The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a fresh set of appointments to key national organisational positions, including 13 national vice presidents, eight national general secretaries and 16 national secretaries. The appointments were announced by BJP national president Nitin Nabin and will take effect immediately, according to a party press release dated August 17, 2026.

The reshuffle also includes appointments to organisational, media, social media and various front organisations, giving several states representation in the party's national structure.

13 Appointed as National Vice Presidents

The BJP has appointed 13 leaders as national vice presidents.

The list includes Vasundhara Raje Scindia from Rajasthan, Tirath Singh Rawat from Uttarakhand, Ram Madhavfrom Delhi, Baijayant Jay Panda from Odisha and D Purandeswari from Andhra Pradesh.

Other appointees are Rekha Verma from Uttar Pradesh, Varshaben Narendrabhai Doshi from Gujarat, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar from Maharashtra, Manpreet Singh Badal from Punjab, Lal Singh Arya from Madhya Pradesh, P M Nagaraj from Karnataka, Tariq Mansoor from Uttar Pradesh and Dr Madhurkar K from West Bengal.

General Secretaries and Organisation Posts

The party has appointed B L Santosh from Delhi as national general secretary (organisation), while Shiv Prakash from Mumbai and Sondan Singh from Chandigarh have been appointed national joint general secretaries (organisation).

The list of national general secretaries includes Vinod Tawde from Maharashtra, Sunil Bansal from Delhi, Viplav Kumar Deb from Tripura, Smriti Irani from Uttar Pradesh, Dr Satish Poonia from Rajasthan, Gajendra Patel from Madhya Pradesh, Harish Dwivedi from Uttar Pradesh and Sanjay Bhatia from Haryana.

16 Leaders Named National Secretaries

The BJP has also appointed 16 national secretaries.

The list includes Kavita Patidar from Madhya Pradesh, K Surendran from Kerala, Bhola Singh from Uttar Pradesh, Dr Pradeep Verma from Jharkhand, Jagadish Ishwarbhai Patel from Gujarat and Dr Sandeep Pathak from Delhi.

Other national secretaries named in the press release are Phangnon Konyak from Nagaland, Sangeeta Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Anil Antony from Kerala, Dr M K Akhilesh from Tamil Nadu, Manoj Tigga from West Bengal, Siddharth Shambhu from Bihar, Dr Swadesh Singh from Delhi, Mridanga Dev Barman from Assam, Rohan Gupta from Gujarat and Jai Prakash from Delhi.

Treasurer and Other Organisational Roles

Piyush Goyal from Maharashtra has been appointed national treasurer, while Rajesh Mangal from Rajasthan has been appointed national joint treasurer.

The party has also named Tarun Chugh from Punjab as national office in-charge and Mahendra Pandey from Uttarakhand as national office secretary.

For the Northeast, Dr Sambit Patra from Odisha has been appointed Northeast coordinator, while Rajiv Babbar from Delhi has been named Northeast co-coordinator.

Front Organisation Heads Announced

The BJP has also announced appointments for several frontal organisations and cells.

Dr Hemang Joshi from Gujarat has been appointed president of the Yuva Morcha, while Roop Kumari Chaudharyfrom Chhattisgarh will head the Mahila Morcha.

Amarpal Maurya from Uttar Pradesh has been appointed president of the OBC Morcha, while Bansilal Gurjar from Madhya Pradesh will head the Kisan Morcha.

The party has appointed Shivesh Kumar Ram from Bihar as SC Morcha president, Dr Mannalal Rawat from Rajasthan as ST Morcha president and Kunwar Basit Ali from Uttar Pradesh as Minority Morcha president.

Media and Social Media Teams

The organisational appointments extend to the party's media and social media teams.

Anil Baluni from Uttarakhand has been appointed media coordinator. The media co-coordinators are Ashish Uma Agarwal from Madhya Pradesh, Pradeep Bhandari from Delhi and Siddharth Yadav from Delhi.

Deepak Mehar from Chhattisgarh has been appointed social media coordinator. The social media co-coordinators are Preeti Gandhi from Maharashtra, Shivnandan Dwivedi from Delhi, Alok Bhatt from Uttarakhand and Arun Yadavfrom Haryana.

