Heavy Rainfall Alert For Gujarat; Schools Shut, Trains Affected, NDRF At Work

After CM Yogi Adityanath announced Rs 10 crore held for the flood-affected people in Tripura, CM Manik Saha tweeted, "On behalf of the people of Tripura, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you & the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh for your support during these challenging times. Though we've suffered significant losses in the floods, with your cooperation, we'll rebound stronger & faster than ever."

Indian Navy notes with deep concern the damage caused this morning to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that was unveiled on Navy Day on December 3, 2023, as a dedication to the citizens of Sindhudurg. Along with the State Government and concerned specialists, the Navy has deputed a team to immediately investigate the cause of this unfortunate accident and initiate steps to repair, restore and reinstate the statue at the earliest, the Indian Navy writes. 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the Shri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations at the famous Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur.

On security arrangements regarding Shri Krishan Janmashtami celebrations, Patna SSP Rajeev Mishra said, "The situation is orderly. When the crowd grew, the number of security forces was increased. All senior officers are present on the spot. The program is going on in a very orderly manner."
 

BJP leader Fayaz Ahmad Qari said, "Today is a very big day for us as Drass has been declared as a district by PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The people of Drass have always protected the country by becoming soldiers and we will continue to do so."
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a telephone call today from the President of the USA, Joe Biden. The PM conveyed his appreciation for President Biden’s deep commitment to the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which is based on shared values of democracy, rule of law and strong people-to-people ties, says government officials. 

On his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) president Sudesh Mahto said, "A discussion was done on the present political situation in Jharkhand and the situation in which the state government has brought the state. It has been decided that we will contest the elections together. It will be good if Champai Soren becomes a part of NDA."

Shri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations are underway at ISKCON Temple, in Dwarka.

On the statement of Congress leader and LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Nityanand Rai said, "Rahul Gandhi does not understand the Constitution at all. He does the politics of rumour and confusion. BJP understands the Constitution the most. If Rahul Gandhi understands BJP's respect for the Constitution, then it is a very good thing."

Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) national president and former Union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi.

A man suspected of being involved in illegal cow slaughter drowned in a pond near Uttarakhand's Roorkee after he jumped into it while trying to run away from the police, an official said. However, local villagers alleged that the man was beaten up and pushed into the pond by the police.

The trek route to Kedarnath was fully reopened on Monday for the movement of pilgrims, according to officials.

The route from Gaurikund to Kedarnath was closed for the last 26 days after it suffered extensive damage in the heavy rainfall that lashed various parts of Uttarakhand on the night of July 31.

The 19-kilometre route was damaged at 29 places with debris blocking the road or its large portions breached.

The route has been fully reopened now also for horses and mules which are used to ferry pilgrims to the Himalayan temple, Rudraprayag District Disaster Management officer Nandan Singh Rajwar said.

West Bengal Police said that Tuesday’s march to state secretariat Nabanna is “illegal”, since the organisers were not permitted to hold the rally to press for their demand for the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the wake the alleged rape and murder of a doctor.

A student outfit 'Paschim Banger Chhatra Samaj' and another organisation, 'Sangrami Joutha Mancha' have called for the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’.

After the ADG (Law and Order) Manoj Verma told a press conference earlier in the day that no permission was sought for the rally by any of the organisers, they sent emails informing the force about the programme. However, permission to hold the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ was not granted to them for several reasons, another senior officer said.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang met PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday and discussed various matters concerning the state.

Tamang invited Modi to Sikkim's 50th Statehood Day celebration on May 16, 2025, as the chief guest.

"During our meeting, I also conveyed my heartiest greetings and best wishes to the Hon'ble Prime Minister on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami. Our discussion had been profound and productive, covering various matters concerning our state," he said in a Facebook post.

"The upcoming Statehood Day holds particular significance as it marks the Golden Jubilee of Sikkim's merger with India, commemorating 50 years since Sikkim became the 22nd State of India in 1975. This milestone in our history symbolises the fulfillment of long-held aspirations, the opening of new avenues for our people, and Sikkim's integration into the democratic framework of our great nation," he added.

