The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted searches at nine premises in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana as part of a money-laundering investigation into an alleged bogus Input Tax Credit (ITC) network. The searches were carried out by the agency's Lucknow Zonal Office under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, covering locations in Muzaffarnagar and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh and Faridabad in Haryana. According to officials, the case involves an alleged fraudulent ITC scheme worth nearly ₹19.91 crore. 

What ED investigation found

The investigation stems from alleged fraudulent transactions involving an import-export company. According to the findings cited by the authorities, the entities involved allegedly generated and transferred bogus ITC using fabricated invoices and e-way bills without any actual movement of goods. The suspected network allegedly used multiple fictitious and non-existent entities to create the appearance of genuine commercial transactions. 

Officials said the alleged fraud involved the fraudulent availment of ₹9.63 crore in ITC, while another ₹10.28 crore was allegedly passed on through the network. The combined amount represents the alleged wrongful loss to government revenue under the transactions being investigated. The ED is treating the proceeds linked to the alleged activity as proceeds of crime under the PMLA. 

Money trail under scrutiny

Investigators are examining financial records, digital material and other documents recovered during the searches to establish the flow of funds and identify people or entities that may have benefited from the alleged transactions. The suspected modus operandi involved circular transactions and layering of funds through several entities, followed by withdrawals or transfers, according to officials. 

Bogus ITC cases generally involve invoices being issued or circulated without a corresponding supply of goods or services, allowing entities to claim or pass on tax credit that is not backed by genuine business activity. The ED has previously investigated similar networks involving fictitious entities created specifically for the generation and circulation of fraudulent ITC. 

Probe continues

The latest searches are part of the ED's investigation into the money-laundering aspects of the alleged tax fraud. The agency's broader enforcement activity under the PMLA includes cases involving fraudulent ITC utilisation and layering of funds through shell or non-existent entities. 

The investigation is continuing, and further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the searches and the subsequent tracing of the alleged money trail. At this stage, the allegations remain subject to investigation and any further proceedings that may follow under applicable law.

Interpol Issues Red Corner Notice for Sambhal Violence Accused Shariq Satta

Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice against fugitive gangster Shariq Satta, whom Uttar Pradesh Police have identified as an alleged key conspirator in the November 2024 Sambhal violence. The international alert is part of efforts to trace Satta, who is believed to have fled India, and facilitate his return to the country for legal proceedings. The notice was issued following a request from the Uttar Pradesh Police, processed through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in coordination with Interpol. 

Satta has been declared a proclaimed offender by a local court after failing to appear before investigators and the judiciary. According to officials, he allegedly escaped to Dubai using a fake passport. The Red Corner Notice allows police and other law enforcement agencies in member countries to seek his location and provisional detention, with the ultimate objective of extraditing him to India. The development is significant because authorities have so far been unable to locate the accused despite efforts to trace him.

Sambhal Violence Case

The violence in Sambhal erupted on November 24, 2024, during a court-directed survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The survey had followed a claim that a temple had previously existed at the site. During the second survey, clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel, resulting in four deaths and injuries to several people. Police subsequently registered multiple cases and launched an investigation into those allegedly involved in the violence. 

Uttar Pradesh Police have described Satta as one of the principal accused in the case. Earlier this year, authorities also carried out attachment proceedings against his residence in the Deepa Sarai area of Sambhal after a court issued warrants concerning his movable and immovable properties. Officials said Satta had remained untraceable despite several raids, while investigators were also examining his assets and possible associates who may have helped him evade arrest. 

International Search Intensifies

The Red Corner Notice expands the search beyond India's borders and places the case within the framework of international police cooperation. While such a notice is an international request to locate and provisionally arrest a wanted person, it does not itself constitute an international arrest warrant. Any detention or extradition action remains subject to the laws and procedures of the country where the individual is located.

Satta is also reportedly wanted in dozens of other criminal cases across Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region. Investigators have linked him to organised criminal activity and vehicle theft cases, adding to the reasons authorities have been pursuing him. 

The latest action by Interpol comes as Uttar Pradesh authorities continue their efforts to bring those accused in the Sambhal violence case before the court. For investigators, locating Satta abroad is now the immediate challenge, while the Red Corner Notice provides an additional mechanism for seeking international assistance in tracing him and initiating the process for his return to India. 

