Four MLAs from opposition <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncp-mumbai-chief-ahir-joshi-cross-over-to-bjp-238357&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-qpCS0NzjAhUGknAKHbvYCbsQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1GLkkWmVQ5mNE42m0ehnIP">Nationalist Congress Party</a> and Congress in Maharashtra on Tuesday resigned from the state Assembly and said they will be joining the ruling BJP.

NCP MLAs&nbsp;Vaibhav Pichad, Sandeep Naik and Shivendra Raje, and Congress legislator Kalidas Kolambkar handed over their resignation letters to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade.

They said they will be joining BJP tomorrow.

On Monday, Kolambkar had quit Congress and announced his decision to resign from the House.

Assembly elections in Maharashtra are due in October this year.

On Sunday, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had alleged that the central government is pressuring MLAs from opposition parties to join BJP.&nbsp;

Four MLAs from opposition Nationalist Congress Party and Congress in Maharashtra on Tuesday resigned from the state Assembly and said they will be joining the ruling BJP.

Four MLAs from opposition Nationalist Congress Party and Congress in Maharashtra on Tuesday resigned from the state Assembly and said they will be joining the ruling BJP. NCP MLAs Vaibhav Pichad, Sandeep Naik and Shivendra Raje, and Congress legislator Kalidas Kolambkar handed over their resignation letters to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade. They said they will be joining BJP tomorrow. On Monday, Kolambkar had quit Congress and announced his decision to resign from the House. Assembly elections in Maharashtra are due in October this year. On Sunday, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had alleged that the central government is pressuring MLAs from opposition parties to join BJP.

Four opposition MLAs resign from Maharashtra Assembly

Security forces have rescued as many as 300 stranded people from across Kalyan.

Indian Army and Indian Air Force conducted the operation jointly on Saturday.

Meanwhile, IAF with help of its Mi17 helicopter also airlifted nine personnel stranded on the rooftop of a building.

Also, Army, Navy and Air Force teams provided packed food and water to all the rescued personnel.

In a separate operation, security forces rescued around 115 people who were stranded for hours at a petrol pump which got submerged in water due to the overflowing of Ulhas river.

On the other hand, India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday predicted that Raigad, Thane, Palghar and some parts of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra will witness heavy rainfall at isolated places during the weekend.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Security forces have rescued as many as 300 stranded people from across Kalyan. Indian Army and Indian Air Force conducted the operation jointly on Saturday. Meanwhile, IAF with help of its Mi17 helicopter also airlifted nine personnel stranded on the rooftop of a building.

Security forces have rescued as many as 300 stranded people from across Kalyan. Indian Army and Indian Air Force conducted the operation jointly on Saturday. Meanwhile, IAF with help of its Mi17 helicopter also airlifted nine personnel stranded on the rooftop of a building. Also, Army, Navy and Air Force teams provided packed food and water to all the rescued personnel. In a separate operation, security forces rescued around 115 people who were stranded for hours at a petrol pump which got submerged in water due to the overflowing of Ulhas river. On the other hand, India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday predicted that Raigad, Thane, Palghar and some parts of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra will witness heavy rainfall at isolated places during the weekend.

Mumbai rains: 300 people stranded in Kalyan rescued

Maharashtra government in a notice has requested NDRF, Air Command, Navy, Air Force and the military to conduct <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-500-passengers-rescued-from-mahalaxmi-express-238833">rescue operation</a> in Kamba Petrol Pump and Riverwing Resort, in Thane on Saturday.

Due to heavy rainfall in Thane in the morning, Kamba petrol pump has submerged underwater.

As per the letter, over 115 persons have been stranded at the petrol pump.

"Near about 115 persons are stranded at Kamba Petrol Pump, Thane, 70 Persons and Riverwing Resort, Thane. I request you to do the necessary operation including Airlift of the location 19.248472, 73.193889," the letter by Director Disaster Management Unit Abhay Yawalkar read.

Heavy rains have lashed Mumbai and its adjoining areas, leading to traffic snarls and water-logging at several major junctions today.

Vehicles were seen wading through the waterlogged streets of Sion, Chembur, Gandhi Market at snail's pace due to heavy traffic jam.

Air traffic was also disrupted for a couple of hours in Mumbai, as seven flights were cancelled and around eight to nine were diverted. Around 8:15 am, Mumbai International Airport PRO had announced that flight operations returned to normal.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai and its nearby areas will continue to receive heavy rains till July 29 with the minimum and maximum temperatures hovering around 24 degree Celsius and 30 degree Celsius, respectively.

Maharashtra government in a notice has requested NDRF, Air Command, Navy, Air Force and the military to conduct rescue operation in Kamba Petrol Pump and Riverwing Resort, in Thane on Saturday.

Maharashtra government in a notice has requested NDRF, Air Command, Navy, Air Force and the military to conduct rescue operation in Kamba Petrol Pump and Riverwing Resort, in Thane on Saturday. Due to heavy rainfall in Thane in the morning, Kamba petrol pump has submerged underwater. As per the letter, over 115 persons have been stranded at the petrol pump. "Near about 115 persons are stranded at Kamba Petrol Pump, Thane, 70 Persons and Riverwing Resort, Thane. I request you to do the necessary operation including Airlift of the location 19.248472, 73.193889," the letter by Director Disaster Management Unit Abhay Yawalkar read. Heavy rains have lashed Mumbai and its adjoining areas, leading to traffic snarls and water-logging at several major junctions today. Vehicles were seen wading through the waterlogged streets of Sion, Chembur, Gandhi Market at snail's pace due to heavy traffic jam. Air traffic was also disrupted for a couple of hours in Mumbai, as seven flights were cancelled and around eight to nine were diverted. Around 8:15 am, Mumbai International Airport PRO had announced that flight operations returned to normal. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai and its nearby areas will continue to receive heavy rains till July 29 with the minimum and maximum temperatures hovering around 24 degree Celsius and 30 degree Celsius, respectively.

Maharashtra: 115 stranded in Thane, government requests to conduct rescue operation

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday instructed the Chief Secretary to personally monitor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rains-lash-mumbai-700-passengers-stranded-on-board-mahalaxmi-express-238791">rescue operations at Vagani</a>, where people are stranded on board Mahalaxmi Express.

"Four National Disaster Response teams are currently evacuating passengers with the help of eight boats. In addition, seven teams of the Indian navy, two helicopters from Indian Airforce and two military columns have been deployed with the local administration," the Chief Minister said in a statement.

"Two additional military columns are on the way and the situation is under control", he added.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai spoke to Fadnavis and assured all assistance from the government's side.

As torrential rains continue to batter Mumbai, Mumbai-Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Express, with 700 passengers on board was held up between Vangani and Badlapur since 3am&nbsp;this morning.

Railway Protection Force and City police had reached the site where the train is held up, and biscuits and water were being distributed to the stranded passengers.

CPRO Sunil Udasi had appealed to passengers not to get down from the train and await advice from the NDRF and other disaster management authorities.

500 passengers have been rescued so far and are being lodged at safe places, from where they will be moved to Badlapur, he added.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday instructed the Chief Secretary to personally monitor rescue operations at Vagani, where people are stranded on board Mahalaxmi Express.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday instructed the Chief Secretary to personally monitor rescue operations at Vagani, where people are stranded on board Mahalaxmi Express. "Four National Disaster Response teams are currently evacuating passengers with the help of eight boats. In addition, seven teams of the Indian navy, two helicopters from Indian Airforce and two military columns have been deployed with the local administration," the Chief Minister said in a statement. "Two additional military columns are on the way and the situation is under control", he added. Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai spoke to Fadnavis and assured all assistance from the government's side. As torrential rains continue to batter Mumbai, Mumbai-Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Express, with 700 passengers on board was held up between Vangani and Badlapur since 3am this morning. Railway Protection Force and City police had reached the site where the train is held up, and biscuits and water were being distributed to the stranded passengers. CPRO Sunil Udasi had appealed to passengers not to get down from the train and await advice from the NDRF and other disaster management authorities. 500 passengers have been rescued so far and are being lodged at safe places, from where they will be moved to Badlapur, he added.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis directs Chief Secretary to monitor Mahalaxmi Express' rescue operations 

A massive fire broke out in a chemical godown in Thane's Bhiwandi here on Tuesday.

