The Ministry of Rural Development will organise a 'Panch Sammelan' in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on July 16, bringing together nearly 500 Gram Panchayat heads from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand to deliberate on strengthening grassroots governance and implementing the VB-G Ram Ji Act, 2025.

The conference will be held at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre and will focus on enhancing the institutional capacity of Gram Panchayats while promoting participatory and evidence-based rural development planning.

Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, and Joint Secretary in the Department of Rural Development Rohini R. Bhajibhakare will attend the event.

Focus on Implementation of VB-G Ram Ji Act

The primary objective of the conference is to familiarise elected village representatives with the provisions and objectives of the VB-G Ram Ji Act, 2025 and strengthen institutional preparedness for its effective implementation at the grassroots level.

Discussions will also cover improving Gram Panchayat governance, enhancing transparency and accountability, promoting convergence among government schemes, and preparing evidence-based village development plans aligned with local needs.

Technical Sessions and Best Practices

The programme will begin with registration, a ceremonial lamp lighting, and a welcome session, followed by addresses by senior dignitaries.

Technical sessions will include presentations by officials from the Ministry of Rural Development and partner organisations. Joint Secretary Rohini R. Bhajibhakare will explain the key provisions of the Act and its implementation strategy.

The Uttar Pradesh government will present its experiences in rural governance, while GIZ will showcase initiatives on Gram Panchayat Development Plans. PRADAN will present models for strengthening rural livelihoods, and the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) will conduct a special session on the role of Gram Panchayat leaders in implementing the legislation effectively.

Platform for Inter-State Learning

The conference will also provide an opportunity for Gram Panchayat heads from the four participating states to exchange experiences, innovative practices, implementation challenges and local success stories.

Officials said the interaction is expected to promote knowledge sharing and encourage the adoption of best practices in rural governance across states.

Representatives from Four States

According to the Ministry, around 350 Gram Pradhans from Uttar Pradesh, 75 from Bihar, 50 from Jharkhand, and 25 from Uttarakhand are expected to participate in the conference.

The Ministry said the initiative aims to build stronger, more accountable and responsive Gram Panchayats while accelerating the implementation of rural development programmes in line with the vision of "Viksit Gram–Viksit Bharat."

 A temporary pause in monsoon activity has sent temperatures soaring across large parts of northern India, with several states recording maximum temperatures above 38°C even as devastating floods continue to affect thousands in the Northeast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has simultaneously warned of heavy rainfall over eastern India, particularly in Odisha, Bihar and West Bengal, over the next two days.

Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 38°C on Tuesday, while Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh continued to experience hot and humid conditions due to the weakening of monsoon activity across the region.

Heat Grips Northern States

The ongoing monsoon break has led to a sharp rise in daytime temperatures across northern India for the past three days. High humidity combined with soaring temperatures has made weather conditions particularly uncomfortable in Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring states.

Although parts of Delhi received light evening showers, providing temporary relief, the IMD expects hot and humid conditions to persist in several northern and northwestern states through July 16.

Floods Continue to Batter Northeast

While northern India battles intense heat, the Northeast remains in the grip of severe flooding and landslides.

In Arunachal Pradesh, floods and landslides have affected 102,917 people across four districts. The disaster has claimed seven lives, while 29 people have sustained injuries, according to official figures.

In neighbouring Assam, floodwaters have inundated six districts, impacting 37,032 people across 12 revenue circles and 99 villages. Lakhimpur remains the worst-affected district, accounting for nearly 36,000 affected residents.

Authorities continue rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts in flood-hit regions as rivers remain swollen following heavy rainfall over the past week.

Heavy Rain Warning for Rath Yatra

The IMD has issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Puri during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, scheduled to begin on Thursday.

The weather system is being driven by a low-pressure area expected to form over the Bay of Bengal and adjoining western Bangladesh coast within the next 24 hours. The system is likely to trigger widespread rainfall across coastal Odisha from Wednesday through Friday morning.

Officials have advised devotees travelling for the Rath Yatra to remain alert and follow local weather advisories.

