The newest offering from the Toyota-Suzuki collaboration, the Invicto, has been launched in the Indian market. It will go on sale through the premium Nexa showrooms and is the most expensive product offering from Maruti Suzuki to date. The Maruti Suzuki Invicto is the rebadged version of the Toyota Innova HyCross. Hence, it gets the same platform, powertrain, design, and features, except for a new front grille, alloy wheels and Suzuki's badging. Right now, the Maruti Suzuki Invicto doesn't have a direct rival in the Indian market, apart from its own cousin - the Toyota Innova Hycross. However, it can be compared to similarly priced three-row SUVs like the Mahindra XUV700, Scorpio N, Hyundai Alcazar and Tata Safari.

Innova-based Maruti Suzuki Invicto launched in India

Eminent Saudi scholar and the Secretary General of the influential Muslim World League Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa is paying a visit to India this week. Al-Issa is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi today and is set to chair a meeting with the country's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

Head of Muslim World League visits India

During his two-day visit, he is expected to carry forward the talks on a free trade deal with the UK in a statement from India's Commerce Ministry.

Indian minister Piyush Goyal to visit United Kingdom

Washington is looking at establishing naval logistics hubs in India. These logistics centres will resupply and maintain naval ships and aircraft in the South Asia region and further strengthen US-India deep water ties.

Washington plans naval logistics hubs in India

The roadways of Delhi, the national capital of India, look as like they have been submerged in rivers due to the exceptionally high rains that were reported there along with other regions of the country. The rains were caused by the monsoon season. Heavy rains generated major traffic jams, which compelled individuals to have to crawl through the streets in order to get where they were going.

New Delhi: People, cars wade through flooded streets | India

It was yet another day of chaos in the northern regions of India as the monsoon fury raged on. 40-year-old rainfall records have been broken, and with the rain havoc come a series of localised disasters arising from a combination of infrastructural damage and Mother Nature's wrath. The northern states of Himachal Pradesh are currently bearing the brunt of it all.

India Monsoon 2023: Red alert in 5 North Indian states

The top US official for human rights issues is currently in India before travelling to Bangladesh. The Indian American diplomat who has now arrived in New Delhi after the Indian prime minister's US visit will likely focus on advanced shared solutions to global challenges. The US under secretary for civilian security, democracy, and human rights there met the Dalai Lama in New Delhi.

US special coordinator for Tibetan issues meets Dalai Lama

<p>Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra is set to travel to Sri Lanka in the coming week to make arrangements for President Ranil Wickremesinghe's visit to New Delhi on July 20, as reported by the Daily Mirror.</p>

<p>This visit will mark President Wickremesinghe's first official trip to India since assuming office last year. Notable individuals accompanying the president on the visit include Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry, and Chief of President's Staff Sagala Ratnayake.</p>

<p>During the visit, President Wickremesinghe is expected to engage in bilateral discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka's political situation remains uncertain, as President Wickremesinghe has yet to call for a general election and honour the mandate given to Gotabaya Rajapaksa until November 2024. Meanwhile, the country's economic situation likely needs some more time for improvement, especially with the upcoming release of the second tranche of a USD 2.9 billion loan package from the IMF at the end of this year, reported the Hindustan Times.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Net debtor status and external liabilities</strong></h2>

<p>Sri Lanka continues to be a net debtor country with substantial external liabilities and depleted external assets.</p>

<p>According to an IMF report, the country's net external liabilities significantly increased from an average of 51 per cent of GDP during 2017-2018 to 74 per cent of GDP in the third quarter of 2022.</p>

<p>This rise was mainly due to a surge in gross external liabilities, which increased from 64 to 86 per cent of GDP, driven by high government borrowing and significant depreciation of the rupee, particularly in 2022.</p>

<p>Gross external assets declined from 15 per cent of GDP in 2019 to 11.7 per cent of GDP in 2022.</p>

<p>Foreign Direct Investment accounted for approximately 25 per cent of the external liabilities, while other investments such as debt portfolios and bank loans accounted for about 60 per cent.</p>