Firefighters rushed to spot to douse the fire. No causalities were reported so far.

Further details in this regard are awaited.

This comes hours after three godowns were gutted after a major fire broke out at a rubber storage facility in Bhiwandi.

The fire, which broke out at Dapora Prenana compound at around 2 am, engulfed a nearby chemical godown and subsequentially spread to another godown adjacent to it.

Residents of nearby buildings said they heard loud noises of chemical drums blasting in the storage facility.

A bike parked outside one of the buildings was razed in the fire.

A massive fire broke out in a chemical godown in Thane's Bhiwandi here on Tuesday. Firefighters rushed to spot to douse the fire. No causalities were reported so far.

A massive fire broke out in a chemical godown in Thane's Bhiwandi here on Tuesday. Firefighters rushed to spot to douse the fire. No causalities were reported so far. Further details in this regard are awaited. This comes hours after three godowns were gutted after a major fire broke out at a rubber storage facility in Bhiwandi. The fire, which broke out at Dapora Prenana compound at around 2 am, engulfed a nearby chemical godown and subsequentially spread to another godown adjacent to it. Residents of nearby buildings said they heard loud noises of chemical drums blasting in the storage facility. A bike parked outside one of the buildings was razed in the fire.

Maharashtra: Fire breaks out in chemical godown in Thane

Maharashtra Chief Minister Office (CMO) team on Monday extended their heartfelt greetings to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on his 49th birthday.

CMO members also donated their one day salary to CM Relief Fund on the occasion, said a tweet by CMO Maharashtra."Team @CMOMaharashtra meets, greets CM @Dev_Fadnavis on his birthday and donates one day salary towards #CMReliefFund !" the tweet quoted.&nbsp;

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Team <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOMaharashtra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOMaharashtra</a> meets, greets CM <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dev_Fadnavis</a> on his birthday and donates one day salary towards <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CMReliefFund?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CMReliefFund</a> ! <a href="https://t.co/JfmZ6uSxjF">pic.twitter.com/JfmZ6uSxjF</a>
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOMaharashtra/status/1153222989384736768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah also wished Chief Minister Fadnavis.

Modi took to twitter to extend his wishes to Fadnavis and said, "Birthday greetings to the energetic and dynamic CM of Maharashtra, Dev_Fadnavis Ji. For the last 5 years, he has steered the state to new heights of growth. He has assiduously worked for the welfare of the poor. May he be blessed with good health and many more years of service."

Home Minister also congratulated and praised Fadnavis for his zeal and commitment towards his state. Fadnavis is serving his fourth term as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra as of 2014, becoming second-youngest Chief Minister the state ever had after Sharad Pawar.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Office (CMO) team on Monday extended their heartfelt greetings to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on his 49th birthday. CMO members also donated their one day salary to CM Relief Fund on the occasion, said a tweet by CMO Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Office (CMO) team on Monday extended their heartfelt greetings to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on his 49th birthday. CMO members also donated their one day salary to CM Relief Fund on the occasion, said a tweet by CMO Maharashtra."Team @CMOMaharashtra meets, greets CM @Dev_Fadnavis on his birthday and donates one day salary towards #CMReliefFund !" the tweet quoted. Team @CMOMaharashtra meets, greets CM @Dev_Fadnavis on his birthday and donates one day salary towards #CMReliefFund ! pic.twitter.com/JfmZ6uSxjF — CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) July 22, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah also wished Chief Minister Fadnavis. Modi took to twitter to extend his wishes to Fadnavis and said, "Birthday greetings to the energetic and dynamic CM of Maharashtra, Dev_Fadnavis Ji. For the last 5 years, he has steered the state to new heights of growth. He has assiduously worked for the welfare of the poor. May he be blessed with good health and many more years of service." Home Minister also congratulated and praised Fadnavis for his zeal and commitment towards his state. Fadnavis is serving his fourth term as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra as of 2014, becoming second-youngest Chief Minister the state ever had after Sharad Pawar.

Devendra Fadnavis' birthday: Maharashtra CMO team donates a day salary to CM Relief fund

The death toll in the building collapse in Mumbai's Dongri area climbed to 14 on Wednesday even as the search and rescue operation was still on.

The search and rescue operation is being carried out by Mumbai Fire Brigade and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with the help of sniffer dogs. The injured have been admitted to the city's J J Hospital and Habib Hospital.

The incident occurred at 11 am on Tuesday in Dongri area, initially killing two persons and trapping over 40 people under its debris.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of those who died in the building collapse.

He also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the injured. The state government has ordered an investigation into the incident.&nbsp; 
 
Fadnavis has called a meeting to discuss the building collapse. Housing Minister RV Patil and officers from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority are expected to attend the meeting, reported news agency ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the death of people in the building collapse.

''Collapse of a building in Mumbai’s Dongri is anguishing. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. Maharashtra Government, NDRF and local authorities are working on rescue operations &amp; assisting those in need,'' PM Modi said. 
 
The BMC has claimed that it had classified the building in the "C1 category" back in 2017. This classification meant the building was meant "to be evacuated for demolition at the earliest".&nbsp;

 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The death toll in the building collapse in Mumbai's Dongri area climbed to 14 on Wednesday even as the search and rescue operation was still on. The search and rescue operation is being carried out by Mumbai Fire Brigade and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with the help of sniffer dogs.

The death toll in the building collapse in Mumbai's Dongri area climbed to 14 on Wednesday even as the search and rescue operation was still on. The search and rescue operation is being carried out by Mumbai Fire Brigade and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with the help of sniffer dogs. The injured have been admitted to the city's J J Hospital and Habib Hospital. The incident occurred at 11 am on Tuesday in Dongri area, initially killing two persons and trapping over 40 people under its debris. Meanwhile, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of those who died in the building collapse. He also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the injured. The state government has ordered an investigation into the incident. Fadnavis has called a meeting to discuss the building collapse. Housing Minister RV Patil and officers from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority are expected to attend the meeting, reported news agency ANI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the death of people in the building collapse. ''Collapse of a building in Mumbai’s Dongri is anguishing. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. Maharashtra Government, NDRF and local authorities are working on rescue operations & assisting those in need,'' PM Modi said. The BMC has claimed that it had classified the building in the "C1 category" back in 2017. This classification meant the building was meant "to be evacuated for demolition at the earliest". (With inputs from agencies)

Mumbai building collapse: Death toll rises to 14, CM Devendra Fadnavis announces compensation

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-storey-building-collapses-in-mumbais-dongri-many-feared-trapped-236330">four-storey building collapsed in Mumbai</a>'s Dongri at around 11 am on Tuesday.

So far, seven people have died and eight people have been injured in the incident.

Around 40-50 are feared to be trapped under the debris.

''As per the initial information I have received, around 15 families are feared trapped in the collapse. The building is around 100 years old. The entire focus is on rescuing the people trapped. The investigation will be done,'' Fadnavis said.

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Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Dongri building collapse: As per the initial information I have received, around 15 families are feared trapped in the collapse. The building is around 100 yrs old. The entire focus is on rescuing the people trapped. Investigation will be done. <a href="https://t.co/ApIVqmNLMb">pic.twitter.com/ApIVqmNLMb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1151050191908347905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The chief minister further added that the entire focus is on the rescue operations.&nbsp;To speed up the rescue operation, two teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for the rescue operation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences to the families of the deceased.

