A massive landslide at an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district has claimed the lives of 10 construction workers, while 17 others remain trapped more than 24 hours after the incident. Rescue operations are continuing under challenging conditions as suspected methane gas leaks and heavy debris have significantly slowed efforts to reach those still inside the tunnel.

According to Namchi Superintendent of Police Sonam Dolma, rescue teams recovered 10 bodies by Tuesday, while three victims are yet to be identified. The deceased belonged to West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Assam, and Sikkim. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the number of trapped workers could change as rescue operations progress.

PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia for Victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased worker. Injured workers will receive ₹50,000 as financial assistance.

The Prime Minister also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and expressed hope for the safe rescue of those still trapped inside the tunnel.

President Murmu, Amit Shah Express Condolences

President Droupadi Murmu described the incident as deeply tragic and extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

In a message posted on X, she said she was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and prayed for the speedy rescue and safe evacuation of the remaining workers, along with the quick recovery of those injured.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to review the rescue operations and assured all possible assistance from the Centre.

Methane Gas Leak Hampers Rescue Operations

The landslide struck the Samardung Tunnel in the Mamring area of Namchi district at around 3:40 pm on Monday, causing a massive cave-in and completely blocking the tunnel entrance.

District Collector Anupa Tamling said rescue efforts have become extremely difficult due to the accumulation of debris and the possibility of a methane gas leak inside the tunnel.

Several rescue personnel reportedly experienced dizziness, while some fainted during operations because of poor air quality, forcing authorities to adopt additional safety measures before continuing the rescue mission.

Special Rescue Teams Deployed

The rescue operation involves personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), district police, and fire services. A specialized rescue team equipped with gas-proof protective equipment has also been brought from West Bengal to strengthen the operation.

Officials believe that the trapped workers include 21 employees of Patel Engineering and six workers associated with NHPC. Ambulances and medical teams remain stationed at the site to provide immediate treatment once survivors are rescued.

Tunnel Part of Major Hydropower Project

The collapsed tunnel was under construction for the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Power Project, being executed by Patel Engineering.

Authorities said the immediate priority remains reaching the trapped workers safely despite hazardous conditions inside the tunnel, including confined spaces, poor visibility, unstable debris, and the suspected presence of methane gas.

Rescue teams continue to work around the clock as hopes remain that those still trapped can be evacuated safely.

Veteran playback singer S. Janaki, one of India's most celebrated voices with a career spanning more than six decades and over 48,000 recorded songs, passed away on Saturday at the age of 88. She breathed her last at a private hospital in Mysuru after being admitted following a sudden deterioration in her health.

Her death marks the end of an extraordinary era in Indian film music. Widely revered across generations and languages, Janaki's unmatched contribution to Indian cinema earned her the status of one of the country's greatest playback singers.

Her final rites are scheduled to be held on Sunday evening at 5 pm at her ancestral farmhouse in H.D. Kote taluk near Mysuru, with state honours and traditional family rituals.

Health Declined Suddenly

According to family sources, Janaki's health worsened late on Friday after she developed breathing difficulties. She was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Mysuru, where doctors made extensive efforts to stabilise her condition. Despite medical treatment, she passed away on Saturday.

On Sunday morning, her mortal remains were placed at Maharaja Grounds in Mysuru to enable admirers, artists, public representatives and members of the public to pay their last respects. Thousands gathered to bid farewell to the legendary singer whose voice became synonymous with Indian cinema across multiple generations.

A Voice That Defined Indian Cinema

S. Janaki enjoyed one of the longest and most prolific careers in Indian music history, recording more than 48,000 songs in several Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi.

She was admired for her remarkable versatility, effortlessly rendering romantic melodies, devotional hymns, classical compositions, folk songs and emotionally rich ballads with equal depth and expression.

Among her popular Hindi songs are "Bol Baby Bol," "Yaar Bina Chain Kahan Re," "O Maria," "Prabhu More Avgun," and "Gopala Gopala." In South Indian cinema, she earned immense respect and affection, where fans fondly referred to her as "Janaki Amma."

Nation Pays Tribute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over her demise, describing her voice as one that beautifully conveyed every human emotion and touched millions of hearts.

