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Thu, 25 July 2024
Make parts of Bengal, Jharkhand as UTs: BJP MP
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23:26 Make parts of Bengal, Jharkhand as UTs: BJP MP
Bharatiya Janata Party member Nishikant Dubey on Thursday demanded that parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal be declared a Union Territory to deal with the challenge posed by the increasing number of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh in the region.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, Dubey said the population of Adivasis in the Santhal Parganas region of Jharkhand was on a decline due to the growing influx of "Bangladeshi infiltrators".
"I demand that Malda, Murshidabad, Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar and the Santhal Parganas region be declared as a Union Territory and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) be implemented there," he said.
He said Bangladeshi infiltrators were settling in the region and marrying tribal women, who were contesting elections from seats in the zilla panchayat to the Lok Sabha.
"The woman who contests Lok Sabha or zilla panchayat polls, her husband is a Muslim. There are at least 100 village heads in the state whose husbands are Muslims," Dubey said.
The BJP member insisted that it was not an issue of Hindus versus Muslims but settlement of outsiders in the region.
Dubey said the population of Muslims had increased in the Santhal Parganas region as people from Malda and Murshidabad districts of West Bengal were coming in large numbers and driving out the Hindu population from the villages in Jharkhand.
He said the Jharkhand Police was unable to take action and demanded that the Centre intervene to calm the situation. -- PTI
23:08 JD-U leader Rajib Ranjan dies in Delhi, Nitish expresses grief
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday expressed grief over the sudden demise of Janata Dal-United national general secretary and spokesman Rajib Ranjan.
According to party sources, Ranjan, 65, breathed his last at a hospital in Delhi shortly after he got admitted following difficulty in breathing.
In his condolence message, Kumar, who heads the JD-U, described Ranjan as "an able politician and a noted social activist".
Hailing from Nalanda district, to which the chief minister also belongs, the JD-U leader had won the Islampur assembly constituency in 2010.
Five years later, differences with Kumar led him to join the BJP, which was then in opposition.
In December 2022, Ranjan quit the saffron party and was back in the JD-U shortly after. -- PTI
22:49 2 Jharkhand MLAs disqualified under anti-defection law
Jharkhand Assembly Speaker's Tribunal on Thursday disqualified two legislators under anti-defection law with effect from July 26, an official said.
The order disqualifying Jharkhand Mukti Morcha's Lobin Hembrom and Congress's Jai Prakash Bhai Patel from the House came on the eve of the assembly's six-day monsoon session beginning on Friday.
The JMM and the BJP had initiated proceedings under the anti-defection law against Hembrom and Patel respectively in the Speaker's Tribunal.
Hembrom contested independently from the Rajmahal Lok Sabha seat, challenging JMM's official candidate, Vijay Hansdak.
Patel joined the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha polls and contested from Hazaribag seat.
Both, however, were defeated in the elections.
Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto pronounced the judgment on Thursday, the official said. -- PTI
22:23 UN concerned over violence against minorities in India
The United Nations Human Rights Committee on Thursday voiced concern about alleged discrimination and violence against minority groups in India as well as over application of counter-terrorism legislation for decades in some districts of the country.
The UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva issued its findings on Croatia, Honduras, India, Maldives, Malta, Suriname and Syria after examining the seven States parties in its latest session.
The findings contain the Committee's main concerns and recommendations on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as positive aspects.
On India, while appreciating the measures adopted by it to address discrimination, the Committee expressed concern about alleged discrimination and violence against minority groups, including religious minorities, such as Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, and LGBTI people.
It called upon India to adopt comprehensive legislation prohibiting discrimination, raise awareness among the general public, and provide training to civil servants, law enforcement officers, the judiciary and community leaders to promote respect for diversity.
India has repeatedly said that its Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all its citizens and there are no grounds for any concern on treatment of minorities.
The Committee was concerned that some provisions of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts and counter-terrorism legislation are not in compliance with the Covenant. -- PTI
22:00 No alliance with Ajit Pawar faction: Jayant Patil
There is no question of an alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party, said NCP-SP leader Jayant Patil in Jalna on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference, Patil said the Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP got tremendous support from the people in the recent Lok Sabha polls, leading to victories on eight of the 10 seats it contested as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi.
The NCP of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar managed to win only from Raigad, while it lost prestige battles in Baramati and Shirur.
"The NCP has split into two parties. Both have their own symbols. There is no question of any alliance between the two," Patil asserted.
Asked about his party colleague and former state home minister Anil Deshmukh's allegations against Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Patil said the senior BJP leader must not indulge in such kind of politics.
Deshmukh had alleged Fadnavis tried to pressure him into signing false affidavits against Shiv Sena-UBT leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Anil Parab as well as (undivided) NCP leader Ajit Pawar.
Patil lashed out at the Eknath Shinde government for delay in giving quota to the Maratha community.
He, however, refused to reply when asked about his party's stand on the demand to give quota to the Marathas under the Other Backward Classes segment.
Patil also said the Shinde government had failed to get benefits for Maharashtra in the Union budget, which was tabled in Parliament on July 23.
Traffic on the highway running alongside Mumbai airport
21:38 Mumbai rains: 11 flights cancelled, 10 diverted
As many as 11 flights were cancelled and 10 diverted to nearby airports on Thursday as heavy rains continued to lash Mumbai.
Runway operations at the Mumbai airport had to be halted twice as visibility dropped to 300 metres, even as airlines issued advisories to passengers to arrive early at the airport in view of traffic congestion and water-logging in parts of the metropolis.
"Runway operations were first halted for 11 minutes from 8.32 am to 8.43 am, and then again for 19 minutes from 10.36 am to 10.55 am due to adverse weather and low visibility, which dropped to 300 metres and Runway Visual Range (RVR) at 500 metres with heavy rains," said an airport source.
During the day, a total of 11 arrivals and departures were cancelled with IndiGo cancelling 10 services, including five arrivals, and Air India cancelling one departure from Mumbai. Besides, 10 flights were diverted initially to nearby airports such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Hyderabad, Indore and MOPA airport in Goa, the source said, adding, "All flights later came back to Mumbai."
"Heavy rains in Mumbai are affecting flight operations and resulting in cancellation and diversion of some of our flights. Air India is offering full refunds or a one-time complimentary rescheduling for bookings confirmed for travel on 25th July 2024," Air India said in an update on X.
It also advised passengers to check their flight status on its website prior to heading to the airport.
"Continuous and heavy rains over #Mumbai are causing periodic delays in flight schedules. While we strive to give you real-time updates, we kindly ask you to check your flight status before leaving for the airport," said IndiGo in its travel advisory on X.
"Due to heavy rains in Mumbai, we request you to reach the airport well in time, as water-logging may slow down traffic movement," it stated.
A similar advice was posted on X by Akasa, urging people to reach the airport well in time due to heavy rains in Mumbai, saying that the water-logging may slow down traffic movement.
21:13 US Customs slaps $5832 fine on IndiGo
The US Customs and Border Protection has penalised IndiGo for delayed payment of immigration user fee and the airline is exploring the possibility of a penalty waiver.
A fine of USD 5,832.60 has been imposed on IndiGo, a regulatory filing said on Thursday.
"The authority has imposed penalty for payment of immigration user fee after due date (non interlinable tax). The company is exploring the possibility of waiver of penalty," the airline said in the filing.
The company received an intimation from the authority about the penalty on July 24.
Further, it said there is no material impact on financials, operations or other activities of the company.
Shares of InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of IndiGo, rose 1.22 per cent to Rs 4,430.50 apiece on the BSE on Thursday.
21:11 Freedom of choice: India defends Modi's Russia visit
India on Thursday rejected Washington's concerns over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Moscow as it asserted that all countries have the "freedom of choice" in a multipolar world and everyone should be mindful of such realities.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has a long-standing relationship with Russia which is based on "mutuality" of interests.
"In a multipolar world, all countries have the freedom of choice. It is essential for everybody to be mindful of and appreciate such realities," he said.
"India has a long-standing relationship with Russia that is based on mutuality of interests," Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.
His response came when asked about US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu's comments on Prime Minister Modi's visit to Russia earlier this month.
Lu told a Congressional hearing on Tuesday that the US was disappointed by the "symbolism" and "timing" of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Russia.
The Biden administration official especially highlighted that the Indian prime minister paid the visit to Moscow Washington was hosting a summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
"I share your concern about this visit...and we are trying very hard to communicate those concerns directly to the Indians," Lu said after Republican Congressman Joe Wilson raised concerns about Modi's visit.
At the same time Lu, referred to Modi's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy in June.