''Collapse of a building in Mumbai’s Dongri is anguishing. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. Maharashtra Government, NDRF and local authorities are working on rescue operations &amp; assisting those in need,'' PM Modi said.

The Kesarbai building that collapsed was located in Tandel Street, in Mumbai's Dongri area.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation after a four-storey building collapsed in Mumbai's Dongri at around 11 am on Tuesday. So far, seven people have died and eight people have been injured in the incident.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation after a four-storey building collapsed in Mumbai's Dongri at around 11 am on Tuesday. So far, seven people have died and eight people have been injured in the incident. Around 40-50 are feared to be trapped under the debris. ''As per the initial information I have received, around 15 families are feared trapped in the collapse. The building is around 100 years old. The entire focus is on rescuing the people trapped. The investigation will be done,'' Fadnavis said. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Dongri building collapse: As per the initial information I have received, around 15 families are feared trapped in the collapse. The building is around 100 yrs old. The entire focus is on rescuing the people trapped. Investigation will be done. pic.twitter.com/ApIVqmNLMb — ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2019 × The chief minister further added that the entire focus is on the rescue operations. To speed up the rescue operation, two teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for the rescue operation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences to the families of the deceased. ''Collapse of a building in Mumbai’s Dongri is anguishing. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. Maharashtra Government, NDRF and local authorities are working on rescue operations & assisting those in need,'' PM Modi said. The Kesarbai building that collapsed was located in Tandel Street, in Mumbai's Dongri area.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis orders probe after seven dead in building collapse

Raosaheb Patil Danve on Tuesday stepped down as the Maharashtra <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bjp-is-the-only-glue-which-binds-disorganised-opposition-235365&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiO8qT9prnjAhULRY8KHWm4BT0QFjAHegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3vDxGORJQe1tXT8T3LZ9H5">BJP chief</a>, shortly after which Chandrakant Patil was named his successor.

Meanwhile, Mangal Prabhat Lodha was appointed as the President of Mumbai BJP.

"BJP's national president Amit Shah has appointed Chandrakant Dada Patil as president of Maharashtra BJP. The national president has also appointed Mangal Prabhat Lodha as president of Mumbai BJP," read a letter issued by the BJP.

Patil was serving as a Cabinet Minister in Maharashtra. He was looking after the portfolio of Revenue and Public Works.

Lodha, on the other hand, was serving as the vice president of the state's BJP unit.

Raosaheb Patil Danve on Tuesday stepped down as the Maharashtra BJP chief, shortly after which Chandrakant Patil was named his successor. Meanwhile, Mangal Prabhat Lodha was appointed as the President of Mumbai BJP.

Raosaheb Patil Danve on Tuesday stepped down as the Maharashtra BJP chief, shortly after which Chandrakant Patil was named his successor. Meanwhile, Mangal Prabhat Lodha was appointed as the President of Mumbai BJP. "BJP's national president Amit Shah has appointed Chandrakant Dada Patil as president of Maharashtra BJP. The national president has also appointed Mangal Prabhat Lodha as president of Mumbai BJP," read a letter issued by the BJP. Patil was serving as a Cabinet Minister in Maharashtra. He was looking after the portfolio of Revenue and Public Works. Lodha, on the other hand, was serving as the vice president of the state's BJP unit.

Raosaheb Patil resigns as Maharashtra BJP chief, Chandrakant Patil named successor

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-holds-meeting-with-rebel-mla-ramalinga-reddy-236030&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiw9tesmbbjAhVl63MBHQx7C9AQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1-yfHO6BMqXvFpImxZHVmm">Rebel Karnataka MLAs</a> are likely to move the Supreme Court again on Monday, sources said.&nbsp;

The legislators are likely to move the court for contempt proceedings against Congress leaders as the top court has ordered a status quo, however, Congress is trying to influence and threaten the MLAs in many ways, sources added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the 14 MLAs residing at Renaissance Hotel here wrote to Senior Police Inspector, Powai Police Station, over an alleged "threat" from senior Karnataka and Maharashtra Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Ghulam Nabi Azad.&nbsp;

Seeking protection, the leaders urged the police officer to make necessary arrangements to ensure that the leaders are not allowed to meet them.

"We the respected Members of Karnataka Assembly are currently staying at Renaissance Hotel Powai, would like to inform you that we have absolutely no intentions in meeting Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji or Ghulam Nabi Azad Ji or any Congress dignitaries or functionaries from Maharashtra and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-more-karnataka-congress-mlas-move-supreme-court-235563&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiw9tesmbbjAhVl63MBHQx7C9AQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2zzcTb51jNYdb4cknXCfWM">Karnataka Congress team leaders</a> or any other political leaders.

We anticipate a serious threat from them.&nbsp;

We hereby request you to kindly make necessary arrangements to stop these people from meeting us in case the situation arises," the letter read.&nbsp;

Among the legislators who signed the aforesaid letter are Shivram Hebbar, B.C. Patil, Mahesh K, Vishwanath, Muniratnam, Narayan Gowda, R Shankar, H Nagesh, Pratap Patil, Gopalaiah, Ramesh J, MTB Nagraj, Somshekar, and Basavaraja.

On July 11, the dissident MLAs had returned to the hotel here after meeting Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

The development came after the Supreme Court had directed them to meet the Speaker and resubmit their resignations afresh.&nbsp;

In a twist to the political stalemate in Karnataka, the apex court had on July 12 ordered a status quo until July 16 on a plea filed by 10 dissident MLAs of Congress and JD(S) seeking a direction to the Assembly Speaker to accept their resignation and not proceed with the applications for their disqualification.

Rebel Karnataka MLAs are likely to move the Supreme Court again on Monday, sources said. The legislators are likely to move the court for contempt proceedings against Congress leaders as the top court has ordered a status quo, however, Congress is trying to influence and threaten the MLAs in many ways, sources added.

Rebel Karnataka MLAs are likely to move the Supreme Court again on Monday, sources said. The legislators are likely to move the court for contempt proceedings against Congress leaders as the top court has ordered a status quo, however, Congress is trying to influence and threaten the MLAs in many ways, sources added. Meanwhile, the 14 MLAs residing at Renaissance Hotel here wrote to Senior Police Inspector, Powai Police Station, over an alleged "threat" from senior Karnataka and Maharashtra Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Ghulam Nabi Azad. Seeking protection, the leaders urged the police officer to make necessary arrangements to ensure that the leaders are not allowed to meet them. "We the respected Members of Karnataka Assembly are currently staying at Renaissance Hotel Powai, would like to inform you that we have absolutely no intentions in meeting Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji or Ghulam Nabi Azad Ji or any Congress dignitaries or functionaries from Maharashtra and Karnataka Congress team leaders or any other political leaders. We anticipate a serious threat from them. We hereby request you to kindly make necessary arrangements to stop these people from meeting us in case the situation arises," the letter read. Among the legislators who signed the aforesaid letter are Shivram Hebbar, B.C. Patil, Mahesh K, Vishwanath, Muniratnam, Narayan Gowda, R Shankar, H Nagesh, Pratap Patil, Gopalaiah, Ramesh J, MTB Nagraj, Somshekar, and Basavaraja. On July 11, the dissident MLAs had returned to the hotel here after meeting Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar in Bengaluru. The development came after the Supreme Court had directed them to meet the Speaker and resubmit their resignations afresh. In a twist to the political stalemate in Karnataka, the apex court had on July 12 ordered a status quo until July 16 on a plea filed by 10 dissident MLAs of Congress and JD(S) seeking a direction to the Assembly Speaker to accept their resignation and not proceed with the applications for their disqualification.