President Droupadi Murmu also paid tribute, calling S. Janaki an invaluable treasure of Indian music whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

Condolences also poured in from political leaders, musicians and members of the film fraternity. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, superstar Rajinikanth, and several prominent artists remembered her as one of India's finest playback singers whose contribution to music remains unparalleled.

An Extraordinary Musical Journey

Born with exceptional musical talent, Janaki began her playback singing career in 1957, while her first Hindi song was recorded for the 1958 film Miss '58.

Over the next six decades, she became one of the busiest playback singers in Indian cinema, lending her voice to thousands of films and collaborating with almost every leading music composer of her time.

One of the most celebrated musical partnerships in Indian cinema was her long association with legendary singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. Together, the duo recorded thousands of memorable duets that continue to remain favourites among music lovers.

Awards and Legacy

During her illustrious career, S. Janaki received four National Film Awards along with numerous state honours and lifetime achievement recognitions.

In 2013, she made headlines after declining the Padma Bhushan, stating that national recognition had come too late for many South Indian artists, including herself.

After remaining actively involved in playback singing for nearly six decades, she announced her retirement from recording new songs in 2017, saying she had fulfilled her musical journey and wished to step away from professional singing.

Personal Losses in Recent Years

The last few years of Janaki's life were marked by personal tragedy. Her husband, V. Ramprasad, passed away in 1997 following a heart attack. Earlier this year, in January 2026, she also lost her only son, Murali Krishna, to a heart attack.

Family members said the loss deeply affected her emotionally, and she had been facing health challenges since then.

Although S. Janaki's voice has now fallen silent, her timeless songs will continue to resonate across generations, ensuring that her extraordinary musical legacy remains an enduring part of India's cultural heritage.

The recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu to Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district has drawn attention beyond the announcement of development projects and official engagements. Observers say the visit reflects a broader shift in how India views its tribal communities, placing greater emphasis on their cultural contributions and historical significance alongside development priorities.

The significance of the visit lies in its symbolism as much as its governance agenda. For decades, discussions around tribal regions in India have largely focused on issues such as poverty, displacement, limited access to healthcare and education, and security concerns. While these challenges remain important policy priorities, there is increasing recognition of the role tribal communities have played in preserving cultural traditions, ecological knowledge and indigenous systems that have endured for generations.

The presence of both the Prime Minister and the President, India’s first tribal head of state, in Mayurbhanj has been viewed by many as a significant moment of national acknowledgment for tribal heritage. Analysts note that the visit reinforced the message that tribal communities are not only beneficiaries of welfare programmes but also important contributors to India's civilisational and cultural identity.

Development and Inclusion

Government initiatives over the past decade have increasingly combined development objectives with efforts to preserve tribal identity and traditions. Programmes focused on education, healthcare, road connectivity, digital infrastructure and livelihood generation have been expanded across several tribal regions.

Officials say initiatives aimed at Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, the expansion of residential schools for tribal students and support for forest-based livelihoods are part of a broader strategy to promote inclusive growth. The emphasis, according to policymakers, is on ensuring that economic development reaches tribal communities while respecting their social and cultural structures.

The same approach has also been visible in areas historically affected by Left Wing Extremism, where development and governance reforms have accompanied security measures. Policymakers argue that long-term stability depends on inclusion, opportunity and effective public services.

Recognition of Tribal Contributions

Beyond development, recent years have seen efforts to bring tribal leaders and freedom fighters into the national narrative. The observance of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and the establishment of museums dedicated to tribal freedom fighters are among the initiatives aimed at highlighting tribal contributions to India’s history.

Similarly, national recognition of leaders associated with tribal rights and social movements has been viewed as part of a wider effort to acknowledge communities that have often remained underrepresented in mainstream historical discourse.

President Droupadi Murmu’s rise from Mayurbhanj to the country’s highest constitutional office is frequently cited as a powerful example of democratic inclusion. Political observers believe her journey has strengthened representation and reinforced the idea that national institutions are accessible to citizens from all sections of society.

The visit also drew attention to the Santhali Jaher and Ho Jahera sacred groves, where the Prime Minister and President offered prayers. These sites are regarded as important cultural and spiritual spaces that reflect long-standing traditions of environmental stewardship and community life.