On the outcomes of Modi's trip, Lu said: "We did not see any new major defence deals. We saw no major discussion of technology cooperation."
"In addition, you have Modi having said in front of Putin, on live television, his feeling that the war in Ukraine could not be won on the battlefield and the pain that he felt watching the death of children in war." -- PTI
20:44 Modi to pay homage at Kargil War Memorial on Friday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Kargil War Memorial on July 26 and pay homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, his office said on Thursday.
The prime minister will also carry out the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel Project virtually.
"On the occasion of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26th July 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit the Kargil War Memorial at around 9:20 am and pay homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement.
The Shinkun La Tunnel Project consists of a 4.1-km-long twin-tube tunnel which will be constructed at an altitude of around 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha road to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh, it said.
Once completed, it will be the highest tunnel in the world.
The Shinkun La tunnel will not only ensure swift and efficient movement of the armed forces and equipment but also foster economic and social development in Ladakh.
20:25 Ensure full respect for LAC, Jaishankar tells Wang Yi
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Vientiane, Laos, and emphasised the need to ensure "full respect" for the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and past agreements to stabilise the bilateral ties.
The two leaders, who met for the second time this month, also agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process.
"Met with CPC Politburo member and FM Wang Yi in Vientiane today. Continued our ongoing discussions about our bilateral relationship. The state of the border will necessarily be reflected on the state of our ties," Jaishankar said in a post on X after meeting with Wang on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings.
The Jaishankar-Wang talks came amid the dragging border row in eastern Ladakh that entered its fifth year in May.
"Agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process. Must ensure full respect for the LAC and past agreements. It is in our mutual interest to stabilise our ties. We should approach the immediate issues with a sense of purpose and urgency," he added.
The two leaders met earlier this month in the Kazakh capital city of Astana on the sidelines of the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.
The Indian and Chinese militaries have been locked in a standoff since May 2020 and a full resolution of the border row has not yet been achieved though the two sides have disengaged from a number of friction points.
The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.
19:59 AAP gets new office space in Lutyens' Delhi
The Aam Aadmi Party has been allocated a new office in the Lutyens' Delhi area, following directions from the Delhi High Court, party leaders said on Thursday.
AAP's new office is Bungalow No 1 in Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane.
"Following the directions of the (high) court, the party has been allotted a new office in Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane," the party said.
AAP's new office was earlier occupied by the Nationalist Congress Party, which vacated it after losing its national party status.
Interestingly, this will be the fifth address of the AAP's headquarters. In the initial days of its inception, the party was operating from Ghaziabad and later moved to a bungalow near Hanuman Mandir.
From that office, the party shifted its base to Patel Nagar and then to 206, Rouse Avenue.
Sources said that the party will take a few days to shift to its new office space.
Last month, the Supreme Court extended the deadline to August 10 for the party to vacate its office at Rouse Avenue.
Delhi cabinet minister Atishi said, "It has been few hours since we have been allotted the office. We will take the keys from the Directorate of Estates and inspect the space and then talk about it."
Her cabinet colleague, Saurabh Bharadwaj, while talking to PTI-Videos, said it was unfortunate that due to politics, they were deprived of an office space.
"Since 2014, we are qualified to get an office here on account of being a state party but the Centre did not give us office space. We were allotted an office but attempts were made to take it away and destroy our party and bring us on the road. We are entitled to an office since we are a national party. But it is very unfortunate that due to politics they did not give us office. We had to go to court to get office space," he said.
19:49 Budget notes came from PMO: TMC MP's dig at FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is not a "trained economist" and the Budget presented by her was based on notes received from the Prime Minister's Office as she has "no original ideas", Trinamool MP Saugata Roy claimed on Thursday.
Participating in a debate on the Union Budget, the TMC MP said the Budget for 2024-25 is not for the common man but it is the "Andhra-Bihar" Budget.
"I do not expect Finance Minister (Nirmala Sitharaman) to be like Dr Manmohan Singh, she is not a PhD from Oxford, not even like Chidambaram who has got a management degree from Harvard. She is from our own JNU, but the problem is she is bereft of new ideas, which is why this Budget reads very dull.
"All the notes for the Budget have come from the PMO, she has no original ideas...," he added.
Roy, a four-time MP from the Dum Dum constituency in West Bengal, said, "You (Sitharaman) have been a minister for seven years... You are not a trained economist, you have been lucky that way....".
Some members of the House raised voices opposing his statement.
"What is incorrect about it? She is not a trained economist," Roy said cutting them short.
"She is no Manmohan, she is not Chidambaram, she is not even Anantha Nageswaran...." he added.
The MP said the scheme announced by the Centre to offer loans upto Rs 10 lakh for higher education in domestic institutions is already being offered by the West Bengal government. -- PTI
Pic: NDRF via ANI/X
19:39 Landslide hits 3 bungalows in Lavasa, people trapped
One person died in a rain-related incident, while two individuals were feared trapped after a landslide hit three bungalows in Lavasa city in Pune district on Thursday amid heavy showers, the police said.
Lavasa, a private, planned city located around 65km from Pune city, has recorded 453 mm rainfall in a 24-hour period ended at 8.30 am on Thursday, officials said.
The district's Mulshi tehsil, where Lavasa is located, has been experiencing incessant rains since Wednesday evening.
According to the police, two people, employed as caretakers, were feared trapped in one of the three bungalows that came under the debris of the early morning landslide in Dasve village.
A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local administration personnel are engaged in a search and rescue operation at the landslide site, they said.
The district administration is keeping a close watch on the rescue operation, said Pune collector Suhas Divase.
Manoj Yadav, senior inspector at the Paud police station, said the trapped duo worked as caretakers in one of the landslide-hit bungalows.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, one person, identified as Shivaji Bahirat, died after a roadside eatery came under the debris of a landslide in Tamhini Ghat in Mulshi tehsil, said the police. Another person sustained injuries in the incident, they added.
19:03 Naidu's 'Pablo Escobar' jibe at Jagan over drug menace
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday compared his rival YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, as he slammed him over the the state of law and order and alleged drug menace during the previous YSRCP regime.
Releasing a white paper on law and order and ganja (marijuana) prevalence, Naidu claimed that he never saw such a situation like how it was when Reddy, the YSRCP chief, ruled during the past five years.
"Only one person can be compared to what happened in Andhra, and it is Pablo Escobar," he said in the assembly, in an apparent reference to the drug menace.
The CM further said that Escobar was a drug lord who illegally sold drugs worth billions of dollars and also went on to kill leaders and politicians who opposed him.
Calling Escobar a "narco-terrorist", Naidu alleged that a similar situation had emerged in Andhra Pradesh under the YSRCP regime (2019-24) when ganja was allegedly freely available.
The CM alleged that the southern state had emerged as ganja capital between 2019 and 2024 and vowed to crack down on it. -- PTI
18:46 6,700 Indian students returned so far from B'desh
Around 6,700 Indian students have returned from Bangladesh in view of the violent clashes in that country.
Bangladesh has been reeling under deadly clashes with protesting students demanding the Sheikh Hasina-led government to scrap a controversial job quota system.
Over 100 people were killed in the clashes that began weeks ago.
"So far 6,700 Indian students have returned from Bangladesh," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Being a close neighbour and friend of Bangladesh, we are hopeful that situation would return to normal in that country, he said. -- PTI
18:19 Nepal plane crash: Black box found
Nepalese authorities on Thursday recovered the black box of the aircraft that crashed here a day before and handed it over to a probe team formed to inquire into the tragic accident that killed 18 persons, including a child.
A Pokhra-bound Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft of Saurya Airlines, carrying 19 people, crashed and caught fire shortly after taking off from the Tribhuvan International Airport here on Wednesday, killing 18 people aboard, and seriously injuring the pilot.
The deceased included two crew members, technical staff of the airline, and a family of three, including a four-year-old boy.
Hansa Raj Pandey, deputy director general of the Civil Aviation Authority, said the black box of the crashed aircraft has been recovered and handed over to a probe team for necessary action.
The probe team is headed by Ratish Chandra Lal, former director general of the Civil Aviation Authority, and includes four other experts. The team has to submit its probe report along with recommendations within 45 days.
The dead bodies are in the process of identification after conducting a post mortem and they will be handed over to the family members by Friday, Pandey said.
Meanwhile, Captain Manish Raj Shakya, the sole survivor of the Surya Airlines air crash, is undergoing treatment at the Kathmandu Medical College here and his condition is said to be still. Though he is admitted to the ICU, he can speak, hospital sources said.
