India Monsoons LIVE Updates: PM Modi speaks with senior ministers, officials to take stock of situation

15:02 (IST)

BJP LIVE Updates

Rahul Gandhi running 'mega mall of hatred', not 'mohabbat ki dukan': BJP leader Nadda

Taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi's 'Mohabbat Ki Dukan' (store of love) slogan, Bharatiya Janata Party president J P Nadda said the Congress leader was really operating a "mega mall of hatred" on Monday.

Nadda accused Gandhi and other Congress leaders of inciting hatred against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing a rally in Godhra town in Panchmahal district to mark the end of the Modi government's nine-year tenure, Nadda also accused the opposition parties of becoming "family-centric parties" unconcerned about the welfare of residents.

"The Congress people get upset whenever Modiji receives accolades at the global stage. While trying to oppose our PM, Congress leaders have started opposing our country," he said.

14:32 (IST)

India Monsoons LIVE Updates

Torrential rain in parts of India: PM Modi speaks with senior ministers, officials to take stock of situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with senior ministers and officials on Monday to assess the situation in the aftermath of heavy rains across areas of the nation, according to his office.

Local governments, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are all working to protect the safety of people impacted, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

"PM @narendramodi spoke to senior ministers and officials, and took stock of the situation in the wake of excessive rainfall in parts of India. Local administrations, NDRF and SDRF teams are working to ensure the well-being of those affected," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a tweet.

Several rivers in north India are overflowing, notably the Yamuna near Delhi. Many roadways and residential areas in cities and towns across the region are flooded in knee-deep water, with the municipal system unable to withstand record rainfall on Sunday.

14:29 (IST)

Flood Warning LIVE Updates

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal states government is prepared to deal with any eventuality

The Yamuna River exceeded the 204.5-metre danger level in Delhi as Haryana let extra water into the river from the Hathnikund dam amid heavy rainfall in the higher catchment districts.

The water level is expected to climb to 205.5 metres between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Tuesday, exceeding the 205.33-metre danger mark.

In a news conference, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stated that while a flood-like situation is unlikely in Delhi, the government is prepared to deal with any eventuality.

On Sunday, the Delhi government issued a flood warning and is raising awareness among residents living along the river's banks.

Evacuation of individuals in low-lying regions would begin if the water reaches 206 metres, according to Kejriwal.

Authorities have been directed to be attentive and take appropriate measures in sensitive regions. Boats and rapid reaction teams have been dispatched.

The Delhi government has established 16 control rooms, including a central control room, to monitor flood-prone neighbourhoods and the Yamuna's water level.

14:25 (IST)

Flood Warning LIVE Updates

River Yamuna has crossed warning level in Delhi

The Yamuna River has crossed the warning level. The river's water level was 204.63 metres at 1 pm. At 1 pm., the Hathinikund barrage released 1,90,837 cusecs of water into the Yamuna.

#WATCH | Delhi | River Yamuna has crossed warning level. At 1 pm, water level of the river recorded at 204.63 m. At 1 pm, 1,90,837 cusecs of water released from Hathinikund barrage into Yamuna pic.twitter.com/644xxOHYjv— ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2023

14:04 (IST)

West Bengal Poll Violence LIVE Updates

Adhir moves HC over panchayat poll violence; seeks probe, compensation for victims

The Calcutta High Court on Monday granted senior Congress politician Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury permission to file a case demanding compensation for victims of panchayat vote violence in West Bengal, as well as an impartial probe.

Chowdhury, the state Congress president, testified directly before a bench headed over by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, alleging that unprecedented violence wracked West Bengal during the July 8 polls.

He asked the court for monetary compensation for the dead's next of kin and the injured, claiming that the majority of the deceased belonged to the poor, vulnerable, and impoverished parts of society.

He also requested that an impartial body conduct an inquiry into the episodes of violence, including deaths and the use of weapons and homemade explosives.

The panel, which also included Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, gave him permission to submit the petition.

Chowdhury requested monetary assistance so that the deceased could be cremated and the injured might be appropriately treated.

13:51 (IST)

Rajya Sabha Polls LIVE Updates

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar files nomination papers for Rajya Sabha polls from Gujarat

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat on Monday.

Jaishankar was brought to the state Assembly complex by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and BJP Gujarat unit president C R Paatil, where he filed his nomination papers to Returning Officer Rita Mehta.

Nominations must be submitted by July 13, and nominations must be withdrawn by July 17. If necessary, voting will take place on July 24.

Jaishankar originally submitted his nomination for the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat four years ago.

The BJP presently has eight of Gujarat's 11 Rajya Sabha seats, while the Congress holds the other two.

