<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Two people died on Saturday after being struck by lightning in separate incidents in Maharashtra's Buldhana district, police said.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Three people, including two teenagers, died in lightning strikes in Jharkhand's Gumla district during heavy rains on Friday evening.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Heatwave also swept some parts of the state and Allahabad sizzled at 44 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Extremely heavy rainfall was observed at a few places over Konkan and Goa and Gujarat region, it said.</p>

<p>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.<br />
<br />
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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"Under its influence, enhanced rainfall activity is very likely over the districts of Odisha," said H R Biswas, the director of the IMD, Bhubaneswar.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


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

The year that was hasn't been any less hectic for Meraj, and in this episode we get to witness some of his deep musings while seeing north India yet again. From Motorcycle adventures in Prag, skydiving down under, to the ever inviting personalities residing in the hills. The Adventures of Meraj strech far and wide, and there is no sign of stopping yet...

WION Traveller S2 Episode 19 – The Shah of Blah: Musings from the road

<p>A mild 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck western Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat on Wednesday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology.</p>

<p>The quake, epicentred in Baghpat in north of Delhi, occurred at 7:59 am.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tremors were felt in the neighbouring region, including the national capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soon Twitter was flooded with earthquake tweets from people all over Delhi and NCR region.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a><br />
At 7:59 am in delhi<br />
Usually I don't feel it<br />
But today I guess tremors were quite strong</p>
— वेदिता मलिक (@malik_vedita) <a href="https://twitter.com/malik_vedita/status/1098049342907269120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> in Delhi. Retweet if true</p>
— Bhavesh Agarwal (@bhaveshagarwall) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhaveshagarwall/status/1098047654737502209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Earthquake</a> rocks India 8 am sharp,all North India effected, epicenter in uttrakhand again,6.8 intensity for 22 seconds.Lot tremors.</p>
— Jagjit (@COMMANMANOFUPA) <a href="https://twitter.com/COMMANMANOFUPA/status/1098047704847040513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>So far no casualty&nbsp;or damage has been reported.</p>


A mild 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck western Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat on Wednesday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology. The quake, epicentred in Baghpat in north of Delhi, occurred at 7:59 am.

A mild 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck western Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat on Wednesday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology. The quake, epicentred in Baghpat in north of Delhi, occurred at 7:59 am. Tremors were felt in the neighbouring region, including the national capital. Soon Twitter was flooded with earthquake tweets from people all over Delhi and NCR region. #earthquake At 7:59 am in delhi Usually I don't feel it But today I guess tremors were quite strong — वेदिता मलिक (@malik_vedita) February 20, 2019 × #earthquake in Delhi. Retweet if true — Bhavesh Agarwal (@bhaveshagarwall) February 20, 2019 × #Earthquake rocks India 8 am sharp,all North India effected, epicenter in uttrakhand again,6.8 intensity for 22 seconds.Lot tremors. — Jagjit (@COMMANMANOFUPA) February 20, 2019 × So far no casualty or damage has been reported.

Magnitude 4 earthquake hits western UP, tremors felt in Delhi

<p>A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan Saturday, tremors of which were felt in several parts of North India, including the national capital, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said.</p>

<p>The NCS, an institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, initially said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/58-magnitude-earthquake-hits-several-pakistan-cities-194629">epicentre of the quake was in Pakistan</a>, but later revised it to the Hindukush region in Afghanistan. It occurred at 5:34 PM.</p>

<p>There were no immediate reports of loss of lives or property, they said.&nbsp;</p>


A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan Saturday, tremors of which were felt in several parts of North India, including the national capital, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said.

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan Saturday, tremors of which were felt in several parts of North India, including the national capital, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said. The NCS, an institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, initially said the epicentre of the quake was in Pakistan, but later revised it to the Hindukush region in Afghanistan. It occurred at 5:34 PM. There were no immediate reports of loss of lives or property, they said.

6.1-magnitude earthquake hits Afghanistan, tremors felt across North India

<p>The NIA on Wednesday busted a suspected<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-conducts-raids-across-delhi-and-uttar-pradesh-detains-10-to-bust-new-isis-inspired-terror-module-186623"> ISIS-inspired terror module</a> following searches in Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi, arresting at least 10 people allegedly planning to attack crowded places and political personalities, officials said.</p>

<p>The National Investigation Agency conducted searches across 17 locations in Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi in connection with its probe into the new module called 'Harkat ul Harb e Islam'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The module was in touch with foreign handlers, whose identity is yet to be established, National Investigation Agency (NIA) Inspector General Alok Mittal told reporters.</p>

<p>Mittal said searches were carried out in Delhi's Seelampur locality, UP's Lucknow, Amroha and Hapur districts where a huge quantity of explosives, a country-made rocket launcher, 100 mobiles and 135 SIM cards were recovered.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> NIA conducts a raid in Delhi's Jafrabad area in connection with a new ISIS module styled as 'Harkat ul Harb e Islam' . <a href="https://t.co/GL1GjOa1tq">pic.twitter.com/GL1GjOa1tq</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077899378864672768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">IG NIA: The gang leader of the module is called Mufti Sohail who stays in Delhi and is a native of Amroha in UP where he works at a mosque. <a href="https://t.co/bQ9o1NDqYL">pic.twitter.com/bQ9o1NDqYL</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077884226106781696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">IG NIA: Total amount worth Rs 7.5 lakh recovered, nearly 100 mobile phone, 135 SIM cards, laptops and memory also seized. Some of the searches are still underway. After intial interrrogation of the 16 suspects, we have decided to arrest 10 accused. <a href="https://t.co/eKUoE3Ouyk">pic.twitter.com/eKUoE3Ouyk</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077881087811088385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Searches were carried out at 17 locations in Delhi and UP from where 16 suspects were detained and 10 of them were arrested," he said.</p>

<p>"The level of preparation showed they were planning fidayeen attacks," Mittal added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Five people were picked up from the western Uttar Pradesh district of Amroha following a joint operation with the UP Anti-Terrorist Squad, Inspector General ATS Asim Arun said in Lucknow.</p>

<p>The group was under NIA surveillance for some time following inputs of their suspicious activities, officials said.</p>


The NIA on Wednesday busted a suspected ISIS-inspired terror module following searches in Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi, arresting at least 10 people allegedly planning to attack crowded places and political personalities, officials said.

