under-construction overbridge on the Gandak River corridor, part of a 38.8-km road connecting Bakarpur to Manikpur.
• Unverified safety allegations: Villagers alleged inadequate safety equipment and prior signs of the structure sinking; these claims have not been independently verified.
• Crowd unrest during rescue: An agitated crowd reportedly vandalised the construction company's camp, damaging chairs, tables and CCTV cameras amid anger over response delays.
• Investigation launched: Authorities are probing the cause of the collapse and the safety measures at the site.

Patna: A major accident occurred in Bihar's Vaishali district on Thursday morning when a launcher used in the construction of a bridge on a four-lane highway collapsed, injuring several labourers and trapping one worker beneath the iron structure.

The incident took place at around 9.30 a.m. near Jalalpur village under Lalganj block in Vaishali district. According to local residents, five to seven labourers sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. One worker, reportedly a resident of neighbouring Muzaffarpur district, remained trapped and was said to be in critical condition. Rescue teams later used gas cutters to remove parts of the structure and reach him.

What Is A Bridge Launcher: A bridge launcher (or launching girder) is a large piece of construction machinery used to lift and position massive concrete or steel bridge segments into place across a span, allowing crews to build a bridge outward from existing supports without needing a crane positioned beneath the structure — a common method for elevated highway corridors and river crossings like this one.

Site And Eyewitness Accounts

The collapse occurred at the site of an under-construction overbridge on the Gandak River corridor, around half a km before the river near Jalalpur village, eyewitnesses said. Villagers claimed they provided water to the trapped worker while waiting for rescue personnel to arrive.

As rescue operations gathered pace, large numbers of local residents assembled at the site, expressing anger over what they described as delays in the emergency response.

Unverified Allegations Over Safety Standards

Villagers and workers alleged that adequate safety equipment, including safety belts, had not been provided at the construction site. They also claimed emergency arrangements were insufficient following the collapse. These allegations could not be independently verified.

Some residents further alleged that parts of the structure had shown signs of sinking before the accident, raising questions about construction quality. These claims are also yet to be independently verified.

Officials Reach The Site, Tensions Escalate

Following the incident, Gopal Mandal, SDPO of Lalganj Sadar-2, along with police personnel, Block Development Officer Sujit Kumar, local representatives and other administrative officials, reached the site to oversee rescue and crowd-management efforts.

Tensions escalated during the rescue operation, with an agitated crowd allegedly vandalising the construction company's camp. Chairs, tables and CCTV cameras were reportedly damaged. Shubhank Mishra, Senior Superintendent of Police, Vaishali, later reached the spot and reviewed the situation.

About The Project

The project forms part of a nearly 38.8-km road corridor connecting Bakarpur in Saran district with Manikpur in Muzaffarpur district via Lalganj in Vaishali district. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse and the safety measures in place at the construction site. Further details on the injured workers were awaited.

• 5,400 special buses over 5 days: Tamil Nadu's State Transport Undertakings will run additional buses from Thursday to Monday ahead of Vinayaka Chaturthi and the extended weekend.
• Kilambakkam handles the bulk: The terminus alone will operate 3,520 outward special services between Thursday and Sunday, covering routes to Madurai, Coimbatore, Salem and more.
• Koyambedu and Madhavaram also scaled up: Koyambedu will run 585 services and Madhavaram 330, connecting Chennai to destinations like Bengaluru, Vellore and Puducherry.
• 765 buses for the return rush: Additional services are planned for Monday to manage passengers travelling back to Chennai and Bengaluru after the holiday.
• Heavy advance bookings: Reservations already show 32,171 bookings for Friday alone, with numbers expected to climb closer to the festival.
• Book early, officials advise: Passengers have been urged to reserve tickets via the TNSTC website or app to avoid last-minute overcrowding.

Chennai: Tamil Nadu's State Transport Undertakings will operate 5,400 special buses over five days to handle the expected surge in passenger traffic ahead of Vinayaka Chaturthi, auspicious wedding dates and the extended weekend.

The additional services will run from Thursday to Monday, connecting Chennai with major towns and cities across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states.

Kilambakkam To Run The Largest Share Of Services

The transport department has planned the largest share of services from Kilambakkam bus terminus, the principal departure point for south-bound routes. A total of 585 special buses will leave Kilambakkam on Thursday, followed by 1,255 on Friday, 1,030 on Saturday and 650 on Sunday. These buses will serve Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchy, Kumbakonam, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Coimbatore, Salem, Erode and Tirupur. Koyambedu will also handle additional services during the holiday period.

The transport corporations will operate 240 special buses from the terminus on Friday and Saturday, besides 105 services on Sunday. They will connect Chennai with Tiruvannamalai, Nagapattinam, Velankanni, Hosur and Bengaluru.

Services From Madhavaram And Other Cities

Corresponding services have been arranged from these destinations to Chennai. At Madhavaram terminus, 110 extra buses will be operated daily from Friday to Sunday. The services will cover Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchy, Kumbakonam, Vellore, Hosur and Puducherry.

Outside Chennai, another 200 special buses will operate from Bengaluru, Tirupur, Erode and Coimbatore to different destinations. Authorities have also made arrangements for the return rush on Monday, when 765 additional buses will be deployed from various places to Chennai and Bengaluru according to passenger demand.

The deployment has been staggered to match the anticipated movement of travellers out of Chennai before the festival and their return after the holiday.

Kilambakkam alone will account for 3,520 outward special services between Thursday and Sunday, while Madhavaram will provide 330 and Koyambedu 585 during their respective operating periods overall.

Advance Bookings Point To Heavy Travel

Advance reservations indicate heavy travel during the period. According to the Managing Director of the State Express Transport Corporation, 8,666 passengers have booked tickets for Thursday and 32,171 for Friday. Bookings stand at 18,772 for Saturday, 11,177 for Sunday and 23,740 for Monday.

Officials expect the figures to rise as the festival approaches. Passengers undertaking long-distance journeys have been urged to reserve seats early to avoid overcrowding and last-minute inconvenience. Tickets can be booked through the official TNSTC website, www.tnstc.in, or the TNSTC mobile application.

(With inputs from IANS)

• Rs 10,021 crore approved: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs cleared five multitracking railway projects spanning Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana.
• 540 km added, 2,121 villages connected: The projects will expand the rail network by about 540 km, benefiting 2,121 villages with a combined population of around 52 lakh.
• Five key routes: These include Arakkonam-Renigunta (77 km), Whitefield-Bangarapet (47 km), Hosur-Omalur (147 km), Salem-Karur-Dindigul (159 km) and Secunderabad-Kazipet (110 km).
• Completion by 2029-30: The projects, planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aim to ease congestion and improve service reliability.
• Boost to tourist and freight connectivity: The upgrades will improve access to destinations like Tirupati and Kodaikanal, while adding 47 MTPA of freight capacity for goods like coal, cement and steel.
• Environmental impact: The projects are expected to cut oil imports by 8 crore litres and reduce CO2 emissions by 42 crore kg — equivalent to planting around 2 crore trees.

New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved five multitracking railway projects with an investment of Rs 10,021 crore.

The five projects, covering 17 districts across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 540 km. The multi-tracking projects will enhance connectivity to approximately 2,121 villages, with a total population of about 52 lakh.

The Five Projects

These projects include the Arakkonam-Renigunta 3rd and 4th Line over a stretch of 77 km, Whitefield-Bangarapet 3rd and 4th Line (47 km), Hosur-Omalur Doubling (147 km), Salem-Karur-Dindigul Doubling (159 km), and Secunderabad (Ghatkesar)-Kazipet, extending to 110 km, according to an official statement.

The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking projects are poised to alleviate congestion and are scheduled to be completed by 2029-30.

Part Of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan

The projects are planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with a focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services.

Boost To Tourism And Pilgrimage Circuits

The approved capacity enhancement will improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations across the country, including Tirupati, Subramaniya Swamy Temple (Tiruttani), Sri Padmavati Ammavaari Temple (Tiruchanur), Kotilingeshwara Devaalaya, Sri Seethi Byraveshwara Swamy Temple, Bangaru Tirupati, Kolar Gold Fields, Hogennakkal Falls, Hosur Fort, Mettur Dam, Kodaikanal Hills, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple, Namakkal Fort, Kalyana Pasupatheswar Temple, Yadagirigutta Temple, Bhongir Fort, Surendrapuri, and Swarnagiri Temple.

Freight And Environmental Benefits

These projects are also essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, food grains, petroleum products, fertilisers, etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 47 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).

The Railways, being an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimising logistics costs of the country, reduce oil imports by around 8 crore litres and lower CO2 emissions by 42 crore kg, which is equivalent to the plantation of around 2 crore trees, the statement added.

• Rs 1.50 crore approved: Gujarat sanctioned funds to upgrade facilities at 29 Ashramshalas, grant-in-aid hostels and secondary schools in Aravalli, benefiting around 4,922 tribal students.
• Under the New Gujarat Pattern Scheme: The approval covers equipment and infrastructure based on students' living and studying requirements.
• Facilities to be added: These include bunk beds with mattresses, classroom benches, washing machines, solar rooftop systems and RO drinking water systems.
• Procurement safeguards in place: Equipment purchases will follow quality checks, warranty provisions, staff training and stock-register documentation.
• Ministerial oversight: The decision was taken under CM Bhupendra Patel, with Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel and MoS Poonamchand Baranda overseeing implementation.

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government on Wednesday approved Rs 1.50 crore for improving residential and educational facilities at 29 Ashramshalas, grant-in-aid hostels and secondary schools in Aravalli district, benefiting around 4,922 tribal students.

The administrative approval has been granted under the "New Gujarat Pattern Scheme" to provide equipment and infrastructure based on the requirements of students living and studying at these institutions.

What Facilities Will Be Added

The facilities to be developed include bunk beds with mattresses, classroom benches, washing machines, solar rooftop systems and reverse osmosis (RO) systems.

The bunk beds and mattresses will strengthen accommodation facilities for students staying in Ashramshalas and hostels, while additional benches are intended to improve classroom arrangements.

The approved funds will also be used for washing machines to support the day-to-day management of residential institutions and RO systems to provide access to treated drinking water. Solar rooftop installations are also part of the works planned under the approval.

"The decision was taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, with Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel and Minister of State, Poonamchand Baranda, overseeing the department concerned," officials said.

Procurement And Implementation Process

The government said the works would be implemented according to prescribed procurement procedures, financial regulations and other applicable rules.

Equipment procurement and installation will be subject to quality checks, while student safety will be taken into account during installation.

For equipment such as washing machines, suppliers will be required to provide demonstrations and necessary training to institutional staff.

Warranty, guarantee and after-sales service provisions will also be considered during procurement. Details of purchased equipment will be entered in stock registers, with regular inspections planned as part of the implementation process.

Addressing Both Educational And Residential Needs

The government said the infrastructure improvements were intended to address both the educational and residential requirements of students in tribal areas.

In addition to classroom facilities, the works cover accommodation, drinking water, sanitation-related requirements, daily-use equipment and renewable-energy infrastructure.

The Rs 1.50 crore approval follows the technical and administrative clearances for the proposed works and will allow the facilities at the 29 institutions in Aravalli to be taken up for implementation under the New Gujarat Pattern.

(With inputs from IANS)

• Fire breaks out early Wednesday: A major fire erupted at Shyam Sangini Textile Market in Surat's Saroli area, with the control room receiving the first call around 12:52 a.m.
• 20-22 fire tenders deployed: Firefighters used turntable ladders and hydraulic platforms to tackle flames on the market's fourth and fifth floors.
• Double-height floors add difficulty: Officials said the affected floors are effectively at a height of around 20 metres due to the market's double-height floor design.
• Electricity shut off as precaution: Power supply to the building was cut to prevent electrical hazards during firefighting operations.
• Zero visibility inside: Dense smoke reduced visibility to almost nothing, forcing firefighters to use breathing apparatus to enter the premises.
• No casualties reported: No one has been reported trapped inside, with containment operations continuing.

Surat: A major fire broke out at the Shyam Sangini Textile Market in the Saroli area of Surat early Wednesday, prompting the deployment of around 20-22 fire brigade vehicles as firefighters battled intense flames and dense smoke spreading across the upper floors of the market, officials said.

According to rescue officials, the fire control room received the first emergency call at around 12:52 a.m., following which fire tenders were immediately dispatched from three nearby fire stations to the location.

Firefighters who reached the spot found the fourth and fifth floors of the market engulfed in flames, while thick smoke had severely reduced visibility inside the building, making it difficult for personnel to assess and approach the affected areas.

Considering the intensity and scale of the blaze, a major fire call was subsequently declared, following which additional fire tenders were mobilised from other areas of Surat to assist in the firefighting and rescue operation.

Firefighting Complicated By Double-Height Floors

Surat Municipal Corporation Chief Fire Officer Basant Parikh said that firefighting operations were being carried out with the assistance of turntable ladders and hydraulic platforms due to the considerable height of the floors affected by the fire.

"Around 20-22 fire tenders have been deployed to control the blaze," he said.

"The textile market has double-height floors, which means that the fourth and fifth floors are effectively situated at a much greater height than their conventional levels. As a result, firefighters are having to conduct the operation at a height of around 20 metres," he added.

Electricity Cut, Zero Visibility Inside

Parikh mentioned that the electricity supply to the building has been shut off as a precautionary measure to prevent any electrical hazard during the firefighting operation.

At the same time, he said that the heavy smoke inside the market has reduced visibility to almost zero, creating additional challenges for the firefighters working inside the building.

"Firefighters are using breathing apparatus sets to enter the smoke-filled premises and reach the affected floors to tackle the flames," Parikh stated.

Operation Still Underway

The firefighting teams are continuing efforts to bring the blaze under control and prevent the fire from spreading further to other parts of the market or nearby areas.

There have been no reports of anyone being trapped inside the building, and firefighting and containment operations remain underway, officials said.

(With inputs from IANS)

• Pleasant, cloudy day for Delhi-NCR: IMD forecasts a cloudy sky on Wednesday, with temperatures between 26°C and 35°C, and no weather warning issued for the week.
• Stable week ahead for Delhi: Daytime temperatures are expected to stay between 32°C and 35°C through September 15, gradually easing to around 31°C next week.
• Haryana and Rajasthan hot and dry: Both states expect temperatures around 36-37°C with hazy sunshine, and no warnings issued.
• Heavy rain warnings for Bihar and Odisha: IMD has flagged thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rainfall risks in both states.
• Uttarakhand faces intense rain spells: IMD has warned of thunderstorms and very intense rain at isolated locations across several districts.
• Himachal Pradesh sees isolated showers: Partly sunny skies with scattered afternoon rain are expected, though no major warning has been issued.

New Delhi: Delhi-NCR is likely to experience relatively pleasant weather on Wednesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a cloudy sky throughout the day. The minimum temperature is expected to remain around 26 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature may touch 35 degrees Celsius.

According to the weather department, winds in Delhi are likely to blow at around 3.89 kmph, with gusts reaching speeds of up to 8.61 kmph. The national capital witnessed sunrise at 6:02 a.m. on Wednesday, while sunset is expected at 6:33 p.m.

A Stable Week Ahead For Delhi

The IMD forecast suggests that weather conditions in Delhi are likely to remain broadly stable during the coming week. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain between 32 and 35 degrees Celsius from September 9 to September 15.

On Thursday, September 10, the maximum temperature is forecast to remain around 35 degrees Celsius. It is expected to fall slightly to 32 degrees Celsius on Friday. Temperatures could remain close to 33 degrees Celsius over the weekend before dropping further to around 31 degrees Celsius next week.

The IMD has not issued any weather warning for Delhi for the week, indicating that the national capital is likely to experience generally stable conditions. The weather pattern is consistent with September conditions in Delhi, when temperatures gradually begin to moderate, although humidity can continue to remain high.

Haryana And Rajasthan: Hot And Dry

In neighbouring Haryana, weather is expected to remain very warm, with hazy sunshine likely in several areas. The maximum temperature may rise to around 37 degrees Celsius, while most parts of the state are expected to remain dry. No weather warning has been issued for Haryana, though rain activity could pick up in parts of northern India later in the week.

Rajasthan is also likely to remain hot and predominantly sunny. Temperatures may reach around 36 degrees Celsius, with the IMD issuing no weather warning for either eastern or western parts of the state.

Bihar And Odisha Under Heavy Rain Warning

Bihar, however, is expected to experience more unsettled conditions, with cloudy skies, thunderstorms and rain likely at several places. The IMD has issued a warning for heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning, urging residents to remain cautious during periods of severe weather.

Odisha may witness partly cloudy conditions accompanied by thunderstorms in some areas. Temperatures are likely to remain in the lower 30s. The weather department has issued a heavy-rain warning for the state and cautioned about thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in some areas.

Himachal Pradesh And Uttarakhand: Rain In The Hills

In Himachal Pradesh, partly sunny skies and isolated showers are expected, particularly during the afternoon. While no major weather warning has been issued, scattered rainfall remains possible.

Uttarakhand is likely to witness cloudy spells and rain, especially during the afternoon. The IMD has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and intense to very intense spells of rain at isolated locations across several districts.

(With inputs from IANS)

Also Read: Delhi-NCR: Rain, Thundershowers Likely Tuesday; AQI Moderate

• Hunger strike enters second day: J&K medical interns' hunger strike demanding a stipend hike continued into its second day, with protesters vowing to continue until a formal government order is issued.
• Demanding stipend hike to Rs 30,000: Interns, protesting for over a week, want their monthly stipend raised from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000, unchanged since 2018.
• A 2023 recommendation not implemented: A June 2023 government order had already recommended raising the stipend to Rs 25,000, but interns say it was never implemented.
• CM Omar Abdullah acknowledges delay: The Chief Minister said the matter should have been resolved earlier and noted the protest is affecting interns' work and training.
• 10 medical, 2 dental colleges affected: The protest spans interns from across J&K, with hospitals facing acute staff shortages during the strike.
• Political support: PDP MLA Syed Aga Muntazir Mehdi joined the protesting interns, criticising the UT government's priorities.

Srinagar: The hunger strike by J&K medical interns demanding an increase in their monthly stipend entered its second day on Tuesday as the protesters said their protest would continue till a formal government order is issued.

People's Democratic Party's Budgam MLA Syed Aga Muntazir Mehdi joined the protesting interns, telling reporters that the continuing protest by the medical interns indicates that the priorities of the UT government are misplaced.

The interns, who have been protesting for over a week, are demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000. They have maintained that the agitation will continue until the government issues a written order on the demand.

The protesting interns said despite a manifold increase in the cost of living, their stipend has remained unchanged since 2018.

Talks With Health Minister Continue

The latest escalation followed a meeting between representatives of the protesting interns and Health Minister Sakina Itoo. The interns said assurances were not sufficient and sought a formal order on the stipend enhancement.

Meanwhile, representatives of protesting medical interns will again meet Itoo on Tuesday to resolve the issue.

A 2023 Recommendation That Was Never Implemented

The protest involves interns from 10 Government Medical Colleges and two dental colleges across J&K. The interns have also cited the delay in implementing an earlier government recommendation on the issue. Government Order No. 538-JK(HME), issued in June 2023, had recommended enhancement of the stipend from the 2019 rate of Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000.

Government's Response

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Monday the matter should have been resolved earlier and acknowledged that the continuing agitation was affecting the interns' work and training.

Health Minister Itoo had appealed to the interns to resume their duties, maintaining that patient care should not be affected by the protest.

Impact On Healthcare Services

Medical interns form an important part of J&K's healthcare delivery system. They work in OPDs, operation theatres, emergencies and also attend to in-hospital patients in J&K. The hospitals are presently facing an acute shortage of staff during the last one week since the interns have struck work.

(With inputs from IANS)

• Large youth turnout: Young people, including Gen Z students, gathered in Vadodara to welcome PM Modi ahead of his development projects launch.
• Students hope for direct interaction: Several students expressed hope of meeting the PM personally and having him visit their college pavilions.
• Rs 35,000 crore projects to be unveiled: PM Modi is scheduled to lay foundation stones, inaugurate and dedicate development projects worth over Rs 35,000 crore around noon.
• BJP leaders welcome the enthusiasm: MP Hemang Joshi called it "a day of great joy," describing the turnout across age groups as unprecedented.

Vadodara: Young people, including members of Gen Z, turned out in large numbers in Vadodara on Tuesday to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing excitement and enthusiasm over his visit to the city and the development projects scheduled to be unveiled during his programme.

Students gathered at various locations to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister and expressed their desire to interact with him during his visit. Several youngsters said they were particularly excited about the opportunity to see PM Modi in person and convey their appreciation for the initiatives undertaken for the country's youth and economic development.

Students Share Their Excitement

Speaking to IANS, a student said there was considerable enthusiasm among young people who had gathered to welcome the Prime Minister.

"There is immense enthusiasm. A large crowd has gathered here to see Narendra Modi. When we meet him, we would like to tell him that he has done a lot for us. The Prime Minister has closely focussed on our economic growth, travels to various places, meets people, and represents India, which is really great for us," the student said.

Another student described PM Modi's visit to Vadodara as a special occasion, saying it was a matter of good fortune for the city that the Prime Minister was visiting after a long gap. The student also expressed hope that he would interact directly with students and visit their college pavilion.

"First of all, it is our good fortune that he is coming to Baroda after such a long time. I would like him to interact with us once, visit our college pavilion, and also interact with our faculty... We hope he continues to speak to Gen Z, as he frequently interacts with the youth," the student said.

Another student said getting an opportunity to meet the Prime Minister would be a memorable experience and credited his government with improvements in the education sector.

"If we get a chance to meet PM Narendra Modi, it would be a huge privilege. The education system has improved significantly because of him," the student said.

Rs 35,000 Crore Worth Of Projects On The Agenda

The Prime Minister is scheduled to lay foundation stones, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation several development projects worth more than Rs 35,000 crore in Vadodara at around noon. The projects are expected to cover multiple sectors and form a significant part of his visit to the city.

BJP Leaders React To The Turnout

The large turnout of young people was also welcomed by BJP leaders, who said the participation reflected the enthusiasm among people across different age groups for the Prime Minister's visit and the development initiatives being announced in Vadodara.

BJP MP Hemang Joshi, speaking to IANS, described the occasion as a moment of celebration for the city and said people had gathered in large numbers to welcome the Prime Minister.

"Today is a day of great joy for us, as our country's illustrious Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Vadodara to present several development gifts. The program organised today is truly unprecedented," Joshi said.

"Everyone is present here — be it children, youth or women — to welcome the Prime Minister to Vadodara," he added.

(With inputs from IANS)

• PM Modi's wishes: PM Modi praised Giriraj Singh's initiatives to strengthen the textiles sector and empower weavers and artisans on his birthday.
• Amit Shah, Piyush Goyal, Kiren Rijiju also wish him: Multiple Cabinet colleagues extended birthday greetings, highlighting his work in the textile and handloom sector.
• Long political career: Singh has held roles from Bihar Legislative Council member to Union Minister for Animal Husbandry, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and now Textiles.
• Two-time Begusarai MP: Singh won Begusarai in 2019 by defeating Kanhaiya Kumar, and retained the seat in 2024, defeating Awadhesh Kumar Rai by 81,480 votes.
• Textiles portfolio since 2024: He took charge as Union Minister of Textiles on June 11, 2024.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended birthday wishes to Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, praising his initiatives to strengthen the sector and empower weavers and artisans.

"Best wishes to Union Minister Shri Giriraj Singh Ji on his birthday. He is undertaking several initiatives aimed at strengthening the textiles sector, which is so closely linked with Indian heritage and is vital to fulfilling our vision of self-reliance. Praying for his long and healthy life," PM Modi said in a post on X.

Other Leaders Extend Greetings

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his greetings to Singh and lauded his efforts to promote the textile industry and make weavers and artisans self-reliant.

"Heartfelt birthday wishes to Union Minister Shri Giriraj Singh ji. Under the leadership of Modi ji, you are doing commendable work in promoting the textile industry and making weavers and artisans self-reliant. I pray to God for your healthy and long life," he said.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal also wished Singh on his birthday, highlighting his contribution to the development of the textile and handloom sectors.

"Heartfelt birthday wishes to my colleague in the Union Cabinet, Giriraj Singh ji. Your continuous efforts towards the development of the textile and handloom sector and the empowerment of our weavers and artisans are commendable. I pray to God for your good health and long life," he said.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also conveyed his greetings to Singh. "Heartfelt birthday wishes to the Honorable Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh ji. I pray to God for your excellent health and long life," Rijiju said.

Giriraj Singh's Political Journey

Born on September 8, 1952, in Barahiya town of Bihar's Lakhisarai district, Singh graduated from Magadh University in 1971. He served as a member of the Bihar Legislative Council from 2002 to May 2014.

Singh served as Bihar's Cooperative Minister from 2005 to 2010 and Animal Husbandry Minister from 2010 to 2013. He later entered the Lok Sabha from Nawada in the 2014 general election.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Singh won from Begusarai, defeating CPI candidate Kanhaiya Kumar. He subsequently served as Union Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries.

Following the July 2021 Cabinet reshuffle, Singh was appointed Minister of Rural Development and Minister of Panchayati Raj.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Singh retained the Begusarai seat for a second consecutive term, defeating Awadhesh Kumar Rai by 81,480 votes. He took charge as Union Minister of Textiles on June 11, 2024.

(With inputs from IANS)

• Cloudy skies, light rain for Delhi: IMD forecasts generally cloudy weather with light rain or drizzle in Delhi on Tuesday, with partly cloudy skies expected September 9-10.
• High humidity across NCR: Humidity is expected to remain relatively high in Delhi, and could touch 90% in Noida and Gurugram.
• Noida and Gurugram forecast: Noida will see partly cloudy conditions till September 13 with temperatures around 34-35°C; Gurugram expects similar conditions with possible thundershowers by September 13.
• Heavy rain warning for 17 states: IMD has warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms across 17 states and UTs, including Bihar, UP, Haryana, Rajasthan and West Bengal, with wind speeds up to 70 kmph in some areas.
• Monsoon active nationwide: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir are all expected to see continued rainfall activity through September 13.

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast generally cloudy weather with light rain or drizzle in Delhi on Tuesday. The national capital is likely to witness partly cloudy skies on September 9 and 10, while another spell of light rain may occur from September 11. Humidity is expected to remain relatively high during the period. The weather department has not issued any warning for Delhi for the coming days.

Noida And Gurugram Forecast

In Noida, partly cloudy conditions are likely to prevail from September 8 to 13. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to stay around 26 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels could rise as high as 90 per cent. No weather warning has been issued for the city.

Gurugram is also likely to experience partly cloudy weather from September 8 to 12, with maximum temperatures ranging from 31 to 33 degrees Celsius. On September 13, the maximum temperature is expected to be around 32 degrees Celsius, with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers possible. Humidity may reach 90 per cent, though no weather warning has been issued.

Heavy Rain Warning Across 17 States

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon remains active over several parts of the country. The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other regions on Tuesday.

The IMD has warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms across 17 states and Union Territories, including Bihar, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Wind speeds could reach 65-70 kmph in some areas.

Region-Wise Rainfall Timeline

The weather department has forecast heavy rainfall in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh until September 13. Uttar Pradesh may receive rain between September 9 and 13, while Rajasthan could witness rainfall on September 12 and 13. Uttarakhand is likely to continue experiencing monsoon activity, while Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh may receive rain during September 8-13.

• Five MCD officials suspended: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta suspended South Zone officials — Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, SE Ranvir Singh, EE Lalit Kumar Goel, AE Sunil Chauhan and JE Ashish Kumar — over the Satya Niketan collapse.
• Citywide sealing drive ordered: The CM directed immediate sealing of buildings with unauthorised fifth floors across Delhi, with nearby PGs also being inspected.
• Building owner arrested: Hariram Bansal was apprehended in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, by a 10-team police operation after a Look Out Circular was issued against him.
• Death toll at seven: Seven people have been confirmed dead, with several still feared trapped under the debris as rescue operations continue.
• Adjacent building also collapsed: Eyewitnesses reported an adjacent structure collapsing too, raising concerns about the area's building safety.
• Student protests erupt: SFI and KYS-affiliated students marched at Delhi University's North Campus, demanding proper hostel construction for students.

New Delhi: A day after a building collapse claimed seven lives, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday vowed not to spare anyone found guilty, adding that five MCD officials have been suspended after the tragedy in South Delhi's Satya Niketan.

The Chief Minister also coordinated with civic agency officials to launch a citywide drive to seal buildings with unauthorised fifth floors.

In a message on X, the Chief Minister said, "MCD Deputy Commissioner, Executive Engineer, Superintending Engineer, Assistant Engineer and Junior Engineer have been suspended with immediate effect following the tragic Satya Niketan incident."

Who Has Been Suspended

The suspended employees include South Zone officials — Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, Superintending Engineer (SE) Ranvir Singh, Executive Engineer (EE) Lalit Kumar Goel, Assistant Engineer (AE) Sunil Chauhan and Junior Engineer (JE) Ashish Kumar.

Understanding The MCD Hierarchy: These five roles represent a chain of civic oversight — from Junior Engineer (ground-level inspection) up through Assistant and Executive Engineer to Superintending Engineer and Deputy Commissioner (zonal administrative head). Suspending officials across this entire chain signals that the government is treating the lapse as a systemic failure of building oversight, not an isolated error by a single official.

Sealing Drive And Building Inspections

Giving an update on the crackdown following the incident, Chief Minister Gupta said, "The building owner has been arrested. Immediate sealing of buildings with unauthorised fifth floors has been ordered across Delhi."

"Nearby PGs and buildings are also being thoroughly inspected. Strict action, including sealing, will be taken against violations. Delhi Government has taken the matter with utmost seriousness. Anyone found guilty or responsible will not be spared," said the Chief Minister.

Owner Arrested After Manhunt

CM Gupta's tough talk against illegal constructions came on a day when the owner of the collapsed building, Hariram Bansal, was apprehended by Delhi Police from Rajasthan's Bhiwadi.

He was arrested hours after the Delhi Police issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) following the collapse of the five-storey building, which served as a PG accommodation for students, as investigations into the incident and responsibility for the tragedy continue.

The police had formed 10 teams to apprehend Bansal after a look-out notice was issued against him, said an official.

CM Revisits Site, Assures Action

On Monday morning, Chief Minister Gupta revisited the collapse site to review the ongoing rescue and related operations.

Following the inspection, she assured that strict action would be taken against officials found guilty of negligence or oversight.

Search Operations Continue

So far, seven people have been confirmed dead in the building collapse. Several are receiving treatment, while many are still feared to be trapped under the debris.

The search and rescue operations continued throughout the night. Officials said that several people, mostly students, are still feared trapped under the debris, and efforts are underway to rescue them safely.

The five-storey building, known as "Hostel Daze," was operating as a boys' PG, and several students were staying there when the incident took place around 1.30 p.m. on Sunday, the police said.

An adjacent building also collapsed, according to eyewitnesses, adding to concerns over the safety and structural condition of buildings in the area.

Students Protest, Demand Proper Hostels

Meanwhile, students affiliated with SFI and KYS held a protest and took out a march at Delhi University's North Campus on Monday to voice concern over the Satya Niketan building collapse. They demanded the construction of proper hostels for all students of the university.

• Launch on September 9 in Varanasi: Union Minister Annpurna Devi will launch the month-long ninth Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 at the Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Centre, alongside UP CM Yogi Adityanath.
• A nine-year-old nationwide movement: Observed every September since 2018, Poshan Maah has grown into a Jan Andolan mobilising communities around nutrition for women, children and adolescents.
• PMMVY completes 10 years: This year's edition will mark a decade of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, the flagship maternity benefit scheme, as a dedicated fifth theme.
• 100% saturation drive planned: The campaign will aim to enrol all eligible pregnant and lactating women, speed up Direct Benefit Transfers, and roll out a state/UT-level PMMVY Toolkit.
• Nationwide community events: Poshan Maah 2026 will be observed across all states and UTs through events at Anganwadi centres, schools, panchayats and households.

New Delhi: Union Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi will launch the month-long ninth Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 on September 9 in Varanasi with the aim of improving nutrition and health of women, children and adolescents, an official said on Monday.

The launch event will be held at the Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Centre in Varanasi, where the Union Minister would be joined by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur and ministers and officials from the state, an official statement said.

What Is Rashtriya Poshan Maah

Observed every September since its launch in 2018, Rashtriya Poshan Maah has grown into a Jan Andolan that mobilises communities to strengthen nutrition, health and caregiving behaviours among women, children and adolescents, the statement said.

Marking A Decade Of PMMVY

Guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a "Suposhit Bharat" to lay the foundation of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 will celebrate 10 years of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), the flagship maternity benefit programme that has supported maternal nutrition and health-seeking behaviour for a decade, as a fifth theme.

What Is PMMVY: The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is a central government scheme that provides cash benefits directly to pregnant and lactating women, intended to partly compensate for wage loss during pregnancy and encourage better nutrition and health-seeking behaviour, such as regular check-ups and institutional delivery. The scheme has been running for a decade and is being highlighted this year as one of the key pillars of the nutrition campaign.

A 100 per cent saturation drive will enrol all eligible pregnant and lactating women, expedite Direct Benefit Transfers, and launch a PMMVY Toolkit for localisation by states and Union Territories (UTs), the statement said.

What To Expect At The Launch

The launch programme will open with a walkthrough of the Poshan Mela by the dignitaries and the lighting of the lamp.

Beneficiary testimonial videos on hot cooked meals, take-home ration, home visits and early childhood care and education will be screened, followed by a live interaction between the Union Minister and the anganwadi workers.

Films marking 10 years of PMMVY and the Poshan Maah 2026 launch will set the stage for the dignitaries to formally launch the campaign.

Nationwide Rollout

Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 will be observed across all states and UTs through community events at Anganwadi centres, schools, panchayats and households, reaffirming that a well-nourished child is the shared responsibility of every citizen and the surest foundation of a Viksit Bharat.

• Yellow Alert issued for 13 districts: IMD flagged rain across West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Vaishali, Samastipur and Supaul.
• Heavy rain expected in 4 districts: Supaul, Samastipur, Sitamarhi and Darbhanga are likely to see heavy rainfall, with winds up to 30 kmph and lightning possible.
• 6.65 lakh people affected by floods: Floodwaters have hit 18 districts, driven by heavy rainfall in Nepal and Uttarakhand raising river levels across Bihar.
• Ganga, Punpun above danger mark: The Ganga is flowing above danger levels from Buxar to Bhagalpur; the Punpun has crossed the mark by 2.75 metres, breaching embankments in south Patna.
• 35% rainfall deficit despite floods: Bihar has received only 531.3 mm against an expected 820.9 mm this season, even as isolated heavy spells trigger flooding.
• Transport links disrupted: The Patna-Gaya rail section, Bihta-Sarmera NH 78 and Mokama National Highway have all been affected by rising waters.

Patna: The monsoon remains active across Bihar, with the Meteorological Department issuing a Yellow Alert for rain in 13 districts on Monday, even as floods driven by upstream rainfall continue to affect lakhs of people across the state.

The alert covers West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Vaishali, Samastipur and Supaul. Heavy rainfall has been forecast in four districts — Supaul, Samastipur, Sitamarhi and Darbhanga — with strong winds reaching speeds of up to 30 kmph and the possibility of lightning also expected in some areas. The Meteorological Centre has advised residents to remain cautious during adverse weather.

What A Yellow Alert Means

Under IMD's colour-coded weather warning system, a Yellow Alert signals "watch and stay updated" — conditions worth monitoring but not requiring the heightened preparedness of an Orange Alert ("be prepared") or the more severe Red Alert ("take action"), which is reserved for extreme weather likely to cause significant disruption or damage.

Rainfall Pattern: Heavy Spells, Yet An Overall Deficit

Several parts of Bihar received significant rainfall over the past 24 hours. Munger recorded 73 mm, followed by Patna with 68 mm, Banka with 67 mm, Muzaffarpur with 65 mm, and Jamui and Siwan with 55 mm each.

Despite this recent rainfall, Bihar has recorded a 35 per cent deficit in cumulative rainfall so far this season — against an expected 820.9 mm, the state has received only 531.3 mm. This gap explains why the state can simultaneously face a rainfall shortfall and severe localised flooding: intense, concentrated spells in the catchment areas of Nepal and Uttarakhand are overwhelming specific river stretches even as Bihar's own season-long rainfall total lags behind normal.

Patna received 68 mm of rainfall on Sunday. The capital is expected to remain cloudy on Monday, although the possibility of continuous heavy rainfall is low, with light drizzle likely in some areas. Humidity and temperatures may rise once the rain subsides, while no significant change in temperature is expected over the coming week.

Rivers Above Danger Mark, Embankments Breached

While rainfall continues in parts of the state, rising river levels have compounded the situation. Heavy rainfall in Nepal and Uttarakhand — both upstream of Bihar's river network — has contributed to increased water levels in several rivers, with floodwaters now affecting 18 districts and approximately 6.65 lakh people.

The Ganga is flowing above the danger mark from Buxar to Bhagalpur — a stretch of roughly 300 km covering some of the state's most densely populated riverside areas. The "danger mark" refers to the water level beyond which a river is considered likely to cause flooding to surrounding low-lying and embankment-protected areas.

The Punpun has risen 2.75 metres above the danger mark, with floodwaters reportedly overtopping or breaching protective embankments in the southern parts of Patna and entering residential areas — bringing floodwaters unusually close to the state capital itself.

Transport And Riverside Villages Hit

Flooding has also disrupted transportation at several locations, with water affecting the Patna-Gaya railway section, Bihta-Sarmera NH 78, and the Mokama National Highway.

The Son River has also caused flooding in riverside villages in the Bihta block, affecting around 20,000 people and submerging several roads.

According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall across Bihar is expected to remain uneven over the next few days, with localised cloud activity and light rain likely in different areas.

(With inputs from IANS)

Also Read: Bihar Floods: Ganga Nears Highest Flood Level in Patna, Bhagalpur

• Discharge hiked to 12,000 cusecs: Officials increased the release from Mettur Dam to 12,000 cubic feet per second from 6 a.m. on Monday, amid rising irrigation demand in the Cauvery delta.
• Steady increases since September 1: The dam was opened at 3,000 cusecs for samba cultivation, raised to 7,000 cusecs within hours, and held there for six days before further hikes.
• Outflow now exceeds inflow: The current release of 12,000 cusecs is higher than the recorded inflow of 9,709 cusecs, making future inflow levels critical for continued discharge decisions.
• Reservoir at 92.39 feet: As per Sunday evening figures, the Mettur reservoir held around 55.35 TMC of storage at a water level of 92.39 feet.
• Relief for delta farmers: The enhanced supply is expected to support early-stage cultivation and dependable irrigation for the samba paddy season.

Salem (Tamil Nadu): The discharge of water from the Mettur Dam was increased to 12,000 cubic feet per second on Monday morning as irrigation demand rose across the Cauvery delta region.

Officials stepped up the release from 6 a.m., marking the latest in a series of increases since water was opened from the reservoir on September 1 for samba cultivation.

The decision is expected to improve supplies to agricultural areas where farmers are preparing fields and carrying out early-stage cultivation operations.

Discharge Raised In Stages Since September 1

When the dam was opened at the beginning of the month, water was initially released at the rate of 3,000 cusecs. The discharge was raised to 7,000 cusecs within a few hours and maintained at that level for six consecutive days.

With irrigation requirements increasing in the Cauvery delta, authorities enhanced the outflow to 10,000 cusecs at 6 p.m. on Sunday. A further revision followed on Monday morning, taking the release to 12,000 cusecs.

Reservoir Level And Storage

According to figures recorded on Sunday evening, the water level in the Mettur reservoir stood at 92.39 feet. Inflow into the dam was measured at 9,709 cusecs, while the available storage was approximately 55.35 thousand million cubic feet (TMC).

Outflow Exceeds Inflow, Future Adjustments Likely

The increased discharge is intended to carry more water downstream to the delta districts, where dependable irrigation is crucial for the samba paddy season. Farmers in the region are hopeful that the higher release will meet the immediate water requirement and enable cultivation to proceed without disruption.

Mettur Dam is the principal regulating reservoir for irrigation supplies to the Cauvery delta. Changes in its discharge are closely monitored by farmers, particularly during the main paddy seasons, because the timing and volume of water determine the pace of agricultural activity across the command area.

The latest increase also comes as officials balance the demand of downstream farms with inflow and remaining storage in the reservoir. The outflow of 12,000 cusecs is currently higher than the reported inflow of 9,709 cusecs, making future inflows an important factor in decisions on continued releases.

Authorities are expected to keep watch on the reservoir level, inflow, storage and irrigation demand before making further adjustments. For now, the enhanced supply has brought relief to delta farmers who depend on Cauvery water for samba cultivation.

• Rain likely in Western Ghats: The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast moderate rain in Tamil Nadu's Western Ghats districts for five days starting late Sunday.
• Interior temperatures to rise: Maximum temperatures in interior parts of the state could stay up to four degrees Celsius above normal over the next four days.
• Mixed weather for Chennai: The capital will see a partly cloudy day with light evening or night rain possible in parts of the city and suburbs, but no widespread rainfall expected.
• Squally wind warning issued: Winds up to 55 km/h are likely over the Gulf of Mannar, the southern coastal belt and the Comorin Sea.
• Fishing restricted in Rameswaram: Permits for mechanised boat fishermen in Rameswaram have been suspended until further notice as a precaution.

Salem (Tamil Nadu): Tamil Nadu is set to experience contrasting weather conditions over the coming days, with moderate rain forecast in districts along the Western Ghats, rising temperatures across the interior, and strong winds over the southern coastal waters.

In its latest weather bulletin, the Regional Meteorological Centre said moderate rain was likely in the Western Ghats districts for five days beginning late in the day. Other parts of the state may also receive isolated showers, depending on local weather conditions.

Interior Districts To Face Rising Heat

At the same time, residents of interior Tamil Nadu have been advised to prepare for hotter weather. Maximum temperatures in some places could remain as much as four degrees Celsius above normal for the next four days. The combination of heat and humidity could cause discomfort, particularly during the afternoon hours.

Chennai is expected to have a partly cloudy sky during the day, with light rain possible in parts of the city and its suburbs during the evening or at night, offering some respite from the prevailing warm conditions. The forecast, however, does not indicate widespread or sustained rainfall for the capital.

Fishermen Warned Of Squally Winds

The weather office has issued a separate warning for fishermen operating off the southern Tamil Nadu coast. Squally winds with speeds reaching 55 km per hour are likely over the Gulf of Mannar, the adjoining southern coastal belt and the Comorin Sea.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these areas until conditions improve. Following the warning, Fisheries Department officials said permits would not be issued to mechanised boat fishermen in Rameswaram to enter the sea. The restriction will remain in force until further notice as a precaution against rough conditions and potentially dangerous winds.

The suspension is expected to keep fishing boats anchored along the Rameswaram coast and may temporarily affect fishing operations and the daily income of crews dependent on deep-sea voyages.

Officials To Monitor Situation Closely

Officials are expected to review the situation on the basis of subsequent weather bulletins. People living in coastal areas have also been urged to remain alert to sudden changes in wind conditions.

Authorities advised fishermen and boat operators to closely follow official warnings rather than take risks based on short periods of apparently calm weather. The weather department said it will continue closely monitoring the rain, temperature and wind pattern and issue updates if there is any significant change.

Also Read: Heatwave to Continue Across Tamil Nadu; IMD Warns Fishermen

• Clear message to students: Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi urged students at the state-level Teachers' Day event in Kataka to avoid social media distractions and misinformation, and stay focused on their studies.
• Teacher-student bond emphasised: The CM called for a friendlier relationship between teachers and students, describing education as a process of character-building rather than just knowledge transfer.
• Tribute to guru-shishya tradition: Majhi paid homage to Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary, tracing India's teacher-student legacy from Lord Rama and Krishna to APJ Abdul Kalam.
• Major education reforms highlighted: Odisha has become the first state in India to offer free education from Shishu Vatika to postgraduate level under the 'KG to PG' scheme, alongside 2,200 new model primary schools worth Rs 12,000 crore.
• Fresh commitments announced: The government reiterated plans to fill 45,000 teacher posts over three years, alongside continued mid-day meals, free textbooks, and the Shaheed Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Yojana for tribal students.

 Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday urged students to focus fully on their studies, without wasting valuable time on social media or falling prey to misinformation.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the state-level Teachers' Day celebrations held at the Secondary Board High School in Kataka. During his interactions with students, Majhi advised them to remain focused on building their careers and avoid anything that could hamper their future prospects.

"As students, your foremost duty is to study diligently, acquire skills, and contribute to both personal and national development. This is the core purpose of our education system. Therefore, stay away from anything that has the potential to create obstacles in building your career," he said.

Highlighting the relationship between teachers and students, the Chief Minister said it needed to become more friendly in the present times, and advised students to reach the pinnacle of success with the blessings of their parents and teachers. "Education is not merely about imparting knowledge; it is a great process of building human character, and teachers have been shouldering this great responsibility," he said.

Explaining the significance of the bond between teachers and students, Majhi paid tribute to former President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary, saying the guru-shishya tradition was unparalleled in Indian culture. From Lord Rama and Lord Krishna to Chandragupta Maurya and Swami Vivekananda, he said, the role of teachers had been decisive in shaping the lives of these great personalities. "Even in today's era, a great personality like 'Missile Man' Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, despite holding the nation's highest office, considered it an immense matter of pride to identify himself first as a teacher," Majhi said.

What the 'KG to PG' scheme actually involves: The Chief Minister's reference to Odisha's free education reforms points to the 'Gyanodaya–Shiksharu Samruddhi' scheme, which the state Cabinet approved on July 1, 2026, and which took effect from the 2026-27 academic session. Under it, students at government and government-aided schools, colleges and state public universities receive a full waiver of admission fees, covering Classes 9-12, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Since education up to Class 8 was already free in the state, this effectively makes the entire education pipeline free from kindergarten through postgraduate study — though students in self-financing, unaided, PPP-mode institutions or professional and technical courses are not covered. The government estimates around 32 lakh students will benefit, with the scheme costing Rs 895.57 crore in its first year and a projected Rs 5,467.55 crore over five years. Odisha's government has described this as the first such comprehensive scheme of its kind nationally — for comparison, Telangana offers free KG-to-PG education only to economically weaker sections, while Kerala's free education runs from KG to graduation level and is limited to Arts and Science students, making Odisha's version broader in scope than either.

Highlighting reforms further, Majhi said 2,200 world-class 'Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Primary Schools' are being constructed at a cost of Rs 12,000 crore — one planned for every panchayat in the state, with foundation stones already laid for over 300 of them in the initial rollout — while 45,000 Shishu Vatika centres have also been opened for pre-school children.

Majhi reiterated the government's commitment to providing mid-day meals to students of Classes IX and X, supplying textbooks, implementing the 'Shaheed Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Yojana' for tribal students, and filling 45,000 teacher posts over the next three years — building on the roughly 26,000 teachers the state says it has already recruited over the past two years.

The Chief Minister called for building a strong, prosperous and self-reliant Odisha through the collective efforts of teachers, students, alumni and the public, drawing on their knowledge, talent, experience and cooperation. On the occasion, he felicitated and honoured several distinguished teachers for their dedicated service in teaching and shaping the future of students.

• A layered care model: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the state's three-tier cancer care network designed to bring advanced, affordable treatment closer to patients across the state.
• Kokrajhar as a flagship example: The Kokrajhar Cancer Care Centre was cited as a key example, expected to significantly cut travel distances for patients in western Assam and neighbouring areas.
• A regional health challenge: Cancer has become a major public health concern in Assam and the wider Northeast, with patients historically forced to travel to distant cities for specialised care.
• Tata Trusts partnership: The expansion is being carried out in collaboration with Tata Trusts, with cancer care centres coming up at multiple locations across the state.
• Decentralisation as the end goal: The government aims to reduce dependence on a handful of specialised hospitals by building an integrated system covering prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care.

Assam is strengthening its cancer treatment infrastructure through a three-tier cancer care network aimed at bringing advanced and affordable healthcare closer to patients across the state, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday.

Sarma, in a post on X, highlighted the ongoing expansion of the state's cancer care grid, saying the initiative was helping patients access quality treatment at affordable prices while also ensuring a more compassionate approach towards patients and their attendants.

He cited the Kokrajhar Cancer Care Centre as an example of the approach being adopted under the state's expanding cancer care network. The three-tier model is designed to create a network of cancer treatment facilities at different levels, allowing patients to receive care closer to their homes while reducing the need to travel long distances for treatment.

Cancer has emerged as a major public health concern in Assam and the wider Northeast, with the region witnessing a significant burden of cancer cases. For years, patients from Assam and neighbouring northeastern states have often had to travel to major cities outside the region for specialised diagnosis and treatment.

The scale of the problem this network was built to address: According to health officials involved in setting up the programme, Assam has historically reported around 52,000 new cancer cases every year, with roughly 70 per cent detected only at the last stage — a delay that pushed the state's cancer mortality rate to an estimated 40-50 per cent. Contributing risk factors identified in the Assamese population include consumption of smoked fish, tobacco use, smoking, and betelnut chewing. Before this network existed, cancer care was concentrated almost entirely in Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Silchar, meaning patients from other parts of the state faced travel times of six to ten hours just to reach a treatment centre, with many travelling as far as Delhi, Chennai or Mumbai for specialised care.

How the network is actually structured: The initiative operates under the Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF), a not-for-profit partnership between the Assam government and Tata Trusts formed in 2018 — described at the time as the largest public-private partnership in India's healthcare sector. The original plan called for 19 facilities across four levels: 12 comprehensive cancer care centres located on Government Medical College premises (including Barpeta, Dhubri, Diphu, Jorhat, Karimganj, Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Nalbari, Silchar, Tezpur and Tinsukia) offering full diagnosis and treatment; 5 centres attached to District Hospitals (Darrang, Goalpara, Golaghat, Haflong and Sivasagar) offering diagnostics and day-care services including chemotherapy; Assam Medical College in Dibrugarh upgraded into an apex centre with education and research capabilities; and the State Cancer Institute in Guwahati expanded into a 500-bed apex research facility. A "Digital Nerve Centre" was also set up at the State Cancer Institute to virtually connect all facilities, helping guide patients from community-level screening up to specialist referral as needed.

Funding for the project has come from multiple sources: the Assam government has contributed upwards of Rs 2,700 crore, Tata Trusts around Rs 1,150-1,180 crore, the Government of India roughly Rs 108 crore toward the State Cancer Institute, and corporate CSR contributions adding a further Rs 81 crore — together making it one of the largest healthcare infrastructure investments undertaken by any Indian state. Seven of the network's hospitals — at Dibrugarh, Barpeta, Tezpur, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Kokrajhar and Darrang — were formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2022, with the remaining facilities brought online in phases since. At full capacity, the 17-hospital network is designed to serve up to 50,000 patients annually, drawing not just from Assam but from neighbouring northeastern states as well.

The state government has therefore been focusing on developing this distributed cancer care system that combines facilities for screening and early detection with centres capable of providing specialised treatment, in partnership with Tata Trusts, with cancer care centres developed at multiple locations across Assam. The broader objective is to create an integrated system covering prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care, making cancer services more accessible in both urban and rural areas.

The Kokrajhar facility is particularly significant for patients in western Assam and adjoining areas, as it reduces the distance patients need to travel for cancer-related services. Sarma's remarks underline the government's emphasis on affordability and patient-centric care alongside expansion of medical infrastructure, with continued focus on strengthening early detection and awareness — since timely diagnosis remains crucial to improving cancer treatment outcomes.

With the three-tier grid being expanded, the government aims to establish a more decentralised cancer care ecosystem, reducing dependence on a few specialised hospitals and making comprehensive cancer services accessible to a larger section of the population.

• 118 educators felicitated: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta honoured 118 teachers across categories at 'Shikshak Mahakumbh - State Teachers Awards 2026' held at Thyagaraj Stadium on Teachers' Day.
• Big budget commitment: The Delhi government has allocated Rs 19,148 crore for education in FY 2026-27, aimed at building quality education infused with skills, values and confidence.
• Tech-driven classrooms ahead: 170 modern language labs are being set up across Delhi schools — 70 in CM Shri Schools and 100 in other government schools — to boost communication skills.
• Beyond textbooks, a values push: CM Gupta emphasised that teachers shape not just knowledge but character, duty and direction, calling their influence generational rather than individual.
• Multiple initiatives in play: Programmes like Neev, Rashtraneeti and NIPUN Sankalp are being deployed to build entrepreneurship, innovation, democratic values and foundational literacy among students.

New Delhi, September 5: Promising to prepare schools for the future, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday honoured 118 teachers for their outstanding contribution to education at "Shikshak Mahakumbh - State Teachers Awards 2026," organised at Thyagaraj Stadium.

Speaking at the event on the occasion of Teachers' Day, the Chief Minister said educators are the strong foundation of society. She said the recognition for the 118 educators was not merely an honour for their achievements, but for the dedication, patience and faith through which they shape children's futures every day.

"They do not merely impart textbook knowledge to students, but also instil values, skills, confidence, a sense of duty and the right direction in life. A teacher's influence does not remain limited to an individual student, but contributes to shaping an entire generation," she said.

CM Gupta said the Delhi government was committed to ensuring every child receives quality education that builds knowledge, skills, values and confidence. As part of this commitment, a budget allocation of Rs 19,148 crore has been made for education in FY 2026-27, with schools being prepared for the future through technology and smart teaching resources.

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood, MP Bansuri Swaraj, MLAs Abhay Verma, Neeraj Basoya and Chandan Kumar Chaudhary, Education Department Director Ankita Anand, senior officials, and teachers, principals, vice-principals and students from various schools attended the event.

A total of 118 teachers were honoured across categories, including 20 Heads of Schools, 69 teachers from DoE and MCD schools, and teachers from three CM Shri Schools, along with librarians, special educators and sports teachers recognised for notable contributions. NCC cadets presented a guard of honour, followed by a welcome song from music teachers, with children in traditional attire welcoming guests.

What CM Shri Schools actually are: These are a network of 75 government schools launched under Delhi's Rs 100 crore initiative, modelled on the Centre's PM-SHRI scheme and aligned with the National Education Policy 2020. Inaugurated in February 2026, they feature AI-enabled libraries, AR/VR-equipped smart classrooms, robotics laboratories, biometric attendance systems, and are designed as solar-powered, zero-waste campuses. The Delhi government has since approved a further Rs 265 crore for additional infrastructure at these schools, including sports facilities, auditoriums and accessibility features for students with special needs. The initiative drew over 50,000 admission applications within its first week of opening — a sign of the demand these schools have generated among parents.

CM Gupta said 170 modern language labs are being established across Delhi's schools — 70 in CM Shri Schools and 100 in other government schools — to strengthen language and communication skills. Alongside this, initiatives such as Neev, Rashtraneeti and NIPUN Sankalp are being used to build entrepreneurship, innovation, problem-solving, democratic values, and foundational literacy and numeracy among students.

• Fresh pact inked: Adani Defence & Aerospace has signed a five-year agreement with Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) to supply 7.62x39 mm ammunition for AK-203 rifles.
• Two industrial giants, one supply chain: The deal links IRRPL's rifle production at Korwa, Amethi, with Adani's ammunition manufacturing, creating an integrated domestic pipeline.
• Massive rifle order backs the deal: IRRPL is already producing under a December 2021 contract for 6,01,427 AK-203 rifles for India's Armed Forces.
• Adani's defence footprint widens: This follows Adani Defence's July agreement with DRDO for the AEW&C-MKII airborne early warning programme on modified A321 aircraft.
• Strategic push for self-reliance: The pact reinforces Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals by reducing reliance on imported small-calibre ammunition for frontline infantry weapons.

Adani Defence & Aerospace has signed a five-year agreement with Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) — the India-Russia joint venture manufacturing AK-203 assault rifles in India — to supply indigenous 7.62x39 mm small-calibre ammunition for the programme, it was announced on Saturday.

Under the agreement, Adani Defence will supply 7.62x39 mm ammunition for the AK-203 for five years, providing an Indian source for the ammunition required and supporting continuity of supply during the contract period.

The agreement brings together AK-203 rifle production by IRRPL and ammunition production by Adani Defence, creating an integrated domestic supply chain, further strengthening capabilities across the small-arms sector and supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat objective in defence manufacturing.

The scale of the programme this ammunition deal feeds into: IRRPL was incorporated in 2019 under an India-Russia intergovernmental agreement to manufacture AK-203 rifles for the Indian Armed Forces, with its facility located at Korwa in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. A contract for 6,01,427 rifles was signed with IRRPL in December 2021, valued at roughly Rs 5,124 crore (about $670 million) — one of the largest defence deals between India and Russia in recent years. The AK-203 is intended to replace the Indian Army's INSAS rifle, in service since 1996 and known for reliability issues such as jamming in cold conditions. Under the original production plan, localisation of manufacturing was set to begin at around 5 per cent for the first 70,000 rifles, rising in phases to 70 per cent, before the remaining rifles are produced with full localisation — meaning the domestic ammunition supply chain Adani Defence now enters becomes more central to the programme as local content increases over its production run.

The joint venture has Indian shareholders Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited and Munitions India Limited, alongside Russian shareholders Concern Kalashnikov and Rosoboronexport. The Ministry of Defence has identified IRRPL as the designated joint venture for indigenous AK-203 production.

Adani Defence & Aerospace has separately established manufacturing capabilities for small-calibre ammunition in India, including a facility in Kanpur.

This agreement follows another major milestone for the company: in July, Adani Defence and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed an agreement for AEW&C-MKII, India's next-generation Airborne Early Warning and Control programme. That deal made Adani Defence the first private Indian company entrusted with development, integration and lifecycle support of an airborne mission platform of this scale, covering joint development, manufacture and integration of airborne mission systems on six modified Airbus A321 aircraft for the IAF, along with logistics, maintenance, repair and overhaul, and technical support for up to 30 years.

• Tribute to Educators: Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay paid rich tributes to teachers on Teachers' Day, emphasising their role extends far beyond classroom education.
• Beyond Academics: He said teaching involves cultivating discipline, humanity, fraternity and social responsibility among students, not just imparting knowledge.
• Honouring Radhakrishnan's Legacy: CM Vijay recalled former President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's contribution to education while extending Teachers' Day greetings.
• A Societal Impact: He said teachers' influence extends beyond individual students to contribute to the progress of society and the nation as a whole.
• A Call for Appreciation: The Chief Minister urged people to recognise the invaluable work of teachers who remain committed despite professional challenges.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Saturday paid rich tribute to teachers for their contribution to shaping generations of students and building a progressive society, saying their role extended far beyond classroom education.

In a message marking Teachers' Day, CM Vijay said teachers played a crucial role in nurturing young minds, instilling values, and preparing students to become responsible citizens capable of contributing to the country's development.

The story behind Teachers' Day itself: Teachers' Day is observed in India on September 5 to mark the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan — a philosopher, scholar, and India's second President. Before entering public life, Radhakrishnan taught philosophy at institutions including Madras Presidency College and Mysore University, and later became the first Indian to hold the Spalding Professorship of Eastern Religions and Ethics at Oxford. He also served as Vice-Chancellor of both Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University. The tradition of Teachers' Day traces back to 1962, the year he became President, when a group of his students and admirers asked to celebrate his birthday; Radhakrishnan reportedly asked them to instead observe the day in honour of all teachers — a request that has been followed nationally ever since.

Extending his greetings, CM Vijay recalled Radhakrishnan's contribution to education and wished teachers across the state. He said teachers worked selflessly to secure a prosperous future for students and deserved recognition for the enormous responsibility they carried in shaping the younger generation.

Highlighting the wider role of educators, CM Vijay said teaching was not merely about imparting academic knowledge — teachers enlightened young minds and helped cultivate discipline, humanity, fraternity, and a sense of social responsibility among students. They also encouraged children to pursue their dreams, identified and nurtured their talents, and provided guidance necessary for them to build successful lives, he said.

According to CM Vijay, the influence of teachers ultimately went beyond individual student development and contributed to the progress of society and the nation as a whole. Their efforts in preparing responsible, skilled, and socially conscious citizens were, he said, integral to building an inclusive and progressive society.

The Chief Minister called on people to appreciate the invaluable work carried out by teachers who remain committed to educating and guiding students despite the challenges associated with the profession. He said the dedication and guidance provided by teachers could determine the direction of a student's future and enable young people to realise their potential.

CM Vijay expressed hope that the selfless commitment of teachers and their continued guidance would make students' futures brighter and help them emerge as responsible members of society, and conveyed his heartfelt Teachers' Day greetings to educators across Tamil Nadu.

• Historic Milestone Crossed: The Ganga surpassed its previous 2016 peak level at Patna's Gandhi Ghat around 10:30 a.m. Saturday, according to Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Chaudhary.
• Multiple Rivers Above Danger Mark: The Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak, Punpun and Ghaghara are all flowing above danger levels at various locations across the state.
• Massive Relief Scale-Up: Community kitchens have been expanded significantly, with Bhojpur's 13 kitchens serving nearly 2.84 lakh people and Patna's eight kitchens covering 2.32 lakh people across nine blocks.
• Boat Deployment: The government is operating 693 boats across flood-affected districts, with Vaishali leading deployment at 155 boats.
• Continuous Monitoring: Officials have been stationed at vulnerable points, with district teams directed to conduct continuous patrolling of riverbanks and embankments.

The flood threat in Bihar has intensified as the Ganga and several other major rivers continue to rise, prompting authorities to expand relief and rescue operations across affected districts.

At Patna's Gandhi Ghat, the Ganga has crossed the danger mark and is flowing close to its Highest Flood Level (HFL), triggering heightened vigilance by the state government and the Disaster Management Department. Authorities have issued alerts and stepped up monitoring in vulnerable areas.

How this compares to the last record: Gandhi Ghat's danger level is set at 48.60 metres, and its previous highest-ever flood level — recorded in 2016 — stood at 50.52 metres. Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said the Ganga surpassed that 2016 peak at around 10.30 am on Saturday, meaning the river is now at its highest recorded level at this site in at least a decade. The 2016 flood, for context, affected roughly 23.71 lakh people across Bihar and caused 22 deaths, with over a lakh people evacuated to safer ground — giving a sense of the scale authorities are now bracing to exceed.

Chaudhary reviewed the situation with senior officials on Saturday and directed them to maintain strict surveillance along riverbanks and embankments, alert residents in vulnerable areas, and ensure prompt preventive measures. District-level teams have been asked to conduct continuous patrolling of sensitive locations, with officials stationed at vulnerable points and the administration stating it is fully prepared to handle any emergency.

Several major rivers besides the Ganga — including the Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak, Punpun and Ghaghara — are flowing above the danger mark at multiple locations. The Ganga remains above danger level at Digha, Gandhi Ghat, Hathidah, Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon, Buxar and Munger; the Gandak has crossed the mark at Dumaria Ghat and Hajipur; the Kosi at Baltara and Kursela; the Burhi Gandak at Khagaria; the Punpun at Sripalpur; and the Ghaghara at Darauli.

Relief efforts have been scaled up accordingly. In Bhagalpur, six community kitchens are serving around 5,000 people, having distributed over 70,600 meals so far. Bhojpur has 13 kitchens catering to nearly 2.84 lakh affected people across four blocks, while Patna has eight kitchens serving about 2.32 lakh people across nine blocks, with additional centres opened at seven new locations in the state capital. Saran's kitchens are serving around 20,000 residents.

In Vaishali, relief assistance is reaching nearly 85,000 people, with 326 residents shifted to a special relief camp. The government is operating 693 boats for evacuation and transport across affected districts — Vaishali leads with 155 boats, followed by Samastipur (88), Bhojpur (87), Patna (70), Madhepura (58), Khagaria (43) and Purnea (35).

Relief materials and evacuation arrangements are also being mobilised in Arwal, Buxar, Begusarai, Samastipur, Khagaria, Munger and Katihar, with authorities maintaining continuous surveillance as river levels remain on an upward trend.

For residents in affected areas: Bihar's State Emergency Operation Centre can be reached at 1070 for assistance during flooding.

• Widespread Rainfall: Rain has returned across multiple Rajasthan districts, including Jaipur, Ajmer, Dausa, Alwar, Bharatpur and Sawai Madhopur.
• Wall Collapse in Ajmer: A wall of Arya Putri School near Plaza Cinema collapsed around 6 a.m. Saturday, damaging parked cars, though no casualties were reported.
• Dam Gates Opened: Rising water levels prompted authorities to open two gates of Bandh Baretha Dam in Bharatpur's Bayana area on Saturday morning.
• Alerts Issued: The Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert for three districts and a Yellow Alert for 24 districts for Saturday.
• Schools Shut: Schools in Jhalawar and Karauli were closed Saturday due to the heavy-rain warning.

The monsoon has turned active again in Rajasthan, with rain reported across several districts, including Jaipur, Ajmer, Dausa, Alwar, Bharatpur and Sawai Madhopur.

Heavy rainfall has caused waterlogging in several areas, while rising water levels at reservoirs prompted the opening of two gates of Bandh Baretha Dam in Bharatpur.

In Ajmer, a wall of Arya Putri School near Plaza Cinema collapsed around 6 am on Saturday following the rain. A few cars parked near the wall were damaged after being buried under debris; no casualties have been reported so far.

Heavy rain has also disrupted normal life in parts of Alwar and Dausa, where roads and low-lying areas have been inundated. Jaipur has been receiving intermittent rain since Friday evening, bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures. Up to one inch of rain has been recorded at some locations in rural Jaipur.

The Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert for heavy rain in three districts for Saturday, and a Yellow Alert for 24 districts. Under IMD's alert system, an Orange Alert signals that authorities and residents should "be prepared" for disruptive weather, while a Yellow Alert is a lower-intensity "be aware/watch" advisory — meaning the three Orange-alert districts face a more serious near-term risk than the 24 under Yellow.

Schools in Jhalawar and Karauli were closed on Saturday in view of the heavy-rain warning.

About the dam that made gates news: Bandh Baretha, on the Kakund river in Bharatpur's Bayana tehsil, is one of the district's oldest reservoirs — construction began in 1866 under the erstwhile rulers of Bharatpur and was completed in 1897. Beyond its role in regulating water for the region, the reservoir and surrounding area now function as a wildlife sanctuary known for migratory bird populations, making changes in its water level a matter of both flood-management and ecological interest locally. The water level rose after continuous rainfall in its catchment area over the past two days, prompting authorities to open two gates in Bayana on Saturday morning to regulate the rise.

The renewed rainfall has brought relief from Jaipur's recent heat, with rain continuing intermittently across the capital and surrounding areas since Friday evening.

Weather experts said a low-pressure system originating in the Bay of Bengal is currently influencing conditions along eastern Rajasthan. The monsoon trough extends from Sri Ganganagar and Narnaul, through the low-pressure area over northern Madhya Pradesh and southern Uttar Pradesh, towards the Bay of Bengal. As a result, the monsoon is expected to remain active over eastern Rajasthan on September 5 and 6, with the possibility of continued rainfall across several districts.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate showers across the region, with thunderstorm and lightning activity likely during both the morning and afternoon-evening hours.

The forecast follows a day after Delhi witnessed heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, with gusts touching nearly 60 kmph in parts of the city. Friday's downpour caused waterlogging at several locations, disrupting traffic movement.

IMD attributed the continuing wet spell to a well-marked low-pressure area over central Madhya Pradesh and adjoining south Uttar Pradesh, expected to remain nearly stationary for the next two days — allowing moisture-laden conditions to persist over Delhi-NCR.

For Saturday, Delhi is expected to stay generally cloudy, with one or two spells of light to moderate rain, thunderstorms and lightning from early morning through the forenoon, followed by another spell in the afternoon-evening.

Maximum temperature is likely to settle between 29°C and 31°C, with the minimum between 24°C and 26°C — both lower than the previous day, owing to the ongoing rain.

How IMD defines rain intensity: Under its official classification, rainfall below 15 mm in a day counts as "light," 15–64.5 mm as "moderate," 64.5–115.5 mm as "heavy," 115.6–204.4 mm as "very heavy," and anything above 204.4 mm is "extremely heavy." Saturday's forecast for Delhi-NCR falls in the light-to-moderate band.

Noida is expected to see similar conditions — cloudy skies with one or two spells of light to moderate showers and thunderstorms, first in the morning, then again in the afternoon or evening. Gurugram is forecast to follow the same two-spell pattern.

Ghaziabad is also expected to receive rain with thunderstorms and lightning at different times through the day; the city recorded a maximum of 34.9°C and minimum of 27.1°C over the previous 24 hours. Faridabad remains under the same weather system, with rain expected in the morning and evening — it logged a maximum of 34.4°C, a minimum of 28.3°C, and 4.5 mm of rainfall in the past day.

According to the extended forecast, rainfall is expected to taper from September 6, with only very light showers likely. From September 7 to 10, conditions should turn mainly dry with partly cloudy skies, as wind direction shifts from southeasterly to northwesterly — signalling the onset of drier weather. Once the rain-bearing system moves away, maximum temperatures are expected to climb back to the 33°C–35°C range.

IMD has advised commuters to remain cautious, citing possible traffic disruption, water accumulation in low-lying areas, and higher accident risk during heavy spells. During active thunderstorms, people are additionally advised to avoid standing under trees, stay away from concrete walls and floors during lightning, and check traffic advisories before stepping out.