Rebel Karnataka MLAs likely to move Supreme Court today

The Congress on Saturday made organisational changes in its Maharashtra unit in view of upcoming assembly polls and appointed senior state leader Balasaheb Thorat as the state party chief.

The party also appointed five working presidents - Nitin Raut, Baswaraj M Patil, Vishwajeet Kadam, Yashomati Chandrakant Thakur and Muzaffer Hussain.

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Senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat appointed new president of the Maharashtra unit of Congress party, replacing Ashok Chavan <a href="https://t.co/5AQsqE0hGE">pic.twitter.com/5AQsqE0hGE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1150080688223391746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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KC Padavi has been appointed the leader of the legislative party.

The party releases said that the appointments were made "with approval of Congress president" and did not mention the name of Rahul Gandhi.

Gandhi has resigned owning responsibility for the party's defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. The Congress Working Committee, the party's highest making body, at its meeting in May had rejected his offer to step down.

The Congress on Saturday made organisational changes in its Maharashtra unit in view of upcoming assembly polls and appointed senior state leader Balasaheb Thorat as the state party chief.

The Congress on Saturday made organisational changes in its Maharashtra unit in view of upcoming assembly polls and appointed senior state leader Balasaheb Thorat as the state party chief. The party also appointed five working presidents - Nitin Raut, Baswaraj M Patil, Vishwajeet Kadam, Yashomati Chandrakant Thakur and Muzaffer Hussain. Senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat appointed new president of the Maharashtra unit of Congress party, replacing Ashok Chavan pic.twitter.com/5AQsqE0hGE — ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2019 × KC Padavi has been appointed the leader of the legislative party. The party releases said that the appointments were made "with approval of Congress president" and did not mention the name of Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi has resigned owning responsibility for the party's defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. The Congress Working Committee, the party's highest making body, at its meeting in May had rejected his offer to step down.

Balasaheb Thorat appointed as Maharashtra Congress chief

The search operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for the missing persons in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tiware-dam-breach-search-operation-enters-fifth-day-death-toll-reaches-20-233740">Tiware Dam breach has entered the seventh day</a> on Tuesday.

The death toll climbed to 20 after one more body was recovered during the search operation on June 7.

The Tiware dam in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri was breached on June 2 due to heavy rainfall.

According to police, villagers have been moved to safer places and the situation is under control now.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced Rs 4-lakh compensation for the kin of each of the deceased and promised a probe saying action will be taken against anyone found guilty of negligence.&nbsp;

The chief minister has also ordered a probe into the incident.

The search operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for the missing persons in Tiware Dam breach has entered the seventh day on Tuesday. The death toll climbed to 20 after one more body was recovered during the search operation on June 7.

The search operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for the missing persons in Tiware Dam breach has entered the seventh day on Tuesday. The death toll climbed to 20 after one more body was recovered during the search operation on June 7. The Tiware dam in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri was breached on June 2 due to heavy rainfall. According to police, villagers have been moved to safer places and the situation is under control now. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced Rs 4-lakh compensation for the kin of each of the deceased and promised a probe saying action will be taken against anyone found guilty of negligence. The chief minister has also ordered a probe into the incident.

Maharashtra: Search operation enters seventh day in Tiware Dam breach

The death toll in the Tiware dam breach has gone up to 19 with the recovery of one more body on Friday morning, NDRF Inspector Mahesh Kumar said.&nbsp;

"One more body was recovered this morning, total 19 bodies have been recovered so far. We are doing continuous search operation," Kumar said.&nbsp;

The search operation has now entered its third day. The local people have been helping the NDRF and police in the search operation.&nbsp;

The Tiware dam in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri was breached on June 2 due to heavy rainfall.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/6-killed-20-missing-after-dam-breach-in-maharashtras-ratnagiri-district-232633/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the incident. He has also asked his Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Girish Mahajan to visit Ratnagiri and provide relief to affected families.

Parts of Maharashtra are hit by worst monsoon rain with Mumbai, country's financial capital, recording the second highest rainfall in the last 45 years.

The death toll in the Tiware dam breach has gone up to 19 with the recovery of one more body on Friday morning, NDRF Inspector Mahesh Kumar said. "One more body was recovered this morning, total 19 bodies have been recovered so far.

The death toll in the Tiware dam breach has gone up to 19 with the recovery of one more body on Friday morning, NDRF Inspector Mahesh Kumar said. "One more body was recovered this morning, total 19 bodies have been recovered so far. We are doing continuous search operation," Kumar said. The search operation has now entered its third day. The local people have been helping the NDRF and police in the search operation. The Tiware dam in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri was breached on June 2 due to heavy rainfall. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the incident. He has also asked his Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Girish Mahajan to visit Ratnagiri and provide relief to affected families. Parts of Maharashtra are hit by worst monsoon rain with Mumbai, country's financial capital, recording the second highest rainfall in the last 45 years.

Maharashtra: Death toll reaches 19 in Ratnagiri's Tiware dam breach

At least 14 were killed and 11 others were reported missing after Tiware dam in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri was breached on Wednesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-high-tide-expected-in-mumbai-likely-to-aggravate-waterlogging-woes-232616">following heavy rain over the last 48 hours</a>.

The Nation Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said that the bodies of the 12 people have been identified.

The tide also swept away twelve houses near the dam.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the incident. He has also asked his Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Girish Mahajan to visit Ratnagiri and provide relief to affected families.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/6-killed-20-missing-after-dam-breach-in-maharashtras-ratnagiri-district-232633/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The local people have been helping the NDRF and police in the search operation.&nbsp;

Parts of Maharashtra are hit by worst monsoon rain with Mumbai, country's financial capital, recording the second highest rainfall in the last 45 years.

The heavy downpour has caused several accidents across Maharashtra while issues like waterlogging have brought the city to a standstill.

Meanwhile, more rains have been predicted by the Indian Meteorological Department for the next 48 hours.

At least 14 were killed and 11 others were reported missing after Tiware dam in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri was breached on Wednesday following heavy rain over the last 48 hours.

At least 14 were killed and 11 others were reported missing after Tiware dam in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri was breached on Wednesday following heavy rain over the last 48 hours. The Nation Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said that the bodies of the 12 people have been identified. The tide also swept away twelve houses near the dam. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the incident. He has also asked his Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Girish Mahajan to visit Ratnagiri and provide relief to affected families. The local people have been helping the NDRF and police in the search operation. Parts of Maharashtra are hit by worst monsoon rain with Mumbai, country's financial capital, recording the second highest rainfall in the last 45 years. The heavy downpour has caused several accidents across Maharashtra while issues like waterlogging have brought the city to a standstill. Meanwhile, more rains have been predicted by the Indian Meteorological Department for the next 48 hours.

Maharashtra: Death toll rises to 14 in Ratnagiri's Tiware dam breach

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-death-toll-in-malad-wall-collapse-rises-to-23-78-injured-232590">heavy downpour continued to lash parts of Maharashtra</a> on Wednesday with&nbsp;India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting a high tide of about 4.69 meters which is expected to flush gallons of water in Mumbai today.

The weather experts believe that high tide with so much intensity when hits the area, the flow of these tributaries and rivers are blocked.&nbsp;This leads to blocking of water which further causes a flood like situation.&nbsp;

IMD also predicted a low tide of about 1.58 meter at 6:34 in the evening today.

Seasonal rains have crippled Mumbai this week, disrupting rail and air traffic in the city of 18 million, while wall collapses have killed nearly 30 people.

According to the IMD forecast, Mumbai may witness more heavy rains for the next 48 hours.