The NIA on Wednesday busted a suspected ISIS-inspired terror module following searches in Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi, arresting at least 10 people allegedly planning to attack crowded places and political personalities, officials said. The National Investigation Agency conducted searches across 17 locations in Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi in connection with its probe into the new module called 'Harkat ul Harb e Islam'. The module was in touch with foreign handlers, whose identity is yet to be established, National Investigation Agency (NIA) Inspector General Alok Mittal told reporters. Mittal said searches were carried out in Delhi's Seelampur locality, UP's Lucknow, Amroha and Hapur districts where a huge quantity of explosives, a country-made rocket launcher, 100 mobiles and 135 SIM cards were recovered. #WATCH NIA conducts a raid in Delhi's Jafrabad area in connection with a new ISIS module styled as 'Harkat ul Harb e Islam' . pic.twitter.com/GL1GjOa1tq — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × IG NIA: The gang leader of the module is called Mufti Sohail who stays in Delhi and is a native of Amroha in UP where he works at a mosque. pic.twitter.com/bQ9o1NDqYL — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × IG NIA: Total amount worth Rs 7.5 lakh recovered, nearly 100 mobile phone, 135 SIM cards, laptops and memory also seized. Some of the searches are still underway. After intial interrrogation of the 16 suspects, we have decided to arrest 10 accused. pic.twitter.com/eKUoE3Ouyk — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × "Searches were carried out at 17 locations in Delhi and UP from where 16 suspects were detained and 10 of them were arrested," he said. "The level of preparation showed they were planning fidayeen attacks," Mittal added. Five people were picked up from the western Uttar Pradesh district of Amroha following a joint operation with the UP Anti-Terrorist Squad, Inspector General ATS Asim Arun said in Lucknow. The group was under NIA surveillance for some time following inputs of their suspicious activities, officials said.

Terror group was planning serial blasts in north India; 17 locations raided, 10 arrested: NIA

<p>Cold weather continued to grip parts of north India on Sunday and a blanket of fog enveloped several areas of the region affecting road and rail traffic.</p>

<p>In Delhi, the mercury once again dipped to 3.7 degrees Celsius in early morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi`s Air Quality Index at 8 a.m. was 441 with major pollutants being PM2.5 and PM10.</p>

<p>This is the third time in four days that the mercury has plunged to 4 degrees Celsius — the lowest temperature in the last four years.</p>

<p>The fall in temperature is due to cold wave conditions prevailing over northwest India.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi recorded 3.7 degrees Celsius early morning today; Visuals from Rajpath and New Delhi railway station <a href="https://t.co/zWReY00G8r">pic.twitter.com/zWReY00G8r</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076691088835035136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In Uttar Pradesh, the met office said shallow-to-moderate fog occurred at isolated places over the state and there was dense fog in some parts of western UP.</p>

<p>Night temperatures remained below normal in Varanasi, Faizabad, Allahabad, Lucknow, Bareilly, Meerut, Gorakhpur and Agra divisions. Muzaffarnagar was the coldest in the state with 0.4 degrees Celsius.</p>


Cold weather continued to grip parts of north India on Sunday and a blanket of fog enveloped several areas of the region affecting road and rail traffic. In Delhi, the mercury once again dipped to 3.

Cold weather continued to grip parts of north India on Sunday and a blanket of fog enveloped several areas of the region affecting road and rail traffic. In Delhi, the mercury once again dipped to 3.7 degrees Celsius in early morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi`s Air Quality Index at 8 a.m. was 441 with major pollutants being PM2.5 and PM10. This is the third time in four days that the mercury has plunged to 4 degrees Celsius — the lowest temperature in the last four years. The fall in temperature is due to cold wave conditions prevailing over northwest India. Delhi recorded 3.7 degrees Celsius early morning today; Visuals from Rajpath and New Delhi railway station pic.twitter.com/zWReY00G8r — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2018 × In Uttar Pradesh, the met office said shallow-to-moderate fog occurred at isolated places over the state and there was dense fog in some parts of western UP. Night temperatures remained below normal in Varanasi, Faizabad, Allahabad, Lucknow, Bareilly, Meerut, Gorakhpur and Agra divisions. Muzaffarnagar was the coldest in the state with 0.4 degrees Celsius.

Cold wave and fog continue to grip North India

North India under intense cold wave; temperatures drop below normal

<p>As the mountainous areas lie capped in snow, India's northern states are shivering due to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cool-breeze-marks-the-onset-of-chilly-winters-in-delhi-181369">cold wave</a>. The capital city Delhi is also experiencing colder temperatures last few days.</p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-evacuates-11600-people-as-cyclone-phethai-makes-landfall-in-andhra-pradesh-184904">India Meteorological Department (IMD)</a> has issued a severe cold wave warning and has forecast that night temperature in Delhi could further drop to around 4 degrees in the coming days.</p>

<p>A “cold to severe cold wave” will grip north and central India over the next 2-3 days, peaking on January 15, the weather department has cautioned.</p>

<p>Respite from cold is unlikely for a week as the minimum temperatures are very likely to be below normal over most parts of the country till January 21, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).</p>

<p>"Cold wave condition is very likely at isolated places over Haryana, Chandigarh &amp; Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh, West Madhya Pradesh, north Gujarat region and Saurashtra &amp; Kutch and lower regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand," said IMD report.</p>

<p>In association with the western disturbances, the main reason behind the drop in temperatures, the wet spell over western Himalayan Region (Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand) is also likely to continue during January 14 to 17 and over adjoining plains during 15 to 17 January with peak intensity on January 15, the IMD said in its forecast for the next two weeks.</p>

<p>“Cold to severe cold wave is very likely over at a few places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and cold wave at a few places over Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and interior Odisha during next 2-3 days,” the IMD said.</p>

<p>There could also be normal rainfall activity during the next two weeks.</p>

<p>The minimum temperatures are very likely to be below normal over most parts of the country till January 21. They are likely to be normal or above normal over northwest India between January 22-26, it said. The maximum temperatures are very likely to be below normal over the northwest, east and adjoining central India till January 26 and they will be above normal over peninsular India for the same period, the IMD said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the mountainous areas lie capped in snow, India's northern states are shivering due to cold wave. The capital city Delhi is also experiencing colder temperatures last few days.