Weather Outlook for July 16–17

According to the IMD forecast, July 16 will see continued hot and humid conditions over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Rayalaseema.

An orange alert has been issued for heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms over Odisha and West Bengal, while strong winds are expected across Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema.

Heavy rainfall is also forecast over Bihar, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur.

On July 17, rain activity is expected to continue across Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Sikkim, West Bengal, Odisha and the northeastern states. An orange alert for heavy rainfall has also been issued for parts of Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir.

Weather officials have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious, particularly in regions prone to flooding, landslides and waterlogging.

Raju's success story has drawn widespread attention across Bihar, not only because he balanced a demanding railway job with exam preparation but also because of the sacrifices made by his family after tragedy struck more than a decade ago.

A resident of Malmalla village in Khodawandpur block, Raju was preparing for his Class 10 board examinations in 2014 when his father, Kailash Mahto, died in a road accident. The sudden loss left the family in severe financial distress and raised doubts about whether he would be able to continue his education.

Instead of allowing the circumstances to derail his future, his family stood firmly behind him. His mother, Rekha Devi, began rearing cows and selling milk to support the household, while his elder brother took up daily wage labour so that Raju's education would not be interrupted. Their efforts ensured that he could continue pursuing his dream despite limited resources.

As financial responsibilities grew, Raju joined the Indian Railways as a Group D employee, working as a gateman. Although the job brought stability to the family, he never gave up his ambition of joining the police service. According to reports, he prepared for the BPSC examination during breaks in his duty hours, carrying handwritten notes in his pocket and studying from PDF material on his mobile phone whenever he found time. He relied primarily on self-study and online resources instead of expensive coaching institutes.

The disciplined routine eventually paid off when the Bihar Public Service Commission declared the final results of the 70th Combined Competitive Examination. Raju secured the 72nd rank in the state merit list, earning selection to the Bihar Police Service as a DSP. The achievement has been celebrated across his village, where residents described it as a proud moment for the entire community.

His journey has resonated with thousands of competitive examination aspirants because it reflects the realities faced by candidates who prepare while managing full-time employment. Long work shifts, financial pressures and family responsibilities often become significant obstacles, yet Raju continued his preparation without allowing those challenges to define his future.

Reports also indicate that Raju credits his mother and elder brother for making his success possible. Their determination to keep his education alive after the family's financial crisis became the foundation of his achievement. For many in Bihar, the story has become another reminder that family support and consistent effort can overcome even the toughest circumstances.

With his appointment to the Bihar Police Service, Raju Kumar is now preparing to begin a new chapter in public service. His journey—from a railway gateman supporting his family to earning the rank of DSP through one of the state's most competitive examinations—has emerged as one of the standout success stories following the declaration of the latest BPSC results.

The southwest monsoon continued to batter large parts of northern India on Friday, triggering widespread flooding, landslides and rain-related deaths across several states, even as meteorologists linked the changing weather pattern to the influence of Super Typhoon Bavi over the western Pacific.

Heavy rainfall affected Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, disrupting transport, damaging infrastructure and prompting rescue operations. At least 13 people lost their lives in rain and lightning-related incidents in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, while authorities remained on high alert in several flood-prone districts.

According to weather reports, the formation of Super Typhoon Bavi has temporarily weakened the southwest monsoon current over parts of the Indian subcontinent. Despite this, localized heavy rainfall has continued due to active low-pressure systems and moisture-laden winds, resulting in intense downpours across northern and central India.

Delhi Witnesses Waterlogging

The national capital recorded persistent rainfall over the past 24 hours, leading to severe waterlogging in several areas. Tukhmirpur received nearly 160 mm of rainfall, making it one of the wettest locations in the city.

Major roads, including Vikas Marg, Sangam Vihar, Dwarka, Munirka and areas near New Delhi Railway Station, remained inundated for several hours, slowing traffic movement. Flooding was also reported around Ghazipur Mandi, while a tree uprooted during the storm fell onto a parked vehicle.

Uttarakhand Pilgrimage Routes Hit

In Uttarakhand, continuous rainfall caused significant damage to road connectivity in the hill districts.