In every monsoon season, from June to September, Mumbai suffers fatal incidents of building and wall collapses as rainfall weakens the foundations of poorly-built structures.

Though the problem of waterlogging is still persisting in some parts of Mumbai, public transport saw improvement today as trains, buses were running on schedule.

All public, government school, colleges and offices were also opened.

Mumbai recorded the second highest rainfall in the last 45 years causing accidents that claimed the lives of around 30 people in a wall collapse incidents while several&nbsp;areas of the city were waterlogged throwing traffic out of gear.

Mumbai received 550 mm of rainfall over a period of two days, the average of the entire month of June has been exceeded in just last 48 hours.

(With inputs from agencies)

The heavy downpour continued to lash parts of Maharashtra on Wednesday with India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting a high tide of about 4.69 meters which is expected to flush gallons of water in Mumbai today.

The heavy downpour continued to lash parts of Maharashtra on Wednesday with India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting a high tide of about 4.69 meters which is expected to flush gallons of water in Mumbai today. The weather experts believe that high tide with so much intensity when hits the area, the flow of these tributaries and rivers are blocked. This leads to blocking of water which further causes a flood like situation. IMD also predicted a low tide of about 1.58 meter at 6:34 in the evening today. Seasonal rains have crippled Mumbai this week, disrupting rail and air traffic in the city of 18 million, while wall collapses have killed nearly 30 people. According to the IMD forecast, Mumbai may witness more heavy rains for the next 48 hours. In every monsoon season, from June to September, Mumbai suffers fatal incidents of building and wall collapses as rainfall weakens the foundations of poorly-built structures. Though the problem of waterlogging is still persisting in some parts of Mumbai, public transport saw improvement today as trains, buses were running on schedule. All public, government school, colleges and offices were also opened. Mumbai recorded the second highest rainfall in the last 45 years causing accidents that claimed the lives of around 30 people in a wall collapse incidents while several areas of the city were waterlogged throwing traffic out of gear. Mumbai received 550 mm of rainfall over a period of two days, the average of the entire month of June has been exceeded in just last 48 hours. (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra: High tide expected in Mumbai, likely to aggravate waterlogging woes

With heavy rains lashing Mumbai for the fifth consecutive day, air, train and road traffic has been disrupted. At least 21 people have been killed in separate incidents of wall collapse in the state due to heavy rains. In view of the Indian Meteorological Department’s forecasts of heavy rains today in and around Mumbai, Maharashtra has declared Tuesday as a public holiday in Mumbai.

Mumbai: 27 killed as overnight downpour brings city to a standstill, heavy rainfall expected today

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday ordered a probe into incidents of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pune-wall-collapse-two-accused-sent-to-police-custody-till-july-2-231819">wall collapse</a> in Malad and Pune due to rain which claimed lives of 24 people in total.

"In the Pune incident, 6 died and 4 were injured. They were from Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. The state government will give all the required assistance. We have ordered a probe in this matter. This wall was old and collapsed as a tree fell on it," Fadnavis said in the state assembly while speaking about Pune wall collapse incident.

Fadnavis has announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of bereaved in Malad wall collapse tragedy, in which 18 people lost their lives.

"Pained to know about the loss of lives in Malad Wall Collapse incidence. My thoughts are with families who lost loved ones and prayers for a speedy recovery of injured. Rs 5 lakh will be given to the kin of deceased," he tweeted early morning.

India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in Mumbai and suburban parts in next 48 hours.

"Heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in Mumbai and suburban parts in next 48 hours, a similar situation expected for Vidarbha and Marathwada. Advice tourists to not visit mountain areas since heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Maharashtra," Met Department said.

The Chief Minister said that the government is prepared to deal with the situation.

"High tide is expected at 12 noon, we will monitor the situation. Last night, Mumbai police received 1600-1700 tweets from people, they received immediate help. BMC Disaster Management worked the entire night. Heavy rainfall is expected in the next 2 days. We are prepared for it," Fadnavis said.

Rains and waterlogging have brought the state to its knees as the movement of traffic slowed down on all the major roads in the city. Cars and vehicles were stuck on waterlogged roads at various places.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday ordered a probe into incidents of the wall collapse in Malad and Pune due to rain which claimed lives of 24 people in total.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday ordered a probe into incidents of the wall collapse in Malad and Pune due to rain which claimed lives of 24 people in total. "In the Pune incident, 6 died and 4 were injured. They were from Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. The state government will give all the required assistance. We have ordered a probe in this matter. This wall was old and collapsed as a tree fell on it," Fadnavis said in the state assembly while speaking about Pune wall collapse incident. Fadnavis has announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of bereaved in Malad wall collapse tragedy, in which 18 people lost their lives. "Pained to know about the loss of lives in Malad Wall Collapse incidence. My thoughts are with families who lost loved ones and prayers for a speedy recovery of injured. Rs 5 lakh will be given to the kin of deceased," he tweeted early morning. India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in Mumbai and suburban parts in next 48 hours. "Heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in Mumbai and suburban parts in next 48 hours, a similar situation expected for Vidarbha and Marathwada. Advice tourists to not visit mountain areas since heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Maharashtra," Met Department said. The Chief Minister said that the government is prepared to deal with the situation. "High tide is expected at 12 noon, we will monitor the situation. Last night, Mumbai police received 1600-1700 tweets from people, they received immediate help. BMC Disaster Management worked the entire night. Heavy rainfall is expected in the next 2 days. We are prepared for it," Fadnavis said. Rains and waterlogging have brought the state to its knees as the movement of traffic slowed down on all the major roads in the city. Cars and vehicles were stuck on waterlogged roads at various places.

Fadnavis orders probe into Malad, Pune wall collapse incidents

According to reports, Heavy rains to continue for the next few hours in Mumbai, Rains have also triggered traffic jams and power outages

Rains continue to lash Mumbai; Local train network affected

Pune sessions court has sent two accused Vipul Agrawal and Vivek Agrawal to police custody till July 2 in connection with Pune wall collapse incident.

Both Vipul and Vivek Agrawal were developers of Alcon Stylus housing society.

Pune Police yesterday arrested them in connection with a wall collapse incident in which 15 people lost their lives.

An FIR had been registered against eight people, including construction builders, site engineer, and construction supervisor at Kondhwa Police station.

All accused have been booked under Section 302 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the people killed and also ordered an inquiry.

A three-member team has been formed to probe the wall collapse incident. Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil also announced that the NDRF will give compensation of Rs 4 lakh to families of 15 Bihar-based workers who lost their lives.

Meanwhile, the Bihar government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for kin of the victims and Rs 50,000 for the injured who hail from the state.

At least 15 people died while three others sustained injuries after a portion of a wall collapsed near Talab Masjid in Kondhwa area of Pune in the wee hours of Saturday.

An official from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) told ANI that the wall collapsed due to heavy downpour in the city.&nbsp;

Pune sessions court has sent two accused Vipul Agrawal and Vivek Agrawal to police custody till July 2 in connection with Pune wall collapse incident. Both Vipul and Vivek Agrawal were developers of Alcon Stylus housing society.

Pune sessions court has sent two accused Vipul Agrawal and Vivek Agrawal to police custody till July 2 in connection with Pune wall collapse incident. Both Vipul and Vivek Agrawal were developers of Alcon Stylus housing society. Pune Police yesterday arrested them in connection with a wall collapse incident in which 15 people lost their lives. An FIR had been registered against eight people, including construction builders, site engineer, and construction supervisor at Kondhwa Police station. All accused have been booked under Section 302 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the people killed and also ordered an inquiry. A three-member team has been formed to probe the wall collapse incident. Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil also announced that the NDRF will give compensation of Rs 4 lakh to families of 15 Bihar-based workers who lost their lives. Meanwhile, the Bihar government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for kin of the victims and Rs 50,000 for the injured who hail from the state. At least 15 people died while three others sustained injuries after a portion of a wall collapsed near Talab Masjid in Kondhwa area of Pune in the wee hours of Saturday. An official from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) told ANI that the wall collapsed due to heavy downpour in the city.