Heavy rainfall continued across several parts of India on Thursday and Friday, triggering flood-like conditions, waterlogging and disruptions in multiple states. Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh were among the regions reporting significant weather-related impacts.

In eastern Madhya Pradesh, continuous rainfall has caused rivers and streams to swell, while authorities have taken precautionary measures in some districts. The weather situation has also remained challenging in parts of Uttar Pradesh, where more than 84,000 people have reportedly been affected by flooding.

Schools Shut In Madhya Pradesh

Several districts of eastern Madhya Pradesh have received persistent rainfall, leading to overflowing rivers and streams.

The Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Sagar and Damoh.

Amid deteriorating weather conditions, schools have been closed in Dindori and Panna as a precautionary measure.

The continuing rainfall has also increased the risk of waterlogging and disruption of road connectivity in low-lying areas.

13 UP Districts Face Flood Risk

Uttar Pradesh has also been significantly affected by the ongoing rainfall.

Flood-like conditions have been reported in 13 districts, with more than 84,000 people affected by rising water levels.

In Varanasi, rising water levels have affected areas around the Ganga. The Ganga gate of the Kashi Vishwanath Templehas been closed, while cremation grounds at Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats have also been submerged.

Prayagraj has experienced rainfall for three consecutive days, resulting in waterlogging on several roads and streets.

Bihar Under Heavy Rain Alert

Several parts of Bihar are also experiencing heavy rainfall.

The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rain and lightning in various areas on August 21, 22 and 23.

An orange alert for heavy rainfall and strong winds has been issued for seven districts in northeastern Bihar, prompting residents and authorities to remain cautious.

Himachal Reports ₹1,033 Crore Damage

The monsoon has also caused extensive damage in Himachal Pradesh.

Rainfall, floods, landslides and other weather-related incidents have resulted in estimated property damage of approximately ₹1,033 crore so far this monsoon season.

According to the available information, 205 people have died in the state during the monsoon. Of these, 121 deaths were reportedly linked to road accidents.

The state has also witnessed landslides, damaged roads and disruption of infrastructure in several areas.

Low-Pressure System Driving Rain

According to the Meteorological Department, a well-marked low-pressure area persists over north Jharkhand, southwest Bihar and southeast Uttar Pradesh.

The monsoon trough is also passing through the system.

Under its influence, rainfall activity is expected to remain active in Chhattisgarh over the next few days, while several other parts of the country could continue to receive rain.

With rivers already running high in several regions, authorities are monitoring vulnerable areas and advising residents in flood-prone locations to exercise caution.

Weather Disruptions Across States

The continuing monsoon activity has affected daily life beyond the major flood-hit areas.

Parts of Agra experienced waterlogging following rainfall, while several areas of Jharkhand, including Hazaribagh, also reported water accumulation.

In Chhattisgarh's Korba, a villager reportedly died after being swept away in the Kharun river. Rescue teams were involved in recovering the body.

In Uttarakhand, infrastructure has also been affected by the weather. After a bridge collapsed in Kulagad in Pithoragarh, an alternative route is being constructed.

The widespread impact highlights the continuing risks from heavy rainfall, swollen rivers and landslides as monsoon activity remains strong across several parts of the country.

Japanese investment in Uttar Pradesh could give a major push to the state’s manufacturing sector and create lakhs of employment opportunities, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said as India and Japan step up efforts to deepen economic ties. Goyal’s remarks come during the ongoing Uttar Pradesh-Japan Investment Meet 2026, which is bringing Japanese business leaders, industry representatives and policymakers together to explore fresh investment opportunities in the state. More than 200 Japanese business leaders and representatives are participating in the programme being held from August 18 to 23. (Uni India)

Goyal has been encouraging Japanese companies to increase their investments and build deeper partnerships with Indian businesses. He is also scheduled to visit Japan from August 24 to 27 for discussions with the Japanese government and industry, with trade and investment cooperation expected to remain a key focus. The wider India-Japan investment push has already expanded across sectors including automobiles, renewable energy, semiconductors, advanced technology and green industries. India and Japan have also been working on measures to strengthen manufacturing and supply chains, while Japanese companies continue to explore opportunities in India. (The Economic Times)

For Uttar Pradesh, the focus is increasingly on turning investment commitments into actual manufacturing activity and jobs. Japanese companies have already developed a presence in the state, particularly in sectors linked to automobiles, electronics and industrial manufacturing. The current investment meet is expected to bring more discussions around technology transfer, industrial partnerships and new production facilities. Officials and industry representatives are looking at the Japanese investment pipeline not only in terms of capital but also the possibility of bringing advanced manufacturing practices and technology into the state. The government’s broader objective is to strengthen Uttar Pradesh as a manufacturing destination and connect local businesses with global supply chains.