Union Minister and West Bengal BJP president Sukanata Majumdar meets the family members of the victim of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital rape-murder incident

Amid growing calls for justice for the RG Kar victim, at least six out of nearly 40,000 Durga Puja committees in West Bengal have so far rejected the Rs 85,000 honorarium offered by the Mamata Banerjee government, saying they cannot accept the assistance when women have taken to the streets demanding security.

Rina Das, president of Bhadrakali Bouthan Sangha in Hooghly, explained, "We have decided to boycott this grant this year to honour the sentiments of our members who are deeply upset over the brutal attack on the postgraduate trainee doctor at her workplace. We had received this grant for several years in the past." Prasenjit Bhattacharya from Uttarpara Shakti Sangha echoed similar sentiments, saying, "This is a symbolic protest. We will not accept the money until those involved in this heinous crime are apprehended and brought to justice." Other committees, including Lalgola Krishnapur Sanyasitala in Murshidabad and Bethuadahari Town Club in Nadia, have also notified local authorities of their decision to decline the grant.

Light rainfall was witnessed in parts of Himachal Pradesh and 41 roads are closed in the state due to ongoing downpours, officials said on Monday. According to the state emergency operation centre, 144 people have died in rain-related incidents since the onset of monsoon in the state on June 27 till date. The state has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 1,217 crore.

National Conference to fight on 51 seats, while Congress will contest on 32 seats in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls. 

 A woman and her two children were reported missing following a cloudburst in a remote area in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district on Monday, officials said.

Deputy Commissioner, Ramban Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary said the cloudburst occurred in Panchayats Kumate, Dhraman and Halla and rescue teams are on the spot as district administration is mobilizing all available resources to assist the affected people.

The officials said the cloudburst took place around 2.30 pm, causing flash floods in Tanger and Dadi streams.

 Shopkeepers downed shutters Monday after communal tension erupted in Rajasthan's Bhilwara city, a day after a chopped portion of a "cow's tail" was found near a temple, police said.

Police used lathis to disperse a crowd that hurled stones at them. Additional forces was summoned to prevent violence from flaring up.

Some people had reported to police Sunday that a portion of a cow’s tail was found near the temple.

Gujarat: The water level of the Sardar Sarovar Dam has increased due to continuous rains in the state. 

NDRF carries out relief and rescue operations as heavy rains cause flood-like situation in Valsad.

An official said a statue of Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a fort in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, collapsed on Monday. Following the incident, the opposition parties have slammed the state government, alleging it had paid little attention to the quality of work.

The official said a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj collapsed around 1 p.m. at Rajkot Fort in Malvan.

 Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday visited sites in Raigad district to review the pending work on the Mumbai-Goa Highway ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

The visit has come a week after Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam called BJP leader and Maharashtra PWD Minister Ravindra Chavan a “useless minister” over the poor state of the highway.

Talking to reporters, Shinde said, "We have used four types of advanced technology to repair potholes and damaged stretches of the highway. This will minimise inconvenience for people travelling to their villages in the coastal districts for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival." Officials of the NHAI, MSRDC, and PWD, among others, have conducted an in-depth study of the issues on this highway and devised effective solutions, he said.

Nine prison officials, including Chief Jail Superintendent V Seshumurthy and Jail Superintendent Mallikarjun Swamy were suspended on Monday for allegedly giving special treatment to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is currently in judicial custody in the Renukaswamy murder case.

The action came a day after an inquiry was conducted after a photo of the actor smoking with a coffee mug in hand in the Central Jail at Parappana Agrahara in the city emerged on social media on Sunday sparking a row.

The picture shows Darshan sitting leisurely on a lawn on the jail premises along with three others, including two alleged rowdy-sheeters.

Others who have been suspended are jailers Sharan Basappa Amingad and Prabhu S Khandelwal, assistant jailers L S Kuppeswamy, Srikanth Talwar, head warders Venkappa, Sampath Kumar and warder K Basappa, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara told reporters here on Monday.

