The Gujarat government has approved ₹13.02 crore for Phase-II development works at the Shri Yaha Mogi Mataji Temple in Devmogra, a prominent religious site in Sagbara taluka of Narmada district.

The project has been approved by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and is aimed at improving facilities for devotees while supporting the development of religious tourism in the region.

According to the project details, Phase-II will include the construction of two new toilet blocks, a Dharamshala on the temple trust's land, and renovation of the sanctum sanctorum of Shri Yaha Mogi Mataji Temple.

The development is part of the Gujarat government's phased infrastructure improvement programme for pilgrimage destinations. The state has been investing in facilities intended to make religious sites more accessible and convenient for visitors.

Phase-I already completed

The first phase of development at Devmogra was completed at a cost of ₹11.33 crore. It included a Dharamshala, Central Vista, toilet block, stone entrance gate, parking facilities, pathways and 295 shops.With Phase-II, the focus is shifting towards additional sanitation, accommodation and temple infrastructure.The Shri Yaha Mogi Mataji Temple is particularly significant for the tribal community in the region and attracts devotees to Devmogra. The state government has said such infrastructure development can also contribute to local employment and economic activity through increased visitor movement.The approval comes shortly after Gujarat sanctioned development works worth about ₹133.41 crore across 10 pilgrimage and tourism destinations in eight districts. The broader package includes projects at temples and tourist sites as well as the Greater Gir region.MP/CG Relevance: No direct Madhya Pradesh or Chhattisgarh connection. The story is primarily relevant as a Gujarat religious-tourism and infrastructure development update.

A woman auto-rickshaw driver in Gujarat's Vadodara is winning praise online for working late into the night while supporting her family and trying to build financial independence.

A video featuring the woman has gone viral on social media after Instagram user Sanyam Garg reportedly met her and her husband while returning home at around 3 am. What he learned about their lives and the woman's work left him impressed.

The woman reportedly drives her auto late into the night and also offers free rides to people travelling to hospitals during emergencies between 10 pm and 5 am. Details about the service have not been independently verified, but a message displayed on her auto has drawn considerable attention online.

Husband Taught Her to Drive

According to Sanyam Garg's video, the woman's husband used to drive an auto himself before teaching his wife how to operate one.

The idea was not simply to increase the family's income but also to help her become financially independent.

After learning to drive, the woman gradually started working as an auto driver. The couple also has two children, meaning they have to manage both family responsibilities and their work.

Her story has particularly resonated with social media users because of the support she reportedly received from her husband.

Works Late Into the Night

Garg said he encountered the woman at around 3 am, when she was still working.

Despite the late hour, she appeared focused on her work and continued driving passengers to their destinations.

The message displayed on her auto added another dimension to the story. It says that people requiring an auto to reach a hospital between 10 pm and 5 am, particularly in an emergency, can request a free ride.

While the social media post does not provide independently verified details about how many people have used the service or the exact conditions attached to it, the message has attracted significant attention.

Claims She Inspired 50 Women

Garg also claimed in his video that the woman has encouraged around 50 other women to take up auto driving and become financially independent.

There is no independent confirmation of this figure, but if accurate, it would add another significant aspect to her story.

Beyond earning for herself, the woman is reportedly encouraging other women to consider work and financial independence.

Husband Supports Her Independence

The role of the woman's husband has also become a major talking point online.

According to the social media post, he taught her how to drive and supported her decision to start working.

The story has prompted many users to praise the couple for supporting each other rather than allowing social expectations to dictate their choices.

Several commenters described them as a "power couple", while others said family support can play an important role in helping women become financially independent.

Working in Vadodara at Night

Garg also spoke about the environment in Vadodara and said the city's atmosphere gives women confidence to work late.

However, working at night can carry safety risks, and precautions remain important regardless of the city or circumstances.

For the woman featured in the video, continuing to work until the early hours appears to be part of her effort to support her family and build a life on her own terms.