<p>The government holds the majority share of the total external debt liabilities, making up 70 per cent.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chasing-growth-sri-lanka-unleashes-second-round-of-interest-rate-cuts-612536/amp">Chasing Growth: Sri Lanka unleashes second round of interest rate cuts</a></p>

<h2><strong>Debt owed to India, Japan, and China</strong></h2>

<p>During the political and economic crisis last year, India provided emergency aid to Sri Lanka, with a remaining outstanding balance of around USD 3 billion.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Netherlands set to return treasures looted from Sri Lanka &amp; Indonesia</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/netherlands-set-to-return-treasures-looted-from-sri-lanka-indonesia-613172/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Additionally, Sri Lanka owes significant amounts to Japan and China, particularly due to loans for infrastructure projects associated with the Rajapaksa administration, reported the Hindustan Times.</p>

<p>The terms of the agreements were changed in 2017 by Ranil Wickremesinghe, leading to the leasing of the Hambantota deep seaport to China for a duration of 99 years.</p>

<p>Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe is scheduled to travel to China in October to attend the Belt and Road Initiative and meet with President Xi Jinping.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra is set to travel to Sri Lanka in the coming week to make arrangements for President Ranil Wickremesinghe's visit to New Delhi on July 20, as reported by the Daily Mirror.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra is set to travel to Sri Lanka in the coming week to make arrangements for President Ranil Wickremesinghe's visit to New Delhi on July 20, as reported by the Daily Mirror. This visit will mark President Wickremesinghe's first official trip to India since assuming office last year. Notable individuals accompanying the president on the visit include Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry, and Chief of President's Staff Sagala Ratnayake. During the visit, President Wickremesinghe is expected to engage in bilateral discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sri Lanka's political situation remains uncertain, as President Wickremesinghe has yet to call for a general election and honour the mandate given to Gotabaya Rajapaksa until November 2024. Meanwhile, the country's economic situation likely needs some more time for improvement, especially with the upcoming release of the second tranche of a USD 2.9 billion loan package from the IMF at the end of this year, reported the Hindustan Times. Net debtor status and external liabilities Sri Lanka continues to be a net debtor country with substantial external liabilities and depleted external assets. According to an IMF report, the country's net external liabilities significantly increased from an average of 51 per cent of GDP during 2017-2018 to 74 per cent of GDP in the third quarter of 2022. This rise was mainly due to a surge in gross external liabilities, which increased from 64 to 86 per cent of GDP, driven by high government borrowing and significant depreciation of the rupee, particularly in 2022. Gross external assets declined from 15 per cent of GDP in 2019 to 11.7 per cent of GDP in 2022. Foreign Direct Investment accounted for approximately 25 per cent of the external liabilities, while other investments such as debt portfolios and bank loans accounted for about 60 per cent. The government holds the majority share of the total external debt liabilities, making up 70 per cent. Also read | Chasing Growth: Sri Lanka unleashes second round of interest rate cuts Debt owed to India, Japan, and China During the political and economic crisis last year, India provided emergency aid to Sri Lanka, with a remaining outstanding balance of around USD 3 billion. Also watch | Netherlands set to return treasures looted from Sri Lanka & Indonesia Additionally, Sri Lanka owes significant amounts to Japan and China, particularly due to loans for infrastructure projects associated with the Rajapaksa administration, reported the Hindustan Times. The terms of the agreements were changed in 2017 by Ranil Wickremesinghe, leading to the leasing of the Hambantota deep seaport to China for a duration of 99 years. Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe is scheduled to travel to China in October to attend the Belt and Road Initiative and meet with President Xi Jinping. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian foreign secretary to visit Sri Lanka soon ahead of President Ranil Wickremesinghe's New Delhi trip

The court rejects PepsiCo's appeal for a patent on potato seeds known as fc5, a variety used for making chips. The dispute between Indian farmers and PepsiCo began in 2019 when PepsiCo sued some farmers for growing the fc5 variety.