Nearly 100 metres of the Yamunotri Highway in Uttarkashi was washed away, leaving around 1,000 pilgrims stranded. Authorities have deployed teams to restore connectivity while ensuring the safety of stranded devotees.

The Adi Kailash route in Pithoragarh was closed after repeated rockfalls, and landslides blocked sections of the Gangotri National Highway. Rescue teams cleared debris from affected stretches to restore traffic.

In Haridwar, several low-lying areas remained submerged under three to four feet of water. A tourist's SUV became trapped in the Neeldhara River and was pulled out after a two-hour rescue operation using heavy machinery. In nearby Rishikesh, local residents rescued a scooter rider who was swept away while attempting to cross a swollen river.

Rain Claims Lives in UP and Bihar

Rain-related incidents claimed 10 lives in Uttar Pradesh on Friday.

In Bulandshahr, two members of the same family died after an old mosque wall collapsed during heavy rainfall. In Hardoi, two sisters were swept away by a swollen river, while several other fatalities were reported from separate incidents linked to collapsing structures, drowning and electrocution.

In neighbouring Bihar, one person died after being struck by lightning in Gopalganj.

State disaster response teams have been deployed in vulnerable districts, while district administrations have advised residents to avoid waterlogged areas and overflowing rivers.

Rajasthan and Himachal Also Affected

Heavy rain also disrupted normal life in Rajasthan, where a house collapsed in Dholpur, trapping six people beneath the debris. Rescue operations were launched immediately.

The adverse weather affected railway services as well, with six trains cancelled and several others running behind schedule.

In Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, incessant rain caused a retaining wall to collapse, blocking roads and leaving several vehicles stranded. Local authorities said timely action prevented a major accident, while electricity officials assessed damage to power infrastructure.

Authorities Continue Monitoring Situation

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy rainfall may continue in several northern states over the coming days, urging people living near rivers, landslide-prone areas and low-lying regions to remain cautious.

Disaster management agencies have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and to follow local administration advisories as rescue and restoration work continues across affected regions.

Originally from Bihar's Motihari district, Tanushree belongs to the 2017 batch of the Indian Police Service and has spent a significant part of her career in Jammu and Kashmir. During her tenure, she handled key law-and-order responsibilities in districts affected by militancy while also working to strengthen public trust in the police.

Her departure from Pulwama has drawn attention not only because of her policing record but also due to the relationship she developed with local communities, especially women and young people. Residents and social media users have shared messages appreciating her service and wishing her success in her new assignment.

Before joining the IPS, Tanushree served as an Assistant Commandant in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). She later cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination and was allotted the Jammu and Kashmir cadre. A graduate in Textile Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar, she followed an unconventional path from design studies to counter-insurgency policing.

One of the most widely discussed moments from her career came during an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where she recounted an anti-terror operation carried out during her early years in the Valley.

Speaking at the event, Tanushree described an operation against a Hizbul Mujahideen commander identified as Junaid, who was allegedly involved in militant recruitment activities. According to her account, security agencies received intelligence about the militant's presence at a supporter’s residence. A joint team comprising Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Special Operations Group (SOG) and CRPF personnel launched an operation to surround the location.

She recalled that the encounter turned intense after the militants opened fire on security personnel. One security officer was injured during the exchange. Tanushree admitted that witnessing such a situation firsthand was initially intimidating, but she praised the courage of the security forces, who continued the operation while ensuring the injured personnel received medical assistance. The operation ultimately ended with the neutralisation of the militants involved.

During the same interaction, Prime Minister Modi expressed interest in Tanushree's educational background and learned that she had studied textile design before entering the civil services. Referring to the contrast between her academic training and policing duties, he remarked on the unique journey from working with textiles to tackling terrorism.

The Prime Minister also suggested that she use her design expertise to engage with women involved in traditional handicrafts and textile work in Kashmir. He encouraged her to interact with local artisans and self-help groups, share modern design perspectives and help promote skills that could create economic opportunities for women in the region.

The suggestion reflected a broader emphasis on combining security initiatives with community development and grassroots engagement. Tanushree later spoke about the interaction as one of the memorable moments of her career.