13:49 (IST)

India Monsoon LIVE Updates

Mumbai receives 31.17% of average annual rainfall this monsoon season

According to the city civic body's monsoon report, Mumbai has received 31.17 per cent of the annual average rainfall of 2,547 mm as of Monday morning.

On June 25, the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) Mumbai centre proclaimed the start of monsoon in the country's financial metropolis, a fortnight late.

According to a report from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the IMD Mumbai has recorded 1,043.8 mm of rainfall at its Santacruz observatory (representing the suburbs) and 658.7 mm of rainfall at its Colaba observatory (representing the island city) in the previous 15 days.

The downpour recorded at the Santacruz observatory is 37.49 per cent of the average annual rainfall of 2,784 mm and the figure at the Colaba observatory is 28.52 per cent of the average rainfall of 2,310 mm, according to the report.

13:43 (IST)

India Monsoon LIVE Updates

Saddened by loss of lives due to heavy rain, landslides in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, other states: Rahul

On Monday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed sadness over the deaths caused by heavy rain and landslides in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and other northern Indian states, and encouraged all party workers to assist in rescue efforts.

He also extended his sympathies to the families of those who died and wished the injured a swift recovery.

"The news of loss of lives due to heavy rains and landslides in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and other north Indian states is extremely sad. I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of all those injured," Gandhi said on Twitter.

13:37 (IST)

NEST 2023 LIVE Updates

NEST 2023 results released

The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST 2023) results were revealed today, July 10. Applicants may get their results from the official website.

The NEST 2023 entrance test took place on June 24, 2023, and the answer key was revealed on June 28, 2023.

The official website states that "Score Card will be available to download shortly."

13:29 (IST)

Teacher Recruitment Scam LIVE Updates

West Bengal teachers' recruitment scam

The Supreme Court has refused to intervene in the Calcutta High Court's judgement allowing Central agencies to examine TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee in connection with teacher recruitment issues in West Bengal.

13:27 (IST)

Flood Warning LIVE Updates

River Yamuna inches closer to the warning level

The Yamuna River drew closer to the danger threshold. At 12 p.m., the river's water level was 204.36 metres at Old Railway Bridge. The river's alert level is 204.50 metres. The situation has arisen as a result of the continual discharge of water into the river from the Hathinkund Barrage. At 12 p.m., the Barrage released 2,17,003 cusecs of water.

13:00 (IST)

Election Commission LIVE Updates

Election Commission doesn't have powers to change party's name: Uddhav

Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray stated on Monday that the Election Commission (EC) can give a party an electoral symbol but cannot modify its name.

Speaking to media in Amaravati district during a trip of Maharashtra's Vidarbha area, the former state chief minister further stated that the term 'Shiv Sena' was given to him by his grandfather (Keshav Thackeray) and that he will not allow anybody to "steal" it.

The Election Commission assigned the name Shiv Sena' and its election symbol bow and arrow' to the organisation led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in February of this year.

The EC permitted the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) group to keep the name Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the fiery torch' election emblem, which it was granted in an interim decision last year.

On Monday, Uddhav Thackeray stated that the Election Commission had no authority to modify a party's name. It can provide a party with an electoral emblem.

12:49 (IST)

Manipur Violence LIVE Updates

SC can't be used as platform to escalate tension in Manipur, says SC

The Supreme Court warned the lawyers representing Manipur's Kuki and Metei ethnic groups against making claims and using the court as a forum, which might exacerbate the volatile situation.

Recognising its restricted position, the Supreme Court remarked, "We cannot be running the security or law and order apparatus of the state."

Throughout the hearings, Colin Gonsalves, serving as counsel, insisted that the state was behind the violence against the Kuki community.

However, Chief Justice DY Chandrchud and Justice PS Narasimha intervened, stating, "We do not want this platform to be used for further escalation of violence in the state." The court urged Gonsalves to provide constructive suggestions instead.

12:35 (IST)

Uniform Civil Code LIVE Updates

Majority Muslim women in favour of common laws on marriage, divorce, inheritance

According to a News18 mega survey on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), at least 67.2 per cent of Muslim women support common law for all Indians in situations including marriage, divorce, and adoption.

The poll included 8,035 Muslim women from 25 states and union territories.

The participants ranged in age from 18 to 65 years old and came from a variety of communities, geographies, educational backgrounds, and marital statuses.

Read More

12:32 (IST)

India Monsoon LIVE Updates

Kharge asks Centre for PM CARES relief for rain-hit states, speaks to HP CM

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge requested the Centre on Monday to provide additional aid from the PM CARES Fund to states devastated by the severe rains that have pounded various regions of north India, including Himachal Pradesh.