Court rejects Pepsico's appeal for patent on potato seeds

<p>Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Sunday that schools in Delhi will remain closed on Monday, July 10. The decision was prompted by the continuous heavy rainfall that the national capital has been experiencing since Saturday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that Delhi recorded 153 mm of rain within a 24-hour period, marking the highest rainfall in a single day in July since 1982.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Water logging in Delhi's Shanti Path due to heavy rains <a href="https://t.co/anRCcfAeL7">pic.twitter.com/anRCcfAeL7</a></p>
— SANJAY ARYA (@_SANJAYARYA) <a href="https://twitter.com/_SANJAYARYA/status/1677999886829256704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The heavy rainfall is a result of the interaction between a western disturbance and monsoonal winds, leading to an intense rainfall spell over northwest India, including Delhi. Saturday witnessed the season's first instance of "very heavy" rainfall, reported the Mint.</p>

<p>Taking into consideration the torrential rains over the past two days and the warnings issued by the meteorological department, Chief Minister Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi, stating that all schools will remain closed on Monday.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">दिल्ली में पिछले 2 दिनों से हो रही मूसलाधार बरसात और मौसम विभाग की चेतावनियों को ध्यान में रखते हुए कल दिल्ली के सभी स्कूलों को एक दिन के लिए बंद किया जा रहा है।</p>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1678012613626671104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Safdarjung observatory, which serves as Delhi's primary weather station, recorded the aforementioned 153 mm of rain within the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Sunday. An IMD official confirmed that this is the highest rainfall recorded since the 169.9 mm within 24 hours on July 25, 1982.</p>

<p>The IMD had previously forecasted high-intensity rain for 2-3 days in Delhi. As a result of the downpour, arterial roads, parks, underpasses, markets, schools, and hospitals faced severe inundation, causing havoc throughout the city.</p>

<p>Reports indicate that Delhi has witnessed the highest rainfall in the past 40 years. Tragically, a 58-year-old woman lost her life when a wall collapsed on her in Tibbia College Society in Delhi's Karol Bagh area due to the heavy rain.</p>

<h2><strong>Gurugram corporates issue&nbsp;work from home</strong></h2>

<p>The Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram, Nishant Kumar Yadav, issued an advisory on Sunday urging private institutions and corporate offices to implement Work From Home (WFH) arrangements for their employees on Monday, in response to the continuous rainfall. The objective behind this advisory was to mitigate traffic congestion on the roads, reported PTI.</p>

<p>“This will also help the civic agencies to take up dewatering and repair works expeditiously. We also advised the resident not to step outside unnecessarily due to rain,” Yadav told PTI.</p>

<p>According to data provided by the district administration, Gurugram City experienced heavy rainfall, measuring 150 mm, between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm on Sunday. As a result, severe waterlogging occurred on the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway as well as various parts of the city.</p>

