Sunday, December 28, 2025

Delhi swelters under scorching heat, IMD issues orange alert

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

Delhi continues to reel under an intense heatwave as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the national capital on Wednesday.

With temperatures already touching 36 degrees Celsius at India Gate by 9.30 a.m., the day is expected to bring even more discomfort to residents as the mercury is projected to climb further.

The IMD has warned that daytime temperatures in Delhi could reach as high as 45 degrees Celsius, with night-time lows hovering around 29 degrees Celsius, providing little relief even after sunset. The ongoing weather conditions are part of a prolonged heatwave affecting large parts of northwestern India.

“Very hot weather conditions are likely to persist over Delhi till at least June 12, ” the IMD said in its latest bulletin.

The extreme temperatures, combined with high humidity levels in certain areas, have pushed the ‘feels-like’ temperature to around 50 degrees Celsius, making the situation even more challenging for people across the capital.

Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi recorded its highest maximum temperature of the season at 43.8 degrees Celsius, which is 3.6 degrees above the seasonal average, as per IMD data.

The high temperature and oppressive heat led the IMD to extend its orange alert into Wednesday, urging people to take all necessary precautions, including staying hydrated, avoiding direct exposure to the sun during peak hours, and minimising outdoor activities.

The heatwave warning also covers much of northwest India, with the IMD predicting similar conditions to prevail for the next four to five days.

Authorities are advising residents, particularly the elderly, children, and those with health conditions, to remain indoors as much as possible and to watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Meteorologists suggest a gradual abatement of the heatwave after June 12, but until then, the capital remains firmly under the grip of extreme summer heat.

NCP—is a reunion on the cards, buzz grows

By
Vibha Sharma
-

Recent political developments have once again revived the buzz around the possibility of two rival factions of Maharashtra’s Nationalist Congress Party coming together to consolidate the party’s political fortunes and clout  

NCP (Sharad chandra Pawar) working president Supriya Sule on Tuesday avoided a direct response on the issue at celebrations to mark the 26th foundation day of the party saying that she was busy with other responsibilities and had no time to discuss party affairs.

On whether she was remembering “dada” (rival NCP chief and Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar) and would call him to wish on the party’s foundation day, the Baramati MP said she has six brothers and she remembers them every day.  

Founded by Sharad Pawar, the NCP split in July 2023 after nephew Ajit Pawar jumped ship to join Maharashtra’s NDA government comprising Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and BJP. He also managed to walk away with the party name and clock symbol. The faction headed by Sharad Parar is now called NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).

The buzz about growing “closeness” between the NCP patriarch and his estranged nephew, who is a part of the BJP-led NDA in Maharashtra, intensified after Sule’s inclusion in multi-party delegations sent to foreign countries to convey India’s stand following Operation Sindoor.

Supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sharad Pawar and Sule also stayed away from opposition’s demand for a Special Session of Parliament on Operation Sindoor.

Sharad Pawar had earlier said the Special Session of Parliament may not be appropriate. “I am not against calling a Special Session of Parliament… but this is a sensitive and serious issue and discussing such a serious issue is not possible in Parliament… In such a situation, it is necessary to keep the information confidential for national interest,” he said. 

Sule said the Congress approached her to join the demand but she refused saying that it was a time to be united and not play “petty politics”.

 Mounting pressure on the Modi government, leaders of 16 opposition parties last week demanded a special session of Parliament on Operation Sindoor.

Travel agents to visit Kashmir in push to revive tourism post-Pahalgam attack

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

Srinagar: Top travel agents from across India will gather in Srinagar and Pahalgam this weekend. The four-day visit, from June 13 to 16, is being organised by the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), which represents over 1,600 members nationwide.

The visit comes nearly two months after the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 dead, including tourists and a local pony operator. The attack triggered widespread cancellations, dealing a severe blow to what was once a booming post-Covid tourism season in Kashmir.

Before the attack, Srinagar hotels and flights were witnessing record demand. But the violence led to a near-total collapse in bookings. As a result, tariffs have plummeted in most hotels.