As the mountainous areas lie capped in snow, India's northern states are shivering due to cold wave. The capital city Delhi is also experiencing colder temperatures last few days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe cold wave warning and has forecast that night temperature in Delhi could further drop to around 4 degrees in the coming days. A “cold to severe cold wave” will grip north and central India over the next 2-3 days, peaking on January 15, the weather department has cautioned. Respite from cold is unlikely for a week as the minimum temperatures are very likely to be below normal over most parts of the country till January 21, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). "Cold wave condition is very likely at isolated places over Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh, West Madhya Pradesh, north Gujarat region and Saurashtra & Kutch and lower regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand," said IMD report. In association with the western disturbances, the main reason behind the drop in temperatures, the wet spell over western Himalayan Region (Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand) is also likely to continue during January 14 to 17 and over adjoining plains during 15 to 17 January with peak intensity on January 15, the IMD said in its forecast for the next two weeks. “Cold to severe cold wave is very likely over at a few places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and cold wave at a few places over Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and interior Odisha during next 2-3 days,” the IMD said. There could also be normal rainfall activity during the next two weeks. The minimum temperatures are very likely to be below normal over most parts of the country till January 21. They are likely to be normal or above normal over northwest India between January 22-26, it said. The maximum temperatures are very likely to be below normal over the northwest, east and adjoining central India till January 26 and they will be above normal over peninsular India for the same period, the IMD said. (With inputs from agencies)

Cold wave over north India likely in next 2-3 days: Met Department

<p>Actor and Jana Sena party leader Pawan Kalyan, who often wades into the issue of the north-south divide, on Thursday attacked what he called the ''north Indian elite political leadership''.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Northern Indian elite political leadership should have a deeper understanding of Southern India,'' the Andhra Pradesh politician has reported said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhiji or Sardar Patel were able to resolve the problems that the country faced as they travelled across the country.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Northern Indian elite political leadership should have a deeper understanding of Southern India. When Gandhiji or Sardar Patel were there, issues were resolved because they used to travel across and understand the spirit of the country.: Pawan Kalyan, Jana Sena <a href="https://t.co/2TuZuSusok">pic.twitter.com/2TuZuSusok</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065542951412084736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>''When Gandhiji or Sardar Patel were there, issues were resolved because they used to travel across and understand the spirit of the country,'' Kalyan said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said that in the course of time he may ally with other stars from south India Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan, who also recently plunged into politicis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is not the first time that Pawan has spoken on the issue of the north-south divide.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In course of time, we may ally with Rajinikanth sir and Kamal Hassan sir:Pawan Kalyan, Jana Sena <a href="https://t.co/JvuAMtGpzP">pic.twitter.com/JvuAMtGpzP</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065545350923120640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In February, Pawan Kalyan questioned the population-based formula for sharing tax revenues between states and asked whether the Centre was going to use the 'success of south Indian states' against their own interests.</p>

<p>In January, 2017, Pawan had told a news channel that “The north-south divide is not between people but political class. Same rule has to be applied all over.”</p>


Actor and Jana Sena party leader Pawan Kalyan, who often wades into the issue of the north-south divide, on Thursday attacked what he called the ''north Indian elite political leadership''.

Actor and Jana Sena party leader Pawan Kalyan, who often wades into the issue of the north-south divide, on Thursday attacked what he called the ''north Indian elite political leadership''. ''Northern Indian elite political leadership should have a deeper understanding of Southern India,'' the Andhra Pradesh politician has reported said. Gandhiji or Sardar Patel were able to resolve the problems that the country faced as they travelled across the country. Northern Indian elite political leadership should have a deeper understanding of Southern India. When Gandhiji or Sardar Patel were there, issues were resolved because they used to travel across and understand the spirit of the country.: Pawan Kalyan, Jana Sena pic.twitter.com/2TuZuSusok — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2018 × ''When Gandhiji or Sardar Patel were there, issues were resolved because they used to travel across and understand the spirit of the country,'' Kalyan said. He also said that in the course of time he may ally with other stars from south India Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan, who also recently plunged into politicis. This is not the first time that Pawan has spoken on the issue of the north-south divide. In course of time, we may ally with Rajinikanth sir and Kamal Hassan sir:Pawan Kalyan, Jana Sena pic.twitter.com/JvuAMtGpzP — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2018 × In February, Pawan Kalyan questioned the population-based formula for sharing tax revenues between states and asked whether the Centre was going to use the 'success of south Indian states' against their own interests. In January, 2017, Pawan had told a news channel that “The north-south divide is not between people but political class. Same rule has to be applied all over.”

North 'elite' politicians should have deeper understanding of South: Pawan Kalyan 

<p>The Meteorological Department today stated that the heatwave condition is likely to prevail across north India for the next 4-5 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Heatwave condition to prevail in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan for next 4-5 days, the temperature will be above 45 degrees," Kuldeep Shrivastava from the department told ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The MeT department also notified about a dust storm that could hit Delhi NCR, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh on May 24.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Heat wave condition to prevail in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, UP & Rajasthan for next 4-5 days, temperature will be above 45 degrees. Parts of Delhi NCR, Rajasthan & UP will experience dust storm on May 24: Kuldeep Shrivastava, India Meteorological Department <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/8YXHMt25Ts">pic.twitter.com/8YXHMt25Ts</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/999190029346922496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Indian Meteorological Department on Tuesday issued a heatwave warning for the next five days after Delhi recorded the highest temperature of the season. According to the warning, the maximum temperature may shoot up to 48 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Delhi temperature hit 44 degrees Celsius at around 4:30 in the evening.</p>

<p>Just a week back, the national capital was battered by dust storms which also hit parts of north India claiming over 100 lives.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The MeT department also notified about a dust storm that could hit parts of Delhi NCR, Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh on May 24

The Meteorological Department today stated that the heatwave condition is likely to prevail across north India for the next 4-5 days. "Heatwave condition to prevail in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan for next 4-5 days, the temperature will be above 45 degrees," Kuldeep Shrivastava from the department told ANI. The MeT department also notified about a dust storm that could hit Delhi NCR, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh on May 24. Heat wave condition to prevail in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, UP & Rajasthan for next 4-5 days, temperature will be above 45 degrees. Parts of Delhi NCR, Rajasthan & UP will experience dust storm on May 24: Kuldeep Shrivastava, India Meteorological Department #Delhi pic.twitter.com/8YXHMt25Ts — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018 × The Indian Meteorological Department on Tuesday issued a heatwave warning for the next five days after Delhi recorded the highest temperature of the season. According to the warning, the maximum temperature may shoot up to 48 degrees Celsius. On Tuesday, Delhi temperature hit 44 degrees Celsius at around 4:30 in the evening. Just a week back, the national capital was battered by dust storms which also hit parts of north India claiming over 100 lives.