<p>Numerous pictures and videos uploaded on Twitter show the profound impact of the heavy rainfall on the city's roads. The Gurugram traffic police utilised Twitter to keep commuters informed about the traffic situation and advised them to consider working from home due to the waterlogging and traffic conditions.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Sunday that schools in Delhi will remain closed on Monday, July 10. The decision was prompted by the continuous heavy rainfall that the national capital has been experiencing since Saturday.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Sunday that schools in Delhi will remain closed on Monday, July 10. The decision was prompted by the continuous heavy rainfall that the national capital has been experiencing since Saturday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that Delhi recorded 153 mm of rain within a 24-hour period, marking the highest rainfall in a single day in July since 1982. Water logging in Delhi's Shanti Path due to heavy rains pic.twitter.com/anRCcfAeL7 — SANJAY ARYA (@_SANJAYARYA) July 9, 2023 × The heavy rainfall is a result of the interaction between a western disturbance and monsoonal winds, leading to an intense rainfall spell over northwest India, including Delhi. Saturday witnessed the season's first instance of "very heavy" rainfall, reported the Mint. Taking into consideration the torrential rains over the past two days and the warnings issued by the meteorological department, Chief Minister Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi, stating that all schools will remain closed on Monday. दिल्ली में पिछले 2 दिनों से हो रही मूसलाधार बरसात और मौसम विभाग की चेतावनियों को ध्यान में रखते हुए कल दिल्ली के सभी स्कूलों को एक दिन के लिए बंद किया जा रहा है। — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 9, 2023 × The Safdarjung observatory, which serves as Delhi's primary weather station, recorded the aforementioned 153 mm of rain within the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Sunday. An IMD official confirmed that this is the highest rainfall recorded since the 169.9 mm within 24 hours on July 25, 1982. The IMD had previously forecasted high-intensity rain for 2-3 days in Delhi. As a result of the downpour, arterial roads, parks, underpasses, markets, schools, and hospitals faced severe inundation, causing havoc throughout the city. Reports indicate that Delhi has witnessed the highest rainfall in the past 40 years. Tragically, a 58-year-old woman lost her life when a wall collapsed on her in Tibbia College Society in Delhi's Karol Bagh area due to the heavy rain. Gurugram corporates issue work from home The Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram, Nishant Kumar Yadav, issued an advisory on Sunday urging private institutions and corporate offices to implement Work From Home (WFH) arrangements for their employees on Monday, in response to the continuous rainfall. The objective behind this advisory was to mitigate traffic congestion on the roads, reported PTI. “This will also help the civic agencies to take up dewatering and repair works expeditiously. We also advised the resident not to step outside unnecessarily due to rain,” Yadav told PTI. According to data provided by the district administration, Gurugram City experienced heavy rainfall, measuring 150 mm, between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm on Sunday. As a result, severe waterlogging occurred on the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway as well as various parts of the city. Numerous pictures and videos uploaded on Twitter show the profound impact of the heavy rainfall on the city's roads. The Gurugram traffic police utilised Twitter to keep commuters informed about the traffic situation and advised them to consider working from home due to the waterlogging and traffic conditions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Delhi schools to stay shut on Monday amid heavy rains, says CM Arvind Kejriwal

<p>Delhi-NCR witnessed a downpour of heavy rain overnight on Friday and throughout Saturday, resulting in a drop in temperatures. While the rain brought some respite from the heat, it caused significant inconvenience to commuters.</p>

<p>Several areas in the city were flooded, with water entering shops and houses. Waterlogging and long traffic jams plagued many parts of Delhi, leading to a challenging day for residents, reported PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Waterlogged streets and traffic jams</strong></h2>

<p>Visuals shared on social media depicted numerous areas in Delhi-NCR submerged in water, with shops and houses affected by the flooding.</p>

<p>Connaught Place, a popular area in the city, faced similar challenges as roads in the British-era arcade were heavily waterlogged, causing disruptions to businesses.</p>

<p>Videos from Delhi's Chandni Chowk area showed commuters wading through waist-deep water, while the Tilak Bridge underpass also experienced flooding due to continuous rain.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="ht">Chandni Chowk , Delhi<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhirains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhirains</a> <a href="https://t.co/FBndX1PHLx">pic.twitter.com/FBndX1PHLx</a></p>
— Weatherman Shubham (@shubhamtorres09) <a href="https://twitter.com/shubhamtorres09/status/1677592347692109826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The resultant waterlogging led to long traffic snarls, particularly at Tilak Marg and ITO in Delhi. To manage the situation, the Delhi Police placed barricades at the Minto Bridge underpass, halting traffic movement.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiRain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiRain</a> tilak Bridge underpass<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/delhirains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#delhirains</a> <a href="https://t.co/F0VSktyAOJ">pic.twitter.com/F0VSktyAOJ</a></p>
— Rahul Sisodia (@Sisodia19Rahul) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sisodia19Rahul/status/1677610109394976768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Efforts to address waterlogging</strong></h2>

