Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release 50 per cent of the state’s ₹3,705.30-crore drought relief request as immediate assistance. The amount sought as interim aid is ₹1,852.65 crore. Shivakumar said the drought has worsened since the state first submitted its request for central support earlier this month. In his letter to the Prime Minister, Shivakumar referred to a September 10 communication seeking ₹3,705.30 crore for urgent relief measures in 101 drought-declared taluks. Since then, the Karnataka government has declared another 76 taluks drought-affected, taking the total to 177. The additional declarations followed an assessment under the parameters of the Manual for Drought Management, 2020. Drought-affected taluks rise to 177 Shivakumar said the number of drought-hit taluks could exceed 200 by the end of the 2026 southwest monsoon season. Losses in the newly declared areas are still being assessed. Once that work is complete, the state plans to submit an additional memorandum seeking assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund. The request for half of the existing memorandum amount is therefore an interim measure based on the earlier assessment of 101 taluks. It does not include a final estimate of damage across all 177 drought-declared taluks. The Centre has been asked to provide funds while the state completes its wider assessment and prepares the next submission. Why the monsoon shortfall matters The Chief Minister said rainfall from June to August is especially important for Karnataka. It supports Kharif crops and helps refill reservoirs, recharge groundwater and maintain supplies of fodder. Reservoir levels also affect hydropower generation, meaning a prolonged rainfall shortfall can place pressure on services well beyond agriculture. For farmers in drought-declared taluks, the immediate concern is the damage already caused during the principal growing season. The state’s appeal seeks to speed up relief while officials document losses in the areas added to the drought list. Any further request to the Centre will depend on that assessment; no amount for the additional memorandum has yet been announced.

Heavy rain caused widespread waterlogging across Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region on Monday morning, slowing traffic on key roads and disrupting travel to Indira Gandhi International Airport. At the time of the report, flight-tracking data showed 18 cancellations and 166 delays at Delhi airport. The figures may change as airlines update their operating schedules. Delhi Heavy Rain Waterlogging Disrupts Major Roads A fresh spell of mo

Hyderabad, Telangana — IMD has forecast thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy rainfall in several Telangana districts, with a yellow alert issued for parts of the state. Telangana Heavy Rain Alert: IMD Forecasts Thunderstorms Telangana is likely to see a wet spell, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy rainfall in several districts. A yellow alert

New Delhi: H1N1 infections are rising across Delhi-NCR, with doctors reporting severe respiratory symptoms and falling oxygen levels in some patients. Delhi-NCR is witnessing a noticeable rise in H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu, along with other respiratory infections as humid and changing monsoon weather continues across the region. Doctors have reported an increase in patients with fever, cough, body aches and breathing difficulties, while some cases h

India’s southwest monsoon is facing another difficult phase as dry northwesterly winds flowing across Pakistan and northwest India begin suppressing rainfall over large parts of the country. The changing atmospheric pattern could deepen the seasonal rain deficit and limit the chances of a broad monsoon recovery. India’s cumulative rainfall since the monsoon began remains around 13% below normal, reflecting the highly uneven distribution of rain this season. While eastern and som

New Delhi, India — Lok Sabha opened with Vande Mataram for the first time on the final day of the Monsoon Session before the House was adjourned sine die. Vande Mataram Opens Lok Sabha In Historic First Lok Sabha witnessed a historic moment on Thursday, August 13, 2026, when proceedings began with the National Song Vande Mataram for the first time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and members from across the House were p

New Delhi, India — IMD has issued district-level rain warnings for Delhi, with heavy showers, thunderstorms and lightning expected in several areas as the monsoon turns active again. Delhi Rain Alert Brings Heavy Showers Across Several Districts Delhi-NCR is bracing for another spell of monsoon rain as the India Meteorological Department issued district-level warnings for parts of the national capital on Thursday, August 13. The nowcast indicated

Parliament protests and Opposition strategy have come under focus during the Monsoon Session. Frequent adjournments are affecting Question Hour scrutiny and debate over government bills, raising concerns that Opposition parties may be surrendering their strongest democratic platform.  

The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill was among four bills introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday amid loud Opposition protests and sloganeering. Opposition MPs demanded Home Minister Amit Shah’s presence while protesting the July 20 police action, forcing repeated adjournments. Kerala Name Change Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha Amid Uproar The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill was among four pieces of legislation introduced in the Lok Sa

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the ongoing Parliament deadlock is unlikely to end until Union Home Minister Amit Shah makes a statement in the House. Her remarks came amid repeated disruptions during the Monsoon Session as the Opposition intensified its pressure on the government. Priyanka Says Parliament Deadlock Will Continue Until Amit Shah Speaks Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday said the ongoing deadlock in Parliament is li

The Centre may convene a special Parliament session from August 17 to reconsider legislation connecting delimitation with the implementation of women’s reservation. The reported plan remains tentative as the government evaluates political support needed to pass a constitutional amendment in both Houses. Parliament Special Session Likely on Aug 17 for Key Bills New Delhi: The Narendra Modi government may convene a special session of

Heavy rain and flooding across Kerala have reportedly claimed 15 lives, while seven people remain missing. With more rainfall, strong winds and rough seas forecast, rescue teams are continuing relief operations as over 11,000 displaced residents shelter in camps. Rain-Related Death Toll Rises Across Kerala Kerala continues to face severe disruption from persistent monsoon rain, flooding and related

Parliament Passes Two Major Amendment Bills Amid NEET Row The Lok Sabha passed a tougher anti-paper leak Bill with stricter penalties, fast-track courts, and time-bound investigations, while the Rajya Sabha approved legal protection for Vande Mataram amid Opposition protests over the NEET paper leak controversy. Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha Pass Key Bills Amid NEET Row

Assam Flood Situation Remains Serious Despite Falling Numbers More than 3.32 lakh people remain affected by floods across seven Assam districts, although the number has declined from 4.45 lakh reported a day earlier. Seven additional deaths in Sivasagar have increased the official toll to 75, while rescue teams continue assisting displaced families. Guwahati, July 29, 2026, 11:10 AM IST: The latest Assam flood relief update for July 2026

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana Brace for Week of Rain Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Telangana are expected to experience continued monsoon rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds. IMD has issued district-level warnings, with isolated heavy rain forecast in several areas.   Andhra Pradesh, Telangana Brace for Week of Rain The Andhra Pr