Social Media Users Praise Couple

After the video gained traction online, users praised both the woman and her husband.

Comments included messages such as "This is so inspiring", while several others said they were proud of the couple.

Many users praised the woman's determination and also highlighted the husband's decision to teach and support her.

Some commenters described them as an example for society and wished them success in their efforts.

Dream of Owning a Car

According to Garg, the woman enjoys driving and hopes to eventually buy her own car.

For now, she continues to drive an auto, contribute to her family's income and work towards becoming more financially independent.

What has made the story stand out is its simplicity. There is no large business or extraordinary financial success behind it. Instead, it is the story of a woman working at 3 am, a husband supporting his wife's independence and a message offering help to people who may need an emergency ride to a hospital.

As the video continues to circulate online, the woman's story has become a reminder that financial independence can begin with something as simple as learning a skill, taking up work and having the confidence to keep going.

Heavy monsoon rains continued to disrupt normal life across several parts of India on Saturday, with a cloudburst triggering flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar, landslides claiming six lives in Kerala, and widespread flooding forcing thousands to evacuate in Gujarat.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in several districts of Arunachal Pradesh over the coming days.

Cloudburst Floods Houses in Kishtwar

A cloudburst in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir triggered a flash flood, inundating several houses and disrupting normal life.

As a precautionary measure, authorities ordered the closure of schools in Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts while emergency teams monitored the situation and assessed the damage.

Six Killed in Kerala Landslides

In Kerala, relentless rainfall lashed several southern districts, including Kochi, which recorded 361 mm of rainfall within 24 hours.

The heavy downpour triggered landslides in different parts of the state, resulting in the deaths of six people, while authorities continued rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.

Gujarat Faces Severe Flooding

Gujarat also witnessed widespread flooding following intense rainfall in districts including Surat and Morbi.

According to officials, more than 27,000 people were shifted to safer locations, while 53 others were rescued from flood-affected areas.

The highest rainfall in the state was recorded in Ambika taluka of Surat district, where 611 mm of rain fell in the last 24 hours.

Floodwaters entered residential colonies and submerged roads in several parts of Surat and Morbi, severely affecting transportation and daily life.

IMD Forecasts More Rain

The India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in several districts of Arunachal Pradesh from Sunday onward, indicating that wet conditions are likely to persist in parts of northeast India.

Tamil Nadu Offers Special Prayers for Rain

While several states grappled with excessive rainfall, parts of Tamil Nadu continued to face dry conditions and water scarcity.

Around 2,000 members of the Muslim community gathered in Thennur, Tiruchirappalli, to offer Salat al-Istisqa, a special prayer seeking rainfall.

The state has been experiencing prolonged dry weather, with temperatures exceeding 37.5°C in several districts, intensifying concerns over water availability.

The contrasting weather conditions highlight the uneven progress of the southwest monsoon across the country, with some regions struggling with floods while others continue to await adequate rainfall.

A unique shop in Gujarat's Surat has grabbed widespread attention on social media after a video showcasing its unusual setup went viral. Unlike conventional roadside or ground-floor stores, this shop reportedly operates from the first floor of a building, surprising viewers with its innovative way of serving customers.

The viral clip has been widely shared across social media platforms, with many users expressing amusement and curiosity over the shop's unconventional design.

What Does the Viral Video Show?

In the video, customers are seen standing outside a building where the shop is located on the first floor instead of the ground level.

To place an order, customers ring a bell installed near the entrance. After receiving the request, the shopkeeper places the ordered items inside a bucket attached to a rope and lowers it down to the customer waiting below.

The simple yet creative arrangement has caught the attention of internet users, many of whom say they have never seen a retail shop operating in this manner.

Claimed to Be in Surat

The video has been shared online with claims that the shop is located in Surat, Gujarat. However, the exact location and authenticity of the claim have not been independently verified.

Despite this, the unusual method of delivering goods has made the clip popular across multiple social media platforms.