The Japan-India relationship has also been expanding beyond traditional manufacturing. Recent bilateral initiatives have included cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, renewable energy, batteries, green hydrogen and other emerging sectors. Japan has announced investment plans worth around Rs 1 lakh crore in India through various projects, while more than 100 new business agreements have been signed over the past year, according to figures cited in recent bilateral discussions. (The Times of India)

For Uttar Pradesh, the employment potential is likely to be one of the most closely watched outcomes of the current engagement. Large manufacturing projects can generate direct jobs at factories while also creating indirect employment through suppliers, logistics, services and supporting industries. The state is also seeking to attract investments in higher-value sectors rather than limiting the focus to traditional manufacturing. The challenge now is to move from announcements and preliminary discussions to actual project execution, land availability, infrastructure and skilled manpower.

Goyal’s comments underline New Delhi’s broader effort to bring more Japanese capital and technology into India while strengthening economic ties between the two countries. For Uttar Pradesh, the current talks could become an important test of how effectively the state can convert international investment interest into factories, supply chains and employment on the ground. With Japanese companies looking at new opportunities across India, officials will now be watching how many of the proposals discussed during the investment meet eventually translate into operational projects.

 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 monsoon has intensified across several parts of India, with heavy rainfall triggering waterlogging, flooding and landslides in multiple states. Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have reported significant weather-related disruptions, while the India Meteorological Department has issued rain alerts for several regions over the next two days.

In Lucknow, intense rainfall on Saturday left roads and residential areas waterlogged. Several parts of the Uttar Pradesh capital were inundated after around three hours of heavy rain, with water reaching nearly two feet in some locations.

Meanwhile, rising river levels have increased the flood threat in several districts of Uttar Pradesh. Rivers including the Ganga, Yamuna and Sharda are reported to be flowing at elevated levels. In Chitrakoot, the rising Mandakini River has affected nearby settlements, with floodwater entering homes in some colonies.

Lucknow Faces Severe Waterlogging

Heavy rainfall brought parts of Lucknow to a standstill, with roads turning into stretches of stagnant water. Residential areas and low-lying locations were among the worst affected.

The latest spell has added to concerns over drainage and waterlogging in the city as the monsoon remains active across Uttar Pradesh.

The rising water levels of several rivers are also being closely monitored, particularly in districts located along major river systems.

Chitrakoot River Levels Rise

In Chitrakoot, the Mandakini River has risen rapidly following heavy rainfall in the region. Floodwater reached colonies located near the river and entered some houses.

The situation has raised concerns for residents living in low-lying areas as rainfall continues in parts of the state.

A bridge connecting areas of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh was also reported to have been submerged, affecting movement in the region.

Odisha Evacuates Over 95,000

Odisha has been among the states most affected by the latest spell of heavy rain. Flooding disrupted normal life across six districts, with more than 95,000 people evacuated from vulnerable and low-lying areas following heavy rainfall during the previous 24 hours.

In Jajpur district, the Kani River rose sharply at Dasarathpur, causing water to accumulate across nearby areas.

An under-construction bridge over the Kani River, a tributary of the Baitarani, was washed away by floodwaters. The incident disrupted connectivity and highlighted the impact of the sudden rise in river levels.

The state remains under a heavy rainfall alert through August 18.

Himachal Reports 183 Deaths

Himachal Pradesh has also witnessed significant monsoon-related losses. According to the latest figures, 183 people have died in rain- and monsoon-related incidents between June 30 and August 15.

As of Saturday evening, 103 roads remained closed across the hill state due to landslides, flooding and other weather-related disruptions.

Authorities continue to monitor vulnerable areas as further rainfall could trigger additional landslides and road blockages.

Army Personnel Missing in Arunachal

In Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley, a cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides, leaving five Army personnel missing.

The Army said two soldiers were rescued safely, while search and rescue operations continued for the remaining personnel. Multiple Army teams and helicopters have been deployed for relief and search operations.

Elsewhere in Upper Subansiri district, a landslide reportedly killed four people.