A local media report said Captain Shakya was saved after the cockpit of the aircraft was sheared off by a freight container seconds before the rest of the aircraft went up in flames.
The Saurya Airlines plane was flying to Pokhara for regular engine maintenance of the aircraft when the accident occurred. -- PTI
18:17 Maha rains: ST bus ops suspended in Thane district
Rains battered most parts of Thane district on Thursday, leading to widespread flooding and necessitating rescue operations in Ambernath and some other areas.
The district received 138 mm of rainfall from 8 am to 1 pm, bringing this season's total to 1,424 mm, a civic official said today.
In Ambernath, 18 elderly residents of Sahavas old age home were relocated to upper floors at another old age home in Maher. Similarly, 30 children and staff from Satkarma ashram were rescued and shifted to Pragati Andha Vidyalaya.
As many as 200 persons were evacuated to BSUP building. In Kalyan, 40 families, comprising 156 persons, were relocated as a precautionary measure.
Water levels exceeded the danger level in Badlapur barrage, Jambul dam, Mohane dam and Ulhas river in Kalyan, reports said. The villages of Mohane, Varap, Valdhuni, Kalyan, Ane, Bhisol, Rayte, Apti, Dahagaon, and Manjarli in Kalyan taluka; Ambernath, Badlapur, Eranjad, Kudsavre, Kanhere, and Kasgaon in Ambernath taluka; Shahad, Ulhasnagar, and Mharal in Ulhasnagar taluka; and Dive Agar and Rajnoli in Bhiwandi taluka are expected to be affected due to flooding, district officials said.
Villages around the Tansa dam were put on high alert as the water storage in the dam reached 99.18 per cent capacity. Additionally, five houses, including two kutcha houses, were reported damaged in Bhiwandi and Shahapur talukas. In Kalyan taluka, the movement on the Runde and Rayte bridges has been suspended due to overflowing water, with villagers along the riverbanks alerted for safety. Kalyan-Murbad road and Murbad-Sahapur roads were closed due to submerged bridges. In Kalyan, 96 families were asked to shift to safe locations.
The Murbad-Shahapur road was closed as Chikli bridge went under water. Two NDRF teams have been deployed in Thane district to assist with rescue and relief efforts, officials said.
In a release, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation said it was suspending services on at least a dozen routes in the district due to water flowing above bridge decks.
These comprise five routes in Murbad, as well as those serviced by Wada, Thane, Kalyan and Vithalwadi depots. "Bridges in Kishore, Pali, Badlapur, Eranjad, Chikla, Shivdholi, Mhasa are under water, while a tree fell on the road in Sakhra," the MSRTC release informed.
17:40 Those who tolerate paper leaks responsible for crime: Pilot
AICC General Secretary-in charge of Chhattisgarh and former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot hit out at the Centre on the recent irregularities in the NEET exam and said that those in power who are turning a blind eye to the paper leaks are equally responsible for the crime.
He was speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the new executive of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) held at Birla Sabhagar in Jaipur on Thursday. The newly appointed state president of NSUI Rajasthan Vinod Jakhar took charge officially.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot said, "I am happy that the issue of NEET has become a burning issue in the country, which was raised by Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha. The govt has no answer on this issue and it has become blind and deaf. The government is saying that leaks have happened only in certain places. We all should seek answers about how these paper leaks happen. Mere paper works and speeches won't help, you need to catch those people who are indulged in this. Those who are tolerating this crime are equally responsible for it."
17:22 Markets extend losses for 5th session
Equity market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty stayed on the back foot for the fifth straight session on Thursday as investors offloaded metal, banking and finance stocks amid a lacklustre trend in global markets.
Heavy foreign fund outflows after a hike in securities transaction tax and short-term capital gains tax also impacted markets' sentiment negatively, traders said. However, strong buying in oil & stocks, energy and auto shares helped the indices offset some losses, they added.
17:16 Fire in high rise in Mumbai's Borivali kills senior citizen; three injured
A 70-year-old man died and three persons were injured in a fire that broke out on Thursday in a high rise in Borivali in Mumbai's northern tip, a civic official said.
The blaze started in the 22-storey Kanakia Samarpan Tower, close to Magathane metro rail station, at 12:37pm and was doused at 1:02pm in an operation helmed by personnel of the Fire Brigade, police and the local BMC ward, while ambulances from the 108 service were kept on stand by, he said.
"The fire was confined to electric wiring and cables in the electric duct between the first and 16th floor. Four people were rushed to a private hospital due to suffocation caused by the fire and fumes.
Doctors declared Mahendra Shah (70) dead on arrival. Three others, identified as Ranjana Rajput (59), Shivani Rajput (26), and Shobha Savle (70) are hospitalised. They are stable," he said. PTI
17:08 Fire in Borivali high-rise
Fire breaks out in Kanakia Samarpan Tower in Borivali area of Mumbai. One dead and three injured. Details awaited.
16:54 Army called out in flooded Sinhagad
Heavy rains wreaked havoc in Maharashtra's Pune, where at least four persons died in rain-related incidents on Thursday, while several houses and residential societies in low-lying areas in the city were inundated, following which people are being evacuated, officials said.
During his tour of the district, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said as a precautionary measure, Army teams have been deployed at Ekta Nagar in Sinhagad Road, while NDRF personnel are also in the area.
He also said rescue operations are underway at the site of a landslide in Lavasa in which some bungalows have been affected and three persons are feared trapped.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'red alert' for Pune district and asked people to take precautions. Schools and colleges in most parts of the district have declared a holiday in view of the heavy rainfall warning, officials said.
Pune city and other parts of the district, including Velha, Mulshi, Bhor talukas and the catchments areas of several dams, including Khadakwasla, have been witnessing incessant rains since Wednesday night.
In the city, housing societies in the low-lying areas, such as Sinhagad Road, Bavdhan, Baner and Deccan Gymkhana, witnessed flooding and inundation and efforts have been launched by the fire brigade and disaster management cell of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to evacuate the stranded people, the officials said.
"Currently there is no flooding in Sinhagad Road and all those who needed to be shifted to safety have been moved. Arrangements have been made for meals, clothes and other relief materials for those who have been evacuated," Pawar said.
Queried about residents of Sinhagad Road complaining about not being informed about water being released from Khadakwasla Dam, he said the process started early Thursday morning.
The water release and heavy rains aggravated the situation but deployment of relief mechanisms was done in advance and people were taken to safety, Pawar asserted.
Pune district collector Suhas Diwase said that in the wake of heavy rains in the Khadakwasla dam's catchment area, water has been released from the reservoir.
"As the catchment areas of Khadakwasla dam has been witnessing incessant rains, water is being released at over 35,000 cusec and it will further increase to 45,000 cusec. Due to the water discharge, several low lying areas along the Mutha river witnessed inundation and flooding," he said. Later in the afternoon, Pawar said water from Khadakwasla reservoir was being released at 35000 cusecs but now it has been reduced to 15000 cusecs.
"I have told officials from the irrigation department that if they want to release the water from Khadakwasla, they can do it before it gets dark. If the water release is increased after it gets dark, those living in the low lying areas along the Mutha river may have to suffer hardships.," he said.
"If we can empty the reservoir to some extent and if there are rains during the night, the reservoir will have capacity to store the water. The capacity of the Khadakwasla reservoir is around 3 TMC. Instructions have also been given to release water through the canals at different dams in Pune district," said Pawar.
Mulshi Dam is almost filling up and officials have been asked to use the water for power generation, the Deputy CM said. Coordination is underway with the district administration of Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara to monitor the rain situation, while NDRF and SDRF teams are at critical spots as a precautionary measure, Pawar asserted.
Morya Gosavi Ganpati Mandir in Pimpri-Chinchwad submerges
16:29 Move to safer places: Shinde tells Raigad, Pune
As the state of Maharashtra faces the effects of continuous rainfall, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday took stock of the situation in the state. The CM called the Raigad collector and told him to help all flood-affected people and assured him of all help.
Traffic has been halted at Tamhini Ghat on the Raigad-Pune route following the debris from a landslide as a result of the heavy rains.
According to Raigad Police, "Traffic is stopped at Tamhini Ghat in the Raigad-Pune route due to a landslide. Traffic will be stopped for the next few hours until the debris is cleared."
Speaking to ANI, Shinde said that water is still there on the roads and in the houses in Pune. He also said that the District Collector, Municipal Commissioner, and Police Commissioner have been put on alert.
"There is water on the roads and in the houses of people in Pune. There is a lot of rain at Khadakwasla Dam and in the catchment area. The District Collector, Municipal Commissioner, and Police Commissioner are on alert," he said.