Appointments Take Immediate Effect

According to the BJP press release, the appointments have been made by party president Nitin Nabin and will come into effect immediately.

The appointments cover senior national leadership as well as organisational responsibilities across states, frontal organisations, media and social media. The list includes leaders from a wide range of regions, including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Assam and other states.

The announcement marks a significant organisational exercise for the BJP as the party puts in place its national office-bearer and organisational teams for the next phase of its political activities.

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released ₹15.52 crore in Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) funds generated from the commercial use of India's biological resources in developing mustard varieties.

The amount has been released following the use of Indian biological resources by M/s Pioneer Overseas Corporation, which developed 10 commercial hybrid varieties of mustard (Brassica juncea).

The funds will be distributed among 26 State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and three Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs). The share for each state and Union Territory will be calculated based on the area under mustard cultivation.

Mustard Genetic Resources Used

According to the NBA, Pioneer Overseas Corporation developed the 10 commercial hybrid varieties itself. However, the parental genetic material used for developing these varieties was sourced from open markets and traders.

Since a specific farmer or community could not be identified as the source of the biological resources, the NBA constituted an expert committee to recommend a mechanism for distributing the ABS funds.

The recommendations of the committee were subsequently approved by the authority.

States to Receive Proportionate Share

Under the approved mechanism, when biological resources are obtained through intermediaries such as traders, the ABS amount is distributed among the State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils where the resource is cultivated.

The NBA obtained mustard cultivation-area data from ICAR-Indian Institute of Mustard Research (ICAR-IIMR), Bharatpur, Rajasthan, and used it to calculate the state-wise distribution.

Rajasthan accounts for around 42 per cent of India's mustard cultivation area, making it the largest beneficiary of the latest ABS release. Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh follow.

The distribution includes a wide range of states and Union Territories because mustard cultivation is spread across different parts of the country.

Rajasthan Gets ₹6.43 Crore

Rajasthan will receive the largest share, amounting to ₹6.43 crore, followed by Uttar Pradesh with ₹2.28 crore and Madhya Pradesh with ₹1.86 crore.

The top beneficiaries are:

Funds to Support Biodiversity Conservation

The State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils are required to use the ABS funds in accordance with Section 32 of the Biological Diversity Act.

The funds can be used for activities including biodiversity conservation, documentation and updating of People's Biodiversity Registers, and in-situ and ex-situ conservation of biological resources.

Other permitted activities include restoration of degraded ecosystems, strengthening biodiversity heritage sites, capacity building of Biodiversity Management Committees and improving community livelihoods.

₹182.5 Crore Released So Far

The latest release is part of the NBA's broader implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which seeks to ensure that communities and regions conserving India's biological diversity receive a fair share of the benefits generated from its commercial use.

The framework is aligned with the principles of equitable benefit sharing under the Nagoya Protocol and Target 13 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

With the latest release, the NBA has so far disbursed a total of ₹182.5 crore through ABS mechanisms. Of this, ₹116.22 crore has been released to beneficiaries across the country during the past 12 months.

Role of National Biodiversity Authority

The National Biodiversity Authority is a statutory body established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The authority regulates access to India's biological resources and associated traditional knowledge and works to implement equitable benefit sharing in accordance with the principles of the Nagoya Protocol.

The latest mustard-related disbursement is intended to ensure that commercial benefits generated from India's genetic resources are channelled back towards conservation and communities and regions that help maintain the country's biodiversity.

Heavy rainfall continued across several parts of north and central India over the past 24 hours, triggering waterlogging and flood-like conditions in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Several areas reported severe waterlogging, overflowing rivers and disruption to normal life as monsoon systems remained active over the region.

Bhopal Gets Over 7 Inches

Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal has been receiving continuous rainfall for the past two days. The city recorded more than 7 inches of rain in 24 hours, leading authorities to keep schools closed for two days.

Water reportedly accumulated to nearly 5 feet in some parts of the city, affecting more than 1,000 houses and disrupting movement in several neighbourhoods.