Uttarakhand Dam Near Danger Mark

In Uttarakhand, the water level at Tehri Dam has reached the danger mark amid continuing rainfall and rising water levels.

Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation as heavy rain is expected to continue in parts of the state.

Red Alert in Odisha, Bengal

The weather situation is expected to remain active over the next two days.

For August 17, a red alert has been issued for heavy rain in Odisha and West Bengal. An orange alert is in place for Assam-Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir-Ladakh.

A yellow alert covers Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, central Maharashtra, Konkan-Goa, Sikkim and several northeastern states.

For August 18, an orange alert has been issued for Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Odisha, while several northern, central and northeastern states remain under yellow alerts.

With rivers already running high in several regions, authorities are expected to maintain close surveillance of flood-prone and landslide-prone areas as the latest monsoon spell continues.

As India marks its 80th Independence Day, the country enters its ninth decade with one of the world's largest working-age populations. With an estimated population of around 1.46 billion and a median age of about 29 years, India has a significant demographic advantage. But the opportunity is not evenly distributed across the country.

Around 68 per cent of Indians, or nearly one billion people, are between 15 and 64 years of age. This large working-age population could support economic growth through manufacturing, services and domestic consumption. However, India now faces a widening demographic divide between an ageing South and a younger North, along with the challenge of creating enough jobs and increasing women's participation in the workforce.

South India Starts Ageing

Several southern and western states entered the demographic transition earlier after decades of investment in education, healthcare and family planning.

States such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu now have fertility rates well below the replacement level of 2.1 births per woman. Kerala, in particular, is experiencing a rapid increase in its elderly population, with people aged 60 and above accounting for a significant share of the state's population.

For these states, the demographic challenge is changing. Governments will increasingly have to prepare for a larger elderly population, smaller school-age cohorts and a reduced pool of young workers.

Industries in the South and West could also face greater competition for labour in the coming decades.

North Has Young Workforce

The demographic picture is markedly different in several northern states.

Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh continue to have relatively young populations and are expected to contribute a substantial share of India's labour-force growth in the years ahead.

Bihar's median age is below 23, while its fertility rate remains higher than the national average.

This creates a potential economic connection between two parts of India. Industrial centres in the South and West will increasingly need workers, while younger populations in the North will need skills, employment and opportunities.

Migration Could Bridge Gap

Interstate migration and vocational training could therefore become increasingly important to India's economic future.

Workers from states with large young populations could be connected with employment opportunities in manufacturing, construction, logistics and services in states facing labour shortages.

However, migration will require more than employment opportunities. Affordable housing, transportation, healthcare, social security and access to public services will also be important for workers moving between states.

Women Remain Underused

India's demographic challenge is not limited to regional differences. Women's participation in the workforce remains another major gap.

Female labour force participation is significantly below male participation, particularly in urban areas. Women continue to face barriers including safety concerns, unpaid domestic responsibilities, limited childcare facilities and a shortage of flexible employment options.

Rural women have relatively higher participation, partly because of their involvement in agriculture and family-based economic activities. Urban female participation, however, remains considerably lower.

Increasing women's participation could significantly expand India's effective workforce and add to economic growth.

Job Creation Is Critical

A large working-age population does not automatically translate into a demographic dividend.

India must create enough productive employment to absorb millions of new entrants into the labour market. The focus will need to extend beyond low-productivity informal employment towards manufacturing, services, technology, green industries and export-oriented sectors.

Labour-intensive manufacturing could play an important role by creating jobs for workers with different levels of education and skills.

The challenge is particularly important for states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where large numbers of young people will enter the workforce over the coming decades.

Demographic Window Closing

India's demographic advantage also has a time limit.

Demographers expect the country's dependency ratio to reach a historic low around 2041, after which population ageing is likely to increase the proportion of dependants relative to the working-age population.

This gives India roughly the next 15 years to maximise the benefits of its demographic structure.

The priority will be to ensure that today's young population becomes a skilled and productive workforce before the window begins to narrow.

Three Priorities Ahead

India's demographic strategy will require action on three broad fronts.

First, stronger interstate skill and employment corridors can connect young workers with regions where labour demand is growing.

Second, investment in urban care infrastructure, including childcare, safe public transport and workplace support, can help more women enter and remain in paid employment.

Third, India needs job creation at scale, particularly in labour-intensive manufacturing and emerging industries.