Further, he said that teams of NDRF and SDRF have been deployed and army and airlifting teams have also been kept on alert.
"Teams of NDRF and SDRF are deployed there. I have spoken to the Army to keep their teams on alert. Preparations have also been made for airlifting operations if needed."
Shinde appealed to the people and asked them to cooperate with the administration to move to safer places. He also said that an orange alert had been sounded in Mumbai for the next three hours.
"I appeal to the people to cooperate with the administration to move to safer places. In Mumbai, an 'orange' alert has been sounded for the next 3 hours. I have spoken to the Mumbai Municipal Commissioner to take all measures. 222 water pumps are working to drain excess water in different areas," he said.
16:17 MNS to go solo for Maha polls, fight 200 seats
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday announced his intention to contest 200 to 250 seats independently in the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra.
In a sharp criticism of the state's administration, Thackeray challenged the financial feasibility of the Mahayuti alliance's plans.
He remarked, "The Maharashtra government lacks the funds to repair potholes. How will they find the money for 'Laadli Behen' and 'Laadla Bhai'?"
He further commented on the internal conflicts within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), saying, "If both Laadla Bhai and Behen were happy together, then the party wouldn't have split."
Highlighting the confusion within the current political landscape, Thackeray stated, "One could not make out which MLA is in which party. In upcoming polls, there will be a rumble fight amongst these parties."
16:14 Markets extend losses for 5th session
Equity market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty stayed on the back foot for the fifth straight session on Thursday as investors offloaded metal, banking and finance stocks amid a lacklustre trend in global markets. Heavy foreign fund outflows after a hike in securities transaction tax and short-term capital gains tax also impacted markets' sentiment negatively.
After a sharp fall in intra-day trade, the 30-share BSE Sensex managed to recover some of the lost ground to settle 109.08 points or 0.14 per cent lower at 80,039.80, as a sharp rally in Tata Motors and Larsen & Toubro restricted markets fall. During the day, it tanked 671 points or 0.83 per cent to 79,477.83.
15:45 222 pumps deployed in Mumbai amid heavy rains
Amid the heavy rain in Pune, the District Fire Brigade has rescued 70 people who had been stranded in the flood waters in the Nimbjanagar area of the city following heavy downpours.
Visuals show the officials of the Pune Fire Brigade conducting rescue and relief work in the city that has been submerged in above-knee-level rainwater after being pounded by heavy showers.
Meanwhile, as the state of Maharashtra faces the effects of continuous rainfall, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took stock of the situation in the state on Thursday.
CM called the Raigad collector, told him to help all flood-affected people and assured him of all the help. Traffic has been halted at Tamhini Ghat on the Raigad-Pune route following debris from a landslide as a result of the heavy rains.
According to Raigad Police, "Traffic is stopped at Tamhini Ghat in the Raigad-Pune route due to a landslide. Traffic will be stopped for the next few hours until the debris is cleared."
Speaking to ANI, Shinde said that water is still there on the roads and in the houses in Pune. He also said that the District Collector, Municipal Commissioner, and Police Commissioner have been put on alert.
"There is water on the roads and in the houses of people in Pune. There is a lot of rain at Khadakwasla Dam and in the catchment area. The District Collector, Municipal Commissioner, and Police Commissioner are on alert," he said.
Further, he said that teams of NDRF and SDRF have been deployed and army and airlifting teams have also been kept on alert.
"Teams of NDRF and SDRF are deployed there. I have spoken to the Army to keep their teams on alert. Preparations have also been made for airlifting operations if needed." Shinde appealed to the people and asked them to cooperate with the administration to move to safer places.
He also said that an orange alert had been sounded in Mumbai for the next three hours.
"I appeal to the people to cooperate with the administration to move to safer places. In Mumbai, an 'orange' alert has been sounded for the next 3 hours. I have spoken to the Mumbai Municipal Commissioner to take all measures. 222 water pumps are working to drain excess water in different areas," he said.
He further added, "There is water accumulated on railway tracks in the Kurla and Ghatkopar areas. Work is being done to open the Andheri subway, which is closed right now. I appeal to Mumbaikars not to venture outside, if not required. I have also spoken to Raigad Collector and directed him to remain alert."
15:22 The miracle that helped Nepal pilot survive crash
Captain Manish Raj Shakya, the lone survivor of a deadly plane crash in Nepal that killed 18 other people on board, was saved after the cockpit of the aircraft was sheared off by a freight container seconds before the rest of the aircraft went up in flames, a media report said on Thursday.
The Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft of Saurya Airlines, carrying 19 people, including two crew members, technical staff of the airline and a child and his mother caught fire shortly after taking off from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu on Wednesday.
The aircraft was bound for the Pokhara International Airport for regular maintenance service.
Of the deceased, 15 died on the spot while three died during treatment at a local hospital, authorities said. Airport security personnel said when the plane hit the container, the front part of the cockpit got stuck in it, while the rest of the plane fell to the ground reaching another side of the ground.
According to Deputy Inspector General and Chief of TIA Airport Security Office Ram Dutt Joshi, Captain Shakya, 37, was rescued from inside the container which was on the TIA premises.
"We rescued Captain Shakya from inside the container," The Rising Nepal newspaper quoted DIG Joshi as saying. Doctors have initiated an investigation into the brain scars of Shakya. Shakya is currently receiving treatment at Kathmandu Medical College (KMC). According to the doctors involved in treatment, although the injuries in different parts of the body and the broken bones at two places of the backbone have not caused serious problems, the doctors are investigating to find out the cause of the scars on Shakya's brain.
Neurosurgeon Dr Amit Thapa said that he could provide further information only after the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of Shakya's brain scars.
Captain Shakya's health condition showed improvement on Thursday as compared to Wednesday. The doctors said he is free from danger and can speak. He can also consume liquid food.
According to KMC sources, Captain Shakya sustained several internal injuries despite not being burnt in the fire. The doctors are preparing for surgery to address his broken bones.
In solemn tribute to the 18 lives lost, the Nepal government has decreed that the national flag will be flown at half-mast on Thursday. In response to the tragedy, a five-member probe commission has been formed to investigate the incident. The commission will be led by Ratish Chandra Lal Suman, former Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). The commission is tasked with delivering its report and recommendations within 45 days to prevent similar accidents in the future. Authorities are conducting an autopsy on the 18 people who lost their lives in the accident.
The postmortem of the deceased began on Wednesday evening at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). The postmortem of seven dead bodies has been completed. According to the TUTH, the dead bodies will be handed over to the families after the postmortem of all bodies is completed.
However, there was a delay in the postmortem process due to excessive burns on the victims' bodies. The TUTH said that it has been taking at least four hours to complete the postmortem of one body, myrepublica.com reported. The TUTH administration has assigned 25 doctors for the postmortem.
14:54 Air India flight ops hit by heavy rains in Mumbai
Flight operations have been affected following heavy rains that pounded Mumbai and its suburbs, resulting in the cancellation and diversion of some of the flights.
Referring to this, Air India said it was offering full refunds or a one-time complimentary rescheduling for bookings confirmed for travel on Thursday.
The airline also shared a link and asked people to check the flight status before heading to the airport.
"Heavy rains in Mumbai are affecting flight operations and resulting in the cancellation and diversion of some of our flights. Air India is offering full refunds or a one-time complimentary rescheduling for bookings confirmed for travel on July 25, 2024," posted the airline on X.
The airline further said that passengers need to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Earlier in the day, the airline warned passengers about the potential disruption in flight operations as a result of the heavy rainfall.
"Flights to and from Mumbai may be affected due to heavy rains. Guests are advised to start early for the airport, as slow traffic and waterlogging may delay movement," said the airline in a post earlier in the morning.
Earlier in the day, the Andheri Subway in Mumbai was closed for vehicular movement following waterlogging from the persistent rainfall. The downpours have brought back woes for Mumbai and the suburbs, with waterlogging reported from several low-lying areas in the city.
The heavy rainfall overnight has disrupted some public transport services, causing inconvenience to countless commuters.According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, "Today's weather forecast at 8 am suggests moderate to heavy rain in the city and suburbs." The forecast indicates the possibility of very heavy rainfall in isolated places. Occasional gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph are also very likely.As per the BMC, the reservoirs supplying water to Mumbai are experiencing heavy rains, resulting in a steady increase in water storage. Currently, four reservoirs - Vihar, Tulsi, Tansa & Modaksagar - are overflowing. Given the overall situation, the 10% water cut in Mumbai's water supply will be withdrawn starting Monday, July 29. The BMC is also withdrawing a 10% water cut to Thane City, Bhiwandi, and Outside City Division Grampanchyats, where water is supplied by BMC, from Monday, July 29.