Social Media Reactions

The video has generated a wave of reactions from users, with many praising the shopkeeper's practical solution for running a business from an upper floor.

Some users called it a "creative business idea," while others joked that it was an example of "home delivery without delivery charges." Several viewers also appreciated the simple mechanism, saying it reflects smart use of available resources.

The clip continues to circulate widely, adding to the long list of quirky and innovative videos that frequently capture attention online.

Heavy monsoon rainfall continued to lash large parts of India on Wednesday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue red and orange alerts across several states. Flooding, landslides, transport disruptions and industrial shutdowns have been reported as multiple weather systems intensified rainfall across the country.

The IMD said a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is moving across Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, while the monsoon trough remains active. The weather office has forecast above-normal rainfall over Northwest and Central India for the next four to five days and heavy rainfall across Eastern India for up to six days, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.

Red Alert for Central India

The IMD has issued a red alert for parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in several districts. In Madhya Pradesh, districts including Balaghat, Seoni, Chhindwara, Narmadapuram and Raisen are likely to receive intense rainfall over the next 24 hours.

Heavy rain warnings have also been issued for Dewas, Sehore, Harda, Betul, Pandhurna, Sagar, Narsinghpur, Damoh, Jabalpur and Chhatarpur, while moderate to heavy showers are expected in more than 40 districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Rewa and Shahdol.

The Meteorological Department has said the current spell of heavy rain is likely to continue in the state until August 1.

Gujarat Flooding Hits Tata Motors Plant

Continuous rainfall and flooding in Gujarat have disrupted operations at Tata Motors' Sanand manufacturing plant and several nearby supplier units.

The company said production of the Tiago, Tigor, Nexon and Sierra models has been temporarily affected after floodwaters entered the industrial area. Restoration work is underway, and operations are expected to resume once conditions improve. The temporary disruption may impact vehicle deliveries.

Maruti Suzuki, however, said its manufacturing facility at Hansalpur-Becharaji has not been affected.

Char Dham Yatra Suspended

In Uttarakhand, landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have blocked several pilgrimage routes. As a precaution, authorities have suspended the Char Dham Yatra for two days.

Heavy rain alerts have been issued for eight districts, with forecasts of thunderstorms, lightning and intense rainfall. Schools and Anganwadi centres in Champawat, Bageshwar and Tehri have also been closed.

The IMD has warned that adverse weather conditions are expected to persist across the hill state until August 5.

Rain Causes Urban Flooding

Heavy rainfall also affected several cities across northern India.

In Delhi, waterlogging in several markets and major roads led to long traffic jams and disrupted daily commuting.

In Punjab and Chandigarh, orange and yellow alerts remain in force after overnight rain brought temperatures down by nearly 3 degrees Celsius.

Flood Situation in Assam

Flood conditions remain critical in Assam, where the death toll has risen to 75.

According to state authorities, over 3.32 lakh people across seven districts continue to be affected, while more than 45,000 hectares of agricultural land remain submerged.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced financial assistance for affected families, including compensation for those who lost relatives in the floods and support for displaced students.

Rain Alerts Across States

The IMD has also issued rainfall alerts for several other states:

• Orange Alert: Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, East Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Central Maharashtra and Karnataka.

• Yellow Alert: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Konkan-Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

In Rajasthan, rain alerts have been issued for 22 districts, while Bihar remains under a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning in 13 districts. Parts of Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), Khagaria (Bihar) and Gariaband (Chhattisgarh) also reported waterlogging and local flooding.

Authorities have advised residents in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel and follow local administration advisories until weather conditions improve.

 Indian-origin diamond businessman Dhiru Ramani has been released after spending nearly three months in captivity in Mali, following negotiations that reportedly ended with his family paying a ransom of €4 million (around ₹44 crore) to secure his freedom.

Ramani, 75, was freed along with two other Indian nationals—a cook and an electrician—who had been abducted with him while working at a gold mining project in the West African nation.