Pune wall collapse: Two accused sent to police custody till July 2

Twenty-two people were killed and seven injured in Maharashtra and Jharkhand in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rainfall-to-lash-mumbai-for-next-three-days-india-meteorological-department-231366">rain-related incidents</a>, even as the dry spell continued in most parts of north India which was reeling under sweltering heat.

At least 15 people, including four children, were killed and two injured in Pune when a portion of the 22-ft high compound wall of a housing society collapsed on adjoining shanties following incessant rains, trapping the sleeping families under the debris, officials said.

The incident took place between 1:30 am and 1:45 am at Kondhwa and the victims were labourers and their family members, a majority of them from Bihar, who were living in makeshift shelters at the under-construction residential project where deep excavation work was underway.

Heavy monsoon rains continued to lash Mumbai and its neighbouring areas for the second consecutive day on Saturday and at least five persons were injured in rain-related incidents, officials said.

The suburban local trains, called the lifeline of Mumbai, remained largely unaffected and were running as per their schedule. However, in view of IMD's heavy rainfall forecast, the Central Railway (CR) cancelled some express or passenger trains, especially those between Mumbai and Pune.

According to the officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), 39 incidents of short circuit, 104 incidents of the uprooting of trees or falling of tree branches were reported from various parts of the city.

In Maharashtra's Thane district, two people died of electrocution in separate incidents caused by incessant rains on late Friday night. While the first incident occurred in Thane city, the other one occurred in Ambarnath.

Two people died on Saturday after being struck by lightning in separate incidents in Maharashtra's Buldhana district, police said.

While Shrikrishna Dhabal (69) was struck by a lightning bolt while working in his field in Sangrampur taluka, farm labourer Yuvraj Gavande (35) died in a similar manner in Jalgaon village, they said.

Three people, including two teenagers, died in lightning strikes in Jharkhand's Gumla district during heavy rains on Friday evening.

In the national capital, the mercury settled five notches above normal on Sunday. The minimum temperature was recorded at 30 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal, while the maximum temperature settled at 42.3 degrees, five notches above normal.&nbsp;

Parts of south Gujarat received extremely heavy rainfall Saturday, with the IMD stating that districts in the south and central parts of the state were likely to receive heavy rainfall over the next two days with upper cyclonic circulation formed over the region.

The IMD warned of heavy rains in Valsad, Navsari, Dangs, Surat, Narmada, Chhota Udepur and Vadodara districts over the next two days, adding that upper cyclonic circulation had formed over the south Gujarat region.

Valsad received 130 millimetres rainfall in a 24-hour period till Saturday morning, while Bhavnagar and Vadodara got 52.8 and 34 mm rainfall respectively, IMD data showed.&nbsp;

The heatwave continued to sweep the Jammu region as the mercury touched 43.1 degrees Celsius, four degrees above average. Summer capital Srinagar, on the other hand, continued to experience pleasant weather with a high of 29.6 degrees Celsius, up by over two notches but below the season's average.

In Punjab and Haryana, rains remained elusive even as the maximum temperatures were recorded to be between two to five notches above normal. Bhiwani and Narnaul were the hottest places in the twin states with the mercury settling at a high of 42.8 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal.

While Amritsar braved a high of 42.4 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal, the maximum temperature at Ambala was 41.8 degrees Celsius, also five notches above normal.

Moderate rain and thunderstorm were witnessed at isolated places in Eastern Uttar Pradesh even Banda was recorded as the hottest place in the state, recording a temperature of 44.8 degrees Celsius, which is eight degrees above normal.

Heatwave also swept some parts of the state and Allahabad sizzled at 44 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

According to the IMD, rain and thundershowers were observed at many places over Assam, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, North Interior Karnataka and at most places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa.

Extremely heavy rainfall was observed at a few places over Konkan and Goa and Gujarat region, it said.

The Meteorological Department has issued a fresh yellow weather warning for a thunderstorm in Himachal Pradesh for July 3. It has forecast thunderstorms accompanied with hailstorm and gusty winds in several parts of middle hills of the state on July 3. 
 
The weather office issues colour-coded warnings to alert people ahead of severe or hazardous weather that has the potential to cause "damage, widespread disruption or danger to life". Yellow is the least dangerous of all the weather warnings. It indicates the possibility of severe weather over the next few days.

The Odisha government Saturday put all 30 districts in the state on alert in view of the IMD forecasting enhanced heavy rainfall over the next three days. The step was taken after the IMD indicated the formation of a low-pressure area in north Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood, which is likely to intensify into a depression during the subsequent 48 hours.

"Under its influence, enhanced rainfall activity is very likely over the districts of Odisha," said H R Biswas, the director of the IMD, Bhubaneswar.

 
&nbsp;

Twenty-two people were killed and seven injured in Maharashtra and Jharkhand in rain-related incidents, even as the dry spell continued in most parts of north India which was reeling under sweltering heat.

Twenty-two people were killed and seven injured in Maharashtra and Jharkhand in rain-related incidents, even as the dry spell continued in most parts of north India which was reeling under sweltering heat. At least 15 people, including four children, were killed and two injured in Pune when a portion of the 22-ft high compound wall of a housing society collapsed on adjoining shanties following incessant rains, trapping the sleeping families under the debris, officials said. The incident took place between 1:30 am and 1:45 am at Kondhwa and the victims were labourers and their family members, a majority of them from Bihar, who were living in makeshift shelters at the under-construction residential project where deep excavation work was underway. Heavy monsoon rains continued to lash Mumbai and its neighbouring areas for the second consecutive day on Saturday and at least five persons were injured in rain-related incidents, officials said. The suburban local trains, called the lifeline of Mumbai, remained largely unaffected and were running as per their schedule. However, in view of IMD's heavy rainfall forecast, the Central Railway (CR) cancelled some express or passenger trains, especially those between Mumbai and Pune. According to the officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), 39 incidents of short circuit, 104 incidents of the uprooting of trees or falling of tree branches were reported from various parts of the city. In Maharashtra's Thane district, two people died of electrocution in separate incidents caused by incessant rains on late Friday night. While the first incident occurred in Thane city, the other one occurred in Ambarnath. Two people died on Saturday after being struck by lightning in separate incidents in Maharashtra's Buldhana district, police said. While Shrikrishna Dhabal (69) was struck by a lightning bolt while working in his field in Sangrampur taluka, farm labourer Yuvraj Gavande (35) died in a similar manner in Jalgaon village, they said. Three people, including two teenagers, died in lightning strikes in Jharkhand's Gumla district during heavy rains on Friday evening. In the national capital, the mercury settled five notches above normal on Sunday. The minimum temperature was recorded at 30 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal, while the maximum temperature settled at 42.3 degrees, five notches above normal. Parts of south Gujarat received extremely heavy rainfall Saturday, with the IMD stating that districts in the south and central parts of the state were likely to receive heavy rainfall over the next two days with upper cyclonic circulation formed over the region. The IMD warned of heavy rains in Valsad, Navsari, Dangs, Surat, Narmada, Chhota Udepur and Vadodara districts over the next two days, adding that upper cyclonic circulation had formed over the south Gujarat region. Valsad received 130 millimetres rainfall in a 24-hour period till Saturday morning, while Bhavnagar and Vadodara got 52.8 and 34 mm rainfall respectively, IMD data showed. The heatwave continued to sweep the Jammu region as the mercury touched 43.1 degrees Celsius, four degrees above average. Summer capital Srinagar, on the other hand, continued to experience pleasant weather with a high of 29.6 degrees Celsius, up by over two notches but below the season's average. In Punjab and Haryana, rains remained elusive even as the maximum temperatures were recorded to be between two to five notches above normal. Bhiwani and Narnaul were the hottest places in the twin states with the mercury settling at a high of 42.8 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal. While Amritsar braved a high of 42.4 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal, the maximum temperature at Ambala was 41.8 degrees Celsius, also five notches above normal. Moderate rain and thunderstorm were witnessed at isolated places in Eastern Uttar Pradesh even Banda was recorded as the hottest place in the state, recording a temperature of 44.8 degrees Celsius, which is eight degrees above normal. Heatwave also swept some parts of the state and Allahabad sizzled at 44 degrees Celsius. According to the IMD, rain and thundershowers were observed at many places over Assam, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, North Interior Karnataka and at most places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa. Extremely heavy rainfall was observed at a few places over Konkan and Goa and Gujarat region, it said. The Meteorological Department has issued a fresh yellow weather warning for a thunderstorm in Himachal Pradesh for July 3. It has forecast thunderstorms accompanied with hailstorm and gusty winds in several parts of middle hills of the state on July 3. The weather office issues colour-coded warnings to alert people ahead of severe or hazardous weather that has the potential to cause "damage, widespread disruption or danger to life". Yellow is the least dangerous of all the weather warnings. It indicates the possibility of severe weather over the next few days. The Odisha government Saturday put all 30 districts in the state on alert in view of the IMD forecasting enhanced heavy rainfall over the next three days. The step was taken after the IMD indicated the formation of a low-pressure area in north Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood, which is likely to intensify into a depression during the subsequent 48 hours. "Under its influence, enhanced rainfall activity is very likely over the districts of Odisha," said H R Biswas, the director of the IMD, Bhubaneswar.