Cars make their way through a flooded BKC
14:44 Fadnavis, Pawar take stock flooding in Maharashtra
Maharashtra deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday took stock of the flooding situation in Mumbai, Thane and Pune cities which are receiving extremely heavy rains.
Pawar visited the state disaster management department at the government headquarters `Mantralaya' here and instructed officials in the affected cities to mobilise all necessary resources and relocate people to safer areas. Fadnavis was briefed about the deployment of two teams of the National Disaster Response Force in Pune and use of 11 boats to relocate residents of Ekata Nagar there to safer locations.
Both leaders also issued a public appeal, urging people to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and remain calm. PTI
14:26 Rashtrapati Bhavan's Durbar Hall renamed to...
Venues for different ceremonial functions, Rashtrapati Bhavan's iconic 'Durbar Hall' and 'Ashok Hall' were on Thursday renamed 'Ganatantra Mandap' and 'Ashok Mandap', respectively.
Rashtrapati Bhavan, the office and the residence of the president of India, is a symbol of the nation, and an invaluable heritage of the people.
"Continuous efforts are being made to make it more accessible to people. There has been a consistent endeavour to make the ambience of the Rashtrapati Bhavan reflective of the Indian cultural values and ethos," a statement issued by the President's Secretariat said.
Accordingly, President Droupadi Murmu is pleased to rename two of the important halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan -- 'Durbar Hall' and 'Ashok Hall' -- as 'Ganatantra Mandap' and 'Ashok Mandap', respectively, it said.
'Durbar Hall' is the venue of important ceremonies and celebrations such as the presentation of national awards.
"The term 'Durbar' refers to courts and assemblies of Indian rulers and the British. It lost relevance after India became a Republic, that is, 'Ganatantra'. The concept of 'Ganatantra' is deeply rooted in Indian society since the ancient times, making 'Ganatantra Mandap' an apt name for the venue," the statement said.
'Ashok Hall' was originally a ballroom.
"The word 'Ashok' connotes someone who is 'free from all sufferings' or is 'bereft of any sorrow'," the statement said.
Also, 'Ashoka' refers to Emperor Ashok, a symbol of unity and peaceful co-existence, it said.
"The national emblem of the Republic of India is the lion capital of Ashok from Sarnath. The word also refers to the Ashok tree, which has deep significance in Indian religious traditions as well as arts and culture. Renaming 'Ashok Hall' as 'Ashok Mandap' brings uniformity in language and removes the traces of anglicisation while upholding the key values associated with the word 'Ashok'," it said. -- PTI
14:17 Term 'stray' will no longer be used for cows in Rajasthan: Minister
The term 'stray' will no longer be used for cows in Rajasthan, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Minister Joraram Kumawat has said.
Replying to a debate on the grant demand of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department in the Rajasthan Assembly on Wednesday night, Kumawat said that from now on the term 'nirashrit' (destitute) will be used to refer to stray cows.
The minister said that 'the state government is committed to making cattle rearers economically self-reliant by 'developing valuable animal wealth and increasing livestock production'.
"The state government is also working sensitively for the protection and promotion of cows and bulls," he added.
Following the discussion, the assembly passed the grant demands of the department by voice vote.
Kumawat said that Chief Minister Animal Husbandry Development Fund will be constituted in the state with a provision of Rs 250 crore.
Additionally, Mukhyamantri Mangala Pashu Bima Yojana will be started by including other animals along with dairy animals, he said in the assembly.
For the convenience of livestock farmers, animal fairs will be organised in all districts in a phased manner, he added. -- PTI
The Khadakwasla dam
14:02 Pune rains: Will airlift people if needed, says CM
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday said if the need arises, the rain-hit people will be airlifted in Pune, where incessant downpour has claimed four lives and inundated residential colonies and houses in low-lying areas.
Shinde said he has spoken to the Pune district collector and civic body chiefs in the city and its neighbouring Pimpri Chinchwad, an industrial township. He has also spoken to officials of the Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to seek their help in the evacuation.
"If the need arises, we have told them to airlift people. There is no need to worry," the chief minister said.
He said he has directed the administration to stay on alert mode and make necessary arrangements and ensure there is no loss of life. Shinde said he was keeping an eye on the situation and has spoken to Deputy Chief Minister and Pune Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, who is also monitoring the situation from the control room in the Mantralaya, the state secretariat in Mumbai.
Three men died in Pune city early on Thursday while they were trying to move their handcart, submerged in water in Deccan area, to a safer place, while one person died in a landslide in Tamhini ghat section in Mulshi tehsil, officials said.
Several low-lying areas in the city got inundated due to the rainwater and the local authorities have launched operations to evacuate the stranded people. PTI
The Vihar Lake overflowed today
13:38 Red alert for extremely heavy rain in Mumbai
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warning a Red Alert for Mumbai till tomorrow morning 8.30 am.morning.
Heavy rains lashed Mumbai and its suburbs on Thursday, causing waterlogging on roads in some areas that led to traffic snarls and also delayed local train operations.
Owing to incessant rains in the catchment areas, Vihar and Modak Sagar lakes started overflowing. With this, four of the seven reservoirs providing potable water to the metropolis are now overflowing, which improved the overall water stock, officials said.
A flooded road at Kalina, Mumbai
13:12 Mumbai rains: Trains delayed, severe waterlogging
Heavy rains lashed Mumbai and its suburbs on Thursday, causing waterlogging on roads in some areas that led to traffic snarls and also delayed local train operations.
Owing to incessant rains in the catchment areas, Vihar and Modak Sagar lakes started overflowing. With this, four of the seven reservoirs providing potable water to the metropolis are now overflowing, which improved the overall water stock, officials said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted moderate to heavy rainfall in the city and suburbs with possibility of very heavy rainfall at isolated places in next 24 hours starting 8 am.
Due to incessant rains, the water level of Mithi river, which runs through the industrial hub of the city, rose to 2.5 metres, while its danger mark is 4.2 metres, an official said, adding that a high tide of 4.64 metres has been predicted in the Arabian Sea at 2.51 pm.
Vihar lake, one of the seven lakes supplying water to Mumbai, started overflowing at around 3.50 am, while Modak Sagar started overflowing at 10.40 am, the officials said. Powai and Tulsi lakes have already started overflowing.
The IMD forecast that Mumbai will most likely witness occasional gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph, they said. In the 24 hours ending 8 am on Thursday, the island city recorded 44 mm rainfall, its eastern and western suburbs 90 mm and 89 mm rainfall, respectively, a civic official said.
Some low-lying areas saw waterlogging due to the heavy rains since early morning, forcing the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), which operates passenger buses in the city, to divert its vehicles on half a dozen routes in Aarey Colony.
Commuters complained that the suburban services operated by the Western Railway and the Central Railway were running 10-15 minutes late.
A Central Railway spokesperson said that due to low visibility as a result of heavy rains, the speed of suburban trains has been reduced.
Water started accumulating in railway tracks between Kurla and Ghatkopar stations from 10.30 am onwards, but it is still below the danger mark and hence all the suburban trains are running at reduced speed, he said. Railway traffic on the Panvel-Karjat line has been suspended due to flooding in tracks, he added. PTI
Traffic congestion on Eastern Express Highway towards Mumbai today
12:59 BMC withdraws water cut to Mumbai suburbs
BMC is withdrawing a 10% water cut to Thane City, Bhiwandi, and Outside City Division Grampanchyats, where water is supplied by BMC, from 29th July.
The reservoirs supplying water to Mumbai are experiencing heavy rains, resulting in a steady increase in water storage.
Due to continuous rainfall in the catchment area of Khadakwasla Dam, the dam reached its full capacity on Thursday. The Vihar lake in Mumbai has also overflowed.
The BMC said that on Thursday and Friday, there would be moderate to heavy rain in the city and suburbs, with the possibility of very heavy rainfall at isolated places. Occasional gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph are very likely.
Air India issues an update in view of Mumbai rains. Tweets, "Flights to and from Mumbai may get affected due to heavy rains. Guests are advised to start early for the airport, as slow traffic and waterlogging may delay movement."
File pic. The PM is yet to visit the state since the horrific clashes last year
12:45 Abandoned house torched by miscreants in Manipur's Jiribam
Unidentified miscreants torched a kutcha house in Manipur's Jiribam district, police said on Thursday. The house located in the Borobekra area of the district was abandoned by its owner after violence broke out in the district, they said.