Over the years, she has served in districts such as Shopian and Pulwama, both of which have witnessed security challenges and anti-militancy operations. Colleagues and residents have often highlighted her calm approach, communication skills and focus on public outreach.

With her transfer to Delhi, Tanushree leaves behind a chapter that combined counter-terror responsibilities with community-focused policing. For many in Kashmir, her tenure is being remembered not only for maintaining law and order but also for efforts to build confidence between citizens and the police administration.

The nomination process for Assembly by-elections in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Bihar has officially begun after the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued the notification on July 6. The bypolls will be held for Datia (Madhya Pradesh), Manjalpur (Gujarat) and Bankipur (Bihar) Assembly constituencies, with polling scheduled for July 30 if required.

According to the Election Commission, candidates can file their nomination papers until July 13, while scrutiny of nominations will take place on July 14. The last date for withdrawal of candidature has been fixed as July 16. Counting of votes will be conducted on August 3, and the entire election process is scheduled to be completed by August 4.

Bypoll Schedule Announced

The Election Commission has released the following schedule for the three Assembly constituencies:

Notification Issued: July 6, 2026

Last Date for Filing Nominations: July 13, 2026

Scrutiny of Nominations: July 14, 2026

Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidature: July 16, 2026

Polling (if required): July 30, 2026 (7:00 AM to 6:00 PM)

Counting of Votes: August 3, 2026 (from 8:00 AM onwards)

Completion of Election Process: August 4, 2026

Paid Leave for Voters

The Election Commission has directed the concerned state governments to ensure strict compliance with provisions related to paid leave for eligible voters.

Under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every employee working in any business establishment, industrial unit, commercial organisation or other institution who is eligible to vote in the by-election must be granted paid leave on polling day without any deduction in wages.

The provision also applies to daily wage earners and casual workers. Employers violating these provisions may face penalties under the law.

The Commission further clarified that voters registered in the concerned Assembly constituencies but working outside their constituency in industrial or commercial establishments will also be entitled to paid leave so they can exercise their franchise.

Dry Days Announced

The Election Commission has also instructed the respective state governments to enforce dry days in accordance with Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

No sale, distribution or serving of liquor will be permitted in the polling areas during the 48 hours preceding the close of polling. The restriction will also apply in the event of repoll, if required.

Additionally, August 3, the day of vote counting, will also be observed as a dry day in the concerned constituencies.

The Commission has directed state authorities to ensure strict implementation of these statutory provisions to facilitate free, fair and peaceful elections.

Mumbai finally witnessed a spell of meaningful rainfall on Sunday morning as the southwest monsoon showed signs of regaining strength after remaining largely stagnant for nearly two weeks. The showers brought much-needed relief to residents who had been enduring high temperatures and persistent humidity over the past several days.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), favourable atmospheric conditions are developing for the monsoon to advance further across parts of western, central and eastern India around June 23. The monsoon had reached South Konkan earlier this month but has remained stalled near Solapur since June 8, slowing its progress into several regions that typically receive seasonal rainfall by this time.

Weather experts attribute Mumbai's latest rainfall to increased cloud formation over the Western Ghats. Moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea rise along the mountain range, cool at higher altitudes and form dense rain-bearing clouds. These cloud systems are then pushed towards Mumbai by upper-level winds, resulting in rainfall across the city and adjoining areas.

The revival of monsoon activity comes at a time when large parts of the country continue to experience intense heat. Despite scattered pre-monsoon showers in several states, temperatures crossed the 40-degree Celsius mark in at least eight states on Saturday.

Banda in Uttar Pradesh emerged as the hottest location in the country, recording a maximum temperature of 44.2 degrees Celsius. Delhi also continued to experience hot conditions, with the mercury touching 40 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists say the temporary slowdown in monsoon advancement had extended the wait for rain in several regions. While the western branch of the monsoon has remained stationary since June 8, the eastern branch has shown limited movement since June 12. This pause affected rainfall distribution across multiple states and raised concerns among farmers awaiting seasonal precipitation for sowing activities.