Also Read: Delhi-NCR to See More Rain, Thunderstorms: IMD Forecast

• The Incident: IndiGo flight 6E 225 (VT-NOG), flying from Navi Mumbai to Srinagar, came into contact with a VDGS pole while being positioned at Bay No. 06 around 9:02 a.m. Friday.
• No Injuries Reported: Airport authorities confirmed all passengers and crew are safe, with passengers deboarded safely using manual aircraft stairs.
• Inquiry Underway: Officials said the circumstances will be examined per prescribed procedures, with no conclusions drawn on the cause at this stage.
• Normal Operations Continue: Flight arrivals and departures at Srinagar international airport have continued as per schedule despite the incident.
• A Busy Airport Hub: Srinagar International Airport handles 20-24 daily departures and up to 60 total daily movements, served by five major carriers including IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet and Akasa Air.

An IndiGo flight came into contact with a pole holding the Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS) while parking at Srinagar international airport on Friday morning. Airport authority officials confirmed that despite the incident, all passengers and crew members remained safe throughout.

What Happened

According to Srinagar airport authorities, IndiGo flight 6E 225 (VT-NOG), operating from Navi Mumbai to Srinagar, was being positioned at Bay No. 06 at around 9:02 a.m. when the aircraft came into contact with the VDGS pole during the parking process. Officials stated, "All passengers and crew members are safe, and no injuries have been reported," adding that passengers and crew were safely deboarded using manual aircraft stairs as a precautionary measure.

Inquiry to Follow Standard Procedure

In an official statement, airport authorities said the details and circumstances surrounding the incident would be examined by the appropriate authorities as per prescribed procedures. "The exact cause will be ascertained following completion of the enquiry and no conclusion regarding the cause is being drawn at this stage," the statement clarified, underscoring that this remains an active, ongoing investigation.

Why It Matters: Operations Remained Unaffected

Despite the incident, airport operations at Srinagar international airport remained normal, with flight arrivals and departures continuing as per schedule. This continuity suggests the impact was contained to the specific bay and aircraft involved, without triggering wider disruptions to the airport's broader flight network.

Understanding Srinagar Airport's Scale

Srinagar International Airport (SXR) is a significant regional aviation hub, operating around 20 to 24 daily departing flights, with roughly 40 to 60 total daily flight movements when including arrivals. This scale of operation means the airport handles a steady, high-frequency flow of domestic air traffic connecting Kashmir to the rest of India.

Key Carriers and Routes

Five major carriers operate regular flights from Srinagar International Airport: IndiGo, which holds the highest frequency and serves the most destinations, alongside Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet and Akasa Air. Among the airport's major routes, New Delhi stands out as the busiest, with multiple daily non-stop flights, while Jammu is served through frequent daily and weekly commuter connections. Mumbai also sees regular daily and connecting services. Other key destinations from Srinagar include Chandigarh, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Amritsar.

Operational Hours and Constraints

Flights at Srinagar generally operate during daytime hours, typically governed by current airport availability and local scheduling considerations, roughly between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or into the evening, depending on seasonal night closures and any ongoing runway maintenance notices in effect.

Industry Impact: A Reminder of Ground Safety Protocols

Incidents involving contact with ground infrastructure like VDGS poles, while relatively uncommon, highlight the importance of precise coordination during aircraft parking and docking procedures, particularly at airports with high daily traffic volumes like Srinagar. Such incidents typically prompt airport authorities and airlines to review taxiing and marshalling protocols at the specific bay involved.

The Bigger Picture

Given Srinagar airport's role as a key connectivity point for the Kashmir valley, maintaining smooth operations even after such incidents is critical, both for passenger convenience and for sustaining the airport's dense daily flight schedule across multiple carriers and destinations.

The Bottom Line

With all passengers and crew confirmed safe and normal operations continuing at Srinagar international airport, attention now turns to the enquiry into what led to the aircraft's contact with the VDGS pole, a process that will determine the exact circumstances behind Friday morning's incident.

• The Incident: IndiGo flight 6E 225, flying from Navi Mumbai to Srinagar, came into contact with a Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS) pole while parking at Bay No. 06 around 9:02 a.m. Friday.
• All Safe: Srinagar Airport Authorities confirmed all passengers and crew are safe, with no injuries reported; passengers deboarded via manual aircraft stairs.
• Inquiry Ordered: Officials said the circumstances leading to the incident will be examined as per prescribed procedures, with no conclusions drawn at this stage.
• Normal Operations: Airport operations at Srinagar remain unaffected, with flight arrivals and departures continuing on schedule.
• Second IndiGo Incident This Week: This comes a day after an IndiGo flight from Doha to Bengaluru was diverted to Muscat due to the pilot falling unwell mid-flight.

An IndiGo aircraft came into contact with a pole holding the Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS) display unit, along with its associated laser or camera sensors, while being parked at Srinagar airport on Friday morning, officials said. The incident occurred during the aircraft's positioning process at the airport bay.

What Happened

According to a statement, IndiGo flight 6E 225 (VT-NOG), operating from Navi Mumbai to Srinagar, came into contact with the VDGS pole at approximately 9:02 a.m. while being positioned at Bay No. 06 at Srinagar Airport. The VDGS system is a critical ground infrastructure component that helps guide aircraft to the correct parking position using visual and sensor-based cues.

Passenger and Crew Safety Confirmed

Srinagar Airport Authorities confirmed that all passengers and crew members on board were safe, with no injuries reported as a result of the incident. As a precautionary measure, passengers and crew were safely deboarded using manual aircraft stairs rather than the airport's standard boarding bridge, given the aircraft's contact with the docking equipment.

Why It Matters: Standard Procedure Now in Motion

Officials stated that the details and circumstances leading to the incident will be examined by the appropriate authorities in accordance with prescribed procedures. They clarified that the exact cause will only be ascertained following the completion of a full enquiry, and no conclusions regarding the cause are being drawn at this stage, reflecting standard aviation safety protocol for ground-based incidents involving contact with airport infrastructure.

Airport Operations Continue Normally

Despite the incident, airport officials confirmed that operations at Srinagar airport remain normal, with flight arrivals and departures continuing as per schedule, indicating the incident's impact was contained to the specific bay and aircraft involved rather than disrupting broader airport functioning.

Industry Impact: A Second IndiGo Incident in Two Days

This ground incident comes just a day after a separate IndiGo flight from Doha to Bengaluru was safely diverted to Muscat after the pilot-in-command reported feeling unwell and required immediate medical attention. That flight, 6E 1302, saw its pilot attended to by a medical team after landing in Muscat before being taken to a hospital; the crew member has since been reported to be in good health. IndiGo had arranged an alternate aircraft from Bengaluru to Muscat along with a fresh crew to allow passengers to continue their journey, with the airline citing "an urgent requirement of medical attention for one of the operating crew members" as the reason for the diversion.

A Pattern Worth Watching

The near back-to-back nature of these two incidents, one involving a mid-air medical emergency and the other a ground-based contact with airport equipment, is likely to draw attention to IndiGo's operational oversight during this period, even though the nature of the two incidents is unrelated. Ground equipment contact incidents during parking, while not uncommon across the aviation industry, typically prompt airlines and airport authorities to review taxiing and docking procedures at the specific bay involved.

The Bigger Picture

As India's largest airline by market share, IndiGo operates an extensive daily flight schedule, meaning isolated operational incidents, while newsworthy, need to be viewed within the context of the airline's overall scale of operations. Nonetheless, the proximity of this incident to the previous day's diversion adds to a string of recent operational headlines for the carrier.

The Bottom Line

With all passengers and crew confirmed safe and Srinagar airport operations continuing normally, attention will now turn to the enquiry into what caused the aircraft's contact with the VDGS pole. As IndiGo navigates this and the previous day's diversion incident, both cases underscore the routine but closely scrutinised nature of aviation safety protocols in India's commercial airline sector.

• Yellow Alert Issued: IMD has warned of light to moderate rainfall across Delhi on Friday and Saturday, with thunderstorms and lightning likely during the night.
• Temperature Relief: Delhi is expected to see temperatures between 24°C and 31°C, offering some respite from recent humid conditions.
• NCR-Wide Impact: Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad and Faridabad are all forecast to experience cloudy skies with intermittent rain and possible thundershowers through the weekend.
• Regional Weather System: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh are expected to remain under the influence of a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal.
• Wind Risk: Wind speeds could reach up to 70 kmph during intense thunderstorm activity, raising the risk of disruptions.

Delhi-NCR is bracing for another round of cloudy skies and intermittent rainfall on Friday, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting light rain at several places and moderate showers in isolated pockets. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also expected during the night, prompting the weather department to issue a yellow alert for the national Capital, warning of light to moderate rainfall through Friday and Saturday.

Why It Matters: Relief From Recent Humidity

The forecast rain is expected to bring some respite from the humid and uncomfortable conditions that have persisted recently, helping keep daytime temperatures relatively moderate. Delhi is likely to record a minimum temperature of around 24 degrees Celsius and a maximum of nearly 31 degrees Celsius, with the capital expected to remain mostly overcast and experience occasional light showers, moderate rainfall in some areas, and possible thunderstorms later in the day and into the night.

Noida: Cloudy With Spells of Rain

In Noida, weather conditions are expected to mirror the capital's pattern, with cloudy skies and periodic rain spells. The maximum temperature may settle around 30 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is likely to hover close to 24 degrees Celsius. Although the rainfall is expected to make conditions more comfortable compared to the recent hot and humid spell, increased humidity may still be felt. Commuters have been advised to exercise caution, as rain could temporarily reduce visibility and make roads slippery.

Gurgaon: Afternoon Showers Likely

Gurgaon is expected to see predominantly cloudy weather, with rainfall likely during the afternoon hours. Temperatures are projected to range between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius. According to the IMD forecast, several parts of Gurgaon and adjoining areas could receive rain on Friday, while isolated areas of Haryana may witness heavy showers, with rainfall activity expected to continue into Saturday as well.

Ghaziabad: Intermittent Showers Through the Weekend

Ghaziabad is likely to experience a mix of cloudy conditions and intermittent showers, with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers possible during both the morning and afternoon. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 and 33 degrees Celsius, with the unsettled weather pattern likely persisting into Saturday as rain and thunderstorms continue to affect parts of the Delhi-NCR region.

Faridabad: Rain Amid Cloudy Skies

Faridabad is also set to receive rainfall amid generally cloudy conditions, with temperatures ranging from approximately 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. The IMD has predicted rain at several places in Faridabad and other parts of southern Haryana, with isolated areas potentially witnessing heavy showers during the forecast period.

The Bigger Picture: A Regional Weather System

Rain and thundershowers are expected to persist through Saturday across the Delhi-NCR region before gradually weakening after the weekend. The broader weather pattern points to continued rainfall activity across North India and the Gangetic plains, with several states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, expected to remain under the influence of a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal.

Industry Impact: Preparedness for Disruptions

This Bay of Bengal weather system is likely to support widespread rain across the affected states in the coming days, with some areas potentially receiving heavy precipitation. The weather department has also warned of thunderstorms and strong winds in vulnerable areas, with wind speeds potentially reaching around 70 kmph during intense weather activity, a factor that could heighten the risk of disruptions to power supply, transport and outdoor activities during peak thunderstorm periods.

The Bottom Line

With a yellow alert in place and a regional weather system expected to sustain rainfall activity across North India in the coming days, residents across Delhi-NCR should prepare for a wet, overcast weekend, with particular caution advised during thunderstorm activity and periods of reduced visibility on the roads.

Also Read: Delhi-NCR Sees Pleasant Weather; Rain Till Aug 16

• Top Leaders Inspect Rivers: CM Samrat Choudhary and former CM Nitish Kumar separately toured Patna and adjoining areas to review the rising Ganga on Thursday.
• Record Levels Looming: The Ganga at Gandhi Ghat could cross the Highest Flood Level (HFL) by Thursday night; Hathidah in Mokama is expected to cross HFL by September 4 afternoon.
• Bhagalpur Crisis: Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Chaudhary confirmed multiple embankment breaches and rapid riverbank erosion in Bhagalpur, prompting emergency reinforcement work.
• Nepal Rainfall Factor: JD(U)'s Sanjay Jha attributed the surge partly to heavy rainfall and flooding in Nepal increasing river inflow into Bihar.
• Extended Threat Period: Officials warned the flood season could persist until early October, with the next 1-1.5 months called particularly challenging.

Bihar's top political leadership moved swiftly on Thursday to assess a deteriorating flood situation, as the Ganga's continuously rising water level heightened concerns across Patna and surrounding districts. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary personally inspected the river, assessing water levels and directing officials to ensure minimal public inconvenience while completing all precautionary measures in advance to protect lives and property.

Nitish Kumar's Parallel Inspection

Former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted his own tour of Patna and adjoining areas on the same day, visiting JP Setu to inspect the Ganga's rising water level and flow before travelling to Saran to assess conditions there. He also visited the six-lane bridge connecting Patna and Raghopur, reviewing the river's flow and water level, accompanied by JD(U) National Working President Sanjay Jha.

Why It Matters: A Cross-Border Rainfall Effect

Speaking to reporters, Sanjay Jha explained that water levels in most of Bihar's major rivers, including the Ganga, had risen rapidly, attributing the situation partly to heavy rainfall and flooding in Nepal that has increased the flow of rivers entering Bihar. He noted that the state government's precautionary measures, taken after receiving advance information about the surge from Nepal, had helped prevent major loss of life and property so far — crediting Choudhary and the Water Resources Department for timely action.

Patna Nears a Historic Threshold

Significantly, Jha revealed that the river's water level had already surpassed the Highest Flood Level recorded in Patna back in 2016. Despite this, he said Patna had experienced comparatively less disruption because water management and protection measures within the river's flow path had been strengthened over recent years — a point highlighting the value of sustained infrastructure investment in flood-prone urban stretches.

Bhagalpur Emerges as a Serious Hotspot

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary conducted a high-level review of the state's flood situation through video conferencing from the Water Resources Department's Command and Control Centre, assessing river levels alongside reports of cracks, damage and breaches in embankments across multiple districts. He confirmed that the rising Ganga had caused breaches at several locations in Bhagalpur and triggered rapid riverbank erosion, creating a serious situation in the district. The Punpun and Dardha rivers in South Bihar were also reviewed as part of the same assessment.

Emergency Response Underway

Water Resources Department teams have been deployed extensively in Bhagalpur and other vulnerable areas, with emergency measures including the deployment of mega geo-bags supported by steamers to counter strong currents and erosion. Officials and engineers have been stationed directly at vulnerable embankments to oversee protection work, while river and embankment conditions across the state are being monitored in real time from the Command and Control Centre in Patna to enable immediate emergency response.

Industry and Administrative Impact

Chaudhary cautioned that the flood season would continue, with the threat potentially persisting until early October, and described the coming one to one-and-a-half months as particularly challenging for both the Water Resources Department and the broader state administration — signalling sustained resource deployment and monitoring pressure ahead.

The Numbers Behind the Alert

According to data recorded on the morning of September 3, the Ganga was flowing well above the danger mark at multiple locations. At Gandhi Ghat, the river stood at 49.71 metres against a danger mark of 48.60 metres, roughly 1.11 metres above the threshold. At Hathidah in Mokama, the level reached 42.96 metres compared to a danger mark of 41.76 metres, putting it about 1.20 metres above danger level. Digha Ghat recorded a level of 51.60 metres.

What Comes Next

The Water Resources Department has forecast that the Ganga at Gandhi Ghat could cross the Highest Flood Level on Thursday night, while the river at Hathidah in Mokama is expected to cross the HFL by the afternoon of September 4. In response, the Disaster Management Department has issued an alert and directed the administration to remain fully prepared, exercising special caution in riverside and low-lying areas.

The Bigger Picture

Residents of vulnerable areas across Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Nalanda, Begusarai, Lakhisarai and Jehanabad have been urged to stay alert and follow all administrative instructions. The Disaster Management Department has specifically appealed to people not to take unnecessary risks near rivers and to cooperate with officials in the event of evacuation or other emergency measures.

The Bottom Line

With the Ganga poised to breach historic flood levels in Patna within hours and Bhagalpur already grappling with embankment breaches, Bihar's flood management machinery faces an intensifying test. As officials warn the crisis could stretch into early October, sustained coordination between state leadership, the Water Resources Department and district administrations will be critical in the weeks ahead.

Also Read: Nepal Flash Flood Sparks Bihar Alert as Gandak Level Watched

• Firm Denial: CM Devendra Fadnavis categorically ruled out a move to national politics, stating he will remain in Maharashtra until at least 2029.
• Leadership Call: He said any decision on his role rests entirely with his party leadership, adding he'd go to Delhi "the day they decide."
• Sanjay Raut's Claim: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that PM Modi wants to bring Fadnavis to Delhi for a major responsibility, citing RSS inner-circle discussions.
• Deputy PM Speculation: Raut further claimed RSS wants a leader outside the current Union Cabinet — someone he implied is Fadnavis — elevated to Deputy Prime Minister.
• Economic Vision: Fadnavis said Maharashtra, already at $660 billion, is closest among Indian states to becoming a $1 trillion economy, targeting the milestone by 2030.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday moved decisively to quash persistent speculation about a potential shift to national politics, stating unequivocally that he intends to remain in the state until at least 2029. Speaking at an infrastructure conclave organised by a Marathi television channel, Fadnavis addressed the recurring rumours head-on, emphasising that any change in his political role would ultimately be a decision made by his party leadership.

"The Day They Decide, I Will Go"

Fadnavis was candid about the nature of political decision-making within his party, stating, "My party and my leaders will decide my role. The day they decide, I will certainly go to Delhi. But as of today, it is my view that I am not going to Delhi until 2029." His comments struck a balance between deference to party hierarchy and a clear personal expectation of continuity in his current position.

A Touch of Humour Amid Serious Denial

Rather than dismissing the chatter with irritation, Fadnavis addressed it with characteristic wit. He remarked that some well-wishers view a Delhi move as a "promotion," while others believe his departure would lift a burden off their shoulders. He added, "Whether people like it or not, my leaders will keep me in Maharashtra until 2029. Every two to three months, whenever someone lacks news or wants to create hype, they send me to Delhi. I actually enjoy it." The comment reflects the frequency with which such speculation has surfaced in Maharashtra's political discourse.

Why It Matters: The Context Behind the Speculation

Fadnavis's clarification arrives directly in response to fresh claims made by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut. Speaking to the media on the same day, Raut asserted that despite Fadnavis's public denials, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to bring him to New Delhi for a significant responsibility. Raut claimed, "Prime Minister Modi wants to bring Devendra Fadnavis to Delhi and assign him a significant responsibility. This much I know for a fact."

Raut's Deputy PM Claim

Raut went further, alleging that discussions around Fadnavis's elevation are actively taking place within inner circles of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). According to Raut, the RSS reportedly favours appointing a senior leader who is currently outside the Union Cabinet to the position of Deputy Prime Minister — someone positioned as a potential successor to PM Modi. He stated, "According to information from within RSS circles, the Sangh holds the view that a crucial leader who is not currently in the Central government should be appointed as Deputy Prime Minister... and as far as I know, that person is currently not in Delhi," a comment widely interpreted as an indirect reference to Fadnavis, though Raut did not name him explicitly in that context.

Industry and Political Impact

This exchange highlights the ongoing undercurrent of speculation surrounding leadership realignments within the BJP and its allies, particularly regarding succession planning at the national level. Such claims, even when denied, tend to keep a leader's national profile active and can shape perceptions of influence within both party ranks and opposition narratives.

Maharashtra's Economic Ambitions Take Centre Stage

Beyond addressing the political speculation, Fadnavis used the conclave to outline his vision for Maharashtra's economic trajectory. He highlighted the state's proximity to becoming a $1 trillion economy, noting its current growth rate stands at 8.8 per cent, with a target of crossing 10 per cent to meet its ambitious deadline within the decade. "Many states dream of reaching a $1 trillion economy, but Maharashtra is closest to achieving it because we have already reached $660 billion," he said, expressing confidence that sustained growth would deliver the trillion-dollar milestone by 2030.

The Bigger Picture

Fadnavis's comments reflect a dual narrative at play — firm political continuity in Maharashtra paired with ambitious economic targets for the state. Whether or not the Delhi speculation resurfaces in the coming months, as he himself predicts it will, his public positioning suggests a leader focused on consolidating his current mandate rather than pursuing an immediate national shift.

The Bottom Line

With Fadnavis publicly committing to Maharashtra until 2029 and simultaneously projecting the state toward a $1 trillion economy by 2030, his political and economic timelines now appear closely intertwined. Whether Sanjay Raut's claims about RSS deliberations carry weight remains to be seen, but for now, Fadnavis has left little ambiguity about his own stated intentions.

• Fresh spell of floods has hit Assam, affecting more than 25,000 people.
• Seven districts currently affected — Goalpara, Sivasagar, Biswanath, Nagaon, Morigaon, West Karbi Anglong and Cachar.
• 13 relief camps set up to accommodate displaced people.
• Around 6,477.31 hectares of crop area have been affected.
• Total flood-related deaths in Assam this year climbed to 108 with the latest fatality.

Assam is once again navigating a difficult flood situation. According to the latest assessment released by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) on Thursday, a fresh spell of flooding has affected more than 25,000 people across seven districts of the state. With the latest flood-related death of a woman in the West Karbi Anglong district, the total toll for this year has climbed to 108 — a sobering reminder of the sustained human cost of the state's recurring monsoon-season flood emergencies.

For the affected communities, and for everyone across Assam and beyond who has been watching the state navigate multiple flood spells over recent months, Thursday's assessment carries both practical urgency and deeper reflection about the ongoing challenges Assam faces during its monsoon seasons.

The Current Assessment

Speaking about the current situation, a senior official said that floodwaters have affected seven districts across Assam. These are Goalpara, Sivasagar, Biswanath, Nagaon, Morigaon, West Karbi Anglong and Cachar.

Around 25,083 people in 155 villages are currently affected by the floods, according to ASDMA's assessment. That's a significant number of families navigating the immediate challenges of displacement, disruption and uncertainty as flood conditions unfold in their communities.

To support displaced residents, 13 relief camps have been set up to accommodate people who have had to leave their homes. These camps represent the first line of humanitarian response — providing shelter, meals, water and basic amenities to families whose homes have become temporarily unlivable.

The Agricultural Impact

Beyond the direct human displacement, the current flooding has also caused considerable damage to agricultural land — with cascading implications for farmer livelihoods across affected districts.

According to ASDMA, around 6,477.31 hectares of crop area have been affected by the inundation. That's a substantial area of agricultural loss — one that raises real concerns over the impact on the livelihoods of farming communities in the affected districts.

For farmers whose seasonal cultivation has been damaged, the coming weeks and months will require sustained support — both immediate relief assistance and longer-term help with crop recovery, seed replenishment and livelihood restoration.

The River Levels of Concern

River levels continue to be a concern in some areas of the state. Specifically, the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh and the Katakhal River at Matizuri are flowing above their respective danger levels.

When rivers flow above danger levels, the risks include continued inundation of adjacent areas, potential further displacement of nearby communities, damage to riverside infrastructure and heightened need for careful monitoring by disaster management authorities.

For residents living along these river corridors, the current situation calls for continued alertness and full cooperation with any evacuation or safety advisories issued by local authorities.

The Human Toll

The most sobering dimension of Thursday's assessment is the confirmation that the total flood-related death toll in Assam for the year has now climbed to 108 — following the latest fatality of a woman in West Karbi Anglong district.

Each of those 108 numbers represents a human being. A family. A community affected forever by the loss. Behind every one of those numbers sits people who will carry the memory of lives lost in this year's floods for the rest of their own lives.

For Assam as a state, and for India's broader disaster response ecosystem, that ongoing human toll is a reminder that flood-related fatalities remain a serious challenge — one that continued investment in warning systems, evacuation infrastructure, community preparedness and rapid response capacity must continue to address.

The Ongoing Institutional Response

Authorities across Assam are keeping a close watch on river levels, low-lying areas and other vulnerable locations as flood conditions persist in parts of the state.

Relief and rescue operations are continuing in the affected districts, with local administrations working to provide assistance to people impacted by the floods. Officials are also carrying out assessments to determine the extent of damage to homes, agricultural land and other properties.

The administration has been actively monitoring areas vulnerable to further inundation, given the continuing concerns over rising water levels in some rivers.

That coordinated ongoing response reflects the substantial disaster management capacity Assam has built up over years of navigating recurring monsoon-season flooding.

Why It Matters

Assam is one of India's most flood-prone states. Its geographical position — with the mighty Brahmaputra River system and its tributaries flowing through the state, combined with heavy monsoon rainfall patterns — creates recurring flood challenges that the state navigates year after year.

Every flood season carries real human, economic and social costs. Displaced families. Damaged homes. Destroyed crops. Disrupted livelihoods. And, sadly, lost lives.

For Assam's people, resilience in the face of these recurring challenges has become a defining characteristic. Communities help each other through relief camp stays. Neighbours support neighbours through home damage. Farmers rebuild their agricultural work after devastating crop losses. Local administrators, disaster response teams and civic organisations coordinate response efforts through weeks and months of sustained work.

That resilience deserves recognition — and it also deserves continued institutional support to reduce the sustained toll of these events over time.

District-Level Focus

Each of the seven affected districts is navigating its own version of the current situation.

Goalpara sits in western Assam and often faces flood pressure during high monsoon activity. Sivasagar in Upper Assam carries both flood vulnerability and significant cultural and historical importance. Biswanath on the north bank of the Brahmaputra frequently experiences river-related inundation. Nagaon in central Assam is one of the state's larger districts and has significant flood-prone areas. Morigaon faces recurring flood challenges given its geographical position. West Karbi Anglong in the hill districts region is currently dealing with the tragic latest fatality. Cachar in the Barak Valley region also faces its own flooding vulnerabilities.

For each of these districts, the coming days will require sustained coordinated response, careful monitoring and effective delivery of relief and support to affected communities.

The Farmer Impact

For Assam's farming communities, the 6,477.31 hectares of affected crop area represents a genuinely painful setback. Crops that farmers have invested labour, savings and hope in have been damaged or destroyed. The immediate financial impact will be significant. The longer-term impact — on family incomes, on planning for the next agricultural cycle, on the broader rural economy — will require sustained support to help farmers recover.

For Assam's agriculture department, the state government's rural development machinery, and various rural credit and insurance institutions, the coming weeks will require thoughtful, focused effort to support affected farming families through their recovery journeys.

The Displacement Reality

For the families currently in the 13 relief camps across the affected districts, life has been temporarily transformed. Familiar homes have been left behind. Daily routines have been disrupted. Personal belongings have been lost or damaged. Children's schooling has been affected. Livelihoods have been suspended.

For these families, the quality of relief camp operations matters enormously. Adequate food and water. Safe shelter. Basic medical care. Access to hygiene facilities. Care for the specific needs of children, senior citizens and pregnant women. Emotional support for families processing sudden displacement.

Local administrations, working alongside NGOs and civil society organisations, carry the important responsibility of ensuring that these camps provide dignified, adequate support for as long as families need to stay in them.

The Broader Context

Assam has been experiencing recurring flood situations during the monsoon, with large areas of the state's riverine and low-lying regions remaining vulnerable to inundation. This year has been a particularly difficult one — with the 108 flood-related deaths reflecting the sustained human cost of the season's multiple flood spells.

For India's broader conversation about climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and long-term flood management in vulnerable states, Assam's ongoing experience represents both a challenge and a lesson. Investment in early warning systems, robust evacuation infrastructure, community preparedness programmes, resilient rural infrastructure and effective post-disaster livelihood restoration all matter enormously.

Institutional Recognition

For the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, the state government's various response departments, the National Disaster Response Force, and the countless local administration officials, community volunteers and civil society workers who have been supporting flood-affected families through this difficult season — Thursday's assessment is another reminder of the sustained, difficult work they continue to do on behalf of the state's people.

That work often happens without significant public recognition. But it makes an enormous difference to the lives of the affected families and communities every single day.

The Bigger Picture

Thursday's ASDMA assessment captures a snapshot of a genuinely difficult ongoing chapter for Assam. Over 25,000 people affected across seven districts. 155 villages under flood impact. 13 relief camps operational. Over 6,400 hectares of crop area damaged. Two rivers flowing above danger levels. And a year-to-date flood-related death toll of 108 that carries the weight of every single life lost.

For Assam's people, particularly those directly affected, the coming days will call for continued resilience, community support and cooperation with authorities. For the state's institutional systems, the priority is sustained coordinated response — combining immediate relief with careful monitoring, damage assessment and preparation for any further escalation.

For India's broader disaster response ecosystem, Assam's ongoing situation is a reminder that flood management remains one of the most consequential challenges for climate-vulnerable states — one that continued investment, coordination and community engagement must continue to address.

For everyone connected to Assam — whether residents, family members of those affected, or observers watching from elsewhere — the message from Thursday's assessment is one that calls for both practical concern and quiet solidarity.

The affected families are navigating a genuinely difficult time. The relief workers are doing sustained, demanding work. The institutional systems are operating in extended response mode. And the state as a whole is once again demonstrating the resilience that has always characterised its people during flood seasons.

For long-term progress, continued investment in flood preparedness infrastructure, climate adaptation, riverbank management and community resilience will matter. So will sustained attention to the affected families' longer-term recovery needs — well after the immediate flood situation has passed.

But in the immediate present, the priority is clear. Support the affected. Sustain the relief efforts. Monitor the river levels. Respect the human cost. And extend to the people of Assam the same care, respect and solidarity that difficult moments like this always deserve.

Because as Thursday's assessment made unmistakably clear, another flood season is testing Assam once again — and once again, the state's people, institutions and communities are working together to navigate through it. That work deserves recognition. It deserves support. And it deserves the continued attention of everyone with a stake in ensuring that vulnerable states like Assam receive the sustained investment, care and solidarity that their recurring flood realities genuinely call for.

Also Read: Assam cabinet eases norms to attract private investment in higher education

• Delhi-NCR likely to witness predominantly cloudy skies with intermittent rain on Thursday.
• IMD has issued a heavy-rain warning for Haryana, including Thursday.
• Maximum temperature in Delhi likely around 32°C; minimum near 26°C.
• Wednesday evening showers brought a drop of 1-2°C in minimum and 3-5°C in maximum temperatures.
• Isolated areas could witness heavy showers during Thursday night.

Delhi and its neighbouring National Capital Region cities are heading into another meaningfully wet day. According to the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, Delhi-NCR is likely to witness predominantly cloudy skies with intermittent spells of rain and thunderstorms on Thursday. Combined with a heavy-rain warning issued for Haryana, temperature drops recorded from Wednesday's showers and continued unsettled weather patterns across the region, the coming day promises to keep residents attentive to the sky throughout their routines.

For commuters, working professionals, students, delivery workers and everyone navigating the everyday realities of NCR life, Thursday's weather will require exactly the kind of routine preparedness that active monsoon days always demand.

The Delhi Forecast

The weather across Delhi is expected to remain relatively moderate, but with the ever-present possibility of sudden showers and lightning during periods of heightened rainfall activity.

According to the IMD forecast, Delhi may receive light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning at different places. Another spell of rainfall is likely from afternoon to evening, while isolated areas could witness heavy showers during the night.

The national capital is expected to remain mostly cloudy throughout the day. The maximum temperature is likely to settle around 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may remain close to 26 degrees Celsius — offering relatively comfortable conditions given the season.

The IMD has forecast further rainfall and thunderstorm activity across Delhi-NCR and has advised residents to remain alert for sudden weather changes.

The Wednesday Backdrop

The showers recorded in parts of the national capital on Wednesday evening brought some genuine respite from the prevailing humid conditions. Beyond the immediate refreshing effect, the rainfall also resulted in a noticeable drop in temperatures across several areas.

Several parts of Delhi recorded light to very light rainfall during the past 24 hours, while some locations witnessed moderate showers accompanied by thunder and lightning. The rainfall contributed to a decline of around 1-2 degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures and 3-5 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures — providing meaningful temporary relief from the humid weather that had been building up across the region.

For anyone who has been navigating a particularly muggy stretch of NCR weather, that kind of temperature drop is always welcome.

The NCR City-Wise Picture

The rainfall activity is expected to extend across the broader NCR — with each of the major cities in the region facing its own version of Thursday's active weather.

Noida is likely to experience overcast conditions with intermittent rainfall and thunderstorms. Light to moderate showers are expected during the morning, followed by another spell of very light to light rain between afternoon and evening.

Gurugram is expected to see cloudy skies persist with chances of rain and thunderstorms. Notably, the IMD has issued a heavy-rain warning for Haryana — including Thursday. Rainfall activity is likely to continue at intervals through the day.

Ghaziabad is expected to remain cloudy, with intermittent showers and the possibility of thunderstorms. High humidity may continue to make the weather uncomfortable despite the rainfall — prompting residents to carry umbrellas while stepping out.

Faridabad could witness cloudy weather followed by spells of rain during the afternoon. Thunderstorms are also possible, indicating that weather conditions may change rapidly through the day.

For residents across each of these cities, Thursday will call for exactly the kind of everyday weather adaptability that NCR living regularly requires — umbrellas at hand, flexible plans and attention to any localised weather updates.

The Haryana Heavy-Rain Warning

The heavy-rain warning issued by the IMD for Haryana is particularly worth noting. Heavy rainfall over relatively short periods can lead to localised waterlogging, temporary road disruption and increased challenges for outdoor workers.

For Gurugram and Faridabad in particular — both of which fall within Haryana's administrative jurisdiction — the warning represents a specific reason to plan the day thoughtfully. Avoiding vulnerable low-lying areas during peak rainfall. Building extra buffer time into commute planning. Staying updated on any localised advisories from municipal authorities.

That kind of everyday, sensible preparedness makes a meaningful difference in how smoothly heavy-rain days unfold.

Why It Matters

Weather forecasts for major urban regions like Delhi-NCR carry real everyday consequences. Commute planning. School logistics. Business operations. Outdoor work scheduling. Health considerations for vulnerable population groups. Municipal service planning. Emergency preparedness.

Every one of these dimensions is directly affected by whether it rains, when it rains, how much it rains and how the weather changes through the day.

The IMD's forecast — combined with the specific advisory for Haryana — provides exactly the kind of actionable information that residents, administrators and businesses need to plan the day sensibly. Following these forecasts is a small but genuinely helpful habit for navigating urban life during active monsoon periods.

Commuter and Everyday Impact

For daily commuters across Delhi-NCR, Thursday's weather will call for practical adjustments. Carrying umbrellas or rainwear becomes essential — not just for the morning commute but for the possibility of afternoon and evening showers too. Building buffer time into travel plans helps accommodate any rain-related traffic slowdowns. Being alert to standing water on roads is important for two-wheeler riders in particular.

For those relying on delivery services, ride-sharing or public transport during rainy periods, patience with slightly extended timelines becomes an important everyday accommodation.

Impact on Working Professionals

For working professionals — particularly those balancing office commutes, external meetings and site visits — Thursday's weather calls for thoughtful scheduling. Rescheduling non-critical outdoor engagements to drier windows during the day, if possible. Preparing for the possibility of arriving somewhat damp to meetings. Building small resilience buffers into the day for unexpected weather-related delays.

For those with hybrid work options, choosing work-from-home for particularly rainy days can significantly reduce commute stress.

Impact on Students and Families

For students commuting to schools and colleges, and for families managing school pickup and drop-off routines, Thursday's forecast calls for extra weather-readiness. Ensuring children have appropriate rain protection. Coordinating with school transport providers about any weather-related delays. Being prepared for potentially disrupted after-school activity schedules if rainfall intensifies.

Health and Safety Considerations

Active weather days also carry some health considerations worth being aware of. Sudden temperature drops can affect vulnerable population groups — including children, senior citizens and those with respiratory conditions. Waterlogged areas can increase mosquito breeding, adding to vector-borne disease considerations. Slippery surfaces can create fall risks for elderly citizens.

Basic precautions — staying dry where possible, avoiding standing water, being careful on wet surfaces — help minimise these everyday risks.

The Broader Weather System

The current weather activity across Delhi-NCR forms part of a broader monsoon pattern that continues to bring intermittent rainfall to much of northern and eastern India during this period of the season. Localised weather systems, moisture patterns from the Bay of Bengal, and regional atmospheric conditions all combine to produce the specific weather experience the NCR is currently navigating.

For anyone tracking broader weather patterns across the country, this Delhi-NCR situation is one small part of a larger, dynamic monsoon-season story unfolding across multiple states simultaneously.

Institutional Response

For Delhi-NCR's municipal bodies, disaster management authorities, traffic police and utility providers, active monsoon days call for coordinated operational readiness. Drainage systems need to function effectively. Traffic management needs to accommodate weather-related slowdowns. Utility restoration teams need to be ready for any weather-related service disruptions.

That kind of coordinated urban service readiness, when it works well, keeps active weather days manageable rather than disruptive for the millions of residents across the region.

The Bigger Picture

Thursday's forecast for Delhi-NCR reflects the everyday reality of navigating an active monsoon in one of India's most densely populated urban regions. A predominantly cloudy day. Intermittent rain and thunderstorms. Isolated heavy showers possible during the night. A heavy-rain warning specifically for Haryana. Temperatures likely to remain relatively comfortable, hovering around 32 degrees Celsius maximum. And the ever-present possibility of sudden weather changes throughout the day.

For residents of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Faridabad, Thursday will offer another chance to navigate the mix of small challenges and welcome refreshment that active monsoon days always bring. Some commute delays perhaps. Some plans that need small adjustments. Some moments of frustration during particularly intense showers. But also that beautiful, distinctive experience of rain in the city — the changed light, the softened air, the temporary respite from summer's lingering intensity.

For those with the flexibility to enjoy the day's weather from indoors, Thursday offers exactly the kind of atmospheric setting that Indian monsoons at their best are known for. For those navigating the day's demands outdoors, sensible weather-readiness — combined with patience and cooperation with any weather-related service delays — makes all the difference.

As the IMD's forecast unfolds through Thursday, and as Delhi-NCR continues to navigate its current stretch of active monsoon weather, the message for residents is clear. Stay alert. Carry rain protection. Plan flexibly. Be attentive to any localised advisories, particularly for Haryana. And extend the everyday patience and cooperation that active weather days always require.

Because in the end, Delhi-NCR's monsoon experience — like every dimension of life in this vibrant, energetic urban region — is at its best when residents combine practical preparedness with the openness to enjoy the season for exactly what it is. A time of change. A time of rain. A time of that particular urban rhythm that only monsoon in a major Indian city truly offers.

And on Thursday, that rhythm will play out once again across the streets, buildings, homes and hearts of everyone across the National Capital Region. Umbrellas ready. Plans flexible. Attention alert. And spirits, hopefully, warmed by the small everyday joys that even active weather days quietly bring.

Also Read: Delhi-NCR: Rain, Thundershowers Likely Tuesday; AQI Moderate

• BJP releases Urban Development Sankalp Patra for upcoming Rajasthan civic body elections.
• Promises PNG connections for 7 lakh households across the state.
• Committed to 24-hour domestic electricity supply in urban areas.
• Ward to be treated as the basic unit of development in every urban local body.
• Separate Sankalp Patras to be released for individual civic bodies.

Rajasthan's political landscape received a significant new chapter on Wednesday. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formally released its Urban Development Sankalp Patra for the upcoming civic body elections in the state — laying out an ambitious set of commitments including accelerated urban development, improved drinking water supply, PNG connections for 7 lakh households, and 24-hour domestic electricity supply in cities. Unveiled at the state BJP headquarters in Jaipur in the presence of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, State BJP President Madan Rathore and other senior party leaders, the document represents the party's structured pitch to the state's urban voters ahead of the polls.

For citizens of Rajasthan's cities and towns, and for anyone following the state's political trajectory, Wednesday's release offers a substantive articulation of what the ruling party is proposing for urban governance over the coming years.

The Central Commitments

The BJP's Urban Development Sankalp Patra includes a set of specific, tangible commitments across critical urban service categories.

At the heart of the document sit several major promises. PNG connections for 7 lakh households across Rajasthan — a substantial expansion of piped natural gas coverage that would meaningfully change household energy access across urban areas. 24-hour domestic electricity supply in urban areas — addressing one of the most fundamental quality-of-life expectations in any modern city. Improved drinking water supply in civic bodies facing shortages — addressing a persistent challenge for many urban local bodies across the state. And treating the ward as the fundamental unit of urban development — a governance philosophy that emphasises decentralised, ward-level responsiveness.

Additionally, the party has committed to releasing separate Sankalp Patras for individual civic bodies — incorporating local priorities and requirements specific to each municipal corporation, municipality and urban local body across the state.

The Chief Minister's Framing

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma placed particular emphasis on the language chosen for the document — deliberately calling it a Sankalp Patra rather than simply a manifesto.

"We have released the Urban Development Sankalp Patra today because a manifesto is merely for making announcements, whereas a Sankalp Patra is about getting work done," Sharma said.

That framing signals the party's intent to position the document as a working commitment rather than a routine election-time announcement. It's a subtle but meaningful linguistic distinction — one that aims to convey a stronger sense of accountability and action orientation.

Sharma added that the document represents a five-year commitment to the people of Rajasthan — outlining the BJP government's approach to urban development for the coming years.

The 'One State, One Election' Reference

The Chief Minister also used the occasion to reference the state government's proposal to implement 'One State, One Election' — an ambitious governance reform aimed at synchronising various levels of state elections.

Recalling earlier political criticism of the proposal, Sharma made a pointed remark about the reform's progress.

"When I stated in the Legislative Assembly that we would implement 'One State, One Election,' a senior Congress leader remarked that even my uncle couldn't pull it off. Now, let him see for himself exactly which 'uncle' is making 'One State, One Election' happen," Sharma said.

That kind of confident political framing is characteristic of ruling party leaders showcasing their governance ambitions ahead of important electoral cycles.

The State BJP President's Statement

State BJP President Madan Rathore also spoke at the event, emphasising the party's confidence in delivering on the commitments articulated in the Sankalp Patra.

"The public trusts CM Bhajanlal Sharma's guarantee. Today, we have released the manifesto for urban civic bodies. We do what we say. We are firmly committed to fulfilling this manifesto," Rathore said.

He further offered a broader political framing — inviting voters to judge the current government's performance against the record of previous administrations. "The public knows and understands the history — what others said and did versus what we said and did," Rathore said, adding that the people had witnessed the government's work and understood its performance.

That kind of governance-vs-governance comparative framing is a familiar feature of political campaigning worldwide — with parties typically inviting voters to make choices based on relative track records.

The Committee Behind the Document

The BJP's process for developing the Sankalp Patra reflects a structured, consultative approach.

On August 2, the party constituted a 13-member election manifesto committee to prepare the Urban Development Sankalp Patra. The committee included Rajya Sabha MP Ghanshyam Tiwari, former MPs Santosh Ahlawat and Rajendra Kumar Gehlot, State General Secretary Shravan Singh Bagdi, former MLA Mohanlal Gupta and former Jaipur Mayor Saumya Gurjar — among other members.

According to the party, the committee completed the document within 30 days after holding consultations and preparing the proposals for urban development. That 30-day preparation timeline reflects reasonable diligence for a document of this scope and significance.

The party will now prepare and release separate Sankalp Patras for individual civic bodies ahead of the Rajasthan urban local body elections — allowing each ULB-specific document to reflect the particular needs and priorities of that community.

The Ward-Level Focus

Perhaps the most structurally interesting element of the Sankalp Patra is the party's commitment to treating the ward as the fundamental unit of urban development. That's a governance philosophy that emphasises decentralised, hyperlocal responsiveness to citizen needs.

Ward-level focus means that the everyday concerns of citizens — road quality, drainage functionality, sanitation, streetlights, local parks, waste collection — receive dedicated attention through structured governance mechanisms rather than being left to broader city-level or state-level processes.

If implemented effectively, that kind of ward-first approach can meaningfully improve the responsiveness of urban local governance to citizen needs.

Why It Matters

Urban local bodies play a critical role in delivering the everyday public services that shape quality of life in cities. Water supply. Electricity distribution coordination. Drainage. Sanitation. Solid waste management. Street lighting. Local road maintenance. Neighbourhood infrastructure. All of these are areas where the effectiveness of municipal governance directly affects citizens' daily lives.

When a ruling party articulates specific, measurable commitments across these categories, citizens gain a concrete framework against which they can eventually evaluate performance. That kind of clear articulation is exactly what strengthens democratic accountability in urban governance.

For Rajasthan's urban voters, the coming civic elections will provide an opportunity to weigh the Sankalp Patra's promises against their own experiences and expectations — and to choose leaders accordingly.

The Substantive Commitments Analysed

Each of the major commitments in the Sankalp Patra addresses a substantive urban development priority.

PNG for 7 lakh households represents a meaningful expansion of piped natural gas coverage — a cleaner, more convenient cooking fuel option that would benefit household economics, air quality and daily convenience across urban Rajasthan. Executing this at scale would require coordinated infrastructure investment, utility partnerships and structured rollout planning across cities.

24-hour domestic electricity supply in urban areas addresses one of the most fundamental quality-of-life expectations. Achieving this consistently across all urban centres would require sustained investment in generation, transmission, distribution infrastructure and grid reliability.

Improved drinking water supply in civic bodies facing shortages tackles a persistent challenge across many Rajasthan cities and towns. Delivering meaningful improvement would require investment in water source development, storage capacity, distribution infrastructure and reduction of transmission losses.

Ward-level focus, if implemented with genuine institutional discipline, could improve responsiveness across dozens of everyday urban service categories.

Each of these commitments, taken seriously, represents genuinely valuable urban development work.

Institutional Impact

For Rajasthan's Urban Development Department, its urban local bodies, its utility providers and its municipal administrations, the Sankalp Patra's commitments — if the BJP performs well in the civic polls — would translate into a substantial urban development agenda over the coming years.

Coordinated implementation across water, power, gas, waste management, roads and citizen services would require significant institutional capacity, sustained financial resources, and disciplined execution across multiple stakeholder groups.

Political and Electoral Impact

For Rajasthan's political landscape, the BJP's structured approach to the civic polls — combining a state-level Sankalp Patra with subsequent locality-specific versions — reflects a comprehensive electoral strategy focused on urban voters.

For opposition parties in the state, the Sankalp Patra sets out a set of specific commitments that they will inevitably examine, critique and offer alternatives to over the campaign period. That kind of substantive electoral debate — around concrete governance commitments rather than only around personalities — is exactly what strengthens democratic engagement.

Citizen and Civic Impact

For Rajasthan's urban citizens, the Sankalp Patra offers a concrete framework against which they can evaluate the ruling party's proposals ahead of the civic polls. It also provides a benchmark for eventually assessing performance if the BJP secures mandates in the urban local body elections.

For civic organisations, resident welfare associations and citizen advocacy groups, the specific commitments in the document create useful anchors for constructive engagement with elected representatives after the polls.

The Bigger Picture

The BJP's Wednesday release of its Urban Development Sankalp Patra represents a substantive political and governance moment ahead of Rajasthan's civic polls. Ambitious commitments across piped gas, electricity, water supply, ward-level focus and locality-specific responsiveness. A structured process anchored by a 13-member manifesto committee. Clear leadership framing from Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and State BJP President Madan Rathore. And plans for subsequent locality-specific documents to complement the state-level release.

For Rajasthan's urban voters, the coming weeks will bring an active electoral campaign — during which the Sankalp Patra's commitments, opposition parties' alternatives, and candidates' individual profiles will all shape voting decisions.

For India's broader democratic conversation about urban governance, the Rajasthan civic polls represent one more important chapter in the ongoing story of how urban local bodies are chosen, held accountable and evolve over time.

As the civic polls approach, and as the political campaign intensifies across Rajasthan's cities and towns, the message from Wednesday's Sankalp Patra release is clear. The ruling party has laid out its commitments. The document has been anchored in specific promises. The five-year framework has been articulated. And the invitation to voters has been formally extended.

What now follows will be the everyday work of democratic engagement — with voters weighing options, comparing alternatives, evaluating track records, and eventually casting their choices at the polls. That process, when it works well, is exactly how healthy democracies produce responsive urban governance.

For Rajasthan's citizens, the coming weeks offer exactly the kind of opportunity for informed civic participation that meaningful local elections are designed to enable. And when the votes are eventually counted and the new urban local bodies take office, the substantive work of turning promises into performance — across piped gas, electricity, water, ward-level responsiveness and everything else — will begin in earnest across cities and towns throughout the state.

• Kolkata and several south Bengal districts likely to receive more rain over the next two days.
• Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata has issued a yellow warning for all south Bengal districts.
• Gusty winds of 30 to 40 km per hour also expected.
• Extremely heavy rain likely in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar on Thursday.
• Bolpur in Birbhum district has already faced significant waterlogging.

West Bengal is navigating one of its most unsettled weather stretches of the season. On Wednesday, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Kolkata confirmed that Kolkata and several districts in south Bengal are likely to receive more rain over the next two days — the result of a low-pressure system currently active over the Bay of Bengal. With a yellow warning in place across south Bengal, scattered rainfall forecast to continue until September 8, and separate warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rain issued for parts of north Bengal, the state is entering a period of heightened weather vigilance across both regions.

For residents, commuters, weather agencies and civic administrators alike, the coming days will demand exactly the kind of alertness and precaution that intense monsoon spells always require.

The Weather System Behind the Rainfall

The current rainfall episode was triggered by a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal — a familiar monsoon-season weather pattern that regularly brings intense rainfall to eastern India, particularly to West Bengal, Odisha and neighbouring regions.

The system has already brought moderate to heavy showers to almost all districts of south Bengal, including Kolkata, on Monday and Tuesday. The Met Department has forecast that Kolkata is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday — continuing the wet weather pattern that residents have been navigating for several days.

The Yellow Alert Details

According to the latest weather bulletin, a yellow warning has been issued for all districts of south Bengal — including Kolkata — for Wednesday. The warning also flags gusty winds with speeds of 30 to 40 km per hour across the region.

Some districts have been flagged for potentially moderate to heavy rainfall. A specific warning of heavy rainfall has been issued for Purulia, West Burdwan and Birbhum on Wednesday.

For residents in these districts, the warning is a signal to take routine precautions — avoiding unnecessary travel where possible, staying alert to any localised waterlogging or flooding, and remaining attentive to any further official advisories that may be issued as the day progresses.

The North Bengal Picture

While south Bengal navigates its own weather challenges, north Bengal is also expected to see continued unsettled weather over the next few days.

The Met Department has issued a warning of heavy rainfall across the northern region, with extremely heavy rain likely in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar on Thursday. Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar are all expected to receive heavy rainfall for three consecutive days.

That's a significant weather system for the region — one that will require sustained attention from residents, district administrations and disaster response systems across those areas. Heavy rainfall over multiple consecutive days can quickly translate into river swelling, waterlogging in urban areas, and increased landslide risk in hillier zones.

The Bolpur Situation

The continuing rain has already produced visible disruptions in parts of the state. In Birbhum district, several wards of Bolpur were submerged following persistent overnight rainfall. Water accumulated on roads and in low-lying areas — affecting movement and daily life for local residents.

The situation at Gitanjali Theatre in Bolpur was particularly difficult, with water reportedly reaching knee-deep levels on the premises. Residents and visitors faced considerable inconvenience as water also entered the premises of several institutions and houses.

Waterlogging on the roads further affected local transportation — creating exactly the kind of everyday disruption that intense rainfall episodes typically bring to urban and semi-urban areas that were not designed with heavy monsoon drainage in mind.

Kolkata's Wednesday

Kolkata itself witnessed heavy rain from Wednesday morning, leaving several streets waterlogged across parts of the city. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 26.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. The maximum temperature in Kolkata and adjoining areas on Tuesday was 28.02 degrees Celsius.

For a city as densely populated and as dependent on smooth urban movement as Kolkata, even localised waterlogging can create meaningful daily-life disruption — affecting commutes, business operations, school schedules and general urban activity.

The Extended Forecast

Weather conditions are expected to improve slightly from Thursday. However, scattered rainfall is likely to continue across southern districts until September 8 — meaning that residents should not expect a dramatic, immediate return to dry conditions.

The RMC in Kolkata has predicted scattered light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms in other parts of West Bengal until September 8.

For anyone planning outdoor activities, travel or other weather-dependent engagements over the coming week, the message is straightforward — monitor local weather updates, stay flexible with plans, and prioritise safety over rigid adherence to schedules.

Why It Matters

West Bengal's monsoon rainfall is essential to the state's ecology, agriculture and water resources. Well-distributed monsoon activity supports crops, replenishes water bodies, sustains river systems and shapes the seasonal rhythms of everyday life across the state.

However, intense rainfall episodes also bring significant challenges — particularly to urban areas that face waterlogging in low-lying zones, and to communities living close to swollen rivers and streams. Balancing the essential role of the monsoon with the practical challenges of managing intense rainfall episodes is one of the persistent tests of urban and rural planning across the state.

Days like Wednesday, when heavy rainfall is combining with active alerts and visible urban disruption, are exactly when preparedness systems, drainage infrastructure and community response capacity are tested in real time.

Community and Institutional Response

For the West Bengal government's disaster management authorities, municipal bodies, urban local bodies and district administrations, the coming days will require continued vigilance and rapid response capacity. Real-time monitoring of water accumulation in vulnerable urban areas. Ready deployment of drainage and pumping resources. Timely public advisories through appropriate channels. Coordination with utility providers to minimise weather-related service disruptions.

For residents in affected districts, particularly Bolpur, Birbhum and other south Bengal areas facing significant waterlogging, the situation calls for practical caution — avoiding waterlogged roads where possible, being alert to any electrical safety hazards near submerged areas, and cooperating with any local advisories that may be issued.

Everyday Impact

For daily commuters across Kolkata and south Bengal, the weather is creating exactly the kind of everyday disruptions that intense rainfall spells typically bring. Delayed movement. Waterlogged streets in some areas. Reduced visibility during heavy showers. General slowness across urban systems.

For businesses, schools, healthcare providers and other institutions operating in affected areas, the situation calls for flexible planning and thoughtful accommodation of employees, students and users navigating weather-related challenges.

The Cultural Context

For a state like West Bengal — where monsoon rains are deeply woven into cultural memory, literary traditions and everyday emotional life — this kind of intense rainfall spell is a familiar visitor. Kolkata's poets, filmmakers, musicians and everyday citizens have long carried a complex, romantic-yet-practical relationship with the monsoon.

Even amid the practical disruptions of days like Wednesday, that cultural affection for the rains remains part of what makes the season distinctive for the state.

The Bigger Picture

West Bengal's current weather situation is a reminder of the everyday realities of navigating an active monsoon in a densely populated, geographically diverse state. A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. Yellow warnings across south Bengal districts. Heavy rainfall alerts for Purulia, West Burdwan and Birbhum. Extremely heavy rainfall warnings for Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar in the north. Visible waterlogging in Bolpur and parts of Kolkata. And scattered rainfall likely to continue for nearly a week.

Each of these dimensions calls for coordinated attention from weather agencies, administrative authorities and residents themselves.

For West Bengal's institutional systems, the coming days will require sustained coordinated action across weather monitoring, urban drainage management, disaster response and public communication. For residents, the priority is caution, patience and cooperation with official advisories.

As the state now navigates the current weather episode and moves toward the coming days, the message from the RMC in Kolkata is unambiguously clear. The rain isn't done yet. The forecast points to continued unsettled conditions across the state until at least September 8. And residents should prepare accordingly — with sensible precaution, careful planning and attentive engagement with official weather updates.

For anyone currently in West Bengal — whether residing in the state, visiting for work or travel, or simply following the weather with concern — the priority is straightforward. Stay alert. Stay safe. Follow local advisories. Avoid unnecessary risks near waterlogged areas or swollen water bodies. And extend care and cooperation to the communities most affected by the current situation.

Because as with every intense monsoon spell, the way through is the same combination of thoughtful individual behaviour, responsive institutional systems and shared community care that has always defined how Bengal has weathered the more challenging chapters of its monsoons. And on that front, the coming days will offer plenty of opportunity for exactly the kind of collective resilience that the state has always demonstrated when its weather turns intense.

Also Read: Met Office Predicts Heavy Rain in South Bengal Till Tuesday

• CM C. Joseph Vijay announces withdrawal of criminal cases against farmers and teachers who participated in peaceful protests.
• Decision covers cases registered between May 2021 and April 2026.
• Includes cases from Parandur airport protests and SIPCOT industrial estate opposition in Tiruvannamalai.
• Also covers teachers who protested over salaries, pensions, job security and working conditions.
• CM Vijay made the announcement in the Legislative Assembly under Rule 110.

The Tamil Nadu government has taken one of its most significant early actions on civil liberties and democratic accountability. On Wednesday, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced in the state Legislative Assembly the withdrawal of all criminal cases registered against farmers and teachers who participated in peaceful protests between May 2021 and April 2026 in support of their livelihoods, rights and other legitimate demands. Framed by the Chief Minister as an effort to protect democratic rights and rebuild trust between the government and ordinary citizens, the decision represents a substantive shift in how the state approaches the criminalisation of peaceful dissent.

For thousands of farmers and teachers who have been making repeated court and police appearances over the past several years, Wednesday's announcement brings genuine, meaningful relief.

The Announcement That Set the Tone

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay made the announcement in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly under Rule 110 — a mechanism that allows ministers to make statements of policy importance directly to the House.

The announcement described the case withdrawals as an effort to protect democratic rights and rebuild trust between the state government and ordinary citizens. That kind of framing is deliberate. It positions the withdrawal not as a routine administrative decision but as a principled institutional stance on the relationship between the state and citizens exercising their democratic right to peaceful protest.

The Cases Being Withdrawn

The order will cover a broad set of cases registered against protesters over a five-year window from May 2021 to April 2026.

Two specific categories of protest-related cases have been highlighted in the announcement. First, cases filed against farmers who opposed the proposed State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) industrial estate in Tiruvannamalai district. Second, cases registered during the prolonged agitation against the proposed greenfield airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district.

The Parandur Airport Story

For anyone who has followed Tamil Nadu's civic protest movements over the past several years, the Parandur airport case has been one of the most closely watched.

Residents of Parandur and surrounding villages had organised sustained protests against the airport project, arguing that it would lead to the acquisition of fertile agricultural land, damage waterbodies and destroy traditional sources of income. Their concerns were rooted in the same essential questions that many rural communities across India have raised about large infrastructure projects — questions about livelihoods, ecological sustainability, land rights and the meaningful consultation of affected communities.

Several protesters were booked by the previous government during the agitation. Some farmers were also detained under the Goondas Act — an application that drew significant criticism from political parties, civil society organisations and human rights activists at the time.

Wednesday's announcement effectively unwinds those legal proceedings, providing meaningful relief to the farmers and community members who have been navigating them.

The Teachers Included

The announcement also extends its coverage to teachers who took part in peaceful demonstrations during the same five-year period.

Teachers' associations across Tamil Nadu had organised protests over multiple issues affecting their profession — including salaries, pensions, job security, regularisation of temporary employees, promotions and general working conditions. These are exactly the kinds of livelihood and workplace concerns that teachers around the world routinely raise through peaceful, organised advocacy.

By explicitly including teachers in the withdrawal announcement, the government has signalled that its principled stance extends across occupational categories — not just to agrarian protests but also to the concerns raised by educators.

The Government's Rationale

The government has been clear about the principles guiding the decision.

According to the announcement, the cases would be withdrawn on humanitarian and democratic grounds, regardless of the legal provisions under which they had been registered. Necessary instructions would be issued to the departments and authorities concerned to begin the process of withdrawal. Officials will examine the cases and complete the required legal formalities before applications are submitted to the appropriate courts.

The government maintained that people should not be subjected to prolonged criminal proceedings merely for raising legitimate grievances through peaceful and democratic means. CM Vijay emphasised that the administration recognises the right of farmers, teachers and other sections of society to express their concerns without fear of punitive action.

That framing is significant. It articulates a substantive principle — that peaceful protest is a democratic right, and that criminalising participation in peaceful protests undermines the fundamental compact between the state and its citizens.

The Expected Benefits

The move is likely to benefit hundreds of protesters across Tamil Nadu. The government has stated that withdrawing the cases would strengthen democratic values, reduce unnecessary litigation and create a more constructive relationship between citizens and the administration.

For farmers and teachers who have been making repeated appearances before courts and police authorities in connection with the protests, the practical relief is substantial. Court appearances take time away from farming, teaching and family responsibilities. Legal fees create financial strain. And the persistent uncertainty of ongoing criminal proceedings adds meaningful psychological pressure to the everyday lives of the individuals involved.

Wednesday's announcement addresses each of these dimensions in a meaningful way.

Why It Matters

The right to peaceful assembly and protest is one of the foundational elements of any functioning democracy. When citizens can raise their concerns publicly, organise around shared grievances and advocate collectively for their interests without fear of criminal prosecution, democratic institutions become stronger, more responsive and more legitimate.

When peaceful protest is criminalised — through excessive use of criminal cases, preventive detention laws or other punitive legal instruments — the space for democratic engagement narrows, and trust between citizens and the state erodes.

Wednesday's decision by the Tamil Nadu government represents a substantive statement in favour of the first model. It acknowledges that peaceful protest is not a criminal act and that the state should not treat it as one.

Political and Institutional Impact

For the newly elected Tamil Nadu government under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, the case withdrawal announcement represents an early, high-profile signal of the administration's approach to civic and democratic issues. Announcements of this kind, made early in a government's tenure, tend to carry significant symbolic weight — signalling institutional priorities to citizens, civil servants, activists and political observers alike.

For Tamil Nadu's civic and political landscape, the decision opens up important conversations about the state's approach to future protest movements, community consultation on large infrastructure projects, and the appropriate application of laws like the Goondas Act.

For India's broader democratic conversation, the announcement adds another data point to the ongoing discussion about how state governments across the country handle the criminalisation of peaceful dissent.

Impact on Affected Communities

For the farmers of Parandur and Tiruvannamalai, and for the teachers who participated in protests over their working conditions, the case withdrawals bring both practical relief and emotional acknowledgment. The relief comes from the end of ongoing legal proceedings. The acknowledgment comes from being publicly recognised as citizens exercising legitimate democratic rights rather than as criminal defendants.

That combination — practical relief plus public acknowledgment — often matters just as much to affected communities as the underlying legal outcomes themselves.

Civil Society Response

For civil society organisations, human rights activists and legal aid groups that have been advocating for the affected protesters over the past several years, Wednesday's announcement represents a genuine institutional response to sustained advocacy. Cases involving detention under the Goondas Act had drawn particular attention from human rights groups, and the case withdrawal announcement addresses those specific concerns directly.

Cultural Impact

Tamil Nadu has a long, culturally rich tradition of civic engagement, agrarian activism and public advocacy. Farmers' movements, workers' movements, students' movements and teachers' associations have all played meaningful roles in shaping the state's political and social evolution over decades.

By formally recognising that peaceful protest is a legitimate democratic expression rather than a criminal act, the state government is engaging with this deep cultural tradition in a way that many citizens will find affirming.

Institutional Impact

For Tamil Nadu's Home Department, the state's police force, its district administration structures and its judicial system, Wednesday's decision creates a clear implementation agenda. Cases will need to be reviewed, legal formalities completed, and formal withdrawal applications filed in the appropriate courts.

That coordinated administrative work is what will translate the political announcement into real relief for the affected individuals. And the speed and thoroughness of that implementation will itself become an indicator of how meaningfully the state government follows through on its stated commitment.

The Bigger Picture

CM C. Joseph Vijay's Wednesday announcement in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly is more than just an administrative decision. It is a substantive articulation of how the state government intends to approach questions of democratic engagement, peaceful protest and citizen-state relationships.

Farmers who opposed the SIPCOT industrial estate in Tiruvannamalai. Farmers who protested the Parandur airport project. Teachers who advocated for their salaries, pensions and working conditions. Community members who raised their voices peacefully about issues affecting their livelihoods and families. Each of these groups will now find themselves relieved of the criminal cases that had been hanging over them for years.

Beyond the immediate relief, the decision also creates institutional space for a healthier future relationship between the state and its citizens. When citizens know that peaceful protest will not be criminalised, they are more likely to engage constructively with policy processes. When governments know that they can facilitate rather than criminalise dissent, they are more likely to build lasting public trust.

For Tamil Nadu's farmers, teachers and civil society more broadly, Wednesday's announcement represents a moment of meaningful institutional acknowledgment. For the state's democratic culture, it represents a moment of principled reaffirmation.

As the state's departments and authorities now begin the process of formally executing the case withdrawals, the coming weeks and months will offer clear evidence of how comprehensively the announcement translates into practice. But the political intent has been established. The principled stance has been articulated. And the message from the Legislative Assembly to the state's citizens is unmistakably clear.

Peaceful protest is not a crime. Democratic dissent deserves respect, not prosecution. And the relationship between the government and its citizens is being deliberately, publicly reset toward one of mutual trust, mutual respect and shared commitment to democratic values.

For everyone in Tamil Nadu who has ever raised their voice peacefully for a cause they believed in, Wednesday's decision from the Legislative Assembly stands as an important affirmation. And for the broader Indian democratic conversation, it offers exactly the kind of principled leadership that this moment in the country's civic evolution genuinely calls for.

Also Read: CM Vijay Opens Mettur Dam for Delta Irrigation After 3-Month Delay

• A newborn baby girl was rescued from a forested area in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district on Tuesday.
• A shepherd who heard her cries alerted ASHA and Anganwadi workers.
• She is currently admitted to the Sick Newborn Care Unit at Raisen District Hospital.
• Bamhauri police have registered a case and launched an investigation.
• The Child Welfare Committee has initiated the process for further action concerning the child.

A newborn baby girl was rescued on Tuesday from a forested area in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district, thanks to the alertness of a shepherd who heard her cries and immediately raised the alarm. The infant is now receiving medical care at the Raisen District Hospital, where doctors are keeping her under close observation, while local police and the Child Welfare Committee coordinate on the steps ahead.

For everyone involved in the rescue — from the shepherd who first heard her, to the community health workers who responded, to the doctors now caring for her — the priority is now clear. Every step going forward must be about ensuring her safety, her medical recovery and her long-term wellbeing.

The Rescue

The infant was found in Dungariya Khurd village under Bamhauri tehsil on Tuesday. A shepherd grazing livestock in the area heard her cries, followed the sound, and discovered the baby in a forested spot with no one else present.

He immediately informed ASHA and Anganwadi workers — India's frontline community health functionaries who play a critical role in exactly these kinds of emergency situations. Police and villagers subsequently reached the location and rescued the infant.

That quick, coordinated response — from a shepherd's alertness to community health workers to police — reflects exactly what the ASHA and Anganwadi system is designed for. It is a small but genuinely important example of how India's rural community health infrastructure can save lives when it works as intended.

The Medical Care

The baby was initially taken to the Bamhauri Sub-Health Centre and subsequently referred to hospitals in Silwani and Raisen as her condition was considered serious.

At the Raisen District Hospital, she has been admitted to the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU), where doctors are keeping her under close observation.

SNCU in-charge Dr Alok Rai confirmed that the baby is currently receiving intensive care and being monitored carefully. India's SNCU network was established precisely to provide specialised neonatal care in exactly these kinds of situations — and Raisen District Hospital's SNCU is now doing what it is designed to do.

The Police Investigation

Bamhauri police have registered a case against unknown persons and launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the abandonment.

Bamhauri police station house officer Pritam Singh Rajput confirmed that the investigation is being handled with the seriousness it warrants. "We have registered a case against unknown persons and are making inquiries in the surrounding villages to identify the parents," he said.

Police teams are conducting inquiries in the surrounding villages as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Child Welfare Committee Steps In

Perhaps the most important institutional development in the case is the involvement of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) — the statutory body designated under India's juvenile justice framework to handle exactly these situations.

Child Welfare Committee member Mamta Patel visited the district hospital after learning about the incident and enquired with doctors about the infant's condition and treatment. The committee has initiated the process for further action concerning the abandoned child, she told media on Wednesday.

Patel also confirmed that the baby will remain under medical supervision for the next three to four days as her recovery continues.

The CWC's involvement is exactly what should happen in such cases. India's juvenile justice architecture provides a structured, child-centric framework for handling abandoned and vulnerable infants — one designed to prioritise the child's safety, medical wellbeing, and long-term future above all else.

Why the Institutional Response Matters

Cases like this one are, ultimately, tests of whether India's child protection systems function as they are designed to. On Tuesday and Wednesday in Raisen, several parts of that system responded exactly as they should have.

A community member acted with urgency the moment he heard the child. ASHA and Anganwadi workers responded immediately. Police coordinated the rescue and initiated a formal investigation. The Sub-Health Centre triaged and escalated. The District Hospital SNCU took over medical care. And the Child Welfare Committee stepped in to oversee the child's welfare going forward.

That kind of chain of institutional response, when it works, saves lives.

The Path Ahead

For the baby now recovering in the Raisen District Hospital SNCU, the coming days will be about medical stabilisation and observation. Beyond that, her longer-term welfare is now formally in the hands of the Child Welfare Committee, which is empowered under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act to make decisions that centre the best interests of the child.

Whatever pathway her life takes from here — whether through family tracing, foster care or eventual adoption through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) framework — the process is now structured to prioritise her safety, dignity and future.

A Note on Reporting

Cases involving newborn children require care, both in how they are handled institutionally and in how they are reported publicly. India's child protection framework — including the Juvenile Justice Act and Press Council of India norms — provides clear guidance on protecting the privacy, identity and long-term interests of vulnerable minors. As this case unfolds, the primary focus should remain on the institutional response, the child's welfare, and the systems working to protect her — rather than on speculation, graphic detail or coverage that could complicate her future.

The Bigger Picture

The rescue in Raisen is, at its core, a story about a child whose life was saved by the alertness of a shepherd, the responsiveness of community health workers, the coordination of local police, and the institutional structures that India has built specifically for such moments.