22 killed in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra, Jharkhand; dry spell continues in North India

Eight people were killed and five injured in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra where several parts were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-gets-first-spell-of-heavy-rains-traffic-affected-231183">lashed by heavy rains on Friday</a>, even as dry weather prevailed in northern India.

In the national capital, monsoon is likely to make an onset on July 3, after a delay of four days. Normally, the wind system reaches Delhi around June 29.

"A low-pressure area is likely to develop in the Bay of Bengal on June 30 which will cause easterly winds to move towards north India and help the monsoon advance," senior scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Kuldeep Srivastava said.&nbsp;

"Monsoon is likely to make an onset in the national capital on July 3. Initially, the city will witness only light rain activity," he said.&nbsp;

On Friday, hot and dry conditions prevailed in the national capital, with the mercury crossing the 43-degree Celsius mark in some parts of the city.&nbsp;

The Safdarjung Observatory, which provides official figures for the city, recorded a maximum of 41.5 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 27.2 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels oscillated between 26 and 69 per cent.

The weather stations at Palam, Ayanagar and Sports Complex recorded the mercury at 43.8, 42.9 and 43.4 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

In Mumbai, three persons were killed and five injured in rain-related incidents as the metropolis was lashed by the first spell of heavy rains this monsoon that marked its most delayed arrival in the city in 45 years.

Mumbaikars woke up to heavy rains, ending a long dry spell, but a few hours of incessant showers left the financial capital struggling with familiar monsoon woes of waterlogging, delayed trains, traffic jams and choked drains.

Three persons died of electric shocks, while two others were injured in two separate incidents in the western suburbs, a spokesperson of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

The deceased were identified as Kashima Yudiyar (60), a resident of Andheri (East), Rajendra Yadav (60) and Sanjay Yadav (24) -- both from Goregaon (East), the civic official said.

Two others suffered injuries in the Goregaon incident and were admitted to a local hospital, he said.

Three persons were injured when a portion of a wall collapsed in Dadar (East) amid rains, he said, adding that they were admitted to the civic-run KEM Hospital.

More rains have been forecast in the next 24 hours.

Suburban train services, considered Mumbai's lifeline, were running late by 10 to 15 minutes, said Railway officials.

Till 4 pm on June 28, the Colaba observatory had recorded 19.2 mm rain and the Santacruz observatory 138 mm rain, the BMC said.

In Palghar in Maharashtra, an eight-year-old boy died after being struck by lightning while two farm labourers were killed in Akola. Two persons, including a teenage girl, were killed in rain-related incidents in Nashik district which was lashed by heavy showers for the fourth consecutive day.

Several parts of eastern and central India, including Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, the Northeast and coastal areas were lashed by heavy rains with some places recording very heavy rains, according to the IMD.&nbsp;

In Chennai, which has been reeling under water crisis, a host of measures such as rainwater harvesting and increasing the number of trips by tankers have been taken to mitigate the crisis city.&nbsp;

From around 9,000 trips, the number has gone up to 11,360 trips every day, Rural and Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani said , adding "it was never done before."&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Heat wave conditions intensified in Jammu as the maximum temperature settled at 42.4 degrees Celsius, 4.7 notches above the season's average, and the highest in the last two weeks, a meteorological (MeT) department official said.

The maximum temperature in the city marked an increase of 2.4 notches compared to previous days 40.2 degrees Celsius, forcing many to remain indoors.

Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital Srinagar, on the other hand, continued to experience pleasant weather as the mercury recorded a dip following rain which lasted for several hours on Thursday evening.

The city recorded a high of 27.7 degrees Celsius (2.9 degrees below normal) and a low of 11.9 (5.4 degrees below normal), the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Parts of Rajasthan recorded rainfall ranging from 2 to 8 cm in the last 24 hours, a MeT official said.

Despite receiving 0.8 mm rainfall, Churu was the hottest place in the state recording a maximum temperature of 44.3 degree Celsius.

It was followed by Sriganganagar (43.2 degrees Celsius), Bikaner (43.1 degrees Celsius), Barmer (41.2 degrees Celsius) and Ajmer (41 degrees Celsius).

Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow recorded a maximum temperature of 42 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above the normal.

Rain or thundershower is very likely at isolated places over the state on Jun 29, according to the MeT office.

Heat wave condition is very likely to prevail at isolated places over eastern Uttar Pradesh on June 29. Banda was the hottest place in UP at 44.2 degrees Celsius.

Most parts of Haryana and Punjab recorded maximum temperatures above the normal limits with Amritsar being the hottest place in both the state at 42 degrees Celsius.

Eight people were killed and five injured in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra where several parts were lashed by heavy rains on Friday, even as dry weather prevailed in northern India.