The miscreants ransacked the kutcha house before setting it on fire on Wednesday night, the police said. Meanwhile, local people on Thursday immediate operations by both central and state forces to apprehend the perpetrators as well as "flush out militants from the area." PTI
12:32 How will capital gains tax tweaks impact taxpayers?
With too many capital gains tax-related changes coming into force, that too with immediate effect, taxpayers are anxious about the impact on their tax liability. Tax rates have been changed, exemption limit has been raised and indexation has been phased out.
12:19 Landslide halts traffic on Raigad-Pune road
Traffic has been halted at Tamhini Ghat on the Raigad-Pune route following the debris from a landslide as a result of the heavy rains.
According to Raigad Police, "Traffic is stopped at Tamhini Ghat in the Raigad-Pune route due to a landslide. Traffic will be stopped for the next few hours until the debris is cleared."
Speaking about the heavy rains in the district, Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase said, "It is raining heavily in the hilly areas of Pune in the Western Ghats. We have declared a holiday for all schools and colleges and we are monitoring the situation. We have appealed to industrial establishments to also give their employees a day off today, as in the next three hours, we are expecting heavy to moderately heavy rains in the Pune region."
"A person died and one was injured due to a rockslide in Adharwadi village in Pune rural. Three people are trapped in a landslide in Dasve village in Lavasa city. NDRF has been sent for search and rescue. Three people died due to electrocution in Pune city. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar are monitoring the situation," said the official. The Pune District Collector further appealed to citizens not to step out unnecessarily in the heavy downpours.
Meanwhile, due to continuous rainfall in the catchment area of Khadakwasla Dam, the dam reached its full capacity on Thursday.
INS Brahmaputra tilts to one side
12:10 Reflections on INS Brahmaputra fire & flooding incident
In a terrible tragedy, INS Brahmaputra, a frontline warship commissioned in April 2000, suffered extensive damage due to a fire accident on Jul 21, 2024. The subsequent firefighting efforts managed to control the fire but the vessel capsized in the afternoon hours of Jul 22. The MoD press release (reproduced below), crafted with many euphemisms, leaves informed observers in little doubt about the future of the magnificent "Raging Rhino".
Read the report here.
A waterlogged road in Chembur today
12:06 Severe waterlogging in parts of Mumbai
Rain batters Mumbai, severe waterlogging in various parts of the city.
12:04 Kejriwal, Sisodia, Kavitha's judicial custody extended
Delhi court extends Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's judicial custody in excise 'scam' cases by ED, CBI.
Delhi court extends judicial custody of AAP's Manish Sisodia, BRS leader K Kavitha in excise 'scam' case field by CBI.
Avoid Andheri subway
11:53 Heavy rains in Mumbai; waterlogging, traffic woes
The Andheri Subway in Mumbai has been closed for vehicular movement following waterlogging from the persistent rainfall. The downpours have brought back woes for Mumbai and the suburbs, with waterlogging reported from several low-lying areas in the city.
The heavy rainfall overnight has disrupted some public transport services causing inconvenience to countless commuters. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, "Today's weather forecast at 8 am suggests moderate to heavy rain in the city and suburbs."
The forecast indicates the possibility of very heavy rainfall in isolated places. Occasional gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph are also very likely. As per the BMC, Vihar Lake, one of the 7 lakes supplying water to the entire Mumbai metropolitan area, started overflowing at around 3.50 AM today.
The full storage capacity of Vihar Lake is 2,769.8 crore litres (27,698 million litres). Taking to its official social media handle on X, BMC posted a video of the overflowing lake.
Heavy rains have been lashing parts of Mumbai. Visuals from Vile Parle and the Western Express Highway show commuters making their way through the downpours. Additionally, the Indian Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Maharashtra on Thursday and has predicted extremely heavy rainfall.
On Wednesday, an orange alert has also been issued in the state warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall (115.6 to 204.4 mm) from July 26 to July 27 in Maharashtra.
An orange alert was also issued for Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts in Maharashtra's Konkan region. On Thursday the Brihan Mumbai Metropolitan Council (BMC) said that on Thursday and Friday, there would be moderate to heavy rain in the city and suburbs with the possibility of very heavy rainfall at isolated places.
Occasional gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph are very likely. On Thursday High Tide is expected at 2:51 PM. Mumbai city and suburbs are also likely to experience moderate to heavy rains at some places.
The Mithi river in Mumbai in spate
11:34 Pune flooded after heavy, continuous rain; 4 dead
Heavy and incessant rains wreaked havoc in Maharashtra's Pune, where at least four persons died in rain-related incidents on Thursday, while several houses and residential societies in low-lying areas in the city were inundated, following which people are being evacuated, officials said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'red alert' for Pune district and asked people to take precautions. Schools and colleges in most parts of the district have declared a holiday in view of the heavy rainfall warning, they said.
Pune city and other parts of the district, including Velha, Mulshi, Bhor talukas and the catchments areas of several dams, including Khadakwasla, have been witnessing incessant rains since Wednesday night.
In the city, housing societies in the low-lying areas, such as Sinhagad Road, Bavdhan, Baner and Deccan Gymkhana, witnessed flooding and inundation and efforts have been launched by the fire brigade and disaster management cell of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to evacuate the stranded people, the officials said.
Pune district collector Suhas Diwase said that in the wake of heavy rains in the Khadakwasla dam's catchment area, water has been released from the reservoir.
"As the catchment areas of Khadakwasla dam has been witnessing incessant rains, water is being released at over 35,000 cusec and it will further increase to 45,000 cusec. Due to the water discharge, several low lying areas along the Mutha river witnessed inundation and flooding," he said. Four persons lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Pune, officials said. While three men died of electrocution in Deccan area of the city while trying to move their handcart, on which they used to sell egg dishes, got submerged due to heavy rains, one person died and another one sustained injuries in a landslide in Tahmini ghat section in Mulshi tehsil, district officials said.
"One person died while another sustained injuries after a landslide on a small eatery in Tahmini ghat in Mulshi tehsil," inspector Manoj Yadav of Paud police station said. The district administration and local police are engaged in the task removing the debris from the road, he said adding that after removing it the road will be open for the vehicular movement.
In another incident, three people are feared trapped in a bungalow in Lavasa area after mudslide, police said.
Considering heavy rainfall in the 'ghat' (mountain pass) sections of Khed, Junnar, Ambegaon, Velha, Mulshi, Maval, Bhor, Haveli talukas and Pimpri Chinchwad as well as Pune city area, a holiday has been for schools.
"As a precautionary measure, the disaster management cells and teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed at the low lying areas, where flooding and inundation is anticipated," he said. Diwase appealed to step out of homes unless it is very important. The IMD has given a red alert for Pune district for the next 24 hours, he said. Meanwhile, 29 tourists who were stranded due to flooding at resorts and bungalows in Malavli area near Lonavala hill station in the district were evacuated on Wednesday evening, a police official said. Deputy Chief Minister and Pune Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar took stock of the rain situation and instructed the district authorities and the civic administration to provide all the help to the citizens. PTI
11:17 Amid rumblings in alliance, Ajit Pawar meets Amit Shah
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who heads the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has held a meeting with Union Home Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Shah in Delhi.
Sources close to Pawar confirmed the development and said the meeting took place late on Wednesday night.
Pawar is likely to make another visit on July 28, they said.
The meeting assumes significance as the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, BJP and NCP, is set to begin its seat-sharing talks for the Maharashtra assembly polls likely to be held in October this year.
In this year's Lok Sabha elections, the NCP contested four seats, but managed to win just one. Pawar's wife Sunetra, who contested from the Baramati seat, was defeated by sitting MP Supriya Sule, the daughter of veteran leader Sharad Pawar, who heads the NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar.
Sunetra Pawar was later elected as a Rajya Sabha member unopposed.
Pawar joined the Eknath Shinde-led state government in July 2023 and became deputy chief minister.
In the recent past, some BJP leaders and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have blamed the inclusion of Ajit Pawar and his NCP in the Mahayuti as one of the reasons for the ruling alliance's poor show in the Lok Sabha polls.
Vivek, a weekly publication affiliated with the RSS recently published an article, which said that public sentiments turned sharply against the BJP following its alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP that subsequently led to bad performance of the saffron party in the Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra.
Pawar has earlier said his party has been assured a Rajya Sabha berth that fell vacant after sitting MP Udayanraje Bhosale was elected to the Lok Sabha. -- PTI
Sources close to Pawar confirmed the development and said the meeting took place late on Wednesday night.