The chain that saved her — from the pasture where she was found to the SNCU bed where she now recovers to the CWC that is now overseeing her future — represents the quiet, everyday functioning of a child protection ecosystem that most people never think about, but which exists precisely for moments like these.

For everyone reading about this case with concern, the most helpful thing to hold onto is not the difficulty of what happened but the strength of the response that followed. A baby who was in genuine danger is now safe, receiving care, and has an entire institutional framework working to protect her going forward.

Her future will be shaped in the weeks and months ahead by the CWC, the medical team caring for her, and the child protection systems designed to ensure that children like her get the safety, dignity and care every child deserves.

And in that ongoing work — quiet, careful, and rarely making headlines — sits some of the most important, most humane work being done by India's public institutions every single day.

• Fifth Indian aircraft has departed for Nepal with an 11-member rescue team and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines.
• India has rushed over 68 tonnes of emergency relief materials so far.
• Nepal's flash floods followed a glacial collapse in Tibet on August 26.
• A 19-member Indian forensic team is assisting Nepali experts with DNA identification work.
• India and China have sent technical teams to assist in search operations at hydropower tunnels.

India's humanitarian response to Nepal's ongoing flood tragedy entered another significant phase on Wednesday, with the fifth Indian aircraft carrying rescue personnel, specialised equipment and essential medicines departing for the neighbouring country. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar formally announced the latest dispatch — reinforcing India's role as one of the primary international responders supporting Nepal through what has become one of the country's most difficult recent weeks.

For families across Nepal navigating unimaginable loss and uncertainty in the aftermath of the disaster, every incoming international aircraft carrying relief materials represents a small but meaningful measure of solidarity from a world watching with concern.

The Latest Aid Dispatch

Taking to X on Wednesday, EAM Jaishankar shared the update on India's ongoing assistance to Nepal.

"The fifth Indian aircraft has departed for Nepal. It is carrying a 11-member rescue team with specialised equipment, and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines," he wrote.

That's a genuinely substantial contribution — combining trained rescue personnel with critical medical supplies at a moment when Nepal's own medical and disaster response capacity is under considerable strain.

The Cumulative Scale of India's Response

Across the multiple aircraft dispatched so far, India has rushed over 68 tonnes of emergency relief materials and specialised rescue teams to support Nepal following the devastating flash floods.

The deliveries have included blankets, sleeping bags, heavy-duty tarpaulins, plastic sheeting and hygiene kits — all essential for supporting displaced families and communities coping with the immediate aftermath of the disaster. The supplies also include essential medicines, food packets, solar lamps, water purification tablets and portable generators.

Together, these materials represent exactly the kind of comprehensive, thoughtfully assembled relief response that a disaster of this magnitude requires. Each category of supplies serves a specific function — from shelter and warmth to sanitation, hydration, illumination and medical care.

The Origin of the Disaster

The current disaster in Nepal was triggered by a glacial collapse in Tibet on August 26. The resulting flash floods have caused catastrophic damage across multiple districts of Nepal — affecting families, communities, infrastructure and livelihoods across a wide geographical area.

Flash floods triggered by glacial events are among the most difficult natural disasters to respond to. They arrive with limited warning, move with tremendous force, and leave behind widespread damage across large areas — placing enormous strain on emergency response systems.

The Human Cost

Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) confirmed on Tuesday that over 1,000 people have now been confirmed dead following the floods.

According to Nepal Police, as many as 4,606 people remain unaccounted for — including 583 foreigners. That number, and the scale of uncertainty it represents, reflects the deeply painful reality that many families across Nepal and around the world are currently living through, waiting for information about missing loved ones.

For every one of those families, the coming days and weeks will carry immense emotional weight.

The Hydropower Rescue Efforts

One of the most technically challenging elements of the ongoing rescue operation involves the hydropower projects along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. Nepali authorities are working to locate people who remain unaccounted for at various hydropower projects along these corridors.

Recognising the technical complexity of these rescue operations, and at the request of the Nepali government, both India and China have sent technical teams to assist in search and rescue operations inside hydropower tunnels. That kind of coordinated cross-border technical cooperation is exactly what disasters of this scale demand — and it reflects the international goodwill and support Nepal is receiving during this difficult time.

The Forensic Team

Adding another important dimension to India's assistance, a 19-member Indian forensic team has begun analysing DNA samples in coordination with Nepali forensic experts. Their work is aimed at helping identify people killed in the tragedy — a critical, sensitive process that will bring some measure of closure to grieving families over the coming weeks.

Forensic identification work in the aftermath of large-scale disasters is among the most difficult humanitarian tasks anyone can undertake. It requires deep technical expertise, extraordinary emotional resilience and unwavering commitment to helping families find answers. The Indian team's involvement in this effort represents one of the most meaningful forms of support one country can offer another in a moment of profound tragedy.

Why It Matters

Nepal and India share one of the deepest, most enduring civilizational, cultural and geographic relationships between any two neighbours in the world. When Nepal experiences a disaster of this scale, India's response is not just a matter of diplomatic protocol — it reflects a genuine, longstanding bond between two peoples who have always shared each other's joys and sorrows.

For India, being among the first international responders in Nepal's moment of need is entirely consistent with the country's long-established role as a first responder in South Asian humanitarian crises. From earthquakes to floods to health emergencies, India has repeatedly stepped forward to provide immediate, substantive assistance to neighbours in distress.

For Nepal, receiving this scale of coordinated international support — including from India, China and other partners — reflects the global community's collective solidarity during this period of tragedy.

The Human Response Behind the Numbers

Behind every logistics detail lie individual people working around the clock. Rescue team members putting themselves in physically demanding, emotionally difficult situations to search for survivors. Forensic experts working with extraordinary care to identify victims and help families find closure. Aid workers unpacking supplies, setting up shelter arrangements and providing basic care to displaced families. Medical professionals treating injuries and preventing disease outbreaks in affected areas.

Each of these people — Indian, Nepali, Chinese and from every other country contributing to the response — represents the very best of what humanitarian work looks like when it is done with genuine care and dedication.

The Continued Coordination Ahead

The disaster response in Nepal will continue for weeks, if not months. Recovery operations. Identification work. Displacement management. Infrastructure repair. Livelihood restoration. Long-term psychosocial support for affected families. Each of these dimensions will require sustained attention from the Nepali government and its international partners.

India's continued engagement — through further aid, technical support and diplomatic solidarity — will remain an important part of that longer arc of recovery.

Institutional and Diplomatic Impact

For the Ministry of External Affairs and India's disaster response ecosystem — spanning the National Disaster Response Force, the armed forces, medical teams, forensic units and logistics providers — the Nepal response demonstrates the increasingly mature, coordinated capability India has developed for rapid regional humanitarian action.

For India-Nepal relations, the response strengthens the bilateral bond during a moment when Nepal is most in need of its neighbours' support.

Regional Cooperation Impact

The fact that both India and China are contributing technical teams to hydropower rescue operations at Nepal's request is a small but meaningful example of how, in moments of humanitarian crisis, regional cooperation often finds ways to transcend broader geopolitical dynamics. When lives are at stake, the priority becomes coordinated action to save them — regardless of other considerations.

The Bigger Picture

Nepal is currently going through one of the most difficult chapters in its recent history. Families are grieving. Communities are displaced. Infrastructure has been damaged. Search and identification operations are still underway. And the full scale of the loss will only become clearer over the coming days and weeks.

In such moments, the humanitarian response of neighbours and international partners is more than just logistics. It is a statement of solidarity — a way of saying to every affected family that they are not alone, that the world is watching with concern, and that support is being mobilised with care and urgency.

Wednesday's departure of India's fifth aircraft carrying rescue personnel and essential medicines is one small part of that larger message. Combined with the over 68 tonnes of relief materials already sent, the ongoing forensic identification work, and the technical teams supporting hydropower rescue operations, India's response reflects exactly the kind of committed, sustained assistance that this moment demands.

For everyone watching Nepal's tragedy unfold from a distance, there are meaningful ways to help — through verified humanitarian organisations, through respectful support for grieving communities, and through the simple, powerful act of holding space for the affected families in one's thoughts.

For Nepal, the coming weeks will be about recovery, healing, identification and rebuilding. And through every phase of that difficult journey, the country's neighbours and partners — including India — will continue to stand alongside it.

Because in moments like these, what matters most is not just the aircraft that arrive, or the tonnes of supplies that are delivered, or the technical teams that get deployed. What matters most is that neighbours show up for each other with genuine care, sustained commitment, and unwavering respect for the humanity of every single life affected. And on that count, the message from India to Nepal in these difficult days is unmistakably clear. You are not alone. We are with you. And we will continue to be, for as long as this journey of recovery takes.

Also Read: Nepal Flash Flood Sparks Bihar Alert as Gandak Level Watched

• Himachal Pradesh received 212.5 mm rainfall in August 2026, the 29th lowest since 1901.
• Highest August rainfall on record was 542.4 mm in 1927.
• State recorded 17 per cent deficit against the normal of 256.8 mm.
• Kangra district received the highest rainfall at 658.0 mm; Lahaul-Spiti the lowest at 27.8 mm.
• Lahaul-Spiti recorded the highest negative rainfall departure at -76 per cent.

Himachal Pradesh's August 2026 rainfall picture reflects a state navigating both climate variability and sharp intra-state differences. According to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday, the state received 212.5 mm of rainfall during August — its 29th lowest August total since 1901. In contrast, the highest August rainfall in the state's recorded history was 542.4 mm, recorded almost a century ago in 1927.

For a state whose economy, ecology, agriculture and everyday life are deeply tied to monsoon patterns, the August numbers deserve close attention — and the details behind the headline figure tell a much more nuanced story.

The Headline Numbers

Himachal Pradesh received 212.5 mm of actual rainfall against a normal of 256.8 mm in August — a shortfall of 17 per cent. Officially, the IMD has categorised this as "normal" precipitation, since departures within a specified range still fall within the normal band, though the deficit is clearly on the higher side of that range.

That combination — technically normal but with noticeable deficit — reflects the kind of transitional monsoon pattern that has become increasingly common across many parts of India in recent years.

An Uneven Month

The rainfall wasn't uniformly distributed across the month. IMD's analysis shows that the state received scattered to fairly widespread precipitation on many days of August, but the intensity varied significantly.

Active monsoon activity was recorded on five days — August 5, 7, 11, 19 and 31. Weak monsoon activity, on the other hand, was observed on 11 days — August 2, 3, 9, 13, 14, 21, 25, 27, 28, 29 and 30.

That pattern — of concentrated bursts of active rainfall interspersed with extended stretches of weak activity — is what shaped the overall monthly total, and it also explains why some districts felt the rainfall more strongly than others.

The Intense Days

Some days during August delivered particularly heavy rainfall bursts to specific districts.

Very heavy rain was recorded at isolated places over Sirmaur and Bilaspur districts on August 4, over Sirmaur and Una districts on August 5, over Kangra district on August 15, and over Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Kangra districts on August 19.

Heavy rain was observed at isolated places on multiple days. On August 2, Bilaspur received heavy rainfall. On August 3, Mandi, Bilaspur and Sirmaur districts received heavy rainfall. On August 4, Sirmaur received heavy rainfall. On August 5, Sirmaur, Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi and Hamirpur districts received heavy rainfall. On August 6, Chamba and Kangra received heavy rainfall. On August 7, Sirmaur, Mandi and Kangra received heavy rainfall. On August 29, Kangra received heavy rainfall. And on August 31, Chamba, Kangra, Bilaspur, Sirmaur and Mandi received heavy rainfall.

Together, these localised intense rainfall events shaped the district-level rainfall picture across the state.

District-Level Variations

The most striking element of August's rainfall picture is the sharp variation across districts.

Kangra district received the highest rainfall in the state at 658.0 mm — reflecting the district's traditionally higher exposure to monsoon activity. At the other extreme, Lahaul-Spiti district received the lowest rainfall at just 27.8 mm — a stark contrast to Kangra's numbers, and one that reflects the very different climatic conditions in the high-altitude cold desert region of the state.

Sirmaur district recorded the highest positive rainfall departure at 17 per cent, meaning it received more rainfall than its August normal. Lahaul-Spiti district, on the other hand, recorded the highest negative rainfall departure at minus 76 per cent — a very significant deficit for the district.

The Broader District Picture

The overall district-wise classification also reveals a mixed rainfall performance.

Bilaspur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur and Una districts have received normal precipitation. Chamba, Hamirpur and Solan districts have received deficient precipitation. The remaining districts have received large deficient precipitation.

That distribution reflects one of the enduring truths about weather in a state like Himachal — geography matters enormously. Between higher and lower elevations, between windward and leeward slopes, between the state's western plains-adjacent districts and its northern high-altitude regions, rainfall patterns can vary dramatically within a single month.

Why It Matters

Himachal Pradesh's economy, ecology and everyday rural life are deeply shaped by its monsoon patterns. The state's agriculture — including its important horticulture and apple-growing sectors — depends on well-timed rainfall. Its hydroelectric power generation depends on adequate water inflows into reservoirs. Its drinking water supply relies on healthy rainfall replenishing local sources. And its ecological balance across forests, streams and rivers is inextricably linked to seasonal rainfall patterns.

When rainfall is below normal — particularly when specific regions experience very sharp deficits like the minus 76 per cent departure in Lahaul-Spiti — the consequences can be meaningful across multiple sectors.

Agricultural and Ecological Impact

For agriculture, uneven rainfall creates uneven outcomes. Districts that received normal rainfall may see relatively stable agricultural performance, while districts that experienced deficient or large-deficient rainfall may see impact on crop yields, soil moisture retention and irrigation availability.

For horticulture in Himachal, timely, well-distributed rainfall is particularly important. Any prolonged imbalance can affect fruit quality, ripening cycles and overall crop economics.

For the state's forests, streams and wildlife, sustained rainfall deficits over multiple years can gradually contribute to ecological stress — particularly in already-vulnerable high-altitude regions.

Water Resource Implications

Himachal Pradesh is home to some of India's most important river systems and hydroelectric projects. Water inflows into reservoirs and rivers depend heavily on monsoon rainfall patterns.

When rainfall underperforms in specific regions, water resource authorities need to factor these deficits into their planning — both for hydropower generation and for downstream water supply to other states that depend on Himalayan river systems.

Climate Context

The August performance also fits into a broader climate context. IMD had earlier forecast below-normal rainfall across India for September, citing strong El Nino conditions prevailing over the equatorial Pacific. That larger climate pattern likely contributed to the mixed rainfall performance across Himachal in August.

For state agencies planning ahead into September and October, staying alert to continued rainfall variability — particularly in already deficient regions — will be important.

Institutional Response

For Himachal's state disaster management authorities, agriculture departments, water resource agencies and rural development bodies, the August rainfall picture provides important early data on where attention may be needed most in the coming weeks.

Districts with large deficient precipitation may require closer monitoring — including agricultural extension support, water conservation planning and community advisories on managing available water resources carefully.

The Bigger Picture

Himachal Pradesh's August 2026 rainfall picture is a story of contrasts. Kangra received 658 mm, while Lahaul-Spiti received just 27.8 mm. Some districts recorded normal or above-normal rainfall, while others faced significant deficits. And overall, the state's August total ranks 29th lowest since 1901 — placing it well below what has historically been received in the wettest August months.

For a state where every district experiences the monsoon differently, and where the impact of rainfall varies enormously based on geography, elevation and dependent activity, the numbers tell a much richer story than any single average could convey.

As Himachal Pradesh now steps into September, weather patterns will continue to be closely watched. IMD's forecast of below-normal rainfall across India for September, combined with the mixed August performance, means state authorities and citizens alike will need to remain vigilant about water conservation, agricultural planning and disaster preparedness in the coming weeks.

For Himachal Pradesh's residents, from farmers in Kangra to families in Lahaul-Spiti, the message from August's rainfall data is clear. The monsoon has behaved unevenly this year. Some regions have received their fair share. Others have not. And as the season begins to wind down, adapting thoughtfully to these variations — and preparing for whatever the coming weeks bring — will be one of the state's most important collective priorities.

Because in a state as geographically and ecologically diverse as Himachal Pradesh, understanding rainfall not just as a state-level average but as a district-level reality is what turns weather data into meaningful, actionable insight. And on Tuesday, IMD's August summary did exactly that — offering everyone from policymakers to farmers a clearer picture of exactly where the state stands, and what may lie ahead.

Also Read: Delhi-NCR Braces for Rain, Thunderstorms Today

• Women in Himachal to pay just 4% stamp duty on property up to Rs 1 crore; 8% above that.
• Men and others to pay 6% up to Rs 40 lakh; 8% above that.
• Family property transfers between spouses and blood relatives now taxed at just 0.1%.
• Non-residents acquiring land under Section 118 to pay a flat 12% stamp duty.
• Indian Stamp (Himachal Pradesh Second Amendment) Bill, 2026 introduced to modernise 1899-era laws.

Himachal Pradesh is on the verge of one of its most consequential property law reforms in recent memory. During the Monsoon Session of the state Legislative Assembly, the Congress government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday announced significant changes to the rules governing stamp duty on property transactions and registrations. The move is being widely welcomed for two reasons in particular — sharp relief for women buying or receiving property, and a substantial reduction in the cost of transferring property between family members.

For anyone considering buying land in Himachal, or navigating property division within a family, the new rules represent a genuinely meaningful shift.

The Case for Reform

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, addressing the Assembly, laid out the rationale behind the changes.

He informed lawmakers that with the exception of property sales and gifts, stamp duty rates for many other types of documents had remained unchanged for years. Furthermore, to eliminate the confusion caused among the public by frequent minor amendments to the old rules, the government has decided to replace the entire existing list with a new, simplified list (Schedule 1-A).

The Indian Stamp (Himachal Pradesh Second Amendment) Bill, 2026 has been introduced with this objective. Its primary aim, according to the government, is to modernise and simplify the outdated and complex laws of 1899 — making them clearer and easier to navigate for the average citizen.

That's a meaningful reform intent. Property laws in India often trace back to colonial-era frameworks that have been amended piecemeal over decades — leaving a fragmented, hard-to-navigate system. A wholesale replacement of the existing schedule with a cleaner, simpler version marks a serious step toward modernisation.

The Headline Change: A Big Win for Women

The most visible change under the new Bill is the sharp reduction in stamp duty rates for women.

If a woman registers a property worth up to Rs 1 crore in her name — or receives a property as a gift — she will be required to pay a stamp duty of only 4 per cent. For properties valued above Rs 1 crore, the rate will move up to 8 per cent.

That's a significant cost advantage, and one that directly encourages more property to be registered in women's names — a shift that carries meaningful long-term social and economic implications for women's financial independence.

For men and others, the stamp duty has been fixed at 6 per cent for property registration up to Rs 40 lakh, and 8 per cent for properties valued above Rs 40 lakh.

Family Property Transfers Get Much Cheaper

Perhaps the most striking element of the new Bill is the dramatic reduction in the cost of transferring property within a family.

The government has provided significant relief regarding property transfers between spouses or among blood relatives such as parents and children. Under the new rules, the stamp fee for transferring family property will now be just 0.1 per cent of the total property value.

That's a genuinely transformative change. Family property transfers — often triggered by inheritance planning, generational transitions, marriage, or family reorganisation — have historically been burdened by heavy stamp duty costs. Bringing that cost down to 0.1 per cent removes a major financial obstacle for families looking to structure their property affairs cleanly and legally.

Section 118 Remains Stringent for Non-Residents

For cases involving non-residents and Section 118, the Bill maintains a more stringent regime — and importantly, does not distinguish between men and women in this specific category.

In cases where special permission under Section 118 is obtained to acquire land from the state government or take it on lease, a substantial stamp duty of 12 per cent must be paid directly. That preserves Himachal Pradesh's long-standing protection of its land ownership regime, particularly in relation to non-residents seeking to acquire land in the state.

Everyday Documentation Adjustments

The Bill also brings some clarity to routine everyday documentation. The standard affidavits prepared at tehsil offices will now require a Rs 100 stamp. And the cost of executing legal documents for child adoption (adoption deeds) will now be Rs 2,000.

Those are the kind of small, practical rate updates that keep everyday citizen-government transactions functional, transparent and consistent.

Why It Matters

The Bill's most impactful implication lies in the direction it pushes society toward — one where property ownership in women's names becomes financially more attractive, and where family property transfers become much less costly.

For women, the reduced stamp duty rate for properties up to Rs 1 crore creates a meaningful financial incentive to register property in their own name. Property ownership has historically been one of the most powerful drivers of women's economic security, financial independence and long-term wealth accumulation. When a state government makes the cost of that ownership meaningfully lower for women, it sends a strong policy signal about the kind of gender-progressive society it is trying to build.

For families, the 0.1 per cent stamp duty on inter-family property transfers is potentially transformative. It removes one of the major financial disincentives to formalising inheritance, executing generational planning, and cleanly transferring assets between spouses and blood relatives.

The Modernisation Angle

The broader Bill — which replaces the entire existing list of stamp duty rules with a simplified Schedule 1-A — reflects the government's larger effort to modernise outdated administrative frameworks. India's stamp duty regime, largely built around the Indian Stamp Act of 1899, has long been criticised for its complexity, ambiguity and frequent minor amendments that leave citizens confused about applicable rates.

A cleaner, simpler schedule benefits everyone. Citizens can better understand their obligations. Registrars can process documents more consistently. Real estate professionals can advise clients with greater clarity. And the overall property market benefits from more predictable, transparent transaction costs.

Financial and Economic Impact

For Himachal Pradesh's real estate market, the new rules could catalyse meaningful shifts.

Lower stamp duty for women may encourage more property purchases and registrations in their names — expanding demand-side activity and reshaping ownership patterns over time. Sharply reduced family-transfer stamp duty could unlock a wave of long-pending intra-family property formalisations, adding transaction volumes to the market. And the simplified schedule may improve confidence among first-time buyers and small property investors who often find the current system opaque.

For the state government, while individual transaction rates may be lower in some segments, higher registration activity and formalisation of previously undocumented transfers could offset revenue impact over time.

Social and Cultural Impact

Beyond the financial dimensions, the Bill carries a strong social message. It signals that Himachal Pradesh is actively encouraging women's participation in property ownership. It acknowledges that family property transfers are a normal, essential part of household life — and that the government should not stand in the way with excessive costs. And it affirms the state's commitment to modernising its citizen-facing legal framework.

For women in particular, that message matters. In a country where property ownership in a woman's name remains far below what social equality would demand, every policy nudge that makes such ownership more accessible plays a meaningful role in shifting long-standing norms.

Institutional Impact

For the Himachal Pradesh government, the successful implementation of the new Bill will require coordinated efforts across the Revenue Department, tehsil offices, sub-registrar offices, real estate industry bodies, and public awareness initiatives.

Ensuring that citizens across the state — from Shimla and Dharamshala to smaller towns and rural blocks — clearly understand the new rules will be essential to fully realising the benefits of the reform.

The Bigger Picture

Tuesday's announcement in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly is more than a routine tax-rate update. It is a structural reform that touches multiple important dimensions of citizen life — gender equity, family financial planning, real estate transactions, legal modernisation and long-term wealth-building.

The Indian Stamp (Himachal Pradesh Second Amendment) Bill, 2026 replaces a fragmented, decades-old framework with a simplified, more equitable schedule. It rewards women's property ownership with meaningfully lower stamp duty. It dramatically reduces the cost of family property transfers. And it maintains protective vigilance around Section 118 land acquisition by non-residents.

For women across the state, the Bill quietly opens up a wider financial pathway to property ownership. For families, it removes one of the biggest cost hurdles standing in the way of clean intergenerational property planning. And for Himachal Pradesh as a whole, it reflects a state government willing to combine gender-progressive policy with administrative modernisation.

As the new rules move toward implementation, their real impact will be measured over the coming months and years — in how many more women register property in their names, how many families finally formalise long-pending transfers, and how much smoother property transactions become across the state.

But the signal, from Tuesday's Assembly session onward, is unmistakable. Himachal Pradesh is opening its property doors a little wider — especially for the women who, historically, have often been the last in the room to hold the keys. And in that quiet policy shift lies a much bigger message about the kind of state Himachal Pradesh is choosing to become.

• TN CM C. Joseph Vijay opened the Stanley Reservoir sluice gates at Mettur on Tuesday.
• Water release will continue for 45 days from September 1, subject to inflows and storage.
• Release was delayed from the customary June 12 date due to weak rainfall and low reservoir storage.
• This is CM Vijay's first Mettur visit since taking office on May 10.
• Supreme Court has adjourned the Cauvery water dispute case to September 15.

Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta farmers finally received the moment they had been waiting for through months of anxious uncertainty. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday opened the sluice gates of the Stanley Reservoir at Mettur, releasing water for irrigation across the delta districts after a delay of nearly three months caused by inadequate rainfall and poor reservoir storage. For lakhs of farmers preparing their fields for the season's paddy cultivation, the moment marked the return of the lifeline they depend on year after year.

The Release Plan

The Tamil Nadu government has confirmed that the water release will continue for 45 days from September 1, subject to inflows and the availability of water in the reservoir. The discharge is expected to benefit agricultural lands across the delta districts, where farmers have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Mettur water to begin cultivation activities.

That 45-day window is critical. It provides farmers with a defined planning horizon for their kuruvai paddy cultivation and gives them time to mobilise labour, inputs and equipment for the season.

A Delayed Start to a Difficult Season

Water from the Mettur dam is normally released on June 12 every year to support kuruvai — the short-duration paddy crop cultivated extensively across the Cauvery delta. This year, however, the customary opening had to be postponed because of deficient rainfall in the river's catchment areas and insufficient storage in the reservoir.

That delay had triggered significant concern across the delta farming community. Farmers rely on the June opening to plan their crop cycles carefully, and any extended postponement carries meaningful economic consequences.

The eventual release on September 1 has come as much-awaited relief — although the compressed cultivation timeline will still require careful planning by farmers to make the most of the 45-day window.

The Chief Minister's First Mettur Visit

Tuesday's ceremonial opening also carried symbolic significance. The event marked Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's first visit to Mettur since taking office on May 10.

For a leader stepping into one of the state's most anticipated agricultural rituals for the first time as Chief Minister, the moment carried both operational and political weight — a formal reaffirmation that the state government stands with delta farmers as they navigate a challenging season.

The release assumes even greater significance given the mounting uncertainty farmers have been facing over irrigation availability and the broader Cauvery water situation this year.

The Cauvery Dispute Backdrop

The Mettur opening comes against the backdrop of the continuing legal dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the sharing of Cauvery waters — a decades-old contest that continues to shape the water security equations of both states.

On Monday, the Supreme Court adjourned the case to September 15 after Tamil Nadu sought directions to Karnataka to clear the accumulated shortfall in water releases.

A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta asked both states to place subsequent developments on record before the next hearing — keeping the door open for updated data to shape the coming rounds of legal deliberation.

Tamil Nadu's Position

Appearing for Tamil Nadu, senior advocate C.S. Vaidyanathan submitted before the court that Karnataka had failed to make good the shortfall in water releases, despite the matter having been recorded by the Cauvery Water Management Authority.

He said large stretches of farmland in Tamil Nadu depended on Cauvery water — and urged the court to ensure that the state received its rightful allocation as determined by the authority.

That's a critical argument. Tamil Nadu's delta agriculture, particularly kuruvai paddy cultivation, is heavily dependent on assured, timely Cauvery water releases. Any sustained shortfall directly affects farmer incomes, crop yields, procurement volumes and the broader rural economy of the region.

Karnataka's Response

Karnataka, on its part, disputed the allegation of shortfall and maintained that it had been releasing more water than the stipulated quantity.

Its counsel, senior advocate Shyam Divan, told the court that Karnataka had released 9,888 cusecs on August 30 against the required 9,000 cusecs. He added that the discharge had subsequently exceeded 11,000 cusecs.

The Bench observed that Karnataka had increased the release from 11,000 to 12,000 cusecs from August 12 — a significant increment that has directly contributed to the improved inflows now reaching Mettur.

The Legal and Operational Interplay

Tamil Nadu had approached the Supreme Court seeking enforcement of the Cauvery Water Management Authority's directions, warning that any continuing deficit could severely affect delta agriculture.

That legal push, combined with the improved rainfall in Karnataka's catchment areas over the past two weeks, has together created the conditions that made the Mettur release possible on September 1. It reflects how legal enforcement, operational data and natural rainfall patterns often intersect in shaping outcomes for water-sharing disputes between neighbouring states.

Why It Matters

For the Cauvery delta, Mettur water is not just an agricultural input — it is a lifeline. Nearly 16 lakh acres of agricultural land across 13 districts depend on the release of Mettur water for kuruvai cultivation, followed by other seasonal crops later in the cycle.

When the sluice gates open, they do not just release water. They release the possibility of income for hundreds of thousands of farming families, the security of harvests for local rural economies, and the continuity of a cultural identity that has been built around Cauvery farming for generations.

For Tamil Nadu, ensuring the flow of Cauvery water is one of the most consequential water governance responsibilities the state undertakes each year — and one that carries direct implications for its rural voters, its food economy, and its inter-state relations.

The Farmer's Perspective

For delta farmers themselves, the delay in this year's release has been especially difficult. Every day of postponement translates into agricultural planning uncertainty, financial anxiety, and the mounting stress of not knowing when the season will begin.

Tuesday's release will bring immediate operational relief. Farmers can now begin their preparations, seed procurement, field readying and irrigation planning — with the reassurance that water will be flowing through the delta channels for the next 45 days.

Institutional and Political Impact

For the newly formed state government under Chief Minister Vijay, the Mettur release represents an important early-tenure moment. Handling the Cauvery release process well — both operationally at Mettur and legally at the Supreme Court — will be a defining early test of the government's water governance capacity.

For Tamil Nadu's legal team, the September 15 hearing will be another critical opportunity to press for stricter enforcement of Cauvery allocations. And for the Cauvery Water Management Authority, the coming weeks will require close monitoring of Karnataka's release volumes to ensure that agreed quantities are being consistently maintained.

The Bigger Picture

Tuesday's Mettur opening is a story that sits at the intersection of natural rainfall patterns, inter-state water politics, agricultural livelihoods and legal enforcement. It is a reminder that in India, water is not just a resource — it is a political, economic and social issue that touches millions of lives every single year.

For farmers across the Cauvery delta, the 45-day release ahead offers a much-needed window to salvage what has otherwise been a difficult season. For the state government, it marks the beginning of what will be a closely watched water management cycle. And for the Cauvery water dispute itself, the September 15 Supreme Court hearing will provide the next major update in a case that continues to shape the water security of both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

As the water begins to flow through the delta channels on Tuesday and beyond, it will do exactly what it has always done — carry the hopes, the harvests and the futures of the farming families who have called the delta home for generations.

And on Tuesday morning at Mettur, as the sluice gates opened under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's watch, the sound of the water rushing out was more than a bureaucratic milestone. It was the sound of a season finally beginning, of anxiety slowly giving way to activity, and of a lifeline returning — right when the delta needed it most.

• IndiGo flight 6E 2102 from Goa to Delhi returned to Manohar International Airport on Tuesday.
• The aircraft had departed North Goa at 9:16 am; a technical issue was detected shortly after take-off.
• ATC declared a full emergency at nearly 9:30 am as the aircraft returned.
• All passengers were disembarked safely with no injuries reported.
• The aircraft is undergoing maintenance checks; alternative arrangements have been made for passengers.

An IndiGo flight from Goa to Delhi made an emergency return to Goa on Tuesday morning after facing what the airline described as a "technical issue." The situation, though serious enough for a full emergency to be declared by Air Traffic Control, was managed by the flight crew in line with standard operating procedures — resulting in a safe landing and no reported injuries.

The Sequence of Events

Flight number 6E 2102 departed North Goa at 9:16 am, headed for Delhi. Shortly after take-off, however, the crew detected a technical issue and made the decision to turn back to base.

Air Traffic Control declared a full emergency at nearly 9:30 am as the aircraft headed back to Goa's Manohar International Airport. The pilots executed the return safely, landing the aircraft without incident.

All passengers were disembarked safely with no injuries. They were subsequently accommodated in the boarding area while the airline arranged alternative travel plans.

The Airline's Statement

Responding to the incident, IndiGo issued a detailed statement outlining what had happened and how it was handled.

"A technical issue was detected, shortly after take-off, on IndiGo flight 6E 2102 operating from North Goa to Delhi. Following the standard operating procedure, the relevant authorities were informed, and the pilots turned back and landed the aircraft safely at Manohar International Airport," the airline said.

The statement confirmed that the aircraft is currently undergoing maintenance checks and will resume operations after securing all necessary clearances — the standard technical validation process that follows any such incident.

Focus on Passenger Comfort

The airline also addressed the disruption experienced by its customers.

"We regret the inconvenience caused to our customers and made every effort to minimise it, including offering refreshments and timely updates," the IndiGo Spokesperson said.

The carrier confirmed that it has made alternative arrangements for customers to reach their destination — a critical operational detail that determines how significantly a disruption of this kind affects passenger schedules.

"The safety of our customers, crew, and aircraft remains our top priority at IndiGo," the airline added.

How the Crew and ATC Responded

While the phrase "full emergency" naturally sounds alarming to passengers and observers, it is important to note that it also represents exactly the kind of formal, structured protocol activation that aviation systems are designed to execute in real time.

When a crew detects a technical concern shortly after take-off, standard procedure calls for immediate coordination with ATC, a return to the origin airport (or the nearest suitable one), and full deployment of ground emergency services on standby. The safe landing of flight 6E 2102 at Manohar International Airport reflects precisely how well-drilled that entire chain of communication and action is at Indian airports and airlines today.

The Recent IndiGo Backdrop

Tuesday's incident comes in the wake of some other recent operational concerns at the airline. Earlier last month, IndiGo's website faced technical disruptions, leaving several passengers unable to book flights, complete web check-ins or access certain online services. Some users also reported difficulties logging into the airline's mobile application.

The airline acknowledged the issue through a service advisory, stating that it was experiencing intermittent problems with its core reservation platform and that the disruption could make it difficult for some customers to access its online services.

That advisory came just two days after IndiGo had reported a similar problem with its core reservation system — flagging intermittent issues that could affect customers' access to online services.

Together, these incidents underscore the operational complexity that comes with running India's largest domestic airline at scale — where technology, aircraft, ground operations and customer service all need to work seamlessly across hundreds of daily flights.

Why It Matters

For India's aviation industry, incidents like Tuesday's emergency return serve as important reminders of both the risks that come with commercial flying and the robustness of the safety systems that manage those risks. Every safe return, every successful emergency landing, every well-coordinated ATC-cockpit exchange reflects the professionalism of India's aviation ecosystem.

For passengers, the outcome — safe disembarkation, refreshments, timely updates and alternative travel arrangements — represents exactly how disruptions should be managed when they occur.

Passenger Experience

For the passengers of flight 6E 2102, Tuesday morning was undoubtedly stressful. A flight taking off from Goa on a routine morning schedule, only to turn back shortly thereafter with a "full emergency" declared, is exactly the kind of moment that stays with travellers long after the incident is resolved.

That said, the fact that everyone disembarked safely — with clear communication from the crew, refreshments provided at the boarding area, and alternative travel arrangements activated by the airline — reflects the kind of passenger-centric handling that helps rebuild trust after any operational scare.

Industry Impact

For IndiGo, the incident will now be followed by the standard chain of technical evaluation and reporting. Every such event triggers a detailed investigation into the specific technical trigger, followed by inspections, engineering sign-off and clearance procedures before the aircraft returns to service.

For India's civil aviation regulator, incidents like these also feed into the broader safety and reliability data that shapes ongoing oversight of airline operations.

The Bigger Picture

Tuesday's emergency return of IndiGo flight 6E 2102 is, at its heart, a story of a well-managed aviation incident. A crew that identified an issue quickly. A pilot team that made the right call to return. An ATC system that coordinated the emergency with speed. An airport ground team that received the aircraft safely. And an airline that stepped up on the customer service side to minimise the impact on passengers.

That's exactly the kind of quiet, well-executed institutional response that keeps India's aviation ecosystem safe and reliable, day after day.

As IndiGo now works through the technical checks on the affected aircraft, and as its passengers continue their onward journeys through alternative arrangements, the takeaway remains the same one that defines aviation safety around the world — every safe landing is a success. Every prompt return is a good decision. And every passenger walking off unharmed after an emergency is proof that the system worked exactly as it was designed to.

For IndiGo, the coming days will likely bring detailed technical evaluation and continued focus on operational reliability. For passengers, the message from Tuesday's incident is a reassuring one — when things go wrong at 30,000 feet, the systems built to bring you home safely are working exactly as they should.

Also Read: IndiGo Website Hit by Second Tech Glitch in One Week

• WB CM Suvendu Adhikari to chair a critical dengue strategy meeting at Swasthya Bhavan on Tuesday, 5 p.m.
• The meeting will bring together five key departments — Health, PWD, Panchayat, Municipal Affairs and Irrigation.
• Nodal officers from 21 urban civic bodies across the state have also been asked to attend.
• Five districts identified as most dengue-prone — Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Murshidabad.
• Weather unpredictability and continued rainfall have added to the state health department's worries.

West Bengal is preparing to escalate its response to the ongoing dengue crisis. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will chair a crucial multi-department strategy meeting later on Tuesday at Swasthya Bhavan, the headquarters of the state health department at Salt Lake in the northern outskirts of Kolkata. The meeting, set to bring together ministers, senior bureaucrats and civic body representatives, is expected to lay out a comprehensive, coordinated blueprint for how the state will combat the disease across its most affected districts.

The Coordinated Approach

The meeting will be attended by some ministers and all the top bureaucrats from five key state departments — Health, Public Works, Panchayat Affairs and Rural Development, Municipal Affairs and Urban Development, and Irrigation. Together, these departments will work out the blueprint of how a coordinated approach can be adopted to combat the current dengue crisis.

The rationale behind bringing multiple departments together reflects the multi-dimensional nature of the challenge.

"The Chief Minister is of the opinion that although the primary task of combating the crisis is of the state health department, the said department alone might not be able to combat the current crisis unless it works in coordination with the other four departments," said a senior officer from the state secretariat.

That framing is important. Dengue is not just a medical problem — it is a public sanitation, water management, urban planning, waste disposal and rural infrastructure problem all at once. Any effective response must therefore work across multiple department jurisdictions simultaneously.

The 21 Urban Civic Bodies

Alongside representatives from the five state departments, nodal officers from 21 urban civic bodies in the state have also been asked to be present at the meeting. This inclusion is critical, as urban civic bodies are typically the frontline institutions responsible for on-ground execution of mosquito control, sanitation drives and public health outreach.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 5 p.m.

The Cleanliness Drive Rollout

According to the state government official, the state municipal affairs and urban development department has already started intensifying cleanliness drives in the urban areas across Kolkata and its suburbs.

Now, that effort is set to be significantly expanded into rural geographies.

"Now it has been decided that the state irrigation and panchayat affairs and rural development departments will be involved actively to undertake the same cleanliness drive in the rural areas," the state government official added.

That expansion into rural regions is significant. In many parts of West Bengal, mosquito breeding grounds are as much a rural challenge as an urban one — driven by open water storage, agricultural runoff, and pockets of stagnant water in villages and semi-urban settlements.

Health Department as the Nodal Coordinator

Despite the involvement of so many departments, the state health department will act as the nodal department in this coordinated exercise. The entire exercise will be conducted under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister's office.

"Precisely, that is why the crucial meeting today had been convened at Swasthya Bhavan, instead of the state secretariat of Nabanna," the state government official said.

That location signal is meaningful. Convening the meeting at the health department headquarters, rather than the general state secretariat, is a symbolic reinforcement of where the operational nerve centre of the anti-dengue campaign will sit.

The Operational Challenges

The state government official also spoke candidly about the operational challenges that make the current dengue response particularly difficult.

"The boards of almost all of the urban civic bodies in the state are non-functional now. The health workers who were involved in the work of tackling the mosquito larvae menace earlier are now working for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat project in the state. The doctors at the health centres, who are already overburdened, are not always able to concentrate properly in this dengue-combating exercise," the official said.

That is an unusually honest institutional assessment. It highlights three real bottlenecks — the absence of functional urban civic boards in many locations, the diversion of trained health workers to the rollout of Ayushman Bharat, and the workload pressures on doctors at primary health centres.

In such a situation, the Chief Minister's personal intervention is considered significant — bringing top-down political attention and administrative coordination to a challenge that has struggled to find sustained institutional focus.

The Five Most Vulnerable Districts

The West Bengal Health Department has already identified five districts as the most dengue-prone in the state. These are — Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Murshidabad.

These districts represent a mix of dense urban geographies (Kolkata, Howrah), highly populated peri-urban regions (North and South 24 Parganas), and important rural population centres (Murshidabad). Targeting these five districts with concentrated anti-dengue action is expected to significantly reduce case load and mortality if implemented well.

The Weather Factor

Adding another layer of urgency to the situation is the current weather pattern. The continued weather unpredictability and rainfall have kept the state health department most worried, as dengue cases and dengue-related deaths have increased in certain districts.

Erratic rainfall creates ideal conditions for mosquito breeding — with alternating spells of rain, humidity and warmth producing water accumulation in exactly the kind of pockets where aedes aegypti mosquitoes thrive.

Why It Matters

Dengue is one of India's most consequential seasonal public health threats. Every year, thousands of families across states like West Bengal face the disease's economic, medical and emotional toll. When any state government moves to coordinate a comprehensive multi-department response, the impact can extend to lakhs of vulnerable residents.

For West Bengal specifically, the current dengue season carries added weight because of the operational constraints being flagged — non-functional civic boards, redeployed health workers, and doctors stretched thin. Coordinated top-down action becomes especially important when routine institutional systems are under such strain.

Public Health Impact

For residents of the five identified high-risk districts, the outcomes of Tuesday's meeting will matter directly. A well-coordinated response can translate into intensified fogging operations, larvae control drives, better public awareness campaigns, faster case detection, timely referrals to secondary care and reduced mortality.

For local hospitals and primary health centres, improved coordination between departments can also ease the operational burden — with cleanliness and vector-control activities managed by municipal and rural bodies, allowing medical staff to focus on patient care.

The Bigger Picture

Tuesday's dengue strategy meeting at Swasthya Bhavan is more than an administrative gathering. It represents a moment of coordinated seriousness — five departments, 21 civic bodies, top bureaucrats, and the Chief Minister himself coming together to fight a disease that quietly claims lives across the state every monsoon and post-monsoon season.

Dengue's damage is often measured in individual case counts and mortality figures. But its true toll is much larger — households derailed, incomes lost, hospitals overloaded, children pulled from school, and rural economies disrupted. When state governments act decisively and coordinate effectively, that toll can be significantly reduced.

As West Bengal's five most vulnerable districts brace for continued weather-driven vector activity in the coming weeks, the effectiveness of Tuesday's coordinated blueprint will be closely watched. For families across Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Murshidabad, the message that will matter most is one of visible action — cleaner streets, drained water pockets, well-run fogging operations, well-informed public awareness, and healthcare centres ready to catch cases early.

And on Tuesday evening at Swasthya Bhavan, that blueprint will begin to take shape — one department, one district, one line of coordinated defence at a time. Because in the fight against dengue, coordination isn't a bonus. It is the difference between a crisis contained and a crisis prolonged.

• Delhi-NCR to see partly cloudy skies with rain and thundershowers likely on Tuesday.
• Delhi may record a minimum of 26°C and a maximum of nearly 34°C.
• More widespread rainfall expected across Delhi-NCR on September 2.
• Very heavy rainfall forecast in parts of Chhattisgarh, East MP, Odisha and Uttarakhand.
• Delhi-NCR AQI remained in the 'moderate' category, with Wazirpur recording the highest at 225.

Delhi-NCR is heading into a wetter stretch of weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast partly cloudy skies with chances of rain and thundershowers across the region on Tuesday, with weather activity expected to pick up especially through the afternoon and evening hours. Along with the changing weather, the region's air quality has held in the 'moderate' category — offering residents a slightly better breathing environment than in previous weeks.

The Turn Toward Rainier Days

According to IMD, the regional weather is likely to turn wetter from Tuesday onwards, with intermittent showers expected to continue over the next few days. The forecast indicates one or two spells of rain or thundershowers across the national capital and adjoining areas.

For a region moving into September — traditionally a month that sees the tail end of the monsoon — these showers offer both a welcome cool-down and a small boost to overall seasonal rainfall.

Delhi's Weather Snapshot

Delhi is expected to record a minimum temperature of around 26 degrees Celsius and a maximum of nearly 34 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. While the morning may remain partly cloudy, the possibility of rain and thunderstorms is expected to increase as the day progresses.

More widespread rainfall is likely across Delhi-NCR on September 2 — a signal that residents should keep umbrellas handy and factor in potential traffic slowdowns as the mid-week begins.

The NCR City-by-City Picture

In Noida, partly cloudy conditions are expected to prevail, with rain likely later in the day. Temperatures may hover between 25 and 34 degrees Celsius. The IMD has also forecast increased chances of rain and thundershowers in the coming days.

Gurugram is likely to witness a mix of sunny spells and clouds on Tuesday, with the maximum temperature expected to touch around 34 degrees Celsius. The possibility of rainfall is likely to rise from September 2 onwards.

Ghaziabad may begin the day with partly sunny conditions before cloud cover increases through the afternoon. Light rain is possible in the second half of the day, while temperatures are expected to remain between 26 and 35 degrees Celsius. No specific weather warning has been issued for the city.

Faridabad is also likely to remain partly cloudy and warm, with thunderstorms possible during the afternoon. The minimum temperature is expected to be around 28 degrees Celsius, while the maximum may reach 37 degrees Celsius. No warning has been issued for the area.

Together, that combined picture points to a familiar late-monsoon pattern — warm mornings, building cloud cover through the day, and afternoon or evening showers arriving intermittently across the NCR.

Wider National Rain Picture

Beyond Delhi-NCR, the IMD's national outlook is significantly more intense in some regions. Very heavy rainfall has been forecast in parts of Chhattisgarh, East Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Uttarakhand on Tuesday. Isolated spells of intense rain are also likely over Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Those regions will need to remain on higher alert, particularly for waterlogging, landslides in hill areas, and river-level fluctuations in flood-vulnerable districts.

Delhi-NCR Air Quality: In the 'Moderate' Range

On the air quality front, Delhi-NCR remained in the 'moderate' category on Tuesday morning — a category that is neither severely polluted nor entirely clean, but a meaningful improvement over the more difficult air quality days that the capital region often experiences later in the year.

Monitoring stations across Delhi recorded the following AQI readings — 148 at CRRI Mathura Road, 112 at Burari Crossing, 126 at North Campus, DU, 101 at Pusa, 114 at Shadipur, 98 at DTU, 102 at Mandir Marg, 126 at R.K. Puram, 182 at Dwarka Sector 8, 135 at Jahangirpuri, 149 at Rohini, 117 at Patparganj, 225 at Wazirpur, 99 at Bawana, 147 at IIT Delhi, 97 at JNU, 56 in the Cantonment Area and 90 at Talkatora Garden.

Wazirpur emerged as the station with the highest recorded AQI at 225 — the only reading in the 'poor' category. The Cantonment Area, at 56, was the cleanest station of the morning, reflecting the significant variation in air quality that exists even within a single metropolitan region.

Why It Matters

Weather updates in Delhi-NCR carry unusually direct relevance to daily life for the region's residents. Rain and thundershower activity means traffic slowdowns, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and disruptions to outdoor plans. Higher air quality readings, especially in the 'poor' bucket, mean vulnerable residents — children, senior citizens and those with respiratory conditions — may need to take precautions.

By publishing city-specific forecasts alongside AQI monitoring data, the IMD's regular updates enable residents to plan their day more effectively — from commute choices to outdoor activity planning to home ventilation decisions.

Precautions for Residents

For residents heading out on Tuesday, some basic precautions are advisable. Carry an umbrella or raincoat. Plan for possible traffic delays during the afternoon and evening. If travelling in areas known for waterlogging, allow extra time. And for those living or working near Wazirpur — the only recorded 'poor' AQI station of the morning — consider limiting outdoor exposure or wearing a mask if particularly sensitive to air pollution.

The Bigger Weather Picture

As September begins, the country enters an important transitional phase — one where the southwest monsoon begins to retreat and pre-winter weather patterns start to take shape. For Delhi-NCR specifically, the coming weeks will be closely watched for continued rainfall activity, changes in humidity, and gradual shifts in air quality.

For now, the message from Tuesday's IMD outlook is simple. Expect a wetter, cloudier week ahead. Watch for rain-driven traffic and infrastructure disruptions. Enjoy the cooler temperatures where possible. And keep a periodic eye on local AQI updates, especially as the season transitions into the post-monsoon period when air quality typically requires closer attention.

As Delhi-NCR steps into September, the sky above the capital is doing exactly what a healthy monsoon does — reminding the region that rain, however inconvenient at times, is still one of the most important gifts the season brings.

Also Read: Delhi-NCR Faces Cloudy Skies, Rain; Air Quality Poor

• MP CM Mohan Yadav will transfer Rs 25,000 each to about 1.22 lakh meritorious Class 12 students on Tuesday.
• Total transfer exceeds Rs 304.98 crore, being routed directly to student bank accounts.
• Students who secured 75% or more in Class 12 on their first attempt are eligible.
• The event will be held at Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre in Bhopal.
• The scheme falls under the state's Talented Student Encouragement Scheme.

Madhya Pradesh is preparing for one of the largest single-day student welfare disbursements in recent memory. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will transfer Rs 25,000 each to around 1.22 lakh meritorious Class 12 students on Tuesday, helping them buy laptops to support their journey into higher education. The event will be held at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre in Bhopal — and its scale, both financial and human, reflects a genuine effort to bridge digital access gaps for the state's brightest young students.

The Scale of the Programme

The Chief Minister will transfer the amount to about 1.22 lakh meritorious Class 12 students during the Bhopal event. Students who secured 75 per cent or more marks in the Class 12 examination on their first attempt are eligible for the assistance.

The financial aid is being provided under the state government's Talented Student Encouragement Scheme, implemented by the School Education Department. In total, more than Rs 304.98 crore will be transferred to the bank accounts of eligible students, with each student receiving Rs 25,000 for purchasing a laptop.

That's a significant single-day disbursement — one that carries direct, tangible impact for a large cross-section of high-performing young students across the state.

The Purpose of the Scheme

The scheme is designed with a specific and forward-looking objective. It aims to help meritorious students gain access to digital tools for higher education. The laptops can be used for online classes, digital study material, e-learning platforms, and a wide range of educational resources — all of which have become essential in today's academic landscape.

For students preparing to move from school-level education to college or professional courses, the ability to access online resources, participate in virtual classes, and engage with digital learning platforms can meaningfully shape the quality of their preparation.

The Chief Minister's Message

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has framed the scheme within a broader philosophy of supporting talent and enabling opportunity.

He said the government was committed to supporting talented students and providing them with resources needed for higher education. He added that the government wanted meritorious students to move ahead with the help of modern technology and secure better opportunities.

Emphasising the deeper purpose behind the scheme, CM Yadav noted: "Education is the strongest foundation for the future of the youth, and providing laptops to meritorious students will help them make better use of digital learning resources."

That framing — of education as foundational and digital access as enabling — sits at the heart of what modern student welfare policy looks like when done well.

Bridging the Digital Access Gap

The scheme also plays an important role in bridging one of India's most persistent educational challenges — the digital access gap. Many high-performing students, particularly from smaller towns and rural regions, often lack the personal devices required to fully participate in the modern educational ecosystem. A Rs 25,000 laptop grant, delivered directly to their bank accounts, addresses that gap immediately and meaningfully.

Officials said the financial assistance would help students use technology for their studies and improve access to online educational resources.

Delivery Mechanism

One of the most important design elements of the scheme is its direct-transfer mechanism. The assistance is being given directly to students' bank accounts — eliminating middlemen, reducing delays, and ensuring that funds reach the intended beneficiaries in the most transparent way possible.

That kind of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) architecture, now common across many Indian welfare programmes, ensures that student welfare schemes deliver value at speed and scale.

Why It Matters

For 1.22 lakh students in Madhya Pradesh, Tuesday's event won't just be another announcement. It will be a concrete moment of empowerment — a new tool arriving in their hands that could shape how they study, learn and grow through the coming years of higher education.

For families across the state, the assistance also carries emotional weight. Buying a laptop is often a significant financial decision for households, especially in middle-income and lower-income segments. State-supported grants reduce that burden and allow families to focus on other higher-education expenses like tuition fees, hostel accommodation and travel.

The Merit-Based Design

The scheme is specifically structured to reward academic excellence — with the 75 per cent-plus first-attempt eligibility criterion serving as both a benchmark and an incentive. Merit-based design keeps the programme aspirational, giving students an additional reason to work hard through their Class 12 year knowing that consistent academic performance can unlock direct government support.

Institutional Implementation

The School Education Department is implementing the scheme as part of the state government's broader efforts to encourage students who perform well in Class 12 examinations. That coordination — between state-level policy vision, departmental execution and district-level student outreach — is what ensures a programme of this size runs smoothly and reaches its intended beneficiaries.

Cultural and Economic Impact

Programmes like these carry a cultural signal that goes beyond their financial value. They tell young students across the state that hard work and academic performance are visible and valued at the highest levels of government. They tell parents that the state is invested in their children's futures. And they tell communities that meritocratic effort has meaningful, tangible payoffs.

For India's larger education technology and hardware markets, the scheme also creates a genuinely large purchase pool. 1.22 lakh laptops purchased over the coming weeks and months represents a significant boost to the sector — with local retailers, e-commerce platforms and manufacturers all likely to benefit.

The Bigger Picture

Tuesday's laptop-aid transfer in Bhopal is more than a routine student welfare event. It is a Rs 304.98 crore statement — one that connects academic performance, digital access, personal aspiration and long-term state development into a single, coherent initiative.

For CM Mohan Yadav's government, the programme reinforces its commitment to positioning youth empowerment at the heart of its policy priorities. For the 1.22 lakh students receiving Rs 25,000 each, it represents an important boost as they step into the next phase of their academic and personal journeys. And for Madhya Pradesh as a whole, it stands as one more example of how thoughtful, well-targeted state schemes can make real, immediate differences in the lives of the students who represent its brightest tomorrow.

As the students log into their brand-new laptops in the coming weeks, they will not just be opening a device. They will be opening a doorway — one built through their own hard work and backed by their state's genuine investment in their future.

Also Read: MP CM Transfers Rs 3,300 Cr to Over 82 Lakh Farmers

• BJP national General Secretary Satish Poonia says the party will contest all 117 Punjab Assembly seats on its own strength.
• No alliance is planned; meetings with PM Modi should not be interpreted as political understandings.
• Poonia was recently appointed as the BJP's organisational in-charge for Punjab.
• The party's Seva Sankalp Abhiyan will run from September 17 to October 17 nationwide, including in Punjab.
• Focus will be on strengthening the party from the booth level up under 'Mission Punjab 2027'.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national General Secretary Satish Poonia on Monday delivered a clear and decisive message on the party's strategy for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. In his first media interaction after being appointed as the BJP's organisational in-charge for Punjab, Poonia unambiguously stated that the party will contest all 117 Assembly seats on its own strength — putting speculation about a possible alliance firmly to rest.

The Core Message: 117 Seats, No Alliance

Responding to persistent questions about the possibility of a pre-poll alliance in Punjab, Poonia made the party's position categorical.

"I am the ambassador of the central leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party and its clear message is that we will contest all 117 seats on our own strength. A meeting does not mean an alliance. In a democracy, people and political leaders can meet the Prime Minister to discuss various issues. It should not be interpreted as an indication of any political understanding," Poonia said.

That statement is significant for two reasons. First, it publicly settles a strategic question that has been the subject of considerable political commentary in recent months. Second, it firmly positions the BJP's Punjab plan as a solo, self-driven campaign — one that will require strong organisational depth across the state.

Grassroots Strengthening as the First Priority

Speaking about his role in the coming months, Poonia said his primary responsibility would be to strengthen the party's organisational base from the ground up.

His initial focus, he said, would be on understanding the organisation, reviewing its functioning and strengthening the party structure from the booth level all the way up to the state level. Meetings with the BJP core committee, office-bearers, district presidents and district in-charges will form part of his early programme.

That kind of ground-first approach is a familiar organisational template for the BJP — one that has served it well in states where the party had historically not been dominant.

The Seva Sankalp Abhiyan

Poonia also announced that the BJP's Seva Sankalp Abhiyan will be organised from September 17 to October 17 across the country, including in Punjab. He was clear that the campaign is not merely a celebration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, but a structured national push focused on social service and public welfare.

That framing gives the initiative a broader mission — one designed to strengthen the party's community-level engagement while simultaneously energising its cadre through service-oriented activity.

'Our Workers Are Our Strength'

Throughout his interaction, Poonia repeatedly emphasised the centrality of the party's karyakartas — its workers.

He said the BJP's strength lies in its cadre and that the party's endeavour would remain to keep workers at the centre of organisational activities.

"There are limited organisational positions and limited tickets for elections, but the party has always made efforts to give due respect and responsibility to its workers. The organisation certainly recognises those who remain continuously connected with the party and work with commitment," he said.

That message serves two audiences at once. It reassures long-time workers that their commitment will be respected. And it signals to newer entrants that consistent grassroots engagement matters more than short-term positioning.

An Appeal for Discipline

Poonia also appealed to party workers to maintain discipline and express their views within the framework of organisational values. He described the BJP as a cadre-based organisation and said discipline, commitment and collective effort would be essential to achieving the objective of Mission Punjab 2027.

That appeal is particularly important in a state like Punjab, where political dynamics can shift quickly and where organisational cohesion often becomes as important as external campaigning.

The Coming Weeks

In the days ahead, Poonia said, he would hold detailed organisational meetings in Jalandhar with state office-bearers, district presidents and district in-charges, and interact with leaders and workers to understand the party's strengths, challenges and priorities.

He said the party would systematically review the organisation, strengthen its grassroots presence and prepare a comprehensive roadmap for the elections. That structured, review-first approach signals a serious institutional intent to plan Punjab's 2027 campaign with the same discipline the BJP has demonstrated in many of its major electoral pushes elsewhere.

Why It Matters

Punjab has historically been one of the more challenging states in the BJP's electoral map. The state's political landscape has traditionally been dominated by regional parties, and the BJP's alliance-based approach in previous cycles helped it navigate that terrain in earlier phases. The decision to contest all 117 seats alone in 2027 represents a strategic shift — one that reflects the party's growing confidence in its own organisational strength and its readiness to build a standalone footprint in the state.

For the Punjab political ecosystem, this announcement immediately reshapes the pre-election chessboard. Every major regional party will now need to factor in a BJP that is planning to compete across all seats — not selectively.

Political Impact

For the BJP itself, this is a resource-intensive commitment. Contesting all 117 Assembly seats requires organisational depth in every constituency, candidate pipelines, campaign machinery, media coverage and grassroots mobilisation at scale. Poonia's insistence on booth-level review and cadre-first organisation suggests that the party is preparing to build that depth systematically over the coming 18-24 months.

For rival parties, the announcement adds another variable to their own strategy planning. Both traditional regional players and newer political entrants will need to recalibrate their positioning for a state where the BJP intends to fight independently at scale.

Institutional Approach

What stands out about Poonia's messaging is the institutional discipline it reflects. There is no room for interpretation left. There are no ambiguous signals. The stated position is clear, the reasoning is direct, and the implementation plan — organisational review, grassroots strengthening, cadre engagement, service outreach — has been outlined publicly.

That kind of clarity in messaging often becomes the foundation of long-form electoral planning.

The Bigger Picture

Satish Poonia's first media interaction as Punjab in-charge lays down more than a strategic position. It lays down a philosophy. The BJP is committing to fighting Punjab 2027 on its own terms, with its own cadre, backed by its own organisational depth. Whether that commitment translates into meaningful electoral gains will depend on how effectively the party builds its base over the next two years — from booth-level workers to district in-charges to state-level leadership.

But for now, one thing is clear. The Punjab BJP's 2027 campaign has an unambiguous shape. All 117 seats. No alliance. Cadre-first organisation. And a leader on the ground tasked with reviewing, strengthening and preparing the party for one of its most ambitious solo attempts in the state's political history. As the countdown to Mission Punjab 2027 begins, that clarity — delivered on Monday from Chandigarh — may end up being one of the most consequential political statements of this pre-election phase.

• MP CM Mohan Yadav visited flood-affected areas of Chitrakoot along the Mandakini and Sinhawal rivers.
• He met people in relief camps and reviewed ongoing relief and rescue operations.
• Officials have been directed to stay on the ground for 2-3 days and ensure essentials, medical aid and food supply.
• CM said no loss of life has been reported thanks to accurate forecasts and quick administration response.
• SDRF teams and IAF helicopters were deployed; six relief shelters were set up with food and medical arrangements.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday made a direct, on-ground assessment of the flood situation in Chitrakoot by personally visiting areas along the swollen Mandakini and Sinhawal rivers. His visit — coming a day after he had announced his intention to review the crisis firsthand — sent an unambiguous message. The state government, in his words, "stands firmly with every flood-affected family."

The Ground-Level Assessment

The Chief Minister inquired about the well-being of people staying in relief camps and settlements, and closely reviewed the ongoing relief and rescue operations. His presence on the ground carried more than symbolic weight — it enabled first-hand assessment of the extent of damage, the effectiveness of the relief measures underway, and the emotional condition of the displaced families.

Speaking after the visit, the Chief Minister said relief and rescue work is continuing without any pause across the affected areas.

The Chief Minister's Message

On his X handle, CM Yadav wrote about his visit to the flood-affected areas of Chitrakoot along the Mandakini and Sinhawal rivers, describing his priorities clearly.

"Officials have been directed to remain present on the ground for the next two to three days and ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential materials, medical assistance and food to the affected families. In this difficult time of natural calamity, the state government stands firmly with every flood-affected family," CM Yadav said.

That two-to-three day continuous ground presence for officials is a meaningful administrative instruction. It ensures accountability, real-time coordination and immediate resolution of issues that families in relief camps might face during the most critical period after a flood event.

'No Loss of Life' — A Small Silver Lining

Perhaps the most heartening element of CM Yadav's update was that despite the intensity of the flooding, no loss of life had been reported. He credited this outcome to a combination of factors — divine grace, accurate weather forecasts and the prompt response of the administration.

"Due to divine grace, accurate weather forecasts and the prompt response of the administration, there has been no loss of life," the Chief Minister said.

In natural calamities of this magnitude, avoiding loss of life is arguably the most important outcome any state government can deliver. The credit here appears to belong to a well-functioning coordination chain between meteorological services, disaster response teams, local administration and safety infrastructure.

Focus on Economic Loss Assessment

While human lives have been protected, the Chief Minister acknowledged that many families have suffered significant economic damage — and committed to a thorough survey to assess the loss.

"A thorough survey would be conducted to assess the economic losses suffered by several families, and every possible assistance would be provided to them," he assured.

That commitment matters. Flooding events often destroy homes, damage livelihoods, wipe out livestock, ruin standing crops and disrupt small businesses — many of which sit outside insurance safety nets. A structured survey followed by targeted compensation is what allows families to genuinely recover in the weeks and months after the water recedes.

The Crisis Backdrop

The Chief Minister's visit followed his Saturday announcement that he would review the flooding of the Mandakini River in Chitrakoot and the damage caused by heavy rainfall. The situation had escalated rapidly through the previous 48 hours as continuous downpour caused the river to swell dramatically.

The rising water levels had inundated Ramghat and surrounding areas — pilgrimage-heavy zones that hold deep cultural and religious significance for the region. The old bridge on the Hanuman Dhara access road suffered damage, prompting the deployment of SDRF teams and Indian Air Force helicopters to strengthen rescue and relief operations.

Six relief shelters had been set up with arrangements for food and medical care to accommodate displaced families. Recent updates indicate that the water level of the Mandakini River had begun to recede after approaching the maximum flood level — offering some early relief to the region.

Why It Matters

Chitrakoot is not just a district. For millions across India, it is a sacred pilgrimage destination, closely associated with Lord Ram and revered across religious traditions. Flooding of the Mandakini River — which holds particular spiritual significance — carries emotional weight far beyond the immediate physical impact. Ensuring rapid relief, protecting cultural sites, and supporting displaced families is therefore both an administrative and a cultural priority for the state.

The Chief Minister's personal visit — and the clear public communication that followed — sends a message across two audiences at once. To affected families, it reassures them that the state is present and engaged. To the broader public, it signals proactive governance during a period of natural stress.

Industry and Institutional Impact

For the state's disaster response infrastructure — SDRF teams, IAF coordination, local administration and district-level medical units — the current operation is another live test of India's evolving disaster preparedness architecture. The successful protection of human life indicates that early warning systems and rapid deployment mechanisms are increasingly effective.

For future policy design, the Chitrakoot flooding may generate important lessons on how to strengthen bridge infrastructure, riverbank management and pilgrimage-heavy town preparedness in flood-vulnerable geographies.

Cultural and Emotional Impact

For pilgrims, priests and residents of Ramghat and Hanuman Dhara area, the coming weeks will involve emotional recovery alongside physical restoration. Damage to a bridge on the Hanuman Dhara route is not just a civil engineering setback — it directly affects access to one of the most spiritually important pathways in the region. Its restoration will be closely watched by devotees and residents alike.

The Bigger Picture

CM Mohan Yadav's Sunday visit to Chitrakoot represents governance at its most direct — a chief minister on the ground, in the affected zone, meeting displaced families, listening to their concerns, and issuing clear instructions to his administrative machinery. In an era where public governance is often mediated through statements and press releases, that kind of physical presence still carries unmatched credibility.

As Mandakini's waters begin to recede and Chitrakoot slowly begins its journey back to normalcy, the focus will shift to detailed damage assessment, family-level support and infrastructure restoration. The Chief Minister's assurance — that no affected family will be left without support in the coming days — now becomes the operational commitment his administration will be measured against. And for the families sheltered in Chitrakoot's relief camps this weekend, that commitment is exactly what they needed to hear.

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and UP CM Yogi Adityanath performed Bhoomi Pujan for 14 projects worth over Rs 100 crore at Lucknow Cantonment.
• Projects span AI-based solid waste management, multi-utility sports complex, water supply upgrades and school infrastructure.
• Two projects will be implemented in collaboration with the state government — a city polyclinic and Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Coaching Centre.
• Several Cantt markets have been renamed after Indian freedom fighters and national leaders.
• Rajnath framed the initiative under the broader vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

Lucknow Cantonment is set for one of its most ambitious development pushes in years. On Sunday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath jointly performed the Bhoomi Pujan for 14 development projects — including two flagship initiatives being implemented in collaboration with the state government — with a combined investment of more than Rs 100 crore. Together, the projects are designed to reshape civic life, education, healthcare, sports and urban infrastructure across the Cantonment.

'Development of the Cantt Is Linked to the Development of Lucknow'

Speaking during the event, Rajnath Singh framed the launch as a demonstration of what happens when the Centre and the state align to deliver good governance on the ground.

"The development of Lucknow Cantonment is closely linked with the progress of Lucknow. Coordinated efforts by the Centre and the state can accelerate development and good governance," he said.

That framing carried a strategic message. Lucknow Cantonment doesn't function in isolation — its infrastructure, civic amenities and services affect the daily lives of thousands of residents, and, by extension, shape how the wider city functions.

The 14 Projects at a Glance

The package of projects announced covers an impressively broad spectrum of civic and social infrastructure. Together, they touch nearly every dimension of urban life inside a cantonment area.

The initiatives being launched include an Artificial Intelligence-based Solid Waste Management Plant; a Multi-Utility Sports Complex; a Modern Crematorium; a 1500 KL Underground Reservoir; replacement of the old water supply pipeline; construction of eight tubewells with SCADA Automation; Overhead Tanks with SCADA integration; a Special School for Differently Abled Children; construction of additional classrooms and toilets at RA Bazar Madhyamik Vidyalaya; construction of additional classrooms and toilets at Rainbow Model School; Multi-Level Robotic Car Parking and Commercial Complex; and Legacy Waste — Bio-Mining and Bio-Remediation.

The two projects being implemented in collaboration with the state government are the RA Bazar City Polyclinic and the Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Coaching Centre — both of which directly serve residents through healthcare and educational access.

That's the kind of project mix that reflects a modern urban development philosophy — leveraging technology (AI-based waste plants, SCADA-integrated tubewells, robotic parking), while simultaneously investing in inclusion, education and public health.

'Viksit Bharat Is Not Just About Grand Buildings'

Placing the initiative within a broader national vision, Rajnath Singh reminded the audience of India's larger 2047 goal.

He emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving forward with the resolve to become a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. But he added an important nuance — one that shaped much of his speech.

'Viksit Bharat', he said, does not merely mean grand projects and modern buildings. It also means children receiving quality education, clean water reaching every household, youth getting opportunities to play and showcase their talent, and a differently-abled child never feeling left behind by society. He reiterated the Union government's commitment to ensuring that development directly improves the quality of life for ordinary citizens.

That framing gave the Bhoomi Pujan its philosophical spine — a development push measured not just in crores of investment, but in the everyday improvements it delivers to residents.

The Renaming of Cantt Markets

Rajnath Singh also spent a portion of his address highlighting one of the more culturally significant changes underway at Lucknow Cantonment — the renaming of markets that had carried British-era names for decades.

"Royal Artillery Bazar has been renamed Ekta Bazar, British Cavalry Bazar as Uda Devi Bazar, British Infantry Bazar as Matadin Valmiki Bazar and another British Infantry Bazar as Mangal Pandey Bazar, while Kanedy Market has been renamed Atal Bihari Vajpayee Market. The initiative seeks to connect future generations with India's heritage and inspire national service," he said.