India’s Demographic Test

India enters its 80th year of Independence with a rare demographic opportunity: a huge population, a relatively young workforce and a growing economy.

But population size alone will not guarantee prosperity.

The country must bridge the demographic gap between its younger North and ageing South, bring more women into productive employment and create millions of quality jobs.

If India manages this transition effectively, its demographic dividend could become one of the country's strongest economic advantages. If the opportunity is missed, the same demographic pressures could eventually become a constraint on growth.

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.

A traffic jam stretching nearly 2 kilometres was reported at the Chakghat border between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh on National Highway-30 after trucks were stopped from entering Prayagraj amid arrangements for the ongoing Kanwar Yatra.

The queue of vehicles began building up on Wednesday evening after restrictions on truck movement towards Prayagraj came into effect. By Thursday morning, the line had extended to around two kilometres, with the congestion continuing for more than 12 hours.

Trucks Stranded at Chakghat

According to truck drivers, restrictions were imposed on the movement of heavy vehicles towards Prayagraj as the number of Kanwariyas in the city increased. With trucks unable to proceed towards Uttar Pradesh, several vehicles accumulated at the Chakghat border.

The congestion affected traffic moving between Rewa and Prayagraj, with drivers facing delays while waiting for movement to resume.

Administration Moves to Ease Traffic

Following reports of the congestion, police and administrative teams reached the spot and began managing traffic. Vehicles were being allowed to move forward gradually in an effort to reduce the length of the queue.

However, a large number of trucks remained stranded at the border as restrictions on their entry into Prayagraj continued.

Only Trucks Stopped, Says Police

Rewa Additional Superintendent of Police Sandeep Mishra said the restrictions were limited to trucks and that other vehicles were being allowed to move.

He said the decision was linked to traffic management arrangements for the Kanwar Yatra in Prayagraj. Police and administrative teams were present at Chakghat to regulate traffic and prevent further congestion.

According to the official clarification, passenger vehicles and other permitted traffic were not subject to the same restriction, allowing regular movement to continue.

Kanwar Yatra Drives Traffic Restrictions

The annual Kanwar Yatra has led authorities in several areas along major routes to introduce temporary traffic-management measures as large numbers of devotees travel towards religious destinations.

With Prayagraj witnessing increased movement of Kanwariyas, restrictions on heavy vehicles are intended to reduce pressure on roads and maintain smoother movement for pilgrims and other road users.

For truck operators, however, the restrictions have resulted in extended waiting periods at the MP-UP border.

Traffic Situation Being Monitored

Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation at Chakghat and regulate the movement of vehicles. The administration is also working to clear the accumulated traffic and prevent the queue from extending further.

While the congestion has caused inconvenience to truck drivers and commuters, officials have maintained that the restriction is specifically aimed at heavy vehicles entering Prayagraj and that other traffic remains operational.

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.

Aban Ahmed, the youngest son of slain gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, was killed in a road accident in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi district on Thursday morning while travelling to meet his elder brother, Ali Ahmed, who is lodged in Jhansi Jail.

The 21-year-old was travelling from Prayagraj in a Creta SUV along with four friends when the vehicle crashed into a road divider in the Poonch police station area, around 70 kilometres before Jhansi.

Two Killed, Three Injured

The accident occurred at around 10.30 am. According to police, the SUV rammed into the divider with considerable force, leaving its front portion completely damaged and trapping all five occupants inside.

Police personnel, assisted by local residents, broke open the vehicle's doors to rescue those trapped.

Aban Ahmed, who was seated in the front passenger seat, and the driver, identified as Sonu, died at the scene. Three other occupants—Umar Ahmed, Mohammad Zaid and Aslam—sustained injuries and were shifted to the district hospital for treatment.

Cause of Crash Under Investigation

Authorities are examining the exact cause of the accident as differing accounts have emerged.

One of the injured occupants reportedly told investigators that the SUV lost control after hitting bricks lying on the highway.

Police, however, said the preliminary investigation suggests the driver lost control while attempting to avoid an animal that suddenly came onto the road.

Officials added that the vehicle was travelling at a high speed when the accident occurred. The rain-soaked highway may also have contributed to the crash.

Eyewitness Recounts High-Speed Collision

An eyewitness, Deepak Yadav, claimed the SUV was moving at a very high speed before the collision.

According to him, the driver first swerved to avoid a calf crossing the highway and then made another sharp turn to avoid a motorcycle before losing control and crashing into the divider.