<p>The Public Works Department (PWD) reported receiving 15 complaints of waterlogging and promptly addressed them. However, they also forwarded complaints related to stretches under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) or other agencies.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-more-tomatoes-in-mcdonalds-menu-items-company-cited-temporary-issue-612999">No more tomatoes in McDonald's menu items, company cited 'temporary’ issue</a></p>

<p>A PWD official mentioned that the situation remained under control despite the inconvenience caused to commuters near Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College in Delhi University's north campus.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Traffic jams in parts of Delhi after rain lashed the city<br />
<br />
(Visuals from ITO) <a href="https://t.co/rMlKZBg7D8">pic.twitter.com/rMlKZBg7D8</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1677625208029712386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>'Yellow alert' for Sunday</strong></h2>

<p>The weather department forecasted a generally cloudy sky with heavy rain throughout the day. It predicted further showers and issued a 'Yellow alert' for Sunday.</p>

<p>The India Meteorological Department explained that this rainfall marked the season's first heavy spell, with an 'Orange alert' in place for more showers on Saturday. The Met Office tweeted that light to moderate rain would continue in various areas of&nbsp;Delhi and neighbouring areas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bumper-discount-by-indian-railways-fares-of-ac-trains-slashed-by-25-per-cent-613441">Bumper discount by Indian Railways: Fares of AC trains slashed by 25 per cent</a></p>

<p>The early-morning rain caused significant inconvenience to commuters as they encountered difficulties reaching their destinations. Waterlogging, traffic congestion, and the persistent downpour created challenging conditions for those travelling across the city.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs&nbsp;from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Delhi-NCR witnessed a downpour of heavy rain overnight on Friday and throughout Saturday, resulting in a drop in temperatures. While the rain brought some respite from the heat, it caused significant inconvenience to commuters.

Delhi-NCR witnessed a downpour of heavy rain overnight on Friday and throughout Saturday, resulting in a drop in temperatures. While the rain brought some respite from the heat, it caused significant inconvenience to commuters. Several areas in the city were flooded, with water entering shops and houses. Waterlogging and long traffic jams plagued many parts of Delhi, leading to a challenging day for residents, reported PTI. Waterlogged streets and traffic jams Visuals shared on social media depicted numerous areas in Delhi-NCR submerged in water, with shops and houses affected by the flooding. Connaught Place, a popular area in the city, faced similar challenges as roads in the British-era arcade were heavily waterlogged, causing disruptions to businesses. Videos from Delhi's Chandni Chowk area showed commuters wading through waist-deep water, while the Tilak Bridge underpass also experienced flooding due to continuous rain. Chandni Chowk , Delhi#Delhirains pic.twitter.com/FBndX1PHLx — Weatherman Shubham (@shubhamtorres09) July 8, 2023 × The resultant waterlogging led to long traffic snarls, particularly at Tilak Marg and ITO in Delhi. To manage the situation, the Delhi Police placed barricades at the Minto Bridge underpass, halting traffic movement. #DelhiRain tilak Bridge underpass#delhirains pic.twitter.com/F0VSktyAOJ — Rahul Sisodia (@Sisodia19Rahul) July 8, 2023 × Efforts to address waterlogging The Public Works Department (PWD) reported receiving 15 complaints of waterlogging and promptly addressed them. However, they also forwarded complaints related to stretches under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) or other agencies. Also read | No more tomatoes in McDonald's menu items, company cited 'temporary’ issue A PWD official mentioned that the situation remained under control despite the inconvenience caused to commuters near Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College in Delhi University's north campus. #WATCH | Traffic jams in parts of Delhi after rain lashed the city (Visuals from ITO) pic.twitter.com/rMlKZBg7D8 — ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2023 × 'Yellow alert' for Sunday The weather department forecasted a generally cloudy sky with heavy rain throughout the day. It predicted further showers and issued a 'Yellow alert' for Sunday. The India Meteorological Department explained that this rainfall marked the season's first heavy spell, with an 'Orange alert' in place for more showers on Saturday. The Met Office tweeted that light to moderate rain would continue in various areas of Delhi and neighbouring areas. Also read | Bumper discount by Indian Railways: Fares of AC trains slashed by 25 per cent The early-morning rain caused significant inconvenience to commuters as they encountered difficulties reaching their destinations. Waterlogging, traffic congestion, and the persistent downpour created challenging conditions for those travelling across the city. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | 'Delhi deluge': Season's first heavy rainfall submerges capital