Each renaming carries symbolic weight. Uda Devi, Matadin Valmiki and Mangal Pandey are figures deeply embedded in India's freedom struggle. Atal Bihari Vajpayee's inclusion links contemporary political history with the Cantt's public geography. And 'Ekta Bazar' as a name replacement carries an unmistakable message of national unity.

The Leadership on Ground

The Bhoomi Pujan brought together a wide cross-section of national and state leadership. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brajesh Pathak, Minister of State Asim Arun, Central Command's General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, along with senior officials of the Defence Forces, Central and state governments and Lucknow Cantonment Board, were present on the occasion.

That combination of civilian and defence leadership underscored the significance of the event — the projects are not just civic upgrades, but foundational to how the Cantt operates in the years ahead.

Why It Matters

Cantonment areas play a unique role in Indian urban geography. They are simultaneously home to defence personnel and their families, and civic spaces that serve residents, students, professionals and small businesses. Historically, cantonment infrastructure across India has often lagged behind adjacent urban development because of unique administrative complexities.

Investments like the Rs 100 crore push at Lucknow Cantonment are a signal that this trend is being deliberately reversed — and that modern, technology-enabled civic infrastructure is being brought inside cantonment boundaries at scale.

Industry and Institutional Impact

For construction, waste management, sanitation, education infrastructure and healthcare service providers, the announcement opens up meaningful project pipelines. For students at RA Bazar Madhyamik Vidyalaya and Rainbow Model School, the classroom and sanitation upgrades will translate into a tangibly improved learning environment. For differently-abled children who will now benefit from a dedicated Special School, this is a genuine expansion of educational inclusion.

For Lucknow city as a whole, the addition of a Multi-Utility Sports Complex, a Multi-Level Robotic Car Parking, and an AI-driven solid waste management plant strengthens the city's positioning as one of India's most rapidly modernising tier-1 destinations.

Cultural and Historical Impact

The renaming of key markets carries deeper significance too. In moving away from British-era names, the Cantt is aligning its urban identity with independent India's cultural memory. Names like Uda Devi Bazar and Mangal Pandey Bazar will now serve as everyday cultural touchpoints for shoppers, students and residents — quietly reinforcing India's freedom struggle in the geography of daily life.

The Bigger Picture

Sunday's Bhoomi Pujan at Lucknow Cantonment isn't a routine ceremonial event. It represents a Rs 100 crore-plus commitment to reshaping the daily experience of thousands of residents — through cleaner water, better classrooms, more inclusive schools, smarter waste management, healthier public services and stronger cultural identity.

The 14 projects together tell a bigger story about what modern Indian urban development looks like when defence, state and local governance align — grounded in infrastructure, powered by technology, and delivered with an eye on equity and inclusion. As the projects move from Bhoomi Pujan to construction, they will quietly begin transforming the everyday reality of Lucknow Cantonment. And by the time they are complete, the message from Sunday's event will feel less like a launch and more like a promise fulfilled — that in Viksit Bharat's journey to 2047, no cantonment, no classroom, no clean-water household and no differently-abled child will be left behind.

• Tamil Nadu will sell onions at subsidised rates through ration shops to cushion households from rising retail prices.
• Large onions have jumped from Rs 30 per kg last month to nearly Rs 60 per kg in retail markets.
• Small onions or shallots have climbed from Rs 40-50 per kg to nearly Rs 70 per kg.
• The state has asked NAFED for 70,000 kg of onions for distribution.
• Subsidised onions will be sold at Rs 30-40 per kg — up to Rs 30 cheaper than open-market rates.

Tamil Nadu is preparing to move decisively to protect household budgets from the sharp jump in onion prices, with the state's cooperative sector rolling out a plan to sell onions at subsidised rates through ration shops. As retail prices climb in wholesale mandis and neighbourhood markets, the move is being positioned as a critical, timely intervention to bring relief to millions of families for whom onions remain a daily essential.

The Price Surge That Triggered the Move

The trigger behind the state's plan is unmistakable — a rapid, unusually steep rise in onion prices over the past few weeks. Large onions, which were available for about Rs 30 a kg at the end of last month, are now being sold at nearly Rs 60 a kg in many retail markets — a near-doubling within a matter of weeks.

Small onions, or shallots — a staple in many Tamil Nadu households, especially in southern districts and in traditional cooking — have seen an even sharper climb. Prices have moved from around Rs 40-50 a kg last month to nearly Rs 70 a kg in retail markets.

For families already contending with higher prices of several essential vegetables, this kind of surge adds real strain to weekly grocery bills.

The State's Response: A Public Distribution Push

With market rates continuing to remain firm, the state cooperative sector has decided to intervene by procuring onions in bulk and supplying them through the public distribution system at prices substantially below prevailing retail levels. This is a classic and time-tested playbook — using government-run outlets to insulate consumers when open-market prices spike sharply.

As part of the initiative, the state has approached the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India, better known as NAFED, seeking an allocation of 70,000 kg of onions.

That request aligns neatly with the Union government's ongoing effort to make onions more affordable to consumers through retail channels — a national push already visible in cities like Delhi. Once the consignment reaches Tamil Nadu, the onions will be distributed to ration shops across the state.

The Price Point: Rs 30-40 Per Kg

Officials have indicated that the subsidised onions will be sold at prices between Rs 30 and Rs 40 per kg. That works out to a saving of up to Rs 30 per kg compared to prevailing retail rates — a meaningful reduction for daily-wage earners, low-income families and pensioners who rely on ration shops for their essentials.

That kind of price gap between the ration shop and the market is exactly what makes such interventions effective — creating an immediate, visible alternative to inflation-hit retail pricing.

A Phased Rollout Approach

The state is taking a considered, phased approach to the rollout. Officials said the first consignment would help assess demand before further quantities are sought. That's a smart operational decision — it allows the state to test the responsiveness of the distribution network, evaluate purchase patterns and calibrate future orders accordingly.

Details regarding the number of ration outlets covered, purchase limits for individual cardholders and the date on which sales will begin are expected to be announced after supplies reach the state.

Why It Matters

For households across Tamil Nadu, especially those in lower-income segments, onions are not a luxury item — they are a daily-use staple. A sudden doubling of price can force families to either reduce consumption, alter recipes or shift spending away from other essentials. When such price surges hit staple items, the impact is broader and more emotional than most inflation numbers suggest.

By stepping in with a public distribution intervention, the state is doing more than releasing 70,000 kg of onions. It is sending a clear message — the government is watching prices in real time and is willing to actively cushion citizens against volatility.

A Familiar Toolkit, Deployed With Purpose

Cooperative outlets and ration shops have previously been used by the government to sell essential commodities at controlled prices whenever supply shortages or seasonal fluctuations caused retail prices to rise sharply. Onion price interventions, in particular, have a long history in India's public procurement playbook.

What makes this intervention notable is its speed and precision. Prices haven't yet reached crisis levels, but the state is choosing to intervene early — reflecting a proactive rather than reactive approach to food inflation management.

Consumer Impact

For consumers, the arrival of Rs 30-40 per kg onions at ration shops will provide immediate relief in three ways. It puts downward pressure on retail pricing by creating a visible alternative. It supports household budgets already stretched by rising costs across multiple food categories. And it strengthens trust in the state's ability to respond to daily-life issues faced by citizens.

Industry Impact

For wholesale traders and market intermediaries, the visible presence of subsidised onions will act as a soft ceiling on how much they can push retail prices further. For NAFED, this state-level rollout in Tamil Nadu — following similar rollouts elsewhere — strengthens its role as a critical price-stabilisation actor in India's food supply chain.

Continued Monitoring

Authorities are expected to closely monitor onion prices and availability in wholesale and retail markets even while the subsidised sales programme is rolled out. That continuous monitoring is what will help decide whether the next consignment needs to be larger, whether more cities need to be added quickly, and whether purchase caps need adjusting.

The Bigger Picture

Tamil Nadu's onion intervention is a small but powerful example of how state governments in India increasingly use public infrastructure — ration shops, cooperative societies, PDS channels — as active price-stabilisation tools rather than merely as welfare delivery mechanisms.

For families in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy and beyond, the coming weeks may bring welcome relief at the ration shop counter. The onion in Tamil Nadu's tempering pan is once again about to become a symbol of both economic sensitivity and state responsiveness. And when the first consignment lands, it won't just carry 70,000 kg of onions. It will carry a promise — that when prices threaten to push essentials out of reach, the state is willing to step in and pull them back within reach.

• PM Modi said women account for 46% of PM SVANidhi Yojana beneficiaries — around 35 lakh women across India.
• He described the trend as a "living example of women's empowerment" during his 137th Mann Ki Baat episode.
• He shared the story of Babita Sharma of Ghaziabad, whose roadside stall grew into a proper shop after PM SVANidhi support.
• He also cited T.S. Ningamma of Bengaluru, whose idli-dosa cart evolved into a thriving family business.
• Modi said the empowerment of a woman fuels the growth of her entire family.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday used his 137th 'Mann Ki Baat' address to spotlight one of India's most under-discussed empowerment stories — the transformation quietly unfolding among lakhs of women street vendors who are using the PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Yojana to expand their livelihoods, uplift their families, and step confidently into the country's small-business ecosystem. Anchoring his message on real people from Ghaziabad and Bengaluru, the Prime Minister described this trend as a "living example" of women's empowerment.

The Numbers Behind the Story

Sharing the scale of the women-led shift within the scheme, PM Modi delivered the standout statistic of the segment.

"However, now, lakhs of such mothers and sisters are gaining new strength through the 'PM SVANidhi Yojana'. This aspect of 'women empowerment' is not discussed as much as it should be. Women account for approximately 46 per cent of the beneficiaries of the 'PM SVANidhi Yojana'. This means that around 35 lakh women across the country are expanding their businesses by connecting with this scheme," the Prime Minister said.

In a country where women's participation in the workforce continues to be a subject of national conversation, 35 lakh women anchoring their own street-based businesses through a single credit scheme is a genuinely significant marker.

'A Living Example of Women's Empowerment'

For PM Modi, the story wasn't just statistical. It was structural.

"From morning till evening, lakhs of women across the streets of our cities and towns are engaged in their work. Some sell vegetables or fruits, others run tea stalls, while some sell flowers, earthen lamps, and worship materials. Often, a mere lack of capital prevents their businesses from growing further," he said.

He noted that PM SVANidhi is providing financial support to many such women and helping them strengthen and expand their livelihoods. It is, in effect, addressing one of the oldest bottlenecks in India's informal economy — access to formal credit for the smallest self-employed businesses.

Babita Sharma's Journey From Roadside Stall to Shop

To ground the message in real lives, PM Modi shared the story of Babita Sharma of Ghaziabad. Before benefiting from PM SVANidhi, Babita ran a small roadside stall selling items used for worship — flowers, earthen lamps, incense sticks and coconuts — while contributing to her family's livelihood.

"She worked very hard, but capital was needed to grow the business. She received financial assistance through 'PM SVANidhi'. She increased her stock and expanded her business. Her customer base and income grew, and gradually, her small roadside stall transformed into a proper shop," PM Modi said.

That single arc — from wooden cart on a footpath to a permanent shop — captures exactly the kind of upward mobility PM SVANidhi is designed to enable. And it captures the emotional payoff of financial inclusion in a way statistics alone cannot.

T.S. Ningamma's Bengaluru Story

The Prime Minister then turned to a second story from Bengaluru, describing it as "very inspiring."

"Ningamma ji and her husband started a small venture selling idli, dosa, and sambar. The business took off, but capital was required to take it to the next level. Ningamma ji also received support from 'PM SVANidhi'. She upgraded her cart, began purchasing supplies in bulk, and added new items to her menu," PM Modi said.

The transformation, according to the Prime Minister, was profound. "As customers and earnings increased, the family's financial situation improved. Today, she is able to provide a better education for her three children."

That final sentence — about her ability to fund her children's education — captures the true intergenerational impact of women-led enterprise. It is not just business growth. It is the change of trajectory for an entire family.

Empowerment That Radiates Across the Household

Broadening the frame, PM Modi drew out the wider societal impact of women's economic participation.

"When a woman's business grows, the future of her entire family advances along with it. Children receive a better education, household needs are met, and the woman's self-confidence is strengthened. This is, indeed, a living example of 'women's empowerment'," the Prime Minister said.

That framing is important. In development economics, women's earnings are known to have an outsized effect on household outcomes — including nutrition, education and healthcare. PM Modi's language echoes that global consensus but reroutes it into a distinctly Indian, distinctly familiar image: the sabziwali behen at the corner, the flower-seller at the temple gate, the idli cart in the bylane.

'I Wish Every Street-Vendor Sister a Bright Future'

Ending the segment with a personal note of solidarity, PM Modi said: "I extend my best wishes for a bright future to all the sisters involved in street vending."

That direct address — to women whose work is often overlooked in India's larger economic narrative — carried a small but powerful message of national recognition.

Why It Matters

PM SVANidhi is one of the few Indian schemes designed specifically to bring the country's smallest, most informal traders — often invisible in policy conversations — into the formal credit system. That women are now 46 per cent of its beneficiaries reveals two important dynamics. First, women are proving to be among the most reliable adopters of small credit for enterprise-building. Second, when access to capital is offered on their terms, women use it not just to survive, but to grow.

For street vendor communities across India, this creates a virtuous cycle — more capital access, more business expansion, more household stability, and more downstream impact on children's education and health.

Industry and Institutional Impact

For India's banking and MSME ecosystem, the PM SVANidhi story reinforces the case for continued investment in micro-credit infrastructure that goes directly to grassroots entrepreneurs. For urban local bodies, the visible transformation of street vendors from cart to shop offers a real-world data point that can inform how licensing, vending zones and street-vendor rehabilitation policies are designed going forward.

Cultural Impact

Perhaps the most important shift PM Modi's address triggers is cultural. For years, India's economic conversation has centred on large industrial success stories and salaried employment metrics. Highlighting street-vending women as central agents of national economic empowerment quietly widens that conversation. It signals that empowerment doesn't need a corner office. It needs credit, effort, and confidence — and these women, all 35 lakh of them, are delivering all three every day.

The Bigger Picture

The PM SVANidhi women's story that PM Modi anchored in his 137th 'Mann Ki Baat' is not a moment. It is a movement. From Babita Sharma's shop in Ghaziabad to T.S. Ningamma's expanded idli-dosa business in Bengaluru, thousands of small, everyday transformations are unfolding across the country's streets, temples, markets and bylanes. Each one, powered by a formal credit lifeline that finally reached where it was needed most.

As the Prime Minister rightly noted, this is not empowerment discussed enough — but it is, in the most visible and grounded sense, the empowerment India lives every day. And on Sunday morning, through the 137th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', those millions of women who sell, serve and support their families from the footpaths of urban India were seen, celebrated and saluted. Because in every roadside cart that becomes a shop, and every idli plate that becomes a school fee, the country is quietly writing a story of empowerment that no headline has been able to capture fully. Until now.

• A day-care centre for cancer patients will be inaugurated at Vidisha Medical College on September 8.
• The facility will serve patients from Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Dewas, Sagar and adjoining Bundelkhand districts, including Ashoknagar.
• AIIMS Bhopal will initially assist in running the centre through a formal MoU with Vidisha Medical College.
• Union MoS Jitendra Singh and MP Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla will attend the inauguration.
• Chouhan also announced RSETI-led skill training programmes for women starting September 5.

In one of the most consequential healthcare announcements to come out of Madhya Pradesh in recent weeks, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday confirmed that a dedicated day-care centre for cancer patients will be inaugurated at Vidisha Medical College on September 8. The move is set to fundamentally reshape access to critical cancer care for patients across six districts in central India — a region that has long relied on distant, often overburdened facilities for treatment.

A 'Historic Day' for the Region

Speaking during his visit to Vidisha, Chouhan framed the announcement in terms that made clear the significance of the moment.

"September 8 will be a very special and historic day for Vidisha and Vidisha district. A day-care centre for cancer patients will be inaugurated here," he said.

For a district that has historically depended on Bhopal, Indore or other larger cities for oncology services, a dedicated cancer day-care facility at its own medical college represents a genuine shift — one that reduces travel burden, cost stress and treatment delays for hundreds of families.

Who the Centre Will Serve

The facility will cater to patients from Vidisha and neighbouring districts including Raisen, Sehore, Dewas, Sagar and the adjoining areas of Bundelkhand such as Ashoknagar. That geographic reach is important. Together, these districts represent a wide catchment of rural and semi-urban populations for whom accessing cancer treatment has historically meant multi-hour journeys, disrupted work and financial strain.

Bringing day-care services closer to home directly addresses one of the most under-appreciated aspects of cancer care in India — the sheer human cost of geography.

AIIMS Bhopal to Back Operations Initially

Recognising the technical demands of running a specialised oncology facility, the state has ensured strong institutional backing from the outset. Chouhan said AIIMS Bhopal would initially assist in running the centre until required facilities are fully developed. An MoU will be signed between Vidisha Medical College and AIIMS Bhopal for providing assistance in operating the facility.

This kind of institutional partnership is critical. Cancer day-care centres require experienced oncology support, protocol design, chemotherapy administration expertise and outcome tracking. Leveraging AIIMS Bhopal's clinical infrastructure gives the Vidisha centre credibility, capability and consistency from day one.

High-Profile Inauguration

The inauguration is being treated as a significant public-health moment. Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh and Madhya Pradesh Health Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla will attend the event on September 8.

That level of political and administrative presence signals the seriousness with which the state and Centre are treating this rollout — as a template that could potentially be replicated across other tier-2 and tier-3 districts in India.

A Day That Also Celebrated Ladli Behna and Raksha Bandhan

Chouhan was in Vidisha along with his wife to participate in programmes organised on the occasion of Bhujariya and Raksha Bandhan. He also met women beneficiaries of the state's Ladli Behna scheme. During the programme, women tied rakhis on Chouhan's wrist, while his wife Sadhna Singh Chouhan presented him a gift — a moment that added a warm, family-oriented dimension to what was otherwise a policy-heavy day.

Skill Training for Women's Economic Empowerment

Chouhan didn't stop at the cancer centre announcement. He also announced skill training programmes aimed at making women financially self-reliant — two structured courses to be launched through Rural Self-Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs).

A 30-day beauty parlour training course will begin from September 5 in Vidisha, Raisen and Sehore. A 31-day tailoring training programme will also be conducted alongside. After completion of the training, the government will actively work to link women with self-employment opportunities through bank linkages — helping them convert skills into sustained income sources.

That specific commitment matters. Skill training programmes without post-training bank linkage often produce trained workforce with limited employment traction. By committing to link women with financing support after training completion, the state is closing the last-mile gap that typically constrains such programmes.

Chouhan's Framing on Women's Empowerment

Emphasising the broader philosophy behind the state's women-focused push, Chouhan said the government was working toward the economic and social empowerment of women.

"Mothers, sisters and daughters are akin to goddesses, and serving them is equivalent to worshipping the Goddess," he added — a framing that ties policy delivery to cultural respect.

Why It Matters

For central India, this combined announcement — a cancer day-care centre plus women's skill training with bank linkages — represents a healthcare and empowerment package delivered in a single visit. Cancer care access remains one of India's most under-addressed rural healthcare challenges. Establishing a professional day-care centre at a district medical college, backed by AIIMS Bhopal, offers a scalable model that can meaningfully reduce disease burden and treatment stress across regions where oncology services have historically been urban-concentrated.

At the same time, the RSETI skill training push reinforces the state's focus on economic mobility for women — combining short training cycles with real self-employment pathways.

Industry and Public Health Impact

For India's public health ecosystem, the Vidisha centre could become an important reference point. A district-medical-college-based cancer day-care facility partnered with a national institute like AIIMS could evolve into a scalable model — one that reduces pressure on tertiary care centres in state capitals while bringing care physically closer to patients.

For women in Vidisha, Raisen and Sehore, the skill training-and-bank linkage design offers a chance to build meaningful income streams in categories that have deep local demand — beauty services and tailoring.

The Bigger Picture

Shivraj Singh Chouhan's Vidisha announcement is more than a routine political visit. It captures a governance philosophy where healthcare, women's welfare and cultural festivals coexist within the same day of engagement. On September 8, when the cancer day-care centre opens its doors, it will not just represent a new medical facility. It will represent a real answer to one of the most heart-breaking questions rural cancer patients face in India — where can I go for treatment?

For thousands of families across Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Dewas, Sagar and Ashoknagar, that answer is about to become a lot shorter, a lot closer, and a lot more possible. And in a country where geography still shapes health outcomes far too often, that shift alone is worth marking as historic.

• Gujarat has approved releasing 600 cusecs of water from Machhu-2 reservoir through SAUNI Link-1 to Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar.
• Drinking water will be prioritised over irrigation in the two Saurashtra districts.
• The decision was taken under CM Bhupendra Patel amid below-normal rainfall and low Narmada basin storage.
• SAUNI Link-1 runs from Machhu-II Dam in Morbi to Sani Dam in Jamnagar with a carrying capacity of 1,200 cusecs.
• The link is designed to fill 30 reservoirs across four districts, benefiting about 2.02 lakh acres.

In a decisive move to address rising water stress in the Saurashtra region, the Gujarat government has approved the release of 600 cusecs of water from the Machhu-2 reservoir through Link-1 of the Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) scheme. The water will be routed to meet the drinking and irrigation needs of Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar districts — with drinking water clearly prioritised over agriculture. It's a governance decision that reflects both the scale of the water challenge and the sequencing discipline needed to manage it.

A Decision Rooted in Immediate Need

The decision was taken by the state government under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, keeping in view the water requirements of residents and farmers in the two Saurashtra districts. Officials explained that the region normally depends on local reservoirs for irrigation, but lower rainfall has affected water availability, while storage in the Narmada basin is also below normal levels.

That double stress — poor rainfall locally and reduced Narmada-basin storage — has forced the state to activate its long-planned water diversion infrastructure to bridge the gap.

How the Water Will Flow

Under the special approval, water will be drawn from the Machhu-2 reservoir through the SAUNI pipeline and supplied towards the local requirements of Jamnagar and Devbhumi Dwarka. The state Water Resources and Water Supply Department said 600 cusecs is currently being drawn through SAUNI Link-1.

That volume represents a substantial delivery through the pipeline network — capable of meaningfully easing the immediate water shortage across the two districts.

The Sequencing: Drinking Water First

One of the most important elements of the state government's decision is its clarity on prioritisation.

"The water would first be allocated for drinking purposes. Any water remaining after meeting drinking-water requirements would subsequently be made available for agriculture and irrigation," officials said.

In a state where water use conflicts between farming and household consumption often become politically sensitive, this sequencing puts human need first. It ensures that even amid an irrigation squeeze, no household is deprived of basic drinking water — a principle that reflects both administrative prudence and public accountability.

About the SAUNI Project

The SAUNI project was designed to divert water through a network of pipelines to reservoirs across the Saurashtra region — one of the most water-stressed parts of Gujarat and, historically, one of the most drought-vulnerable regions of the country.

According to the state government, Link-1 runs from the Machhu-II dam in Morbi district towards Sani Dam in Jamnagar and has a carrying capacity of 1,200 cusecs. It is intended to fill 30 reservoirs across Rajkot, Morbi, Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar districts, benefiting about 2.02 lakh acres.

In effect, SAUNI is one of the most ambitious water transfer engineering projects in western India — a system built to redirect available water into stressed geographies through pipelines rather than the traditional canal-based approach.

Why It Matters

The state's decision comes as local water resources face pressure following lower-than-usual rainfall. For rural households across Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar, that pressure has real consequences — reduced borewell yields, uncertain drinking water supply, and unpredictability around farming decisions for the coming season.

Activating SAUNI Link-1 with an assured 600 cusecs flow provides a structured intervention against those risks. It sends a clear signal that even in a difficult monsoon year, the state has the infrastructure and the institutional coordination to route water where it is needed most.

Governance Implications

The decision also reinforces a governance philosophy visible in several of the Gujarat government's recent moves — one that leans on major infrastructure assets to solve real-time delivery problems. SAUNI is exactly the kind of long-term investment whose value only becomes fully visible during a stress year, and this activation is a live demonstration of that infrastructure paying off.

For state administrations across drought-vulnerable parts of India, the SAUNI model offers a useful case study — showing how pipeline-based water diversion, when planned strategically, can serve as an insurance mechanism during years of poor rainfall.

Impact on Farmers

While the drinking-water priority is unambiguous, the state government has also indicated that farmers will not be left out of the equation. Officials said the measure would help ease drinking-water concerns in parts of Jamnagar and Devbhumi Dwarka while providing relief to farmers dependent on water for agricultural activities.

That balanced framing — protect drinking water first, but keep agriculture in the picture — is likely to help maintain rural morale during a season where farming families across Saurashtra have been anxious about crop planning.

Industry and Rural Impact

For the wider Saurashtra economy — where agriculture, dairy, small-scale manufacturing and cotton processing all depend on water availability — the SAUNI-based release provides a stabilising factor. Confidence in water availability directly influences agricultural sowing decisions, livestock management, and community-level economic activity in the region.

The Bigger Picture

Gujarat's decision to release 600 cusecs through SAUNI Link-1 is more than a routine water management move. It is a real-time demonstration of how large-scale infrastructure investment converts into direct public benefit during moments of stress. By combining engineering scale with clear humanitarian sequencing — drinking water first, agriculture next — the state has quietly reinforced its water governance credibility.

For the residents of Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar, the announcement means one immediate thing: taps will stay running even as skies remain uncertain. And that assurance, delivered through a pipeline network built for exactly this kind of moment, is arguably one of the most quietly powerful outcomes of Gujarat's long-term investment in the SAUNI project. In a state that has fought water scarcity for decades, this Saturday's decision is a reminder that when the rains fall short, careful planning can still keep the water flowing.

• Gujarat BJP will organise four special programmes across the state on Sunday to mark PM Modi's 137th 'Mann Ki Baat' episode.
• The episode will be broadcast at 11 a.m. on August 30 across Akashvani, Doordarshan and digital platforms.
• Dr Satish Poonia will listen with the Rajasthani community in Ahmedabad; Jagdish Vishwakarma with youth in Gandhinagar.
• C. R. Patil will attend with chartered accountants in Surat; Varsha Doshi with young farmers in Surendranagar.
• Similar arrangements will be made at BJP booths across Gujarat for citizens to listen together.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat is preparing to turn the broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 137th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' into a state-wide community engagement exercise. On Sunday, senior party leaders will fan out across four carefully chosen locations in the state to watch the monthly address alongside members of different sections of society — from the Rajasthani community and youth to chartered accountants and young farmers.

The Programme Schedule

The 137th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' is scheduled to be broadcast at 11 a.m. on August 30. The programme has been confirmed by official government platforms and will be aired across the Akashvani and Doordarshan networks and streamed on digital platforms — ensuring wide accessibility across urban and rural India.

For millions of Indians, 'Mann Ki Baat' has become a familiar Sunday morning ritual. In Gujarat, the party is turning that ritual into something more visibly organised — bringing specific communities together with senior political leadership for structured, themed listening sessions.

The Four Programmes Across Gujarat

According to party leaders, the four locations have been strategically chosen — both geographically and demographically.

National General Secretary Dr Satish Poonia will watch the programme with members of the Rajasthani community at Sardar Smarak Bhavan in the Shahibaug area of Ahmedabad. That pairing is deliberate — connecting a senior leader with Rajasthani roots to a diaspora community that has long played a significant role in Gujarat's economic and cultural life.

State BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma will join youths at Pramukh Arcade in the Kudasan area of Gandhinagar. Engagement with young voters is a consistent political priority, and this session is aimed squarely at that constituency.

Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil will watch the programme with chartered accountants and company secretaries at the Surat City BJP office in Udhna — a session that speaks directly to the state's business and professional community.

BJP National Vice-President Varsha Doshi will join young farmers at Dudhai in Muli taluka of Surendranagar district — an outreach that anchors the party's engagement with agricultural India, particularly younger generations returning to or reinventing farming.

A Booth-Level Follow-Through

The four flagship gatherings are not isolated events. The party said similar arrangements would be made at all BJP booths across Gujarat, where party leaders, workers and citizens will listen to the programme together. That kind of scaled, booth-level implementation ensures that the state party's engagement with 'Mann Ki Baat' isn't limited to symbolic top-down events but reaches deep into every neighbourhood and village.

What 'Mann Ki Baat' Represents

'Mann Ki Baat', broadcast on the last Sunday of every month, highlights the achievements and work of Indians from different parts of the country. Over its 137 episodes, it has evolved into one of the most enduring communication touchpoints of the PM Modi era — combining storytelling, policy signalling and citizen recognition into a single monthly broadcast.

Party leaders said the programme focuses on issues including cleanliness, environmental protection, women's advancement, self-reliance and innovations by young people. "PM Modi has always talked and highlighted the achievements of our people," they added.

The Themes Behind the Four Gujarat Events

The four Gujarat programmes have been titled to reflect their audience focus — 'Mann Ki Baat – With the Rajasthani Community', 'Mann Ki Baat – With the Youth', 'Mann Ki Baat – With Chartered Accountants' and 'Mann Ki Baat – With Young Farmers'.

That level of segmentation is significant. It shows a shift from generic broadcast viewing to intentional, community-focused engagement — treating each segment of society as a distinct stakeholder in the national conversation.

Why It Matters

For a broadcast programme, 'Mann Ki Baat' has become more than a monthly address. It functions as a soft-power vehicle — one that shapes public discourse, spotlights lesser-known achievers, and reinforces themes the government wants to bring into mainstream focus. Gujarat's structured community-listening approach adds another layer to that ecosystem — turning the broadcast into a shared civic moment rather than a solo listening experience.

For political parties elsewhere, Gujarat's model offers a template for how national broadcasts can be paired with targeted local engagement to strengthen ground-level connect.

Political and Cultural Impact

Gujarat has historically been one of the most politically active states in India when it comes to BJP-driven community programmes. The scale and structure of the state's engagement around 'Mann Ki Baat' reflects that legacy — one where the party's organisational strength allows even routine broadcasts to be converted into meaningful community touchpoints.

At the same time, the choice of engagement groups — Rajasthani community, youth, chartered accountants, young farmers — reveals the priority audiences the party wants to be seen listening alongside on Sunday morning. It is politics as storytelling, played out in real time across four cities.

Industry and Institutional Impact

For chartered accountants and company secretaries in Surat, the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil at the listening session is a signal of political engagement with the professional services community. For young farmers in Surendranagar, the presence of a National Vice-President signals the party's ongoing intent to keep agricultural voices in national conversations. Every one of these micro-signals adds up.

The Bigger Picture

Gujarat's four-event rollout for the 137th 'Mann Ki Baat' episode reflects how a single monthly national broadcast has been transformed into a network of local conversations. From Ahmedabad's Sardar Smarak Bhavan to Gandhinagar's Pramukh Arcade, from Surat's BJP office in Udhna to a farmer gathering in Dudhai — August 30 will see PM Modi's voice being received not just through radio waves, but through carefully curated community moments.

For the citizens who gather at those venues, and for the millions listening in through Akashvani, Doordarshan and digital streams, the 137th episode will land as another chapter in what has become one of the most sustained direct communication exercises between an Indian Prime Minister and the country. And in Gujarat, that chapter will be experienced not alone, but together — one community, one profession, one demographic at a time.

• NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Ashok K. Lahiri visited the Siachen Base Camp with his team.
• He undertook an aerial reconnaissance of the Northern Glacier and paid homage at the Siachen War Memorial.
• Dr Lahiri was briefed at Headquarters Fire and Fury Corps by Lt Gen Madanraj Pande on Ladakh's operations and development.
• The Siachen Glacier at 5,753 metres altitude remains the world's highest active battlefield.
• India has controlled the entire Siachen Glacier since Operation Meghdoot in 1984.

In a rare and symbolically significant visit, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Ashok K. Lahiri travelled to the Siachen glacier base camp along with his team, offering a top-level policy salute to the Indian Army troops who continue to guard one of the most unforgiving terrains on Earth. The visit, disclosed by the country's apex think-tank on Saturday, put a national spotlight back on Siachen — the world's highest active battlefield — and on the men who serve there in conditions few outside the military can begin to imagine.

The Visit in Full

In a post on X on Saturday, NITI Aayog outlined the visit in detail. "Dr. Ashok K. Lahiri, Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog, along with his team, visited Siachen Base Camp and undertook an aerial reconnaissance of the Northern Glacier, witnessing the extreme terrain and conditions in which Indian Army troops steadfastly guard the nation's frontiers," the statement said.

The itinerary was substantive and clearly designed to give the Vice Chairman a full sense of the operational reality on the ground. He was briefed by the Commander Siachen Brigade, visited the Rockcraft Training School, and paid homage at the Siachen War Memorial — the last of these being a particularly poignant moment given the number of Indian soldiers who have lost their lives in service on the glacier.

'Courage, Sacrifice and Resilience'

The visit was more than a ceremonial one. It served as a public acknowledgement by one of India's highest policy institutions of the courage, sacrifice and resilience of the Indian Army in securing the nation's frontiers. When the country's premier policy think-tank travels to Siachen, it is a statement — one that recognises the human cost that sits behind every map and border line the country celebrates.

Fire and Fury Corps Briefing

The visit also included a strategic policy briefing at Headquarters Fire and Fury Corps. There, Dr Lahiri was briefed by Lt Gen Madanraj Pande, GOC Fire and Fury Corps, on the operational and developmental aspects of Ladakh — spanning modernisation, logistics, infrastructure, connectivity and social outreach.

That combination of subjects is telling. It reflects the fact that Ladakh, and specifically its high-altitude frontier zones, are no longer being viewed only through a purely military lens. Increasingly, they represent a governance and development frontier as well — one where roads, communication systems, medical logistics, and community engagement all shape the security equation as much as any weapons platform.

About Siachen: The World's Highest Active Battlefield

The Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram range of the Himalayas, just northeast of the point NJ9842 — the point where the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan officially ends. Situated at an altitude of 5,753 metres, it is the world's highest active battlefield.

It is also one of the world's most geographically remarkable stretches — the longest glacier in the Karakoram range and the second-longest in the world's non-polar areas.

The entire Siachen Glacier, along with all its major passes, has been under the administration of India as part of the Union Territory of Ladakh since 1984. Pakistan controls the western region of the Saltoro Ridge, lying west of the glacier, with Pakistani posts located roughly 1 km below more than 100 Indian posts positioned along the ridge — a tactical elevation advantage that has been carefully maintained by Indian forces for decades.

Operation Meghdoot: The Reason India Holds Siachen

India came to control the Siachen Glacier through Operation Meghdoot — the codename used by the Indian Armed Forces for the 1984 operation launched to pre-empt Pakistan's own planned 'Operation Ababeel' aimed at taking full control of the glacier. Operation Meghdoot stands out in military history as a rare successful high-altitude airlift assault, and it fundamentally shaped India's strategic posture along the India-Pakistan-China tri-junction.

Since then, generations of Indian soldiers have served in Siachen under extreme cold, low oxygen levels, and dangerous glacial conditions. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice — not always in combat, but often to the terrain itself.

Why the Visit Matters

The visit by a top NITI Aayog official carries weight for several reasons. First, it signals recognition from India's key policy planning body that the country's frontier realities cannot be understood only through data dashboards — they demand direct, on-ground exposure. Second, it reinforces the growing integration between defence, development and civilian planning in India's high-altitude regions. And third, it delivers a morale boost to troops posted at one of the loneliest and most demanding stations in the world.

Development-Security Integration

The nature of the briefing Dr Lahiri received — spanning modernisation, logistics, infrastructure, connectivity and social outreach — reflects a wider strategic shift underway across India's border areas. Roads, telecommunications, medical infrastructure, tourism corridors and community programmes are increasingly seen as inseparable from defence readiness. In border regions, development is deterrence.

The Bigger Picture

The Siachen Glacier will always occupy a unique place in India's national imagination — a place of ice, altitude, sacrifice and unbroken presence. When someone at the level of NITI Aayog's Vice Chairman makes the physical journey to its base camp, undertakes an aerial view of the Northern Glacier and stands at the Siachen War Memorial, it does more than complete an itinerary. It affirms, quietly but publicly, that the nation's civilian leadership remembers what the country's soldiers endure at 17,000 feet so the rest of India can live at its usual pace. And in a country that too often forgets its frontiers between crises, that reminder — delivered from Siachen itself — matters more than most people realise.

• Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi distributed the fifth instalment of Subhadra Yojana at a special event in Lathipada, Nayagada.
• Over Rs 5,163 crore has been provided to 1,03,26,162 beneficiaries across the state so far.
• IIM Sambalpur and SBI surveys show 80% of women have used the assistance for long-term financial security and business, not just daily needs.
• 87.19% of beneficiaries have said Subhadra Yojana is "extremely useful."
• Odisha has led India in creating 27 lakh Lakhpati Didis, well ahead of its target.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday delivered a strong articulation of what women's empowerment truly means for his government — not simply monetary assistance, but the ability of women to be self-reliant socially, politically and economically, and to take decisions on their own terms. Speaking during the distribution of the fifth instalment of financial assistance under the state's flagship Subhadra Yojana, the CM used the occasion to reframe the scheme as a foundational instrument of long-term social change.

Rs 5,163 Crore to Over 1 Crore Beneficiaries

The scale of Subhadra Yojana's rollout is now impossible to ignore. On Friday, the fifth instalment of financial assistance under the scheme was distributed at a special event in Lathipada, Nayagada district. More than Rs 5,163 crore has been provided to 1,03,26,162 beneficiaries across the state, including 2,33,585 beneficiaries from Nayagada district alone.

That's not a symbolic scheme. That's a transfer architecture reaching one out of every few households in the state, moving money directly into women's accounts.

'Assistance Is Not Enough — Empowerment Is'

The CM's speech was notable for its philosophical framing. Majhi explained that merely assisting was not enough — women must be empowered to become socially, politically and economically self-reliant and make decisions independently. That distinction matters. In a policy landscape where welfare schemes are often measured only in disbursement numbers, positioning the outcome as decision-making agency represents a genuinely deeper vision.

Addressing the Subhadra mothers and sisters present at the event, Majhi said Subhadra Yojana was not merely an occasion for allocation of money — it was a symbol of women's empowerment and of the government's commitment towards half of the state's population.

What the IIM and SBI Surveys Reveal

To back up his framing, Majhi cited survey findings from IIM Sambalpur and the State Bank of India, both of which have studied the actual impact of Subhadra Yojana on beneficiaries' financial behaviour. The results are striking.

Around 80 per cent of women have not spent the Subhadra assistance only on their daily needs. Instead, they have used it for long-term financial security, business and developmental activities. That's a strong indicator that the scheme is not being consumed away — it's being converted into savings, capital and productive investment.

Even more telling — 87.19 per cent of beneficiaries said the Subhadra Yojana was extremely useful. The CM added that women beneficiaries' account balances and monthly expenditure have increased, suggesting that the scheme is contributing not just to spending capacity but to household financial stability.

The Women Entrepreneurship Platform

Complementing the cash transfer architecture, the government has set up a Women Entrepreneurship Platform designed to make women more self-reliant. Through this platform, women receive guidance on starting businesses, access to skill training, market linkages and financial support.

That combination — direct assistance plus structural entrepreneurship support — reflects a maturing understanding of what it takes to move a household from welfare to economic mobility. Cash alone builds resilience. Capacity plus cash builds enterprise.

Odisha's Lakhpati Didi Lead

The CM highlighted another milestone that many outside the state may have missed. Odisha has secured the first position in the country by creating 27 lakh Lakhpati Didis — the national programme aimed at supporting women's economic self-reliance — well ahead of the stipulated target. That is a formidable statistic. For a state that has often been described in developmental terms as "catching up," Odisha is instead leading the country on one of India's most important gender-forward economic indicators.

Local Development Commitments

The event also brought forward important local commitments for Nayagada district. The CM assured attendees that, with the cooperation of the Central Government, the Nayagada sugar mill would be established soon. He also confirmed that work on the Brutanga irrigation project would commence — two announcements that carry major implications for agriculture, employment and water security in the region.

The Political Presence at the Event

The programme drew a strong political presence, indicating the strategic importance the government attaches to Subhadra Yojana. Speaker Surama Padhy, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Puri MP Sambit Patra and Kandhamal MP Sukanta Panigrahi were among the leaders in attendance.

Why It Matters

Subhadra Yojana has emerged as one of the most closely watched women-focused welfare schemes in India. Unlike many similar programmes across states, it has already crossed the one-crore beneficiary mark and is now backed by academic and financial-sector research validating its real-world impact. When 80% of assistance is going into long-term security and business use rather than daily consumption, the scheme starts to look less like welfare and more like a financial empowerment platform.

For CM Majhi, the political message is clear — the government is not just delivering money, it is delivering agency. And that framing is likely to shape how Odisha positions itself on women-centred governance in the coming years.

Industry and Economic Impact

The economic implications are significant. Rs 5,163 crore flowing into women-held bank accounts across Odisha translates into meaningful savings behaviour, small-business capital formation and consumption patterns that support local rural economies. Combined with the 27 lakh Lakhpati Didi milestone, the state is quietly building a broad-based women's economic ecosystem — one that could shape rural entrepreneurship trends far beyond Odisha's borders.

The Bigger Picture

Subhadra Yojana is no longer just a welfare scheme. It has become a policy statement about what women-first governance can look like in India — one that combines direct financial transfer, entrepreneurship enablement, banking-sector participation and independent academic evaluation. On a Friday in Lathipada, as the fifth instalment reached lakhs of women, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi essentially staked out a clear governance philosophy: real empowerment isn't measured by the money a woman receives, but by the decisions she can now make with it. And by that measure, Subhadra Yojana appears to be quietly reshaping the state, one bank transfer at a time.

• Rajasthan Police busted an interstate gang stealing high-tension power cables worth Rs 5-6 crore, arresting 12 accused.
• Thefts occurred along a 103 km stretch of the 765 kV D/C Sikar-II to Narela transmission line by PowerGrid Wataman Transmission Ltd.
• Vehicles including a Thar, car, pickup truck and two motorcycles were seized, along with two iPhones bought using stolen cable proceeds.
• The operation was carried out by DST Sikar and Sadar Neem Ka Thana police under SP Praveen Nayak Noonawat's direction.
• Police say the gang has confessed to involvement in dozens of theft incidents; investigation into buyers and associates is ongoing.

Rajasthan Police have cracked open one of the most significant power infrastructure crime operations in recent memory, busting an interstate gang allegedly involved in stealing high-tension power cables worth an estimated Rs 5-6 crore. Twelve members of the gang were arrested in a joint operation carried out by the District Special Team (DST), Sikar, and the Sadar Neem Ka Thana police — bringing to light a systematic assault on one of India's critical transmission projects.

The Recoveries: Vehicles, Handsets and a Trail of Evidence

The scale of the seizures gives a strong indication of just how organised the operation was. Vehicles allegedly used in the thefts — including a Thar, a car, a pickup truck and two motorcycles — were recovered from the accused. Two iPhones, reportedly purchased with proceeds from the stolen cables, were also seized. That mix of high-utility crime vehicles and premium personal purchases sketches the picture of a gang that had turned cable theft into a fully monetised, near-professional enterprise.

103 Kilometres of Transmission Line Under Attack

Superintendent of Police Praveen Nayak Noonawat said the accused have confessed to stealing cables along approximately 103 kilometres of the 765 kV D/C Sikar-II to Narela transmission line, currently being developed by PowerGrid Wataman Transmission Limited. The thefts occurred within the jurisdiction of Sadar Neem Ka Thana and Dabla police stations. That's not a one-off crime spree — it's a systematic, geographically distributed assault on a piece of national infrastructure being built to support high-voltage power evacuation.

The accused have admitted involvement in dozens of cable theft incidents, indicating that this operation may have been running for months and possibly affected other projects in the region as well.

The Anatomy of the Crackdown

The crackdown itself was a textbook example of coordinated policing. It was carried out under the direction of SP Praveen Nayak Noonawat following instructions from Rahul Prakash, Inspector General of Police, Jaipur Range. Police teams supervised by Additional SP (Neem Ka Thana) Lokesh Meena and Circle Officer Sushil Maan analysed CCTV footage, monitored suspects and used technical intelligence to piece together the gang's movements and identify their base of operations.

That layered use of digital surveillance, manual patrolling and human intelligence has become a signature of Rajasthan Police's approach to organised infrastructure crime in the state.

The Complaint That Kicked It Off

The case began on August 9, 2026, when Dipankar Debnath, Assistant Manager at Skipper Limited, Neemkathana, filed a complaint reporting thefts of conductors, wires and other transmission-line material from four sites between July 11 and August 6. That single complaint set in motion the sequence of inspections, tracking and intelligence gathering that ultimately led to the identification and arrest of 12 suspects.

The Accused

The arrested accused include Dheeraj Bagadiya (26), Mohit Jakhar (20), Lokesh Mehraniya (20), Vijay Kumar Mehraniya (20), Sachin Kumar Saini (19), Deepak Meena (23), Rahul Yadav (21), Hanuman Meena alias Abhi (19), Jagdish Bawariya (38), Monu Jat, Himanshu Nayak (19) and Sunil Gurjar (24). The demographic mix — mostly young men in their late teens and early twenties — reveals a worrying pipeline of youth being pulled into infrastructure-linked organised crime, often under the guise of quick cash-flow opportunities.

Why It Matters

Cable theft may sound like a routine property crime, but its consequences are far more severe than they appear on the surface. High-tension cables from active or under-construction transmission lines represent both a public safety hazard and a national economic risk. Every stolen kilometre of cable can delay grid stabilisation, drive up project costs and stretch power evacuation timelines — with downstream impact on industries, households and macroeconomic productivity.

The 765 kV Sikar-II to Narela line, being developed by PowerGrid Wataman Transmission Limited, is precisely the kind of high-value asset targeted by organised gangs looking to convert copper and other conductor material into black-market cash quickly.

Industry Impact

For India's power transmission sector, this bust is a wake-up call — and simultaneously a validation of the value of on-ground project security. Companies operating high-voltage transmission networks are increasingly investing in physical security, drone surveillance, real-time monitoring systems and community-informant networks. Cases like this one are likely to accelerate that investment further, particularly along rural stretches of ultra-high-voltage lines that are historically harder to monitor round-the-clock.

The Investigation Ahead

Police have made it clear that the arrests are only the beginning. Further interrogation is expected to shed light on dozens of suspected high-tension wire thefts and the gang's wider network. Investigators are tracing where the stolen cables were sold or disposed of, identifying buyers and associates, and probing possible links to other property-related crimes. The search for additional suspects continues.

The Bigger Picture

The Rajasthan Police bust is more than a routine crackdown on a theft ring. It's a reminder that India's infrastructure story runs on physical assets that cannot be left to fend for themselves. As the country accelerates its push towards renewable evacuation corridors and high-voltage grid modernisation, protecting these assets from organised crime becomes as critical as building them. In taking down 12 accused, recovering key vehicles, and unmasking a 103-km theft trail, Rajasthan Police haven't just closed a case — they've reinforced a message: infrastructure crime, no matter how quietly it operates, will be traced, tracked and shut down.

• Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel described Raksha Bandhan as a festival of "sacred affection and unbreakable trust" between siblings.
• Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi shared a brief but heartfelt message: "A promise that goes beyond words."
• State BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma linked the festival to women's dignity, safety and empowerment.
• Vishwakarma highlighted the mutual responsibility siblings share — with brothers safeguarding their sisters' dignity and self-respect.
• He credited PM Modi and CM Patel for placing women's empowerment at the centre of national and state development policy.

As families across Gujarat prepare to celebrate Raksha Bandhan on Friday, the state's top political leadership used the occasion to send out messages that went well beyond festive greetings — turning the day into a broader conversation about family values, cultural continuity and women's empowerment. From Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and state BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma, each leader placed a distinct emphasis on what the festival represents in today's India.

CM Bhupendra Patel: 'Sacred Affection and Unbreakable Trust'

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, in a message posted on X, described Raksha Bandhan as a festival of the "sacred affection and unbreakable trust" between siblings. His framing carried both warmth and weight — positioning the festival not merely as a ritual, but as one of the most important symbols of family values, cultural traditions and respect for women's empowerment in Indian society.

"Heartiest greetings to everyone on the auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan," CM Patel said, extending his wishes to citizens of the state and beyond. He expressed the hope that the festival would bring happiness, peace, prosperity and harmony to families — a wish that reflected both the personal and public significance the day holds for Indian households.

Deputy CM Sanghavi's Short but Poignant Note

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi kept his message deliberately brief, but its resonance was clear. "A promise that goes beyond words. Happy Rakshabandhan!" he posted on X — a single sentence that captured the emotional essence of the festival without needing embellishment. In a political landscape often filled with elaborate statements, Sanghavi's terse message stood out for its restraint.

Jagdish Vishwakarma: Placing Women's Empowerment at the Centre

State BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma took the messaging a step further, using his festival greeting to underline the wider issue of women's dignity, safety and empowerment. In his message issued on the eve of the festival, he described Raksha Bandhan as a symbol of the love, affection and mutual trust shared by brothers and sisters.

"Indians living across the world celebrate the festival with joy and enthusiasm. The tying of a rakhi by a sister on her brother's wrist represented her wishes for his happiness, health and safety, while the thread also symbolised the enduring affection and mutual responsibility between siblings," he emphasised.

'The Responsibility Is Mutual'

Vishwakarma was careful to frame the responsibility associated with Raksha Bandhan as flowing both ways. Brothers, he said, are expected to stand by their sisters and safeguard their dignity, security, happiness and self-respect at every stage of life. He described the festival as an occasion for siblings to reaffirm their commitment to supporting each other during difficult times and sharing in each other's happiness.

That reframing — from a ritual of protection given to a promise of mutual responsibility — is a small but significant shift. It recasts Raksha Bandhan in a language that resonates more strongly with contemporary conversations around gender, respect and shared care.

Linking the Festival to National Policy

Vishwakarma also tied the festival's spirit to a broader political and policy narrative. Indian culture, he said, has accorded women a position of honour and dignity — and that value now finds expression in modern governance.

"The BJP-led government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had placed women's empowerment at the centre of the country's development through initiatives aimed at strengthening women's safety, dignity, economic self-reliance and participation in decision-making," he emphasised.

He added that Gujarat, under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's leadership, is continuing to move in the same direction — connecting festival messaging to real-world state policy on women's welfare, safety and empowerment.

Why It Matters

Political leaders across India routinely issue festival greetings, but the tone and framing can vary widely. What stands out about Gujarat's leadership messaging this Raksha Bandhan is the deliberate braiding of tradition and progress. The Chief Minister anchored the festival in family and cultural values. The Deputy Chief Minister captured its emotional core in a single line. And the state BJP chief connected the emotional ritual of tying a rakhi to the larger, ongoing project of women's empowerment.

Together, they've turned a one-day festival into a broader statement about how the state wants to be seen — as one that honours its cultural inheritance while continuing to strengthen the position of women in every sphere.

Cultural Impact

Raksha Bandhan has always carried more meaning than its surface ritual suggests. In an era where women's safety, agency and self-reliance are being debated more visibly than ever before in India, framing the festival as a mutual promise rather than a one-way protection gesture is a subtle but meaningful contribution to that conversation.

The Bigger Picture

For Gujarat, this year's Raksha Bandhan is arriving alongside the state's ongoing push toward inclusive, women-centred development. From the recent announcement of women-focused welfare schemes to the political leadership consistently placing women's empowerment at the centre of public messaging, the state is signalling clearly that its cultural celebrations and its policy priorities are meant to reinforce each other. As sisters across Gujarat tie rakhis on their brothers' wrists on Friday, the thread — that fragile, colourful strand — will carry both a family promise and a policy vision quietly stitched into it.

• The J&K FDA has ordered a ban on the sale of junk food within 50 metres of all schools across the Union Territory.
• The School Education Department has been directed to enforce food safety norms in all government and private schools.
• Restrictions apply to foods high in saturated fat, trans-fat, added sugar or sodium — both inside campuses and around them.
• Schools must have licensed food operators, Food Safety Display Boards and Food Safety Supervisors where applicable.
• Free safe drinking water and designated meal times are now mandated to promote healthy eating habits among students.

The Jammu and Kashmir Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued one of the sharpest child-nutrition directives the Union Territory has seen in years — banning the sale of junk food within 50 metres of school premises across J&K. The order marks a decisive shift in how the region views the intersection of children's health, food safety and school-zone regulation.

The Order at a Glance

Officials confirmed on Thursday that the FDA has directed the School Education Department to strictly implement food safety regulations across all government and private schools. The core mandate is unambiguous: no junk food is to be sold within school premises or within 50 metres of school gates in any direction.

That 50-metre buffer effectively creates a "healthy zone" around every school in the Union Territory, cutting off easy access to the packaged snacks, sugary drinks and street-side high-fat items that traditionally cluster around school entrances.

Anchored in National Regulations

In a communication to the Directors of School Education, the FDA reinforced that the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School) Regulations, 2020 must be effectively implemented to ensure safe, hygienic and nutritionally balanced food for school children.

Under the regulations, schools must ensure that food products high in saturated fat, trans-fat, added sugar or sodium are neither sold nor offered within their premises. Just as importantly, the restriction extends to a 50-metre radius around the school gate, where the sale, marketing or advertising of such food products to schoolchildren is prohibited. The advertising clause is significant — it targets not just food access but the influence-first tactics that shape children's food choices.

Licensing, Display Boards and Supervisors

The FDA has laid out a clear compliance framework for the operators who do provide food inside school campuses. School authorities and food business operators running food services on campus must be registered or licensed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. They must also comply with prescribed sanitary and hygienic requirements.

Where applicable, food facilities must have Food Safety Display Boards and Food Safety Supervisors — turning food safety into a visible, monitorable and accountable practice rather than a background administrative function.

Meal Times, Drinking Water and Everyday Practice

Beyond the buffer zones and licensing, the directive incorporates simple but structurally important changes to the school day. Schools are required to designate meal times to encourage healthy eating habits among children and provide safe drinking water free of cost to all students.

These may sound like small operational details, but they represent a philosophical shift — one that treats mealtime as part of the school's educational responsibility rather than an incidental break.

Making Principals and Managements Accountable

Responsibility for enforcement has been placed squarely with school leadership. School authorities, including principals and headmasters — along with the bodies responsible for the management of the institutions — have been tasked with ensuring regular inspection of food premises and monitoring the quality, safety and hygiene of food served to students. In effect, the buck now stops at the principal's desk.

A New Role: Health and Wellness Ambassador

To institutionalise the change, the FDA has recommended that schools may appoint a Health and Wellness Ambassador or constitute a Health and Wellness team as a nodal mechanism for monitoring the availability of safe, balanced and hygienic food. That's a subtle but important governance addition — a specific role tied to student nutrition and lifestyle, rather than diffuse responsibility spread across staff.

Why It Matters

India has been staring at a rapidly rising childhood obesity and lifestyle-disease burden for years. Studies have repeatedly linked easy access to sugary drinks, packaged snacks and deep-fried street food to poor eating habits that persist into adulthood. By drawing a 50-metre buffer, the J&K FDA is doing something surprisingly rare: physically limiting the availability of harmful food where it hurts most — right at the school gate.

Industry Impact

The directive will inevitably reshape the small-vendor and packaged food economy that has traditionally revolved around school hours. For local sellers, this will mean either reformulating their offerings toward healthier options or relocating outside the buffer zone. For packaged food brands, it means losing a critical impulse-purchase touchpoint and being pushed to reconsider the nutritional design of products marketed to school-age children.

Cultural Shift

Perhaps the most significant outcome of the order is the cultural signal it sends to parents, teachers and students. It reframes what a "healthy school environment" means — not just clean classrooms and safe playgrounds, but a food ecosystem consciously shaped for children's wellbeing. That signalling is often the precursor to genuine behavioural change.

The Bigger Picture

The FDA has called upon the School Education Department and school authorities to ensure strict compliance across Jammu and Kashmir. If implemented seriously, this could become a template that other states and Union Territories study closely. In a country where children's health has too often been an afterthought in day-to-day policy, J&K's 50-metre buffer is a small line on paper — but a bold statement in practice. Because sometimes, protecting the next generation begins with something as simple as clearing the sidewalk in front of their school.

• PM Narendra Modi addressed youth from over 5,000 institutes across India at the Khelo India Samvaad ahead of National Sports Day 2026.
• Modi announced a nationwide Talent Hunt targeting children aged 5 to 15 to strengthen India's grassroots sporting pipeline.
• He outlined a long-term strategy focused on the 2036 Olympics, urging India to master disciplines it doesn't currently compete in.
• Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said India, for the first time, is treating sports as "a national priority" rather than an activity.
• Olympic medallist Gagan Narang and Paralympic bronze medallist Sheetal Devi shared their journeys with youth at IIT Gandhinagar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday laid out one of his most ambitious articulations yet of how sports fit into India's national future — connecting via video conference with youth and athletes across more than 5,000 institutes as part of the National Sports Day 2026 celebrations. The Khelo India Samvaad (Khelo India Dialogue) wasn't just another set of ceremonial remarks. It was a full-scale strategic address that placed sport at the centre of the Viksit Bharat vision.

'Those Who Play Will Blossom'

Speaking to the youth of the country, Prime Minister Modi framed sports not as a peripheral cultural activity but as a nation-building force. "When I talk about sports, it isn't just about winning medals; it is a campaign to integrate India's sports power and youth energy to build a Viksit Bharat. I have always said, 'Those who play will blossom,'" he said.

That framing — sports as a national capability, not just a competition — set the tone for everything that followed.

'We Must Master the Sports We Don't Even Play'

The Prime Minister then made a striking observation that reset the conversation about India's medal ambitions. "Other countries are winning medals in sports where India does not even participate; we must master these sports as well," he said. He added, "To increase our medal tally, we will absolutely have to achieve mastery in these sports."

It's a candid acknowledgement that India's Olympic performance has historically been concentrated in a narrow band of disciplines. Expanding that footprint isn't just a matter of pride — it's a mathematical necessity if the country wants to fundamentally increase its medal count on the world stage.

The 2036 Olympics Vision

Modi outlined India's long-term sporting strategy centred squarely on the 2036 Olympics. His stated goal: to build a talent base wide and deep enough that Indian athletes not only qualify across a broad range of disciplines but also excel in them. It's a long horizon — but that's precisely the point. Sporting excellence is a generational project, and 2036 gives the country a decade-plus to build a competitive pipeline from scratch.

A Nationwide Talent Hunt for Ages 5–15

At the heart of that strategy sits a bold new initiative — a massive national Talent Hunt targeting children aged 5 to 15. This is the age band where sporting foundations are laid, where identification of natural ability translates into structured training pathways, and where India has historically underinvested at scale.

"Whatever support is needed from the government for this, the government will walk shoulder-to-shoulder with you in it," the Prime Minister assured, signalling that the initiative would come with backing rather than just branding.

Sports as a National Priority: Mandaviya's Framing

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, welcomed the Prime Minister virtually from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, and put the shift in unambiguous terms. "The country has, for the first time, seen sports not merely as an activity but as a national priority," he said.

He also acknowledged the Prime Minister's personal relationship with the country's athletes — a factor often credited for reshaping how India's sporting fraternity feels about state support. "Your personal connect with athletes is the biggest strength of your sports vision. You have celebrated champions' victories; you have always given them praise and encouragement. But when any athlete faced defeat, you never left their side. This is the reason why India's athletes consider you their own," Mandaviya said.

MyBharat and the Youth Movement

Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the growing footprint of the MyBharat platform. "More than 2.4 crore youth across the country have already joined it, and are contributing to nation-building alongside their careers," he said.

On the broader policy front, he pointed out that the youth-centric spirit had shaped the country's fiscal priorities. "Based on the ideas of the youth, this year's budget was called the Youth-Centric Budget. Today the youth of the country feel that their ideas are no longer ignored, but implemented."

Governance, Transparency, Fair Opportunity

An equally significant part of Mandaviya's address focused on institutional reform. "Through the National Sports Governance Act, the effort to strengthen transparency, accountability and fair opportunity ensures that talent gets its due," he said. For decades, sports federation politics in India have been criticised for opacity and favouritism — turning transparency into a formal legislative priority is a structural shift, not just a slogan.

Voices From the Podium

After the Prime Minister's address, Olympic medallist Gagan Narang shared his journey with the youth at IIT Gandhinagar. "Thanks to the administrative changes in sports nowadays, the athletes get the best equipment to compete at the international level. It is because of such changes that we have come here," he said — a very grounded reminder that infrastructure and administrative reform translate directly into medals.

He was joined by 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist Sheetal Devi, who spoke about the shift in public mindset around para-sports. "Mindsets have changed today. Those who used to question, 'what can they (para-athletes) achieve,' today say, 'yes, they will achieve; they are the ones who will bring home the medals'," she said. It was a powerful summary of how India's perception of ability, disability and excellence has evolved in just a few short years.

The Five Themes for a Sporting India

The students of IIT Gandhinagar rounded out the event with a presentation built around five key themes outlined by the Prime Minister — Sports, Olympic Aspirations, Youth Leadership, Viksit Bharat, and Nasha Mukt Yuva. Together, they mapped India's journey towards sporting excellence with a clear focus on grassroots inclusion, elite ambition and drug-free youth culture.

Why It Matters

National Sports Day is celebrated on August 29 every year as the birth anniversary of hockey magician Major Dhyan Chand — a date that has traditionally been reserved for tribute and reflection. What the Khelo India Samvaad has done this year is convert that ceremonial moment into a national strategy briefing. By tying sports directly to the Viksit Bharat framework, PM Modi has effectively elevated athletic performance from a cultural aspiration into a measurable national goal.

The Bigger Picture

Between a nationwide Talent Hunt for kids aged 5 to 15, the ambitious 2036 Olympics roadmap, the National Sports Governance Act, expanding participation across new disciplines, and the youth-driven MyBharat movement, India is quietly building the scaffolding of what could become one of the most consequential sporting reinventions of any large nation this decade. If the vision holds and the delivery keeps pace, the story that begins on August 29, 2026 could well end with a very different India walking onto the Olympic podium in 2036.

Also Read: PM Modi's Khelo India Dialogue to Link 2036 Olympic Bid With Youth Leadership

• Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare confirmed there is no shortage of onions in India, either in production or availability.
• Retail sale of onions has begun at Rs 35 per kg through NCCF, NAFED and Kendriya Bhandar outlets and mobile vans.
• Mobile vans have begun operations at 40 locations across Delhi from Day 1 itself.
• Talks are underway to sell onions at Rs 35 per kg through PDS shops in Delhi as well.
• Onion exports this year are at almost the same level as last year, according to the Secretary.

The Centre on Thursday moved decisively to reassure consumers ahead of any potential price spiral in onions, kicking off the retail sale of onions at Rs 35 per kg from its price stabilisation buffer stock. In one clear, no-ambiguity statement, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare confirmed there is no shortage of onions in the country — a message aimed as much at markets and traders as at everyday households worried about their kitchen budget.

A Flag-Off With a Clear Message

Khare formally flagged off the onion distribution campaign from Krishi Bhawan in the national capital. Initially, onions will be sold at Rs 35 per kg through outlets and mobile vans operated by the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation (NCCF), the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED), and the Kendriya Bhandars — the three consumer-facing pillars of the government's price intervention toolkit.

Speaking to the media, Khare made it clear that this kind of retail intervention is part of a predictable annual playbook, not a crisis response. "Every year, the government makes efforts to ensure that consumers get onions at subsidised rates through retail intervention whenever prices rise," she said.

'No Shortage in Production or Availability'

The Secretary was unambiguous in her diagnosis of the current situation. "There is neither any shortage in onion production nor in its availability across the country," she said, adding that the government remains fully committed to protecting consumers from sudden spikes in onion prices.

She also flagged that onion exports this year are at almost the same level as last year — a data point that effectively pushes back against any suggestion that heavy exports could be responsible for domestic price pressure. The government, she noted, intervenes in the market from time to time to keep prices under control and provide relief to consumers.

NAFED's Rollout: Mobile Vans Across Delhi

NAFED Managing Director Deepak Agarwal, speaking to IANS, offered fresh operational detail. He said the sale of onions through mobile vans has begun at 40 locations across Delhi — a scale designed to make the intervention immediately visible to consumers rather than lost in bureaucratic distribution.

Onions will also be made available through NAFED and NCCF stores, e-commerce platforms, and organised retail chains. That multi-channel approach reflects a deliberate strategy: reach the consumer wherever they already shop, whether that's a physical outlet, a delivery app, or a supermarket aisle.

PDS on the Horizon

Agarwal also confirmed a critical next step in the pipeline. Discussions are underway with the Delhi government to make onions available at Rs 35 per kg through Public Distribution System (PDS) shops as well. If the proposal is implemented, a large number of consumers — particularly ration-card-holding households — are expected to benefit from the initiative.

Bringing PDS shops into the retail chain would be a significant expansion, giving the intervention deeper penetration in lower-income neighbourhoods where price sensitivity is highest.

NCCF's Metro-First Approach

Speaking to IANS, NCCF Managing Director Anice Joseph Chandra confirmed that the federation began selling onions at its retail centres immediately after the campaign's launch from Krishi Bhawan. "Consumers can purchase onions at Rs 35 per kg from NCCF outlets, particularly those located near metro stations," she said.

The strategic choice to prioritise NCCF outlets near metro stations is a smart one — placing subsidised produce squarely on the daily commute path of urban working consumers. Chandra added that the retail network will be expanded further in the coming days to ensure that affordable onions reach a larger number of consumers.

Why It Matters

Onion prices in India have long been an emotionally and politically charged indicator. A spike in the humble bulb has historically shaken not just kitchen budgets but electoral outcomes and government credibility. By stepping in early, communicating clearly and rolling out a multi-channel retail intervention, the Centre is essentially trying to get ahead of any sentiment-driven panic before it takes hold.

Industry Impact

For traders and wholesalers, the government's clear signal that there is no shortage — combined with a physical presence of Rs 35/kg supply on the streets — makes it harder to justify aggressive price mark-ups at the retail end. For farmers, the assurance that exports are steady offers some reassurance that intervention won't shrink their market. And for consumers, the buffer-stock release provides a very concrete relief valve at a time when inflation anxieties are ever-present.

The Bigger Picture

The Rs 35/kg onion rollout is more than a price intervention — it's a demonstration of how India's food-price management architecture is being deployed with speed, coordination and communication. Between NCCF outlets, NAFED mobile vans, Kendriya Bhandars, e-commerce partners and the proposed PDS integration, the state is signalling that food security is no longer just about production numbers — it's about last-mile access. And for the average household, it means one very tangible thing: the onion in tonight's tadka just got a lot easier on the wallet.

• Women from various communities and social organisations tied rakhis to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel at Lok Bhavan in Gandhinagar on Raksha Bandhan.
• Participants included representatives of Brahma Kumaris, charitable institutions and organisations serving persons with disabilities.
• CM Patel reaffirmed his commitment to the holistic development and safety of women across Gujarat.
• Minister Rivaba Jadeja, Gandhinagar Mayor Miraben Patel, and MLAs Ritaben Patel, Nimishaben Suthar and Payalben Kukrani attended.
• BJP national vice-president Varshaben Doshi and state Mahila Morcha president Anjuben Vekariya were also present.

Gandhinagar's Lok Bhavan turned into a warm, colourful gathering point on Thursday morning as women from different communities and sections of society came together to tie rakhis to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. It was more than a ceremonial event — it was a symbolic reinforcement of the bond between the state's leadership and the diverse constituencies of women it serves.

A Gathering That Reflected the State

The turnout was striking not just for its size but for its diversity. Women associated with social organisations, charitable institutions, the Brahma Kumaris and groups working for persons with disabilities participated in the celebrations. One by one, they tied rakhis on the Chief Minister's wrist and offered prayers for his good health and long life — a gesture that carried both personal warmth and cultural weight.

CM Patel, in turn, welcomed the women who had gathered from different parts of Gujarat, accepting their blessings and good wishes. The exchange between the Chief Minister and the assembled women set a distinctly personal, grounded tone to the state-level programme.

Focus on Women's Safety and Development

While the traditional bond represented by Raksha Bandhan formed the emotional heart of the event, the underlying message was more strategic. The programme placed a clear spotlight on the participation of women from different sections of society, and CM Patel used the moment to reaffirm his commitment to the holistic development and safety of women across Gujarat, according to the statement issued after the programme.

That commitment — tying together social welfare, safety, education and economic empowerment — has been a recurring theme of the Patel government's messaging, and the Raksha Bandhan celebration effectively became another platform to reinforce it.

A Notable Political Turnout

The event drew a strong political presence, cutting across state government and party leadership. Minister of State for Education Rivaba Jadeja was in attendance, alongside Gandhinagar Mayor Miraben Patel. MLAs Ritaben Patel, Nimishaben Suthar and Payalben Kukrani were also part of the gathering, giving the programme a distinctly women-led political flavour.

Adding further weight, BJP national vice-president Varshaben Doshi and state BJP Mahila Morcha president Anjuben Vekariya joined the celebrations, along with representatives from various fields and senior government officials. The composition of the guest list signalled the party's intent to place women at the centre of both governance and organisational narrative.

The Ceremony at the Core

Even amid the political and administrative significance, the core of the programme remained the human ritual itself — the tying of rakhis, the offering of blessings, and the simple, quiet exchange of good wishes. That deliberate emphasis kept the event rooted in the spirit of Raksha Bandhan, rather than allowing it to slide entirely into a formal state function.