Following his release earlier this week, Ramani was taken to Bamako, where he underwent medical examinations. Officials said his condition is stable, although he remains in Mali while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping.

Kidnapped During Mining Project

Ramani was kidnapped in April by an unidentified armed group while overseeing operations at a gold mine he had recently acquired in Mali.

Originally from Dhar village in Gujarat's Amreli district, Ramani built his business career in Surat's diamond industry before later expanding into mining ventures in Africa.

According to reports, the kidnappers did not contact the family for nearly two months after the abduction. Security experts say such delays are often used by armed groups to increase pressure during ransom negotiations.

Ransom Negotiations

When communication was eventually established, the abductors reportedly demanded €10 million (around ₹100 crore) for Ramani's release.

According to family sources, negotiations intensified in the final stages, and the family first confirmed Ramani's safety through a video call before agreeing to pay €4 million.

Reports indicate that the negotiations were handled privately by Ramani's family, which is based in the United States, without direct involvement from Indian or US government agencies.

Despite the prolonged captivity, Ramani is said to have remained in relatively good health. The presence of a cook among the hostages reportedly ensured they received regular meals throughout their detention.

Security Situation in Mali

The kidnapping has once again highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Mali, where militant groups and criminal organisations have increasingly targeted foreign nationals involved in business and mining activities.

Around the time of Ramani's disappearance, the Indian Embassy in Bamako issued an advisory urging Indian citizens in Mali to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel and restrict movement because of rising militant activity.

From Diamonds to Mining

Ramani entered the diamond business in the early 1980s and became a well-known figure in Surat, one of the world's largest diamond processing hubs.

He later relocated to the United States, where his family diversified into natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds and luxury jewellery.

About two years ago, he expanded into Mali's gold mining sector in search of new investment opportunities.

Malian authorities are continuing their investigation to identify those responsible for the abduction. Ramani is expected to return to the United States after completing legal formalities and receiving clearance from local authorities.

It's not a national holiday
Rath Yatra is a regional festival, and July 16 doesn't qualify as a nationwide school closure. In states where the festival isn't widely celebrated, schools are expected to run as usual unless a separate local order says otherwise.

Where closures are likely
Odisha, as the epicentre of the celebrations centred in Puri, is the state most likely to see government schools, colleges and other educational institutions shut for the day, with lakhs of devotees expected to take part in the chariot procession. West Bengal and Manipur — where the festival is observed as Kang Chingba, or the Kang Festival — are also likely to see closures on a significant scale, though this will still depend on notifications from respective state governments and district authorities.

A more localised picture in Gujarat and Jharkhand
In Gujarat, particularly Ahmedabad, which hosts one of the country's largest Rath Yatra processions, schools situated along or near the procession route may close for the day or simply run on revised timings — a decision typically made at the local authority level rather than statewide. Jharkhand is also listed among states likely to see holidays in areas where the festival is observed on a larger scale.

Delhi-NCR stays open
Schools in Delhi-NCR have historically not closed for Jagannath Rath Yatra, and this year is expected to follow that same pattern.

What parents should actually do
Because holiday declarations can vary even between districts within the same state, the safest approach is to check directly with your child's school or the local Directorate of Education notification before assuming a closure — don't rely on assumptions based on what a neighbouring district or a previous year did.

Other holidays coming up in July
July 16 also brings the Harela festival in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, subject to state notification. Later in the month, Guru Purnima on July 29 is expected to bring school closures across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand, while July 31 is a scheduled holiday in Punjab and Haryana for Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day. Beyond festival dates, regular weekend closures fall on July 19, 25 (fourth Saturday) and 26.

Given how much this varies by district, the one thing every parent can rely on is checking their own school's official notification rather than a general state-level assumption.