Five people arrested in the firing incident at a cafe in the Satya Niketan area of ​​Delhi DCP South West Rohit Meena says, "DCP South West Rohit Meena says, "Last night around 8 pm, we got a call that a group of men came to a cafe in Satya Niketan and fired shots. Constable Ravinder nabbed an accused from the spot after chasing him. It was found that these men had come here from Jahangirpuri for a birthday celebration and there was a fight with the cafe staff over seating. After a scuffle with cafe staff, a man amongst them fired shots outside the cafe. Javed, who is the main accused, his father is also a criminal. No person was injured in this incident."

BJP disavows Kangana Ranaut’s comments on farmer protests 

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi says, “Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi must visit an ENT.” 

Owaisi says Yogi's 'batenge toh katenge' shows his insecurity

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday slammed UP CM Yogi Adityanath on his “Katenge to batenge” call for Hindu unity. “Kam sun rha hai, kam dikh rha hai,” says Owaisi. 

Severe waterlogging witnessed in Gandhinagar amid heavy rainfall in the region.

PM Modi to lead BJP’s campaign in J&K 

Telangana Crime Investigation Department (CID) registers cases against 17 private hospitals in the state for allegedly trying to siphon off funds from the Chief Minister Relief Fund (CMRF) by submitting fake documents. According to the FIR, some hospitals colluded with certain individuals to siphon off state government funds meant for the Chief Minister Relief Fund (CMRF).

As BJP releases candidates list for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Elections, Jitan Ram Manjhi has said, “To win the elections in Kashmir, Congress party can also form an alliance with Pakistan and Hizbul.”

Ministry of WCD writes to Mamata Banerjee - in response to her letter to the PM on need for stringent laws to fight rape - minister says present laws are stringent enough.

J&K BJP President Ravinder Raina says, “All the party workers of BJP who have gathered here I respect them. Every party worker of BJPO is important to us. I will meet each and everyone, I am meeting the senior leaders of the party and having a conversation with them…”

Supporters of BJP leaders who did not get a ticket to contest in J&K Assembly elections reach BJP Office in Jammu, demanding a ticket for their candidate.

BJP has announced the second list for the J&K Polls with one candidate; 16 candidates have been announced so far.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel holds a meeting with the officers at the State Emergency Operation Center regarding the situations arising due to the heavy rainfall in the state.

New Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Manas Banerjee reached CGO Complex, CBI Office in Kolkata for questioning.

2 more suspended in darshan VVIP treatment case

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says, “Nothing can be above the nation. And the nation will be empowered only when we are united.. 'Batenge to Katenge, Ek Rahenge to Nek Rahenge'.”

BJP candidate from Pampore Assembly constituency, Er Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi says, "I am thankful to the party for showing their confidence in me… People know about me and the work I have done so far. I am sure people will make a good decision."

Five people have been arrested in the firing incident at a cafe restaurant in the Satya Niketan area of ​​Delhi. Ahmed (26), Aurangzeb (26), Atul (20), Javed (23) who was previously involved in 6 cases, and Adil (19) have been arrested by the police.

During the police briefing, Kolkata Police has quoted a Supreme Court order on crackdown on protestors and said, “The Supreme Court has allowed the police to take measures on illegal events, this is our legal responsibility.”

The water level in Gandhinagar's Sant Sarovar Dam is continuously increasing due to heavy rain in the region.

As per CBI, Ghosh's layered voice test that is also part of the polygraph test was conducted yesterday; the former principal of RG Kar will be undergoing polygraph test today.

Accused in Badlapur alleged sexual assault incident sent to judicial custody for 14 days by Kalyan Court

Assam Chief Minister and BJP Jharkhand in-charge Himanta Biswa Sarma says, “I want Champai Soren to join BJP and give us strength but he is a big leader, I don't think it is right to comment on him...”

BJP releases amended list of 15 candidates for upcoming J&K Assembly elections.

Sandip Ghosh has been called in for the polygraph test as it was not completed last Saturday.

Reacting to the constitution of five new districts in Ladakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Creation of five new districts in Ladakh is a step towards better governance and prosperity. Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang will now receive more focused attention, bringing services and opportunities even closer to the people. Congratulations to the people there.”