However, recent satellite observations and weather models indicate a gradual increase in cloud activity over central and eastern India. The IMD has noted that atmospheric conditions are becoming more favourable for monsoon progression, suggesting that the seasonal system could begin advancing once again over the coming days.

Around June 23, the monsoon is expected to move into additional parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh. Increased rainfall activity is also likely to be observed in adjoining regions as the system strengthens.

For central India, the forecast offers encouraging signs. Between June 21 and June 26, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh are expected to receive rainfall under the influence of strengthening monsoon currents and associated weather systems. Cloud cover has already started increasing over many of these areas, pointing to a more active weather phase ahead.

The expected advancement of the monsoon is particularly significant for the agriculture sector, as several regions have been awaiting adequate rainfall to begin large-scale sowing operations. A timely revival could improve soil moisture levels and support the upcoming kharif season.

With weather conditions evolving rapidly, the IMD is continuing to monitor monsoon movement across the country. Further updates are expected in the coming days as the seasonal rainfall system resumes its northward and eastward advance.

Akashdeep wedding in Varanasi set for June 24; Tilak, Mehendi and Haldi in village Baddi — primary keyword: Akashdeep wedding

Akashdeep wedding — lead
Indian pace bowler Akashdeep is set to marry Akshita from Manikpur village on June 24 in Varanasi, his team confirmed on Friday, as family and villagers began final preparations for a large, traditional ceremony in the bowler’s ancestral village of Baddi. According to the player’s team, the couple will take seven vows at a temple ceremony in the holy city, known to be a favourite of the cricketer.

Ceremony schedule
Tilak rituals will be held on June 21, followed by Mehendi on June 22 and Haldi on June 23, organisers said. The main wedding is scheduled for the morning of June 24, with guests expected to arrive in Varanasi over the next few days. Officials close to the family said invitations have been extended to a number of sports and political figures.

Invitation to minister
Akashdeep personally handed a wedding invitation to Bihar Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh earlier this week, a source in Patna confirmed. “He met the minister and invited her respectfully,” the source said. There is no official confirmation yet on whether the minister will attend, but local party aides said the invitation was warmly received.

Village preparations
Baddi, the cricketer’s ancestral village in Dehri-on-Sone district, has already taken on a festive look. Relatives and villagers have begun decorating homes and streets, while local vendors reported a jump in orders for traditional food and wedding supplies. “People are excited; it’s like a festival,” said a villager who declined to be named. Several dignitaries from the sports world and political circles are expected to travel to Varanasi, sources added.

Player’s journey
Akashdeep’s rise from a small Bihar village to the national set-up has been a notable story in recent years. Born to a family that farms locally, his father was a physical education teacher. The pacer lost his father at 16 and, within six months, also lost his brother — hardships that prompted him to move to Delhi with his sister to pursue cricket, family members recall.

Switch to Bengal
With the Bihar Cricket Association under a ban, Akashdeep moved to Bengal to continue his career. He initially played club cricket in Asansol and later broke into Bengal’s domestic teams after impressing coach Saurashish Lahiri at trials. He represented Bengal in age-group and senior competitions before earning IPL interest.

IPL and international career
Akashdeep has moved around in the Indian Premier League. He was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹1 crore in the 2026 auction but missed this year’s IPL matches due to injury and fitness issues, team sources said. Earlier, he was purchased by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹8 crore and has also spent time with Royal Challengers Bangalore. He has taken 103 wickets in 29 domestic and T20 fixtures cited in team records.

Notable Test performance
In July 2025 at Edgbaston, Akashdeep produced a rare all‑round show, taking 10 wickets and scoring 66 as a night watchman — becoming the first Indian and the 12th player globally to record 10 wickets and a fifty in the same Test. At the time he dedicated the performance to his sister Akhand Jyoti, who is battling stage-three cancer.

Public interest and logistics
The wedding’s location in Varanasi, a city Akashdeep frequently visits to offer prayers at Kashi Vishwanath, adds religious resonance and is expected to draw pilgrims and fans alongside invited guests. Local authorities in Varanasi are coordinating security and traffic arrangements for the high-profile event, an official in the municipal office said on condition of anonymity.