A day after 19 people were killed in landslides and other rain-related accidents, Congress President Rahul Gandhi expressed his worry to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

"The death of several people in north India due to heavy rains is sad and painful. Have talked to the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh. Relief efforts in the state have picked up and every effort is being made despite bad weather, to take people affected by heavy rains to safer places," Kharge said in a tweet in Hindi.

He said teams of the State Disaster Response Force and National Disaster Response Force teams are doing this work.

Adequate compensation will be given to the victims and all possible help will be given to compensate for the loss of life and property, the Congress chief said.

12:10 (IST)

India COVID-19 LIVE Updates

Covid cases in India at all-time low since 2020

According to Union Health Ministry statistics published on Monday, India has registered 24 new coronavirus infections, the fewest since January 2020, when the first case of the virus was identified in Kerala.

The number of active cases was 1,431 and the death toll was 5,31,913, according to figures updated at 8 a.m.

The total value of the Covid cases is 4.49 crore (4,49,94,599).

According to the health ministry's website, the national COVID-19 recovery rate is 98.81 percent.

The number of persons who have recovered from the sickness has risen to 4,44,61,255, with a case fatality rate of 1.18 percent.  

11:38 (IST)

Money Laundering Case LIVE Updates

Satyendar Jain's interim bail extended till July 24

The Supreme Court on Monday extended on medical grounds the interim bail granted to former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain in a money laundering case being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate till July 24.

Senior counsel Abhishek Singhvi, representing for Jain, was instructed by a panel of justices A S Bopanna and M M Sundresh to send the medical reports to Additional Solicitor General S V Raju.

Singhvi stated during the brief session that three hospitals had advised surgery for Jain.

On May 26, the Supreme Court granted Jain temporary release for six weeks on medical grounds, stating that a citizen has the right to obtain treatment of his choosing at a private hospital at his own expense.

The ED had arrested Jain on May 30 last year on the charge of laundering money through four companies allegedly linked to him.

11:34 (IST)

Rajya Sabha Elections LIVE Updates

Derek O'Brien, Saket Gokhale among 6 candidates named by TMC for RS polls

The Trinamool Congress has named six candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections, including party spokesperson Derek O'Brien.

Dola Sen, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Samirul Islam, Prakash Chik Baraik, and Saket Gokhale are among the others.

The Election Commission of India has declared that elections for 10 Rajya Sabha seats would be conducted on July 24 in Goa, Gujarat, and West Bengal.

West Bengal's O'Brien, Sen, Ray, Sushmita Dev, and Shanta Chhetri are retiring. Dev, a former Congress leader, and Chetri have been excluded for the time being.

11:29 (IST)

Tamil Nadu LIVE Updates

Governors in Opposition-ruled states interfere; Stalin right in seeking Ravi's removal: Sibal

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal said on Monday that governors in Opposition-ruled states "destabilise and interfere," as he backed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin's call for the resignation of Governor RN Ravi.

Stalin stated in a letter to President Droupadi Murmu that Ravi "instigates communal hatred" and is a "threat" to Tamil Nadu's peace.

"By way of his behaviour and action, the Governor has proved to be partial and ineligible to hold the office of Governor; Ravi is fit to be removed from the high office," the CM emphasised in his letter.

Reacting to the development, Sibal said, "Ambedkar on Governors:...said 'functionarya purely ornamental functionaryno power of interference in administration'

11:14 (IST)

Maharashtra LIVE Updates

SC says it will list for hearing on July 31 a plea of Uddhav Thackeray-led faction

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on July 31 for a petition filed by the Uddhav Thackeray-led side contesting an order by the Election Commission of India allocating the party name and emblem 'bow and arrow' to the group led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

11:08 (IST)

Go First Airline LIVE Updates

India's Go First airline seeks investor interest as part of insolvency process

According to a newspaper advertisement published on Monday, India's Go Airlines (India) Ltd has welcomed investor interest in the firm through a court-appointed administrator as part of the carrier's ongoing bankruptcy process.

In accordance with Indian law, the procedure of soliciting an Expression of Interest (EoI) signals the formal start of seeking purchasers or investors for a possible venture.

Go Airlines, which ran the Go First airline, did not immediately reply to a request for comment from Reuters.

Go Airlines declared bankruptcy in May, claiming "faulty" Pratt & Whitney engines for the grounding of over half of its 54 Airbus A320neos. The engine manufacturer has said that the assertions are false.