Reacting to Darshan's VVIP treatment in jail, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has issued a statement; it reads, “The government has taken the case of providing royal hospitality to actor Darshan and others in Parappana Agrahara Jail seriously and I have suggested that the guilty officials should be suspended immediately. I have instructed the State Director General of Police to immediately transfer Darshan and others to different jails and to visit the jail and give a full report on the case.”

Former medical superintendent and vice-principal, Sanjay Vashisth arrives at CBI office, in connection with ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities at the state-run hospital.

BJP withdraws first list of 44 candidates released for upcoming J&K Assembly Elections.

CBI sleuths on Monday started grilling former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital (RGKMCH) Sandip Ghosh and ex-medical superintendent and vice principal Sanjay Vashisth in connection with their ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities in the institute, an officer of the agency said.

Ghosh, whose Beliaghata residence was searched by CBI officers on Sunday, appeared at the central agency's office in Salt Lake on Monday morning with files and documents, he added.

Former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren Reaches Delhi on Monday morning

AAP on Monday demanded Lt Governor VK Saxena's resignation for allegedly approving the felling of 1,100 trees in Delhi's Ridge area.

There was no immediate reaction from the Lt Governor's Office.

Addressing a press conference, Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said the affidavit filed by the contractor involved in the project showed that the permission to fell the trees was issued by the lieutenant governor.

Seven police officials of the Parappana Agrahara Central jail were suspended after a purported photograph of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is currently in judicial custody in the Renukaswamy murder case, hanging out with three others went viral. The suspension of the officials was confirmed by Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar.

The suspended officials include Jailers Sharanappa and Prabhu, Assistant jailers Tippeswamy and Shrikanth, Head wardens Venkatapathy Korti and Sampath Kumar and Warden Basappa Geli.

Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty climbed in early trade on Monday following a rally in the US peers and foreign fund inflows.

Markets began the trade on an optimistic note following the US Fed Chair Jerome Powell's recent speech at the Jackson Hole meeting, where he said that time has come for loosening of policy, indicating possible rate cuts in September.

The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 312.33 points to 81,398.54 in early trade. The NSE Nifty rallied 94.15 points to 24,917.30.

Among the 30 Sensex firms, Tech Mahindra, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors, Power Grid, HDFC Bank and Bajaj Finance were the biggest gainers.

ITC, Sun Pharma, UltraTech Cement and Adani Ports were among the laggards.

India’s first civilian space tourist Gopichand Thotakura says, “The feeling has been awaited for a long time. I am very happy to be back home. It is a very proud moment for India as well. I am honoured to be representing the country...”. He travelled to space as part of the crew for Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' space company Blue Origin's New Shephard-25 (NS-25) mission.

At least two people were seriously injured after a drone crashed into the 38-story residential complex "Volga Sky", the tallest building in the city of Saratov, Russia on Monday, August 26.

Due to the heavy rains causing flood-like conditions in some areas of Gujarat, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the Chief Minister and Home Minister of Gujarat and assured them of any assistance needed from the central government.

The Indian Coast Guard conducted an unprecedented swift night operation, rescuing 11 precious lives in a coordinated sea-air Search and Rescue (SAR) operation. MV ITT PUMA reportedly sank 90 nautical miles (nm) south of Sagar Island, while on passage from Kolkata to Port Blair. Indian Coast Guard ships Sarang and Amogh, along with a CG Dornier aircraft, undertook this operation in extremely inclement sea conditions: Indian Coast Guard.

On Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his Janmashtami greetings to all devotees of Lord Krishna and the residents of the state.

In a post on X, Adityanath wrote, “Hail Kanhaiya Lal! Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the devotees and residents of Uttar Pradesh on the auspicious birth anniversary of Kripasindhu, Shri Banke Bihari ji—'Shri Krishna Janmashtami'!”