Heatwave to prevail across north India, temperatures to stay above 45 degrees: IMD

<p>According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the death toll in several North&nbspIndian&nbspstates due to thunderstorm and lightning&nbsphas risen to 80.</p>

<p>The deaths were reported from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi and Uttrakhand.</p>

<p>The devastation was caused by the high-velocity wind that struck parts of north India on the intervening night of May 13-14. The thunder&nbsphad also disrupted road, rail and air services last evening.</p>

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs&nbspstated, "As per information received from UP, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi & Uttarakhand 80 lives have been lost (UP-51, Andhra-12, WB-14, Delhi-2, Uttarakhand-1) due to lightning/thunderstorm during intervening night of 13-14 May, 136 people were injured"&nbsp&nbsp</p>

<p>The devastation had come 12 days after storms hit Uttar Pradesh (UP), Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Punjab, killing 134 people and injuring over 400.&nbsp</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


The deaths were reported from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi and Uttrakhand

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the death toll in several North&nbspIndian&nbspstates due to thunderstorm and lightning&nbsphas risen to 80. The deaths were reported from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi and Uttrakhand. The devastation was caused by the high-velocity wind that struck parts of north India on the intervening night of May 13-14. The thunder&nbsphad also disrupted road, rail and air services last evening. The Ministry of External Affairs&nbspstated, "As per information received from UP, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi & Uttarakhand 80 lives have been lost (UP-51, Andhra-12, WB-14, Delhi-2, Uttarakhand-1) due to lightning/thunderstorm during intervening night of 13-14 May, 136 people were injured" The devastation had come 12 days after storms hit Uttar Pradesh (UP), Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Punjab, killing 134 people and injuring over 400.

Death toll due to thunderstorm, lightning rises to 80

<p>An earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitude&nbsp;hit the central Asian nation of Tajikistan, in its mountainous border region near Afghanistan on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The tremors were felt in&nbsp;various parts of north India, including Kashmir and the Delhi-NCR region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>No casualties have been reported as yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is a developing story. More details awaited.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Earthquake tremors felt in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmir</a> Valley. More details awaited. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994166476260106240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The epicentre of the earthquake was located in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region. No casualties have been reported so far

An earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitude hit the central Asian nation of Tajikistan, in its mountainous border region near Afghanistan on Wednesday. The tremors were felt in various parts of north India, including Kashmir and the Delhi-NCR region. No casualties have been reported as yet. This is a developing story. More details awaited. Earthquake tremors felt in #Kashmir Valley. More details awaited. #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2018 ×

6.2 earthquake hits Tajikistan, tremors felt in Delhi-NCR

<p>Six persons were killed and several others, including policemen, sustained injuries in violent protests in Madhya Pradesh during the nationwide bandh called today by Dalit outfits against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.</p>

<p>Curfew was clamped in three districts including Bhind, where the Army was called in to control the situation.</p>

<p>"Two people were killed in Gwalior while one person each died in Bhind and Morena districts during the violence," Inspector General (law and order) Makrand Deoskar told PTI.</p>

<p>Three&nbsp;other people were killed in the protests, two in Uttar Pradesh, and one in Alwar, Rajasthan, taking the total toll to nine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Incidents of stone-pelting, arson and loot were also reported from several parts of the state during the protest, he said, adding that further details are awaited.<br />
<br />
A student leader, identified as Rahul Pathak, died in firing in Morena district, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Umesh Shukla told PTI.</p>

<p>Pathak was allegedly shot by agitators and he succumbed to injuries enroute to hospital, he said.</p>

<p>As the violence escalated, curfew was imposed in the entire city, Shukla said.</p>

<p>The protesters also stopped a train in Morena, the police said.</p>

<p>Curfew was also imposed in Gwalior and Bhind districts following violence, officials said.&nbsp;Gwalior Commissioner B M Sharma said, "Curfew has been imposed in several parts of the Gwalior city following violence during the protest."</p>

<p>The Tahtipur, Gola Ka Mandir, Hazira and Morar police station areas in Gwalior were brought under the purview of the curfew, a senior official said.</p>

<p>Curfew was also imposed in Bhind city, and Mehgaon, Lahar, Gohad and Machand areas of the district, Bhind Superintendent of Police Prashant Khare said.</p>

<p>The Army has been called in Bhind to control the situation, Khare said.</p>

<p>A person, identified as Mahavir Singh (32), died in the firing in Bhind district where while two others suffered serious injuries and were referred to a hospital in Gwalior, Bhind's chief medical and health officer J P S Kushwaha said.</p>

<p>In Jhabua, protesters looted shops during the agitation, triggering tension in the tribal town.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan appealed to the protesters to maintain peace in the state as the Centre has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court.</p>

<p>Protests were also held in the state capital Bhopal with agitators blocking a road on the Board Office Square near the statue of Dalit icon Dr B R Ambedkar.</p>

<p>More than two dozen vehicles were damaged, several of them torched by the protesters, eyewitnesses said.</p>

<p>In Morena district, the Chhattisgarh Express was stopped by protesters and was till at the station, they said.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court had on March 20 diluted certain provisions of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, in a bid to protect 'honest' public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the Act.</p>

<p>The verdict is being widely criticised by the Dalits and the Opposition, who claim that dilution of the Act will lead to more discrimination and crimes against the backward community.&nbsp;</p>


The deaths took place in Madhya Pradesh where curfew was clamped on three districts, in one of which the army was called in to control the situation

Six persons were killed and several others, including policemen, sustained injuries in violent protests in Madhya Pradesh during the nationwide bandh called today by Dalit outfits against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Curfew was clamped in three districts including Bhind, where the Army was called in to control the situation. "Two people were killed in Gwalior while one person each died in Bhind and Morena districts during the violence," Inspector General (law and order) Makrand Deoskar told PTI. Three other people were killed in the protests, two in Uttar Pradesh, and one in Alwar, Rajasthan, taking the total toll to nine. Incidents of stone-pelting, arson and loot were also reported from several parts of the state during the protest, he said, adding that further details are awaited. A student leader, identified as Rahul Pathak, died in firing in Morena district, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Umesh Shukla told PTI. Pathak was allegedly shot by agitators and he succumbed to injuries enroute to hospital, he said. As the violence escalated, curfew was imposed in the entire city, Shukla said. The protesters also stopped a train in Morena, the police said. Curfew was also imposed in Gwalior and Bhind districts following violence, officials said. Gwalior Commissioner B M Sharma said, "Curfew has been imposed in several parts of the Gwalior city following violence during the protest." The Tahtipur, Gola Ka Mandir, Hazira and Morar police station areas in Gwalior were brought under the purview of the curfew, a senior official said. Curfew was also imposed in Bhind city, and Mehgaon, Lahar, Gohad and Machand areas of the district, Bhind Superintendent of Police Prashant Khare said. The Army has been called in Bhind to control the situation, Khare said. A person, identified as Mahavir Singh (32), died in the firing in Bhind district where while two others suffered serious injuries and were referred to a hospital in Gwalior, Bhind's chief medical and health officer J P S Kushwaha said. In Jhabua, protesters looted shops during the agitation, triggering tension in the tribal town. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan appealed to the protesters to maintain peace in the state as the Centre has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court. Protests were also held in the state capital Bhopal with agitators blocking a road on the Board Office Square near the statue of Dalit icon Dr B R Ambedkar. More than two dozen vehicles were damaged, several of them torched by the protesters, eyewitnesses said. In Morena district, the Chhattisgarh Express was stopped by protesters and was till at the station, they said. The Supreme Court had on March 20 diluted certain provisions of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, in a bid to protect 'honest' public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the Act. The verdict is being widely criticised by the Dalits and the Opposition, who claim that dilution of the Act will lead to more discrimination and crimes against the backward community.