Southwest Monsoon has brought heavy rainfall to various parts of Northern India. The heavy rainfall is predicted to continue over the northern regions for the next few days. The rain has provided relief from a heatwave but has caused waterlogging and traffic issues.

Heavy rainfall and chaos grip northern India as monsoon arrives

After PepsiCo's lost appeal for a patent on potato seeds, Indian farmers secure victory

Political commentator Dr. Brahma Chellaney says that India's membership lends respectability to the SCO and helps counter the perception of it being an anti-Western club of autocracies. However, the question remains about what India gains from its SCO membership. Former Ambassador Ashok Kantha explains India's limited expectations from the SCO due to strategic differences among member countries but stresses the importance of bilateral relations with the Central Asian countries which are part of the SCO.

Should India prioritise bilateral ties over SCO?

The Jammu and Kashmir government has created a digital high-tech command control centre for real-time surveillance of the Amarnath Yatra roots for the first time ever. This will assist the administration to smoothly supervise the yatra.

India: Jammu and Kashmir government establishes hi-tech command control centre

This week saw the launch of three new mid-range smartphones that are claimed to be value for money. Watch our next story and see which one you would like to buy.            

Which phone would you buy? Samsung M34 5G, One Plus Nord 3 or Realme Narzo 60

Foldable phones have come a long way since 2019 when Samsung introduced its original Galaxy Z Fold. They have become more reliable over time. Interestingly, more phone makers are now coming up with their versions of foldable phones. Here's more.

Foldable phones: The future of smartphones?

Foldable phones look promising, but there are still many questions about this new trend. Shivam Ranjan, who is the Head of Marketing for Asia-Pacific at Motorola, joins us on Tech It Out to discuss the future of smartphones. Do watch for more...

The evolution of mobile phones | WION Tech It Out

In order to obtain what is being referred to as an innocent route through Indian territorial seas for Sri Lankan fishermen to join the Arabian Sea for several days of fishing, Sri Lanka is pursuing new diplomatic partnerships with India.

Sri Lanka seeking fresh diplomatic alliance with India

Indian army divisions are practising crossing the Indus River in eastern Ladakh and attacking enemy positions. The world's highest river valleys have seen a significant deployment of tanks and armoured vehicles when Chinese forces began acting aggressively in the eastern and dark sector by redirecting training exercise soldiers there.

Indian army deploys tanks and infantry vehicles in the valley

They say that love can take you thousands of miles, and a Pakistani woman showed this to be true by crossing the border into India without authorization in order to be with a man she met online. Seema Ghulam Haider, a Pakistani woman of 27, and Sachin, an Indian man of 22, both lived in Greater Noida, which is a suburb of New Delhi.

India-Pakistan gaming love story ends behind bars

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: The Dalai Lama, a spiritual authority, has stated that he is prepared to discuss Tibet with China. He added that the Tibetans will continue to be a part of China and do not seek independence. He made the remarks before departing for New Delhi.

Dalai Lama: Open for talks with China | US chemical weapon stockpile

India's West Bengal is all set for the three-tier Panchayat polls, to be held on Saturday. The polls are being considered crucial for the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections, with the potential to reshape the state's political landscape.

India: West Bengal panchayat polls get underway, security beefed up amid bloodshed

The size of India’s middle class will nearly double to 61 percent of its total population by 2047, from 31 percent in 2020-21, as continuing political stability and economic reforms with a sustained annual growth rate of between 6 percent and 7 percent over the next two and half decades will make the country one of the largest markets in the world.

Indian middle class will nearly double to 61% by 2046-47: Report

india

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news