Meanwhile, the Jammu & Kashmir administration is prioritising security arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra, hoping the peaceful conduct of the pilgrimage will restore tourist confidence. The yatra, which begins July 3 and ends August 9, will be shorter this year — 38 days compared to 52 last year. Over 580 companies from central paramilitary forces and J&K Police will be deployed along the routes to ensure safety.

All eyes on AX 4, the mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to ISS

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

All eyes are on the launch of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax 4) carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS)

Originally scheduled for June 10,  the mission was postponed to June 11 due to weather conditions. Indian space agency ISRO said the mission’s backup date was already set as June 11 by Axiom Space.

“Due to weather conditions, the Axiom-4 Mission launching Indian astronaut to the ISS is rescheduled from June 10 to June 11 with a targeted launch time of 5.30 pm IST.” ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan said on Monday 

Group Capt Shukla is India’s second astronaut to venture into space.  Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to fly to space

Serving as mission pilot, Shukla will be joined on AX 4 by commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu.

Ax‑4 is a planned private spaceflight to the ISS operated by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX and NASA. The flight is scheduled to lift off from the Kennedy Space Center.

Hot days, cool moves for animals at Wildlife SOS centres

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

As summer temperatures climb across northern India, Wildlife SOS has reactivated its seasonal heat management protocols to ensure optimal care for the rescued sloth bears and elephants at its Agra and Mathura centres. With animals particularly vulnerable during extreme weather, the summer-care management focuses on hydration, environmental enrichment, and thermal relief.

At the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF), the quantity of hydrating seasonal fruits like watermelon and cucumbers offered to the bears has increased. Cooling enrichments such as ice popsicles and frozen fruit blocks have been introduced, offering both nutrition and sensory engagement. The enclosures are fitted with coolers and overhead sprinklers, while dedicated water pools offer much-needed relief during peak heat hours. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is also being administered to prevent dehydration in bears showing signs of heat stress.

Meanwhile, at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) and Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC) in Mathura, new adaptations include rescheduling walks to cooler parts of the day–early mornings and late evenings–allowing the elephants to remain active while avoiding midday heat. Sprinklers, regular pool maintenance, and additional ORS intake are keeping the elephants hydrated and comfortable. Clean drinking areas are maintained multiple times a day, while shade structures and mud wallows help regulate body temperature naturally.

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, mentioned, “India’s summers are becoming increasingly intense, and animals under our care feel it as much as humans do. Our teams anticipate these challenges every year, ensuring each bear and elephant has what they need to remain healthy, hydrated and happy.”

Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder & Secretary of Wildlife SOS, expressed, “Our summer protocols go beyond physical relief; they are designed to support the emotional and behavioural well-being of the animals too. Whether it’s a bear enjoying a frozen treat or an elephant enjoying a relaxing shower, every measure reflects years of specialised care.”

Dr. Ilayaraja S, Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, Wildlife SOS, added, “ORS supplementation, tailored diets, and habitat cooling are some of the veterinary-led interventions that we have introduced. Continuous observation allows us to respond quickly to any early signs of heat stress or fatigue.”

Bengaluru Stampede: Congress top brass to meet Siddaramaiah

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to be in Delhi today for a meeting with the Congress high command. 

Apparently, he has been summoned to brief the top brass regarding various developments in the state, including the June- 4 stampede that killed 11 persons and injured many.

Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar is already in Delhi  

Siddaramaiah has earlier denied reports that the Congress high command had sought information from him regarding the stampede.

However,  reports from Karnataka suggest that both he and Shivakumar were asked to prepare a detailed report about the administration’s response to the stampede. Demanding political accountability on the stampy , the BJP-led has also been pushing for a special legislative session.

Eleven persons died in the stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium where a large crowd had gathered to participate in the RCB team’s IPL victory celebrations.