Bharat Bandh protests: Death toll rises to 9 as violence sweeps across India

<p>The average temperatures from March to May across North India are likely to be above normal by more than one degree Celsius, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its seasonal forecast on Wednesday.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The MeT office, in a statement, said average temperatures in Delhi, along with neighbouring states of Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, can soar over 1.5 degrees Celsius above normal levels. It projected a maximum rise of more than 2.3 degrees higher than usual temperatures in hilly states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.</p>

<p>Met office further projected that the average temperatures from March to May across half the country are likely to be above normal by more than 1 degree Celsius.</p>

<p>The temperature rise is likely to be moderate in south India and four north-eastern states.</p>

<p>India normally experiences hot weather and heat wave conditions during March to July period.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the seasonal forecast, there is about 52 per cent probability that maximum temperatures in the core heat wave zone during the period of March to May will touch their peak &mdash; pointing to a high likelihood of heat waves.</p>

<p>This zone includes Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Marathwada, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra and coastal Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>The forecast projects higher than normal temperature across India.</p>

<p>The seasonal average maximum temperature is likely to be warmer than normal by 1&deg;C over these states (heat wave zone) whereas it is likely to be 0.5&deg;C over Kerala, Tamil Nadu, south interior Karnataka and Rayalaseema.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Remaining subdivisions are likely to experience maximum temperature anomalies between 0.5&deg;C and 1&deg;C.</p>

<p>IMD says the regions where the temperature rise is likely to be moderate are south India and four north-eastern states. The outlook shows that the seasonal average mean temperature in Tamil Nadu, south interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema and north-eastern states of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura is&nbsp;likely to be less than 0.5 degree Celsius above normal.</p>


India normally experiences hot weather and heat wave conditions during March to July period

The average temperatures from March to May across North India are likely to be above normal by more than one degree Celsius, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its seasonal forecast on Wednesday. × The MeT office, in a statement, said average temperatures in Delhi, along with neighbouring states of Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, can soar over 1.5 degrees Celsius above normal levels. It projected a maximum rise of more than 2.3 degrees higher than usual temperatures in hilly states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Met office further projected that the average temperatures from March to May across half the country are likely to be above normal by more than 1 degree Celsius. The temperature rise is likely to be moderate in south India and four north-eastern states. India normally experiences hot weather and heat wave conditions during March to July period. As per the seasonal forecast, there is about 52 per cent probability that maximum temperatures in the core heat wave zone during the period of March to May will touch their peak — pointing to a high likelihood of heat waves. This zone includes Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Marathwada, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra and coastal Andhra Pradesh. The forecast projects higher than normal temperature across India. The seasonal average maximum temperature is likely to be warmer than normal by 1°C over these states (heat wave zone) whereas it is likely to be 0.5°C over Kerala, Tamil Nadu, south interior Karnataka and Rayalaseema. Remaining subdivisions are likely to experience maximum temperature anomalies between 0.5°C and 1°C. IMD says the regions where the temperature rise is likely to be moderate are south India and four north-eastern states. The outlook shows that the seasonal average mean temperature in Tamil Nadu, south interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema and north-eastern states of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura is likely to be less than 0.5 degree Celsius above normal.

Average temperature in North India to be above normal from March-May

<p>A powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Hindu Kush mountain range region in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said, with tremors felt as far away as Islamabad and New Delhi.</p>

<p>The quake hit at 0707 GMT (1237 IST) near Jarm, in Afghanistan&#39;s northern border with Tajikistan at a depth of 191 kilometres, the USGS said.</p>

<p>The quake was felt in the Delhi-NCR region as well as the Kashmir valley. Some people took to Twitter to report that tremors were felt in Islamabad too.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Felt earthquake in Chandigarh. It was a strong one.</p>
&mdash; Ketan Verma (@Eligible_Guy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eligible_Guy/status/958599203365761025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Massive shocks of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Earthquake</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lahore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lahore</a> were felt at 12:09 today and continued to shake my whole building for at least 30 seconds. <a href="https://twitter.com/Xadeejournalist?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Xadeejournalist</a></p>
&mdash; Muhammad Akram (@GeoPakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoPakistan/status/958608333560303616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Earthquake jolted Peshawar &amp; parts of country, Kabul ..May Allah have mercy upon us.<br />
Stay safe.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a></p>
&mdash; Shakeel Akhunzada (@ShakelAkhunzada) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShakelAkhunzada/status/958608243445649408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Others said they felt the tremors in Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar also.</p>

<p>Panic-stricken people rushed out of their homes and work places after the earthquake in Srinagar. The electricity supply was briefly stopped as a precautionary measure.</p>

<p>For many people in Kashmir, the tremors recalled the nightmare of the October 2005 earthquake that flattened wide parts of Jammu and Kashmir on either side of the Line of Control.</p>

<p>Officials said there were no immediate reports of loss to life or property. Metro trains were halted briefly in Delhi but services were not disrupted, said a DMRC official.</p>


An earthquake jolted Delhi on Wednesday afternoon.

A powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Hindu Kush mountain range region in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said, with tremors felt as far away as Islamabad and New Delhi. The quake hit at 0707 GMT (1237 IST) near Jarm, in Afghanistan's northern border with Tajikistan at a depth of 191 kilometres, the USGS said. The quake was felt in the Delhi-NCR region as well as the Kashmir valley. Some people took to Twitter to report that tremors were felt in Islamabad too. Felt earthquake in Chandigarh. It was a strong one. — Ketan Verma (@Eligible_Guy) January 31, 2018 × Massive shocks of #Earthquake in #Lahore were felt at 12:09 today and continued to shake my whole building for at least 30 seconds. @Xadeejournalist — Muhammad Akram (@GeoPakistan) January 31, 2018 × Earthquake jolted Peshawar & parts of country, Kabul ..May Allah have mercy upon us. Stay safe.. #earthquake — Shakeel Akhunzada (@ShakelAkhunzada) January 31, 2018 × Others said they felt the tremors in Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar also. Panic-stricken people rushed out of their homes and work places after the earthquake in Srinagar. The electricity supply was briefly stopped as a precautionary measure. For many people in Kashmir, the tremors recalled the nightmare of the October 2005 earthquake that flattened wide parts of Jammu and Kashmir on either side of the Line of Control. Officials said there were no immediate reports of loss to life or property. Metro trains were halted briefly in Delhi but services were not disrupted, said a DMRC official.