“Iran reaction to Israeli terrorist attack in Tehran is definitive, and will be measured & well calculated,” Araghchi wrote on the social platform X. “We do not fear escalation, yet do not seek it — unlike Israel.” Tajani said in a statement he “called for restraint and to pursue a constructive approach, in order to stop the cycle of military actions in the region, which only risks bringing more suffering.” “It is important that Iran exercises moderation towards Hezbollah in order to avert an escalation on the Lebanese-Israeli border, where Italian soldiers of the UNIFIL contingent are operating, and towards the Houthis in order to avoid an increase in tensions in the Red Sea area, where Italy plays a leading role in the (European Union's) Aspides mission,” he said in the statement.

The Delhi government will soon issue new directives to address the parking issues in the national capital, focusing on accommodating user needs, including those of pedestrians and emergency vehicles, officials said.

Delhi Lt Governor V.K. Saxena recently convened a meeting with the transport and other relevant departments to discuss ways to alleviate congestion in the city.

The directives will involve finalizing area-specific parking plans (APPs) and ensuring that future parking strategies prioritize the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, individuals with disabilities, emergency vehicles, public transit, and parking requirements for schools and other public institutions.

High-level talks in Cairo aimed at securing a cease-fire and hostage deal to temporarily end the 10-month Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza concluded on Sunday without a final agreement, a US official reported. However, discussions will continue at lower levels in the coming days to address the remaining issues.

The official, who spoke anonymously, mentioned that "working teams" will stay in Cairo to work with mediators from the US, Qatar, and Egypt to resolve the outstanding disagreements. The recent talks, which started Thursday and continued through Sunday, were described as "constructive," with all parties striving to reach a "final and implementable agreement." The discussions included CIA Director William Burns and David Barnea, head of Israel's Mossad. Although a Hamas delegation was briefed by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, they did not participate directly in the negotiations.

This development follows intense exchanges between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah early Sunday. Despite heavy fire, both sides refrained from escalating into a broader conflict, with each claiming to have acted defensively. Hezbollah asserted it struck an Israeli military intelligence site near Tel Aviv with a barrage of rockets and drones, while Israel reported preemptive strikes to prevent a larger attack. Neither side provided evidence to support their claims.

Congress MP Vasant Chavan passed away on Monday at a private hospital in Hyderabad after a prolonged illness, according to party sources.

Chavan, 69, died at the hospital around 4 am. He had been receiving treatment for renal issues since last week.

Despite his health challenges and significant defections, including former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan joining the BJP before the elections, the veteran Congress leader had secured the Nanded Lok Sabha seat earlier this year.

The BJP is expected to announce its candidates for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections soon. On Sunday, the party’s Central Election Committee (CEC) met to finalize candidates for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President J.P. Nadda, and Home Minister Amit Shah, along with other CEC members, discussed the candidate list with party leaders from Jammu and Kashmir.

Women in Siliguri's Fuleswari held a 'Mashal March' demanding justice in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case

Officials have reported that water levels have surpassed the danger mark in 66 of the state’s 206 reservoirs.

On Sunday evening, the BJP's Central Election Committee (CEC) convened to finalize the party's candidates for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President J.P. Nadda, along with other CEC members such as Home Minister Amit Shah, participated in the discussions with party leaders from the Union Territory.

According to sources, the leaders deliberated on candidates for more than 50 seats in the UT.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported on Monday that a depression over northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjacent east Rajasthan has intensified into a deep depression. The IMD has issued a warning for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across parts of these states, as well as Gujarat, Goa, and Maharashtra over the next two to three days.

As of 11:30 pm on August 25, the deep depression was located approximately 70 km south-southeast of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. The system is projected to move west-southwest, impacting South Rajasthan and Gujarat, and reaching Saurashtra, Kutch, and parts of Pakistan by August 29, according to an update from the IMD issued at 2 am.

On Sunday, the Maharashtra cabinet approved the implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for state government employees, following the Union government's announcement a day earlier.

On Saturday, the Narendra Modi-led central government introduced the UPS for central government employees who started service after January 1, 2004. Under this scheme, employees covered by the National Pension Scheme can opt for UPS, which guarantees a pension amounting to 50% of the average basic pay received in the last 12 months before retirement. The scheme requires a minimum of 25 years of qualifying service.