Heavy monsoon rains continued to batter large parts of India on Wednesday, triggering floods, landslides, transport disruptions and widespread damage across several states. Gujarat's Surat emerged as the worst-hit city after receiving nearly 18 inches of rainfall within just 36 hours, leaving large parts of the city underwater and forcing the evacuation of more than 2,100 residents.

The relentless downpour inundated residential colonies, roads and commercial markets, while several vehicles were swept away in floodwaters. Authorities shut schools, colleges and anganwadi centres in Surat and neighbouring Navsari district, urging residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary.

Surat Faces Severe Flooding

The unprecedented rainfall created flood-like conditions across Surat, disrupting normal life and affecting thousands of families. Rescue teams deployed boats in low-lying localities, including the flood-hit Limbayat area, while emergency personnel continued evacuation and relief operations throughout the day.

Business activity also suffered as water entered Poddar Arcade, one of the city's major mobile phone markets. Officials continued monitoring river levels as heavy rainfall persisted across South Gujarat.

Gurugram Hit by Highway Collapse

Heavy rainfall also caused major disruption in Haryana's Gurugram. A section of the Delhi–Jaipur National Highway (NH-48) caved in following continuous rain, leading to a traffic jam stretching nearly 10 kilometres.

Several areas reported up to two feet of waterlogging, while a school bus became stranded in a flooded drain along the service lane. Gurugram Police appealed to corporate offices to allow employees to work from home over the next few days to reduce congestion and ensure public safety.

Transport Services Affected

The weather severely impacted transportation across several states.

In Mumbai, continuous rainfall disrupted suburban railway operations, with local trains running around 30 minutes behind schedule. Waterlogging between Vasai Road and Virar affected railway services, leading to the cancellation of 39 trains, while several others were rescheduled or halted midway.

Air travel also experienced delays in Delhi and Mumbai. Airlines including IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet advised passengers to check flight status before leaving for airports as adverse weather conditions continued. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR through July 9.

Floods, Landslides Continue Elsewhere

The monsoon's impact extended well beyond western India.

In Arunachal Pradesh, floods and landslides have affected more than 94,000 people across 26 districts. Four people have lost their lives, while rescue teams continue efforts in several isolated regions where communication remains disrupted.

Kerala's Wayanad witnessed another landslide tragedy, leaving three people dead and several others missing. Multi-agency rescue operations involving the NDRF, police and fire services are continuing despite difficult weather conditions.

In Rajasthan, heavy rainfall led to flooding in several districts. A jeep overturned in a river in Jalore, while three members of a family were killed after lightning struck them in Chittorgarh.

Meanwhile, a five-storey building collapsed in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, amid persistent rainfall, prompting emergency response teams to secure the area.

Centre Reviews Situation

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the flood situation in Gujarat and Maharashtra by speaking separately with the chief ministers of both states. He assured them of all possible assistance from the Central Government for rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Authorities in Maharashtra's Palghar district also reported that 10 people have died since July 1 due to rain-related incidents. More than 1,260 people have been shifted to relief camps as rivers continue to flow close to warning levels.

Experts Warn of Changing Rainfall Pattern

Weather experts believe the ongoing spell reflects an increasingly erratic monsoon pattern influenced by climate change and large-scale atmospheric conditions. While rainfall remained below normal during much of June, the first week of July has witnessed extremely intense, short-duration rainfall events across western and central India.

Meteorologists warn that such high-intensity rain episodes, accompanied by urban flooding and landslides, could become more frequent in the coming years. Several states, including Odisha, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Northeast India, remain under red, orange or yellow rainfall alerts over the next two days as authorities prepare for further heavy showers.

In a landmark step towards resolving one of India's longest-running inter-state water disputes, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan have signed a One-Time Settlement (OTS) agreement to settle all pending financial claims related to the Sardar Sarovar Project. The agreement was signed in New Delhi on Tuesday in the presence of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil.