Pawar is likely to make another visit on July 28, they said.
The meeting assumes significance as the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, BJP and NCP, is set to begin its seat-sharing talks for the Maharashtra assembly polls likely to be held in October this year.
In this year's Lok Sabha elections, the NCP contested four seats, but managed to win just one. Pawar's wife Sunetra, who contested from the Baramati seat, was defeated by sitting MP Supriya Sule, the daughter of veteran leader Sharad Pawar, who heads the NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar.
Sunetra Pawar was later elected as a Rajya Sabha member unopposed.
Pawar joined the Eknath Shinde-led state government in July 2023 and became deputy chief minister.
In the recent past, some BJP leaders and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have blamed the inclusion of Ajit Pawar and his NCP in the Mahayuti as one of the reasons for the ruling alliance's poor show in the Lok Sabha polls.
Vivek, a weekly publication affiliated with the RSS recently published an article, which said that public sentiments turned sharply against the BJP following its alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP that subsequently led to bad performance of the saffron party in the Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra.
Pawar has earlier said his party has been assured a Rajya Sabha berth that fell vacant after sitting MP Udayanraje Bhosale was elected to the Lok Sabha. -- PTI
10:42 Russian spy held in Paris for plot to disrupt Oly
A Russian national living in the capital city of France for the last 14 years has been arrested on suspicion of plotting to disrupt the Paris Olympics 2024, local media reported.
The mega sporting event is set to begin here with an opening ceremony that features a boat parade on the Seine River on Friday.
The 40-year-old man, a former reality TV star trained at a Parisian culinary school had boasted of disrupting the opening ceremony of the Olympics, before he was arrested on July 21, French newspaper Le Monde reported.
According to the French publication, the arrested man is an agent of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the Russian Internal Security and counter-intelligence service.
The man was arrested from his residence in Paris, Le Monde said citing the Paris prosecutor's office said. Evidence that the man was involved in the plot has been found at his home, according to the newspaper. It said that according to several European intelligence services, a map of an elite Russian special forces unit, acting under the command of the FSB, was found in his home.
As per Le Monde intelligence services had listened into a call two months ago between the man and a Russian intelligence services handler in which the suspect had stated that "the French are going to have an opening ceremony like there has never been before".
On July 23, a judicial investigation was opened into "intelligence with a foreign power with a view to provoking hostilities in France," and the arrested man was indicted on the same day and remanded in custody.
He could face 30 years in prison according to the prosecutor's office.
File pic
10:27 Khadakwasla dam overflows into Mutha river in Pune
Heavy rainfall forces release of water from Khadakwasla Dam-Pune, heavy rains in Mumbai.
Due to continuous rainfall in the Khadakwasla Dam catchment area, the dam reached full capacity on Thursday. The Pune administration, as per the District Information Office, increased the water release into the Mutha River to 40,000 cusecs at 6 a.m.
Earlier, at 4 a.m. on Thursday, water was released at 27,203 cusecs. An alert has been issued to residents along the riverbanks to remain vigilant.
An alert has been issued to residents along the riverbanks to remain vigilant.
Additionally, heavy rains in Pune on Wednesday night caused water to enter homes and buildings in Ekta Nagri and Vitthal Nagar. The Pune Fire Department deployed boats to evacuate residents.
Additionally, heavy rains in Pune on Wednesday night caused water to enter homes and buildings in Ekta Nagri and Vitthal Nagar. The Pune Fire Department deployed boats to evacuate residents.
Representational image
10:14 Heavy rains: Holiday for schools in Raigad, Palghar
A holiday has been declared for schools, colleges and other educational institutes in Raigad district of Maharashtra on Thursday in the wake of heavy rainfall, officials said.
A similar order has been issued for Wada and Vikramgad talukas in Palghar district. Both these districts lie in the coastal region of Maharashtra. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Raigad district for Wednesday, which continued on Thursday, and predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall.
In view of the red alert, Raigad collector Kishan Jawale announced a holiday for all government and private schools, training institutes and colleges.
The district has been receiving heavy showers over the past few days, which resulted in several rivers, including Kundalika, Amba and Savitri, flowing above the danger mark, which has led to disruption in communication networks, officials said. The administration has requested the teaching staff to report for duty and assist other personnel in disaster management efforts.
In Palghar,. the district collector Govind Bodke issued an order declaring a holiday for all educational institutions in Wada and Vikramgad talukas on Thursday following very heavy rainfall, an official release said.
The weather bureau has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall at places with the possibility of extremely heavy showers at isolated places and given an orange alert for the entire district, the order said. Based on the ground report received from the tehsildars of Wada and Vikramgad talukas, a holiday has been declared there for all private and public educational institutions in the talukas, the collector's order added. PTI
09:26 After Bangladesh's objection, Guv urges Mamata to...
West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose has urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee not to make any 'politically-motivated populist remarks' on the current situation in neighbouring Bangladesh that could affect the nation's external affairs.
His remark came after Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud objected to Banerjee's recent remark of offering 'shelter' to people from Bangladesh amid ongoing protests in the country.
'The Governor urges the CM not to make politically motivated populist remarks which would adversely impact the nation's external affairs,' the Raj Bhavan said in a post on X on Wednesday.
Mahmud, in a video shared widely on X, was heard saying, 'With all due respect to Mamata Banerjee, with whom we share a relationship of mutual interests... However, her statement has created confusion and has the potential to create confusion among people. Therefore, we have sent a note to the Indian government on her statement.'
Mahmud communicated with the Indian government through diplomatic channels. Banerjee, during the Trinamool Congress' Martyrs Day rally in Kolkata on Sunday, referred to violence-hit Bangladesh, saying she would keep the doors of West Bengal open for people in distress from the neighbouring country and offer them shelter.
She also posted similar comments from her X account.
BJP leader Amit Malviya has also posted a video of Hasan's remarks from his handle on X, saying, 'Mamata Banerjee is a constant source of embarrassment, not just for West Bengal but also for India, now.' -- PTI
08:57 US, Canada intercept Russian, Chinese bombers
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) intercepted a group of bombers near Alaska, marking the first instance of joint Russian and Chinese operations prompting such a response from the United States, CNN reported, citing, a US defence official.
NORAD confirmed that the aircraft, comprising two Russian TU-95 Bear bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers, were flying within the Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) over Alaska, strictly in international airspace and were 'not seen as a threat'.
The intercept, carried out by US F-16 and F-35 fighters alongside Canadian CF-18 jets, remained focused on ensuring the aircraft did not breach US or Canadian sovereign airspace.
NORAD emphasised that such encounters are not uncommon with Russian TU-95s, which have made routine flights into Alaska's ADIZ, as witnessed in a previous incident involving four Russian aircraft in May.
However, the inclusion of Chinese bombers in this scenario represents a notable development.
The H-6 bombers, modernised versions of older Soviet models, were identified entering Alaska's ADIZ for the first time during this event, according to CNN.
The Chinese have shown increasing interest in expanding their presence into the Arctic region, said Gen Gregory Guillot of US Northern Command during a Senate hearing earlier this year.
He had anticipated such developments, citing China's strategic moves northward and their growing involvement in Arctic affairs, often under the guise of scientific or technical missions but with clear military implications.
"What I have seen is a willingness and a desire by the Chinese to act up there," Guillot told a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
"We have seen them in the maritime. We have seen them under the cloud of a technical or scientific research, but we think it is certainly multi-mission, to include military. And then I expect to see air activity in the Alaska part of the Arctic as soon as this year, potentially."
"It is a very big concern of mine," he said.
The incident underscores evolving dynamics in Arctic security, where traditional players like Russia are joined by newer entrants such as China, whose strategic ambitions extend beyond maritime activities into aerial operations.
While NORAD reiterated that the recent intercept did not escalate into a security breach, it highlights ongoing vigilance in monitoring international airspace near sensitive zones, CNN reported. -- ANI
08:53 Palestine flag raised, US flag burnt near Congress
Pro-Palestinian-protestors on Wednesday lowered an American flag and burned it down a few blocks away from the United States Congress and hoisted a Palestine flag in its place.
The incident happened in front of the Union Station, near the US Congress, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a Joint Session of the US Congress.
The protestors in several hundreds were protesting against the US policy in the Middle East and the bombing of innocent civilians by Israelis in Gaza and parts of Palestine.
Six people were arrested by the local police. Videos posted online showed that the protestors were shouting pro-Hamas and anti-Israeli slogans. They lowered a huge American flag in front of the busy Union Station and burned it down, then they raised the flag of Palestine which was much smaller.