6.1 magnitude earthquake strikes Afghanistan, tremors felt in north India

<p>Cold wave conditions continued in North&nbsp;India on Thursday as the death toll rose to 143.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several parts of North India, as well as NCR, witnessed heavy fog and a dip in temperature on Thursday leading to low visibility.</p>

<p>Around 22 trains were cancelled, nine reschedules and 30 were delayed on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Flights were also grounded as visibility levels dropped to below 100 metres.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&quot;There will be mist or shallow fog in the morning,&quot; an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many places in Jammu and Kashmir are facing sub-zero temperatures. The Dal Lake in Srinagar city froze at many places.</p>

<p>Kargil in Ladakh recorded bone-chilling night temperature at minus 23.6 degree Celsius, lowest in Jammu and Kashmir this season.</p>

<p>Leh was the second coldest town in the state with the minimum temperature recorded at minus 17.4 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>Several reports claimed people dying of cold in India with D<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-100-people-die-due-to-the-harsh-cold-in-north-india-29071" target="_blank">elhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board</a> denying&nbsp;reports of deaths in the capital saying that &quot;such deaths happen in summer also and it would be unfair to connect it with cold&quot;.</p>

<p>(with inputs from ANI)</p>


Several parts of North India, as well as NCR, witnessed heavy fog and a dip in temperature on Thursday leading to low visibility

Cold wave conditions continued in North India on Thursday as the death toll rose to 143. Several parts of North India, as well as NCR, witnessed heavy fog and a dip in temperature on Thursday leading to low visibility. Around 22 trains were cancelled, nine reschedules and 30 were delayed on Thursday. Flights were also grounded as visibility levels dropped to below 100 metres. "There will be mist or shallow fog in the morning," an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said on Wednesday. Many places in Jammu and Kashmir are facing sub-zero temperatures. The Dal Lake in Srinagar city froze at many places. Kargil in Ladakh recorded bone-chilling night temperature at minus 23.6 degree Celsius, lowest in Jammu and Kashmir this season. Leh was the second coldest town in the state with the minimum temperature recorded at minus 17.4 degrees Celsius. Several reports claimed people dying of cold in India with Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board denying reports of deaths in the capital saying that "such deaths happen in summer also and it would be unfair to connect it with cold". (with inputs from ANI)

Death toll rises to 143 as cold wave continues in North India

<p>The death toll of people dying of cold wave in north India has reached over 100 with about 70 dead in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>By Tuesday, there were media reports of at least 44 people died in the national capital region due to the harsh cold.</p>

<p>As there were several reports claiming people dying of the cold in India, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board denied all reports of deaths in Delhi saying that &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-shelter-board-denies-deaths-due-to-cold-28948">such deaths happen in summer</a> also and it would be unfair to connect it with cold&quot;.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-chilly-morning-for-delhi-as-temperature-dips-to-42c-28965">Another chilly morning for Delhi as temperature dips to 4.2&deg;C</a></p>

<p>Cold wave in Delhi has intensified in north India from few days after there was fresh snowfall in Himachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>In Leh region of Jammu and Kashmir cold disrupted daily life of people living in the area.</p>

<p>With frozen taps becoming a common sight and frequent power cuts caused major discomfort in residents lives.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-70-trains-affected-haryana-schools-to-remain-closed-until-january-14-due-to-cold-wave-28972">Transport services were also affected</a> because of the fog causing low visibility.</p>

<p>68 trains were affected of which, at least 22 trains have been cancelled, 40 trains were running late and three have been rescheduled owing to poor visibility on Wednesday.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The death toll of people dying of cold wave in north India has reached over 100 with about 70 dead in Uttar Pradesh. By Tuesday, there were media reports of at least 44 people died in the national capital region due to the harsh cold. As there were several reports claiming people dying of the cold in India, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board denied all reports of deaths in Delhi saying that "such deaths happen in summer also and it would be unfair to connect it with cold". Also read: Another chilly morning for Delhi as temperature dips to 4.2°C Cold wave in Delhi has intensified in north India from few days after there was fresh snowfall in Himachal Pradesh. In Leh region of Jammu and Kashmir cold disrupted daily life of people living in the area. With frozen taps becoming a common sight and frequent power cuts caused major discomfort in residents lives. Meanwhile, Transport services were also affected because of the fog causing low visibility. 68 trains were affected of which, at least 22 trains have been cancelled, 40 trains were running late and three have been rescheduled owing to poor visibility on Wednesday.

Over 100 people die due to cold wave in North India

<p>The cold wave sweeping northern India tightened its grip in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana and parts of Himachal Pradesh, as dense fog forced the Indian Railways to cancel 22 trains and reschedule another eight.</p>

<p>Delhi recorded the season&#39;s lowest minimum temperature at 4.2 degrees Celsius, three notches below the average, the Met office in the national capital said.</p>

<p>Dense fog delayed 45 north-bound trains, while eight were rescheduled and 22 were cancelled by the Railways.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kejriwal-blames-lg-for-deaths-in-delhi-says-he-appointed-useless-officer-28898" target="_blank">Kejriwal blames LG for deaths due to cold, says he appointed &#39;useless officer&#39;</a></p>

<p>The night temperature in Srinagar slipped to the season&#39;s lowest at -6.2C, a MeT department official said in Srinagar.</p>

<p>This was the third straight night when the minimum temperature in Srinagar settled at -6.0C or below.</p>

<p>Many water bodies in the the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir have partially frozen due to the intense cold wave. The Dal Lake partially froze early today, but a bright sunshine through the day defroze the popular lake&#39;s surface.</p>

<p>Elsewhere in the Kashmir Valley, the minimum temperature stayed several degrees below the freezing point.</p>

<p>Biting cold conditions persisted in parts of Himachal Pradesh. The high-altitude tribal areas groaned as the minimum temperature in the hills ranged between -13C and -20C.</p>

<p>Keylong and Kalpa, in tribal Lahaul and Spiti, and Kinnaur recorded a low of -7.2C and -3.4C respectively.</p>

<p>The temperature during daytime, however, rose by 2-3 degrees in Himachal, including in Una, which recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 25.8C.</p>

<p>Punjab, Haryana and their common capital Chandigarh remained under the grip of intense cold conditions. Narnaul recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the states at 0.2C.</p>

<p>The minimum temperature remained up to five degrees below the normal in parts of Punjab and Haryana, the MeT office in Chandigarh said.</p>