Monsoon hits pause, Northwest reels under heat 

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

Heat Wave conditions to prevail over Northwest during next 4-5 days, says IMD

After arriving early over the Kerala coast (its earliest onset in 16 years) the Southwest Monsoon has hit a pause, holding its position. 

The Northern Limit of Monsoon continues to pass through 17.0°N/55°E, 17.5°N/60°E, 18°N/65°E, 18.5°N/70°E,

Mumbai, Ahilyanagar, Adilabad, Bhawanipatna, Puri, Sandhead Island, 23.5°N/89.5°E, Balurghat, 30°N/85°E, according to the IMD

The weather office says that the seasonal rains will remain active over the South Peninsula with heavy to very heavy rainfall, and also some extremely heavy falls, over Karnataka and Konkan & Goa between till June 15. 

However, heat wave conditions will prevail over Northwest—Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Western Uttar Pradesh—during the next four to five days.

Meanwhile, rains are expected to pick up steam around mid-June.

This year monsoon made an early onset over Kerala on May 24, marking its earliest arrival since 2009 and eight days ahead of the June 1 onset date.

It reached Mizoram on the same day as Kerala, 12 days ahead of its normal schedule.

Normally southwest monsoon advances over most parts of NE by June 5.

The rains generally arrive over Delhi by June 27, spread across the entire country by early July and begin retreating from the northwest around mid-September.

Monsoon rains form a substantial part of India’s annual rainfall, thereby making it critical for India’s overall economy by replenishing reservoirs, groundwater, and two-third of India’s agricultural tracks.

Praveen Khandelwal directs officials to remove encroachment in Chandni Chowk

By
Priyanka Tanwer
-

Member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal on Monday directed police officials and civic officials to immediately remove the encroachments on the roads and pavements during ground inspection in Chandni Chowk.

In order to restore the historic grandeur of the constituency, he directed officials to ensure repair and resurfacing of damaged roads and footpaths along with daily cleaning and maintenance of public utilities and marketplaces.

During the inspection, he noticed that roads across the area have been encroached and the area needs improvement in civic amenities and infrastructure.

A major focus of the inspection was the widespread pavement and road encroachments by shopkeepers, particularly near  Fatehpuri Masjid Chowk & Sheeshganj Gurdwara, where sidewalks have been covered with sheds and fitted with air conditioners and coolers, making pedestrian movement nearly impossible.

“Chandni Chowk today suffers from chaos due to the presence of multiple agencies with zero coordination. This lack of communication has turned one of India’s most iconic commercial zones into a state of neglect. There is an urgent need to bring synergy and purpose,” he said.

To symbolize a fresh start, Khandelwal proposed renaming the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation to the Indraprastha Redevelopment Authority, aligning the area’s identity with its timeless heritage and forward-looking vision.

Meanwhile, BSES was instructed to remove overhead clutter, including unnecessary wires and cables from telecom and internet service providers.

Khandelwal announced that a comprehensive meeting with traffic police officials will be convened shortly to address the chronic traffic congestion and to finalize a long-term transportation and redevelopment plan for Chandni Chowk.

“This is not just about aesthetics. A clean, functional Chandni Chowk is important for commerce, tourism, and the dignity of our heritage. I am committed to leading from the front,” he added. 

Delhi rape case: Nine-year-old’s murder sparks blame game

By
Priyanka Tanwer
-

Soon after the national capital witnessed a horrific rape and murder of a nine-year old girl which sent a shockwave across the city, the political parties have started blaming each other for the crime.

Slamming the government for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said that the capital has turned into a grim symbol of failed governance and unfulfilled promise.

Taking to the micro blogging site X, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal said that BJP has ruined the law and order situation in Delhi.

“Our daughters are not safe even in BJP’s four-engine government. Home Minister Amit Shah Ji and his four-engine government will have to answer. Delhi’s daughters want answers as well as justice,” he said.

Meanwhile, party leader Atishi wrote letter to Amit Shah saying that the national capital, which is the nation’s pride and falls under your direct supervision, has once again been shamed.