The protests were also held in several parts of the city as Netanyahu addressed the Congress. Many of them were seen shouting slogans against him outside the hotel he stayed in. Several other protestors were seen defacing some of the historic monuments in the city and writing Hamas over the wall and statue.
Barricades were installed around important government buildings and offices in the city, including the White House and the US Congress. Police used pepper spray against the protestors outside the US Capitol.
'US flag set ablaze, 23 arrested as thousands protest Netanyahu's D.C. visit,' The Washington Post reported.
'Though most demonstrators walked and chanted peacefully, there were some clashes with law enforcement, and D.C. and Capitol Police said they arrested 15 people in total. The US Park Police arrested eight people,' it said.
The incident happened in front of the Union Station, near the US Congress, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a Joint Session of the US Congress.
The protestors in several hundreds were protesting against the US policy in the Middle East and the bombing of innocent civilians by Israelis in Gaza and parts of Palestine.
Six people were arrested by the local police. Videos posted online showed that the protestors were shouting pro-Hamas and anti-Israeli slogans. They lowered a huge American flag in front of the busy Union Station and burned it down, then they raised the flag of Palestine which was much smaller.
The protests were also held in several parts of the city as Netanyahu addressed the Congress. Many of them were seen shouting slogans against him outside the hotel he stayed in. Several other protestors were seen defacing some of the historic monuments in the city and writing Hamas over the wall and statue.
Barricades were installed around important government buildings and offices in the city, including the White House and the US Congress. Police used pepper spray against the protestors outside the US Capitol.
'US flag set ablaze, 23 arrested as thousands protest Netanyahu's D.C. visit,' The Washington Post reported.
'Though most demonstrators walked and chanted peacefully, there were some clashes with law enforcement, and D.C. and Capitol Police said they arrested 15 people in total. The US Park Police arrested eight people,' it said.
The protestors also put ablaze an effigy of Netanyahu, spray-painted the Christopher Columbus fountain and adjacent Liberty Bell reproduction with messages like 'Free Gaza', 'All zionists are bastards', and 'Free Palestine'. -- PTI
IMAGE: Police officers take down Palestinian flags that were hoisted in protest at Union Station on the day Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, on July 24, 2024. Photograph: Seth Herald/Reuters
PIc: Leah Millis/Reuters
07:24 'Radical left lunatic': Trump lets fly at Kamala Harris
Former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Wednesday said Vice President Kamala Harris is unfit to rule and described here a radical left lunatic.
Trump, 78, launched a scathing attack on his Democratic rival, as he took the stage for the first time to address an election rally after Harris became the presumptive nominee.
Over the weekend, President Joe Biden, 81, announced that he was dropping out of the race and named Harris as his successor.
Harris, 59, is now the presumptive Democratic nominee and she was officially announced as the party's vice presidential candidate at its Democratic National Convention in August.
"For three and a half years, Lyin' Kamala Harris has been the ultra-liberal driving force behind every single Biden catastrophe. She is a radical left lunatic who will destroy our country if she ever gets the chance to get into office. We're not going to let that happen," Trump said as he unleashed a torrent of attack against the vice president.
"I was supposed to be nice. They say something happened to me when I got shot. I became nice. And when you're dealing with these people, they're very dangerous people. When you're dealing with them, you can't be too nice. You really can't be. So if you don't mind, I'm not going to be nice. Is that okay?" he asked his supporters amidst huge applause from the audience.
"Kamala Harris is the most liberal elected politician in American history. She's an ultra-liberal politician. She's absolutely terrible. She's more liberal than Bernie Sanders, he said. If she ever got in, she'd destroy this country so fast. She was the border czar, but she never went to the border," Trump alleged.
"She was appointed by this horrible president, this horrible guy. How this guy got to be president in his basement. He stayed in his basement. And we did a lot better the second time than we did the first. How this guy got to be president, what they've done to this country in three and a half years, and we're going to turn it around. But what they've done to our country is unthinkable," Trump alleged.
07:07 India witnesses lunar occultation of Saturn after 18 years
Various parts of the country witnessed Shani Chandra Grahan, also known as the lunar occultation of Saturn, on the night of July 24-25.
The eclipse was visible in different parts of the country, including the India Gate area in Delhi, and West Bengal's Kolkata.
Shani Chandra Grahan happens when the Moon passes directly in front of Saturn, causing the ringed planet to be obscured from view. This occultation of Saturn is fascinating because it not only highlights the intricate movements of celestial bodies but also offers endless opportunities for astronomers to study the visibility of Saturn.
The rare celestial event is taking place after 18 years in India, offering unique opportunities to both astronomers to study the event.
Earlier, the last lunar eclipse of 2023 took place on the intervening nights of October 28 and 29. The eclipse was visible in different parts of the country, including Nehru Planetarium in Delhi, West Bengal's Siliguri, Gujarat's Rajkot, and Mumbai's Chembur.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves into the Earth's shadow, causing the Moon to be darkened. Such an alignment occurs during an eclipse season, approximately every six months, during the full moon phase when the Moon's orbital plane is closest to the plane of the Earth's orbit.
This can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are exactly or very closely aligned (in syzygy) with Earth between the other two, which can happen only on the night of a full moon when the Moon is near either lunar node.
06:45 Focused on doing my job next 6 months: Biden
"I've decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to the new generation to unite our nation. There is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, but there's also a time and a place for new voices,' US President Joe Biden says in his address to the American people from Oval Office on Wednesday night ET.
"Over the next six months, I'll be focused on doing my job as the president...
"I'll keep defending our personal freedoms and civil rights, from the right to vote to the right to choose.
"I'll keep calling out hate and extremism, and make it clear there is no place in America for any violence...
"I'm going to keep speaking out to protect our kids from gun violence...
"I will keep working to ensure America remains strong and secure and the leader of the free world.
"I'm the first president in this century to report to the American people that the United States is not at war anywhere in the world...
"I'm going to keep working to end the war in Gaza, bring home all the hostages..." Biden said in his address.
06:39 Kamala is experienced, tough, capable: Biden
US President Joe Biden says, "In just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America's future. I made my choice. I've made my views known.
"I would like to thank our great vice president, Kamala Harris. She experienced. She's tough. She's capable. She's been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country.
"Now the choice is up to you, the American people. When you make that choice, remember the words of Benjamin Franklin...
"When Benjamin Franklin was asked whether the founders had given America a monarchy or a republic, Franklin's response was, 'a republic if you can keep it'. A republic if you can keep it. Whether we keep a republic is now in your hands..."
06:33 Revere this office, but love country more: Biden
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday night ET addressed his nation from the Oval Office to explain his decision end his 2024 candidacy and to 'pass the torch' to Vice President Kamala Harris.
"I revere this office, but I love my country more. It's been the honour of my life to serve as your president. But in the defence of democracy, which is at stake, it's more important than any title. I draw strength and I find joy in working for the American people.
"But this sacred task, perfecting our union, it's not about me. It's about you, your families, your futures. It's about we, the people... " Biden said.
"I believe America is at an inflexion. One of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come... In this moment, we can see those we disagree with not as enemies, but as fellow Americans... We are a great nation because we are a good people...
"The truth, the sacred cause of this country is larger than any one of us... A cause of American democracy itself must unite to protect it...
"It's become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical endeavour. I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, and my vision for America's future all merited a second term, but nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy..." Biden said in his address.
00:08 Election of Kangana Ranaut challenged, HC issues notice
The Himachal Pradesh high court on Wednesday issued notice to Kangana Ranaut, the BJP Lok Sabha member from Mandi, on a petition filed by a Kinnaur resident for setting aside her election on the grounds that his nomination papers to contest from the Lok Sabha constituency were allegedly wrongly rejected.
Issuing the notice, Justice Jyotsna Rewal directed Ranaut to file a reply by August 21.
Ranaut had won from Mandi Lok Sabha seat, defeating her rival Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh by 74,755 votes. She had polled 5,37,002 votes against Singh's 4,62,267 votes.
Pleading for setting aside the election of Ranaut, the petitioner, Layak Ram Negi, maintained that his nomination papers were wrongly rejected by the returning officer (Deputy Commissioner, Mandi) and also made him a party.
Negi, an ex-employee of the forest department, said that he got premature retirement and produced a "no dues certificate" from the department along with nomination papers to the returning officer.
However, he was given a day to produce the "no due certificate" from the electricity, water and telephone departments and when he submitted them, the returning officer did not accept them and rejected the nomination papers.
He pleaded that he could have won the election had his papers been accepted and said that the election be set aside. -- PTI
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