According to experts, such recognition carries significance beyond symbolism. It reflects a growing effort to integrate tribal knowledge systems, cultural heritage and ecological traditions into the broader national conversation.

As India continues to pursue economic growth and social development, policymakers and scholars suggest that preserving indigenous traditions while expanding opportunities will remain an important challenge. The developments in Mayurbhanj indicate that tribal heritage is increasingly being viewed as an integral part of India’s national story rather than a subject confined to the margins of public discourse.

Jabalpur is on high alert Saturday as President Droupadi Murmu arrives for a two-day visit that will see her attend the state-level International Yoga Day celebrations and the 36th convocation of Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya — all while the city's administration simultaneously manages a re-NEET examination for over ten thousand students.

Murmu is scheduled to land at Dumna Airport at 6.10 pm aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft flying in from Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal. Governor Mangubhai Patel will receive her on arrival, along with Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda, Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar and senior police and administrative officials. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is also expected to reach Jabalpur separately around 8 pm. The President will stay overnight at Circuit House No. 1.

Security arrangements across the city are extensive. Over 3,000 personnel have been deployed along the entire route from Dumna Airport through to the Circuit House, Garrison Ground and the university campus. Railway Protection Force teams are active at the railway station, with dog squads conducting checks. A 15-kilometre no-fly zone has been declared covering Dumna Airport, Circuit House No. 1, MES Rest House, Garrison Ground, RDVV and the full VVIP route. Drones, UAVs, paragliders, hot air balloons, kites and any other airborne objects are prohibited in the restricted zone. Collector Raghavendra Singh, acting on a report by SP Sampat Upadhyay, has issued orders that violations will attract action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Sunday morning begins early. Murmu will leave the Circuit House at 7.05 am and reach Garrison Ground in Sadar by 7.20 am, where the state-level Yoga Day programme begins at 7.30 am. She will preside as chief guest over the mass yoga session before returning to the Circuit House by 8.35 am.

The RDVV convocation follows at 11.50 am. Students from various faculties will receive degrees and gold medals in a ceremony running until 12.50 pm. However, the event has not been without controversy — hundreds of research scholars and gold medallists who travelled from across the country have alleged that the university administration informed them at the last moment that only 20 selected students would be called on stage to receive honours directly from the President. The researchers have accused the university of bias and discrimination in the selection process.

After the convocation, Murmu will head directly to Dumna Airport and depart for Gwalior at 1.20 pm.

The re-NEET examination adds a significant logistical layer to Sunday's arrangements. Twenty-three examination centres have been set up across the district, with more than 10,000 students expected to appear. The state government has assigned the Collector overall responsibility for examination logistics. In what officials described as a first-of-its-kind arrangement, government buses will ferry students from Pantinaka Chowk to various examination centres until noon. Temporary sheds with coolers, fans, drinking water and snacks are being set up for accompanying family members waiting outside. A helpline number — 7049158826 — has been made available for students or families facing transport-related difficulties.

Murmu had on Friday attended the World Sickle Cell Day programme at Onkareshwar in Khargone district before proceeding to Jabalpur.

On World Sickle Cell Day, Onkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh became the focal point of a national health milestone on Friday, as President Droupadi Murmu attended a special programme and announced that India had met its sickle cell screening target of 1.25 crore people ahead of schedule. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav used the occasion to set a more ambitious marker — 1.60 crore screenings in Madhya Pradesh before 2027.

Murmu, who was the chief guest at the event, visited an exhibition on sickle cell anaemia and interacted with patients, awareness workers, and healthcare professionals. She noted that the mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh roughly three years ago, had delivered results that deserved recognition.

"The screening target has been achieved ahead of time," the President said, adding that over 1.25 crore people had been screened so far and that most had been provided genetic counselling cards. She credited the coordinated effort between the Union Health Ministry and the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry, describing it as the first such joint model in the country's public health history. Murmu also noted that research was underway not just in allopathy but in Ayurveda as well — a detail she said she was pleased to learn from the stalls at the exhibition.