Why It Matters

Raksha Bandhan is traditionally observed as a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters, with sisters tying a rakhi around their brothers' wrists as a symbol of affection and protection. When that ritual is carried out at Lok Bhavan — with women from Brahma Kumaris, disability-focused organisations, charitable institutions and grassroots social groups — it becomes an expression of a much broader kind of protection. It reframes governance as a form of guardianship: the state as a rakhi-bound custodian of women's safety, wellbeing and dignity.

Cultural and Political Impact

For a government that has repeatedly foregrounded women-centred welfare schemes, this year's Raksha Bandhan celebration served as a public reinforcement of that narrative. By opening Lok Bhavan to women from diverse communities — including those working with persons with disabilities and spiritually oriented groups like the Brahma Kumaris — the event projected inclusivity as a core value rather than a slogan.

The Bigger Picture

This year's celebrations in Gujarat, held as women from different parts of the state gathered at the venue in Gandhinagar, are a reminder of how public festivals in India are often more than personal — they double as cultural stages where governance, tradition and identity meet. For CM Bhupendra Patel, the Raksha Bandhan morning at Lok Bhavan was a chance to hold that moment tight: to receive rakhis from women who represent modern Gujarat in all its variety, and to publicly commit — once again — to protecting the future they are building.

• Rajasthan government has activated emergency helplines after Nepal's Rasuwa flash floods left over 750 people missing, including 133 Indian nationals.
• Many of the missing Indians are believed to be Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims and tourists travelling through the affected region.
• The State Emergency Operation Centre in Jaipur is running 24x7, coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and Nepali authorities.
• Toll-free numbers 1070 and 112 have been activated, along with multiple landlines and email ID relief-rj@nic.in for family queries.
• Families are being urged to avoid social media rumours and share full name, passport details and last known location of missing relatives.

The Rajasthan government has swung into full emergency mode after the devastating flash floods and landslides in Nepal's Rasuwa district left more than 750 people missing or unreachable — including 133 Indian nationals. With communication networks down and access routes destroyed, the state has rolled out a multi-line emergency response system to help families desperately trying to trace loved ones across the border.

The Scale of the Crisis

Preliminary reports from the disaster-hit region indicate that many of the missing Indians are Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims and tourists who were travelling through Rasuwa — a strategically significant border zone near Nepal-Tibet that serves as a major transit point for pilgrimage and Himalayan tourism. While the exact number of Rajasthan residents among the missing Indians has not yet been established, officials say the state cannot afford to wait for that clarity before mobilising.

The state's Disaster Management Department has already placed its full emergency machinery on alert to assist Rajasthan residents who may be stranded or missing. Severe damage to roads and infrastructure, coupled with disruptions to communication networks, has made it extremely difficult for families back home to establish contact with relatives in Nepal.

Command Centre in Jaipur, Coordination With Kathmandu

At the heart of the operation is the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Jaipur, which is now functioning round the clock. It is coordinating in real time with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, the Ministry of External Affairs, and local authorities in Nepal to trace stranded residents and facilitate assistance and evacuation wherever possible.

The Helpline Grid: What Families Need to Know

The government has published a detailed set of contact points so that no family is left without an official channel. Toll-free numbers 1070 and 112 are the primary entry lines to the Rajasthan control room. In addition, families can call 0141-2851960, 0141-2385776 and 0141-2385777. Backup lines include 0141-2227296, 0141-2927392 and 0141-2227603. For internal government coordination, the emergency IP number is 28888. Written queries can be sent to relief-rj@nic.in.

Authorities have specifically requested callers to provide the traveller's full name, passport or identification details, last known location and any other available travel information. Doing so allows verification and cross-referencing to be done quickly — a critical factor when every hour counts.

Why It Matters

The Rajasthan response is significant because it treats the Nepal disaster as an active domestic emergency rather than an external situation. That distinction matters — it acknowledges that pilgrimage and Himalayan tourism from India often outpace formal registration systems, meaning a large number of citizens can be moving through a foreign border zone at any given time. The state's rapid activation of the SEOC and helpline grid is essentially a template for how sub-national governments in India can plug gaps in trans-border crisis response.

The Kailash Mansarovar Angle

The likely presence of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims among the missing lends this disaster a particularly emotional weight. For thousands of Indian families each year, the pilgrimage represents both a spiritual milestone and a significant financial and physical undertaking. Rasuwa, sitting on the Nepal-Tibet frontier, is one of the key gateway zones for this journey — making it precisely the kind of area where a natural disaster can simultaneously hit a concentrated pool of Indian citizens.

A Warning Against Rumour and Panic

Along with the helpline rollout, the state government has issued a clear appeal: rely only on official channels for verified information, and avoid circulating unconfirmed reports on social media. In fast-moving disaster scenarios, misinformation can worsen family distress and complicate identification and rescue operations. Officials have urged families not to panic and to immediately report anyone believed to be missing or stranded — even if they are not certain.

The Bigger Picture

The Rasuwa flash floods are shaping up as one of the most complex trans-boundary disasters of the year, straddling geography, religion and diplomacy. For Rajasthan — a state whose citizens travel widely for religious and cultural journeys — the response is as much about civic assurance as it is about rescue coordination. As information trickles in from Nepal and Tibet, the state's message is clear: no missing citizen will be treated as just a number.

Also Read: Sadhguru's 80-Member Isha Group Missing in Nepal-Tibet Flood

• Spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev confirmed an 80-member Isha Foundation group is missing after flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border.
• The group includes citizens of 21 countries — 22 from the US, 12 Canada, 11 Australia, nine UK, four Germany, three each from France and Nepal, and more.
• Indian news reports suggest around 484 people are missing on the Nepali side; Sadhguru estimates total impact could exceed 1,500.
• The disaster struck at 9.14 a.m. Wednesday — just nine minutes after group leader Ishanga Praveen sent a message from the immigration point.
• Sadhguru is currently in Saga, Tibet, and has sought permission through Indian, Chinese and American embassies to travel to Gyirong.

Spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, founder of the Isha Foundation, has confirmed with visible anguish that an 80-member group associated with the organisation is caught in the devastating flash floods that struck along the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday. Speaking from Saga in Tibet, Sadhguru described a scene of near-total communication blackout, washed-out towns and mounting fears for lives — a disaster he called "terrible and extraordinary."

'Almost Half the Town Is Washed Away'

"With a profound sense of pain and regret, I wish to bring to your notice that there has been a terrible flash flood between the Tibet and Nepal border, and on the Nepali side, as per the Indian news reports, about 484 people have gone missing, and on this side, we don't have any official information," Sadhguru said. He revealed that he had personally attempted to reach the site earlier in the day, but was blocked by downed telecommunications and destroyed roads.

Describing the scale of destruction, he added, "The same building where we were for the immigration just a week ago, that entire building is washed away, and part of the town is washed away." He estimated that the overall number of people affected could be significantly higher than the official Nepali figure, potentially crossing 1,500, including local Nepali guides and their families.

A Group Drawn From 21 Countries

The missing 80-member group is strikingly international in composition — a snapshot of just how global Isha Foundation's participant base has become. It includes 22 people from the United States, 12 from Canada, 11 from Australia, nine from the United Kingdom, four from Germany, three from France, three from Nepal, two from the Netherlands, two from New Zealand, two from Singapore and two from Spain. There is also one participant each from Finland, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania, the Philippines, Portugal, Russia and South Africa.

The group comprises 34 male and 46 female participants. Accompanying them were a few additional volunteers staying at nearby hotels, along with three volunteers and one doctor travelling with the main party.

A Nine-Minute Window Between Message and Disaster

The most haunting detail Sadhguru shared was the timeline. At 9.05 a.m. on Wednesday, he received a message from the group leader, Ishanga Praveen — a full-time Isha volunteer for over two decades — confirming that the team had arrived at the immigration checkpoint. Just nine minutes later, at 9.14 a.m., the disaster struck.

"Praveen, who was leading the team… we noticed that his Nepal phone did not come active. If he had crossed over, his Nepal phone should have come active; it did not come," Sadhguru said. Based on the last known communication, he believes the entire group was inside the immigration building at the moment the flood hit. "Literally the entire group was there in the building. So this is a terrible and an extraordinary event which unfortunately has turned out this way."

Diplomatic Push for Access to Gyirong

With no official confirmations coming through and rescue operations under way in extremely difficult terrain, Sadhguru said he is actively seeking permission to travel to Gyirong in the Tibet Autonomous Region, where the affected zone lies. He confirmed that the embassies of all the countries whose citizens are part of the group have been informed, both in India and Nepal.

"We are seeking permission through the Indian embassy and the Chinese embassy in India, and the American embassy is working on this to see if they can permit a group of people and me to be there and see what we can do," he said.

In an emotional appeal, Sadhguru added: "We, along with the families, beseech you to kindly allow us — myself and a few volunteers — to be at Gyirong. We deeply respect and understand the nature of the rescue efforts and will in no way hamper them. Our only intent is to stand with them and aid in looking for some signs that would help the families." He confirmed he is currently in Saga and awaiting facilitation to move ahead.

Why It Matters

The scale of this event is enormous — not just because of the human toll, but because of the international footprint of those affected. A single spiritual expedition has now become a multi-country diplomatic incident, involving governments across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and beyond. It also brings sharp focus back to the fragility of high-Himalayan travel routes, where climate-linked events, glacial instability and sudden debris flows are turning long-standing pilgrimage and adventure corridors into high-risk zones.

The Bigger Picture

Wednesday's flash flood is now shaping up as one of the most consequential trans-boundary disasters of the year, with impact stretching from the immigration towns of Rasuwa on the Nepali side to communities in Tibet — and now, through the Isha group, into 21 countries. For families waiting for information, every hour without communication deepens the anguish. For governments and rescue teams, the challenge is racing against terrain, weather and time. And for Sadhguru, whose own volunteers are among the missing, the priority is clear: be on the ground, stand with the families, and search for any sign of hope.

• A devastating flash flood struck Nepal's Rasuwa district around 9 a.m. Wednesday, damaging Timure, Syaphrubesi and Rasuwagadhi, with many people reported missing.
• The floodwaters follow a Tibet-Bhote Koshi-Trishuli-Narayani-Gandak-Ganga route, directly linking the Nepal disaster to Bihar's river system.
• The Valmikinagar Gandak Barrage in West Champaran has become the critical monitoring and regulation point for Bihar.
• Districts on watch include West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Muzaffarpur, Saran and Vaishali.
• Officials say it is premature to call this an immediate flood threat to Bihar, but heightened vigilance is in place across the Gandak basin.

A devastating flash flood in Nepal's Rasuwa district has set off a wave of concern across northern Bihar, where authorities are now closely tracking the Gandak River — the downstream Indian identity of a river system that begins deep in Tibet. The event is a stark reminder of how tightly the water fates of Tibet, Nepal and Bihar are stitched together by a single, interconnected river chain.

The River Chain: Tibet to Bihar in One Continuous Flow

The floodwaters entered the Bhote Koshi River from the Tibet region before flowing into the Trishuli River and eventually the Narayani — which is known as the Gandak once it enters India. Traced end-to-end, the route runs from Tibet through the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli, Narayani, Gandak, and finally into the Ganga. It is one of the most direct trans-Himalayan hydrological pathways affecting India, and it is precisely this connectivity that has forced Bihar's disaster monitoring machinery into high alert mode.

What Happened in Rasuwa

The Nepal flood occurred around 9 a.m. on Wednesday and caused extensive damage across areas including Timure, Syaphrubesi and Rasuwagadhi. Roads, bridges and other infrastructure were washed away, and a large number of people have been reported missing. Nepali authorities said the sudden surge originated in Tibet, with preliminary assessments suggesting that an obstruction caused by glacial debris may have given way suddenly — a scenario that has become increasingly common in the Himalayan region as glacial and permafrost dynamics shift.

Why It Matters for Bihar

An official monitoring the situation explained that Nepal's flood does not automatically translate into flooding in Bihar. "The development has prompted increased monitoring of the Gandak River in Bihar. However, the occurrence of flooding in Nepal does not automatically mean that Bihar will face immediate flooding. The impact will depend on the volume of water moving downstream, rainfall, contributions from other rivers and the manner in which barrages regulate the flow," the official said.

The Gandak enters Bihar through Valmikinagar in West Champaran, making the Valmikinagar Barrage the single most important regulatory chokepoint in this crisis. How much water is released, held back, or redirected from the barrage will effectively determine how the flood wave behaves once it enters Indian territory.

Districts Under the Scanner

The list of districts requiring close monitoring stretches across a wide swathe of northern Bihar. West Champaran, particularly the areas around Valmikinagar and the wider Gandak basin, is at the front line and could face increased pressure if water levels rise. In East Champaran, low-lying and riverside areas remain at heightened risk of flooding and erosion.

Gopalganj, which adjoins both West and East Champaran, could face a flood threat if there is a sudden spike in Gandak water discharge. Low-lying areas connected to the Gandak system in Siwan district, adjoining Gopalganj, are also being monitored. The western parts of Muzaffarpur district may experience increased waterlogging or erosion if the river rises substantially. Further south, the Gandak passes through Saran district before reaching the Ganga, making monitoring around Chhapra important. The river ultimately joins the Ganga near the Sonepur-Hajipur region, placing riverside areas in Saran and Vaishali districts under continued watch as well.

How the Flood Wave Will Behave

Officials have been careful not to over-alarm the public, stressing that the flood wave's intensity will change as it moves downstream. "As the flood wave moves through the river system, its intensity may change because of distance, river capacity, additional inflows and other hydrological factors," the official noted. "The Valmikinagar Gandak Barrage, therefore, remains a critical point for monitoring and regulating the flow entering Bihar. For now, it would be premature to describe the Nepal flash flood as an immediate flood threat to Bihar."

The Bigger Picture

The Rasuwa flash flood is more than a Nepal story. It is a fresh reminder of how climate-linked events in the high Himalayas — glacial lake outbursts, sudden debris obstructions, extreme rainfall — can send shockwaves down river systems that end thousands of kilometres away in Indian towns and villages. For Bihar, a state that has historically borne the brunt of trans-boundary flooding, this event underscores the need for even tighter cross-border hydrological coordination, sharper early-warning systems, and continuous investment in barrage and embankment management. For now, the Gandak is calm — but its upstream story means it will not be taken lightly.

• Over 1.14 crore beneficiaries from 25 lakh-plus families have received foodgrains under Gujarat's Food Security Scheme in the past five years.
• Beneficiary coverage jumped from 14.48 lakh in 2022-23 to 39.65 lakh in 2025-26 — a nearly threefold rise in three years.
• Wheat, rice, sugar, edible oil, gram and coarse grains are distributed monthly and during festivals, free or at subsidised rates.
• Food and Civil Supplies Minister Raman Solanki credited CM Bhupendra Patel's leadership for the scheme's expansion.
• Annual foodgrain distribution expenditure has ranged between Rs 6,761 lakh and Rs 11,677 lakh across the five-year window.

Gujarat's Food Security Scheme has emerged as one of the state's most far-reaching welfare interventions, with more than 1.14 crore beneficiaries from over 25 lakh families receiving foodgrains over the past five years. According to fresh data released by the Food and Civil Supplies Department on Wednesday, the government has distributed wheat, rice and coarse grains — either free of cost or at heavily subsidised rates — as part of an expanding safety net for the state's most vulnerable households.

The Scheme at a Glance

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Raman Solanki said the state government has taken several measures to strengthen food security under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. "Beneficiaries are provided wheat, rice, sugar, edible oil, gram and coarse grains on a monthly basis and during various festivals," he said. The scheme's design — combining monthly rations with festival-linked distribution — is aimed at ensuring both consistent nutritional access and dignity during culturally significant periods.

A Sharp Upward Curve in Coverage

The most striking takeaway from the data is the sheer pace at which the scheme has scaled. In 2022-23, 3,06,026 families comprising 14,48,943 beneficiaries were covered. That number rose to 5,63,406 families and 25,43,101 beneficiaries in 2023-24. By 2024-25, coverage had climbed to 7,49,252 families and 34,53,403 beneficiaries. In 2025-26, the scheme reached 9,20,610 families covering 39,65,325 beneficiaries — nearly three times the 2022-23 figure in just three years.

Foodgrain Distribution: The Numbers Behind the Reach

The volume of grain moved through the system tells a story of large-scale logistical execution. In 2021-22, the state distributed 26.91 lakh metric tonnes of wheat and 12.57 lakh metric tonnes of rice. In 2022-23, distribution stood at 12.66 lakh MT of wheat and 22.70 lakh MT of rice. The following year, 2023-24, saw 9.20 lakh MT of wheat, 11.03 lakh MT of rice and 1.28 lakh MT of coarse grains distributed.

In 2024-25, the state moved 10.48 lakh MT of wheat, 11.35 lakh MT of rice and 0.84 lakh MT of coarse grains. In 2025-26, the distribution stood at 8.76 lakh MT of wheat, 10.45 lakh MT of rice and 0.88 lakh MT of coarse grains.

The Fiscal Footprint

The government's spending on the scheme has remained substantial. Expenditure on foodgrain distribution was Rs 11,118.10 lakh in 2021-22, including Rs 6,640.04 lakh on wheat and Rs 4,478.06 lakh on rice. It stood at Rs 11,677.77 lakh in 2022-23, Rs 6,761.85 lakh in 2023-24, Rs 7,665.94 lakh in 2024-25 and Rs 7,001.25 lakh in 2025-26.

Why It Matters

For a state often defined by its industrial and economic headlines, the food security data offers a different lens on Gujarat — one focused on welfare delivery at scale. The tripling of beneficiary coverage in three years suggests either aggressive identification of eligible households, improved last-mile delivery, or both. Either way, it points to a growing role for the state in cushioning inflation-hit families against rising food costs.

Transparency and Delivery Focus

According to the Food and Civil Supplies Corporation, the state government has sought to ensure timely and transparent delivery of foodgrains to eligible beneficiaries. This emphasis on transparency is particularly significant given the historical challenges around leakage and diversion in public distribution systems across India.

The Bigger Picture

Gujarat's five-year data effectively benchmarks food security as a core plank of the state's governance model. With nearly 40 lakh beneficiaries currently on the rolls and consistent multi-thousand-crore expenditure sustaining the scheme, the direction of travel is unmistakable: broader coverage, larger volumes, and a welfare architecture designed to keep pace with the state's growing at-risk population.

• Government clarifies India is not facing a sugar shortage; adequate stocks available to meet domestic demand until new crushing season begins in October.
• Share of sugar diverted for ethanol production has fallen from around 12% in 2022-23 to around 9% in 2025-26; nearly three-fourths of ethanol now comes from grains, primarily maize.
• Retail sugar prices for consumers rose only around 3% annually between August 2024 and July 2026; however, sugar climbed from Rs 48.18/kg on July 20 to Rs 55.70/kg on August 20 — a 15.6% jump in a month.
• Sugar production for the current season expected at around 306 LMT vs initial estimate of 343 LMT, impacted by Red Rot, Top Borer disease and waterlogging.
• Global sugar deficit for 2026-27 estimated at around 33 LMT; international sugar prices rose from $474/tonne on June 30 to $552/tonne on August 20 — a 16%+ increase.

Amid recent noise around rising sugar prices and speculation over ethanol-linked diversion, the Central government on Wednesday moved firmly to reassure the country that India is not facing a sugar shortage. In a comprehensive factsheet, the government clarified that adequate stocks are available to meet domestic demand until the new crushing season begins in October — a critical timing marker that separates the current phase of tight supplies from a market-wide crisis narrative. Given how quickly sensitive commodities like sugar can shape consumer sentiment, this clarification lands at exactly the right moment.

Ethanol Diversion: Facts vs Perception

One of the most important corrections the government offered relates to the ethanol narrative. The share of sugar diverted for ethanol production has declined from around 12 per cent in 2022-23 to around 9 per cent in 2025-26. Moreover, nearly three-fourths of the ethanol produced in India now comes from grains, particularly maize. This decisively refutes the increasingly common assumption that ethanol is the primary driver of the recent sugar price rise. In fact, the country's ethanol programme is no longer as sugar-heavy as many public perceptions still assume.

The Bigger Retail Price Picture

Zooming out, retail sugar prices for consumers have actually remained broadly stable. According to the government factsheet, sugar prices increased by only around 3 per cent annually between August 2024 and July 2026 — a fairly moderate long-term trajectory in the context of India's broader inflationary environment. That long-term stability is often lost in short-term price commentary, but it is critical to placing recent price movements in the right structural context.

The Recent Price Uptick

That said, the last few weeks have seen a visible upward movement in sugar prices. Sugar prices rose from Rs 48.18 per kg on July 20 to Rs 55.70 per kg on August 20 — an increase of around 15.6 per cent in just one month. This is exactly the kind of movement that has understandably triggered public conversations and even speculation across markets. The government, however, has clarified that this uptick largely reflects short-term supply and market factors, rather than a shift in the underlying long-term price trend.

What's Driving the Current Rise

The current increase in sugar prices, the government explains, is the outcome of a combination of factors. These include lower-than-expected domestic production, an increase in demand ahead of the festive season, and weather-related damage to the sugarcane crop. In addition, tightening global sugar supplies and rising international prices are exerting upward pressure. Speculation and hoarding by some sections of the industry are also cited as contributing factors — an important admission that acknowledges the role of market behaviour, not just physical supply.

The Production Reality

Sugar production during the current season is expected to be around 306 LMT (lakh metric tonnes), compared to the initial estimate of around 343 LMT. That is a meaningful production shortfall, driven primarily by two agronomic factors: Red Rot and Top Borer disease, and waterlogging caused by excess rainfall. Despite this shortfall, however, the government has confirmed that adequate sugar stocks remain available in the country to meet domestic demand — a key clarification given that domestic sugar consumption is generally in the range of 280-290 lakh MT each year.

The October Trigger: A Key Timing Marker

An important operational trigger the government wants the market and consumers to remember is the start of the new crushing season in October. Every year, the sugar market's fundamentals reset with the arrival of the new sugarcane crop. Once crushing resumes, fresh production begins flowing into the market, easing supply tightness and calming price pressures. That timing anchor is critical to understanding why the current price movement is not being treated as a structural shortage — it is being managed as a transitional supply gap.

The Global Angle: A World-Wide Squeeze

The government has also gone out of its way to place India's sugar dynamics in a global context. The tightening of sugar supplies is a global phenomenon — not just an Indian one. The global sugar deficit for 2026-27 is estimated at around 33 lakh MT. As a result, international sugar prices have risen sharply from $474/tonne on June 30, 2026 to $552/tonne on August 20, 2026 — an increase of over 16 per cent in less than two months. This global context matters, because it firmly places India's current price movements in a broader worldwide commodity cycle.

Why It Matters: Sugar Is a Politically Sensitive Commodity

Sugar occupies a uniquely sensitive place in India's political economy. Every household consumes it, every festival ritual uses it, every small business bakery relies on it, and every rise in its price feeds into wider consumer inflation perception. That is why sugar price shocks tend to generate outsized public and political attention. The government's decision to publish a comprehensive factsheet — with data on production, ethanol diversion, retail prices, global trends and farmer dues — is essentially an effort to anchor public understanding with facts before speculation defines the narrative.

Ethanol's Broader Value: A Structural Story

While the government has moved to correct exaggerated perceptions around ethanol's contribution to the price rise, it has also stood firmly by the value of the ethanol programme itself. India produces on average 300-340 lakh MT of sugar annually against domestic consumption of around 280-290 lakh MT. In years of surplus production, excess stocks block the funds of sugar mills and delay payments to sugarcane farmers. Diversion of excess sugar toward ethanol has helped address this structural problem, improved the financial health of sugar mills, and stabilised the entire cane payment ecosystem.

Rising Cane Cultivation: A Sign of Farmer Confidence

Another important structural data point in the factsheet is the growing area under sugarcane cultivation. The area under sugarcane cultivation has increased from 49.27 lakh hectares in 2015-16 to 58.87 lakh hectares in 2025-26. That is a meaningful expansion — one that reflects rising farmer confidence in sugarcane as a viable, remunerative crop. This is directly linked to timely payments, ethanol-linked revenue streams for mills, and consistent state-level policy support.

Cane Dues: 97 Per Cent Paid, and Rising

Perhaps one of the most encouraging data points shared by the government relates to sugarcane farmer payments. As of August 20, 2026, 97 per cent of sugarcane dues for the 2025-26 sugar season have already been paid to farmers. This is a significant improvement over historical delays that have long plagued the sector. The government attributes this improvement to the strengthened financial position of sugar mills — which in turn has reduced their dependence on government support.

Weather and Disease: The Twin Agri-Shocks

The current production shortfall highlights the increasing vulnerability of Indian agriculture to twin agri-shocks — plant disease and unpredictable weather. Red Rot and Top Borer are among the most disruptive sugarcane pests and diseases, and their spread across specific belts can significantly reduce yields. Combined with the growing frequency of excess rainfall and waterlogging events, these agri-risks are becoming a structural policy priority for both the government and the sugar industry.

Industry Impact: A Wake-Up Call for Supply Resilience

For the sugar industry, this current supply squeeze is a real-world reminder of the need to invest more aggressively in resilience — disease-resistant seed varieties, precision agriculture, better drainage infrastructure, farmer-level advisory services, and pest management systems. India's ability to consistently meet domestic sugar demand at stable prices in the coming decades will depend directly on how strongly these resilience investments are made.

The Speculation and Hoarding Angle

The government's explicit reference to speculation and hoarding by some sections of the industry is worth noting. In tight-supply environments, speculative behaviour can amplify short-term price movements beyond what pure fundamentals would justify. Continued vigilance, stronger monitoring mechanisms, and appropriate enforcement action against wilful hoarding will therefore remain critical parts of the government's near-term response toolkit.

Consumer Impact: Balancing Communication and Reality

For everyday consumers, the current price uptick is real. A 15.6 per cent monthly rise directly affects household budgets, particularly for lower-income families that consume sugar-based products daily. This is precisely why the government's messaging has focused not only on reassurance about supply, but also on setting expectations — that the price rise reflects short-term forces and that the new crushing season in October will help ease supply pressure.

Why It Matters: A Balanced View of the Ethanol Programme

The clarification around ethanol diversion also carries larger implications for how the public understands India's clean energy strategy. Ethanol-blending is a critical pillar of India's transition away from imported fossil fuels, and preserving public confidence in this programme is essential for its long-term success. By transparently sharing the decline in sugar-linked ethanol diversion and highlighting the shift toward grain-based ethanol, the government is protecting the integrity of both its sugar market and its ethanol vision simultaneously.

Industry Impact: The Sugar Mill Business Model Is Evolving

Underlying all these dynamics is a much deeper transformation — the ongoing evolution of the Indian sugar mill business model. Traditional sugar mills are becoming increasingly diversified businesses, with revenue streams from sugar, ethanol, molasses, bagasse-based cogeneration and by-product utilisation. This diversification is what has allowed mills to strengthen their financials and clear farmer dues faster than in earlier decades. It is a structural shift that will continue to shape the sector for years to come.

The Consumer Sentiment Balance

Consumer sentiment around commodity prices is often shaped less by absolute numbers and more by perceived trajectory. If consumers believe prices are unstable or that shortages are coming, panic buying and speculative demand can amplify pressures. The government's transparent communication about production numbers, stock adequacy, timing of the new crushing season, and global context is essentially an attempt to shape sentiment through information — a healthy communication practice for sensitive commodities.

Global Sugar Deficit: A Long-Term Concern to Watch

The estimated global sugar deficit of around 33 lakh MT for 2026-27 is not something India can ignore. Even if domestic supply remains adequate, sustained global tightness affects trade opportunities, price benchmarks, currency-linked import costs (where applicable) and the strategic positioning of Indian sugar in global markets. Long-term monitoring of global sugar production trends, particularly in Brazil, Thailand and Europe, will remain critical for Indian policy planning.

Why It Matters: The Farmer, the Mill and the Consumer

At its heart, India's sugar sector is a triangular balance — the farmer, the mill and the consumer. Every policy intervention needs to serve all three simultaneously. Farmers need timely, dignified prices for their cane. Mills need financial stability to run efficiently. Consumers need stable prices for their daily purchases. The government's current communication strategy — anchored in production data, ethanol clarity, cane payment progress and global context — reflects an effort to keep this triangle in visible balance.

The Bigger Picture: A Structural Shift in Commodity Governance

India's approach to commodity governance is quietly maturing. Rather than react to price spikes with sudden bans or opaque interventions, the current approach — driven by transparent factsheets, structured data-based clarifications and layered explanations — reflects a growing sophistication in how the government communicates with its industry, its consumers and its markets. That kind of transparent commodity governance is important not just for sugar, but for India's broader agri-commodity ecosystem.

What to Watch: The October Crushing Window

The most immediate variable to watch in the coming weeks is the run-up to the October crushing season. Progress on cane maturation, weather patterns across major cane-producing states, mill readiness, procurement plans and any potential supply-side interventions by the government will all shape near-term sugar market sentiment. The market's ability to hold its composure between now and October will determine whether the current uptick fades quickly or persists longer than needed.

The Bigger Picture: A Sector Undergoing Transformation

India's sugar sector is not the same one it was even five years ago. It has evolved into a more diversified, ethanol-integrated, farmer-friendlier, technology-informed and globally-linked ecosystem. Every short-term disruption — like the current price rise — must be understood in that broader context. The industry has structural strength; the government has structural policy tools; and the farmer has structural support systems. Together, these give India strong long-term capabilities to manage occasional short-term shocks.

The Bottom Line

The government's clear, data-anchored message is that India is not facing a sugar shortage. Domestic stocks are adequate to meet demand until the new October crushing season, the share of sugar diverted for ethanol has actually declined, retail prices have risen only around 3 per cent annually over the past two years, 97 per cent of cane dues for 2025-26 have been paid, and the recent uptick in prices is a short-term outcome of production challenges, festive demand and global tightness. In effect, India's sugar market is currently navigating a phase of transitional pressure — not structural weakness. The coming crushing season will begin to reset supply dynamics, and the government's transparent communication is designed to prevent short-term price movements from being misread as long-term shocks. For consumers, the message is one of reassurance. For industry, it is one of accountability. For farmers, it is one of validation. And for the broader Indian public, it is a reminder that the country's sugar story — built on the interconnected lives of millions of farmers, thousands of mills and hundreds of millions of consumers — continues to move forward with fundamental strength intact, one crushing cycle at a time.

• Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has ordered all government, private and charitable healthcare facilities in the state to conduct immediate fire, electrical, structural and equipment safety audits.
• Institution heads to be held directly responsible if delays in audits or unresolved flaws lead to adverse incidents.
• Every hospital building and block must undergo a physical fire safety evaluation every six months; each facility must appoint a designated Nodal Officer.
• Directive follows the Amravati hospital tragedy in which three newborns suffocated to death due to heavy smoke; 36 children evacuated, 6 shifted to a private hospital for urgent care.
• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry; Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has warned of culpable homicide charges against those found guilty.

Maharashtra has moved decisively to overhaul the safety infrastructure of its healthcare institutions in the wake of the deeply distressing Amravati hospital tragedy, in which three newborns lost their lives after suffocating in heavy smoke. Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar on Tuesday directed all government, private and charitable healthcare facilities across the state to conduct immediate fire, electrical, structural and equipment safety audits, and submit their findings directly to the state government. The directive marks one of the most sweeping healthcare safety interventions the state has undertaken in recent years.

The Directive: A State-Wide Safety Mandate

The order is not confined to any particular category of hospitals. It applies uniformly across government, private and charitable healthcare facilities — a critical scope, given that Maharashtra's health infrastructure includes an enormous mix of institutions serving populations of every socio-economic profile. Every hospital, from super-specialty urban complexes to smaller municipal centres, must now comply.

Minister Abitkar's Firm Message

Abitkar underlined that patient safety is the government's foremost responsibility, and warned that negligence regarding fire safety will not be tolerated. His statement made it clear that the state is not treating this as a routine compliance advisory, but as a moment of institutional reset. Hospital heads, Regional Deputy Directors, Civil Surgeons, District Health Officers, Municipal Health Officers and Medical Superintendents have all been made directly accountable for compliance checks in their respective regions.

What the Audits Will Cover

The health department has been instructed to conduct rigorous reviews of high-risk units, including ICUs, NICUs, nurseries and operation theatres — precisely the kinds of units where a single lapse can have devastating human consequences. Inspectors will examine electrical wiring and load management, medical gas pipeline systems, evacuation routes, fire-fighting equipment readiness and staff training. Any deficiencies identified will need to be rectified immediately, not scheduled for later cycles.

The Six-Monthly Safety Rhythm

The directive introduces a new sustained safety cadence into Maharashtra's hospital administration. Every hospital building and block must undergo a physical fire safety evaluation every six months. This is designed to ensure that safety measures are not treated as a one-time, checklist-driven event, but as an ongoing operational discipline. It also creates a documented, auditable trail that state authorities can rely on during regular reviews.

The Nodal Officer System

To institutionalise accountability, each hospital must appoint a designated Nodal Officer to monitor electrical safety, evacuation plans and drills, and submit regular compliance reports. This creates a single point of ownership within every institution — someone specifically responsible for tracking, executing and reporting on safety compliance. Without such nodal-level accountability, safety directives tend to disperse across departments and lose enforcement teeth.

Personal Accountability for Institution Heads

Perhaps the most consequential element of the directive is Abitkar's clarification that institution heads will be held directly responsible if delays in audits or unresolved flaws lead to adverse incidents. This shifts safety compliance from a general institutional obligation to a matter of personal accountability at the top of every hospital's chain of command. It is a significant deterrent — and one that puts real weight behind the state's safety expectations.

The Amravati Backdrop: A Tragedy That Cannot Be Repeated

The directive comes in the shadow of the Amravati hospital tragedy, in which three newborns suffocated to death after heavy smoke engulfed a hospital unit. Rescuers managed to evacuate 36 children from the affected area, six of whom were shifted to a private hospital for urgent care. The loss of newborn lives has understandably created enormous public grief and outrage, and has become the emotional foundation for the sweeping safety mandate now being enforced.

Political and Administrative Response

The state's political leadership has moved swiftly. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry into the Amravati incident. At the same time, Revenue Minister and Amravati Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has warned that strict action — including culpable homicide charges — will be taken against those found guilty. This combination of a state-wide safety directive at the health ministry level and personal accountability signals at the political level marks a coordinated, high-priority response.

Why It Matters: Newborn ICUs and NICUs Deserve the Highest Safety Bar

Newborn ICUs and NICUs are among the most vulnerable healthcare environments anywhere. Patients within them are entirely dependent on machines, personnel and infrastructure for survival. Even brief interruptions in electricity, oxygen supply or ventilation can have irreversible consequences. That is why any lapse in fire, electrical or structural safety in such units carries disproportionately high stakes — and why the state's decision to prioritise them in this directive is both necessary and morally correct.

The Larger Structural Issue

The Amravati incident is not an isolated occurrence in Indian healthcare's recent history. Similar tragedies in other states, involving fire, smoke inhalation or electrical faults in hospital settings, have periodically shaken public confidence. Common structural culprits often include ageing electrical wiring, overloaded circuits, blocked or narrow evacuation routes, insufficient staff training in emergency response, and inadequate fire-fighting infrastructure. Maharashtra's directive attempts to address each of these vulnerabilities systematically.

Industry Impact: Private and Charitable Facilities Face Sharpened Scrutiny

While government hospitals often receive the most public attention during such tragedies, this directive brings private and charitable facilities squarely under the same compliance framework. Given that private hospitals form a substantial portion of India's healthcare delivery infrastructure, this parity of expectations is critical. Every institution treating patients must be held to the same standards — because the risk to human life does not vary by ownership structure.

Financial and Operational Implications for Hospitals

The new audit and compliance requirements will inevitably carry operational and financial implications for hospitals across Maharashtra. Institutions may need to invest in wiring upgrades, replacement of outdated fire equipment, safety-oriented staff training programmes, structural retrofitting and appointment of dedicated safety officers. However, these investments are, in the truest sense, non-negotiable — they are the cost of running a healthcare facility responsibly.

Public Sentiment: Grief Meets Demand for Accountability

Public sentiment around the Amravati tragedy has been marked by profound sorrow and a strong demand for accountability. Parents, healthcare workers and citizens across Maharashtra have been vocal in demanding that no other family should be forced to endure a similar loss. The state's swift issuance of a sweeping directive is likely to be viewed as a meaningful acknowledgment of that public outcry.

Why It Matters: Systemic Reform Over Symbolic Response

What distinguishes Abitkar's directive from a purely symbolic post-tragedy response is its structural depth. It goes beyond immediate inquiry and blame-fixing, and instead sets in motion a state-wide framework for continuous safety compliance. It combines physical audits, personnel accountability, six-monthly evaluation rhythms and formal reporting mechanisms. If executed diligently, this framework could genuinely transform how Maharashtra manages hospital safety over time.

The Enforcement Question

The success of the directive, however, will ultimately depend on rigorous enforcement. Maharashtra will need to ensure that submitted audit reports are genuinely reviewed, that corrective actions are followed through, that six-monthly evaluations do not become a paper formality, and that Nodal Officers are empowered to act rather than merely file reports. Enforcement muscle — coupled with visible action against non-compliant institutions — will decide whether this directive becomes a real turning point or another well-intentioned safety framework.

The Broader Health System Message

The message Maharashtra is sending, in the wake of the Amravati incident, is unambiguous — patient safety is a systemic priority, not a project. From ICU wiring to evacuation drills, from fire extinguisher inspections to structural audits, every element of hospital safety is now expected to be treated with the same seriousness as clinical care. That framing has implications for how Indian healthcare institutions think about their responsibilities in the years ahead.

Why It Matters: Trust in the Healthcare System

Ultimately, safety directives like this one are not just about compliance. They are about restoring and reinforcing patient trust in the healthcare system. Families walk into hospitals during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. They need to know — with absolute confidence — that the institution they are entrusting with a loved one's life is itself safe. Rebuilding that confidence, especially after a tragedy like the one in Amravati, requires exactly the kind of decisive, structural response Maharashtra is now attempting.

The Bigger Picture

The Amravati tragedy was avoidable. That is what makes it so unbearably painful. The state government's response — sweeping, structured and personally accountable — is a much-needed corrective step. If Maharashtra follows through with genuine enforcement, it has the potential to become a national reference model for how hospital safety should be governed, monitored and delivered. Other states are likely to watch closely, and, hopefully, learn quickly.

What Comes Next

In the immediate term, hospitals across Maharashtra will now be racing to conduct audits, identify vulnerabilities, initiate remedial action and appoint Nodal Officers. The inquiry into the Amravati incident will move forward, potentially resulting in criminal charges against those directly responsible. Meanwhile, the state government is expected to release detailed guidelines and reporting formats to ensure uniformity of the compliance process across institutions.

The Bottom Line

Three newborns lost their lives in Amravati, and their loss must not remain a statistic. Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar's directive is an attempt to make sure that it does not — that from every ICU wiring inspection to every evacuation drill in the state, the memory of those three lives becomes a permanent reminder of what is at stake when healthcare institutions get safety wrong. In healthcare, safety is not an accessory to care. It is care. And Maharashtra's response signals that the state is finally treating it with the gravity it deserves. If executed with discipline and enforcement, this directive could well become the turning point at which Indian hospital safety, at least in one state, was systematically reset — not because compliance was chased, but because a tragedy demanded change, and the

• Gujarat will install 20,000 new household biogas plants in 2026-27 under the GOBARDhan scheme, expanding a fast-growing rural clean energy programme.
• New 2-cubic-metre flexible biogas plants to be set up in partnership with Amul, Banas Dairy, Dudhsagar Dairy and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
• Over 14,000 biogas plants are already operational across 88 clusters in Gujarat.
• Livestock farmers to receive Rs 25,000 financial assistance per plant through the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).
• Each 2-cubic-metre plant can save 8-10 LPG cylinders annually, manage 18,250 kg of livestock waste, and cut CO2 emissions by approximately 834 kg.

Gujarat is preparing to significantly expand its rural clean energy footprint, with the state government confirming that 20,000 new household biogas plants will be added in 2026-27 under the GOBARDhan scheme. The move builds on a rapidly growing programme that converts cattle dung and other organic waste into clean cooking fuel and organic fertiliser — reducing rural households' dependence on LPG while creating a circular economy at the village level. In an era where climate action increasingly needs to move from the boardroom to the doorstep, Gujarat's expansion is a decisive step in exactly that direction.

The Dairy-Cooperative Powerhouse Behind the Plan

The new 2-cubic-metre flexible biogas plants will be installed with the support of the state's extensive dairy cooperative network — a critical enabler for a state-wide rural clean energy programme. Amul, Banas Dairy, Dudhsagar Dairy and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) will play instrumental roles in scaling this rollout. Gujarat's dairy cooperatives, long celebrated for their transformative impact on rural incomes, are now emerging as key partners in a broader agenda that combines livelihoods, sanitation, waste management and renewable energy.

The Scheme's Roots: GOBARDhan Under Swachh Bharat Mission

The initiative is being implemented under the GOBARDhan scheme of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). More than 14,000 biogas plants are already operational across 88 clusters in Gujarat — a foundation that gives the state significant institutional muscle to scale up further. The clustering approach ensures that the programme is deployed efficiently, with each cluster benefiting from shared logistical support, service infrastructure and community awareness activities.

The Cluster Roadmap: Phase-Wise Expansion

Gujarat has adopted a cluster-based approach to expand the programme systematically. In the first phase, 7,423 plants were installed across 38 clusters, with support from NDDB, Amul, Banas Dairy and Dudhsagar Dairy. The second phase targeted another 10,000 plants across 50 clusters, with nearly 7,000 plants already established in partnership with the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation and various district milk unions. This phased structure has allowed the state to iron out execution challenges before scaling, laying a strong operational blueprint for the new 20,000-plant push.

Direct Financial Support for Farmers

To make participation economically attractive, livestock farmers will receive Rs 25,000 financial assistance per plant through the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). This kind of upfront capital support meaningfully lowers the entry barrier for rural households, encouraging widespread adoption. In effect, the state is investing directly in behaviour change — not through advocacy campaigns alone, but through targeted subsidies that create measurable adoption outcomes.

How the Plants Work: A Full Circular Loop

The mechanics of the biogas system are elegantly circular. Cattle dung is fed into the biogas plant, where it is converted into cooking gas that households use for their daily meals. The resulting bio-slurry, a nutrient-rich residue, can then be used as organic fertiliser to enhance farm productivity. That means one household investment addresses multiple challenges — cooking fuel, livestock waste disposal, agricultural inputs and emissions reduction — all at once.

The Environmental Impact: Numbers That Matter

According to figures cited by the Gujarat government from a UNICEF survey, a single 2-cubic-metre biogas plant can save the equivalent of eight to 10 LPG cylinders a year, manage around 18,250 kg of livestock waste annually, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 834 kg. Multiply these numbers across 14,000 existing plants, and further across 20,000 new plants coming online, and the cumulative environmental impact becomes substantial — not just at the household level but at a state-wide scale.

Voices From the Ground: The Banas Dairy Perspective

Sangram Chaudhary, managing director of Banas Dairy, spoke about the wider ecological logic of the programme. "Renewable and clean energy protects the ozone layer from the damage caused by climate change. At the same time, the use of compressed CNG helps us reduce carbon emissions, which are a major cause of global warming," he said. His statement reflects how leading dairy cooperatives are now increasingly seeing themselves as active players in the country's clean energy and sustainability transition — not just as milk aggregators.

A New Income Stream for Livestock Farmers

The programme is quietly creating an additional income source for livestock rearers by linking them to commercial biogas projects. In Banaskantha, Banas Dairy has established a commercial biogas plant and is purchasing cattle dung directly from livestock farmers in surrounding villages. This creates an entirely new value stream for cattle dung — a resource that, until recently, was often either underutilised or discarded.

Farmer Testimonies: Real-World Impact

Real-world voices give the programme its most powerful validation. Ramji Chaudhary, a livestock farmer from Banaskantha, described how his family's use of cattle dung has now shifted. "Since the plant was established, we have been sending all the cow dung there. A tractor comes from the dairy every day and collects the cow dung," he said.

Another livestock farmer, Rinku Chaudhary, spoke about how the additional income has meaningfully improved her family's life. "The income from the dairy, the income from milk and the income from the biogas plant are all helping our children and us greatly. The standard of living of our children has also improved," she said. These grounded voices matter — they translate a state-level policy announcement into visible, everyday lived experience.

Why It Matters: Reducing Household Dependence on LPG

For rural households across India, LPG remains a critical but sometimes financially stretching part of monthly expenses. Every household biogas plant reduces that dependence and creates an alternative cooking energy source that is not exposed to fluctuating fossil fuel prices. Over time, this reduces both household expenditure and macro-level pressure on India's LPG import bill.

The Bio-Slurry Advantage: Cutting Chemical Fertiliser Dependence

Beyond cooking fuel, the state government has been actively emphasising the importance of bio-slurry as organic fertiliser. Using bio-slurry can reduce farmers' reliance on chemical fertilisers and support long-term soil health. Given the pressures Indian farmers face around soil fertility, crop yields and input costs, this dimension of the programme is arguably one of its most under-appreciated benefits. The programme is therefore being seen not just as a clean energy intervention, but also as a soil and agriculture play.

Industry Impact: A Boost for Rural Cooperative Value Chains

Gujarat's dairy cooperatives, already among the most sophisticated rural value chains in the world, are now emerging as multi-purpose rural service delivery networks. From milk collection to feed distribution to biogas plant installation and dung procurement, these cooperatives are becoming the operational backbone of India's rural bioeconomy. This diversification strengthens the resilience and long-term relevance of the cooperative model.

The National Bioenergy Push: A Well-Timed Alignment

Gujarat's rollout is well-aligned with the national policy direction. The Centre has approved the National Circular Bioenergy Scheme — GOBARDhan, with a total outlay of Rs 23,731 crore, to promote the conversion of organic waste into bioenergy and bio-fertilisers. Gujarat's expansion, therefore, is not an isolated state-level initiative, but rather a strong contribution to a much larger national vision of a circular bioeconomy driven by rural India.

Audience Sentiment: A Grassroots Win

Community-level sentiment around GOBARDhan in Gujarat has been visibly positive. The tangible benefits — clean cooking, reduced LPG dependence, additional income and improved sanitation — make it an unusually well-rounded rural intervention. Additionally, the involvement of trusted institutions like Amul and Banas Dairy adds significant credibility to the programme at the ground level, ensuring stronger participation and adoption.

Why It Matters: A Model of Circular, Climate-Positive Development

Gujarat's rural bioenergy push offers a compelling case study of circular, climate-positive development. It links livestock, sanitation, energy, agriculture, income and emissions into a single tightly woven ecosystem. Each element strengthens the other — better livestock waste management improves cleanliness; more biogas reduces LPG usage; more bio-slurry cuts chemical fertiliser dependence; more organic farming improves long-term soil productivity. It is exactly the kind of interlinked policy design climate economists have long argued for.

The Bigger Picture: A Rural Clean Energy Revolution

At its core, Gujarat's expansion of GOBARDhan is not simply about installing more biogas plants — it is about building the foundations of a rural clean energy revolution. Each new plant is a small but powerful example of how sustainability can be economically attractive, socially transformative and environmentally impactful, all at the same time. Multiply that across tens of thousands of households, and the cumulative long-term impact becomes truly enormous.

The Bottom Line

With 20,000 new biogas plants set to come online under GOBARDhan in 2026-27, Gujarat is quietly writing one of the most compelling rural sustainability stories in the country. From Banaskantha to Anand to Kutch, this initiative promises cleaner kitchens, cleaner air, cleaner fields, additional household income and a lower carbon footprint — all built on a resource that rural India has always had in abundance. In effect, the humble cow dung is being reimagined as a critical building block of a modern, climate-conscious rural economy. And as Gujarat continues to lead the way, its GOBARDhan expansion may well emerge as a template that other Indian states — and other developing economies — study closely in the years ahead.

• NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of reports that at least 9 people died and 39 others were hospitalised in critical condition after allegedly consuming spurious IMFL in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district.
• Notices issued to Gujarat's Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP), seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
• Illicit liquor was allegedly spiked with a high concentration of methanol and sold in counterfeit bottles bearing the label of a popular brand.
• Racket surfaced during investigation into the accidental death of a police recruit; large manufacturing setup uncovered with chemicals, fake stickers and packaging.
• Total arrests in the case have now risen to 27 after Gujarat Police's State Monitoring Cell (SMC) arrested 13 more accused; police custody remand granted till September 2.

A deadly spurious liquor tragedy in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district has now drawn national attention, with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) formally stepping in. At least nine people have lost their lives and 39 others have been hospitalised in critical condition after allegedly consuming spurious Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). Observing that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights, the apex human rights body has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident.

NHRC's Intervention: Notices to Top Gujarat Officials

The NHRC has issued notices to the Gujarat Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP), seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission has asked for granular disclosure — an updated status of the death toll and hospitalised victims, details of the investigation including steps taken to trace the entire supply chain of methanol and other raw materials, and departmental action initiated against suspended police personnel and any other erring officials. The scope of the notice makes it clear that the NHRC is treating this incident as both a criminal and a systemic failure.

Relief and Long-Term Reform: The Other Half of the Notice

The Commission has also sought details of the relief, compensation and medical assistance provided to the families of the deceased and the survivors — an important angle that keeps the focus not only on prosecution but also on care and rehabilitation. Additionally, it has asked for information on long-term measures being implemented to strengthen enforcement of Gujarat's prohibition law and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

What Happened: Methanol-Spiked Liquor in Fake Bottles

According to media reports, the illicit liquor was allegedly spiked with a high concentration of methanol and sold in counterfeit bottles bearing the label of a popular brand. Methanol, unlike ethanol, is highly toxic even in small doses and can cause blindness, systemic organ failure and death — which explains the severity of the current medical situation for the hospitalised victims. The use of counterfeit labels of a well-known brand also underscores how sophisticated the criminal operation had become before it was uncovered.

The Break: A Police Recruit's Death Cracks Open the Racket

The tragedy came to light during the investigation into the accidental death of a police recruit — an unrelated case that quickly unravelled a much larger criminal ecosystem. During the subsequent investigation, police uncovered a large manufacturing setup and seized a range of incriminating material, including chemicals, colouring agents, ready-filled counterfeit liquor bottles, fake branded stickers and sticker rolls, bottle caps, and cardboard packaging material. The scale of the seizure indicates that this was not an amateur operation but a well-organised counterfeit liquor manufacturing chain.

Arrests Climb to 27 as SMC Widens the Net

The Gujarat Police's State Monitoring Cell (SMC) has now arrested 13 more people in connection with the spurious liquor case, taking the total number of accused arrested to 27. The latest arrests followed information obtained during the interrogation of 14 accused arrested earlier — which helped investigators identify the source of raw materials, the process used to manufacture the contaminated liquor, and those allegedly involved in its sale and distribution. The pattern of expanding arrests reflects the depth of the network the SMC is now working to dismantle.

Custody Remand and Court Proceedings

The 13 newly arrested accused were produced before a court, which granted their police custody remand until September 2 — a critical window during which investigators are expected to extract further leads, potentially unmasking more supply-chain participants and financial handlers. Custody remands of this length are typically granted only when the court is convinced of the seriousness of the case and the need for extended interrogation.

The Madhya Pradesh Link

One of the most significant threads emerging from the investigation is the interstate dimension of the case. Among the 13 newly arrested accused is Anand Chhandi, a resident of Rajgarh district in Madhya Pradesh. Police allege that he was brought in from Ujjain and played a major role in the conspiracy to manufacture the poisonous liquor, including the supply of chemicals used in its preparation. The Madhya Pradesh connection suggests that the raw materials and possibly the criminal know-how for this operation extended well beyond Gujarat's state borders.

The Local Distribution Network

The other 12 accused, residents of different parts of Bhavnagar district, are alleged to have played various roles in the supply chain — including procuring the liquor, keeping it in their possession, and supplying or selling it to consumers. This distributed structure of the network is precisely what makes such rackets so dangerous — no single link is large enough to attract attention, but together they form a lethal pipeline that reaches the ultimate consumer without warning.

The SMC's Continuing Investigation

The State Monitoring Cell has confirmed that its teams are continuing to collect evidence and trace others allegedly involved in the procurement of chemicals, the manufacture, transportation and distribution of the contaminated liquor. The SMC has said further efforts are being made to apprehend other accused and to establish the complete network behind the supply of the poisonous liquor. In essence, the investigation is still in an active, expanding phase — and further arrests are expected in the coming weeks.

Why It Matters: A Public Health and Governance Failure

Spurious liquor tragedies are not merely criminal law-and-order incidents; they are compounded public health and governance failures. When methanol-laced alcohol reaches consumers, it is often the outcome of gaps across multiple systems — from enforcement of prohibition norms and monitoring of chemical raw material sales, to intelligence gathering on illicit brewing networks. The Bhavnagar case, playing out in a state with a formal prohibition regime, sharpens all of these questions.

The Prohibition Paradox in Gujarat

Gujarat's prohibition law prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol within the state, making it one of the few Indian states with a comprehensive dry law. However, tragedies involving spurious liquor point to the persistent existence of parallel underground markets — where high consumer demand, restricted legal supply, and criminal profit motive combine to create dangerous, unregulated production ecosystems. Every incident like this reopens the difficult policy debate around prohibition enforcement and its unintended consequences.

Industry Impact: Renewed Focus on Chemical Supply Chains

For India's chemical distribution ecosystem, the Bhavnagar case is likely to trigger renewed scrutiny of methanol and industrial solvent supply chains. Regulators, industry associations and enforcement agencies will need to work more closely to ensure traceability of bulk chemical sales — particularly to unregulated buyers. Stricter compliance frameworks, KYC-linked purchase norms, and periodic audits may emerge as the natural next steps in preventing the diversion of industrial chemicals into illicit liquor manufacturing.

Audience Sentiment: Grief, Anger and Demand for Accountability

Public sentiment in Bhavnagar and across Gujarat has been marked by grief and anger. Families of the deceased have called for the strictest possible action against those responsible, while civil society voices have questioned how such a large manufacturing setup was able to operate without earlier detection. The NHRC's intervention is likely to be viewed as a validation of these public demands for accountability — and a signal that the case is now firmly on the national radar.

Why It Matters: NHRC's Role in Rights-Based Accountability

The NHRC's decision to take suo motu cognisance of the tragedy positions this incident squarely within a human rights framework. Its notices to the state's top civil and police officials, coupled with the demand for detailed disclosures on medical care, compensation and departmental action, ensure that the response cannot be limited to arrests alone. The Commission's involvement adds an additional layer of institutional oversight — one that both survivors and the families of the deceased can look to for continued accountability.

The Bigger Picture: A Test Case for Enforcement and Reform

The Bhavnagar tragedy is now shaping into more than a police investigation; it is fast becoming a test case for how effectively India's enforcement and regulatory ecosystems can respond to a public health disaster caused by criminal negligence. From methanol supply monitoring to counterfeit brand enforcement, from prohibition-era intelligence gathering to victim compensation frameworks, virtually every link in the chain is now under scrutiny.

What Comes Next

Over the coming two weeks, the Gujarat Chief Secretary and DGP will be expected to file detailed responses to the NHRC's notices. The SMC will continue its investigative expansion, with more arrests likely and a clearer picture of the criminal network expected to emerge. Simultaneously, medical teams will remain focused on the survivors, whose long-term recovery, particularly around methanol-induced injuries, will require sustained clinical attention.

The Bottom Line

Nine lives lost, 39 people in critical condition, 27 arrests so far, and a national human rights body now watching closely — the Bhavnagar spurious liquor tragedy is a devastating reminder that behind every counterfeit bottle lies a system that failed to detect, deter or prevent. As the investigation deepens and the NHRC awaits its detailed report, the state's response over the coming weeks will not only shape justice for those affected but will also test Gujarat's larger commitment to enforcing its prohibition regime, protecting its citizens, and holding both criminal actors and administrative gaps to account.

• The Onam Sadhya — a 26-course feast served on a banana leaf — continues to be the emotional and cultural anchor of Kerala's biggest festival.
• Celebrations gather momentum through the first Onam, peak on Thiruvonam (Wednesday), and continue through the third and fourth Onam.
• Traditional joint-family gatherings have shrunk, but Onam has kept the family reunion tradition alive, even in smaller numbers.
• A parallel Onam economy has flourished — small caterers, restaurants and hotels now sell Sadhya parcels priced from Rs 300 to well over Rs 1,000.
• Whether served in an ancestral home, a city apartment or a takeaway box, the essence of the feast — and the sense of shared community — remains unchanged.

Onam may have evolved with the times, adapted to new geographies, shortened its rituals and reshaped its family gatherings — but there is one tradition Kerala has firmly refused to let go of: the grand Onam Sadhya. A 26-course vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, the Sadhya remains the emotional, cultural and culinary centrepiece of a festival that continues to define what it means to be Malayali. From this day — the first Onam — kitchens across Kerala will be working overtime as families prepare for the most elaborate meal of the year.

The Rhythm of Onam Days

The celebrations will gather momentum through Wednesday, Thiruvonam — the most important day of the festival — and continue through the third and fourth Onam. Each day carries its own meaning and rituals, weaving together mythology, memory and community. Through it all, the Sadhya remains the undisputed hero — the one shared experience around which every family, every neighbourhood and every restaurant table orbits.

Kerala's Most Secular Festival

Onam is arguably Kerala's most genuinely secular festival, cutting across caste, religion and social boundaries. It evokes memories of a mythical golden age of prosperity and equality — the reign of King Mahabali — even though the Onam celebrated today is more a recreation of that ethos than a mirror image of it. In an era when public festivals are increasingly politicised across the country, Onam continues to stand out for its inclusivity — celebrated by Hindus, Christians and Muslims alike, and marked with equal enthusiasm in homes, workplaces and public institutions.

Joint Families May Have Shrunk, But the Table Still Gathers

The old Kerala of sprawling joint families has largely disappeared. The ancestral home once filled with brothers, sisters, cousins and children around one long dining row is now, increasingly, a memory. Yet Onam has found a way to keep the family gathering alive. Siblings living in different cities — and increasingly, different countries — often return home for the festival, turning the Sadhya into an annual reunion. The gathering may be smaller than it once was, but the emotional intent behind it is undiminished.

Anatomy of a 26-Course Marvel

And what a feast it remains. Twenty-six preparations, each with its own place and purpose, arrive on the plantain leaf in a carefully established order. Rice, parippu, ghee, sambar, avial, thoran, olan, kalan, erissery, pickles, pachadi, kichadi, papad, banana, chips — and the concluding succession of payasams — together make the meal less a lunch than a culinary celebration of Kerala itself. The Sadhya is not just eaten; it is experienced, plate by plate, in a rhythm that has been passed down through generations.

The Sadhya's Culinary Philosophy

Beyond the numbers, the Sadhya is a masterclass in balance. Every dish speaks to a specific role — the sour balances the sweet, the crunchy offsets the creamy, the tangy pickles cut through the richness of ghee-laced rice. The choreography of serving, the order of consumption, and even the way the banana leaf is laid out — with the tip to the diner's left — carries centuries of layered tradition. It is one of the last truly ritualised eating experiences left in Indian cuisine.

Why It Matters: A Living Cultural Anchor

In an age of accelerating cultural convergence, the Sadhya's survival is significant. It is one of the rare Indian food traditions that has resisted the pull of fast fusion, held on to its plant-based purity and preserved its ritualistic depth, even as the surrounding social structures have transformed. For a state that has led India on many social indicators, the Sadhya is a reminder that modernity and tradition can, when handled with care, coexist on the same banana leaf.

The Rise of the Onam Economy

The Onam economy has changed too — and dramatically so. Today, some of the biggest beneficiaries of the season are the small caterers, restaurants and hotels that have turned the traditional feast into a thriving seasonal business. For families unable to cook the elaborate spread at home, the answer is increasingly a parcel of Sadhya delivered to the doorstep. Prices range from around Rs 300 at the lower end to well above Rs 1,000 at premium hotels, depending on the scale and setting. Everyone from neighbourhood mess-kitchens to five-star chefs is now part of Kerala's biggest annual F&B moment.

Industry Impact: A Seasonal Boom for the F&B Sector

For Kerala's hospitality industry, the Onam window is arguably the most profitable stretch of the calendar. Hotels open advance bookings weeks in advance, caterers hire additional hands, and even small restaurants build custom pricing packages for corporate offices, apartment communities and delivery aggregators. The Sadhya has effectively become a mid-scale economic engine, generating employment for cooks, waiters, delivery agents, packaging suppliers and produce vendors alike.

The Home Kitchen Still Rules — But With Company

Even with the commercial ecosystem thriving, the home kitchen retains pride of place. The smell of ghee melting into hot rice, the sound of coconut being scraped for thoran, and the sight of freshly cut plantain leaves being wiped down remain sensory anchors that no takeaway box can fully replicate. But the emergence of the Sadhya parcel has, in many ways, expanded the festival — allowing bachelors in cities, working professionals living far from home and elderly couples without cooking help to remain part of the collective celebration.

Audience Sentiment: A Warmth That Cuts Across Generations

For younger Malayalis, particularly those living outside Kerala, the Sadhya has taken on renewed emotional weight. Instagram feeds fill up with images of banana-leaf spreads shared with roommates, colleagues and inter-cultural friends. Older generations reminisce about the sprawling Sadhyas of their childhood, when three generations sat down together. Between the two, the Sadhya continues to serve as a shared cultural language — one that connects a modern, dispersed Kerala across geographies and time zones.

The Bigger Picture: A State That Sits Down Together

Whether served on a banana leaf at an ancestral home, arranged in a modest apartment or packed neatly into a takeaway box, the essence of the Sadhya remains unchanged. For a few days each year, Kerala sits down together to eat. Homes open up, kitchens go into overdrive, temples ring with celebration, and even hospital wards and police stations often prepare their own scaled-down versions of the feast. It is one of the few remaining rituals in India where the community, in its truest sense, still eats as one.

Beyond Nostalgia: A Tradition That Adapts to Stay Alive

The genius of the Onam Sadhya lies not just in its preservation, but in its quiet adaptability. It has moved from the joint-family verandah to the nuclear-family apartment, from the ancestral plantain-leaf spread to eco-packed takeaway containers, without losing its cultural core. That flexibility — reverence for form, openness in delivery — is precisely what has allowed the tradition to survive urbanisation, migration and modern lifestyles.

The Feast That Holds Kerala Together

At its heart, the Sadhya is more than food. It is Kerala's most enduring metaphor for togetherness — cooked slowly, served generously and eaten collectively. In a world that celebrates speed and individualism, the Onam Sadhya insists on slowness and community. And that, perhaps, is why it has held on so firmly, even as everything around it has changed.

The Table That Never Empties

Onam 2026 will unfold across cities, villages, offices, temples and apartment complexes. Some Sadhyas will be served in traditional homes with jasmine-lit verandahs. Others will arrive at office desks in cardboard boxes. Some will be shared with extended family under a single roof. Others will be enjoyed alone, plated on a leaf-shaped disposable, over a video call with siblings in another country. But across all of them, one truth will hold — that at the centre of the table, as it has been for generations, is the 26-course Sadhya. The feast that still holds Onam and Kerala together.

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• Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to former Union Minister Arun Jaitley on his sixth death anniversary, calling him an "incisive legal expert, masterful speaker and ace administrator".
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Jaitley as a skilled administrator and outstanding parliamentarian with deep knowledge of constitutional and legal matters.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar remembered him as a "friend and mentor to many" whose wisdom and warmth continue to inspire.
• UP CM Yogi Adityanath hailed Jaitley's role in nation-building and his sharp political and intellectual insights.
• Jaitley, who passed away on August 24, 2019, at the age of 66, was posthumously conferred the Padma Vibhushan in 2020 for his contribution to public affairs.

The BJP's senior leadership came together on Monday to remember former Union Minister Arun Jaitley on his sixth death anniversary, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath leading a wave of tributes across social media. The remembrances painted a portrait of Jaitley not just as a Cabinet heavyweight, but as an intellectual and communicator whose imprint on the ruling establishment continues to shape its policy voice.

Amit Shah's Tribute: Legal Mind Meets Political Communicator

Setting the tone for the day's tributes, HM Amit Shah posted on X, "Remembering Arun Jaitley Ji on his Punyatithi. An incisive legal expert, a masterful speaker and an ace administrator, Jaitley Ji contributed to taking the policies of the govt to the masses through impactful communication and played a crucial role in executing the game-changing policies of the government. His enduring legacy will continue to inspire young leaders." The reference to communication and policy execution is notable — Jaitley was widely credited within the party for translating complex reforms into public-friendly narratives.

Rajnath Singh: A Parliamentarian's Parliamentarian

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored Jaitley's parliamentary craft in his tribute. "On the death anniversary of former Union Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley ji, humble tribute to him. Proficient in subjects like the Constitution and law, Arun ji was a skilled administrator and an outstanding parliamentarian. His deep understanding, foresight, and logical perspective on politics and policy matters will always remain inspiring. His dedication to the nation's interest and his invaluable contribution to public life will always be remembered," he posted on X.

Jaishankar's Personal Note

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar struck a more personal chord, describing Jaitley as a mentor figure. "Warmly remember Shri Arun Jaitley ji on his Punya Tithi today. A friend & mentor to so many, his wisdom, warmth, & commitment to public service continue to inspire," Jaishankar wrote — a reminder of the wide personal network Jaitley cultivated across bureaucracy, diplomacy and politics.

Yogi Adityanath Salutes 'Padma Vibhushan' Jaitley

UP CM Yogi Adityanath paid his respects on X, writing, "On the death anniversary of former Union Finance Minister, 'Padma Vibhushan' Arun Jaitley, humble tribute. His contribution to the building of a strong nation and his sharp thoughts will forever remain unforgettable and inspiring."

The Man Behind the Tributes: A Life in Public Service

Arun Jaitley (1952-2019) was one of the most influential political figures of his generation — a prominent lawyer, senior BJP leader and Cabinet minister who held multiple key portfolios in the Union government, including Finance, Defence, Corporate Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, and Law and Justice. His versatility across ministries was matched by his fluency in both legal argumentation and mass political communication.

Why It Matters: The GST Legacy and Beyond

As Union Finance Minister in the first Narendra Modi government, Jaitley played a central role in shaping the country's most consequential tax reform in decades — the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Beyond GST, he was the government's principal defender in Parliament and on television during a phase of high-stakes economic reforms. His ability to distil complex fiscal policy into digestible political narrative remains a benchmark inside the party.

Enduring Political Imprint

Jaitley passed away on August 24, 2019, at the age of 66, and was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, in 2020 for his contribution to public affairs. Six years on, the sheer breadth of the BJP leadership queuing up to pay tribute — from the Home Minister to the External Affairs Minister to state Chief Ministers — is a measure of how deeply his ideas, mentorship and institutional style continue to shape the party's governance grammar.

Audience Sentiment: A Statesman Remembered

Across social media, tributes from party workers, journalists and public figures echoed a common theme — that Jaitley combined the rigour of a top-flight lawyer with the accessibility of a political communicator, a combination that made him a bridge figure between the legal fraternity, the corporate world and the political class. On his sixth Punyatithi, that composite legacy stood front and centre in the remembrances flowing in from India's highest offices.

• IMD has issued a yellow alert in 8 Kerala districts on Monday amid a strengthening low-pressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal.
• First Onam falls on August 25 and Thiruvonam — the festival's biggest day — on August 26, placing celebrations directly in the weather window.
• Kasaragod, Kannur, Thrissur, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam are under alert; three districts remain flagged on Tuesday.
• Fishing has been completely banned along the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts; INCOIS has warned of Kallakkadal-driven coastal inundation.
• Notably, no rain warning has been issued for Thiruvonam itself — a relief for outdoor festivities, public events and cultural programmes.

Kerala is entering the most anticipated stretch of its cultural calendar, but the state's Onam celebrations are unfolding under a distinctly wet sky. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert in eight districts on Monday, warning of heavy rainfall as a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal continues to strengthen. With First Onam on August 25 and Thiruvonam — the festival's grand centrepiece — on August 26, the timing could not be more delicate.

Eight Districts on Yellow Alert

The IMD's Monday alert covers Kasaragod, Kannur, Thrissur, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam — a spread that stretches across northern, central and southern Kerala. Three of these districts will remain under alert on Tuesday, and unsettled weather is expected in several other pockets. Crucially, however, no rain warning has been issued for Thiruvonam at present, keeping hopes alive for the day that anchors the entire celebration.

Coastal Warning and Kallakkadal Watch

The threat is not limited to the interiors. Fishing has been completely banned along the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts in view of the potential for heavy rain and strong winds. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has flagged the possibility of coastal inundation under the Kallakkadal phenomenon, with waves between 0.9 and 1.3 metres expected along the Kerala coast until 11.30 p.m. on Monday. Coastal residents, tourists and vessel operators have been advised to stay clear of the sea until further notice.

Why It Matters

Onam is Kerala's biggest cultural and commercial event, driving weeks of activity across retail, hospitality, tourism, food and transport. Streets, markets and shopping centres are already teeming with festival footfall, and families are deep into preparations for the Onasadya and traditional gatherings. A washout during the peak days could dent outdoor turnout, disrupt public events, and force cultural programmes to move indoors — with knock-on effects for organisers, vendors and small businesses that bank on Onam week.