A low-pressure area is currently active over Madhya Pradesh, while the monsoon trough is passing through the Gwalior region. The weather system is drawing moisture into the state and is expected to trigger heavy rainfall in 11 districts.

Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious as water levels continue to rise in several locations.

Orange Alert in Rajasthan

Rajasthan has also witnessed intense rainfall, particularly across the Hadoti region.

The weather department has issued an orange alert for six districts and a yellow alert for 17 districts amid the possibility of further heavy rain.

Kota, Baran, Bundi and Jhalawar recorded up to 12 inches of rainfall in the past 24 hours.

The situation worsened after the gates of the Kalisindh and Chhapi dams were opened, resulting in flood-like conditions in several low-lying areas.

Cars Swept Away in Bundi

Heavy rainfall caused extensive waterlogging in Bundi, where vehicles parked along roads were reportedly swept away by rapidly moving floodwater.

The incident highlighted the dangers posed by sudden water accumulation and strong currents in urban areas following intense rainfall.

Authorities are monitoring vulnerable locations and assessing the impact of the continuing downpour.

Flood Risk Rises in UP

Parts of Uttar Pradesh have also been affected by heavy rainfall and rising water levels.

In Saharanpur, a bridge built over the Gangrao River was damaged after a sudden rise in the river's flow.

The rising level of the Ganga has also increased concerns in low-lying areas. Reports said water entered around 25 houses, forcing residents to remain alert and prepare for possible evacuation.

Two Rescued in Chhattisgarh

In Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district, two young men were swept away by strong currents near Narhara Waterfall during heavy rainfall.

Local residents managed to rescue both men.

Authorities have repeatedly warned people against entering rivers, waterfalls and other water bodies during periods of heavy rain because water levels can rise rapidly without warning.

Families Move to Safer Areas

In Bihar's Khagaria district, residents of the Diyara region have started moving towards safer locations amid concerns over rising water levels.

Several families were seen relocating along with their livestock as a precaution.

The Diyara areas, which are situated close to river channels, are particularly vulnerable to flooding when rivers swell during the monsoon.

Waterlogging in Haryana

Heavy rain also disrupted normal life in Haryana's Gohana, where Jind Road was waterlogged.

Accumulated rainwater affected traffic movement and created difficulties for commuters.

With monsoon systems remaining active across several states, authorities are keeping a close watch on rainfall, river levels and vulnerable low-lying areas.

The coming hours will be crucial for Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where further heavy rainfall could worsen waterlogging and flood conditions.

 Around 40 pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were injured, two of them critically, after a private bus carrying devotees returning from the Amarnath Yatra plunged nearly 50 feet into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Tuesday morning.

The accident occurred around 7 am near Ranga Morh while the bus was travelling from Baltal to Srinagar. The pilgrims had completed the Amarnath pilgrimage and were reportedly heading towards the Vaishno Devi shrine when the vehicle lost control and fell into the gorge.

Rescue teams, assisted by local residents, launched an immediate operation to evacuate the passengers trapped inside the bus. All injured pilgrims were initially shifted to the Sub-District Hospital in Kangan before being referred to hospitals in Srinagar, including SKIMS Soura, for advanced medical treatment.

According to officials, most of the injured sustained multiple fractures, head injuries and trauma. While two passengers suffered serious injuries, authorities said all the victims were stable and undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Srinagar.

Pilgrims From MP and Rajasthan

The bus was carrying devotees primarily from Mandsaur district, including Malhargarh, Suwakheda in Neemuch district, Badnagar and nearby areas. Several passengers were also from neighbouring Rajasthan.

The accident involved bus registration number AR 11 D 5655, owned by an operator based in Ajmer. The vehicle had been hired by a Mandsaur-based travel agency, Maa Bhagwati Yatra Company, for the Amarnath pilgrimage. The company had deployed four buses for the religious tour, with only one meeting with the accident.

Administration Launches Relief Efforts

Following the incident, rescue personnel worked swiftly to evacuate the injured from the damaged vehicle. Photographs from the accident site showed rescue workers assisting passengers while luggage and personal belongings lay scattered across the hillside.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration coordinated emergency medical assistance, ensuring that all injured passengers were transported to hospitals without delay.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Police are examining whether mechanical failure, road conditions or driver error contributed to the bus losing control on the mountainous route.