The sickle cell mission was positioned from the outset not merely as a health programme but as a broader social intervention. Officials said the initiative draws on scientific and social research conducted by ICMR, the Tribal Health Research Institute, AIIMS, NAHM, WHO and several state governments. The emphasis has been on genetic awareness, preventive healthcare, and shifting community behaviour around marriage and family planning in affected populations.

Governor Mangubhai Patel, also present at the event, underscored the 2027 deadline for completing all targeted screenings, after which focus would shift to treatment and long-term management. He said the tribal communities affected by the disease would remember the campaign.

CM Yadav placed the state's efforts in concrete numbers. Over the past three years, Madhya Pradesh has screened 1 crore 32 lakh individuals for sickle cell. The target now is to push that figure to 1 crore 60 lakh before the end of 2026-27.

At the ground level, Block Medical Officer Dr. Anand Onkar explained the logic of pre-marital screening, the programme's central prevention tool. Sickle cell anaemia is a hereditary condition, he said, and intergenerational spread can be significantly reduced if both partners are tested before marriage. Couples are counselled on the probability of the disease appearing in their children, based on their test results and sickle cell cards, and are then left to make their own informed decision.

Sarpanches from Khalwa, Chhaigaon Makhan, Punasa and Pandhana blocks were felicitated at the event for their role in driving screening and awareness drives in their villages. Sickle cell patients, regular blood donors, and community volunteers working on awareness were also honoured.

Further events and screenings are planned as part of the ongoing national mission.

President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Indore on Thursday, beginning a five-day official tour of Madhya Pradesh that will continue until June 22. The visit includes religious engagements, public welfare programmes and government events in multiple districts across the state.

The President was welcomed at Indore Airport by Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. Senior administrative and police officials were also present to receive the President upon her arrival.

Soon after landing, President Murmu left for Omkareshwar, where she is scheduled to offer prayers at the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple. Considered one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the temple attracts thousands of devotees from across the country throughout the year.

The administration has implemented elaborate security arrangements in Indore and Omkareshwar ahead of the President’s visit. Special traffic management plans, route diversions and security checks have been put in place to ensure smooth movement and public safety.

Religious and Official Engagements

During her stay in Madhya Pradesh, President Murmu is expected to participate in several important programmes. On June 19, she will attend a special awareness event organized on the occasion of International Sickle Cell Day. The programme is aimed at increasing awareness about sickle cell disease, particularly among tribal communities where the condition remains a significant public health concern.

The President is also scheduled to attend government functions in Gwalior and Sheopur. These events are expected to focus on social welfare initiatives, healthcare, education and development programmes being implemented in the state.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who accompanied the President during parts of the visit, also inspected the historic stepwell located at the Veer Hanuman Temple in Indore during the day.

Extensive Security Measures

In view of the President’s movement, authorities have declared the airport area and nearby zones as temporary no-flying areas. Traffic restrictions and diversions have been enforced on several major routes from June 17 to June 19.

The district administration has also arranged dedicated parking facilities and special bus services for pilgrims visiting Omkareshwar during this period. Residents have been advised to follow traffic advisories and plan their journeys accordingly.

Traffic Diversions in Effect

To minimize congestion, heavy commercial vehicles have been diverted from key routes connecting Indore, Khandwa and Omkareshwar. Trucks and goods carriers are being rerouted through alternative highways passing via Mhow, Manpur, Dhamnod, Khargone, Bhikangaon, Kasrawad and Deshgaon.

Officials stated that these measures are temporary and have been introduced to facilitate the President’s travel schedule while maintaining public convenience and security.

President Murmu’s visit is being viewed as an important official engagement for Madhya Pradesh, combining religious outreach with participation in development and public welfare initiatives across the state.

President Droupadi Murmu concludes Himachal visit, departs for Delhi from Shimla

President Droupadi Murmu wrapped up her five-day Himachal Pradesh visit on Friday, departing for the national capital after attending a final engagement at ARTRAC.

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday concluded her five-day official retreat to Himachal Pradesh and flew back to Delhi from the Annadale helipad. Before her departure, the President visited the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) in Shimla to attend a scheduled military program, marking the final leg of her stay in the hill state.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh were among the high-profile dignitaries present at Annadale to see off the President. Despite overcast skies early in the morning, the weather cleared up by midday, allowing the presidential flight to take off around 12:00 PM.