10:47 (IST)

India Monsoons LIVE Updates

WATCH: Bridges swept away as heavy rains wreak havoc in Himachal Pradesh

Following severe rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, several bridges collapsed. People uploaded terrifying images of the mayhem caused by the rains online, including automobiles floating like paper boats on swamped roadways, murky floods flowing into residential neighbourhoods, temples and other structures submerged on the banks of swelling rivers, and land cave-ins.

Read More

10:46 (IST)

Tomato Prices LIVE Updates

Tomato Watch: Why a UP vegetable vendor has hired bouncers

Tomatoes have gone from humble to luxurious. With tomato prices soaring across the country, a vegetable vendor in Uttar Pradesh has recruited two bouncers to prevent clients from becoming violent while negotiating over the price of the tomatoes.

Customers reaching for tomatoes are pushed away by bouncers on camera footage.

Read More

10:29 (IST)

West Bengal LIVE Updates

After Bengal panchayat poll violence, voters happy with re-poll under heavy security cover

With re-polling for Panchayat elections beginning in West Bengal, people in Murshidabad voiced their delight on Monday at the presence of central forces.

"Today, it feels like an election day. We can see the central forces today", said Anamika Mandal, who came to cast her vote at Tikiapara Primary High School in the Murshidabad district.

In addition, another voter, Anjana Majumdar, expressed her happiness over the deployment of the central forces. She said, "The first day there were no central forces. There were just three Police personnel. Today, we are happy to see the central forces here, we will be able to cast votes properly and go home."

Following the violence during the state's panchayat polls on July 8, re-polling began in 697 booths across five districts of West Bengal on Monday.

10:19 (IST)

Kerala Boat Accident LIVE Updates

One dead, three missing in fishing boat accident off Kerala coast

A fisherman died and three others went missing when their boat capsized in the surf off the coast of Kerala in the early hours of Monday.

According to authorities, the event occurred at Muthalapozhi, near Perumathura in the Thiruvananthapuram district.

Anjuthengu police stated they had discovered Kunjumon's (42) body, but three others, Robin (42), Biju (48), and Biju (55) remained missing.

"The weather was rough in the morning, and the fishermen were in a mechanised boat. We are still searching for the missing persons," a coastal police official told PTI.

Muthalapozhi at Perumathura is a place where the Vamanapuram river and Kadinamkulam lake meet the Arabian Sea.

10:05 (IST)

India Monsoons LIVE Updates

Monsoon Menace: How record-breaking rain is wreaking havoc across north India

Mother Nature unleashed her anger on Sunday, wreaking havoc on north India, including the country's capital. Heavy rain battered Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Delhi, which had the most rainfall on a single July day since 1982.

Vehicles floating away like paper boats, murky water rushing into residential and other areas, buildings like temples flooded on the banks of swelling rivers, and land cave-ins were seen all throughout the North.

Read More

09:55 (IST)

Jammu & Kashmir LIVE Updates

Moderate rainfall likely in Delhi today

On Monday, Delhi is expected to get moderate rain, with a high temperature of approximately 32 degrees Celsius.

The city received 107.3 mm of rain in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total for the month to 298.3 mm, which is higher than the typical of 209.7 mm for the whole month.

Light to moderate rain is expected to persist on Tuesday.

09:30 (IST)

Jammu & Kashmir LIVE Updates

Earthquake jolts J&K's Doda

The National Centre for Seismology reported a magnitude 4.9 earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda area early Monday.

The tremor struck at 5:38 a.m. There are no early reports of damage, according to authorities.

The epicentre was located 10 km under the earth's surface in the Doda area. According to the NCS, it happened at 33.15 degrees north and 75.68 degrees east.

Doda has been shaken by 12 earthquakes of varying strength since June of this year, according to authorities.

On June 13, a 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck the neighbourhood, damaging breaches in scores of buildings, including dwellings.

09:03 (IST)

Delhi LIVE Updates

Delhi CM calls a meeting to discuss city’s dire condition caused by severe rain

Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, has called a meeting at the Secretariat this afternoon in response to the city's dire condition caused by severe rain. The meeting would be attended by Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, Atishi, and other relevant officials. The gathering will also address the rising level of the Yamuna.

08:50 (IST)

Maharashtra LIVE Updates

Sharad Pawar holds rally in Chhagan Bhujbal's constituency, apologises for making him MLA

Sharad Pawar, the head of the Nationalist Congress Party, apologised to the people of Yeola, the seat of expelled dissident leader Chhagan Bhujbal, on Saturday.

Formerly a close assistant to the NCP patriarch, Bhujbal was one of eight NCP rebels who joined Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's NDA cabinet, along with Sharad Pawar's nephew and former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar.

Addressing a rally at Yeola on Saturday, Pawar senior said, "This rally is not about making any allegations against anyone. I am here to apologise to all of you."