Audience Sentiment: Celebration Meets Caution

For Malayalis at home and across the diaspora, Onam is as much a public spectacle as a family ritual — from pookalams and Vallamkali imagery to community feasts. The mood on the ground remains celebratory, but authorities are urging vigilance, especially in low-lying areas and along the coast. The messaging is clear: the festivities need not stop, but they must be weather-smart.

The Bigger Question

With the weather system evolving and the IMD keeping a close watch, the coming 72 hours will be a balancing act between festive cheer and safety caution. The skies may stay overcast, but the Onam spirit — resilient by nature — is unlikely to be dampened. The real question now is whether Kerala will get to celebrate its biggest festival under open skies, or whether much of the joy will have to move indoors this year.

Speaking to reporters after the prayers, Narendra Swamy said the district administration had organised a special Rudrabhisheka and prayers at the temple as directed by the government, seeking abundant rainfall. “If there is good rainfall in the land of Mother Cauvery and Sri Igguthappa, the reservoirs across the state will be filled, ensuring a good crop as well as adequate drinking water. I have prayed for abundant rainfall in the Cauvery and Igguthappa regions in the coming days,” he said.

The minister said adequate rainfall in the Cauvery basin would also help address inter-state water disputes. “If the Cauvery basin receives average rainfall, inter-state water disputes can be resolved. Nearly 90 per cent of the problems can be addressed,” he said, adding that the state government had taken positive steps after gaining the confidence of all stakeholders. He noted that the current shortage of rainfall had created several problems and that prayers had been offered seeking more rain.

Responding to a question on rising human-wildlife conflict in Madikeri, Narendra Swamy said the government was taking steps to address the wild elephant menace on a lasting basis. He urged tourists, workers and others visiting forest-fringe areas to exercise caution and remain alert.

Among those present were Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Political Secretary A.S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr Mantar Gowda, Deputy Commissioner S.J. Somashekar, Zilla Panchayat CEO Anand Prakash Meena and Superintendent of Police R.N. Bindumani.

According to senior officials from the Manipur Transport Department, over 200 passengers departed from the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Khuman Lampak in Imphal on Saturday morning. The convoy, consisting of four full-sized buses and six high-capacity Winger passenger vans, successfully traversed the mountainous stretches of the Kangpokpi and Senapati districts.

Restoring Essential Arteries Across the Northeast

National Highway 2 serves as the primary ground line of communication connecting landlocked Manipur with Nagaland, Assam, and the broader Indian rail network. Following the onset of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023, regular transit along the corridor faced severe restrictions, isolating local communities and forcing residents to rely on expensive commercial air travel.

The reopening follows a joint agreement announced earlier this month by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, and local community representatives in Kangpokpi. The collaborative accord guaranteed unhindered transit for civilian passengers across all community jurisdictions.

State transport authorities confirmed that the initial cohort of 125 passengers who departed Imphal during Friday's inaugural run arrived safely in Guwahati early Saturday morning, validating the security protocols established along the transit corridor.

Relieving Financial Strain on Local Travelers

The return of reliable surface transport provides immediate economic relief to students, medical patients, small-business operators, and daily wage earners who have faced exorbitant airfares between Imphal and regional hubs over the past three years.

Addressing the public, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh highlighted the economic burden that prolonged highway disruptions had imposed on ordinary citizens.

"Airfares between Imphal and Guwahati reached unsustainable levels, acting as an unintended financial penalty on our people," Chief Minister Singh noted. "The resumption of public transit services along NH-2 is a critical step toward restoring basic rights of movement, lowering travel costs, and bringing structural normalcy back to the state."

Security Protocols and Regional Stability

To maintain safety across sensitive transit zones, state security forces and central paramilitary units have coordinated patrol coverage along vulnerable mountain passes in the Kangpokpi and Senapati sectors. Transport officials noted that peaceful transit over consecutive days has significantly bolstered public confidence.

As operations stabilize, the Manipur Transport Department plans to evaluate expanding daily departure schedules from the Khuman Lampak terminal to accommodate growing passenger demand, while continuing close coordination with civil society groups in neighboring states.

The successful delivery took place at the specialized IVF Laboratory located within the College of Veterinary Science at the Assam Agricultural and Veterinary University campus in Khanapara, Guwahati.

Genetic Preservation Meets Assisted Reproduction

The laboratory facility behind the breakthrough was established under the central government's Rashtriya Gokul Mission—a national initiative aimed at conserving, developing, and genetically upgrading indigenous bovine breeds.

Lakhimi cattle, native to the floodplains and hilly terrain of Assam, are prized for their hardiness, disease resistance, and adaptability to humid climatic conditions. However, traditional breeding constraints have historically limited rapid multiplication of high-yielding Lakhimi genetic stock.

By applying assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to native breeds, scientists can extract oocytes from genetically superior donor cows, fertilize them in a controlled laboratory setting, and transfer viable embryos into surrogate cows. This process significantly accelerates generation intervals and allows high-value indigenous genetic lines to expand rapidly across smallholder dairy communities.

"The world's first IVF female calf of the Lakhimi breed -- native to Assam -- has been born at the Assam Veterinary and Fishery University," Chief Minister Sarma posted on X (formerly Twitter). "This achievement represents a historic convergence of Assam's civilization, culture, and innovation."

Economic and Dairy Implications for Rural Assam

The successful application of embryo transfer technology to Lakhimi cattle is expected to address several structural challenges facing the region's dairy sector, including low per-animal milk yields and livestock disease vulnerability.

According to veterinary researchers involved in the project, scaling up IVF operations for indigenous cattle provides a dual benefit: preserving rare regional genetic diversity while systematically selecting for higher milk production and disease resistance over successive generations.

Sarma emphasized that while the newborn calf is small in physical size, its scientific significance carries massive long-term implications for the regional rural economy.

"My heartiest congratulations to all the veterinary scientists and professionals behind this historic achievement," Sarma added. "This work has the potential to usher in a new era for Assam's dairy sector, improving disease control, enhancing milk productivity, and boosting the livelihoods of our livestock farmers."

Building on Regional Biotechnology Milestones

Saturday's announcement builds on a series of recent reproductive technology successes achieved by the Khanapara research facility. Earlier this year, the university's veterinary team successfully delivered Assam's first field-level IVF-born female Gir calf in Sonapur, demonstrating the commercial and operational viability of embryo transfer techniques under real-world farming conditions.

With the successful birth of the Lakhimi calf, veterinary researchers are now preparing to expand embryo transfer protocols to progressive dairy clusters across rural districts in Assam.

By combining modern genetic selection tools with indigenous livestock conservation, the state aims to build a self-sustaining dairy framework that reduces reliance on inter-state milk imports while safeguarding native cattle heritage.

The international summit launched with a cultural and environmental visit to the ancient Buddhist archaeological complex at Thotlakonda, situated on a hilltop overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Visiting foreign dignitaries toured the third-century BCE monastic ruins, gaining direct insight into Andhra Pradesh’s historical maritime and spiritual heritage, followed by a joint ceremonial sapling plantation drive organized by state host authorities.

Focus on Youth Empowerment and Digital Inclusion

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya is presiding over both ministerial tracks, supported by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, Secretary (Youth Affairs) Sunil Paliwal, and Secretary (Sports) Hari Ranjan Rao.

Guided by India’s overarching 2026 BRICS Chairship theme, "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," Saturday’s Youth Ministers' sessions prioritized cross-border educational exchanges, technical skill development, digital entrepreneurship, and mental health frameworks for young populations across the Global South.

The assembly reviewed policy recommendations generated during preliminary working group sessions, including the BRICS Youth Council Meeting and the BRICS Youth Summit held earlier this year in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The discussions are set to culminate in the formal adoption of the BRICS Youth Ministerial Joint Declaration alongside a multilateral BRICS Youth Cooperation Framework.

Indigenous Sports and Technological Integration

The summit will pivot to athletic policy and sports diplomacy during the BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting. Agenda items include expanding bilateral athletic exchanges, preserving indigenous and traditional sports, advancing sports manufacturing infrastructure, and integrating artificial intelligence into athletic performance analytics.

Delegates from each of the 11 member nations will deliver official country statements outlining national sports development goals before formally signing the BRICS Sports Joint Declaration.

Beyond formal plenary sessions, the multilateral event includes bilateral side meetings, a community BRICS Friendship Cycling Event along Visakhapatnam's iconic Beach Road corridor, cultural showcases featuring traditional Andhra performing arts, and a high-level state dinner hosted by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to explore regional investment and tourism opportunities.

The incident occurred around 2:00 AM inside the specialized care ward, where the infants were placed inside an electronic radiant warmer designed to regulate body temperature for vulnerable post-birth neonates.

Preliminary investigations indicate that a high-voltage electrical spark within the warmer’s heating filament ignited the unit. The high-concentration oxygen environment inherent to NICU care units accelerated the thermal runaway, causing flames to instantly engulf the enclosed bassinet before staff could manually isolate the power source.

Emergency Evacuation and Immediate Referral

Dr. Anshul Lamba, a pediatrician on duty at Chhindwara District Hospital, confirmed the technical failure that triggered the blaze.

“Newborns are kept in warmers after birth to keep their body temperature stable,” Dr. Lamba stated. “At night, the filament sparked suddenly and the fire broke out. All three babies suffered severe burns.”

Medical staff and duty nurses on night shift intervened using on-site fire extinguishers to suppress the flames and pull the neonates from the burning equipment. Medical personnel immediately initiated emergency stabilization and wound dressing.

However, given the deep-tissue nature of the thermal burns and the lack of a dedicated pediatric burn surgeon at the Chhindwara facility, hospital administrators ordered an immediate transfer to the tertiary care medical college in Jabalpur, located approximately 200 kilometers away.

The three infants were transported in specialized ambulances accompanied by a medical team consisting of two doctors and pediatric nursing staff. Attending physicians reported that one of the three newborns remains in extremely critical condition and may require immediate surgical intervention and mechanical ventilation.

Equipment Maintenance Protocols Under Scrutiny

District health authorities have ordered a formal administrative and technical inquiry into the tragedy. Investigators and biomedical engineers are inspecting the damaged radiant warmer to determine whether the electrical malfunction was caused by a manufacturing defect, voltage fluctuation, or inadequate routine maintenance.

The incident highlights ongoing safety vulnerabilities in public healthcare infrastructure across rural and tier-2 districts in India. Oxygen-rich medical environments present severe fire hazards if electrical medical devices lack functional auto-cutoff switches or regular thermal compliance audits.

Local health officials confirmed that safety logs, electrical load distributions, and equipment servicing records for the NICU ward have been impounded as part of the ongoing probe to establish accountability.

According to synoptic bulletins released by RMC weather scientists, the unstable weather is driven by a weak low-pressure system and lower-tropospheric wind convergence persisting off the Tamil Nadu coast. The meteorological influence is expected to sustain steady precipitation patterns across Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Ranipet districts through Sunday.

City Conditions: High Humidity and Evening Showers

Ground observations in Chennai indicate high ambient moisture combined with elevated daytime temperatures, creating intensely humid conditions across the metropolitan area. Daytime highs are projected to peak between 37°C and 38°C—roughly two to three degrees above seasonal averages—while night temperatures will hover between 27°C and 28°C.

"While daytime heating combined with coastal moisture will lead to sticky, uncomfortable weather early in the day, thermal convection is expected to trigger evening or nighttime convective storms, bringing brief, intense relief," noted RMC meteorology officials during the daily weather brief.

Sky conditions over the city will remain partly cloudy throughout the day, with convective activity intensifying during late evening hours.

Western Ghats and Hill Districts on Alert

As the weather system shifts slightly westward early next week, rainfall intensity is set to scale up over Tamil Nadu's high-altitude regions. The RMC has placed the hilly tracts of the Nilgiris and the Ghat areas of Coimbatore district on alert for heavy rainfall isolated over single or two locations on August 24 and 25.

By August 26 and 27, the heaviest activity is expected to taper off, leaving isolated, moderate rainfall restricted primarily to districts along the Western Ghats line. The remaining interior districts of Tamil Nadu, as well as the Union Territories of Puducherry and Karaikal, are slated for comparatively dry or partly cloudy weather, barring localized short-lived convective showers.

Safety Advisories Issued

Local civic agencies and traffic authorities have stepped up monitoring along known waterlogging hotspots across Greater Chennai. Motorists are urged to exercise caution during sudden downpours due to reduced visibility and temporary street flooding.

The RMC strongly advises residents to follow basic lightning safety protocols:

• Avoid taking shelter under tall or isolated trees during electrical storms.

• Stay clear of open metal structures, electrical poles, and exposed ground.

• Secure loose outdoor fixtures against sudden gusty winds.

The technical disruption left passengers encountering repeated "No Data Available" and "No flights found" error messages when attempting to search for routes or finalize payment processing on both the official website and mobile application.

Systemic Failure Hits Peak Travel Window

Acknowledging the widespread outage through an official service advisory on social media platform X, IndiGo confirmed ongoing operational friction within its central reservation infrastructure.

"We are currently experiencing intermittent issues with our core reservation platform, which may make it difficult for some customers to access our online services," the low-cost carrier stated in an official advisory. "Our teams are working on priority, along with our partner, to resolve the issue as quickly as possible."

The airline declined to specify the technical root cause of the crash or identify the third-party technology provider managing the reservation software.

Friday's digital outage follows an identical system-wide crash on Wednesday, August 19, where similar server freezes caused widespread check-in failures. During Wednesday's disruption, ground staff at major aviation hubs like Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport were forced to switch to manual check-in procedures, causing lengthy queues and minor flight departure delays.

Passengers Vent Frustration Amid Market Dominance Concerns

Frustrated flyers inundated social media platforms with screenshots of failed transactions, unconfirmed debit charges, and seat allocation errors. Several travelers reported being unable to download digital boarding passes hours before scheduled departures, leaving many stranded at airport entry gates without valid travel documentation.

Industry analysts highlight that given IndiGo’s immense market share—commanding roughly 67% of domestic passenger traffic—even brief technical snags generate massive ripple effects across India's transportation network.

IndiGo advised passengers with immediate travel requirements to seek assistance directly at airport helpdesks or contact its centralized customer care centers. However, the airline has yet to issue a definitive timeline for the full restoration of its online booking and check-in portals.

The association warned that cab movements originating from Assam into Meghalaya would also be forcibly halted if authorities fail to establish security checkpoints and guarantee the physical safety of drivers and transit passengers along National Highway 6.

Origins of the Interstate Transit Crisis

The regional transport breakdown stems from a "black-flag" motorcycle demonstration organized in Shillong by the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) over a five-point charter of policy demands. The list includes full enforcement of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), local employment reservations, and structural reforms within state recruitment boards.

Although police granted permission under an explicit peaceful undertaking, masked agitators infiltrated the march. District law enforcement reported that at least 31 vehicles were vandalized, key government properties were set on fire, and several pedestrians were assaulted. Non-local commuters and Assam-registered vehicles were specifically targeted. In one instance, a family travelling from Assam sustained injuries after stone-pelters smashed their vehicle's windows.

Counter-Protests and Border Standoff

In response to the Shillong violence, Assam-based commercial drivers organized blockades at key interstate gateways, including Jorabat and Khanapara. Demonstrators prevented Meghalaya-registered passenger vehicles from entering Assam, leaving hundreds of interstate commuters, cargo trucks, and tourists stranded along the border through Thursday afternoon.

The complete suspension of commercial cabs by Meghalaya operators on Friday threatens to cripple regional tourism, hospitality networks, and cross-border commercial supply lines. Industry federations across Meghalaya issued joint statements condemning the violence, warning that unmitigated security lapses risks inflicting long-term damage on the state's tourism economy.

Government Mobilization and Law Enforcement Response

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma engaged in direct consultations with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to coordinate border patrol activities and restore public confidence along transit highways.

State law enforcement has initiated crackdown measures:

• Key Arrests: Police arrested KSU President Raymond Kharjana, Vice President Pynkmenlang Sanmiet, and General Secretary Reuben Najiar late Wednesday. The leaders were produced before the District and Sessions Court in Shillong on Thursday and remanded to 14 days' judicial custody under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

• Security Operations: Police units conducted raids at the KSU headquarters in Jaiaw, deploying tear gas to disperse retaliatory gatherings.

• State Highway Patrols: Joint armed patrols involving Assam Police and Meghalaya state forces have been deployed along vulnerable segments of the Guwahati-Shillong road to protect commuters.

While the KSU leadership expressed regret over the property destruction, claiming external elements infiltrated the rally, state authorities reiterated that non-compliance with rally guidelines will be prosecuted without exception. Transport operators maintain that service suspensions will remain in effect until clear security protocols are instituted along the interstate highway network.

The districts of Rewa, Dindori, Satna, Panna, and Chhatarpur are among the hardest hit. In Rewa district alone, emergency teams have successfully rescued more than 4,000 residents trapped in submerged residential zones. Local administrators confirmed that approximately 3,000 displaced individuals are currently housed across 27 designated relief camps, where basic supplies and medical evaluations are being provided.

Infrastructure Disruptions and Rescue Incidents

In Mauganj district, the swollen Ashtabhuja River breached local embankments, trapping four construction laborers assigned to an Amrit Yojana infrastructure project in Naigarhi village. Emergency crews were immediately dispatched to the site, though officials confirmed that one worker was carried away by the powerful current before teams could reach the location. Search and recovery operations remain active along the downstream channels.

Travel and educational activities across the eastern belt have faced severe halts:

• Highway Closures: In Dindori, the Khermer River overflowed its banks, submerging key transit bridges and forcing an immediate closure of the Dindori-Mandla State Highway.

• Precautionary Closures: Local administrations suspended primary and secondary classes across Dindori, Maihar, and Panna districts. Early childhood Anganwadi centers in Dindori were also instructed to stay closed until conditions stabilize.

• Tourism Suspended: In the holy town of Chitrakoot, waters from the overflowing Mandakini River poured into surrounding commercial markets, leading officials to close the Gupt Godavari cave complex to visitors as a safety measure.

Monsoon Dynamics and Outlook

According to meteorologists at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) regional centre in Bhopal, the current wet spell is driven by a well-marked low-pressure system positioned over northeast Madhya Pradesh, reinforced by an active monsoon trough line.

Weather scientists forecast continued moderate-to-heavy precipitation over eastern Madhya Pradesh, with rainfall activity expected to expand toward the state's central and west-central districts.

Despite the recent localized flooding, official meteorological data indicates that Madhya Pradesh is still navigating an overall seasonal precipitation deficit. Since the start of the monsoon season, the state has logged approximately 599 mm of rainfall against a historical average of 675.1 mm, reflecting an 11% shortfall state-wide (11% deficit in eastern MP and 12% in western MP).

District magistrates in vulnerable zones remain on high alert, with relief teams maintaining round-the-clock surveillance along critical river basins.

The petitions—spearheaded by successful candidates including Avadhesh Kumar, Deepmala, Sonam Kumari, and Saurabh Singh—seek urgent interim relief and a stay on the official notifications issued by the Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms, and Rajbhasha.

The petitioners represent a section of recruits who cleared rigorous selection stages for the 11th–13th JPSC Combined Civil Services Examination, the JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination, and the Food Safety Officer post. Several petitioners have already completed verification, received formal appointment letters, and joined active government service across various state departments.

Core Arguments Before the Bench

In their legal challenge, the candidates contend that the state administration executed a blanket, unilateral cancellation without affording appointed personnel a right to be heard—a move they argue violates fundamental principles of natural justice.

Key submissions presented in the petitions include:

• Absence of Individualized Proceedings: Petitioners argue that while law enforcement agencies must penalize individuals implicated in malpractices, terminating an entire batch of merit-based appointees without individual inquiry or proven guilt constitutes arbitrary administrative action.

• Disruption of Existing Service: Hundreds of petitioners had resigned from previous public- and private-sector positions upon securing selection under JSSC and JPSC recruitment notifications, leaving them facing sudden employment termination.

• Compliance with Prior Judicial Mandates: Counsel for the JSSC-CGL petitioners highlighted that the final merit list and subsequent job allocations were executed in compliance with prior High Court directives, making a total executive reversal legally vulnerable.

Background of the Executive Order

The Hemant Soren-led coalition government announced the cancellation of 22 recruitment tests and ordered a comprehensive Crime Investigation Department (CID) probe into 17 other exams conducted since 2014. The executive decision followed a 26-day sustained agitation by the JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium over alleged paper leaks and widespread irregularities.

The government maintained that scrapping the examinations was necessary to restore public trust in state selection boards following findings presented by Special Investigation Teams (SIT) and the CID.

The judicial outcome of Thursday’s afternoon hearing is expected to establish crucial precedent regarding whether executive authorities can void completed selection processes after appointments have been formalized under state service rules.

Meteorological officials confirm that districts bordering the Western Ghats are scheduled to experience moderate precipitation accompanied by electrical activity and gusty surface winds. Following these localized thundershowers, rain activity is anticipated to taper off into lighter, scattered spells.

From August 21 through August 25, light rainfall is expected at isolated locations within the Western Ghats region and northern coastal Tamil Nadu. The majority of interior districts across the state are projected to maintain dry weather, though isolated, short-duration showers remain possible due to fluctuating moisture levels driven by the coastal low-pressure system.

The RMC noted that while the current atmospheric circulation continues to influence cloud formation over hill regions and the northern coastal belt, widespread or heavy deluge events are not anticipated under present conditions.

For Chennai and its immediate suburbs, conditions are expected to remain partly cloudy. However, localized evening and nighttime spells of moderate rainfall, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms and lightning, are forecast across select sectors. Pre-monsoonal precipitation is expected to vary significantly across different urban neighborhoods.

Observational data recorded across Tamil Nadu during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday underscores the scattered nature of current rain distribution. Devala in Nilgiris district and Yercaud in Salem district recorded the state's highest rainfall totals at 6 cm each, followed by Mangalur in Cuddalore district with 5 cm. Higher accumulation totals remain concentrated within hill stations and northern interior pockets.

The RMC stated it will maintain active surveillance over atmospheric developments along the Bay of Bengal coast and update regional advisories if wind trajectories or pressure patterns shift.

In its latest weather bulletin, the department said the atmospheric system prevailing in the lower levels was expected to create favourable conditions for rainfall across several parts of the State.

Apart from the three districts where heavy rain has been forecast, moderate showers are likely at isolated places in Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Sivaganga, Madurai, Dindigul and Theni districts. The spell of rain is expected to be accompanied by thunder and lightning in some areas. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter under trees or near weak structures.

The forecast points to contrasting weather conditions across Tamil Nadu, with rain likely over the coastal and some southern districts even as interior regions prepare for a rise in daytime temperatures.

According to the weather department, maximum temperatures in the state’s interior districts could remain up to four degrees Celsius above normal during the next four days. The increase could result in hot and uncomfortable conditions, particularly during the afternoon.

People, especially children, senior citizens and those working outdoors, have been advised to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, remain hydrated and take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses.

In Chennai and its suburban areas, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy through the day. Moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning may occur in some parts of the city during the evening or at night.

While widespread disruption is not anticipated, sudden downpours could lead to waterlogging in low-lying neighbourhoods and affect traffic movement during peak hours. Motorists have been urged to exercise caution, particularly on roads where visibility could be reduced during intense spells.

The weather department is continuing to monitor the atmospheric circulation and is expected to issue further updates if the system strengthens or rainfall activity increases. Local authorities have also been asked to remain alert in districts covered by the heavy-rain forecast and take precautionary measures wherever necessary. Residents have been advised to follow official weather bulletins and avoid relying on unverified information circulated through social media.

Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said: “This clearly shows how diligently, sincerely and transparently the Election Commission of India works. US President Donald Trump’s statement is a strong rebuttal to all those who repeatedly question the Election Commission of India and its functioning. They should at least understand that if the US President is praising India’s election system and the Election Commission, it demonstrates that our Election Commission works in a fair and transparent manner, leaving no room for doubt.”

BJP spokesperson R.P. Singh said: “India’s Election Commission and its electoral system are respected worldwide. The world acknowledges it as one of the best procedures. Donald Trump has now said that he wants to implement the process of voter ID cards through the SIR procedure, similar to what is done here. It’s good that both countries are learning from each other.”

Bihar Minister Ramkripal Yadav said: “Salute to Indian democracy, salute to the free Election Commission, salute to the people of Bihar, and salute to the system. Now, if America discusses India regarding elections, then it is a big thing.”

“India is giving a message to the world, and the US is appreciating it. So, it’s a proud moment. Awareness has increased, and participation is also increasing. The Election Commission has worked towards removing non-national people from the country,” he added.

However, Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma disputed the BJP’s interpretation, saying: “Trump did not say that; your question is incorrect. Gyanesh Kumar said it. He asked Trump how such a large election could be conducted in the US without valid identification. The question is incorrect. You should instead ask why democracy has not come under attack in your country and why questions have not been raised about democracy there.”

“Gyanesh Kumar is going there and talking about voter IDs and all, but he is not saying that 80 per cent of people raise questions about him. So, in a democracy, there should not be one-way communication. We see that in the US, there is democracy and it is alive. Even after losing, he has chosen once again. The voting happens on ballot papers,” he added.

Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad said: “Trump’s ideology is dangerous for our country. Because of Trump’s policies, our country’s economy has been affected. His policies have also impacted the interests of our farmers... Trump is not a person with a consistent ideology, nor is he a predictable leader. It is difficult to say what he might say or where he might turn next. Therefore, it would be in our country’s best interest to maintain a distance from him.”

US President Donald Trump cited India’s election system while giving renewed calls for the passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, which seeks stricter citizenship requirements to vote in US elections.

Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump recalled that India’s Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, recently asked the US administration about why elections in America are held without a valid photo identification card, as he made a case for mandatory photo IDs for every US voter to curb “electoral fraud”.

“Earlier this month, India’s Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, asked our Administration -- How can you have Elections in the US without a valid Photo ID,” Trump wrote.

Trump made these remarks to drum up support for the SAVE America Act, which would require Americans to show proof of citizenship to register to vote, impose a nationwide voter identification requirement and severely limit voting by mail.

According to a press note, BJP national president Nitin Nabin appointed national general secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Vinod Tawde as the new in-charge of Uttar Pradesh. National secretary Jagdish Ishwarbhai Patel has been appointed co-in-charge of the state, headed to polls early next year.

For Punjab, the party has appointed national general secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Satish Poonia as state in-charge, while Tarun Chugh, Rajya Sabha MP and the BJP’s national headquarter in-charge, has been appointed in-charge of Gujarat.

The party said the appointments would come into force with immediate effect. It added that appointments for the in-charges of other states would be made in due course and that the existing arrangements would continue until fresh appointments are announced.

The latest appointments come a day after the party president unveiled a new national team, marking a significant organisational overhaul under his leadership. The BJP’s national reshuffle brought a mix of experienced leaders and newer faces into key positions, with the party emphasising a balance between continuity and organisational renewal.

The restructuring assumes significance as the BJP prepares for a series of state-level political challenges and the longer-term run-up to the 2029 Lok Sabha election. The new organisational appointments are expected to strengthen coordination between the party’s central leadership and its state units.

The BJP’s new national team was announced on Monday. The reshuffle included several senior leaders retaining or receiving prominent organisational responsibilities, alongside the induction or return of other prominent figures.

Piyush Goyal was appointed national treasurer, a move that has drawn attention because of his role as Union Commerce and Industry Minister and his vast experience in the party organisation.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje was appointed as national vice-president while former Union Minister Smriti Irani marked a comeback as the party’s General Secretary.

Alongside Irani, Roop Kumari Choudhary’s elevation as Mahila Morcha President further sought to strengthen BJP’s women-centric outreach, particularly in states where the party is keen to expand its base.

The North-East found representation through Biplab Deb, the former Chief Minister of Tripura, who has been appointed General Secretary.

Both Rai and Mishra had stepped down from their respective positions on June 27 after allegations of irregularities in the handling of temple donations emerged. The two were subsequently questioned by the SIT as part of its investigation into the management and collection of donations at the temple.

According to reports, the Uttar Pradesh Home Department on Monday submitted the SIT’s final report in the alleged donation theft case to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for further action.

According to sources, Rai denied any involvement in the alleged irregularities during questioning. He reportedly told investigators that he had himself lodged a complaint in connection with the suspected theft, following which the accused persons were arrested.

Rai also maintained that ensuring transparency and preventing irregularities in the collection of donations was part of his responsibility and that he took action after becoming aware of the alleged wrongdoing.

The three-member SIT was constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13 following a request from the temple trust. The panel was formed before the Supreme Court subsequently intervened in the matter.

Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant headed the investigation team. Inspector General of Police, Range, Kiran S and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan Kumar were the other members of the panel.

The SIT had submitted its preliminary findings to the state government on June 23. The report included several recommendations and subsequently led to further action in the case.

Based on the preliminary findings, Trust member Krishnamohan submitted a written complaint at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi police station. An FIR was registered on June 25, naming eight people and other unidentified individuals as accused.

Those named in the FIR are Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Ram Shankar Yadav, alias Tinnu.

All the named accused have been arrested and booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The preliminary SIT report had also served as the basis for subsequent FIRs and arrests in connection with the alleged donation-related irregularities.

Birla was interacting with women and female students during Suraksha Samvad 2.0, organised as part of the Women’s Safety Resolution Campaign by Kota City Police and the Blue Dot Dialogue organisation.

He said women’s safety is not the sole responsibility of the police or government but a collective responsibility of society. Stronger communication between the police and the community, coupled with the active participation of women, can help prevent and effectively combat crime, he said, adding that making Kota a safe and drug-free city is a collective resolve.

During the programme, Birla released a documentary on the women’s safety campaign and a handbook on cyber and women’s safety. He said there should be continuous dialogue between women, female students and the police, noting that greater awareness and timely information sharing can enable authorities to take effective action against crime.

He urged women to remain alert and informed about cybercrime, pointing out that Kota is a major educational hub attracting students from across the country. Ensuring a safe, welcoming and family-like environment for these students is therefore a collective responsibility, Birla said.

He announced efforts to establish digital libraries in every panchayat of Kota-Bundi, giving daughters in remote areas equal access to quality educational resources and competitive-examination preparation. The libraries will provide study material from national and international sources, while online coaching and digital education will help rural students prepare more effectively.

Birla also highlighted initiatives to promote digital literacy, including Dadi-Nani Ki Digital Pathshala (Grandmothers’ Digital School), and efforts to introduce digital education to children from an early age. He said the objective is to ensure that no girl’s education or talent is held back because of a lack of resources.

He added that the festival of Raksha Bandhan inspires society to pledge to build a safe and value-based environment while ensuring the safety of sisters and daughters. He also called upon women to contribute to the creation of a drug-free India, stressing that a safe, cultured and empowered society can be built only through collective efforts.

Energy Minister Hiralal Nagar said Indian culture and Sanatan tradition regard women as embodiments of Shakti. He stressed the need for greater awareness and dialogue on women’s safety, urging women not to ignore any form of harassment, abuse or uncomfortable situation and to report such incidents immediately.

Kota South MLA Sandeep Sharma described the police-organised Suraksha Samvad as a meaningful initiative aimed at creating an environment where every daughter is safe and every woman can live with dignity. He stressed the importance of self-defence training for female students.

Ladpura MLA Kalpana Devi said women’s safety is not confined to streets and public places, noting that workplaces, homes, cybercrime and digital blackmail also pose serious challenges. She emphasised that awareness and dialogue are essential to strengthen women’s confidence.

Rajasthan Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar Sharma said that, under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the Rajasthan Police is fully committed to ensuring women’s safety. He urged women to approach the police without hesitation and stressed the importance of girls knowing their legal rights, understanding digital crimes and learning self-defence.

Udaipur Lok Sabha MP Mannalal Rawat has been appointed National President of the BJP Scheduled Tribe (ST) Morcha. The new team also includes former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, former BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Satish Poonia, and senior leader Rajesh Mangal, who have been given important organisational responsibilities.

Rawat, the BJP MP from Udaipur, won the 2024 Lok Sabha election by a margin of 2,61,608 votes, defeating Congress candidate and former Udaipur District Collector Tarachand Meena. He attracted attention soon after entering Parliament when he took his oath in Sanskrit, becoming the first tribal MP from Rajasthan to do so.

Before entering electoral politics, Rawat served in the Rajasthan government as Additional Commissioner in the Transport Department in Jaipur. He resigned from government service after being announced as the BJP candidate for Udaipur.

Rawat comes from a farming family in Chiklad village in the Dhariyavad region of southern Rajasthan. He pursued his education despite difficult circumstances and holds B.Sc., M.A. and PhD degrees. His background in government service, academics and tribal affairs has now been reflected in the BJP’s decision to give him responsibility for the party’s ST Morcha at the national level.

Rajasthan has received significant representation in the BJP’s new national organisational structure. Vasundhara Raje has been appointed National Vice President, Satish Poonia National General Secretary, Rajesh Mangal National Co-Treasurer, and Rawat National President of the ST Morcha.

The appointments have generated considerable interest among BJP workers across Rajasthan, including in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Kota. The new organisational responsibilities are also expected to influence the political balance within the state ahead of upcoming elections and the BJP’s broader organisational expansion.

The programme, announced by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in his Budget speech, aims to improve workers’ physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Additional Chief Secretary, AYUSH, Sumita Misra said on Monday that each workplace will host yoga camps and training sessions, with at least one employee per 50 workers trained within a month to lead the sessions. In units operating in shifts, the programme provides for one trained employee for every group of 50 workers in each shift, ensuring coverage across operations.

The AYUSH Department has written to the Industries and Commerce Department asking it to disseminate the advisory to all industrial units and associations with directions for time-bound implementation in accordance with the prescribed standard operating procedure (SOP).

Misra explained that the General Manager of the District Industries Centre (GM-DIC) in each district will coordinate with the District Ayurveda Officer to prepare a schedule of yoga camps and training sessions. This coordinated effort will ensure that every industrial unit benefits from the programme, with Yoga Sahayaks guiding the process.

Within a month, each industrial unit will select one or two employees for training, ensuring at least one trained facilitator per 50 workers. Guided by Yoga Sahayaks, these employees will lead Y-Break sessions at their workplaces.

As part of the advisory, the Industries and Commerce Department has asked the workforce to voluntarily adopt and practise the five-minute Y-Break during working hours. The initiative aims to nurture a healthier, more productive and stress-free work environment.

Misra said the Y-Break protocol is a scientifically designed routine consisting of simple yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation techniques. It can be performed at the workplace without requiring any special equipment or infrastructure.

The government has clarified that participation will remain voluntary. Industrial units have been asked to ensure that the sessions are conducted safely and without disrupting normal functioning.

A red alert for heavy to very heavy rain was issued for Bankura, West Midnapore and Jhargram districts for Tuesday.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Kolkata said the low pressure area formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal had become more pronounced in the last few hours and was expected to intensify into a depression by late Monday.

The monsoon axis extends over the low pressure area to the Bay of Bengal via Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. As a result, continuous heavy rain is likely in south Bengal till Tuesday.

On Tuesday, isolated heavy rainfall is also expected in West Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, West Burdwan and Birbhum districts. The remaining districts of south Bengal will experience rain with thundershowers. Rain is likely to decrease in south Bengal from Tuesday evening onwards. No further weather warning has been issued for now.

Due to the low pressure system, gale force winds of 40 to 50 kmph are blowing over the sea. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the north Bay of Bengal off the West Bengal and Odisha coasts till Tuesday.

Heavy rain will also continue in north Bengal till Tuesday. Heavy rain is likely only in Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong districts on Monday, while Alipurduar and Darjeeling districts may see heavy rain on Tuesday. Scattered rains with thundershowers will continue in the remaining northern districts, including North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Malda and Cooch Behar, till Tuesday.

Since Monday morning, Kolkata has been witnessing heavy rain that left several areas waterlogged. Continuous rainfall has slowed traffic movement in and around the city. The minimum temperature in Kolkata on Monday morning was 25 degrees Celsius, 1.5 degrees below normal. The maximum temperature on Sunday was 30 degrees Celsius, 1.9 degrees below normal.

The incident took place as a massive crowd gathered at the temple for darshan on the occasion of Nag Panchami, which coincided with the third Monday of Sawan this year.

According to initial reports, the situation arose amid mounting crowd pressure in a barricaded area opposite the Harsiddhi Temple. The injured devotees were taken to a nearby hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Further details about the nature of their injuries and their condition are awaited.

A large number of devotees have reached Ujjain for special darshan of Lord Mahakal and Lord Nagchandreshwar. Heavy crowding has been reported in the Mahakal temple complex and on roads in the surrounding areas. Officials said around 5.50 lakh devotees had visited the temple so far.

The Nagchandreshwar Temple, located on the third floor of the Mahakal Temple complex, is open to devotees only once a year on Nag Panchami. It remains closed to the public for the rest of the year.

Devotees from different parts of the country visit Ujjain on the occasion to seek darshan of Lord Nagchandreshwar. The coincidence of Nag Panchami with the third Monday of Sawan has led to an especially heavy rush this year.

Ahead of the festival, Divisional Commissioner Ashish Singh and Collector Roshan Kumar Singh had inspected the arrangements and directed officials to ensure proper barricading, drinking water, sanitation, medical facilities and emergency arrangements for devotees.

The district administration has deployed personnel and made arrangements to regulate the movement of devotees amid the heavy rush.

Governor S. Abdul Nazeer officially summoned both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council for the session following standard administrative prep work over the weekend.

Assembly Boycott and Speaker's Stance

The session opens under a familiar political shadow as the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), the state’s primary opposition force, reiterated its stance to boycott Assembly proceedings. The party continues to protest the denial of official Leader of Opposition (LoP) status to former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Addressing legislative preparedness on Sunday, Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patraudu confirmed that administrative and security arrangements were fully operational. Patraudu directly urged the opposition to reconsider its legislative absence.

"It is the fundamental responsibility of Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and all elected YSRCP legislators to attend the House and voice constituent concerns," Speaker Patraudu stated. "If opposition members attend and table public issues, I will personally ensure comprehensive responses from the respective cabinet ministers."

Patraudu’s remarks follow his recent public critique regarding legislative attendance, where he questioned whether unseated or absent members should draw state salaries. He suggested national policy discussions should consider statutory frameworks linking compensation to active participation in legislative sessions.

Opposition Strategy in the Legislative Council

Despite stepping away from the floor of the Legislative Assembly, YSRCP leadership confirmed plans to leverage its numerical strength inside the Upper House. During an address to party legislators on August 12, Jagan Mohan Reddy instructed YSRCP Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) to challenge the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on several policy fronts.

"Without official recognition as the Leader of the Opposition, entering the Assembly limits our ability to hold the executive accountable," Jagan Mohan Reddy told party members. "However, given our strength in the Council, our members must serve as the voice of the public and rigorously highlight governance lapses."

Core Policy Flashpoints

The opposition's agenda in the Legislative Council will focus heavily on human resource allocations and state educational spending:

• Teacher Recruitment (Mega DSC-2025): The YSRCP intends to demand an independent Investigation into alleged administrative irregularities, sports quota re-allocations, and procedural shifts in the recent teacher recruitment drive. Opposition leaders have repeatedly called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the handling of the portfolio by Education Minister Nara Lokesh.

• Student Welfare Schemes: The opposition plans to table motions regarding structural delays in the implementation of the Vasathi Deevena hostel support scheme and pending fee reimbursement allocations. According to YSRCP estimates, backlogged liabilities across 13 quarterly cycles have accumulated to over ₹9,100 crore in tuition assistance and ₹3,300 crore in housing grants.

With the ruling coalition preparing to table key legislative bills and discuss seasonal relief measures for agrarian distress, the session promises high-stakes debate across both chambers.

The deceased was identified as A. Dharmaraj, 56, a Grade-I Police Constable serving with the band unit of the Tamil Nadu Special Police Regimental Centre in Avadi. He was deployed for ceremonial duty at the Independence Day celebrations at Fort St George and reportedly collapsed suddenly while participating in the parade. Police personnel and officials at the venue rushed to his assistance.

He was taken immediately to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai for emergency care. Doctors tried to stabilise his condition, but he did not respond and later died at the hospital.

The incident cast a pall over the police department, particularly among personnel associated with the Tamil Nadu Special Police and its regimental band unit. Dharmaraj had been assigned an important ceremonial responsibility during one of the state’s principal official events.

Expressing sorrow over the constable’s death, Vijay said Dharmaraj’s passing was an irreparable loss not only to his family but also to the Tamil Nadu Police. He acknowledged the constable’s service and his commitment to duty during the Independence Day programme. The Chief Minister extended condolences to Dharmaraj’s family members, relatives, friends and police colleagues, and said the state government stood with the bereaved family. He directed the authorities concerned to provide Rs 30 lakh as financial relief to support the dependants following the sudden death of the family’s breadwinner.

Colleagues in the force also expressed sympathy for the loss of an officer who collapsed while carrying out official responsibilities. Band units play a significant role in the ceremonial proceedings at Fort St George, including the march-past and other events linked to the state’s Independence Day celebrations.

The Health, Medical and Family Welfare Department has issued a Government Order (GO) creating the new body. According to the order, the unified administration will preserve the statutory provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The respective statutory authorities and officers will continue to exercise their powers independently in accordance with those enactments.

IPS officer Avinash Mohanty, who was earlier posted as Director General of the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, has been appointed Commissioner of TG SAFE. The General Administration Department issued a separate GO for the posting.

The Health Department order noted that with the increasing volume of licensed food business operations in Telangana, there is a need to strengthen compliance and enforcement under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, to prevent unsafe, spurious and substandard food and drugs and to protect public health.

The Food Safety Department, under the Commissioner of Food Safety, and the Drugs Control Department, which has functioned independently since 1981, regulate food, drugs and cosmetics through licensing, inspection, sampling, testing and enforcement. A single-line administrative integration of food and drugs regulation, aimed at improving coordination, surveillance and regulatory outcomes, has already been adopted in several states.

The GO stated that the two departments share common objectives relating to public health, consumer safety, quality assurance and effective regulatory enforcement, and that a unified administrative framework is required to improve surveillance, intelligence, enforcement, legal support and regulatory outcomes. After examination, the government decided to establish the unified structure.

Drug administration, food safety, enforcement, legal and prosecution, laboratory and administrative wings will function under the unified administration. Citing the growing diversity of food businesses and drug establishments, the government said modernisation was needed without creating an enforcement gap.

A state-level committee will be constituted to review existing mechanisms for implementing the two Acts. Its terms of reference include a comprehensive assessment of the unified authority, focusing on systemic modernisation, harmonisation of service rules, optimal cadre strength for statutory duties, effective enforcement with testing and legal support, intelligence and data-analysis systems, and infrastructure upgrades for field units and laboratory services, with the aim of building a technology-enabled regulatory framework aligned with national and global best practices.

A large number of Kanwariyas were travelling on the train when the incident occurred. All passengers were reported safe, with no casualties, according to officials.

Railway officials said Train No. 08895, the Madhupur Shravani Mela Special, was proceeding towards Madhupur at around 2:30 a.m. when its third coach from the engine went off the tracks near pole number 354/SA4. The sudden derailment brought the train to an abrupt halt with a loud noise and briefly caused panic among passengers.

Soon after receiving information, railway officials, along with teams of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP), reached the spot to assess the situation and begin relief operations. A technical team was deployed and started rescue and restoration work. The derailed coach was brought back onto the tracks.

As a precaution, authorities decided not to allow the coach to continue the rest of the journey. It was stationed at the Muri yard, and the Kanwariyas travelling in it were safely evacuated.

The derailment disrupted rail traffic on the section for some time, and the routes of several trains operating through the stretch were altered. The technical team carried out repair and restoration work on the damaged portion of the track, completing it at approximately 5:15 a.m. on Sunday. Train operations on the Bokaro section then resumed, and normal movement was gradually restored.

Railway authorities have ordered an investigation into the incident to establish the exact cause of the derailment and the circumstances that led to the coach leaving the tracks. Officials are examining the condition of the track and other technical aspects as part of the inquiry. Further details are awaited.

In its latest weather bulletin, the department said one or two places in districts along the Western Ghats could experience moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds on Sunday. Light rain with thunderstorms is also likely at isolated places across the rest of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Rainfall activity is expected to intensify on Monday, with heavy showers forecast at one or two places in Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai districts. The rain could be accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. Moderate rainfall is also likely in 16 districts, including those along the Western Ghats, as well as Chennai, Tiruvallur and Cuddalore. A few places in the remaining parts of Tamil Nadu and the Karaikal region may receive light rain.

On Tuesday, heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely at isolated places in Chengalpattu and Villupuram districts. Moderate rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds have been forecast at a few places in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi and Cuddalore districts, besides Puducherry.

The weather department has forecast another spell of heavy rain on Wednesday (August 19). One or two places in the Nilgiris, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur and Villupuram districts are likely to receive intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms. Strong surface winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph may also sweep across these districts during thundershowers, the bulletin said.

Residents in areas covered by the heavy-rain forecast have been advised to remain cautious, particularly during thunderstorms and periods of strong winds. Motorists should exercise care on waterlogged or slippery roads, while people have been urged to avoid taking shelter under trees or near weak structures during lightning.

The spell is expected to bring temporary relief from humid conditions in several areas. However, short and intense showers could result in localised waterlogging in low-lying urban neighbourhoods and traffic disruption, particularly in Chennai and its surrounding districts. Local authorities are expected to monitor vulnerable areas as rainfall activity increases.

The leaders also attended a solemn prayer meeting held in Vajpayee’s memory.

Former President Ram Nath Kovind, Rajya Sabha Vice Chairman Harivansh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and BJP National President Nitin Nabin were among those who joined in paying homage.

Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a statesman, poet and writer. He served as India’s Prime Minister three times — first briefly in 1996 for 13 days, then from 1998 to 1999 for 13 months, and later for a full term from 1999 to 2004. Vajpayee passed away on August 16, 2018, at AIIMS in New Delhi.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi paid homage on social media, hailing Vajpayee’s vision. “Remembering Atal Ji on his Punya Tithi. An extraordinary statesman blessed with remarkable vision, he dedicated his life to the service of our nation. His words and efforts inspired generations and his leadership strengthened our nation. His focus on good governance and public welfare will always continue to guide us,” the Prime Minister posted on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tributes, recalling Vajpayee’s contributions. “On the death anniversary of former Prime Minister and the founder of BJP, Bharat Ratna, the revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee, I pay my homage to him. Atal ji was a patriot politician of such calibre who dedicated every moment of his life to the service of the nation,” Shah said.

“On one hand, he made the entire world aware of India’s strength through nuclear tests and the Kargil War, while on the other hand, his value-based politics brought the vision of Antyodaya and good governance to the ground for the first time. Atal ji’s towering personality and leadership will continue to inspire every BJP worker towards nation-building forever,” he added.

MS Global Entertainment honoured inspiring achievers on the occasion of 15 August – Independence Day through the India’s Independent Inspiration Awards – 2026, recognising their remarkable contributions, passion, innovation and service to society.

1. Dr. Jeswant Thomas – Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiast & Dentist

Dr. Jeswant Thomas has built an impressive collection of 40+ rare and vintage motorcycles, driven by his passion for India’s changing automotive heritage. Alongside his love for classic bikes, he is a dedicated dentist known for working with children and seniors and participating in dental camps and social initiatives. He was also selected as a finalist for Car & Bike Enthusiast of 2025 by Kyhaal.

2. Apurva Agarwal – Founder, Outré Couture

Apurva Agarwal, founder of Outré Couture, has been driving innovation in the fashion industry since 2017. Based in Noida with offices in Bengaluru and Brisbane, the company offers AI-driven fashion sourcing and smart manufacturing solutions, taking brands from Design to Delivery with technology, quality and global scalability.

3. Dr. Parul Patel – Reiki Master, Tarot Reader & Consciousness Mentor

Dr. Parul Patel combines tarot wisdom, chakra knowledge, astrology, Reiki and subconscious reprogramming to help people navigate life with greater clarity and awareness. Based in Jagdalpur, she is also a teacher and creator of crystal and sustainable products, working towards promoting conscious living and personal transformation.

4. Jaza Khalid – Young Author & Changemaker

At just 7 years old, Jaza Khalid has emerged as a young changemaker and child author with a powerful mission to spread CPR awareness among children. Her book “ABC to CPR” promotes lifesaving education from an early age, earning her national and international recognition and inspiring a generation to learn essential emergency skills.

5. Kiara – Young World Record Holder

Five-year-old Kiara has demonstrated exceptional talent in learning, fitness and sports. With achievements spanning skating, karate, science, yoga, fitness and powerlifting, she has earned four world records, including recognition as a child prodigy in microbiology, making her an inspiring example of determination and young-age excellence.az

6. Dr. Ch. Asha Immanuel Raju – Professor & Researcher

Dr. Ch. Asha Immanuel Raju, Professor of Chemical Engineering at Andhra University, is an accomplished academician, researcher and author with 19+ years of experience, 75 patents, 25 textbooks and 118+ research publications. His contribution to education, innovation, research and student development has earned him several prestigious national and international honours.

7. Dr. Arif Mohd Bhat – Academician & Researcher

Dr. Arif Mohd Bhat, from Kulgam, Jammu & Kashmir, currently serves as an Assistant Professor (Contractual) at GDC Women Baramulla. He has contributed to academic research through four international journal publications and is also a co-author of the book “AI Application in Research Methodology,” reflecting his commitment to research and modern education.

8. Dr. Golda Sahaya Rani: A Dedicated Leader in Nursing Education

Dr. Golda Sahaya Rani has built a distinguished nursing career marked by dedication, academic leadership, clinical expertise, and a strong commitment to service. With experience ranging from Clinical Instructor to Professor, HOD and Vice Principal, she continues to contribute to nursing education and professional development at Takshashila University, Tindivanam. Her journey reflects her belief that nursing is not just a profession, but a noble service that transforms lives. Celebrating Excellence Across India

Congratulations to all the distinguished honourees!
Happy Independence Day – 15 August 2026 ??
Presented by MS Global Entertainment

Schools in Bhopal had also remained closed on Monday and Tuesday due to the prevailing weather conditions. The administration decided to extend the closure for another day as rainfall continued in several parts of the state and the weather department forecast more rain.

Several places recorded heavy rainfall during the past 24 hours.

Amid the worsening rain situation, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reviewed rescue and relief operations from the State Disaster Management situation room. He took a district-wise update on flood and waterlogging conditions and virtually interacted with affected residents and rescue personnel.

Officials told the Chief Minister that 527 people had been rescued from flood-affected areas across the state so far (till August 10).

Chief Minister Yadav appreciated the efforts of the State Disaster Response Force, police, Home Guards and local residents who participated in rescue operations. “The lives of 527 people have been saved due to the prompt action of the SDRF, police and Home Guards,” he said, adding that those local residents who helped in saving lives would also be rewarded.

He directed officials to maintain utmost vigilance and continue round-the-clock rescue operations at critical locations. District administrations were asked to coordinate with neighbouring districts and seek assistance whenever required.

Chief Minister Yadav also directed officials not to allow vehicles to cross culverts or causeways when water is flowing over them and said air ambulance services should be made available wherever necessary.

The Chief Minister reviewed rescue operations in Rajgarh, Sehore, Agar Malwa, Vidisha and Khandwa.

The cycle rally brought together more than 1,000 volunteers and aimed to promote fitness, healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness among the youth.

Addressing the gathering, Mandaviya highlighted the importance of fitness in building a developed and healthy nation. “In Delhi, more than 1,000 MY Bharat volunteers conveyed a message of fitness to the nation through the Har Ghar Tiranga Cycle Yatra. For any nation to become a developed nation, it is essential that its citizens remain healthy. Cycling promotes fitness. It is a solution to pollution and traffic congestion, saves fuel, and helps protect the environment,” he said.

Mandaviya stressed that cycling can contribute not only to individual health but also to wider environmental and social goals. He said greater use of bicycles can help reduce pollution and traffic congestion, lower fuel consumption and encourage people to adopt healthier modes of transportation. The event also sought to connect the message of physical fitness with the spirit of Independence Day.

Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu highlighted the role of young people in the initiative. “On this auspicious occasion of Independence Day, our youth have organised a bicycle rally, the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Yatra, under the leadership of Union Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya. The purpose of this yatra is to encourage every young person to stay fit. When our youth are fit, our nation will also be fit,” he said.

Asian Games medallist Ramit Tandon, who participated in the event, welcomed the enthusiasm around cycling and linked it to the broader Fit India movement. “The Fit India programme was started by PM Narendra Modi, and it is encouraging to see so many people cycling here. The Sports Minister also said that cycling is very important for maintaining fitness. Nowadays, as transportation and fuel costs are increasing, cycling is the most eco-friendly mode of transportation,” he said.

Tandon also underlined the significance of the Independence Day celebrations: “There is no greater source of pride than celebrating August 15 — the day we celebrate the freedom due to which we can live freely today.”

The cycle yatra combined the message of fitness with the patriotic spirit of Independence Day, encouraging citizens, particularly young people, to adopt healthier and more environmentally friendly practices.

India is likely to witness another active spell of monsoon weather beginning Tuesday, with the IMD predicting widespread rainfall across several parts of the country. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over parts of northwest, central, eastern, northeastern and western India in the coming days. Thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds are also likely to affect several states during this period.

According to the IMD, the monsoon trough remains active and is positioned south of its normal location in the lower tropospheric levels. A low-pressure area over north Madhya Pradesh and adjoining regions, along with other weather systems over the Bay of Bengal and central India, is expected to influence rainfall activity across large parts of the country.

The weather department has also warned of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in some regions, including East Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Delhi and Haryana are likely to receive fairly widespread to widespread rainfall on August 11, with another spell of rain expected on August 13. The IMD has forecast isolated heavy rainfall over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi on both August 11 and August 13.

The national capital may also experience thunderstorms and lightning during this active monsoon phase. Residents have been advised to remain alert for sudden heavy showers, waterlogging and possible traffic disruptions, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.

West Uttar Pradesh is expected to receive heavy rainfall on August 11, while East Uttar Pradesh may witness widespread rainfall activity later in the week. The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall over West Uttar Pradesh on August 14 and 15, while East Uttar Pradesh is likely to receive heavy rain between August 13 and 15.

Delhi recently recorded its wettest August day in two years. On Saturday, the Safdarjung observatory registered 98.7 mm of rainfall during the 24 hours ending at 8:30 a.m. The last time the city recorded higher rainfall on an August day was on August 1, 2024, when 107.6 mm of rain was measured.

According to the IMD, Delhi’s mean total rainfall for August, based on the 1991-2020 climatological period, is 226.8 mm. The cumulative rainfall recorded so far has already crossed the monthly average by 3.3 mm.

The active monsoon conditions are being driven by multiple weather systems. The monsoon trough remains south of its normal position, while a low-pressure area over north Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas continues to influence rainfall over central and northwest India. An upper-air cyclonic circulation over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas is also significant. Under its influence, the IMD expects another low-pressure area to form over the same region around August 12.

The convocation ceremony saw the conferral of degrees upon more than 3,000 students, including 587 PhD scholars. In his main address, the Prime Minister emphasized that young engineers carry both individual ambitions and broader national aspirations as India expands its technological infrastructure and innovation ecosystem.

Students Note Campus Familiarity and Relatability

In direct interactions following the ceremony, several gold medal winners expressed surprise at the Prime Minister’s detailed knowledge of daily student life on the Hauz Khas campus.

"The way he delivered his speech was thoroughly connecting. It was not like we were listening to our Prime Minister. It was like some senior was talking to us," said Amarpreet Singh, recipient of the Perfect Ten Gold Medal in M.Tech Structural Engineering. "It is encouraging that student voices are not only being heard but are also being honored at the national level."

Akshat Singhal, who was awarded the prestigious President's Gold Medal in B.Tech Computer Science, noted how the Prime Minister referenced specific campus traditions, including late-night study sessions and local eateries.

"I was very surprised how the Prime Minister was actually familiar with all the little things that we have on the campus, such as 'Nightmess' or getting to Jia Sarai for poha," Singhal said. "That particularly highlights how eager he is to connect with us all. We see a direct effort to engage with Gen Z and youth across multiple platforms."

Focus on Youth and Research Innovation

The sentiment was echoed by Ramireddy Venkata Sai Reddy, Perfect Ten Gold Medalist in M.Tech Biomedical Engineering, who highlighted how subtle campus references resonated with the graduating batch.

"He was very aware of the things happening in the hostel, even mentioning things that happen at 3 a.m.," Reddy said. "These small details made us very happy that such a prominent figure captured the moments that made our overall campus life memorable."

During the ceremony, academic leaders highlighted IIT Delhi’s ongoing research contributions in biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, and structural sustainability. PM Modi reiterated the Union government's focus on aligning higher education policy with research-driven entrepreneurship, urging the incoming cohort of engineers to turn academic projects into scalable public utility solutions.

Addressing an interactive session with public prosecutors and law officers at his official residence, CM Sharma emphasized that an efficient law-and-order system forms the cornerstone of effective governance.

"Effective law and order and accessible justice strengthen public confidence in the government and contribute to the realization of good governance in Rajasthan," Sharma stated during the address. "Needy and aggrieved individuals approach the justice system with hope. A sensitive and empathetic approach by prosecutors is crucial to sustaining their trust while fulfilling legal mandates."

Key Administrative and Structural Upgrades

To streamline case monitoring and maintain ongoing dialogue, the Chief Minister announced that Additional Advocates General will now be assigned divisional-level responsibilities. This step is designed to facilitate regular interaction with ground-level law officers and resolve operational bottlenecks swiftly.

The state government has also enacted significant structural expansions across Rajasthan’s judicial infrastructure:

• High Court Appointments: Appointment of 10 Additional Advocates General, 9 Additional Government Counsels, and 2 Special Public Prosecutors.

• New Judicial Bodies: Establishment of 14 District and Sessions Courts, 2 Additional District Courts, 8 CJM Courts, and 8 ACJM Courts. Specialized courts have also been set up for POCSO, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), NDPS, Negotiable Instruments Act, and commercial disputes.

• Staffing Expansion: Creation of 40 new ministerial posts for offices of Additional Advocates General, along with 76 new posts for Public Prosecutors and 109 subordinate staff roles.

Focus on Pending Litigation and Legal Literacy

CM Sharma raised concerns regarding prolonged court pendency, noting that delayed litigation inflates project costs and stalls vital state development. He directed government departments and district collectors to compile categorized lists of pending public-interest litigation and set up rigorous monitoring protocols to expedite resolutions.

Highlighting the state's ongoing legal welfare measures, Sharma shared key achievements:

• Legal Aid Assistance: Over 27,251 individuals provided legal aid under the Prisoner and Child Protection Scheme.

• Victim Compensation: ₹84.53 crore disbursed to 3,905 beneficiaries under the Rajasthan Victim Compensation Scheme.

• Legal Awareness: 1.20 lakh legal literacy camps organized statewide, benefiting more than 76.67 lakh residents.

Law and Legal Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel, who was also present at the meeting, reiterated the ministry's commitment to improving departmental coordination and supporting legal professionals with modern infrastructure, including computer facilities and administrative backing.

The strategic revisions target high-density pilgrim and commuter belts, reducing transfer friction at major transit junctions while providing direct access to key economic, administrative, and religious hubs.

Expanded Transit Corridor: Chitrakoot to Pratapgarh via Lucknow

Under the newly sanctioned restructuring in Uttar Pradesh, the Ministry of Railways has unified two existing services into a single, continuous express corridor:

• 14109/14110 Chitrakutdham Karwi–Kanpur Central Express

• 14123/14124 Maa Belha Devi Dham Pratapgarh–Kanpur Central Express

The integrated service will now operate under Train No. 14123/14124 (Maa Belha Devi Dham Pratapgarh–Chitrakutdham Karwi Express).

To support the merged route and accommodate growing passenger volume, railway authorities have expanded the train's rake composition from 12 coaches to 24 coaches, effectively doubling its single-trip passenger capacity.

Key Route Integration Benefits

1. Direct Connectivity: Passengers traveling between Chitrakoot and the Lucknow-Pratapgarh belt will no longer need to alight and switch trains at Kanpur Central.

2. Intermediate Network Coverage: The 24-coach service will maintain scheduled stops across major intermediate stations, including Pratapgarh, Amethi, Rae Bareli, Lucknow, Unnao, Kanpur Central, Hamirpur Road, Banda, and Atarra.

3. Socio-Economic Linkages: The uninterrupted service directly targets daily commuters, student populations, regional trade vendors, and pilgrims visiting major spiritual centers like Chitrakoot and Maa Belha Devi Dham.

Daily Commuter Link Introduced Between Itarsi and Jabalpur

In a parallel infrastructure push for Madhya Pradesh, the ministry has approved a dedicated daily short-distance service linking Itarsi Junction with Madan Mahal in Jabalpur over a 242-kilometer section.

The new service provides affordable transportation for smaller, intermediate agricultural and administrative townships situated along the main West Central Railway corridor.

Schedule and Operational Details

Strategic Impact on Regional Mobility

The introduction of Train 51673/51674 serves as a critical feeder link to Itarsi Junction—one of India's largest railway interchanges. By establishing a predictable daily schedule between smaller towns and primary junctions, Indian Railways aims to improve regional access to healthcare, trade, and long-distance rail connectivity across central India.

"The unified service eliminates major transit choke points at terminal stations like Kanpur Central, while the new Madhya Pradesh route guarantees daily, low-cost transport for rural and suburban commuters along the Central trunk network," a senior Ministry of Railways official confirmed in a statement accompanying the announcement.

Both operational changes are scheduled to take effect immediately, with updated ticketing and reservation schedules integrated into the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) database.

Ratranshu Panchal, who grew up in Rajpipla in Narmada district, secured first position in the district in the Class 12 Science stream board examinations in 2018. He later completed a BE in Mechanical Engineering from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, obtaining distinction in all four years. His plans for higher studies abroad, however, faced a major financial barrier.

The family’s situation became more difficult in 2019 when his father, Rakeshkumar, died in a road accident. His mother, Prital Panchal, was left with the responsibility of supporting her two sons. According to the family, Rakeshkumar had wanted his elder son to study abroad and build a successful career. Prital continued to work toward that goal.

She approached several private banks for assistance but could not secure adequate support because of the family’s financial position and guarantee requirements. She later learnt about the state government’s Overseas Study Loan Scheme for SEBC students, contacted the District Social Welfare Officer, Developing Castes, Narmada, and submitted the required documents. After the process was completed, the government sanctioned an education loan of Rs 15 lakh at an interest rate of four per cent.

The assistance enabled Ratranshu to enrol for a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Windsor in Canada. He completed the course with strong results, the family said, and is now working as a mechanical engineer in the corporate sector in Canada.

“It was my dream to pursue higher studies abroad, but the financial situation was the biggest challenge. Through the Gujarat Government’s Overseas Study Loan Scheme, I received assistance of Rs 15 lakh, which made it possible for me to complete my master’s studies. I sincerely thank the Gujarat Government and the Social Justice and Empowerment Department,” Ratranshu said.

Prital said the scheme had helped the family overcome a barrier that might otherwise have blocked her son’s chosen path. “There were many challenges in life after my husband’s death. But this government scheme proved to be a blessing for us. If this loan had not been available, it would not have been possible to fulfil my husband’s dream,” she said.

The family’s younger son, Om Panchal, is pursuing higher studies at GSFC University in Vadodara. Prital has urged other parents facing financial constraints not to give up on their children’s education and to seek information on welfare schemes at the District Seva Sadan, the Collector’s Office, or the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, Developing Castes.

The Overseas Study Loan Scheme is implemented by the state’s Social Justice and Empowerment Department for eligible SEBC students pursuing higher education abroad. In Ratranshu’s case, the loan provided the support needed to complete his overseas degree and move into employment in his field.

Officials said no fresh batch of Yatris was permitted to leave the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the base camps. The situation will be reviewed depending on weather conditions, and the status of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway will be monitored closely, as it is the only road used by pilgrims to reach the Yatra base camps.

More than 4.75 lakh Yatris had darshan inside the holy cave shrine till Friday. With the pilgrimage now in its later phase, the number of fresh arrivals in Jammu has also declined.

The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 (SANJY-2026) began on July 3 and is scheduled to conclude on August 28 after 57 days, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. At present, pilgrims are undertaking the Yatra only from the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district in north Kashmir. The traditional southern route from the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp remains closed for track maintenance.

The Yatra had resumed on Thursday after a one-day suspension linked to security arrangements on the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. On that day, the 28th batch of 1,801 pilgrims—comprising 1,347 men, 351 women, 89 sadhus and 14 sadhvis—left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas at 2:45 a.m. for Baltal in 74 vehicles under tight security.

The cave shrine, situated at 3,880 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas, houses an ice stalagmite that waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon. Devotees regard the formation as a symbol of the divine power of Lord Shiva.

Authorities will continue to assess weather and highway conditions before deciding when movement of pilgrims from Jammu can resume.

The chief minister’s visit has prompted the administration and police to strengthen security arrangements. A large contingent of police personnel, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and other security forces has been deployed across key areas.

The Kanwar Yatra has been under way in Meerut for nearly a week, with large numbers of Shiva devotees travelling through the district carrying holy water from the Ganga. Officials have been placed on alert ahead of the chief minister’s programme. Security and traffic arrangements have been reinforced along routes expected to be used by the Kanwariyas and for the VIP movement.

Senior administrative and police officials have inspected the programme venue as well as major routes and reviewed preparations. Authorities are working to ensure that the movement of Kanwariyas remains smooth while adequate security is maintained during the public programme. Particular attention has been given to traffic management as the flow of pilgrims continues to increase.

Security has also been stepped up in Delhi along the Kanwar Yatra route. At Chintamani Chowk in Shahdara, local police and traffic personnel have been deployed to manage security and regulate traffic as devotees pass through the area.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Sah-Zila Mantri Anmol Dubey said the atmosphere in the area had changed in recent years and that flower showers had become part of the arrangements during the Kanwar Yatra. “Ever since the government changed here, the atmosphere in this area has changed. Earlier, people used to walk around empty-handed. Last year, flowers were showered here. This year as well, flowers will be showered,” he said.

He added that last year the Delhi Police had also participated in the flower shower and that VHP workers were present. Similar arrangements were planned again.

With the Kanwar Yatra continuing, authorities in Meerut are maintaining heightened security and traffic controls to facilitate the movement of devotees and prevent disruptions along major routes during the chief minister’s visit.

Holding plates filled with contaminated food, the students marched through town and gathered outside the Collectorate premises, chanting slogans against hostel administration and demanding immediate disciplinary action against responsible kitchen staff and management.

Discovery of Contamination and Persistent Grievances

According to student representatives, caterpillars were discovered embedded within the dal and rice served during Friday’s lunch session. Demonstrators stated that food contamination is not an isolated incident, alleging that insects and substandard ingredients have been found in their meals multiple times a month despite recurring verbal complaints to hostel authorities.

Students further submitted a formal memorandum to district administrators, outlining chronic operational shortcomings:

• Substandard Meal Preparation: Rice is frequently served undercooked alongside watery dal lacking essential spices and pulses, deviating significantly from government-mandated nutritional menus.

• Hostel Staff Misbehavior: Kitchen personnel and the hostel warden reportedly respond with verbal aggression and intimidation whenever students raise concerns regarding food safety.

• Staff Misconduct: Several students alleged that kitchen employees report for duty under the influence of alcohol, demanding money from residents for personal use and threatening false disciplinary complaints to families if refused.

Administrative Response and Probe Committee Formation

Responding to the protest, City Magistrate Bajrang Bahadur assured the students that the district administration has taken serious note of the allegations regarding food safety, hygiene, and staff conduct.

"The students have complained about poor quality food being served in the hostel and rude behavior by the staff," City Magistrate Bajrang Bahadur stated. "Directions have been issued for an immediate investigation into the matter."

To investigate the grievances, the administration constituted a four-member inquiry committee tasked with visiting the facility, interviewing residents, inspecting kitchen conditions, and evaluating raw ingredient storage.

"The Assistant Commissioner of the Tribal Affairs Department has also been called," Magistrate Bahadur added. "The inquiry team has been asked to record the statements of students, inspect the food served, and examine the hostel arrangements. Further action will be taken based on the inquiry report."

Broader Context of Hostel Infrastructure Oversight

The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny over food security and living conditions across government-operated educational hostels in rural Madhya Pradesh. Similar incidents involving poor quality grain and contamination have sparked regional student protests, prompting calls for stricter third-party audits of catering vendors and warden accountability.

District officials confirmed that appropriate administrative and legal action will follow once the four-member committee submits its findings. The student demonstration concluded after senior officials delivered firm assurances of transparent investigation and remedial measures.

The case came up for hearing on Friday before Family Court Judge D. Sujatha. During the morning session, legal counsel representing Vijay requested an adjournment, citing his ongoing official responsibilities in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly session. However, Sangeetha’s legal team pressed for the scheduled proceedings to continue, prompting the court to defer the hearing to the post-lunch session.

Video Conference Hearing and Formal Closure

During the afternoon session, Sangeetha appeared before the court via video conference and submitted a formal plea expressing her wish to withdraw both the primary divorce petition—originally filed under the Special Marriage Act—and her accompanying plea seeking residency rights.

Judge Sujatha conducted a 15-minute interaction with Sangeetha over video conference to record her statement and verify her decision. Finding no objections raised by the respondent’s legal counsel, the court accepted the withdrawal application and formally closed the divorce proceedings, granting liberty to the petitioner to seek future legal remedies if necessary.

Court officials confirmed that with the recorded withdrawal, all pending matrimonial litigation initiated by Sangeetha against the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief stands officially concluded. Neither party has issued a public statement regarding the underlying factors leading to the withdrawal.