Deputy Chief Minister Monitors Situation

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda said he had spoken with officials to obtain details about the condition of the injured passengers and had informed Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav about the accident.

Devda stated that many of the injured belonged to Malhargarh Assembly constituency and neighbouring districts of Madhya Pradesh. He added that the state government remains in constant touch with the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure that the victims receive the best possible medical treatment and all necessary assistance.

Officials from the Mandsaur district administration are also coordinating with authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to verify the identities of the injured and facilitate communication with their families.

Lieutenant Governor Orders Assistance

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said he had spoken to the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal and senior health officials immediately after the accident.

In a statement shared on social media, the Lieutenant Governor directed officials to ensure the best available medical care for all injured pilgrims and extend every possible support to them and their families.

The administration has assured that the condition of every passenger is being closely monitored and all required healthcare facilities are being made available.

The accident once again highlights the challenges of road travel through the mountainous terrain of Jammu and Kashmir during the annual pilgrimage season, when thousands of devotees travel through difficult routes to visit the Amarnath cave shrine and other religious destinations.

 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.

The incident came to light on the opening day of the RPSC Grade 2 Teacher Examination, with a video of the candidate breaking down outside the examination centre circulating widely on social media. The candidate, identified as Priyanka, was reportedly denied entry after reaching the venue beyond the prescribed reporting time.

According to reports, Priyanka had travelled from another district to appear for the examination. She said traffic congestion and the time taken to locate the examination centre delayed her arrival. By the time she reached the gate, the entry window had already closed and authorities refused to allow her inside, in accordance with the commission's examination guidelines.

The Rajasthan Public Service Commission had issued detailed instructions before the examination, advising candidates to reach their allotted centres well in advance. The commission also released exam city slips and admit cards ahead of the examination to help candidates plan their travel and avoid last-minute delays.

Officials have repeatedly maintained that no candidate is permitted to enter the examination hall after the reporting deadline, regardless of the reason for the delay. The rule is intended to ensure the integrity of the recruitment process and maintain uniformity across all examination centres.

The emotional incident has sparked discussion on social media, with many users expressing sympathy for the candidate while also urging future aspirants to reach examination venues several hours before the reporting time. Others noted that competitive examinations involving lakhs of candidates require strict adherence to schedules to prevent any compromise in security or fairness.

The RPSC Senior Teacher (Grade 2) Competitive Examination is being conducted from July 12 to July 18 across multiple centres in Rajasthan for thousands of teaching vacancies in various subjects. The examination is being held in multiple shifts under tight security arrangements.

Education experts say such incidents serve as a reminder that candidates should carefully verify their examination city, centre location and reporting time immediately after downloading their admit cards. Factoring in traffic conditions, unfamiliar routes and security checks can help avoid last-minute complications.

Meanwhile, the commission has not announced any relaxation in its entry rules following the incident. Candidates scheduled to appear in the remaining examination shifts have been advised to follow all instructions mentioned on their admit cards and report well before the gate-closing time.

The examination, being conducted from July 12 to July 18, is one of the state's largest teacher recruitment drives and is aimed at filling Senior Teacher (Grade II) posts in government schools. District administrations, police, and education officials have coordinated to prevent malpractice and maintain smooth conduct throughout the examination period.

According to officials, multiple layers of security have been deployed for the transportation of confidential examination material. Separate deputy coordination teams have been formed to safely deliver question papers to examination centres and ensure answer sheets are securely returned to designated treasury offices after each paper.

Monitoring has also been strengthened at examination centres. Supervisory teams have been appointed across districts, while principal-level officers have been assigned to oversee the functioning of both government and private examination centres. Every examination room has been staffed with invigilators, along with additional supervisors and relieving personnel to maintain continuous vigilance during the examination.

To enhance transparency, the entire examination process is being recorded through videography. Two videographers have been deployed at every examination centre to capture all activities, beginning with the distribution of question papers and continuing until the completion of each session. Officials believe the measure will help deter unfair practices and provide evidence in case of any disputes.