ARTRAC visit precedes departure

On Friday morning, President Murmu traveled from the Presidential Retreat in Chharabra to the ARTRAC headquarters. During her visit, she interacted with senior military officers and was briefed on various training modules. The Governor and top Army officials accompanied her during the ceremony, which emphasized the strategic importance of the Shimla-based command in the Indian Army’s training ecosystem.

Weather disrupts planned tours

While the visit was scheduled to include several high-altitude stops, inclement weather played spoilsport over the last few days. The President’s proposed trips to the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang, Sissu in Lahaul, and the Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University in Palampur had to be called off. Officials confirmed that persistent clouds and poor visibility in the higher reaches made the aerial journey to these locations unfeasible.

Commuters face traffic snarls

The President's movement from Chharabra to Shimla city caused significant disruptions for local residents and tourists. Traffic was halted for nearly 45 minutes starting at 9:00 AM to ensure a clear passage for the VVIP convoy. Large queues of vehicles were seen at Sanjauli, Dhalli, and Navbahar.

Commuters traveling from Upper Shimla were held up at Chharabra, while those coming from Sunni and Karsog were stopped at the Mashobra bifurcation. Although the police worked to restore flow immediately after the convoy passed, the morning rush hour saw hundreds of office-goers and school buses stranded in long jams.

The tradition of 'The Retreat'

The President had been staying at 'The Retreat' in Chharabra, located about 13 kilometers from Shimla, since Monday. It is a long-standing tradition for the President of India to visit this colonial-era wooden building during the summer months to conduct official business from the hills. This year’s visit focused on academic and military engagements, though the local sight-seeing remained limited due to the Western Disturbance affecting the region.

Security and administrative arrangements

The Himachal Pradesh administration had deployed over 1,500 personnel to manage security and logistics during the five-day stay. With the President now back in Delhi, the heavy barricading at Sanjauli and Chharabra has been removed, and normal traffic movement has resumed across the capital's arterial roads.

In a groundbreaking moment for Indian defence, President Droupadi Murmu is set to make history as the first President to co-pilot the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter Prachand during the Indian Air Force's massive Vayu Shakti 2026 exercise at Pokhran Field Firing Range.

Arriving at Jaisalmer Air Force Station in full pilot uniform around 9:15 AM today, President Murmu was greeted by Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and senior officials. Dressed sharply in IAF gear, she posed for photos beside the sleek Prachand helicopter, met air warriors, and boarded the cockpit. Group Captain N.S. Bahua is piloting, with the President serving as co-pilot for a 25-minute sortie.

Live updates confirm: the chopper is ready for takeoff, conducting an aerial survey of the border areas and Pokhran firing range—including the iconic Shakti Sthal nuclear site.

Why This Matters Now

This isn't just a flight; it's a powerful symbol amid rising border tensions near Pakistan. Vayu Shakti 2026, the IAF's largest war games, showcases cutting-edge indigenous tech like the Prachand helicopter—designed for high-altitude combat. With India prioritizing 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in defence, President Murmu's hands-on role boosts morale and highlights women's leadership in the forces. She's even slated to address the nation via radio from the air.

President's Trailblazing Aviation Record

President Murmu isn't new to the skies. On October 29, 2025, she flew a Rafale jet with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh at Ambala, hitting 700 km/h at 15,000 feet—first President in two frontline fighters. Earlier, on April 8, 2023, she piloted a Sukhoi-30 MKI from Tezpur, scanning Himalayan ranges. Only the second woman President after Pratibha Patil to fly a Sukhoi, Murmu embodies operational readiness.

• Key highlights of today's sortie:
  
  

  • First-ever Presidential co-pilot role in Prachand helicopter.
    
    

  • Survey of Pokhran firing range and border zones.
    
    

  • Precursor to evening's Vayu Shakti 2026 firepower demo.
    
    

Experts like retired IAF Marshal A.S. Bhonsle call it "a morale booster for troops, proving civilian leadership's grasp on defence tech." For citizens, it underscores India's self-reliant edge—Prachand excels in rugged terrains like Ladakh.

As Vayu Shakti 2026 unfolds this evening, President Murmu's feat inspires a nation gearing up for security challenges. Stay tuned for live coverage.