Reacting to this, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said that AAP is politicized the tragic murder of the innocent child.

He said that undoubtedly, such heinous crimes against innocent victims are deplorable and must never happen. However, to reduce these incidents to mere law and order issues is political cunningness because those who commit such crimes not only have criminal tendencies but also suffer from a perverse mentality.

Further launching a counter attack, he asked Atishi why their governments have not launched even a single awareness campaign in the past 11 years to prevent crimes against women as every year one or two such horrifying crimes against girls or women are reported.

“Under their government, the heads of the Delhi Commission for Women or the Child Rights Commission have been known to comment on issues from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Yet, not once did they launch any concrete campaign to change the criminal mindset of a distorted section of society towards girls and women,” he said.

Further, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Devender Yadav said that the incident has yet again exposed the ‘jungle raj’ prevailing in the Capital after the BJP came to power, as it was bothered only about the safety and security of its leaders and ministers, and not about the common people.

Demanding a strict action against those responsible for this heinous crime he said, “though sharp rise in crimes has put the life of the people in peril after BJP came to power in Delhi, the BJP Government gave priority to upgrade the security of the Delhi BJP president which it felt was more important than the life of a nine-year-old girl. He said that after BJP came to power, the Delhi Police was quick to enhance the security of Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva to Z-plus category, though common people have been bearing the brunt of rising crimes in the city.”

He said that like Kejriwal, the BJP leaders are also  enjoying the perks and privileges of power to the hilt at the cost of the common people who elected them to power, hoping for good governance, what they got in return was lawlessness, insecurity and threats to the life of innocent people.

PM Modi reshaped Indian politics, confronted every challenge head-on: Nadda

By
Vibha Sharma
-

“Past 11 years laid a strong foundation for truly developed, self-reliant India”: BJP president

Photo: Naveen Bansal

Recounting India’s achievements under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president JP Nadda today called his government a “truly responsible and responsive” one. 

PM Modi reshaped Indian politics and confronted every challenge head-on. The past 11 years laid a strong foundation for a truly developed and self-reliant India, people’s participation significantly increased under his government because of the strong trust in leadership, the BJP president said addressing a press conference on the completion of 11 years of the Narendra Modi Government.

Photo: Naveen Bansal

“When the Uri attack happened, for the first time, the PM openly declared that the sacrifice of our soldiers would not go in vain and soon after, surgical strikes were carried out across the border.

“Following the Pulwama attack, PM Modi again sent a clear message to the enemies of the nation—that they had made a grave mistake. 

“In Bihar too, he boldly declared that terrorists would be punished beyond their imagination and through Operation Sindoor, that promise was fulfilled,” the BJP president said

Nadda said it was difficult to present a complete account of 11 years under PM Modi in a single press conference as his government had consistently taken many bold and historic decisions like demonetisation, abrogation of Article 370, abolishment of triple talaq and launching Operation Sindoor in the national interest. 

“To name a few, we abrogated Article 370 and abolished Triple Talaq. We enacted a new Waqf Act and passed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). We also ensured 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies. 

“Under the leadership of PM Modi, we have worked on the core principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas. It should be written in golden letters that under the leadership of PM Modi over the past 11 years, a remarkable transformation has taken place,” he added

PM Modi reshaped the Indian political culture, Nadda said, taking on Congress and the governments led by it. “In past, politics was often driven by appeasement strategies aimed at preserving power. However, under PM Modi, the focus has shifted to the politics of performance, accountability, and responsible governance. This has now become the new normal.

“Before 2014, the previous government was full of corruption and a prevailing sense of negativity, but after 2014, under the leadership of PM Modi, that sentiment changed. Now people proudly say, “Modi hai to mumkin hai’”, he said

Nadda said that PM Modi brought transparency and built a forward-looking, futuristic administration”.

“That is why we talk about Viksit Bharat. This is the Amrit Kaal. The past 11 years have laid a strong foundation for a truly developed and self-reliant India. he added. 

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