The examination is scheduled in multiple shifts across different subjects. On most days, the morning session will be held from 10 am to 12 noon, while the afternoon session will run from 3 pm to 5:30 pm. On July 15, only one paper will be conducted between 10 am and 12:30 pm.

Authorities have appealed to candidates to reach their allotted examination centres at least two hours before the reporting time to complete identity verification and security checks without inconvenience. Officials said late arrivals may face difficulty in entering the examination premises once the prescribed reporting schedule closes.

The recruitment examination comes amid heightened vigilance following previous examination irregularities witnessed in the state over the past few years. While officials have not reported any untoward incident so far, they have indicated that strict surveillance will continue throughout the week-long examination process.

The RPSC has already issued admit cards and examination city details to registered candidates before the commencement of the examination, allowing applicants to make travel arrangements in advance.

The Senior Teacher recruitment is considered significant for Rajasthan's education sector as successful candidates will be appointed in government secondary schools across various subjects. The examination is expected to witness participation from a large number of aspirants from different parts of the state.

Officials said all departments involved in the exercise have been instructed to maintain close coordination to ensure the recruitment examination is completed peacefully, securely, and without disruption. The examination will continue as per the notified schedule until July 18, while further updates are expected from the Commission after each phase of the recruitment process.

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.

The southwest monsoon has now covered the entire country, bringing widespread rainfall but also causing severe disruption across several states. Heavy showers on Thursday triggered floods, landslides, road cave-ins, building collapses and waterlogging, affecting normal life in Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi and other parts of the country.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rainfall in several regions and issued weather alerts, including a red alert for Delhi, as authorities remain on high alert.

Road Cave-in in Ghaziabad

One of the major incidents was reported from Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, where a road caved in after continuous rainfall. A car and a motorcycle fell into the pit created by the collapse. Waterlogging was reported across several parts of the city, with some roads submerged under nearly two feet of water. Power supply was also disrupted in multiple localities.

Heavy rain was also recorded in Meerut, Bahraich, Hapur, Lucknow, Ayodhya and several other districts.

Landslides Hit Uttarakhand

In Uttarakhand, persistent rainfall triggered landslides in Uttarkashi and Tehri districts, disrupting road connectivity and damaging infrastructure.

The Gangotri National Highway was blocked near Nagun after debris from a landslide covered the road, forcing authorities to suspend traffic while clearance operations continued. Reports of house collapses also emerged from rain-hit areas, while roads in Haridwar were submerged due to waterlogging.

Rescue teams and local administration remain deployed in vulnerable locations as heavy rainfall continues.

Flood Situation Worsens in Maharashtra

Maharashtra continued to face flood-like conditions in several districts. In Raigad's Panvel area, nearly 3,000 LPG cylinders were swept into the Patalganga River after floodwaters inundated an LPG bottling plant.

The district administration has urged residents not to touch or collect any floating cylinders due to the risk of explosions and accidents.

Meanwhile, rivers including the Mutha in Pune remained in spate, inundating low-lying areas and affecting traffic movement.

Heavy Rain Across Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh witnessed another intense spell of monsoon rainfall, with showers reported from more than 20 districts. Damoh recorded the highest rainfall of 1.75 inches during the past 24 hours.

In Khargone district, a young man was reportedly swept away by the strong current of the Ruparel River. Several roads remained submerged, while local authorities continued monitoring river levels and vulnerable locations.

Rajasthan and Gujarat Continue to Receive Rain

Eastern and southern Rajasthan also experienced heavy rainfall, with districts including Bharatpur, Udaipur, Alwar, Karauli and Chittorgarh reporting waterlogging and disrupted traffic.

In Gujarat, multiple weather systems remained active simultaneously, bringing heavy rain to districts such as Surat, Navsari and Gir Somnath. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel chaired a review meeting to assess the flood situation and preparedness across the state.

Delhi Records Heavy Downpour

The national capital witnessed intense rainfall on Thursday, resulting in widespread waterlogging in several areas, including Sangam Vihar and Badarpur.

In Rohini Sector 15, a tree uprooted by strong winds fell on a parked van, damaging the vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Heavy waterlogging was also reported at a government school in Badarpur, disrupting normal activities.