<p>The minimum temperature in Chandigarh was 3.4C.</p>

<p>In the desert-state Rajasthan, Bhilwara, Alwar, Churu, Sikar, Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh and Pilani districts reeled under the cold wave.</p>

<p>Alwar was recorded the coldest place in the state at 0.3C, followed by 1.5C in Sikar, 2C each in hill station Mount Abu and Churu, and 2.2C in Sriganganagar.</p>

<p>In Uttar Pradesh, the Met office in Lucknow said the day temperature fell markedly in Bareilly division. The lowest minimum temperature in the state was in Meerut at 2.9C.<br />
<br />
The Met office has forecast dry weather in Uttar Pradesh during the next 24 hours, with shallow to moderate fog at a few places over eastern and western UP.&nbsp;</p>


Delhi recorded the season's lowest minimum temperature at 4.2 degrees Celsius

The cold wave sweeping northern India tightened its grip in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana and parts of Himachal Pradesh, as dense fog forced the Indian Railways to cancel 22 trains and reschedule another eight. Delhi recorded the season's lowest minimum temperature at 4.2 degrees Celsius, three notches below the average, the Met office in the national capital said. Dense fog delayed 45 north-bound trains, while eight were rescheduled and 22 were cancelled by the Railways. Also read: Kejriwal blames LG for deaths due to cold, says he appointed 'useless officer' The night temperature in Srinagar slipped to the season's lowest at -6.2C, a MeT department official said in Srinagar. This was the third straight night when the minimum temperature in Srinagar settled at -6.0C or below. Many water bodies in the the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir have partially frozen due to the intense cold wave. The Dal Lake partially froze early today, but a bright sunshine through the day defroze the popular lake's surface. Elsewhere in the Kashmir Valley, the minimum temperature stayed several degrees below the freezing point. Biting cold conditions persisted in parts of Himachal Pradesh. The high-altitude tribal areas groaned as the minimum temperature in the hills ranged between -13C and -20C. Keylong and Kalpa, in tribal Lahaul and Spiti, and Kinnaur recorded a low of -7.2C and -3.4C respectively. The temperature during daytime, however, rose by 2-3 degrees in Himachal, including in Una, which recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 25.8C. Punjab, Haryana and their common capital Chandigarh remained under the grip of intense cold conditions. Narnaul recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the states at 0.2C. The minimum temperature remained up to five degrees below the normal in parts of Punjab and Haryana, the MeT office in Chandigarh said. The minimum temperature in Chandigarh was 3.4C. In the desert-state Rajasthan, Bhilwara, Alwar, Churu, Sikar, Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh and Pilani districts reeled under the cold wave. Alwar was recorded the coldest place in the state at 0.3C, followed by 1.5C in Sikar, 2C each in hill station Mount Abu and Churu, and 2.2C in Sriganganagar. In Uttar Pradesh, the Met office in Lucknow said the day temperature fell markedly in Bareilly division. The lowest minimum temperature in the state was in Meerut at 2.9C. The Met office has forecast dry weather in Uttar Pradesh during the next 24 hours, with shallow to moderate fog at a few places over eastern and western UP.

Cold wave tightens grip over north India

<p>The temperature in north India is likely to drop further in the coming days, according to Manmohan Singh, India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director, Shimla.</p>

<p>&quot;Currently minimum temperature in Himachal is one - two degrees below the normal and temperature during the day is normal. No significant western disturbance is expected in next one week. Temperature is likely to drop by one-two degrees in coming days,&quot; Singh told ANI.</p>

<p>After fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, the cold wave has intensified in the region.</p>

<p>Keylong in Lahaul Spiti is the coldest with temperature ranging around -7 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>Further, Kalpa in the Kinnaur district recorded -4 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>Popular hill stations Manali and Shimla recorded -2.4 degrees and 2.1 degrees Celsius respectively.</p>

<p>The cold wave has left hundreds of passengers at several railway stations in north India stranded after multiple trains have been cancelled, delayed and rescheduled for the last couple of days.&nbsp;</p>


Popular hill stations Manali and Shimla recorded -2.4 degrees and 2.1 degrees Celsius respectively.

The temperature in north India is likely to drop further in the coming days, according to Manmohan Singh, India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director, Shimla. "Currently minimum temperature in Himachal is one - two degrees below the normal and temperature during the day is normal. No significant western disturbance is expected in next one week. Temperature is likely to drop by one-two degrees in coming days," Singh told ANI. After fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, the cold wave has intensified in the region. Keylong in Lahaul Spiti is the coldest with temperature ranging around -7 degrees Celsius. Further, Kalpa in the Kinnaur district recorded -4 degrees Celsius. Popular hill stations Manali and Shimla recorded -2.4 degrees and 2.1 degrees Celsius respectively. The cold wave has left hundreds of passengers at several railway stations in north India stranded after multiple trains have been cancelled, delayed and rescheduled for the last couple of days.

Temperature likely to drop further in north India

<p>Train and flight services have been affected for the fourth day in a row due to the thick fog in the capital and several other parts of North India. 60 trains delayed, 18 rescheduled and 14 cancelled on Thursday due to prevailing fog conditions in the national capital.</p>

<p>Flights at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport have also been equally affected with 20 flights delayed due to low visibility as fog shrouded Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">20 flights delayed at Delhi airport due to low visibility as fog shrouded the national capital <a href="https://t.co/dmYozsSEmt">pic.twitter.com/dmYozsSEmt</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948732465153126400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The government on Monday said that it was monitoring the situation and trying to bring some improvement in the system after flight services went for a toss due to heavy fog in the last few days.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: Total 60 trains delayed, 18 rescheduled and 14 cancelled due to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fog</a> in the national capital <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948758691917922305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Yesterday 21 trains were cancelled and 59 trains, 8 flights delayed.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Train and flight services have been affected for the fourth day in a row due to the thick fog in the capital and several other parts of North India. 60 trains delayed, 18 rescheduled and 14 cancelled on Thursday due to prevailing fog conditions in the national capital. Flights at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport have also been equally affected with 20 flights delayed due to low visibility as fog shrouded Delhi. 20 flights delayed at Delhi airport due to low visibility as fog shrouded the national capital pic.twitter.com/dmYozsSEmt — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × The government on Monday said that it was monitoring the situation and trying to bring some improvement in the system after flight services went for a toss due to heavy fog in the last few days. #UPDATE: Total 60 trains delayed, 18 rescheduled and 14 cancelled due to #fog in the national capital #Delhi — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × Yesterday 21 trains were cancelled and 59 trains, 8 flights delayed.