Background of the Matrimonial Dispute

Sangeetha had originally approached the Chengalpattu Family Court in February 2026 seeking dissolution of marriage and injunctive relief regarding media coverage. The petition contained allegations of infidelity and constructive desertion, citing emotional strain and marital breakdown since 2021.

The court proceedings drew significant public scrutiny as they coincided with the high-decibel political campaign ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, in which Vijay led his newly formed party to electoral success. Previous hearings on April 20 and June 15 had seen procedural adjournments regarding personal appearance directions before Friday’s virtual hearing resolved the matter.

A related public interest litigation filed before the Madras High Court questioning Vijay's election affidavit disclosures—specifically referencing financial transactions listed between the couple—was previously dismissed by the High Court in April.

A Nearly Three-Decade Relationship

Vijay and Sangeetha, a British national of Sri Lankan origin, first met in 1996 during the early years of Vijay’s film career. The couple registered their marriage in the United Kingdom in 1998 before solemnizing their union through a traditional Hindu ceremony in Chennai on August 25, 1999. They have two children: a son, Jason Sanjay, born in 2000, and a daughter, Dhivya Shasha, born in 2005.

With the family court's formal acceptance of Sangeetha's withdrawal plea, the months-long legal dispute stands officially dismissed.

According to the daily hydrological situation report issued at 6:00 a.m. on Friday by the Muzaffarpur District Emergency Operation Centre, several primary rivers in the region are registering steady upward trends, creating flood risks in adjacent low-lying blocks.

Hydrological Readings and Key Water Level Metrics

The official monitoring gauge at Kataujha recorded the Bagmati River flowing at 55.15 metres—exceeding its established danger threshold of 55.00 metres. Although field observations indicated a slight abatement in peak flow velocity later in the morning, the river continues to navigate above the danger line, maintaining pressure on local earthen embankments.

Simultaneously, adjacent river basins are experiencing a consistent rise in water levels:

• Burhi Gandak River (Sikandarpur): Recorded at 49.16 metres against a danger mark of 52.53 metres. While currently below critical levels, the steady upward trajectory poses potential risks if upstream precipitation persists.

• Gandak River (Rewaghat): Measured at 53.63 metres, hovering below its danger line of 54.41 metres but remaining under continuous observation due to increased discharge from upstream barrages.

On-Ground Surveillance and Administrative Measures

To protect vulnerable riparian communities, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has mobilized specialized teams, including junior engineers from the Water Discharge Division and personnel from the District Flood Control Room. Engineers are conducting 24/7 physical patrols along key embankment stretches to detect structural seepage or erosion early.

The district administration has urged residents living along low-lying riverbanks and floodplains to maintain vigilance and adhere strictly to safety guidelines. Contingency planning is underway in identified flood-prone blocks—particularly Katra and Aurai—to ensure immediate deployment of rescue boats, temporary shelters, and emergency relief supplies should water inundate residential areas.

At the state level, the Water Resources Department has activated a central monitoring control room in Patna. The control facility coordinates real-time data flow between district administration units, the Central Water Commission (CWC), and disaster management authorities across North Bihar and the Seemanchal belt to manage the evolving monsoon situation.

The coordinated drive was jointly organized by the State’s Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department in collaboration with the Gujarat Forest Department. The initiative aims to leverage educational and technical institutions as active centers for ecological conservation while mobilizing youth toward environmental protection.

Leadership Leads On-Ground Efforts in Gandhinagar

Minister for Labour, Skill Development and Employment Kunvarji Bavaliya spearheaded the statewide campaign at the Government ITI campus in Gandhinagar. Joining trainees, faculty, and local administration officials, Bavaliya planted a sapling to mark the inauguration of the drive.

Speaking to students and community leaders following the ceremony, Bavaliya emphasized the urgency of climate action, positioning ecological care alongside technical skill-building as essential pillars of youth development.

"Planting more trees and properly caring for them is the need of the hour to tackle rising pollution and global warming," Bavaliya stated. "While young people should focus on acquiring skills, they should also recognise their responsibility towards protecting the environment."

The Minister urged citizens and trainees to look beyond the initial event, stressing that long-term survival rates and sustained care of the planted saplings are crucial to achieving lasting environmental sustainability.

Comprehensive Institutional Mobilization

The drive unfolded simultaneously across all 289 state-run ITIs, demonstrating a synchronized administrative execution across Gujarat's districts. The central event in Gandhinagar saw participation from municipal leaders, state administrators, and educational directors.

Notable attendees at the flagship Gandhinagar event included:

• Mira Patel, Mayor of Gandhinagar

• Rita Patel, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Gandhinagar North

• Ashish Dave, Public Representative

• A.K. Vastani, Director of Employment and Training

• Tejas Soni, Joint Secretary, Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department

• Mansi Teraiya, Principal, Government ITI Gandhinagar

Senior administrative figures including Additional Director Rathva, Deputy Director (Training) for Gandhinagar M.R. Purani, and Deputy Director (Training) for Ahmedabad Dhruti Joshi were also on-site to oversee operations and engage with participating students.

Integrating Technical Training with Ecological Responsibility

By hosting the drive across technical training centers, state officials aim to instill environmental awareness within Gujarat's burgeoning skilled workforce. The initiative forms part of the state government's broader policy framework to enhance urban and rural canopy cover through structured public participation.

Local officials confirmed that maintenance protocols have been assigned to local ITI administration teams to ensure the long-term growth and protection of the newly planted saplings across all participating campuses.

The Agriculture Budget follows the Revised Budget Estimates for 2026-27 presented a day earlier by Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson—the maiden Budget of the TVK government headed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

Expectations are high among farmers, particularly over a possible crop loan waiver. Farmers’ organisations have been pressing the government to waive cooperative crop loans availed up to February 28 and are hoping the Agriculture Budget will provide clarity on the extent and financial framework of such relief.

Minimum Support Price and procurement incentives for key crops are also expected to receive significant attention. Recent review meetings chaired by Chief Minister Vijay have discussed measures to improve returns for farmers, with paddy and sugarcane among the major crops in focus. Farmers are looking for enhanced procurement incentives, steps to reduce production costs and measures to ensure timely payments.

Strengthening procurement centres and simplifying procedures for farmers selling their produce to government agencies are among the other demands being voiced.

Climate resilience is likely to emerge as another major theme. Several agricultural regions have faced increasingly erratic weather, including drought, excessive rainfall and changing monsoon patterns, affecting yields and farm incomes. The government is expected to outline measures for drought mitigation, irrigation improvement and water conservation, particularly in the Cauvery delta and drought-prone southern districts.

Investments in agricultural infrastructure, farm mechanisation, storage facilities and modern technologies could also feature in the announcements.

In the general Budget presented on Wednesday, the government earmarked Rs 14,984 crore under the Revised Budget Estimates for the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, providing the financial backdrop for Thursday’s sector-specific proposals.

The Agriculture Budget is also expected to set out the TVK government’s longer-term strategy for raising agricultural productivity, strengthening farmers’ incomes and attracting investment into food processing and allied sectors.

With the government beginning its first full budgetary exercise after assuming office, Thursday’s Agriculture Budget will be closely watched for how far the administration translates its commitments to farmers into concrete schemes and financial allocations.

The weather department has forecast a generally cloudy sky over Delhi and predicted that rainfall activity is likely to continue until August 10. The forecast follows rain in several parts of the city on Tuesday, which brought temporary relief from hot and humid conditions.

Among Delhi’s weather monitoring stations, Ayanagar recorded the highest rainfall during Tuesday’s spell, according to the IMD. Although the showers improved conditions briefly, humid weather is expected to persist.

For Wednesday, the IMD has forecast moderate rainfall under a generally cloudy sky. The maximum temperature is expected to settle around 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is likely to remain near 24 degrees Celsius. The yellow alert advises residents to remain aware of changing weather conditions, as rainfall and thunderstorms may affect normal activities in some areas.

Meanwhile, the IMD on Tuesday issued district-wise nowcast warnings for several states, cautioning about thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rainfall and strong winds expected over the following two to three hours.

A red warning was issued for Punjab’s Patiala district, indicating the possibility of severe weather requiring immediate precautions. The forecast for the district included thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds reaching around 60 kmph and heavy rainfall exceeding 15 mm per hour. Residents were advised to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense weather.

An orange warning was also issued for several districts across multiple states, where thunderstorms, lightning, winds of 40–60 kmph and moderate to heavy rainfall of 5–15 mm per hour or more were considered very likely.

In Punjab, the orange warning covered Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Sangrur and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar. In Uttar Pradesh, districts under the warning included Amethi, Ayodhya, Barabanki, Fatehpur, Hardoi, Kanpur Dehat, Kanpur Nagar, Lucknow, Pratapgarh, Raebareli and Unnao.

The IMD has advised people in the affected areas to remain cautious, avoid open spaces during thunderstorms and follow official weather updates as monsoon conditions remain active across several parts of northern India.

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Air India Flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft (registration VT-EXO), encountered a momentary altitude variation. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

The flight was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.

“The DGCA has initiated a detailed investigation into the occurrence. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA are closely monitoring the situation,” the ministry said.

As a precautionary measure, medical teams attended to all passengers and crew immediately after landing. Eight passengers and four cabin crew members were admitted to hospitals for detailed medical evaluation and treatment, while the remaining passengers were provided with necessary assistance and support.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, accompanied by Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, visited Fortis Hospital to enquire about the condition of the injured passengers and assure them of all necessary assistance. Senior officials from the ministry also visited Fortis and Medanta hospitals and are coordinating closely with hospital authorities and Air India to ensure appropriate medical care.

The aircraft has been moved to the hangar. The Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder have been secured for detailed examination as part of the investigation.

The ministry reiterated that passenger safety remains its highest priority and that all necessary measures are being taken.

Pilgrims, known as kanwarias, reach the temple town on Mondays for the Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva. Many walk the entire distance while others travel by train to Tarakeswar station. The crowd swells when devotees return after the rituals, with nearly all of them travelling back by train.

“There are lakhs of devotees every Monday. There is a huge rush this year. We are ensuring safe, seamless and comfortable travel for the devotees during the ongoing Shravani Mela at Tarakeswar. Senior officers conducted a comprehensive inspection at Tarakeswar station to review passenger amenities, crowd management, safety measures and overall operational preparedness,” a senior ER official said.

Officials recorded a footfall of nearly 1.60 lakh pilgrims on Monday, August 3, a 34.30 per cent increase over the previous year. Seoraphuli station, from where the tracks branch off towards Tarakeswar, handled 83,963 devotees on the same day — a 26.64 per cent rise over last year.

To manage the surge, ER has established three temporary holding areas at Tarakeswar station with a combined capacity of 5,920 passengers. These areas are equipped with adequate lighting, fans, drinking water and mobile charging facilities. Ticket issuance has been strengthened through the deployment of 11 additional UTS counters, seven mobile UTS counters and 10 automatic ticket vending machines operated by dedicated facilitators.

Fourteen pairs of additional EMU special trains running between Howrah, Seoraphuli, Barddhaman and Tarakeswar have been introduced for the period. During the first three peak weekends, a total of 246 special train trips were operated, supported by a dedicated EMU scratch rake stationed at Tarakeswar for immediate deployment during emergency surges.

Passenger safety is being monitored through 70 CCTV cameras, including 25 solar-powered units, which stream live feeds to a dedicated Railway Protection Force war room for real-time surveillance. Nearly 410 RPF personnel are deployed on every peak Sunday and Monday, operating in close coordination with the Government Railway Police, Civil Defence, Hooghly Police and the district administration.

Comprehensive medical arrangements, including ambulances, emergency medical teams and CPR-trained railway staff, remain stationed on site throughout the Mela period.

“Apart from the pilgrims, we also have to ensure the smooth travel of regular commuters. Lakhs of people commute in this section daily. We have to ensure that they are not inconvenienced due to the additional rush. Surveillance is also being maintained at other stations to ensure that daily commuters are not harassed,” the official added.

The multi-layered arrangements aim to balance the heavy seasonal pilgrim traffic with the needs of regular passengers on the busy section.

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav shared the details in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. He said the scheme provides health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to 12 crore economically vulnerable families, representing the bottom 40 per cent of the population.

AB-PMJAY has contributed substantially to lowering household healthcare costs. According to the National Health Accounts Estimates 2022-23, out-of-pocket expenditure as a proportion of total health expenditure declined from 62.6 per cent in 2014-15 to 43.4 per cent in 2022-23. This reduction indicates that households are bearing a considerably smaller share of healthcare expenses directly, owing to increased public investment in health and the expansion of publicly financed insurance schemes such as AB-PMJAY.

In March 2024 the scheme was expanded to include approximately 37 lakh families of Accredited Social Health Activists, Anganwadi Workers and Anganwadi Helpers. It was further extended in October 2024 to cover six crore senior citizens aged 70 years and above belonging to 4.5 crore families, irrespective of their socio-economic status.

Separately, the government has increased budgetary support for health research. The allocation for the Indian Council of Medical Research rose from Rs 2,732.13 crore in Budget Estimates 2024–25 to Rs 3,125.50 crore in 2025–26 and Rs 4,000 crore in Budget Estimates 2026–27. The 2026–27 figure represents an increase of approximately 21 per cent over the Revised Estimates of Rs 3,150 crore for 2025–26.

The latest figures underscore the scale of cashless coverage achieved under AB-PMJAY and the continuing policy focus on reducing the financial burden of hospitalisation for vulnerable households while expanding research capacity.

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the achievement comes just over two years after the scheme’s launch and represents a sharp acceleration compared with the 7.94 lakh rooftop solar installations recorded during the previous decade.

The scheme carries an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore and is emerging as one of the fastest-growing clean energy initiatives globally. It is now benefiting around one lakh households every six days.

The pace of installations has more than tripled over the past nine months, rising from 5,038 installations per day in October 2025 to nearly 16,328 installations per day in July 2026. July alone recorded a record 5.06 lakh households benefiting under the scheme, the highest monthly figure since its launch.

To support the expansion, the government has released Rs 28,024 crore in subsidies directly to beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism. As a result, nearly 19 lakh households are now receiving zero electricity bills. More than 12 lakh households earned a combined Rs 421 crore through the sale of surplus power during FY25, generating an average additional income of around Rs 3,500 annually per household.

Around 1.6 lakh installations have been completed for PMAY, BPL and SC/ST households across four states, with the model approved for rollout in 12 states.

The programme has also generated employment and business opportunities across the solar value chain. A total of 34,219 vendors have been registered under the scheme, of which 29,469 are currently active. More than 2.32 lakh people have been trained under various capacity-building initiatives.

Cumulatively, 14.8 GW of rooftop solar capacity has been commissioned under the scheme so far.

The rapid scale-up underscores the scheme’s role in expanding household-level renewable energy adoption while delivering direct financial benefits to consumers through reduced electricity bills and surplus power sales.

Floods, landslides and overflowing rivers have left thousands displaced, damaged homes and roads, and forced authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations in several districts.

Against this backdrop, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will on Tuesday visit the worst-hit areas of Ranni and Aranmula in Pathanamthitta district to take stock of the situation and review ongoing relief measures. His first stop is scheduled at Aranmula at noon, where he is expected to hold discussions with district officials, assess the functioning of relief camps and review rescue operations before visiting other affected locations.

The visit comes amid political criticism of the government’s handling of the disaster. The Left Opposition has alleged lapses in coordination during the crucial early stages of the floods, questioning whether more timely action could have reduced the impact.

Even as rain eased in the forest catchment areas overnight, the situation in Pathanamthitta remains fragile. Flood-like conditions continue in Ranni and Aranmula, where water levels in the Pamba, Achankovil and Kakkattar rivers remain high. Authorities have warned residents living along riverbanks to stay vigilant, as more rain has been forecast in the coming days.

The district administration has opened 74 relief camps, providing shelter to more than 3,000 people forced to leave their homes. Essential supplies are being distributed through the camps, while rescue teams remain on standby in vulnerable locations. A travel ban to Gavi continues as a precaution, with officials advising people to avoid unnecessary travel to hilly and flood-prone areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more heavy to very heavy rainfall across central and northern Kerala, raising concerns of fresh flooding and landslides. With rivers still swollen and hillsides saturated, the Chief Minister’s visit is expected to focus on strengthening disaster response, improving coordination among departments and ensuring that relief reaches affected families without delay.

Authorities continue to monitor water levels and weather updates while urging the public to follow official advisories and prioritise safety in the affected regions.

Speaking after the results were declared, Patel thanked the electorate and party workers for their support and said the BJP continued to enjoy the confidence of the people in the constituency. “As Manjalpur Assembly constituency has been a stronghold of the BJP, the people have always shown great affection towards the party,” he said.

He paid tribute to Yogesh Patel, who had represented the seat for several terms before his death necessitated the by-election. “Late Yogesh Patel worked in this constituency for the past 25 years. The same affection that the people gave him has now been extended to me as well, and I am happy about that,” Patel said.

Expressing gratitude to voters and party workers, he added: “I am deeply thankful to all the people, the voter brothers and sisters, and our party workers.”

Patel said he visited the residence of the late leader soon after his victory. “Today, I went to Yogesh Kaka’s house and sought the blessings of his wife, whom we affectionately call Kakiji. I will continue the work that Yogesh Kaka had undertaken,” he said.

The BJP retained the Manjalpur Assembly seat after Satish Patel defeated Congress candidate Bhikha Rabari by 30,630 votes. Patel secured 55,481 votes, while Rabari received 24,851 votes, according to the official results declared after 20 rounds of counting.

The by-election was held following the death of Yogesh Patel, an eight-time MLA and one of the BJP’s prominent leaders in Vadodara. Satish Patel, a former Vadodara Municipal Corporation councillor, former chairman of the civic body’s Standing Committee and former BJP Vadodara district president, was fielded by the party for the seat.

Polling took place on July 30 and concluded peacefully with a 37.50 per cent voter turnout, lower than the 60.15 per cent recorded in the 2022 Assembly election.

The result allows the BJP to retain the Manjalpur seat, with the new MLA stating his intention to build on the developmental work associated with his predecessor.

The protesters gathered at Ravan Gate and began marching towards the Jaipur Collectorate to submit a memorandum. The rally, led by Shri Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena National President Mahipal Singh Makrana, was scheduled to proceed via Panipech. Police attempted to halt the procession by erecting barricades near Kalwar Puliya.

As demonstrators pushed forward, a confrontation developed between the crowd and police personnel. Officers used water cannons to control the situation, while some protesters reportedly moved towards the water-cannon vehicle. Despite the police action, demonstrators removed the barricades and continued their march towards the Collectorate along the Jhotwara-Panipech route.

Authorities later strengthened security and installed additional barricades near Chomu Puliya, where the rally was expected to be stopped. A heavy police presence, including personnel from the Special Task Force (STF), was deployed to maintain order.

According to the organisers, people from 24 states took part in the rally. Large numbers of supporters arrived in Jaipur in private vehicles and buses.

The demonstration forms part of the broader ‘Savarn Nyay Yatra’ launched by Mahipal Singh Makrana to oppose certain UGC-related decisions and raise issues concerning the upper-caste community. Makrana had begun his journey from Jaipur to Deshnok in Bikaner around 24 days earlier. The march later evolved into the Savarn Nyay Yatra and returned to Jaipur on Sunday.

During the final leg of the journey, Makrana reportedly fell ill and briefly lost consciousness on Saturday. Despite health concerns, he continued the yatra while seated in a wheelchair. On Sunday night, thousands of supporters participated in a torchlight procession from Govindpura to Bajrang Dwar.

The main rally on Monday set out from Kalwar Road with the aim of reaching the District Collector’s office. A large number of protesters moved towards the Collectorate and reached the Chomu Puliya area. Police used water cannons after protesters attempted to cross barricades near Kalwar Puliya. Demonstrators dismantled some of the barriers and continued advancing.

The situation remained tense but under close police monitoring as the procession moved through parts of the city. Authorities continued to regulate the march while the organisers maintained their intention to submit a memorandum at the Collectorate.

Officers deployed three currency-counting machines to process the cash confiscated from a rented apartment in the Mangalhat area. The final count reached ₹2,40,97,380. In addition to the cash, law enforcement recovered roughly 20 grams of gold valued at ₹2.80 lakh and a laptop from the premises.

In a parallel search operation that extended until 4:00 AM on Monday in the Khaihatta region, police seized 9,000 bottles of banned cough syrup intended for illegal distribution across the border, where the liquid is widely misused as an intoxicating substitute.

Police arrested three local residents in connection with the seizures:

• Pintu Sarkar — A local medicine dealer who was renting the flat.

• Gopal Chaki

• Sushant Halder

The property belongs to an individual identified as Dilip Saha, who had leased the apartment to Sarkar. All three suspects are slated to appear in a Malda district court on Monday, where prosecutors will request police custody.

According to Malda police officials, the raid stemmed from a follow-up investigation into a July crackdown in Dakshin Dinajpur district’s Mehendipara area, where authorities intercepted 1,500 bottles of contraband cough syrup right before shipment to Bangladesh.

The raid follows another massive cash haul last week in nearby Birbhum district, where police seized ₹28 crore in cash and 15 kg of gold biscuits from the home of a associate linked to absconding quarry operator Minar Mondal.

According to figures released by the Election Commission of India as of 9:00 AM, Patel secured 6,287 votes, establishing an initial lead of 3,519 votes over his primary opponent, Congress candidate Bhikha Rabari, who had pulled in 2,768 votes.

The vote-counting process is taking place at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in the Makarpura area of Vadodara under tight security arrangements managed by local election authorities.

The by-election was triggered by the death of veteran BJP leader and former state minister Yogesh Patel, who had represented the Manjalpur constituency for multiple terms.

Voting took place on July 30 and concluded peacefully, recording a final turnout of 37.50%—a significant drop from the 60.15% participation rate recorded during the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections.

The contest is primarily a direct showdown between the BJP's Patel, a former Vadodara Municipal Corporation councillor and former BJP district president, and Congress nominee Rabari, who serves as the party's Gujarat vice-president.

A total of 2,19,494 eligible voters were registered across 260 polling stations in the constituency. Voting proceeded with extensive monitoring, including 100% live webcasting and continuous CCTV surveillance.

Apart from a brief altercation outside a polling booth at Panchsheel Vidyalaya over minor Model Code of Conduct allegations—which police quickly dispersed—polling remained peaceful.

Counting remains underway, and final official results will be announced by the Election Commission once all rounds are completed.

Dipke is expected to host members of the movement at his residence to finalise strategy based on feedback collected from supporters across various states, a functionary said.

The recent protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak, which was followed by the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has raised expectations from the Dipke-led outfit, the functionary added.

Sources said that after the core committee meeting, Dipke will address a press conference to share the outcomes of the discussions. The agenda has been framed around deciding the future course of action for the CJP.

In media interactions after the Delhi protest ended, Dipke had indicated his intention to keep the CJP active as a “response group” focused on issues concerning students and youth. In recent days he has reiterated that the movement believes in peaceful and democratic methods and has clarified that it would neither allow any political party to use it as a front against the government nor itself join a political outfit.

Observers note that the challenge before Dipke and the CJP now lies in sustaining campaigns based on legitimate student grievances and continuing to influence change in the education sector.

Amid questions about the role of external actors in amplifying the movement, analysts have observed that while such forces cannot create public discontent where none exists, they can in some cases amplify existing grievances and accelerate mobilisation. The scale and speed of the recent protests, the CJP’s social media outreach, the participation of large numbers of young people and the movement’s momentum have prompted discussion in some quarters about whether it represents something broader than a domestic agitation.

While the concerns that fuelled the anti-paper-leak protests are regarded as serious, the manner in which the mobilisation expanded has been compared by some analysts to patterns seen in protest movements elsewhere over the past two decades.

The August 5 meeting is expected to provide clarity on whether the CJP will remain primarily an issue-based pressure group or move towards a more formal political role. The outcome will be closely watched given the visibility the movement gained during the recent student agitation.

The show forms part of the lead-up to the 12th National Handloom Day on August 7. It will be inaugurated by the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) and will be accessible daily between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Members of the public have been invited to experience the presentation of contemporary textile practices and their evolving relationship with India’s living handloom traditions, according to a statement from the Ministry of Textiles.

Curated by Sreyansi Singh, the exhibition brings together contemporary textile artists, designers and craft collectives whose work expands the understanding of handlooms beyond their material form. Through research-driven pieces, artist–artisan collaborations and immersive installations, it examines the social, historical and cultural contexts of textile-making while highlighting experimentation, interdisciplinary approaches and new ways of engaging with craft traditions.

Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao will be the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, which will also be attended by senior officials from the Handlooms Department.

Participating practitioners and groups include Aadyam Handwoven, Abraham & Thakore, Astha Butail, Boito, Chanakya School, Coonoor & Co., Jagrity Phukan, Jayeeta Chatterjee, Kardo, Morii, Neeraj Patel, Porgai Artisans Association, Shradha Kochhar, Shrujan, Studio Medium, Ujjal Dey and 23 N 69 E. Several of the artists are supported by leading galleries and cultural institutions, reflecting a growing dialogue between contemporary art and craft.

The exhibition aims to foster greater appreciation of contemporary textile practice by presenting cloth as a medium of knowledge, cultural memory and creative expression. By bringing together artists, designers, artisans and craft collectives, it seeks to encourage discussion on the evolving role of textiles in questions of identity, sustainability, community and material culture.

Officials described the show as a celebration of the intersections between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary artistic practice. Visitors will encounter works that both honour handloom heritage and explore innovative directions within the medium.

The event offers an opportunity for the public to engage with current thinking around handlooms at a time when the sector continues to balance preservation of traditional skills with new forms of creative and commercial relevance.

The IMD’s regional centre in New Delhi said the city would see a generally cloudy sky with very light to light rain. A spell of very light to light rain is likely at isolated places from the forenoon to the afternoon, followed by another similar spell during the night.

As of Sunday morning, Delhi was under cloudy skies with a temperature of 29 degrees Celsius. High humidity levels of 87 per cent made conditions feel significantly warmer, with the apparent temperature reaching 36 degrees Celsius.

The weather department has forecast a maximum temperature of around 34 degrees Celsius during the day, with scattered thunderstorms and light rain expected later. Monsoon activity is likely to intensify over the coming days, with forecasts pointing to heavier rainfall and thunderstorms across the city through the week.

The prevailing weather is expected to offer intermittent relief from the heat, although elevated humidity is likely to keep conditions uncomfortable between rain spells.

On Saturday the national capital recorded a marginal rise in daytime temperatures despite scattered trace rainfall in parts of the city. Delhi’s primary weather station at Safdarjung registered a maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius, 0.6 degree above the seasonal normal and unchanged from the previous day. The minimum temperature settled at 27.9 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degree above normal and 0.7 degree lower than Friday’s reading.

Among other stations, Palam recorded a maximum of 34 degrees Celsius, an increase of 0.5 degree from the previous day, and a minimum of 25.6 degrees Celsius, 0.2 degree lower than the day before.

Cloudy skies and intermittent light rain are expected to characterise Sunday’s weather, with the prospect of more active monsoon conditions later in the week.

The symbolic handover will mark Ahmedabad’s official transition into its role as host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the multi-sport event. First held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930, the Commonwealth Games will complete a century when staged in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi is attending the Games in Glasgow, where Ahmedabad will be officially welcomed as the next host city. Alongside cultural performances during the closing ceremony, the Commonwealth Games flag and the Host Baton will be formally presented to representatives of Ahmedabad, signalling the start of the city’s hosting journey.

The handover segment will also give audiences in Glasgow their first preview of Ahmedabad 2030 through a programme highlighting India’s cultural heritage and Gujarat’s identity.

A central feature of the ceremony is the King’s Baton Relay, one of the Commonwealth Games’ longest-standing traditions. According to Commonwealth Sport, the relay will travel across all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories. For the first time, each participating nation and territory will receive its own baton, allowing every destination to customise and decorate it to reflect its culture, heritage and creativity.

Each baton carries part of a message from King Charles III, who places the opening message in the relay. The baton is then carried by individuals recognised for making positive contributions to society before reaching the host city ahead of the Games. The King’s Baton Relay was first introduced at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff.

The Glasgow handover segment has been designed in three parts. The opening act will commemorate the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram.” This will be followed by a classical Indian jugalbandi featuring sitar maestro Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma and Scottish piper Ross Ainslie, symbolising the connection between Glasgow 2026 and Ahmedabad 2030. The concluding segment will present a visual journey across India with a particular focus on Gujarat.

Glasgow 2026 Chief Marketing and Ceremonies Officer Louisa Mahon said the handover “is far more than a ceremonial tradition.” “It would bring together the spirit of two nations on a single stage through a fusion of Indian sitar and Scottish pipes while also celebrating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram,” she noted. Mahon added that audiences in Glasgow would receive “their first glimpse of what awaits them at the Ahmedabad 2030 Commonwealth Games.”

Director of Ceremonies for Glasgow 2026, Chanda Singh, said the programme had been designed to present “an India that is confident while remaining deeply connected to its traditions.” “Ahmedabad 2030 would mark the centenary of the Commonwealth Games and that the ceremony in Glasgow would serve as the opening chapter of this historic journey,” she added.

The formal transfer of the flag and baton will open the next chapter in the Commonwealth Games’ history as Ahmedabad begins its journey towards hosting the centenary edition in 2030.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast generally cloudy skies accompanied by light rainfall during the day. After several days of high temperatures and oppressive humidity, weather conditions in Delhi-NCR have improved over the past few days. On Friday the region remained under light cloud cover, with intermittent drizzle providing temporary relief.

Despite the rainfall, humidity levels stayed elevated. According to IMD data, the maximum temperature in Delhi on Friday settled at 35 degrees Celsius, 0.6 degrees above the seasonal average. Safdarjung, the city’s primary weather observatory, recorded the same maximum, while Palam registered 33.5 degrees Celsius, 1.4 degrees below normal.

For Saturday, the IMD has predicted a maximum temperature of around 33 degrees Celsius and a minimum of approximately 25 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity is expected to range between 75 and 95 per cent. Cloudy conditions are likely to prevail throughout the day, with the possibility of light rain in several parts of the National Capital Region. No specific weather warning has been issued for the day.

The overall pattern is expected to remain similar on August 2, with daytime temperatures around 33 degrees Celsius and night temperatures near 25 degrees Celsius, accompanied by cloudy skies and light rainfall. A comparable forecast has been issued for August 3, when the maximum and minimum are expected to be 33 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius respectively, with light showers and overcast conditions continuing.

On August 4, Delhi-NCR is again likely to see a cloudy day with light rainfall across several areas. The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may ease to 23 degrees Celsius.

Separately, the IMD has issued warnings for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across 19 states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Strong winds reaching speeds of up to 60 kmph are expected in several regions. Farmers and fishermen have been advised to exercise caution. Hilly states may face elevated risks of landslides, while some areas could also experience hailstorms.

The combination of cloud cover and intermittent light rain is expected to keep temperatures moderate over the next few days, even as elevated humidity continues to influence comfort levels across the capital region.

At a programme held at the Sports Complex in East Vinod Nagar, the Chief Minister said that under the scheme nearly 1.40 lakh girl students studying in Delhi government schools will receive free bicycles in a phased manner. She interacted with the students, enquiring about their studies, future aspirations and dreams.

“The programme is a celebration of Nari Shakti and of the collective resolve to empower every daughter through education,” Gupta said. She encouraged the girls to pursue education with confidence and dedication and to strive towards their goals.

Students also presented her with handmade paintings, which she appreciated, praising their creativity and wishing them a bright future.

Union Minister of State and Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood, Patparganj MLA Ravinder Singh Negi, Director of Education and Sports Nitin Jindal, teachers and parents attended the event.

Addressing the gathering, Gupta said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed women-led development at the centre of the vision for a Viksit Bharat and has identified education as the most effective means of women’s empowerment. The Vidya Vahini scheme, she noted, has been launched in line with that vision.

The Chief Minister said the scheme will ensure safer and more convenient travel to school, save students’ time, improve regular attendance, reduce the likelihood of dropouts and ease the daily concerns of parents.

She described a bicycle as more than a mode of transport, calling it a symbol of freedom, self-confidence, dignity, self-reliance and opportunity. “The bicycle is not merely a gift but the beginning of a new journey,” she said, urging students to study with dedication and discipline, use their bicycles responsibly, follow traffic rules and prioritise road safety.

Education Minister Ashish Sood said the Vidya Vahini scheme holds particular significance because Delhi is led by a woman Chief Minister who is ensuring that the education, safety and empowerment of girls remain among the government’s highest priorities.

The distribution marks the first phase of a programme intended to expand access to education for girls in government schools by addressing everyday mobility challenges.

The scheme provides timely and transparent income support to eligible farmer families through the Direct Benefit Transfer system, enabling them to increase agricultural investment and strengthen their livelihoods.

Launched in February 2019, PM-KISAN delivers financial assistance of Rs 6,000 per year to eligible landholding farmer families, transferred directly into their bank accounts in three equal instalments. Through Aadhaar authentication, digital verification and a robust Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism, the scheme has established a framework of transparency, efficiency and accountability.

More than Rs 4.47 lakh crore has been transferred directly into farmers’ bank accounts across 23 instalments. Under the 23rd instalment alone, more than 9.49 crore farmers received over Rs 18,984 crore. During the Covid-19 pandemic, more than Rs 1.71 lakh crore was disbursed to provide financial assistance. Women farmers have received more than Rs 1.06 lakh crore under the scheme, with nearly one in four beneficiaries being a woman farmer.

The assistance has enabled farmers to make timely investments in seeds, fertilisers, irrigation, agricultural machinery and other requirements. This has enhanced productive capacity, reduced dependence on informal credit and strengthened the financial stability of rural households.

An evaluation by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office of NITI Aayog found that more than 92 per cent of beneficiaries reported using the assistance for agricultural activities and investment. Approximately 85 per cent confirmed an improvement in agricultural income and a reduction in reliance on informal credit.

Between 2020–21 and 2025–26, foodgrain production recorded significant growth. The area under cultivation increased by approximately 9.65 per cent, productivity by about 10.53 per cent and total foodgrain production by roughly 21.18 per cent, reflecting the broader support available to farmers and the expanding capacity of the agriculture sector.

By continuing Aadhaar-based authentication, digital beneficiary verification and the Direct Benefit Transfer system, the scheme ensures that financial assistance reaches farmers directly. The extension is expected to further enhance farmers’ capacity to invest in agriculture, improve productivity, help mitigate agricultural risks and strengthen the rural economy.

The programme, scheduled to begin after 1:30 p.m., is intended to strengthen self-help groups, advance women’s economic empowerment and support rural livelihoods across the state. During the event the Chief Minister will also interact with farmers engaged in natural farming and progressive cultivators, discussing their experiences and the government’s efforts to promote natural and organic practices.

In addition, Yadav will lay the foundation stone for 29 development projects valued at Rs 174.64 crore and inaugurate 28 completed projects worth Rs 109.17 crore in Jhabua district.

An official statement described the loan distribution as “an important step towards strengthening self-help groups by distributing loans worth Rs 300 crore. It will give a new boost to women’s economic self-reliance, rural livelihood and self-employment.”

As part of the programme, 215 self-help groups in Jhabua district will receive loans amounting to Rs 10.08 crore under the Madhya Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission. Beneficiaries of several other government schemes will also receive assistance, including the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Kamdhenu Scheme for modern dairy units, the Chief Minister Udyam Kranti Yojana, the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Self-Employment Scheme, the Tantya Mama Economic Welfare Scheme and the Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme.

The Chief Minister will further felicitate meritorious students of Classes 10 and 12, distribute helmets to farmers through the Agriculture Department and extend benefits under the Ladli Laxmi Yojana to eligible recipients.

An “Aajeevikano Mela” will be organised at the venue. The exhibition will feature stalls set up by government departments and self-help groups displaying local products, tribal handicrafts, natural and organic farming practices, medicinal plants and information on various government schemes. The district administration has completed all preparations for the programme, the statement said.

The event forms part of the state government’s broader effort to expand access to credit for women’s groups and to integrate livelihood support with infrastructure development and agricultural initiatives in tribal-dominated districts such as Jhabua.

The assurance comes as Delhi Police prepares to proceed against individuals who had prior criminal records before joining the demonstrations. A circular issued by Principal Secretary (Home) Santosh D. Vaidya stated that 13 cases had been registered in connection with the protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination.

Offering clear relief to bona fide students, Vaidya said: “No adverse legal action will be taken by any of the police authorities within the National Capital Territory of Delhi against those persons who have been involved in these protests. The protection, however, shall not extend to persons having criminal antecedents, as mandated in the order of the Supreme Court.”

The decision to drop proceedings against protesters without criminal backgrounds was taken with the consent of Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu, the highest authority on law and order and Delhi Police in the capital.

According to an official statement, the Government of NCT of Delhi reached the conclusion after careful consideration of all circumstances and in light of the Supreme Court’s order dated July 28 in the case of Shailendra Mani Tripathi versus Union of India. “The Government of NCT of Delhi does not propose to take any further adverse action against the individuals involved in the protests, and the matter shall be treated as closed without any future proceedings on this account,” the statement said.

The protests, which lasted 36 days and included a confrontation with police on July 20 in the high-security zone, were withdrawn on Saturday. Allegations of excessive force by police during that episode had earlier triggered an uproar in Parliament, with the Opposition raising the issue during debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.

By distinguishing between genuine student participants and those with existing criminal records, the Delhi government has sought to close the chapter for the majority of protesters while allowing police action to continue where antecedents warrant it. The move follows the Supreme Court’s directions and aims to prevent prolonged legal uncertainty for students who joined the agitation without prior criminal involvement.

Prajapati Nautiyal, Special Officer on Duty (SOD) for the pilgrimage administration, told IANS, "In accordance with directives from the administration and the Garhwal Commissioner, the pilgrimage resumed smoothly at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday."

He further said that any fresh instructions or updates received from the administration or the state government would be communicated to pilgrims through the media so that they could make informed decisions regarding their journey.

Despite the resumption of the pilgrimage, minor road blockages continue to be reported at several locations across the state due to landslides, falling rocks, and debris triggered by the persistent rainfall.

The Pokhari-Rudraprayag motor road has been blocked approximately one kilometre ahead of Guniyala Khal after large rocks and substantial debris fell from a hillside, disrupting movement along the route.

Heavy rainfall has also continued to affect normal life in Chamoli district, where the Badrinath National Highway remains blocked near Bhanerpani in the Pipalkoti area, creating difficulties for pilgrims and other travellers using the route.

Earlier, authorities had suspended the Char Dham Yatra on July 28 and 29 in view of concerns over pilgrim safety. The decision was taken after landslides blocked roads at several locations and the weather department issued an alert for heavy rainfall across parts of Uttarakhand.

The effects of continuous rainfall, landslides, and repeated disruptions have been increasingly visible on this year's Char Dham pilgrimage, with a decline being witnessed in the number of devotees undertaking the journey each day. Despite the weather-related challenges, however, more than 4.5 million, or 45 lakh, pilgrims have completed the Char Dham Yatra so far this season.

According to government figures, a total of 4,523,412 pilgrims had visited the four major shrines in Uttarakhand by July 25. Badrinath recorded the highest footfall, with 15,53,525 pilgrims visiting the shrine since the beginning of the pilgrimage. It was followed by Kedarnath, which received 14,14,590 pilgrims, while 7,09,418 devotees visited Gangotri and 6,49,957 pilgrims travelled to Yamunotri.

The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most significant pilgrimages in Uttarakhand and covers four revered temples located in the high Himalayan region -- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. According to religious tradition, devotees are expected to undertake the pilgrimage in a clockwise direction.

The traditional route therefore begins with Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and finally concludes at Badrinath. The four shrines hold immense religious significance and attract millions of devotees from across India and abroad every year.

The high-altitude temples remain inaccessible for roughly six months every year because of extreme winter conditions in the Himalayan region. They generally open to devotees during the summer months, usually in April or May, and close again with the arrival of winter around October or November.

With the pilgrimage now resumed, authorities continue to monitor weather conditions, road connectivity, and the movement of pilgrims across the routes leading to the four shrines. 

Pilgrims have also been advised to remain alert and follow instructions issued by the administration as rainfall and landslide risks continue in several parts of the state.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said he had the privilege of worshipping at the shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in Kashi. “On the auspicious occasion of the month of Shravan, I had the supreme privilege today of visiting and worshipping Shri Kashi Vishwanath in Kashi, the sacred city of Mahadev, the Lord of Lords,” he wrote.

He added a prayer for the wider public: “My prayer is that, by the boundless grace of Lord Bholenath, the entire creation may flourish, the nation may steadily advance on the path of prosperity, and the lives of all people may be filled with happiness, peace, abundance, and good health. Har-Har Mahadev.”

The month of Sawan began on Thursday with large numbers of devotees visiting Shiva temples across several states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Uttarakhand. Preparations for the annual Kanwar Yatra also gained pace, with devotees beginning journeys carrying Ganga water to offer at Shiva temples.

Sawan, also known as Shravan Maas, is regarded as one of the most sacred periods in the Hindu calendar and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Devotees traditionally observe fasts, perform special pujas and make offerings of water, milk and other items to Shiva Lingams. The month is associated with devotion, self-discipline and reflection.

Key observances during the period include Shravan Shivratri, the Kanwar Yatra and Hariyali Amavasya. Shravan Shivratri, held on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha, is considered the most significant occasion of the month.

This year Sawan commenced on 30 July and will conclude on 28 August. Temple authorities and local administrations in major pilgrimage centres are preparing for elevated footfall in the weeks ahead, particularly on Mondays and major festival days within the month.

The disaster of 30 July 2024 officially claimed 330 lives, including 32 people who were initially listed as missing and later declared dead. Torrents of mud, rock and water erased entire neighbourhoods, left hundreds without homes and permanently altered the local landscape.

On the anniversary, residents assembled at the disaster site and at the newly constructed rehabilitation township. They offered prayers, lit candles and recalled those who did not survive. For many families the loss remains immediate; some never recovered the bodies of relatives. The sound of heavy rain or the appearance of dark clouds continues to trigger anxiety among those who lived through the night of the landslide.

At the same time, signs of renewed daily life are visible in the government-built township. Children play in streets that did not exist two years ago. Among the new residents is a child named Rithu, born after her mother, Sindhu, escaped the landslide while pregnant. The family’s present home is cited by neighbours as one example of a life restarted after displacement. Similar accounts of gradual rebuilding are reported across the settlement.

Wayanad Member of Parliament Priyanka Gandhi Vadra marked the occasion with a social-media message. “Two years since the tragedy that devastated the people of Chooralmala and Mundakkai, we pay homage to the bravery and resilience of the people of Wayanad,” she wrote. She added a pledge of continued support: “We renew our pledge to stand by them in the courageous fight to rebuild their lives and provide them with comfort as they carry deep wounds of loss in their hearts.”

The anniversary combined public mourning with recognition of the practical efforts under way to rehouse and support those displaced. While the original villages remain buried, the rehabilitation township and the quiet resumption of family life represent the community’s ongoing attempt to move forward from the scale of loss recorded in July 2024.

The national capital is likely to receive light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms at intervals. Skies are expected to remain overcast for much of the day, and strong winds may accompany storm activity in several localities. Humidity is projected to stay high despite the showers.

Maximum temperatures in Delhi are forecast to range between 33 and 34 degrees Celsius, with the minimum around 27 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists said the intermittent rain should moderate daytime heat but is unlikely to eliminate the discomfort caused by moisture-laden air.

Neighbouring cities including Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad are also expected to see light to moderate rainfall. Isolated pockets may experience short spells of intense showers, lightning and strong winds.

Authorities have advised commuters to plan travel carefully, especially during peak hours, as waterlogging on low-lying roads could lead to congestion and delays.

Beyond the capital region, the IMD has predicted widespread rainfall across large parts of northern and eastern India. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are all likely to receive significant rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.

A yellow alert has been issued for multiple regions, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and wind speeds of 40–60 kmph. Residents have been urged to remain alert and follow local safety advisories.

The continued activity is attributed to an active monsoon and a steady inflow of moisture from the Bay of Bengal. These systems are expected to sustain widespread rain over northern and eastern India until at least 1 August.

In Uttar Pradesh, several eastern, central and western districts may record heavy to very heavy rainfall. Cities including Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Noida are likely to see widespread showers, with isolated locations potentially receiving very heavy precipitation in the next 24 hours.

The meteorological department said it is monitoring the evolving pattern closely and has advised farmers, travellers and two-wheeler riders to exercise caution during periods of heavy rain, lightning and strong winds.

In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister said that he is personally keeping a close watch on the flood situation across the state.

"The life and safety of every citizen of the state are our highest priority. My government and I have been closely monitoring the incessant rainfall and flood situation in some rivers at every moment," Chief Minister Majhi added.

The Chief Minister said that he had reviewed the flood situation with the Chief Secretary and the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and directed the entire administrative machinery to ensure the safety and well-being of people living in the affected areas.

"I appeal to all of you not to panic or be afraid. We stand firmly with you at every step. Please follow the advisories issued by the administration and remain safe," CM Majhi urged.

Highlighting the steps taken by the state government to tackle evolving situation, the Chief Minister told that to strengthen flood management, three senior IAS officers have been deputed to personally supervise evacuation, relief, and rescue operations in Baleswar, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts, which are among the worst affected by the floods.

He said that the Special Relief Commissioner's Office and the State Emergency Operation Centre have been directed to function round the clock to closely monitor river water levels and the overall flood situation.

He added that personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Fire Services, and police have also been kept on full alert to evacuate people from vulnerable low-lying areas whenever required.

Chief Minister Majhi also said that adequate safe drinking water, cooked food, emergency healthcare services, anti-snake venom, and adequate fodder for livestock are available at all the relief shelters in the affected areas of the state.

Similarly, to prevent theft and protect the property of evacuated families, police had intensified night patrolling in vulnerable areas.

The officials have been directed to ensure the prompt assessment of flood damage and the speedy disbursement of compensation to people whose houses and agricultural land had been affected.

The system was formally activated under directions issued by Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. It allows eligible complaints lodged through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or the national helpline 1930 to be converted automatically into e-zero FIRs and transmitted electronically via the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) to the relevant Cyber Crime Police Station in the district or Commissionerate concerned.

Complaints involving fraud of Rs 1 crore or more will be routed to the State Cyber Crime Police Station in Mohali for registration and investigation.

DGP Yadav said the mechanism is intended to remove delays in FIR registration and to enable immediate steps to freeze bank accounts, digital wallets and other payment instruments linked to the fraud, preserve electronic evidence, coordinate with financial intermediaries and begin investigation promptly so that recovery prospects are maximised.

“The first few hours after a cyber financial fraud are the most critical for tracing and freezing funds. By enabling automatic registration, the e-zero FIR system empowers investigating officers to take urgent legal and technical measures without procedural delays,” he stated.

Under the new arrangement, complainants will receive immediate confirmation of the e-zero FIR registration, along with details of the Cyber Crime Police Station handling the case, the name of the investigating officer and the steps required to complete statutory formalities under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

The State Cyber Crime Division will monitor implementation across Punjab to ensure timely registration, transfer, investigation and supervisory oversight of cases falling under the scheme.

Officials present the e-zero FIR process as a response to the time-sensitive nature of cyber financial crime, where rapid freezing of funds and preservation of digital trails are essential to recovery. By linking national reporting channels directly to local cyber crime units through CCTNS, the system seeks to compress the interval between complaint and formal investigative action.

Addressing mediapersons in Shivamogga, Vijayendra said the protest would be led by him and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashoka.

He appealed to farmers' organisations and other associations to participate in the agitation and extend support to farmers facing hardships due to the prevailing water crisis.

Vijayendra alleged that the state government had failed to effectively present Karnataka's case before the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC).

He alleged that the lawyers and officials representing the state did not provide comprehensive information regarding water availability in Karnataka.

"Farmers in Karnataka are facing severe distress, particularly those in the Cauvery basin, due to inadequate rainfall. The state government released water to Tamil Nadu even before the CWRC issued its directions, and now Karnataka may have to release more water because of the committee's decision," he said.

He further contended that farmers in the Cauvery command area could face difficulties even in accessing drinking water and questioned why the government had not placed the actual ground situation before the CWRC.

Criticising CM Shivakumar, Vijayendra alleged that he had advised farmers in the Cauvery basin against taking up sowing activities of water-intensive crops. He accused the government of betraying the state's farmers and claimed that it was acting to keep its ally in Tamil Nadu politically satisfied.

"The Chief Minister must respond to the plight of Karnataka's farmers. If there is sufficient water available for the state, a decision on releasing water to Tamil Nadu can be taken thereafter," he added.

On the political front, Vijayendra referred to senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah's reported statement about stepping away from electoral politics and claimed that the development would adversely affect the party's prospects in the 2028 Assembly elections.

"With Siddaramaiah deciding to withdraw from electoral politics, the Congress party's tally will come down to 50-60 seats in the 2028 elections," Vijayendra asserted.

He said this when John Britas raised the issue of Delhi Police personnel barging into the CPI(M) office in Delhi. 

The Rajya Sabha witnessed heated exchanges and sloganeering after members raised the issue of Delhi Police officials allegedly entering the national headquarters of the CPI(M) on Tuesday to arrest student leader Aishe Ghosh, a former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union.

After papers and reports were laid, Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan permitted members to raise matters with permission.

John Brittas of the CPI(M) drew the House’s attention to the incident. He said police personnel “barged into a national political party office, CPI(M), to arrest a student leader, Aishe Ghosh”.

Brittas stated that her only alleged offence was participation in a student protest at Jantar Mantar. When questioned, the officers cited pending cases from 2020-21. “I have no problem with Delhi Police action as this is a bipartisan issue, but it is shocking that they came without prior information to you (C.P. Radhakrishnan. What do they want - to send fear? I want the Home Minister to tell us what happened,” he said.

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge seconded the concern, calling it “very shameful that police barge into a national party office and try to arrest a leader.” He demanded that the officers involved be punished.

Opposition members continued sloganeering and pressed for action against the police personnel.

Responding to this, Leader of the House J.P. Nadda said he himself had been a student leader and was arrested during the Emergency. “It is normal law and order activity which the police have to take,” he remarked and said, “Any student who wants to do activism should face police; even I faced many times during the Emergency."

His reply triggered further uproar, with opposition voices drowning out other speakers.

When Rajib Bhattacharjee of the BJP (Tripura) sought to make a statement, opposition members persisted with slogans and disruption.

The Chairman later adjourned the House till noon.

Earlier, when the House assembled at 11 a.m., papers were laid by Jayant Chaudhary for the Ministry of Education, Nityanand Rai for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel for the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, B.L. Verma for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and Savitri Thakur for the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo and M Nagaraja then laid on the Table a copy of the Twenty-Seventh Report (Eighteenth Lok Sabha) of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel (2025-26) on “Infrastructure Development to Augment Washed Coal Production” pertaining to the Ministry of Coal.

Arjun Ram Meghwal moved a motion seeking the House’s concurrence with the Lok Sabha’s recommendation that the Rajya Sabha elect two of its members to the Joint Committee on Offices of Profit. The vacancies arose from the retirement of N.R. Elango (effective April 2, 2026) and Deepak Prakash (effective June 21, 2026). The House resolved to elect the members in the manner directed by the Chairman.

According to the weather department, the national capital is likely to experience very light to light rainfall at most places, with moderate rain expected at a few locations from early morning until noon. Another spell of rain is also likely during the evening and night hours.

The forecast comes as the monsoon trough, an upper-air cyclonic circulation over southwest Uttar Pradesh, and a western disturbance continue to influence weather conditions across northwest India and adjoining regions.

The IMD stated that Delhi is expected to receive one or two spells of very light to light rain at most places, while isolated areas may witness moderate rainfall during the early morning to noon period. Later in the day, another spell of very light to light rain is likely at many places, with moderate rainfall expected at isolated locations during the evening and night.

The department has predicted a maximum temperature between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius. Southeasterly winds with speeds ranging from 10 to 15 kmph are expected to prevail throughout the day.

The IMD’s seven-day forecast suggests that generally cloudy skies will continue over the national capital through the first week of August, accompanied by intermittent spells of rain.

On July 30, Delhi is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall, followed by another spell of very light to light rain during the night. From July 31 to August 2, isolated spells of very light to light rain are expected. On August 3, the city may witness a few spells of light rain in many places, particularly during the early morning to noon hours.

Meanwhile, heavy monsoon showers brought Delhi to a standstill on Tuesday, causing widespread disruption across the city. Flooded roads, waterlogged markets, traffic congestion, fallen trees and power outages affected normal life in several areas.

The downpour made Tuesday the rainiest day of the year so far and also the coldest day recorded in July over the past three years, according to the IMD.

Safdarjung, Delhi’s base weather station, recorded 57.6 mm of rainfall between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Several areas received even heavier showers, with Pusa recording the highest rainfall at 88.5 mm during the same period.

Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik told the Rajya Sabha that a total of 39,72,447 rooftop solar (RTS) systems have been commissioned under the scheme. These installations have covered 48,02,717 households, including those in rural areas.

During the financial year 2025–26 alone, 18.71 lakh systems were installed, adding 6.7 GW of solar capacity and extending benefits to 22.71 lakh households.

Distribution companies have reported that more than 18.93 lakh beneficiaries received zero electricity bills for at least one billing cycle after installing systems under the scheme. Officials attribute the reduction in household electricity expenditure to the generation of power from the rooftop plants.

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is designed as a demand-driven programme. Any residential consumer with a grid-connected electricity connection from the local distribution company can apply for benefits through the scheme’s National Portal. The initiative covers both urban and rural households.

While the scheme also encourages rooftop solar installations on government and commercial buildings, including educational and health institutions, central financial assistance is not extended to these categories. The ministry has stated that such installations remain financially viable without subsidy support.

The progress figures come against the backdrop of rising electricity demand. According to the International Energy Agency, nearly half of India’s additional electricity requirement between the present and 2030 is expected to be met through solar energy. Other low-carbon sources, including wind, hydroelectric and nuclear power, are projected to meet a further quarter of the incremental demand.

The government has positioned the PM Surya Ghar scheme as a key instrument for accelerating residential solar adoption, reducing household energy costs and contributing to the national renewable energy targets. The combination of central financial assistance for eligible residential consumers and simplified online application processes is intended to sustain the current pace of installations.

As the scheme continues into its third year, the reported numbers of systems installed, households covered and zero-bill cases will remain closely watched indicators of both its reach and its impact on domestic electricity consumption.

According to IMD data, Safdarjung, the city’s primary weather observatory, recorded 32.4 mm of rainfall until 8:30 a.m. Other monitoring stations also reported notable precipitation, with the Ridge receiving 37.6 mm, Lodhi Road 36.7 mm, Ayanagar 4 mm, and Palam 0.8 mm.

Several areas across Delhi, including the Kartavya Path vicinity, experienced continuous showers during the morning hours. The rainfall transformed the city’s weather conditions, offering respite from the oppressive humidity that had prevailed over the past few days.

However, civic authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, as intense spells of rain could result in waterlogging in low-lying areas and slow-moving traffic on major roads. Commuters may face delays due to reduced visibility and accumulation of rainwater at vulnerable locations.

The weather department has predicted generally cloudy conditions throughout the day. Light rainfall is expected at most places, while a few locations may witness moderate showers during the morning and afternoon. Another round of rainfall is likely during the evening or night, according to the forecast.

Meteorologists expect wet weather conditions to persist through the week. Moderate rainfall has been forecast for Wednesday, while intermittent showers, thunderstorms, and overcast skies are likely to continue over the coming days.

The increased monsoon activity is expected to bring down daytime temperatures. On Monday, Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 38.1 degrees Celsius, but weather experts anticipate a drop of around 2–3 degrees Celsius over the next several days as rainfall intensifies.

Delhi’s air quality also remained favourable amid the rainy conditions. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 77 at 9 a.m., placing it in the “satisfactory” category.

Weather experts attributed the ongoing rainfall to a deep depression that developed near the West Bengal coast and crossed the West Bengal–North Odisha coastline near Digha and west of Haldia on Tuesday morning, strengthening monsoon activity across northern India.

The impact of the weather system was also felt in neighbouring states. Several districts in Punjab and Haryana received rainfall, bringing relief from warm conditions but also causing waterlogging and traffic disruptions in some areas in the two states.

Various locations in Punjab, including Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, and Mohali, recorded measurable rainfall.

In Haryana, districts such as Bhiwani, Karnal, Mahendragarh, Sonipat, and Ambala also received showers.

Officials said the pilgrims were injured when a bus carrying nearly 40 pilgrims skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge near the S-Mode area of Hariganiwan in the Gund area of Ganderbal district.

“The accident occurred when the driver of the Yatri bus bearing registration number AR11 D5655 lost control of the wheel near Hariganiwan, after which the vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge," the officials said.

The rescue teams, police, SDRF, and local volunteers immediately rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation.

Around 30 pilgrims sustained injuries in the mishap and were shifted to nearby Kangan hospital for treatment. Two injured Yatris suffered head trauma, but are currently stable. All other injured passengers are also stated to be in stable condition, the officials said.

“Meanwhile, police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the officials said.

Nearly 12,000 pilgrims drawn from different parts of the country paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine situated at an altitude of 3880 metres in South Kashmir district of Anantnag on Monday.

Officials said 11,996 pilgrims performed darshan at the holy cave from the Baltal track by Monday evening.

With this, a total number of 4,26,339 pilgrims have had darshan at the holy cave during the last 25 days since the 57-day-long Yatra started on July 3.

The Bhoomi Pujan, the Navgrah Puja and Dawajarohan of Chhari Mubarak will be traditionally performed in Pahalgam on Ashad Purnima on July 29 by Mahant Deependra Giri Ji, the custodian of the holy mace of Shri Amarnath Ji.

On the return journey, the Chhari Mubarak will visit the holy Sun temple of Martand (Mattan), perform puja there and take a dip in the holy spring.

It will also perform puja at the Ganeshbal temple near Pahalgam in a traditional way.

Another batch of 3029 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for Baltal base camp in an escorted convoy this morning. Yatra through the South Kashmir Pahalgam route remained suspended for the day due to track maintenance.

According to the weather department, light rain is expected at many locations across the National Capital Region, while a few areas may experience moderate showers. Rainfall activity is also likely to continue on Thursday, although no official weather alert has been issued for that day.

Meteorologists said the fresh spell of rain is expected to bring significant relief from the prevailing heat and humidity. Daytime temperatures are likely to decline by 5-6 degrees Celsius, making weather conditions considerably more comfortable across Delhi and adjoining areas.

The change in weather follows rainfall recorded in several parts of Delhi on Monday evening. The showers provided respite from the oppressive humidity that had gripped the city for the past few days. In response to the changing weather, the IMD had issued a yellow alert warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds across various districts of the national capital.

Delhi has received 164.7 mm of rainfall so far this month, slightly below the normal July average of 173.7 mm for the corresponding period. However, weather experts believe the shortfall could reduce in the remaining days of the month as monsoon conditions become more favourable. The monsoon trough is currently positioned close to Delhi, creating an environment conducive to increased rainfall activity throughout the week.

The IMD has extended its yellow alert to neighbouring NCR cities, including Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad, where light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is also expected.

Despite isolated rain spells on Monday, the city continued to experience uncomfortable weather conditions. The heat index climbed to nearly 49 degrees Celsius due to extremely high humidity, making it feel much hotter than the actual temperature. The maximum temperature settled at 38.1 degrees Celsius, 3.2 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature stood at 28.6 degrees Celsius, 1.3 degrees above average. Humidity levels fluctuated between 76 and 100 per cent, contributing to the lingering discomfort.

“Their ideals promote humanity, selfless service, social harmony and nation-building. It is imperative to connect the younger generation with these values so that the spirit of harmony, moral conduct and cultural ethos is further strengthened in society,” he said.

The Chief Minister was addressing the Murti Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the newly constructed Samadhi shrine of Shri Shri 1008 Siddh Baba Khak Nath-ji Maharaj in Ujhana village in Jind district. Mahant Balak Nath, Head of Math Asthal Bohar in Rohtak, attended the ceremony.

Responding to the demands of residents, the Chief Minister announced Rs 1 crore for the construction of a community centre in Ujhana and Rs 51 lakh for other development works in the village.

He also announced that road construction, renovation of the village pond, a permanent solution for water drainage and the introduction of the science stream in the village school would be undertaken as per the villagers’ demands.

CM Saini said the consecration of a great spiritual personality’s idol is not merely a religious ritual but a commitment to establish devotion in one’s life, embrace truth in one’s conduct, cultivate compassion in one’s behaviour and uphold the values of service and social harmony.

He expressed happiness that the sacred Ujhana Math has remained a centre of faith for millions of devotees for nearly 600 years, adding that India’s greatest strength lies in its rich spiritual tradition.

Appreciating the gaushala being managed by the Ujhana Dham, the Chief Minister said that a gaushala is a living symbol of compassion and sensitivity embedded in Indian culture. “In Indian tradition, service to cows is not only a matter of religious faith but also a cultural responsibility.”

The Chief Minister said the culture of protecting and respecting nature and Gau Mata would help India realise its vision of becoming a Vishwa Guru.

Its objective is to take the saint’s message of social harmony, equality and public awakening to every village across the country, BJP National General Secretaries Tarun Chugh and Dushyant Kumar Gautam told media persons at the party’s central office in New Delhi on Monday.

Gautam said the BJP consistently honours great personalities who enriched India’s cultural and social values. He recalled that Sant Guru Ravidas was born in Seer Govardhan village in Varanasi and attained spiritual liberation at Chittorgarh Fort. Living in a period of forced religious conversions and widespread distress, the saint, along with other Bhakti movement luminaries, spread cultural values through regional languages and guided society towards awakening. Kabir Das conferred upon him the title of ‘Sant Shiromani’.

Gautam highlighted Guru Ravidas’s teachings, including the renowned saying “Man changa toh kathauti mein Ganga” (If the mind is pure, the Ganga resides in the humble water-trough), and his vision of Begumpura, a casteless society free from sorrow where high and low live together. His disciples included Mirabai and several rulers, while 41 of his hymns are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib.

He also listed initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including the naming of Adampur Airport after the saint, a special train, temple developments at multiple sites, a research centre in Sagar, and reconstruction of the Tughlaqabad temple in Delhi.

Chugh announced that the campaign will begin on Guru Purnima (July 29) with the flagging-off of 131 sacred kalash containing soil from the saint’s birthplace in Varanasi. These will travel to 21,000 locations nationwide by September 10, accompanied by processions, aarti and puja (worship). A Deepotsav (lighting of earthen lamps) will be held at 51,000 temples, including a grand lamp display at Varanasi’s Ganga Ghat.

Further phases will include outreach to saints, a major yatra (religious procession) from Jalandhar to Varanasi (October 5–November 5), programmes in schools and hostels, and development of five key sites associated with the saint’s life. The campaign aims to spread the message of unity and harmony throughout the year leading up to the 650th birth anniversary.

The third phase will involve outreach to the youth to disseminate Sant Guru Ravidas Ji’s principles among the masses. In the fourth phase, processions will be organised from every village in the country to encourage devotees to visit the birthplace of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji.

The flight, 6E 1452, was carrying 194 passengers when the crew reportedly noticed smoke in the cargo hold area and alerted air traffic control.

Following the alert, Rajkot airport declared a full emergency to facilitate a safe landing.

The aircraft landed safely at Rajkot airport, and all 194 passengers disembarked without any injuries.

Rajkot Airport Director Diganta Borah reportedly said an IndiGo flight operating from Mumbai to Dubai made an emergency landing after smoke was detected in the cargo hold area. He added that the aircraft landed safely and all passengers were safe.

Airport emergency services were placed on standby as part of standard operating procedures after the full emergency was declared.

The cause of the smoke was not immediately known, and further investigation is expected to determine what triggered the incident. The airline did not issue any statement yet.

IndiGo is India's largest airline by market share and operates flights to more than 80 domestic destinations and over 30 international destinations.

Its fleet primarily comprises Airbus A320 and A321 family aircraft, along with ATR 72-600 turboprop planes used on regional routes.

Meanwhile, last week, the low-cost airline parent InterGlobe Aviation reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 238 crore for the first quarter of FY27, compared with the corresponding period last year.

The airline's earnings reversed sharply in the June quarter, with InterGlobe Aviation swinging to a consolidated net loss of Rs 238 crore from a net profit of Rs 2,176.3 crore in the corresponding period last year, reflecting a deterioration of over Rs 2,400 crore in its bottom line.

The June quarter loss of Rs 238 crore erased nearly 90 per cent of the previous year's quarterly profit before pushing the company into the red.

The amount was transferred through a single-click system at the state-level programme organised at the new Agricultural Produce Market (Mandi) complex in Khandwa.

Addressing farmers from across the state, CM Yadav said the state government is committed to strengthening the agriculture sector and ensuring the welfare of farmers through various schemes and financial assistance.

"Heartiest congratulations to all the farmers of the state. Our government stands firmly with you in every situation," he said.

The chief minister also felicitated progressive farmers from Khandwa district for their innovations, hard work and outstanding contribution to agriculture.

Before the programme, CM Yadav inspected an exhibition showcasing modern agricultural technologies, farm machinery and stalls put up by different government departments.

He interacted with exhibitors and gathered information on the latest farming practices and innovations.

The chief minister said the financial assistance provided under the Mukhyamantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana would help farmers meet agricultural expenses and encourage them to adopt modern farming techniques.

He also highlighted the state's initiatives related to irrigation, crop productivity and farmer welfare.

CM Yadav interacted with farmers during the event and urged them to make use of government schemes aimed at improving agricultural productivity and increasing farm incomes.

The programme was attended by public representatives, senior government officials and a large number of farmers from different parts of the state.

After the event, the chief minister was scheduled to visit the Dadaji Darbar in Khandwa to offer prayers.

Meanwhile, Congress workers staged a protest in Khandwa over various demands during the chief minister's visit. Police tightened security arrangements across the city and detained several protesters from different locations to prevent disruption of the programme.

Heavy police deployment was made at the event venue and surrounding areas to maintain law and order during the chief minister's visit.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI), Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, hearing a batch of petitions arising out of the recent nationwide student protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, said that merely because there is an agitation cannot justify the use of excessive force by police, while at the same time stressing that attacks on police personnel also cannot be overlooked.

"The right to peaceful, lawful protest is absolutely guaranteed under the Constitution. So long as it is peaceful agitation, merely because there is agitation, there can't be (police excess)," the CJI-led Bench observed.

The apex court added that if any excess has been committed, it should be independently examined and clarified that the issue was not confined to Delhi alone.

"If there is excess committed, it should be independently examined. It's not only a case of Delhi. Uniformity in protocol is required. Merely because there is agitation, doesn't mean lathi-charge. Discipline is integral to the democratic process," the CJI Kant-led Bench observed.

During the hearing, Justice Bagchi remarked that injuries suffered by both protesters and police personnel were matters of equal concern.

"Injury to an individual, be it to policemen or protesters, is of equal concern. We may call upon the State to explain why adequate protective gear was not provided to police to handle such situations," Justice Bagchi observed.

The top court also said there should be a protocol to facilitate peaceful demonstrations while enabling authorities to deal with anti-social elements, if any.

"There should be a protocol in place. There should be proper space and no restriction. But if there are some anti-social elements, that can be taken care of. This is not a question of Delhi only. Uniformity of protocol is needed. Just because there is agitation does not mean there is lathi-charge. Self-evolved discipline is essential to the democratic process," the Bench said.

Appearing for one of the petitioners, advocate-on-record Fauzia Shakil informed the CJI Kant-led Bench that a fresh writ petition had been filed on behalf of Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha containing comprehensive material, including allegations relating to the recent police firing in Bihar.

"There are two petitions dealing with the violence that took place across the country on the students' protest," senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan submitted, urging that all matters be heard together as allegations of police excesses were continuing.

Senior advocate Vikas Singh also pressed for pan-India directions, contending that incidents were not confined to Delhi and that an all-India framework was required.

Another counsel, appearing for families of injured police personnel, sought permission to participate in the proceedings, alleging that several policemen had been brutally assaulted during the protests.

Responding to the rival submissions, the CJI Kant-led Bench said that while peaceful protest is a Constitutional right, allegations of violence by protesters also required scrutiny.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union government, submitted that the Centre would assist the apex court "dispassionately" and suggested that all connected petitions be heard together.

Accepting the suggestion, the CJI-led Bench directed that all pending petitions be listed together on Tuesday for further hearing.

The matter relates to allegations of excessive use of force against students participating in protests across the country over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and related examination issues.

Earlier, CJI Kant had clarified that the Supreme Court had never declined to hear the issue but had merely refused to entertain a one-page representation that had not been instituted as a proper writ petition.

Refuting media reports, the CJI had explained that only a one-page representation had been submitted at the time and not a duly filed petition.

"The Supreme Court can never deny hearing of any case," he had said, adding that once properly instituted petitions were filed, the top court agreed to list them.

Last week, the Delhi High Court issued notice to the Centre and the Delhi Police on a batch of PILs claiming excessive use of force by police during the protest and directed preservation of CCTV footage, videography and other relevant records connected with the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' march organised over the NEET paper leak.

Observing that the allegations did not relate to isolated incidents for which individual victims could simply be relegated to filing separate complaints, a Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia sought responses from the authorities within four weeks and directed preservation of all relevant electronic records, including CCTV footage and videography, in accordance with the standard operating procedures issued by the police.

During the hearing before the Delhi High Court, senior advocates N. Hariharan, Gopal Sankaranarayanan and Vikas Singh, appearing for different petitioners, alleged that students exercising their Constitutional right to protest were subjected to disproportionate force, including lathi-charge, use of tear gas and other coercive measures, and sought registration of FIRs, preservation of electronic evidence and an independent probe.