Eight people were killed and five injured in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra where several parts were lashed by heavy rains on Friday, even as dry weather prevailed in northern India. In the national capital, monsoon is likely to make an onset on July 3, after a delay of four days. Normally, the wind system reaches Delhi around June 29. "A low-pressure area is likely to develop in the Bay of Bengal on June 30 which will cause easterly winds to move towards north India and help the monsoon advance," senior scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Kuldeep Srivastava said. "Monsoon is likely to make an onset in the national capital on July 3. Initially, the city will witness only light rain activity," he said. On Friday, hot and dry conditions prevailed in the national capital, with the mercury crossing the 43-degree Celsius mark in some parts of the city. The Safdarjung Observatory, which provides official figures for the city, recorded a maximum of 41.5 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 27.2 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels oscillated between 26 and 69 per cent. The weather stations at Palam, Ayanagar and Sports Complex recorded the mercury at 43.8, 42.9 and 43.4 degrees Celsius. In Mumbai, three persons were killed and five injured in rain-related incidents as the metropolis was lashed by the first spell of heavy rains this monsoon that marked its most delayed arrival in the city in 45 years. Mumbaikars woke up to heavy rains, ending a long dry spell, but a few hours of incessant showers left the financial capital struggling with familiar monsoon woes of waterlogging, delayed trains, traffic jams and choked drains. Three persons died of electric shocks, while two others were injured in two separate incidents in the western suburbs, a spokesperson of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. The deceased were identified as Kashima Yudiyar (60), a resident of Andheri (East), Rajendra Yadav (60) and Sanjay Yadav (24) -- both from Goregaon (East), the civic official said. Two others suffered injuries in the Goregaon incident and were admitted to a local hospital, he said. Three persons were injured when a portion of a wall collapsed in Dadar (East) amid rains, he said, adding that they were admitted to the civic-run KEM Hospital. More rains have been forecast in the next 24 hours. Suburban train services, considered Mumbai's lifeline, were running late by 10 to 15 minutes, said Railway officials. Till 4 pm on June 28, the Colaba observatory had recorded 19.2 mm rain and the Santacruz observatory 138 mm rain, the BMC said. In Palghar in Maharashtra, an eight-year-old boy died after being struck by lightning while two farm labourers were killed in Akola. Two persons, including a teenage girl, were killed in rain-related incidents in Nashik district which was lashed by heavy showers for the fourth consecutive day. Several parts of eastern and central India, including Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, the Northeast and coastal areas were lashed by heavy rains with some places recording very heavy rains, according to the IMD. In Chennai, which has been reeling under water crisis, a host of measures such as rainwater harvesting and increasing the number of trips by tankers have been taken to mitigate the crisis city. From around 9,000 trips, the number has gone up to 11,360 trips every day, Rural and Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani said , adding "it was never done before." Heat wave conditions intensified in Jammu as the maximum temperature settled at 42.4 degrees Celsius, 4.7 notches above the season's average, and the highest in the last two weeks, a meteorological (MeT) department official said. The maximum temperature in the city marked an increase of 2.4 notches compared to previous days 40.2 degrees Celsius, forcing many to remain indoors. Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital Srinagar, on the other hand, continued to experience pleasant weather as the mercury recorded a dip following rain which lasted for several hours on Thursday evening. The city recorded a high of 27.7 degrees Celsius (2.9 degrees below normal) and a low of 11.9 (5.4 degrees below normal), the spokesperson said. Parts of Rajasthan recorded rainfall ranging from 2 to 8 cm in the last 24 hours, a MeT official said. Despite receiving 0.8 mm rainfall, Churu was the hottest place in the state recording a maximum temperature of 44.3 degree Celsius. It was followed by Sriganganagar (43.2 degrees Celsius), Bikaner (43.1 degrees Celsius), Barmer (41.2 degrees Celsius) and Ajmer (41 degrees Celsius). Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow recorded a maximum temperature of 42 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above the normal. Rain or thundershower is very likely at isolated places over the state on Jun 29, according to the MeT office. Heat wave condition is very likely to prevail at isolated places over eastern Uttar Pradesh on June 29. Banda was the hottest place in UP at 44.2 degrees Celsius. Most parts of Haryana and Punjab recorded maximum temperatures above the normal limits with Amritsar being the hottest place in both the state at 42 degrees Celsius.

8 killed in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra, no respite from heat in north India

After a delay of several days, the first spell of heavy rains lashed the metropolis and its outskirts Friday morning, slowing down road and rail traffic.

The Met office has predicted moderate rainfall with a few spells of heavy showers in the financial capital in the next 24 hours.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in the last five hours, its weather station has recorded an average rainfall of 43.23 mm in the island city, 64.14 mm in eastern suburbs and 78.21 mm in western suburbs.

The civic body said the flow of road traffic has been reported to be slow, while suburban services of the Central and Western Railways were running behind schedule.

"The city has recorded moderate rainfall in the last few hours. So far, no untoward incident or major water-logging has been reported at the Disaster Management Cell," a senior civic official said.

Meanwhile, heavy showers brought cheers to civic officials who said they will help in improving stock in reservoirs supplying water to the metropolis.

Since monsoon has been playing truant, the civic administration has been forced to use reserve stock of water from its lakes to fulfil the needs of Mumbaikars.

Suburban train services, considered Mumbai's lifeline, were running late by 10 to 15 minutes, said the officer.

According to a BMC spokesperson, due to the ongoing metro rail work and water-logging at some places, a few buses of civic transport undertaking BEST were diverted from their regular routes.

Heavy traffic jam affected the movement of vehicles on the Mulund-Sion stretch of the Eastern Express Highway, he said, adding the BMC had to close a busy subway in suburban Andheri due to water-logging.

The Thane railway station witnessed water-logging on tracks and the local civic administration has been alerted about it by the Central Railway (CR).

"Water entered on tracks from the city area. The TMC (Thane Municipal Corporation) has been informed. The TMC is sending officials to check and do the needful. Our officers are there to help," CR chief spokesperson Sunil Udasi said.

The Western Railway, in a statement, said, several teams of officials along with RPF jawans have been deployed at different locations to ensure the smooth operation of trains.

"Tracks and signals are working well without any failure. Train operation is normal. Today we received a few mail express trains late at Surat from Vadodara due to heavy rains in Vadodara division," said the statement.

After a delay of several days, the first spell of heavy rains lashed the metropolis and its outskirts Friday morning, slowing down road and rail traffic. The Met office has predicted moderate rainfall with a few spells of heavy showers in the financial capital in the next 24 hours.

After a delay of several days, the first spell of heavy rains lashed the metropolis and its outskirts Friday morning, slowing down road and rail traffic. The Met office has predicted moderate rainfall with a few spells of heavy showers in the financial capital in the next 24 hours. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in the last five hours, its weather station has recorded an average rainfall of 43.23 mm in the island city, 64.14 mm in eastern suburbs and 78.21 mm in western suburbs. The civic body said the flow of road traffic has been reported to be slow, while suburban services of the Central and Western Railways were running behind schedule. "The city has recorded moderate rainfall in the last few hours. So far, no untoward incident or major water-logging has been reported at the Disaster Management Cell," a senior civic official said. Meanwhile, heavy showers brought cheers to civic officials who said they will help in improving stock in reservoirs supplying water to the metropolis. Since monsoon has been playing truant, the civic administration has been forced to use reserve stock of water from its lakes to fulfil the needs of Mumbaikars. Suburban train services, considered Mumbai's lifeline, were running late by 10 to 15 minutes, said the officer. According to a BMC spokesperson, due to the ongoing metro rail work and water-logging at some places, a few buses of civic transport undertaking BEST were diverted from their regular routes. Heavy traffic jam affected the movement of vehicles on the Mulund-Sion stretch of the Eastern Express Highway, he said, adding the BMC had to close a busy subway in suburban Andheri due to water-logging. The Thane railway station witnessed water-logging on tracks and the local civic administration has been alerted about it by the Central Railway (CR). "Water entered on tracks from the city area. The TMC (Thane Municipal Corporation) has been informed. The TMC is sending officials to check and do the needful. Our officers are there to help," CR chief spokesperson Sunil Udasi said. The Western Railway, in a statement, said, several teams of officials along with RPF jawans have been deployed at different locations to ensure the smooth operation of trains. "Tracks and signals are working well without any failure. Train operation is normal. Today we received a few mail express trains late at Surat from Vadodara due to heavy rains in Vadodara division," said the statement.

Mumbai gets first spell of heavy rains; traffic affected

The Bombay High Court today upheld the Maharashtra government's decision to provide reservation to the Maratha community in government jobs and educational institutions. However, the court cut down on the quantum of 16 per cent approved by the government on the grounds that it was not "justifiable".

India Watch: Maratha quota: Court backs govt move

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's 'Varsha' bungalow a defaulter after water bills were not paid.

India Watch: BMC declares Fadnavis a defaulter

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