Delhi fog: 20 flights, 60 trains delayed

<p>McDonald&#39;s estranged joint venture partner Vikram Bakshi said Monday that nearly all outlets of the fast-food chain in east India had been shut and several others in the north are on the verge of closing down due to discontinuation of supplies by its logistics partner.</p>

<p>All in all there are 80 outlets that have been hit by this cutoff in supplies by Radhakrishna Foodland, a move which is seen as a fallout of the ongoing spat between the fast food major and Bakshi.</p>

<p>&quot;Almost all the outlets in east India have been shut because of the move by logistics partner, and others (in north India) are also under pressure due to supply crunch,&quot; Bakshi told PTI, adding that a total of over 80 outlets are suffering currently considering the limited stock each outlet has.</p>

<p>in a letter dated December 20, Radhakrishna Foodland Pvt Ltd wrote to CPRL, the 50:50 JV between Bakshi and McDonald&#39;s India, saying it is discontinuing the supply chain services due to reduction in volume and uncertainty of the future, among others as also non-payment of certain additional amount.</p>

<p>A copy of the letter has been seen by PTI.</p>

<p>The otherwise massive business in the festive season for McDonald&#39;s is set to see a huge blip which will hit the food chain&#39;s revenue.</p>

<p>&quot;Our long standing logistics vendor Radhakrishna Foodland allegedly in collusion with McDonald&#39;s corporation and their wholly owned subsidiary McDonald&#39;s India Pvt Ltd....Has decided to hold back stock paid for approximately Rs 10 crore by us,&quot; Bakshi said in a letter to the landlords and developers of his outlets.</p>

<p>He further wrote: &quot;While the American company and its subsidiary, MIPL, may have with their usual mala fide and malicious actions managed to give CPRL a temporary business setback at the end of the year and during this high sale festive season, yet we have made and are making alternative arrangements and shall be back to serve our customers very soon.&quot;</p>

<p>Bakshi has been at loggerheads with the fast food chain over the management of CPRL after he was ousted from the post of MD of the McDonald&#39;s franchisee in August 2013.</p>

<p>McDonalds&#39;s India in August terminated the franchise agreement and had asked CPRL not to use its brand system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others.</p>

<p>Bakshi had moved the NCLT following termination of the licence by McDonald&#39;s India Pvt Ltd (MIPL).</p>

<p>When contacted, a McDonald&#39;s India spokesperson said: &quot;We were informed that their vendors have stopped delivering supplies...This is between CPRL and their vendors, not MIPL.&nbsp;</p>


Bakshi, McDonald's estranged joint venture partner, added that several outlets in the north are on the verge of shutting down

McDonald's estranged joint venture partner Vikram Bakshi said Monday that nearly all outlets of the fast-food chain in east India had been shut and several others in the north are on the verge of closing down due to discontinuation of supplies by its logistics partner. All in all there are 80 outlets that have been hit by this cutoff in supplies by Radhakrishna Foodland, a move which is seen as a fallout of the ongoing spat between the fast food major and Bakshi. "Almost all the outlets in east India have been shut because of the move by logistics partner, and others (in north India) are also under pressure due to supply crunch," Bakshi told PTI, adding that a total of over 80 outlets are suffering currently considering the limited stock each outlet has. in a letter dated December 20, Radhakrishna Foodland Pvt Ltd wrote to CPRL, the 50:50 JV between Bakshi and McDonald's India, saying it is discontinuing the supply chain services due to reduction in volume and uncertainty of the future, among others as also non-payment of certain additional amount. A copy of the letter has been seen by PTI. The otherwise massive business in the festive season for McDonald's is set to see a huge blip which will hit the food chain's revenue. "Our long standing logistics vendor Radhakrishna Foodland allegedly in collusion with McDonald's corporation and their wholly owned subsidiary McDonald's India Pvt Ltd....Has decided to hold back stock paid for approximately Rs 10 crore by us," Bakshi said in a letter to the landlords and developers of his outlets. He further wrote: "While the American company and its subsidiary, MIPL, may have with their usual mala fide and malicious actions managed to give CPRL a temporary business setback at the end of the year and during this high sale festive season, yet we have made and are making alternative arrangements and shall be back to serve our customers very soon." Bakshi has been at loggerheads with the fast food chain over the management of CPRL after he was ousted from the post of MD of the McDonald's franchisee in August 2013. McDonalds's India in August terminated the franchise agreement and had asked CPRL not to use its brand system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others. Bakshi had moved the NCLT following termination of the licence by McDonald's India Pvt Ltd (MIPL). When contacted, a McDonald's India spokesperson said: "We were informed that their vendors have stopped delivering supplies...This is between CPRL and their vendors, not MIPL.

Almost all McDonald's in east India shut: Vikram Bakshi

Four people lost their lives in northern India today after entering a commercial building while it was being demolished, police said.<br />
<br />
One person was pulled out alive from under the rubble and was undergoing treatment in a local hospital in Meerut city in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh state, police said.<br />
<br />
&quot;We are yet to complete our rescue work but don&#39;t think there is anyone else under the rubble,&quot; Daya Shankar Dwivedi, a spokesman for the senior superintendent of Meerut Police, said.<br />
<br />
Police have registered a criminal case against the Meerut Cantonment Board, which was carrying out the demolition drive after a state court order.<br />
<br />
Police said the victims went inside the building without permission while the demolition process was ongoing.<br />
<br />
&quot;Initially, the authorities had sanitised the entire structure and its surroundings but the victims, who own a tea shop next to the building, went in on the pretext of collecting some goods when the structure collapsed over them,&quot; Dwivedi said.<br />
<br />
The victims included a father and his son and two relatives.<br />
<br />
The police said their probe will assess whether those in charge of demolition at the site were neglectful in their duties.<br />
<br />
(AFP)

The victims had gone inside the building without permission while it was being demolished in Meerut city

Four people lost their lives in northern India today after entering a commercial building while it was being demolished, police said. One person was pulled out alive from under the rubble and was undergoing treatment in a local hospital in Meerut city in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh state, police said. "We are yet to complete our rescue work but don't think there is anyone else under the rubble," Daya Shankar Dwivedi, a spokesman for the senior superintendent of Meerut Police, said. Police have registered a criminal case against the Meerut Cantonment Board, which was carrying out the demolition drive after a state court order. Police said the victims went inside the building without permission while the demolition process was ongoing. "Initially, the authorities had sanitised the entire structure and its surroundings but the victims, who own a tea shop next to the building, went in on the pretext of collecting some goods when the structure collapsed over them," Dwivedi said. The victims included a father and his son and two relatives. The police said their probe will assess whether those in charge of demolition at the site were neglectful in their duties. (AFP)

4 die in building demolition in north India

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