Authorities Continue Relief Operations

Across the affected states, disaster response teams, police personnel and local administrations are engaged in rescue, evacuation and road clearance operations. Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from swollen rivers and follow official weather advisories.

With the monsoon now covering the entire country and more rainfall forecast over the coming days, officials are closely monitoring flood-prone regions to minimise damage and ensure public safety.

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.

Monsoon Intensifies Across India, Triggering Floods, Landslides and Major Disruptions in Several States

 The southwest monsoon has intensified across large parts of India, bringing widespread flooding, landslides, waterlogging and rain-related accidents. While the monsoon has covered almost the entire country, only a few pockets of Rajasthan and Gujarat are yet to receive complete seasonal coverage. Despite that, persistent rainfall has already disrupted normal life in several states.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh warnings for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across multiple regions, urging residents to remain cautious as the active monsoon phase continues over the weekend.

Gujarat Rescues 19 Stranded in Floodwaters

Gujarat witnessed flood-like conditions after incessant rainfall inundated several low-lying areas.

Near Samadhiyala village in Junagadh district's Mendarda region, four vehicles became stranded after floodwaters submerged the road. Rescue teams successfully evacuated all 19 occupants without any injuries.

Mangrol emerged as one of the worst-hit areas, recording over 22 inches of rainfall within 24 hours, leading to severe flooding and disruption of road connectivity.

Authorities also issued Local Cautionary Signal-III (LC-III) at Veraval Port in Gir Somnath district following forecasts of rough seas and strong winds. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea until conditions improve.

Maharashtra Faces Severe Waterlogging

Heavy showers continued to lash several districts of Maharashtra, resulting in extensive urban flooding.

Outside Nalasopara railway station, commuters were seen wading through knee-deep water to reach the platforms as roads became submerged.

In view of the worsening weather, educational institutions in Palghar district have been ordered to remain closed.

The IMD has also issued a Red Alert for Mumbai, forecasting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.

To strengthen monsoon preparedness, the Maharashtra government has deployed a 36-member State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team in Nanded district until September.

Madhya Pradesh Records Rain-Related Incidents

Heavy rainfall affected more than 26 districts across Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain.

A tragic incident was reported from Ujjain, where a man attempting to cross a flooded culvert on his motorcycle was swept away by the strong current. Search efforts were initiated following the incident.

The IMD has issued a Red Alert for Barwani and Khandwa, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, with some areas expected to receive up to eight inches of rain over the next 24 hours.

Heavy rainfall warnings have also been issued for Indore, Ujjain and several adjoining districts.

Rajasthan Hospital Flooded

In Jaipur, continuous rainfall led to water entering the Minor Operation Theatre (OT) at Sawai Man Singh Hospital.

Hospital authorities immediately shifted patients and medical equipment to safer locations to ensure that treatment services were not affected.

Several parts of the Pink City also witnessed traffic congestion due to waterlogging.

Uttar Pradesh Battles Urban Flooding

The monsoon remained active across Uttar Pradesh, where rainfall was reported in nearly 20 districts.

Kanpur experienced one of its wettest days in recent years as the campus of GSVM Medical College was inundated, leaving parked cars and motorcycles partially submerged.

In Mathura, heavy waterlogging disrupted movement at a railway underpass, while a farmer lost his life after being struck by lightning in Jhansi during a thunderstorm.

The IMD has issued rainfall and thunderstorm alerts for 28 districts across the state.

Landslide Hits Jammu and Kashmir

Continuous rainfall also triggered a landslide in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, disrupting traffic and affecting road connectivity.

Authorities are monitoring vulnerable stretches as rainfall continues across the Himalayan region.

Monsoon Expected to Cover Entire Country Ahead of Schedule

After arriving in India three days later than its usual onset in early June, the southwest monsoon has regained momentum.

Meteorologists now expect the monsoon to cover the entire country around three days ahead of schedule, aided by favourable weather systems over the Bay of Bengal.

Looking ahead, the IMD has forecast heavy rainfall over parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, Kerala, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh over the next two days.

Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded roads and rivers, and closely follow official weather advisories as the active monsoon spell is expected to continue through the weekend.

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.