He alleged that the impact was so severe that vehicle parts were scattered across nearly 40 feet of the highway.

Yadav said local residents rushed to the scene, used an iron rod to force open the doors and rescued the occupants before police arrived. Police reached the spot shortly after receiving information and shifted the injured to hospital.

Body Sent for Post-Mortem

Police said Aban sustained severe head injuries along with multiple fractures and died on the spot.

His body has been sent to the post-mortem facility at Jhansi Medical College. After the examination, the body will be handed over to the family.

According to local reports, he is expected to be buried in Prayagraj alongside the grave of his father.

Family Remains Under Legal Spotlight

Atiq Ahmed had five sons, with Aban being the youngest.

His brother Asad Ahmed was killed in a police encounter in Jhansi in 2023. Another brother, Ali Ahmed, is currently lodged in Jhansi Jail, while Umar Ahmed is imprisoned in Lucknow. Their elder brother, Ahzam, is pursuing higher education.

The family has remained under legal scrutiny since the murder of lawyer Umesh Pal in 2023. Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were shot dead during a police escort in Prayagraj in April 2023 while being taken for a medical examination.

Atiq Ahmed's wife, Shaista Parveen, continues to remain absconding, and Uttar Pradesh Police has announced a reward for information leading to her arrest.

Police said further investigation into Thursday's accident is underway.

New Delhi: Torrential monsoon rains continue to batter several parts of India, triggering floods, landslides and infrastructure damage across multiple states. Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Assam are among the worst-affected regions, where swollen rivers, collapsing buildings and disrupted transport have severely impacted daily life.

Floodwaters Reach Villages and Schools in Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, relentless rainfall has caused major rivers, including the Ganga and Saryu, to swell beyond safe levels. In Farrukhabad district, floodwaters have entered 33 villages and submerged the premises of 40 government schools, disrupting educational activities and affecting thousands of residents.

In Ballia, continuous erosion by the Saryu River has destroyed 27 houses within a week, forcing several families to evacuate and seek shelter in safer locations. Local authorities have launched relief and rehabilitation measures for the affected residents.

Meanwhile, in Varanasi, the rising water level of the Ganga has inundated nearly 40 to 50 small temples located along the riverbanks. Several ghats remain partially submerged, prompting officials to advise pilgrims and tourists to stay away from the flooded areas.

Six Killed After Century-Old House Collapses

A tragic incident was reported from Pratapgarh, where a 100-year-old house collapsed following continuous rainfall. The building came crashing down on members of a single family, claiming the lives of six people.

Rescue teams worked for several hours to remove debris and recover the victims. District officials have initiated relief measures and announced assistance for the affected family.

Heavy Rain Disrupts Uttarakhand

In Uttarakhand, overnight rainfall has triggered multiple landslides and road blockages across the hill districts. As a precautionary measure, authorities have ordered the closure of all schools up to Class 12, including Anganwadi centres, in Dehradun, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar and Pauri Garhwal.

A major landslide near Tilwara in Rudraprayag brought mud, rocks and rainwater onto the Kedarnath Highway, trapping several vehicles under debris and disrupting traffic on the pilgrimage route. Emergency teams are working to clear the highway and restore connectivity.

Another landslide near Helang in Chamoli has blocked the Badrinath National Highway, leaving travellers stranded as road clearance operations continue.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast more heavy rainfall across several districts of Uttarakhand, prompting disaster management authorities to remain on high alert.

Assam Flood Situation Remains Critical

Flood conditions in Assam continue to be severe despite ongoing rescue and relief operations. Over the past 24 hours, six more people lost their lives, taking the death toll during this monsoon season to 95.

The Dhansiri River is flowing above the danger mark, leading authorities to issue a high alert in 14 districts. According to official estimates, more than 1.6 lakh people across 563 villages remain affected by floodwaters.

Relief camps have been set up to provide food, drinking water and temporary shelter to displaced families, while rescue teams continue evacuation efforts in severely flooded areas using boats and emergency equipment.

Authorities Continue Rescue and Relief Operations

State governments and disaster response agencies are monitoring the evolving situation closely. Restoration work is underway to reopen blocked highways, repair damaged infrastructure and ensure the supply of essential services in affected regions.

Officials have urged residents living in vulnerable areas to remain alert, avoid flooded riverbanks and strictly follow advisories issued by local administrations and weather agencies.