The settlement brings an end to years of disagreements over project construction costs, rehabilitation expenses, compensation and financial liabilities among the four beneficiary states. Chief Ministers Dr. Mohan Yadav of Madhya Pradesh, Bhupendra Patel of Gujarat, Devendra Fadnavis of Maharashtra and Bhajan Lal Sharma of Rajasthan signed the agreement, along with senior officials from the Centre and the participating states.

Historic Resolution to Long-Pending Financial Claims

The Sardar Sarovar Project, one of India's largest multi-purpose river valley projects, has long been at the centre of financial disputes despite the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal's award. While the project has significantly expanded irrigation, drinking water supply and hydropower generation across western India, disagreements over cost-sharing, rehabilitation and compensation remained unresolved for years.

The newly signed One-Time Settlement clears all outstanding financial claims, paving the way for smoother inter-state coordination in the future.

Amit Shah Highlights Cooperative Federalism

Addressing the gathering, Union Home Minister Amit Shah described water as a national resource that benefits the entire country rather than any single state.

He said the agreement reflected the spirit of cooperative federalism and demonstrated how states could work together to resolve complex issues through dialogue. Shah added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre has consistently encouraged consensus-based solutions to long-pending disputes between states.

According to him, timely resolution of inter-state disputes accelerates development projects and ensures that their benefits reach farmers and citizens more efficiently.

Project Benefits Millions Across Four States

The Sardar Sarovar Project has transformed irrigation and drinking water availability across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

The project has brought irrigation facilities to lakhs of farmers, improved access to potable water in several urban and rural regions, and contributed significantly to electricity generation. In Rajasthan, Narmada waters have helped improve agricultural productivity in several drought-prone districts.

Financial Settlement Sparks Debate in Madhya Pradesh

While the agreement resolves the long-standing dispute, its financial outcome has triggered discussions in Madhya Pradesh.

The state had reportedly claimed nearly ₹7,669 crore, citing additional rehabilitation costs and compensation arising from the expansion of the submergence area after the Sardar Sarovar Dam reached its full reservoir level in 2019.

However, under the final settlement, Madhya Pradesh will instead pay approximately ₹550 crore to Gujarat, effectively ending all pending financial claims between the states. The development has prompted political and administrative reactions within the state over the settlement's financial implications.

Background of the Compensation Dispute

Following the dam reaching its full capacity in 2019, the actual extent of the submergence zone in Madhya Pradesh increased beyond earlier estimates. The number of affected villages reportedly rose from 178 to 192, with thousands of additional hectares of land coming under water.

The expanded impact strengthened Madhya Pradesh's demand for revised compensation and rehabilitation assistance, forming a major part of the financial negotiations that continued until the latest agreement.

Model for Future Inter-State Cooperation

During the event, Amit Shah also referred to recent progress in resolving other inter-state water disputes, including the Haryana-Rajasthan water issue and the Kishau Dam Project. He said such agreements demonstrate that cooperative federalism can deliver practical solutions to complex national challenges.

With the One-Time Settlement now signed, all pending financial disputes related to the Sardar Sarovar Project stand resolved, marking a significant milestone in inter-state water governance and resource management in India.

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.

Heavy monsoon rains continued to batter several parts of India on Friday, triggering floods, landslides, waterlogging and widespread disruption across northern and western states. Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand were among the worst-affected as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued fresh alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall over the coming days.

In Madhya Pradesh, the southwest monsoon has now covered the entire state within nine days. The IMD has forecast 4 to 8 inches of rainfall over the next 24 hours in Dhar, Barwani, Khargone and Dewas districts. In Ujjain, the rising water level of the Shipra (Kshipra) River submerged a temple near the famous Ram Ghat, with visuals showing water inundating the riverside shrine.

Meanwhile, Gujarat witnessed severe waterlogging after intense rainfall. Roads in Valsad district remained submerged, disrupting traffic and leaving several vehicles stranded. In Jamnagar, two children were swept away by strong floodwaters but were rescued safely by local residents before any major tragedy occurred.