On the other hand, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, appearing for the Centre and Delhi Police, opposed the PILs, contending that prohibitory orders were in force, the crowd had turned violent, police personnel were injured and public property was damaged.

The Centre’s law officer argued that the petitions were based largely on social media videos and that those alleging assault could avail statutory remedies instead of invoking the High Court's writ jurisdiction.

Rejecting the contention that every affected individual should be relegated to filing separate complaints, the Delhi High Court had observed that if the allegations pertained to a larger incident involving police action during a public protest, they could not be brushed aside merely on that ground. The matter is scheduled to be heard next on September 11.

At the same time, the weather department has predicted light to moderate rainfall in the Western Ghats and parts of the northern coastal region, offering some relief in isolated areas.

According to the latest weather bulletin, maximum temperatures in Vellore, Erode, Karur, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts are likely to be 2 degrees to 4 degrees Celsius above normal at a few places.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised residents in these districts to take adequate precautions against prolonged exposure to heat, particularly during the afternoon hours when temperatures are expected to peak.

The forecast comes at a time when several parts of Tamil Nadu are witnessing warm and humid weather despite intermittent rainfall in some regions.

Meteorologists said the elevated temperatures are likely to persist through July 30 before showing signs of moderation, depending on evolving weather systems over the Bay of Bengal and surrounding regions.

In contrast to the hot conditions expected across the interior districts, the RMC has predicted light to moderate rainfall over the hilly areas of the Western Ghats until July 30. The rainfall is expected to provide some respite from the prevailing heat and support local agricultural activity in the hill regions.

The weather department has also forecast light to moderate rain at one or two places over North Coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal from Tuesday through July 30.

While widespread rainfall is not anticipated, isolated showers are likely to occur under favourable atmospheric conditions.

For Chennai, the RMC has forecast partly cloudy skies over the coming days. Some parts of the city may experience light rain, particularly during the evening or night, though no heavy rainfall has been predicted.

Daytime conditions are expected to remain warm and humid, with temperatures staying close to seasonal levels. The Meteorological Department has urged the public to remain updated with the latest weather advisories, especially in districts expected to experience above-normal temperatures.

People have also been advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak afternoon hours, stay well hydrated and take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses, while residents in areas likely to receive rain should remain alert to local weather updates.

“The Kargil War victory remains a symbol of India’s courage, sacrifice and unwavering national resolve, asserting that the country’s armed forces achieved the impossible by reclaiming strategic peaks from Pakistani intruders during the 1999 conflict,” he added. 

Sharma was addressing the ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Shaurya Sandhya’ programme at Birla Auditorium here.

“The Kargil victory is a symbol of India’s pride, valour and courage. From Tiger Hill to Tololing, and from Batalik to Dras, our brave soldiers hoisted the Tricolour once again on every strategic peak,” he said.

Recalling the conflict, the Chief Minister said Pakistan’s intrusion in 1999 was met with a determined military response, with Indian soldiers fighting for nearly 85 days at altitudes ranging between 15,000 and 18,000 feet under extremely harsh conditions.

“Despite freezing temperatures, low oxygen levels and difficult terrain, the morale of our soldiers never wavered. They displayed extraordinary courage and reclaimed every inch of occupied territory,” Sharma said.

Paying tribute to the fallen, he said 527 Indian soldiers were martyred, and more than 1,300 were injured during the conflict. Among the martyrs were 58 soldiers from Rajasthan, including Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja and Captain Amit Bhardwaj. He also remembered war heroes such as Captain Vikram Batra and Lieutenant Saurabh Kalia for their supreme sacrifice.

Sharma said the Kargil victory was not merely a military success but a triumph of the nation’s self‑respect. “Our brave soldiers proved that no force can defeat a nation whose Army’s morale stands higher than the Himalayas,” he said.

Highlighting the Centre’s defence policies, Sharma said national security has been the government’s foremost priority under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

“India’s security policy has become stronger, clearer and more decisive. Our armed forces are being equipped with modern technology, while border infrastructure has been strengthened,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the country’s push for self‑reliance in defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative has accelerated the use of indigenous technology in platforms such as the Tejas fighter aircraft and the BrahMos missile system. 

He also said India’s military capabilities have earned global recognition.

“Today’s India strikes at the roots of terrorism and responds to enemies within their own territory. The surgical strikes in 2016, the Balakot air strikes in 2019 and Operation Sindoor reflect the country’s decisive approach towards national security,” Sharma said.

Calling the welfare of soldiers and their families a moral responsibility, Sharma said the state government has strengthened the Department of Sainik Welfare to ensure benefits reach ex‑servicemen and Veer Naris. 

He said 25 bighas of land have been allotted to the dependents of martyred soldiers and gallantry award winners, while government jobs have been provided to 154 dependents of martyrs and 47 dependents of other servicemen.

The Chief Minister said 418 district‑level camps were organised to resolve pension‑related issues of ex‑servicemen, leading to the settlement of 1,228 cases. Re‑employment opportunities are also being provided through the Rajasthan Ex‑Servicemen Corporation (REXCO). He added that the honorarium of ex‑servicemen engaged through REXCO has been increased by 10 per cent in both 2024 and 2025.

District Sainik Welfare Offices have also been opened in Beawar, Khairthal‑Tijara and Phalodi, while legal aid clinics have been established in 18 District Sainik Welfare Offices.

Referring to the 78th Army Day Parade held in Jaipur earlier this year, Sharma said the event showcased the Indian Army’s modern capabilities, including indigenous defence equipment, missiles and advanced military platforms, reflecting the country’s growing self‑reliance in defence production.

Taking to X, Wangchuk said, "IT'S A VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY. Direct democracy... straight from the streets. It's a victory of peace, patience & perseverance. Congratulations, CJP, Gen Z of the nation, and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation."

"FROM ACCOUNTABILITY, NOW TO REFORMS," he added.

Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike for 26 days, demanding strict action against the frequent paper leaks and exam irregularities and resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Earlier on July 23, the activist ended his strike at Gurugram's Medanta Hospital in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh after getting written assurances from the NDA government.

Meanwhile, Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday announced his resignation, saying he was deeply pained by the developments of the past 10 days and wanted to ensure that anti-national forces did not exploit the situation arising from the controversy over examination irregularities.

Submitting his resignation, Pradhan reaffirmed his commitment to youth and education while thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for support, framing it as a response to protect exam integrity and students' future.

This comes amid nationwide protests demanding strict action against the paper leaks and exam irregularities, and Education Minister Pradhan's resignation citing accountability.

The CJP called it a "win for democracy". A post on CJP's official X handle read "Democracy Wins!". It accompanied a video which showed the protesters celebrating Pradhan's resignation.

Addressing reporters and the demonstrators soon after Pradhan's resignation was made public, the outfit's founder Abhijeet Dipke said: "We have done it!... Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned. What did they say, that 'resignations don't happen under this government'...we say that the world does bow down, it just needs the correct people to do so."

Displaying a banner consisting of pictures of those students who committed suicide in the aftermath of the May 3, 2026 NEET-UG paper leak, the CJP founder said: "This is for them, for all those students who lost their lives due to Dharmendra Pradhan."

He said that Pradhan's resignation is "proof that if you people are not afraid, if you people do not bow down to this government, then we can take the resignation of anyone".

"There's no need to be afraid. This is democracy, and in order to hold them (the government) accountable, we have to raise our voice. They are in power due to us," he added.

Submitting his resignation, Pradhan reaffirmed his commitment to youth and education while thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for support, framing it as a response to protect exam integrity and students' future.

This comes amid nationwide protests demanding strict action against the paper leaks and exam irregularities, and Education Minister Pradhan's resignation citing accountability.

In his letter, Pradhan said, "For over four decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers, and educational reform. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive, and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation."

"I deeply respect the aspirations, sentiments, and legitimate expectations of the country's youth. Realising the dreams of India's young generation has been a moral commitment in our political and social lives. I express my gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership," he said.

He said that as soon as the irregularities regarding the NEET-UG examination came to light, the government, taking immediate cognisance of the matter, handed the investigation over to the CBI, cancelled the exam, and announced a date for a re-examination. Additionally, he said that a decision was made to conduct this exam in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode starting next year.

"Throughout this period, our primary priority was to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination for over 20 lakh students. We worked towards this using a 'whole-of-government' approach, in which state governments -- and particularly district administrations -- played a crucial role alongside the Government of India. With the cooperation of students and parents, the examination was successfully concluded on June 21, 2026," Pradhan said.

"From day one, I took responsibility for the situation and never turned away from it. I was determined not to let the potential of any meritorious student be ruined by the 'exam mafia' and to ensure that no student faced injustice," he added.

He said that during the re-examination results, "individuals holding responsible positions attempted to create obstacles and mislead students", an act, he said, caused him "deep distress".

"I have always held unwavering faith in the strength of our democracy and deeply respected the aspirations, dreams, and expectations of the youth. They are not merely India's future; they are the torchbearers, builders, and architects of a new and developed India. I am pained by the events of the past ten days. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me," he added.

"Considering the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country -- to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting it, preserving national unity, ensuring that not a single Indian student's future gets entangled in legal complexities, and allowing our children to devote their time to studies and focus on building their careers -- I have submitted my resignation to the Honourable Prime Minister," Pradhan said.

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for his "guidance, trust, and constant support" and to the Council of Ministers.

"Service to the nation is the highest priority of my life; I shall remain forever dedicated to it. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, I will continue to dedicate myself in every possible way to fulfilling the aspirations of Mother India, the people of Odisha, and the youth of the country in the future as well," he added.

PM Modi took to social media 'X' and said, "Greetings on the sacred occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi. This auspicious day is about the eternal message of devotion and compassion. May Bhagwan Vitthal’s blessings bring joy, harmony and prosperity and guide us towards a better society. May He strengthen our resolve to serve and work tirelessly for the welfare and dignity of every person."

Ashadhi Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi or Hari Shayani Ekadashi, is being observed on Saturday. According to the Drik Panchang, the Ekadashi tithi began at 2:44 a.m. on July 25 and will conclude at 12:14 a.m. on July 26.

The festival marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month period regarded as highly sacred in Hindu tradition. According to ancient scriptures, including the Bhavishya Purana and Padma Purana, Lord Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra, or divine sleep, on this day and is believed to awaken on Prabodhini Ekadashi, observed later in the year.

The Sanskrit word Devshayani means "when the deity goes to sleep." Devotees believe this marks the symbolic period of Lord Vishnu's divine rest, signalling the start of a spiritually significant season dedicated to prayer, self-discipline and introspection.

As part of the observance, devotees begin the day with a holy bath before offering prayers to Lord Vishnu. Tulsi leaves, flowers, fruits and sweets are offered during worship, while many devotees recite the Vishnu Sahasranama or chant sacred Vishnu mantras seeking divine blessings.

Observing the Ekadashi fast is another important aspect of the festival. Fasting practices differ across regions and families, with some abstaining from grains and cereals while others observe a stricter fast before breaking it the following day during the prescribed Parana period.

Acts of charity also hold special significance on Ashadhi Ekadashi. Donating food, clothes and other essential items to those in need is considered highly meritorious. Many spiritual scholars also view the beginning of Chaturmas as an ideal period for meditation, self-improvement, disciplined living and deeper spiritual reflection, encouraging devotees to focus on inner growth over external celebrations.

According to an order issued by the General Administration Department late on Friday, Sachin Sinha (1995 batch), Director General of the RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration and Management, Bhopal, has been appointed as Additional Chief Secretary, Public Health and Medical Education Department.

K.C. Gupta (1992), who was serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Cottage and Rural Industries Department, has been assigned the additional responsibility of Horticulture and Food Processing Department while continuing as Agriculture Production Commissioner.

Rajendra Kumar Singh (1997) has been shifted from the Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion Department to the Forest Department as Principal Secretary, while retaining the additional charge of the Anand Department.

Sandeep Yadav (2000) has been transferred from the Forest Department to the Water Resources Department and will continue to hold the NRI portfolio.

John Kingsley I.R. (2004) has been appointed Secretary, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion and MSME departments, while Dr. Sudam P. Khade (2006), Commissioner of Indore Division, has been posted as Secretary to the Chief Minister.

Bhaskar Lakshakar (2010), Commissioner-cum-Director of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, has been appointed Commissioner, Indore Division.

Among district-level postings, Ajay Katesariya (2012) has been appointed Collector of Ratlam, Rtankar Jha (2012) as Collector of Anuppur, Misha Singh (2016) as Collector of Shahdol, Divyank Singh (2017) as Collector of Mandsaur, Sher Singh Meena (2017) as Collector of Agar Malwa and Guru Prasad (2017) as Collector of Khargone.

Kedar Singh (2012), who was serving as Collector of Shahdol, has been shifted as Additional Secretary, Public Works Department.

Harshal Pancholi (2015) has been appointed Executive Director of EPCO, Bhopal, while Aditi Garg (2015) has been posted as Development Commissioner, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, with additional charge as Deputy Secretary in the department.

Preeti Yadav (2016) has been appointed Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation, Indore.

Siddharth Jain (2018) has been posted as Deputy Secretary in the Chief Secretary's Office, while Himanshu Prajapati (2019) has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the District Panchayat, Indore.

The reshuffle also assigned additional responsibilities to several senior officers.

Additional Chief Secretary Neeraj Mandloi (1993) has been given additional charge of the Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion and MSME departments, while Principal Secretary Manish Singh (1997) has been entrusted with the additional charge of the Energy Department.

Principal Secretary E. Ramesh Kumar (1999) has been given additional charge of the Narmada Valley Development Department and its associated organisations.

According to the AMC's Health Department, a series of preventive and relief measures have been undertaken across all seven city zones to ensure access to safe drinking water, provide medical care in affected areas and minimise the risk of disease outbreaks.

As of 1:40 p.m. on July 24, the Health Department had conducted 1,784 chlorine tests on drinking water across the city and collected 175 water samples for laboratory testing.

The chlorine tests included 405 in the Central Zone, 406 in the West Zone, 198 in the North-West Zone, 322 in the South-West Zone, 138 in the North Zone, 277 in the East Zone and 38 in the South Zone.

Water samples collected for testing comprised 34 from the Central Zone, 52 from the West Zone, 11 from the North-West Zone, 12 from the South-West Zone, 24 each from the North and East zones, and 18 from the South Zone.

The civic body said it had distributed 20,474 chlorine tablets on July 23 and a further 50,957 tablets by 1.40 pm on July 24, taking the total to 71,431 tablets over the two days.

On July 24 alone, the South-West Zone received the highest allocation with 22,304 tablets, followed by 13,676 in the West Zone.

The remaining distribution included 3,500 tablets in the Central Zone, 3,205 in the North West Zone, 2,752 in the North Zone, 3,254 in the East Zone and 2,266 in the South Zone.

To provide immediate healthcare in rain-affected localities, AMC has deployed mobile medical vans and medical teams operating around the clock.

The teams are carrying out free health check-ups, distributing medicines and providing health guidance on site.

The Health Department said Urban and Community Health Centres treated 4,993 outpatients on July 23, including 1,221 in the East Zone, 1,055 in the South Zone, 773 in the West Zone, 749 in the North Zone, 599 in the North-West Zone, 390 in the Central Zone and 206 in the South-West Zone.

The Malaria Department has also expanded surveillance to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. By 1:40 p.m. on July 24, officials had inspected 46,406 houses, with 764 found positive during surveillance.

They also examined 1,12,670 water-holding containers, of which 866 were found positive.

Fogging operations were carried out at 13,994 houses using 199 litres of MLO, while BTI treatment was undertaken at six locations and other vector-control treatment at 531 locations.

As part of relief efforts, AMC distributed 7,300 food packets to families affected by the heavy rain.

The distribution included 1,000 packets each at Gota Housing and Asarwa, 1,200 in the Madhumalati area of the East Zone, 700 elsewhere in the East Zone, 500 each in Sarkhej, the Dudheshwar Control Room, Shankar Bhuvan Chhapra, Malav Talav, Gomtipur and Danilimda, and 200 each at Gota Talav and Nitin Nagar.

Alongside its health measures, AMC said it is also using the rainfall to improve water management. Rainwater is being diverted into all 37 lakes in the corporation's East Zone to reduce waterlogging in surrounding areas while replenishing water bodies that had dried up during the summer.

AMC Health Committee Chairman Deepak Panchal said rainwater had been diverted towards lakes in the East Zone "so that rainwater is stored in the lakes and waterlogging does not occur in the surrounding areas."

He added: "During the monsoon, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is not only focusing on the drainage of rainwater, but is also working with the approach of making rainwater a useful resource. Storing rainwater in lakes promotes water conservation and is a positive and significant step for the city's environment and water management."

The lakes where rainwater is being stored include Nikol Gam Lake, Vastral Gam Lake, Gafurvasti Lake in the Ramol area, Dhekati Lake, Talavadi Chhapra and Odhav Gam Lake, among others.

The Health Department said Health and Malaria Department teams remain on alert across all city zones and will continue distributing chlorine tablets, monitoring drinking water quality, operating mobile medical services, carrying out vector-control measures and providing relief assistance to safeguard public health during the monsoon.

The 18th batch of pilgrims undertaking the Shri Amarnath Yatra via the Baltal route departed from the Adhar Shivir Ram Mandir in Jammu for the darshan of Baba Barfani.

The pilgrimage had been temporarily suspended by the administration owing to adverse weather conditions to ensure the safety of devotees and prevent any untoward incidents.

Despite the prolonged suspension of the yatra, the enthusiasm and devotion of the pilgrims remained unaffected. Many, speaking to IANS, said that they were determined to continue their journey as soon as the routes reopened.

Expressing happiness over the resumption of the pilgrimage, one devotee said, "I am very happy after the resumption. I have never felt this happy in my life. People were stranded here for the past 6–7 days."

Another pilgrim, who was visiting the shrine for the first time, said the difficult weather had not weakened his resolve to seek blessings.

"I have come here for the first time actually. I just wanted to see Baba and have a darshan and then be back. No matter how much it rains, I am determined to have a darshan," the devotee said.

A pilgrim undertaking the yatra for the third time also praised the arrangements made for the annual pilgrimage and lauded the role of the security forces.

"I have been here twice; this is my third time. I am very happy. All the arrangements are nice, and our security forces are always there to protect us," the devotee said.

Another first-time pilgrim said he had reached Jammu on July 19 and had decided to wait until the pilgrimage resumed instead of returning without offering prayers.

"The administration has made very good arrangements here, because of which we have stayed back. We will leave only after having the darshan of Baba Bhole; we have made this resolve in our hearts," the pilgrim said.

Several devotees also praised the arrangements made by the Jammu and Kashmir administration, saying they had been provided with all essential facilities during their stay despite the temporary suspension of the pilgrimage.

"The more we praise the administration, the less it seems. We never felt that we had left our hometown and come to another region. The administration has provided all kinds of facilities and amenities to the pilgrims," they said.

The pilgrims further said that although they could not proceed towards the Valley because of the inclement weather, the administration ensured that their stay in Jammu remained comfortable by guiding them to various tourist and religious destinations in the region.

"The administration also arranged buses at several locations, enabling them to visit major religious and tourist destinations across Jammu," a pilgrim said.

The Shri Amarnath Yatra had been suspended on July 19 from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes following persistent rainfall and adverse weather conditions across the Kashmir Valley.

So far, more than 3.7 lakh devotees have offered prayers at the holy cave shrine during the ongoing 57-day pilgrimage, which is scheduled to conclude on August 28.

The initiative, introduced under the direction of Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Kumar Sharma, enables the automatic registration of e-Zero FIRs in cyber fraud cases involving Rs 1 lakh or more, allowing police to initiate legal action without delay.

According to officials, 460 e-Zero FIRs have been registered so far under the new system, marking a significant step towards providing quicker relief to victims of cybercrime.

Additional Director General (Cyber Crime) V.K. Singh said that Rajasthan Police's campaign against cybercrime has gained momentum following the rollout of the new mechanism.

Under the integrated system, complaints registered through the '1930' Cyber Helpline are automatically linked with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre's (I4C) National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS).

This enables complaints to be transmitted instantly to the concerned police station for immediate action.

Officials said the new process minimises jurisdiction-related delays by forwarding complaints directly to the appropriate investigating agency, significantly reducing response time.

The system also allows police to quickly initiate measures such as freezing suspicious bank accounts and tracing fraudulent transactions, thereby improving the chances of recovering money lost in cyber fraud.

Appealing to the people, Rajasthan Police urged victims of cyber fraud to immediately call the '1930' Cyber Helpline and register a complaint as soon as they detect a fraudulent transaction.

"The earlier a complaint is reported, the higher the chances of freezing the money trail and recovering the defrauded amount," officials added.

The Rajasthan Police on Thursday introduced the automatic registration of e-Zero FIRs for cyber fraud cases involving Rs 1 lakh or more.

The DGP has issued detailed guidelines to all Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Police Commissioners, directing them to implement the revised procedure with immediate effect.

The decision follows directives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and aims to ensure faster legal intervention, immediate freezing of defrauded funds, and quicker investigation and arrest of cyber criminals.

Additional Director General (Cyber Crime), V.K. Singh, said that Rajasthan's earlier e-FIR system applied only to cyber financial fraud cases involving Rs 5 lakh or more.

The threshold has now been reduced to Rs 1 lakh, allowing many more victims to receive immediate legal protection.

The multitracking project covering three districts across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh will expand the existing network of Indian Railways by about 46 kms and will be completed by 2028-29. 

The project will enhance connectivity to approximately 99 villages, which have a population of about seven lakhs. The enhanced capacity will also improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations across the country, including Ballari Fort and Sri Kumara Swamy Temple, according to an official statement issued after the meeting.

The proposed project is essential route for transportation of commodities such as iron ore, dolomite, limestone, iron and steel, coal, fertilisers, food grains, etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 16.22 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum), the statement said. 

Besides, the Railways being an environment-friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, the expansion of the network will help both in achieving climate goals and minimizing logistics cost of the country. It is expected to reduce the country’s oil import by around 1.32 crore litres and lower carbon dioxide emissions by 6.67 crore kg, which is equivalent to plantation of 0.27 crore trees, the statement explained.

The project is planned in accordance with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. This project will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services, the statement said.

The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways.

This multi-tracking proposal is poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion. The project is in line with the Prime Minister Narendra Modij vision of a New India which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment opportunities, the statement added.

Mourning the young lives lost during the agitation, he described the leaked paper as theft of the students' years. He allowed the state no concession either. "An administration under which question papers travel faster than justice has failed its first duty," he said. He demanded the harshest prosecution for the syndicates selling children's futures for cash, and a deep audit of the agencies that let them flourish.

He clarified that he was not asking for the protest to be stopped, but proposing a fitness test. "What follows is not a prohibition. It is a fitness test," he said, adding that "the fitness demanded here is not perfection; it is direction."

The first question of that test he put to the movement itself. Somebody sold the leaked paper, so somebody also bought it. "Show me one young man who bought the leaked paper, took his advantage from it, and is on the road today shouting that the system is rotten," he said. That person will not be found, because he does not exist.

Here he placed his central point. "Is it not the oldest trick of the ego, the false I-sense within us, to shout about the action so that the actor is never discussed?" He said the louder the demand to do something grows, the safer the doer sits inside, unexamined and untouched. Nobody on any stage, placard or hashtag is saying that the one who acts should be looked at. "Because the moment you look there, the game is up."

Turning to the numbers, he drew attention to the years in which nothing had leaked. In 2022 the country recorded 13,999 student suicides, a rise of more than eighty per cent since 2011, and in 2021 over fifteen hundred young people under thirty ended their lives with "failure in examination" written as the reason. The examinations in those years were clean. The children still died. "So the leak did not build the machine that equates a rank with a life," he said. "The leak only exposed it."

The cause of those deaths, he said, was not the rank but a conclusion. For years, a whole civilisation has told its seventeen-year-olds that their self-worth is tied to their scorecards, and they believed it because nobody offered them a deeper account of who they are. "When the result collapses, the young person concludes that he has collapsed," he said. "That conclusion is the real killer."

On the role of the voter, he offered an analogy. A monkey enters a house and wrecks it; when the mother returns, does she slap the monkey or the child who left the door open? The monkey's trial and the door's inquiry must both run, he said, but "I am only asking why one of them has ten million investigators, and the other has none."

Reminding the youth that those they now want dragged from their chairs were carried there by voters themselves, he asked that before demanding answers from the government they answer one question: "What exactly were you doing in the polling booth?"

He applied the same test to the movement's own demand. The ego does not weep because it was hurt, he said, but because it has not yet been paid for the hurt, and the minister's resignation is that payment. A compensated victim never again faces the mirror. Prosecuting the guilty in courts armed with real teeth is what accountability means. "A scalp is a trophy, and trophies educate nobody."

For the protesters, he also set a practical test. Whatever benefit flows from the system being publicly called corrupt should first be disowned at home: a refusal of the corrupt rupee, a refusal of the dowry economy. "This exam does not cancel your march. It qualifies you for it," he said.

From history he recalled that the heroes of the country's largest student uprising against corruption, half a century ago, later faced the very charges their movement was born to prevent, and that the crusader of the capital's anti-corruption wave fifteen years ago went on to govern and collect corruption cases of his own. "Rotate the patients as often as you like. The disease holds the ward," he said. He then spelt out what the examples establish. "They do not prove that marching is useless. They prove that unfit marchers are useless."

He extended the same reasoning to political allegiance. A bird trapped on the ground has walked left all its life and one day declares it will now walk right; is it free, or is its slavery deeper, since the one thing it still refuses is flight? Left and right have both ruled and both failed identically, he said. "They are not opposites. They are the two hands of the same ego."

On the road by which real change has come, he said the man who ended the burning of widows led no long marches. He was a teacher who sat people down and taught, and took a lifetime of abuse for it. He also set out what follows when the law changes, but the centre does not. The woman was pulled off her husband's pyre, and the same untouched centre then burned her in the kitchen for dowry, in numbers the pyre never matched. "Change the rules without changing the centre, and only the method of burning changes," he said.

The position is not beyond dispute. Many students of social movements hold that institutional accountability is built only through collective pressure, and that making moral preparation a precondition weakens movements in practice. Answering that objection, Acharya Prashant said the street is not being taken away, only the sequence is being changed.

His central argument was drawn from the Gita. Krishna stood on a battlefield, not in a hermitage. He refused to let Arjuna fire a single arrow and refused equally to let him flee, giving him clarity first and the order to fight after. "The Gita is not a manual of retreat," he said, adding that the conversation took place between two armies in less time than the longest march. "The bar is honesty, and honesty does not take years at all."

He closed with a sequence: first educate yourself in the self, then educate the voter beside you, then vote, then organise, then contest, and then march. "The march of the awakened is not merely permitted. It is awaited," he said. The one thing without which no revolution occurs, he named as love, not slogan-love but love as the ego's own decision to turn upon itself. "Rage rearranges the world and leaves the actor intact," he said. "Love alone changes the actor."

Addressing the youth directly, he said wanting revolution is right, and the mistake lies only in its sequence and place. "First the mirror, then the march. First the eyes, then the road," he said. "The real revolution is not housed in any ministry or maidan. It first lives in you. Claim it first. Then come out, and I will be marching in your middle."

Acharya Prashant is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad and the founder of the PrashantAdvait Foundation. His work, rooted in Indian and global philosophy, reaches more than 100 million subscribers across social media. He was recently named among the world's most influential living thinkers in the Watkins 2026 list.

The clarification was issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), South East District, after an X user alleged that “three young boys have been detained by the Delhi Police at Nizamuddin Police Station for carrying food to Jantar Mantar.”

The original social media post stated: “Three young boys have been detained by the @DelhiPolice at Nizamuddin Police Station for carrying food to Jantar Mantar. Yes, you read that right! Several reports of young kids being detained for no reason…”

Responding to the post on X, the DCP South East Delhi categorically rejected the allegation, posting: “The claim of boys being detained at Nizammudin Police station for carrying food to Jantar Mantar is FALSE and MISLEADING.”

The police also released an official clarification detailing the sequence of events. According to the statement, “Police personnel did not stop or prevent any individual from carrying food items.”

Explaining the incident, the Delhi Police said the vehicle was stopped as part of routine security checks. “As part of routine picket/checkpost duty, the vehicle was stopped only to verify the identity of the occupants and ascertain their point of origin and destination,” the clarification stated.

The police further said that “While IDs were being verified, the driver of the vehicle left the spot along with the vehicle and belongings.”

According to the clarification, “On enquiry, the occupants stated that the food items were being taken to the protest site.” It also noted that “The driver had been arranged by one of the occupants’ friends and was not personally known to them.”

The statement added that “Till the time the driver left, the deployed staff were not even aware that the food was meant for protestors.”

Rejecting allegations of wrongful detention, the Delhi Police maintained that officers were only carrying out standard verification procedures. The clarification concluded: “Police personnel were performing routine picket checking and verification duty as mandated. The claim being made is baseless and malicious, and appears intended to misrepresent a standard verification procedure.”

The official clarification was issued by the DCP, South East District, Delhi Police, in response to the viral social media claims regarding the alleged detention of the youths.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: “I urge Sonam ji to follow the doctors’ advice in his daily routine and regain his old weight as soon as possible. I pray to the Almighty for his good health.” The Prime Minister’s message came hours after Wangchuk broke his fast at Safdarjung Hospital in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, doctors and family members.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Central government has prepared a comprehensive draft Bill to introduce stricter provisions and stringent punishments for paper leak cases.

The proposal will be discussed in the Union Cabinet meeting on Friday and is expected to be introduced and passed in the ongoing session of Parliament next week.

Wangchuk’s hunger strike had drawn widespread national attention, with leaders from multiple political parties and civil society groups appealing to him to end the fast.

Earlier, Wangchuk himself noted that 65 Members of Parliament had either visited him or signed letters urging him to break the fast, citing concerns over possible unrest.

He said the decision followed long negotiations on conditions and emphasised the need to avoid violence of any kind.

The conclusion of the fast marks the end of one of the longest hunger strikes by a prominent activist in recent years, highlighting both the political sensitivity of Ladakh’s demands and the broader debate over governance and environmental safeguards in the region.

The Ministry issued the order for suspension of mobile internet services, saying that the Secretary is satisfied that it is necessary to do so in the “interest of public order and for preventing incitement to the commission of any offence”.

The order issued by Under Secretary Mahendra Vikram Singh directed “to suspend the mobile internet services (all technologies) with effect from 16.00 Hrs on July 23 to 24.00 Hrs on July 23 at and around a radius of 1.5 kms of Jantar Mantar.”

The order was issued in exercise of the power conferred by clause (b) of sub-section (2) of section 20 of The Telecommunication Act, 2023 read with clause (b) of sub-rule 1 of Rule 2 and sub-rule 1 of Rule 3 of The Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024.

Earlier, Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh said that the government has made four formal proposals for talks with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in the past 24 hours but they have remained “unresponsive and uncommunicative” to their outreach.

The Union Minister told IANS that the government has reached out with “utmost humility” to the protesting students at Jantar Mantar, highlighting that dialogue was the only constructive way to end the stalemate.

“We are waiting for them. Our doors are open 24x7. We have approached them at least four times in the past 24 hours. We seek their participation in talks on all issues, including NEET,” he said.

The Union Minister urged the students to come forward for talks, stating that the government was keen on resolving the issue through dialogue in their interest.

He added that Union Minister J.P. Nadda, being the government’s interlocutor, will hear out and address their concerns, and the students are free to pick “hours and topics of discussion.”

“The talks could take place either at J.P. Nadda’s office or residence and at any convenient time,” he said, while informing that he will also be part of the discussion.

The Minister said the Prime Minister was sensitive towards their issues and announced the setting up of fast‑track courts to ensure speedy justice and prosecution of those behind paper leaks.

Reiterating PM Modi’s concerns for India’s youth and their future, he said the fast‑track courts will ensure that the guilty face the law and get punished for their acts while justice is delivered without delay.

The protests over NEET paper leaks by the CJP‑led students have been underway at Jantar Mantar for over a month, while the hunger strike by social activist Sonam Wangchuk entered its 26th day on Thursday.

The issue dominated the House from the outset, with the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition trading sharp accusations over the violence that accompanied the demonstration.

Even before the Question Hour commenced, a BJP legislator raised the issue in the Assembly, alleging that those who took part in the protest were not genuine students but politically motivated agitators.

He claimed that he and several other BJP legislators were subjected to a life-threatening attack during the demonstration.

The MLA maintained that while every citizen has the democratic right to protest peacefully, violence and vandalism cannot be justified under any circumstances.

According to him, individuals associated with certain political parties had infiltrated the protest and attempted to disturb law and order under the guise of a student movement.

He further alleged that vehicles belonging to BJP leaders and MLAs were attacked during the protest, arguing that such acts of violence did not reflect the conduct of students.

While acknowledging the students' right to raise legitimate demands, he said attacks on public representatives and damage to public property could not be condoned.

Cabinet Minister Shravan Kumar stated that while protests and the raising of issues are legitimate, the current agitation is not being driven by the students themselves but is instead a sponsored affair; such incidents are occurring because individuals are being instigated by leaders from political parties.

“Protests should be peaceful. In a democracy, everyone has the right to assert their rights and voice their opinions; however, the actions taken by political parties—specifically the RJD and Congress—in Patna on Wednesday are condemnable. The law in Bihar operates independently; this government neither frames anyone nor shields anyone,” Kumar said.

The ruling party's allegations triggered strong protests from Opposition members, who questioned the government's handling of the demonstration and condemned the police lathi-charge on students.

Opposition MLAs accused the government of suppressing the voices of protesting students and demanded accountability for the police action.

Their objections led to noisy scenes inside the House, disrupting proceedings.

As the exchanges grew increasingly heated, the Assembly Speaker, Prem Kumar, intervened and appealed to members from both sides to maintain the dignity and decorum of the House.

The Speaker said that while every legislator had the right to raise matters of public importance, debates should be conducted peacefully to ensure the smooth functioning of the Assembly.

He urged members to present their arguments in an orderly manner rather than resorting to disruptions.

The Patna student protest and the subsequent police action have emerged as a major political flashpoint in Bihar.

Opposition MLAs arrived at the Assembly complex carrying banners and posters during the Monsoon Session.

In the portico, they raised loud slogans against the NDA government to protest the lathi-charge that had taken place the previous day on students.

Chanting slogans like “Remove BJP, Save Education,” the Opposition MLAs staged a sit-in protest outside the Assembly complex. During the demonstration, they also demanded the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

“The government has used excessive force against students and attempted to suppress their voice. They have the power. Why are they not investigating it? It is a failure of the government over the paper leak and lathi-charge on students, which is highly condemnable,” said senior RJD legislator Alok Mehta.

The guidelines state that an anti-tobacco awareness programme will be conducted in every school. If someone is addicted to tobacco, they will be given behavioural counselling. If necessary, they will be sent to a higher health centre.

According to the new SOP, every school will have to conduct a self-assessment of 100 marks once in six months. Only schools that score 90 per cent or more will receive the certificate of 'Tobacco-Free Educational Institution' (TOFEI).

The initiative has been taken following a recent survey on youth which showed that 8.5 per cent of students between the ages of 13 and 15 are addicted to cigarettes or gutkha in Bengal.

A special team is being formed in each block to make schools tobacco-free. The team will include Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) Medical Officer, Staff Nurse, Pharmacist, Research Counsellor and Block Health Manager. They will visit schools in the block.

Experts believe that this initiative of the West Bengal government will help students in giving up tobacco addiction. Public health officials said that the aim of the Tobacco Free Educational Institution (TOFEI) programme is to make all educational institutions tobacco-free. The anti-tobacco Act (2003) should be enforced more strictly, as per the SOP.

In addition to raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco, the students will also be informed about the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003.

Quizzes, posters, and debate competitions will be organised in schools. The responsibility of the research counsellors is to create awareness among students as well as parents. Discussions about the harms of tobacco will be held in parent teacher meetings.

A tobacco monitoring committee will be formed in every school. They will check whether tobacco is being sold within 100 yards of the school. Coordination between parents, local panchayats, youth organisations, and police stations will be established in schools to prevent the sale of tobacco

According to the Health Department, to get the certificate of a tobacco-free educational institution, the school will have to comply with some conditions. A 'Tobacco Free Area' board will have to be hung in a conspicuous place on the school campus. A banner of a tobacco-free institution will have to be placed at the main gate of the school. There will be no signs of cigarettes, bidi pieces, gutkha, khaini packets, or spit stains on the school premises.

Moreover, he stated that the Centre has decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks, and also issued a warning to those trying to harm the future of youth.

In a post on X, PM Modi said: "Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard."

He emphasised that the step is a part of a series of measures by the Central government for "safeguarding the interests of students".

PM Modi also issued a warning, saying: "Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared."

This comes a day after Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said that the Centre was open to discussions with all stakeholders on the examination paper leak issue. He also said that the government had held talks with representatives of the protesting CJP and had also urged activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike and join the ‘mainstream dialogue process’.

Addressing a press conference, Nadda said the meeting with CJP representatives was held in a cordial atmosphere, during which the government heard their concerns and asked them to submit their demands in writing.

"The discussion took place in a very cordial atmosphere. We listened to their views very calmly. I told them it would be better if they submitted their points in writing, and they have done so. We are ready for discussions whenever they ask," he said, while clarifying that no fresh meeting took place on Wednesday.

Reiterating that the government wanted a detailed debate on examination paper leaks, Nadda said Parliament was the most appropriate forum to evolve a long-term policy on the issue.

According to the latest weather bulletin, moderate rainfall accompanied by strong winds is likely at isolated places across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Thursday and Friday under the influence of the weather system.

The department said the Western Ghats districts are expected to receive moderate rainfall with gusty winds until July 28, while other parts of Tamil Nadu are likely to witness light to moderate rain during the same period.

The forecast indicates that rainfall activity will remain concentrated over the hilly districts along the Western Ghats, where moisture-laden winds are expected to sustain intermittent showers over the coming days.

Elsewhere in the state, scattered light to moderate rainfall is likely to provide some relief, although the intensity is expected to remain lower than in the hill regions.

For Chennai, the IMD has predicted partly cloudy skies throughout the day. Moderate rainfall is likely at a few places in the city during the evening or night hours, with weather conditions remaining favourable for brief spells of rain accompanied by occasional gusty winds.

Despite the expected rainfall, temperatures are projected to remain above normal in parts of the state. The weather department has forecast that the maximum temperature over the interior districts of Tamil Nadu is likely to remain up to 3 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average until July 26.

Residents in these areas have been advised to take necessary precautions against heat stress during the daytime, especially those engaged in outdoor activities. In contrast, maximum temperatures over the remaining parts of Tamil Nadu, as well as Puducherry, are expected to stay close to normal levels during the forecast period.

Meteorologists said the prevailing weather pattern reflects the combined influence of the weak low-pressure circulation and seasonal atmospheric conditions, which are expected to support intermittent rainfall across the state over the next several days.

The department has advised the public, particularly those in the Western Ghats districts, to stay updated with official weather advisories as changing conditions could lead to brief spells of heavy rain and gusty winds in isolated locations.

In a post on X, PM Modi said: "Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard."

He underlined that the step is a part of a series of measures by the Central government for "safeguarding the interests of students".

PM Modi also issued a warning, saying: "Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared. The welfare and future of the country's youth is our topmost priority."

This comes a day after Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said that the Centre was open to discussions with all stakeholders on the examination paper leak issue. He also said that the government had held talks with representatives of the protesting CJP and had also urged activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike and join the ‘mainstream dialogue process’.

Addressing a press conference, Nadda said the meeting with CJP representatives was held in a cordial atmosphere, during which the government heard their concerns and asked them to submit their demands in writing.

"The discussion took place in a very cordial atmosphere. We listened to their views very calmly. I told them it would be better if they submitted their points in writing, and they have done so. We are ready for discussions whenever they ask," he said, while clarifying that no fresh meeting took place on Wednesday.

Reiterating that the government wanted a detailed debate on examination paper leaks, Nadda said Parliament was the most appropriate forum to evolve a long-term policy on the issue.

A Bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana was hearing the oral mentioning of the matter when the petitioner's counsel sought an urgent hearing, alleging police brutality against students protesting at Jantar Mantar.

"Please don't waste our time and don't waste yours. Your time is more valuable than ours," CJI Kant told the counsel.

The lawyer submitted that students were raising important issues such as ensuring the fair conduct of the NEET examination and seeking reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA), including its dissolution in view of repeated allegations of paper leaks.

Cutting the submissions short, the CJI said, "Thank you very much."

When the counsel insisted that there were videos showing police atrocities against the protesters and sought urgent listing of the matter, the apex court declined the request.

"We are not interested in videos. We don't have time to watch," CJI Kant remarked, refusing to grant an urgent listing to the petition.

The matter relates to the protests organised during the CJP-led 'Sansad Chalo' march, during which students and protesters attempted to march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament. Delhi Police had put up barricades and imposed restrictions to prevent the march from proceeding beyond the designated protest site.

Following the protests, multiple FIRs were registered across central Delhi.

According to the police, four FIRs were lodged at Parliament Street Police Station, three at Connaught Place Police Station, and one each at Mandir Marg, Barakhamba Road and Kartavya Path police stations in connection with different incidents during the protest and maintenance of public order.

Investigations in all the cases are underway.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police have denied claims circulating on social media regarding stone-pelting and alleged police action, describing the videos as "false and misleading".

In a post on X, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) urged the public not to share unverified videos and advised citizens to rely only on official sources for authentic information.

Separately, both the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) issued statements condemning the alleged use of excessive force against student protesters and members of the legal fraternity.

In a resolution adopted on Wednesday, the SCBA condemned the alleged "brutal lathi charge" on students and lawyers, sought an immediate, impartial and time-bound inquiry into the incident, and called for medical assistance to those injured.

SCAORA, in a separate statement, expressed concern over reports and visuals depicting the alleged use of force against students, emphasising that peaceful dissent is protected under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution.

Referring to the Supreme Court's decisions, SCAORA said any restriction on peaceful assemblies must satisfy the constitutional requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality, and called for an independent and impartial examination of allegations of excessive use of force.

The administrative approval for the expenditure has been granted for the 2026-27 financial year under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, according to an official statement issued by the state government.

The move is intended to bring specialised treatment closer to patients by ensuring that people affected by substance addiction can access care within their own districts instead of travelling to larger cities for treatment.

Each district hospital will house a 15-bed de-addiction centre offering a range of services, including scientific detoxification treatment, de-addiction therapy, counselling, mental healthcare, family counselling and rehabilitation.

The centres will provide both inpatient (IPD) and outpatient (OPD) services. According to the government, multidisciplinary teams comprising doctors, nurses, counsellors, psychologists and other trained professionals will provide integrated care at the facilities.

The government said the centres are aimed at supporting people recovering from substance addiction through medical treatment, counselling and rehabilitation while also helping reduce the financial and emotional burden on their families.

To ensure transparency in implementation, all required equipment for the centres will be procured through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.

The project will also be subject to regular monitoring, social audits and third-party verification, the statement said.

"The government has focussed in recent years not only on taking action against the illegal drug trade but also on strengthening rehabilitation measures for people affected by substance addiction," officials said.

They further said the establishment of de-addiction centres in every district hospital is intended to reinforce that approach by making treatment and support services more widely available across Gujarat.

"Timely treatment, counselling and rehabilitation would provide people struggling with addiction with an opportunity to recover while contributing to the state's broader objective of creating a drug-free society," officials noted.

Heavy rain has lashed several parts of the state since early morning.

Udaipur recorded its heaviest rainfall of the season, while Kota and Baran received more than five inches of rain, leading to overflowing rivers, waterlogging, and the opening of a gate at the Kalisindh Dam.

Light to moderate showers have also been reported from Jaipur, Kotputli-Behror, Ajmer and several other districts.

The Meteorological Centre, Jaipur, has forecast that the monsoon will remain active across Rajasthan until July 25, with heavy rainfall likely in many districts.

According to the IMD, the highest rainfall during the last 24 hours was recorded in Chhipabarod (Baran), which was 130 mm, followed by 101 mm in Sultanpur (Kota). Heavy rainfall was also recorded in Hanumangarh, Bundi, Alwar, Karauli, Jhunjhunu and Sawai Madhopur, while light to moderate showers occurred in Dausa, Jhalawar, Tonk, Nagaur, Udaipur, Churu, Sri Ganganagar and Bharatpur.

Udaipur witnessed nearly an hour of intense rainfall early Wednesday morning, bringing the city's heaviest spell of the current monsoon season. The showers brought down temperatures significantly and drew visitors back to popular tourist spots after the rain eased.

Heavy rainfall in Ajmer led to waterlogging in several localities, disrupting traffic and leaving vehicles stranded. On Taragarh Road in Subhash Nagar, an overflowing under-construction drain spilled onto the road. A two-wheeler rider fell into a pothole filled with rainwater and was rescued by local residents. The district recorded 39.4 mm (1.5 inches) of rainfall in the past 24 hours, helping reduce the rainfall deficit while making the weather considerably cooler. Continuous rain in the Hadoti region has caused the Parvan and Kalisindh rivers to swell.

In Manoharthana (Jhalawar), the Parvan River rose nearly 3 feet, submerging a small bridge and part of a temple.

With inflows increasing from Madhya Pradesh, authorities opened one gate of the Kalisindh Dam by about 0.10 metres, releasing nearly 426 cusecs of water.

The widespread rainfall has brought substantial relief from heat and humidity across the state. Maximum temperatures fell by 4 degrees to 9 degrees Celsius in cities including Jaipur, Alwar, Pilani, Sikar, Ajmer, Churu and Sri Ganganagar. Although Jaisalmer remained the hottest city at 39.6 degrees Celsius, no location in Rajasthan recorded a maximum temperature above 40 degrees for the first time in nearly two weeks.

On Wednesday, an orange alert was issued for four districts while a yellow alert was announced for the rest of Rajasthan. Monsoon is expected to remain active till July 25 in the state.

The fresh spell of showers provided respite from the discomfort that residents had been experiencing over the past several days.

The rainfall also led to a noticeable reduction in humidity levels across the region, making the weather significantly more pleasant compared to previous days.

According to the weather forecast, the maximum temperature in the national capital is expected to hover around 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to settle at approximately 25 degrees Celsius.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the national capital and adjoining areas are likely to receive more rainfall later in the day. The showers are expected to be accompanied by strong surface winds during the night. Similar weather conditions are likely to continue over the next three days.

The IMD also said that the southwest monsoon is set to witness a significant revival after remaining relatively inactive for an extended period. The renewed phase of monsoon activity is expected to commence over the northeastern region of the country before gradually advancing into eastern, central and northern India during the early part of the week.

Meteorologists have forecast widespread rainfall along with thunderstorms across several regions, while heavy showers are expected at isolated places as the monsoon regains momentum.

The upcoming spell of rain is also expected to bring considerable relief to the Gangetic plains and parts of Central India, which have been experiencing prolonged hot and humid weather over the past few weeks. 

According to the IMD, this is likely to offer respite from the prevailing heat and discomfort.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Greetings to Maharashtra CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji on his birthday. Under his leadership, Maharashtra is scaling new heights of growth across diverse sectors. I pray for his long and healthy life." 

Born on July 22, 1970, in Maharashtra's Nagpur, Devendra Fadnavis is currently serving his third term as the 18th Chief Minister of Maharashtra since December 2024. He previously served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, alongside Ajit Pawar (from 2023) in the Eknath Shinde government from 2022 to 2024. 

From 2019 to 2022, he also served as the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. He became Chief Minister at the age of 44, making him the second-youngest in Maharashtra's history after Sharad Pawar.

In 1997, at the age of 27, Fadnavis became the youngest mayor of Nagpur and the second-youngest mayor in the history of India.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a post on X, said, "Heartfelt birthday wishes to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis. Under the guidance of Modi ji, you are continuously promoting public welfare and good governance in Maharashtra. I pray to God for your excellent health and a long life."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended birthday greetings to Fadnavis and said, "A dynamic and dedicated leader, he is working tirelessly to accelerate Maharashtra's development through transparent governance, infrastructure expansion, and people-centric initiatives. His unwavering commitment to public service continues to strengthen Maharashtra's progress and contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat."

"May he be blessed with good health and a long life in the service of the nation," he added.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also took to social media and extended heartfelt wishes to Fadnavis on his birthday. 

"Intelligent, experienced, and versatile leadership, a walking-talking university of politics, a people's leader with a modern vision for development, a colossal mountain of merit and generosity, such is the reputation of the state's popular Chief Minister and supreme friend, Shri Devendraji Fadnavis. Endless birthday wishes to him! May he live a hundred autumns!" Shinde said.

The last time there was any discussion of the department's budgetary allocations was in 2012, and since then the matter has been guillotined, meaning the approval of public spending for the department was fast-tracked and passed on the floor of the House without discussion.

The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government came to power in the state in 2011, ending the 34-year Left Front regime. Mamata Banerjee, as the Chief Minister, was also in charge of the state home department from 2011 to 2026.

However, barring 2011 and 2012 (the first two years of her term as the Chief Minister and the state home minister), there was never any discussion on budgetary allocations for the state home department till the end of her term after the recently concluded Assembly polls.

The principal opposition parties, first the CPI(M)-led Left Front in her first term, then Congress in her second term and finally the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in her last and third terms, had been extremely critical in the matter.

However, as the new and the ninth Chief Minister of West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari decided to end the practice of sending the approval of the budgetary allocations for guillotine and instead initiate discussion on it on the floor of the House.

The discussion on the budgetary allocations for the state home department will commence in the first half of the extended budget session of the House on Wednesday. A total of two hours have been allotted for it. The discussions will end with CM Adhikari's reply.

After the lunch break, there will be a meeting of the state cabinet at the Assembly premises, chaired by the Chief Minister. Certain crucial administrative decisions are slated to be cleared at the cabinet meeting.

In the second half of the extended budget session, there will be discussions on the budgetary allocations for the state power department. Again, the Chief Minister, who is also in charge of the state power department, will reply on the decision at the end, following which the House will be adjourned for the day.

The Lok Jansashakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief made the remarks in the aftermath of the violent clashes that erupted on Monday between Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) supporters and security personnel during the 'Sansad Chalo' march in Delhi.

Speaking to reporters, Paswan said that while students were naturally upset over the issues that prompted the protest, their concerns deserved to be heard with sensitivity rather than met with force.

"Look, the way the protest took place yesterday, I respect the sentiments of the students. It is natural that they would have anger and concerns over these issues, which is why they came out on the streets. But at the same time, I am absolutely not in favour of any attempt to suppress the voices of students through force," he said.

Referring to the meeting between Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and representatives of the CJP, Paswan said the Centre has consistently preferred dialogue as the means to resolve disputes and has remained open to engaging with those seeking discussions.

"Dialogue is a beautiful medium, and the government has always kept its doors open for it. When their representatives wanted to meet the government, J.P. Nadda ji met them, and the issues were discussed," he said.

Paswan further observed that public anger often drives people to take to the streets and noted that peaceful demonstrations are an integral part of a democratic system. 

At the same time, he said that when protests cross permissible limits or create law-and-order challenges, authorities are sometimes compelled to take stringent measures, although he personally does not strongly support such action.

"Many times, public anger leads people to come out on the streets, and in a democracy, peaceful protest is permitted. However, if certain limits are crossed or if law and order is affected, sometimes strict steps have to be taken. I do not strongly support such measures. I think that the feelings of the students, youth and the future of the country should be respected and my government is committed to do it," he added.

The clashes erupted on Monday as thousands of supporters of the CJP and students marched from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recurring examination irregularities, including the NEET-UG paper leaks.

He was accompanied by his wife and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, his daughter and Rajya Sabha MP Misa Bharti.

Speaking to the media before leaving Patna, Misa Bharti said that Lalu Yadav's condition had improved and that he would continue treatment under the supervision of specialists at AIIMS, New Delhi, where he has been receiving medical care for several years.

"Lalu Prasad's condition is much better now. He is already under treatment at AIIMS Delhi, and further consultation and treatment will continue there,” Misa Bharti said.

Lalu Yadav's health deteriorated unexpectedly on Friday, prompting his admission to Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna.

He was accompanied by Rabri Devi, Misa Bharti, and his elder son Tej Pratap Yadav.

Doctors conducted a detailed medical evaluation, including an ECG and a comprehensive eye examination led by Dr. Vibhuti Prasanna Sinha, Head of the Ophthalmology Department.

After being kept under observation for nearly two hours, he was discharged once his condition stabilised.

Following his discharge, Misa Bharti attributed part of his discomfort to poor sanitation in Patna's Kautilya Nagar area.

She also criticised the state administration over reports that senior district officials accompanied the wife of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary during a college inspection.

“The government should decide whether she is entitled to security cover. I heard the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police were accompanying her. The government should ask under what authority they were there to serve the Chief Minister's wife instead of the public,” she remarked.

Lalu Yadav has been under continuous medical supervision since undergoing a kidney transplant.

Around two months ago, he travelled to Singapore for a routine post-transplant check-up after obtaining permission from a Delhi court.

Doctors have advised medical reviews every three months, although regular follow-ups had been disrupted over the past year.

During medical examinations in December 2025, doctors also diagnosed cataracts and retinal problems.

He subsequently underwent successful cataract and retinal surgery at a private eye hospital in Delhi and has since been undergoing periodic follow-up examinations.

Doctors will now conduct further evaluations at AIIMS Delhi to monitor his overall health and continue his long-term treatment plan.

The vaccine has been approved for individuals aged between 4 and 60 years and can be administered irrespective of whether a person has previously been infected with dengue.

Unlike some earlier dengue vaccines, QDENGA does not require pre-vaccination screening, allowing eligible individuals to receive the vaccine without undergoing tests to determine prior dengue infection.

Takeda said the approval strengthens India's dengue prevention strategy at a time when the country continues to bear one of the world's highest disease burdens, with all four dengue virus serotypes circulating in several regions.

"Since its launch in 2022, QDENGA has been approved in 43 countries, with more than 32 million doses distributed globally. This approval marks an important step forward in strengthening dengue prevention in India," said Mahender Nayak, Head of Intercontinental Markets at Takeda.

The company said the approval was supported by evidence from its global clinical development programme, comprising 19 Phase I, II and III clinical trials involving more than 28,000 participants across dengue-endemic and non-endemic countries.

The Indian regulator also considered data from the Phase III DEN-302 clinical trial conducted in India, which evaluated the vaccine's safety and immune response among individuals aged 4 to 60 years.

According to Takeda, long-term follow-up data collected over seven years demonstrated that QDENGA continues to provide protection against dengue infection and dengue-related hospitalisation caused by all four virus serotypes.

The vaccine is administered as two subcutaneous injections of 0.5 ml each, given three months apart.

Goh Choo Beng, Medical Affairs Head for Takeda's Southeast Asia and India Cluster, said the vaccine is designed to protect against all four dengue virus serotypes regardless of previous exposure.

"Its approval represents an important step in strengthening India's comprehensive approach to dengue prevention, alongside vector control, surveillance, community awareness and other public health measures," he said.

The sector contributes nearly 19 per cent of global fibre production, according to the government.

Recent interventions by the government to promote the production of cotton focus on productivity, quality, market access and value addition.

MSP operations continue to provide price support during market downturns. The Mission for Cotton Productivity aims to raise output to 498 lakh bales by 2031.

Technology demonstrations, digital procurement and traceability initiatives are strengthening competitiveness. These efforts are enhancing productivity, improving quality and reinforcing India’s position in the global cotton economy, the government said.

Due to its economic importance in India, cotton is also termed as 'White-Gold'.

The crop supports the livelihoods of around 6 million cotton farmers with 114.84 lakh hectares devoted to the crop nationwide. It also sustains employment for another 40-50 million people engaged in related activities such as cotton processing and trade.

Beyond clothing, cotton plays a vital role in earning foreign exchange through exports of fibre, yarn, fabrics and garments.

India continues to maintain a strong presence in the global cotton trade.

In 2024-25, the country exported an estimated 18 lakh bales, equivalent to 0.31 million metric tonnes. This accounts for about 3.37 per cent of total world exports, amounting to 541.69 lakh bales (9.21 million metric tonnes), which reflects India’s role as a significant exporter in the international cotton market.

Further, India exports cotton to several major global markets, reflecting strong and diversified international demand.

In value terms, cotton exports reached $11.49 billion in FY25.

The United States of America emerged as the largest destination for Indian cotton fabrics and made-ups exports, accounting for 26.35 per cent of cotton exports, following Bangladesh (19.81 per cent) and Sri Lanka (5.11 per cent).

Other important destinations included the United Kingdom, with a share of 2.38 per cent, and the United Arab Emirates, at 2.32 per cent.

These export patterns highlight the diverse global demand for Indian cotton.

Cotton production in India is largely concentrated in 9 major states, grouped into 3 distinct agro-ecological zones: Northern Zone comprising Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan; Central Zone comprising Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh and Southern Zone comprising Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

In addition to these states, cotton is also grown in Odisha and Tamil Nadu.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) officials said incessant rainfall in the upstream catchment areas triggered a sharp rise in the Dikhow River, leading to widespread flooding in Simaluguri town.

The floodwaters inundated the railway station yard, railway colony and adjoining tracks, making train movement unsafe.

As a precautionary measure, rail traffic has been suspended in the Simaluguri–Namtiali and Simaluguri–Selenghat sections until conditions improve.

Railway officials said the decision was taken to ensure passenger safety and prevent any operational risks arising from the inundated tracks. The disruption has also affected long-distance train services originating from Dibrugarh and Tinsukia.

These trains are being diverted through the Rangiya–Rangapara route to maintain connectivity, although the diversions are expected to result in delays.

Several passenger and local trains operating in the affected section have either been cancelled or short-terminated due to the prevailing conditions.

The NFR said emergency response teams have been mobilised and railway personnel, along with restoration equipment and essential materials, have already been deployed to the affected locations. However, repair work can commence only after the water level recedes sufficiently to allow a proper assessment of the damage.

Railway authorities said the situation is being monitored continuously by senior officials, with teams remaining on alert to restore normal operations at the earliest.

In an official statement, the NFR said the actual extent of damage to railway tracks and related infrastructure would be known only after floodwaters recede, making it difficult to estimate the time required for restoration.

The disruption in railway services comes as the flood situation across Assam continues to worsen, with swollen rivers inundating several districts, damaging transport infrastructure and affecting thousands of people amid persistent rainfall.

The Indian Army has launched 'Operation Jal Rahat' to support the Assam government in large-scale rescue and relief operations as worsening floods continue to inundate several parts of eastern Assam, severely affecting thousands of people across seven districts.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the flood situation deteriorated significantly, with one person reported dead in Sivasagar district.

The latest casualty has taken the flood-related death toll in the state this year to five.

ASDMA data showed that more than 57,100 people have been affected across Charaideo, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Tinsukia and Udalguri districts.

The number of affected people has risen sharply from around 24,000 recorded a day earlier.

Charaideo remains the worst-affected district, with nearly 24,000 people impacted, followed by Dhemaji, where over 22,000 residents are affected.

Dibrugarh has reported more than 4,000 affected people, while floodwaters have also affected parts of Jorhat, Sivasagar, Tinsukia and Udalguri.

At the same time, the opposition has prepared an aggressive strategy to corner the government on a range of public issues.

The session will begin with an address by the Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, followed by the presentation of the first supplementary budget for 2026-27 and an obituary reference.

The supplementary budget is expected to be significantly larger than last year's, as the government seeks additional funds to implement major welfare announcements, including 125 units of free electricity, an enhanced social security pension, and the release of the second instalment of employment assistance for women.

According to the government, all preparations for the session have been completed.

Several important bills related to different departments, including the health sector, are scheduled to be introduced.

The ruling alliance has asserted that it is fully prepared to answer every question raised by the opposition and maintains that it has effectively addressed public concerns.

Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar held meetings with representatives of all political parties, urging them to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.

Security has been tightened across the Assembly premises ahead of the session.

Comprehensive security measures, including CCTV surveillance, dog squads, and bomb disposal teams, have been deployed after a thorough inspection of the Assembly complex.

Meanwhile, the opposition, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), is gearing up to challenge the government on several contentious issues.

These include the decision to empower panchayats to levy rural taxes, the imposition of tolls on state highways, alleged fake police encounters, delays in teacher recruitment, and the pending disbursement of employment assistance promised to women.

RJD spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed said the opposition would demand answers from the government on policies that allegedly increase the financial burden on the public, particularly the proposed taxation in rural areas.

He also stated that the government would be questioned over alleged fake encounters, the status of teacher recruitment, and the delay in releasing employment assistance promised to women during the elections.

As per the legislative schedule, Question Hour, Calling Attention motions, and other government business will be taken up on July 21 and 22.

On July 23, the House will discuss the supplementary budget before taking up the Appropriation Bill, while the session will conclude on July 24 with discussions on private members' resolutions following Question Hour.

The launch took place at the State Hangar in Patna, where the Chief Minister flagged off the first helicopter joy ride and handed over tickets to the inaugural group of tourists.

The new initiative will allow residents and visitors to experience Patna from the sky, offering panoramic aerial views of the city’s historical landmarks, riverfront and urban landscape.

During the event, Samrat Chaudhary also felicitated four newly licensed commercial pilots by presenting them with Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) certificates. The recipients were Captain Kumar Dhairya, Captain Genius Vivek, Captain Karan Kumar Bharti and Captain Sonal Man Singh.

Congratulating the pilots, the Chief Minister encouraged Bihar’s youth to explore careers in aviation, describing the sector as one with immense opportunities and global potential.

Speaking at the inauguration, Samrat Chaudhary said the Bihar Heli‑Tourism and Air Tourism Scheme‑2026 is expected to give fresh impetus to tourism by enabling visitors to enjoy aerial views of the state’s historical, religious, cultural and natural attractions.

He said the initiative would promote tourism across Bihar, attract investment in the sector, generate new employment opportunities, provide tourists with a safe and memorable flying experience, and strengthen Bihar’s identity as an emerging tourism destination.

Tourism Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh said the scheme’s first phase will cover three destinations: Valmikinagar (West Champaran), Rajgir (Nalanda) and Maa Mundeshwari Temple (Kaimur).

According to him, a state‑owned aircraft will operate flights to Valmikinagar, while 6+2‑seater chartered helicopters will serve the Rajgir and Kaimur routes. Each flight will accommodate up to five tourists.

Initially, helicopter tourism services will operate on weekends, with scheduled flights on the Patna–Valmikinagar–Patna, Patna–Rajgir–Patna and Patna–Kaimur (Karamchat Dam Helipad)–Patna routes. The services will be available every Saturday and Sunday, allowing tourists to book regular aerial trips according to the published schedule.

The Bihar government expects the heli‑tourism initiative to gradually expand to other destinations, offering visitors a unique perspective on the state’s heritage and natural beauty while encouraging the growth of aviation‑linked tourism.

Sharing the development on X, Sarma said Assam has steadily transformed into a preferred investment destination and urged domestic and international investors to explore the opportunities available in the state.

The Chief Minister said the latest assessment reflects the state's growing appeal among investors and highlights the success of the government's efforts to create a business-friendly ecosystem.

He added that Assam has also secured the second position among the hilly and Northeastern states in terms of investment attractiveness.

According to Sarma, the state's performance has been driven by a combination of industry-friendly government policies, a supportive institutional framework and a conducive environment for businesses.

He said Assam has maintained a low interest burden, witnessed minimal labour disruptions and significantly improved its law and order situation, factors that have enhanced investor confidence.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the government's focus on strengthening connectivity through road, rail, air and other infrastructure projects, besides expanding investments in education and skill development to build a capable workforce for emerging industries.

Sarma said these initiatives have collectively laid the foundation for sustained industrial growth and economic expansion in the state.

He reiterated that the government would continue implementing reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and creating a competitive investment climate.

Inviting entrepreneurs and companies to invest in Assam, the Chief Minister said the state offers significant opportunities across sectors and is well positioned to become a major growth hub in the Northeast.

He asserted that the government remains committed to attracting higher levels of domestic and foreign investment, which would help generate employment, promote industrialisation and contribute to Assam's long-term economic development.

He said drugs are destroying numerous families and pushing the future of the youth towards darkness. “Therefore, giving this fight the shape of a people’s movement through public participation is the need of the hour.”

The Chief Minister was addressing the “Ek Police, Ek Sankalp – Drug‑Free Haryana” programme organised at the Haryana Police Academy in Madhuban in Karnal as the chief guest. The dialogue programme, held with all Station House Officers (SHOs) of Haryana Police, aimed to further strengthen the resolve to make the state completely drug‑free and to formulate an effective strategy in this direction.

The Chief Minister congratulated the 70 students of the Super‑100 programme who have successfully cleared the NEET examination and secured admission to medical colleges. He said most of these students belong to economically weaker and ordinary families.

“Their success is the result of the government’s efforts to provide quality education and better opportunities to meritorious students,” he said.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also released the Police Department's quarterly magazine. The magazine highlights the department’s major achievements and important operations, including the extradition of criminals from foreign countries and their return to India.

The Chief Minister said every police station should not remain confined to maintaining law and order, but should also become a centre of social transformation.

He urged SHOs to establish regular dialogue with schools, colleges, panchayats, voluntary organisations, religious organisations and youth clubs in their respective areas and motivate young people to stay away from drugs and crime.

He said that today the drug trade is reaching the youth through modern technology, social media and organised crime. Therefore, the police must also remain alert, proactive, and capable in keeping pace with modern technology. Merely arresting drug traffickers is not enough; it is essential to dismantle the entire network. At the same time, strengthening trust between the police and the public is equally important.

The Chief Minister said keeping Haryana’s youth away from drugs and connecting them with sports is a priority of the government.

“Haryana is to be made a hub of sports so that the youth, instead of falling prey to drugs, take to the field and win gold medals for the country. Healthy, disciplined and sports‑oriented youth will be the greatest strength in building Viksit Bharat,” he added.

In a post on social media platform X, Gautam Adani said the successful maiden orbital flight of Vikram-1, which achieved all its mission objectives, is a historic milestone for India's rapidly growing private space ecosystem.

"Massive congratulations to Pawan Chandana, Bharat Daka, the brilliant Skyroot Aerospace team and the enablers at ISRO and IN-SPACe," the Adani Group Chairman said.

He said history had been made as India's private space sector entered a new era with Vikram-1 successfully accomplishing all mission objectives during its maiden orbital flight.

“History has been made as India’s private space sector enters a new era with Vikram-1 acing all mission objectives on its maiden orbital flight. True proof of what Atmanirbhar Bharat means!” Gautam Adani mentioned.

Calling the mission a testament to India's self-reliance, he said the achievement demonstrated the true meaning of Atmanirbhar Bharat and underscored the country's growing technological capabilities.

“With the average age of the team just 28 years, this is proof for the world what young India can achieve. Jai Hind!” the Adani Group Chairman stated.

Earlier in the day, Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1 under Mission Aagaman, making India the third country after the United States and China to have a private company capable of launching a rocket into orbit.

Named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India's space programme, the four-stage Vikram-1 launch vehicle is designed to provide rapid and on-demand launch services for small satellites.

The mission is also expected to strengthen India's position in the global commercial launch market.

The seven-storey rocket is headed for a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of about 450 km.

With the successful launch, India joined an exclusive group of nations where private companies have demonstrated orbital launch capability.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, along with Minister for Health Damodar Rajanarasimha, launched the New Employees Health Scheme.

They distributed health cards to the employees and launched the NEHS portal at the event held at the State Secretariat.

They said that the scheme is aimed at providing quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare through cashless treatment through an expanded network of empanelled hospitals, enhanced transparency, and a seamless digital platform.

This scheme would benefit approximately 8 lakh government employees and pensioners, along with 29.80 lakh of their dependent family members. Employees can avail free in-patient medical services at 886 private network hospitals across the state.

The scheme covers 1,816 types of medical treatments and surgeries, aligned with the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) package rates.

The government has formed a special Trust with equal participation from government officials and representatives of employee unions to ensure the scheme operates transparently and smoothly, the Deputy Chief Minister said.

He stated that the ‘people's government’ introduced the scheme with the noble intention of providing a robust health security system, thereby instilling confidence and assurance among state government employees.

He noted that the government had observed the plight of employees and their families who often fell into debt and struggled to repay loans incurred due to medical expenses during illness. The 'Indiramma government' initiated this programme with the aim of transforming this situation and providing them with comprehensive cashless medical services, he said

Bhatti Vikramarka emphasised that this scheme stands as a testament to the state government's affection and sincerity towards its employees.

He said that with the noble intention of recognising employees as members of the family and acknowledging the government's responsibility to look after their well-being, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy constituted a Cabinet sub-committee. The Deputy CM was the chairman of this sub-committee, while his ministerial colleagues Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Ponnam Prabhakar, and Seethakka served as members.

“We deliberated extensively on the issues faced by employees and arrived at robust policy decisions; the 'New Employees Health Scheme' is the outcome of those efforts," he explained.

He criticised the previous BRS government for ignoring the employees. He said the previous government left bills worth Rs 10,000 crore unpaid and the present government, by adopting a humanitarian approach, was releasing the funds.

“We have been releasing Rs 2,000 crore per month to clear the outstanding bills. I personally review the process every 15 days to ensure not a single rupee remains pending," the Deputy CM said.

Bhatti stated that, driven by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's vision, the state is giving top priority to the education and healthcare sectors. He highlighted that, as part of this initiative, the Rajiv Arogyasri coverage limit has been raised from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, providing free corporate-level medical treatment to 1.06 crore eligible families.