What’s next
Preparations will intensify over the weekend as guests travel to Varanasi and final rituals are completed in Baddi. Team and family spokespeople said the ceremony will follow traditional customs and is likely to be a private affair for close family, with selected public engagements afterwards.

The storm and rain fury across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar has left 48 people dead, disrupted air travel in Patna, and triggered weather alerts across several northern and central states.

Storms, Heavy Rain Claim 48 Lives Across UP and Bihar; Flight Operations Hit

Rising Death Toll

Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and lightning have claimed at least 48 lives across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar over the past 24 hours, as unstable weather conditions continued to affect large parts of northern and eastern India. Authorities have issued fresh alerts in multiple states, warning of more rain, strong winds and hailstorms in the coming days.

According to officials, Uttar Pradesh reported 31 deaths linked to thunderstorms and related incidents, while Bihar recorded 17 fatalities caused by lightning strikes, strong winds and heavy rainfall. The weather system, which developed amid an ongoing heatwave across several regions, has brought a sudden shift in temperatures but also caused widespread disruption.

Saharanpur Sees Flash Flood-Like Situation

One of the most dramatic incidents was reported from Saharanpur in western Uttar Pradesh, where intense rainfall triggered a surge of water and debris from a hillside. Local authorities said at least 10 vehicles, including an Innova and a tractor, were swept away by the force of the water.

Visuals from the area showed damaged vehicles and debris scattered along roads. Emergency teams were deployed to assess losses and restore normal movement. No major rescue operation was reported by officials, though the incident highlighted the intensity of the weather conditions affecting the region.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has maintained rain and thunderstorm alerts for all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Patna Flights Diverted

In Bihar, heavy rain and thunderstorms disrupted air traffic at Patna airport. Airport officials said four flights were diverted due to adverse weather conditions, while 18 others faced delays.

More than 500 passengers were affected as airlines adjusted schedules amid poor visibility and strong winds. Rail services also experienced delays at several locations, adding to travel difficulties across the state.

The IMD has forecast rain in around 25 districts of Bihar, with fresh warnings issued for thunderstorms, lightning and hailstorms.

Weather Changes Across North India

The changing weather pattern has been visible across several states. Rajasthan witnessed a sharp drop in temperatures after widespread rain and hailstorms. Districts including Churu, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Sikar, Jaipur and Alwar recorded a fall of up to 10 degrees Celsius compared to previous days.

A fresh alert for thunderstorms and hailstorms remains in place for nearly 30 districts of the state. Meteorologists have linked the weather activity to an active western disturbance influencing northwestern India.

In Punjab, hailstorms were reported from Pathankot on Saturday morning, while heavy rainfall lashed Mohali and surrounding areas. Rain and strong wind warnings have been issued for multiple districts, including Chandigarh and Panchkula.

Central India Gets Relief

Parts of Madhya Pradesh also received rainfall, bringing temporary relief from intense summer heat. Several districts, including Gwalior, witnessed showers on Friday, and weather officials have warned of possible hailstorms in nine districts, including Bhopal, Datia, Chhatarpur, Neemuch and Mandsaur.

The sudden change in weather is expected to keep daytime temperatures below recent heatwave levels in many parts of the state.

Monsoon Outlook Under Watch

Even as pre-monsoon activity intensifies, the IMD has indicated that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala within the next seven days. However, the broader seasonal outlook remains a concern.

The weather agency has projected below-normal rainfall during the June-September monsoon season, estimating precipitation at around 90 per cent of the Long Period Average. While northeastern India is expected to receive near-normal rainfall, several other regions may face rainfall deficits.

Agricultural experts are closely monitoring the forecast, particularly in rain-fed farming regions where monsoon performance directly affects crop planning and rural livelihoods.

Fresh Alerts Continue

For the next two days, the IMD has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Tamil Nadu. Rainfall activity is expected to remain widespread, with local administrations advising residents to remain cautious during periods of severe weather.

As storm and rain fury continues to affect large parts of the country, authorities are monitoring the situation closely while emergency response teams remain on alert in vulnerable districts.