In Himachal Pradesh, heavy overnight rain triggered a landslide in the Choling area of Kinnaur district. Massive debris rolled onto the national highway, burying two vehicles. State authorities said at least 49 roads have been closed following multiple rain-related incidents across the hill state, while restoration work is underway.

Heavy rain also affected Uttar Pradesh, where showers lashed Lucknow, Barabanki, Unnao, Jalaun and several neighbouring districts during the early hours of Friday. Water entered residential areas in parts of Unnao, disrupting normal life and causing inconvenience to residents.

In Rajasthan, intermittent rainfall continued for the second consecutive day. The IMD issued a red alert for Kota, Baran and Jhalawar districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and the possibility of flooding in low-lying areas.

The situation remained challenging in Uttarakhand, where continuous rainfall triggered landslides in Rudraprayag, Chamoli and nearby districts. Falling rocks and debris blocked stretches of the Badrinath and Kedarnath highways, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend the Kedarnath Yatra as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of pilgrims.

IMD Issues Fresh Rain Alerts

According to the IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected on July 4 over Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Odisha, Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Sikkim.

Strong winds with speeds of 50–60 kmph are likely over Bihar, while gusty winds are also expected in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, eastern Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Heatwave conditions may continue in isolated areas of eastern Uttar Pradesh despite ongoing monsoon activity.

On July 5, heavy rainfall is likely over Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha, with isolated heavy showers expected in Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Sikkim. The weather department has also issued an orange alert for Sikkim, Goa, Telangana and Karnataka.

Monsoon Nears Nationwide Coverage

The southwest monsoon, which reached Kerala on June 4, experienced a temporary slowdown during June due to break monsoon-like conditions. However, favourable weather systems over the Bay of Bengal have accelerated its progress.

According to the IMD, the monsoon is now expected to cover the entire country by July 5, three days ahead of its normal nationwide coverage date of July 8, bringing more widespread rainfall to the remaining parts of northwest India in the coming days.

168-megawatt facility to come up in Gujarat within two years; partnership covers clean energy, construction, and managed services

Meta is joining hands with Reliance Industries to build India's first artificial intelligence-enabled data centre, a development that marks a significant step in the country's push to develop large-scale domestic AI infrastructure. The facility, to be located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, will have a capacity of 168 megawatts and is targeted for delivery within two years.

Scale and Scope of the Project

The partnership assigns Reliance a comprehensive end-to-end role. According to details shared by the companies, Reliance will handle design, construction, utility management, renewable power supply, network connectivity, and managed services for the facility. The arrangement effectively makes Reliance the ground operator for what could become one of the largest AI-focused data centre projects on Indian soil.

Clean Energy at the Core

Notably, the agreement includes provisions for clean energy, with renewable power identified as a key component of the data centre's operational framework. This aligns with both Reliance's stated ambitions in the green energy space and Meta's global sustainability commitments, which require large facilities to be powered substantially by renewables.

Why Jamnagar

Jamnagar was not an accidental choice. The city in Gujarat's Saurashtra region is home to Reliance's sprawling industrial complex and offers existing infrastructure advantages — land, power grid connectivity, and logistics — that make large-scale facility development more viable than in greenfield locations. It also fits within the Gujarat government's broader push to attract data infrastructure investment.

India's AI Infrastructure Moment

The announcement comes as demand for AI computing capacity intensifies globally. Hyperscalers including Meta, Google, and Microsoft have been racing to secure data centre capacity in key markets, and India — with its large internet user base and growing enterprise AI adoption — has emerged as a priority destination. Domestic policy support, including government incentives for data localisation, has added further momentum.

For Meta, a domestic facility reduces latency for Indian users of its AI-powered products across WhatsApp, Instagram, and its advertising platforms. For Reliance, the deal extends its ambitions in the digital infrastructure space well beyond telecom.

The two-year delivery target, if met, would place the Jamnagar facility among the faster large-capacity data centre builds in the country.