"I regret making a wrong decision (in fielding Bhujbal from this constituency). You trusted me and voted for my party but my decision turned out to be wrong. So, it is my duty to apologise to you. Next time, when I come here, I promise I won't repeat this mistake," the NCP chief said at the rally.

08:41 (IST)

Rajya Sabha Polls LIVE Updates

EAM Jaishankar in Ahmedabad, to file nomination for Rajya Sabha polls

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Ahmedabad on Monday to file his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat, according to a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) official.

According to Gujarat BJP general secretary Pradeepsinh Vaghela, Jaishankar, whose tenure expires on August 18 along with two other Rajya Sabha members from the state, would file his nomination form around midday on Monday.

Jaishankar arrived in Ahmedabad on Sunday and was greeted by Gujarat minister Raghavji Patel, Ahmedabad Mayor Kirit Parmar, and other BJP officials.

While the BJP has not formally announced the names of candidates for the three Rajya Sabha seats up for election on July 24, Jaishankar's nomination was definite.

08:38 (IST)

Illegal Conversion LIVE Updates

10 held for carrying out illegal conversion in UP

Ten persons, including a pastor, were detained on Monday for allegedly engaging in unlawful religious conversion in the Nanpara district of here, police said.

Deputy Superintendent of Police in Nanpara Pastor Baburam is accused of persuading poor people to convert to Christianity in Siddhanpurwa hamlet, according to Rahul Pandey. Other others helped him with this task.

On Sunday, ten persons, including Baburam, were detained after a complaint was filed against 19 people on allegations of unlawful conversion. Pandey stated that efforts are being made to apprehend the other offenders.

According to investigators, Baburam and his wife allegedly enticed the locals to convert to Christianity by offering to treat their ailments, including cancer.

08:18 (IST)

Flood Warning LIVE Updates

Flood warning in Delhi after Haryana discharges over 1 lakh cusecs of water into Yamuna

The Delhi government issued a flood alert on Sunday after Haryana released more than one lakh cubic metres of water into the Yamuna river from the Hathnikund barrage.

This was the first warning, according to the irrigation and flood control agency, with 1,05,453 cusecs of water discharged at 4 p.m.

The flow rate at the barrage is normally 352 cusecs, although heavy rain in the catchment areas raises the discharge. It takes two to three days for the water from the barrage to reach Delhi.

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08:00 (IST)

West Bengal LIVE Updates

West Bengal: Governor arrives in Delhi, likely to meet Home Minister Amit Shah

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose arrived in the national capital late on Sunday.

Governor Bose is expected to call on Union Home Minister Amit Shah in response to unprecedented violence during West Bengal's panchayat elections.

07:57 (IST)

Amarnath Yatra LIVE Updates

JK LG reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements, traffic restoration work after rains

Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha held a meeting of civil and police authorities on Sunday to evaluate the current Amarnath Yatra arrangements.

Sinha also reviewed work underway to reopen the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which has been blocked owing to landslides in numerous areas caused by heavy rainfall.

"Chaired a meeting with Civil Admin & Police officials to review arrangements for ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra after inclement weather had disrupted the pilgrimage for two days. Directed officials to ensure every possible assistance, lodging & food arrangements for pilgrims," Sinha said in a series of tweets after the late evening meeting.

The Yatra resumed earlier on Sunday after the landslides, triggered by heavy rains over the past two days, were cleared.

07:48 (IST)

Panchayat elections LIVE Updates

Repolling begins in 696 booths across 19 districts of West Bengal

Repolling began at 7 a.m. on Monday at 696 booths across 19 West Bengal districts where voting for panchayat elections was ruled illegal due to claims of tampering with vote boxes and rioting that left 15 people dead, according to authorities.

The repolling will take place till 5 p.m. under strict security, with four central forces troops and state police positioned in each of the booths, they added.

They noted that among the areas where repolling was taking place, Murshidabad had the most booths (175), followed by Malda with 109.

07:26 (IST)

India Monsoons LIVE Updates

Officials issue red alert as incessant rains, landslides pummel Uttarakhand

Rains and landslides killed six people in Uttarakhand on Sunday, and officials issued a red warning as water levels increased in all major rivers, including the Ganga, amid a prediction of further severe rains in the next two days.

Due to the bad weather, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami asked people to avoid needless movement and urged pilgrims visiting the state to arrange their travel only after receiving the most up-to-date weather information in order to minimise disruption.

Several highways were closed owing to landslides, disrupting regular life and impeding the Char Dham pilgrimage, which draws thousands of devotees to the state. According to authorities, the water level of the state's major rivers, including the Ganga, was increasing.