New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a red alert for Uttarkashi and several other Uttarakhand districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall there. The department also predicted light to very light showers in Delhi-NCR over the coming week.Meanwhile, an orange alert has been issued for parts of western Uttar Pradesh, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is also expected at several places.Speaking to IANS, IMD scientist Akhil Srivastava said: “Du…

Kochi, Aug 6 (IANS) The Kerala High Court on Wednesday ordered a temporary suspension of toll collection at the Paliyekkara Toll Plaza on the Edappally-Mannuthy National Highway, near here, for four weeks, citing the authorities’ failure to resolve the severe traffic congestion in the region.The Division Bench comprising Justice Muhammad Mustaque and Justice V. Harishankar Menon issued the order while considering a batch of petitions seeking a stay on toll collection until the traffic snarls a…

New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) As the controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls gains momentum, Congress along with other INDIA Bloc leaders, demanded an immediate rollback of the exercise and a full debate in both Houses of Parliament.Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, speaking to IANS, strongly criticised the government’s refusal to allow discussion on what he called a fundamental democratic issue.“I believe the country needs to be concerned that an elected government does not…

Thrissur (Kerala), Aug 6 (IANS) A major tragedy was narrowly averted on Wednesday after the ceiling of an auditorium at Kodaly Government Upper Primary School in Thrissur collapsed — fortunately, on a day when the school was closed due to heavy rains.No students or staff were present at the school due to the holiday.The incident occurred around dawn, when the gypsum board ceiling installed beneath a metal sheet roof crashed inside the auditorium where students typically assemble.The ceiling was…

Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand), Aug 6 (IANS) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial inspection of the disaster-affected area in Uttarkashi on Wednesday and instructed officials to remain on 24-hour alert mode after inspecting the rising water levels of the river and the surrounding areas. “In Dharali, Uttarkashi, all government agencies, departments, and the Army are engaged in relief and rescue operations with mutual coordination. Last night, more than 130 people were resc…

New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly constructed Kartavya Bhavan–03 at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Wednesday. He also visited an exhibition related to the construction of the Kartavya Bhavan-03, showcasing the building’s modern features and highlighting the aspects of the building constructed to ensure environmental sustainability.Later in the evening, the Prime Minister will address a public gathering at the same venue at approximately 6.30 p.m.The inau…

Kolkata, Aug 6 (IANS) The Meteorological (MeT) office on Wednesday again predicted heavy rainfall over South Bengal districts in the next few days as a cyclonic circulation system is likely to develop over Gangetic West Bengal, triggering another spell of heavy showers.According to a MeT department official, a cyclonic circulation, which is currently over Bangladesh, might make its way into the state. “This will bring another round of heavy rain across all districts of South Bengal for the next …

New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced on Wednesday that a large number of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana accounts have become due for re-KYC (Know Your Customer) updates, as the government’s flagship financial inclusion scheme completed 10 years.Consequently, public sector banks are organising camps for re-KYC of Jan Dhan scheme accountholders at the panchayat level from July 1 to September 30, Malhotra said in his MPC speech.”The banks are organising camps at the Pancha…

New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the trial court proceedings against YouTuber and former Bigg Boss OTT 2 winner Elvish Yadav, who faces charges under the Wildlife Protection Act and other penal provisions over the alleged procurement and use of snake venom at rave parties in Noida and the NCR region.A Bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Joymalya Bagchi issued notice on a special leave petition (SLP) filed by Elvish challenging the Allahabad High Court’s refusal to qu…

Jaipur, Aug 6 ( IANS) In a troubling incident highlighting passenger security concerns, two foreign tourists were robbed aboard the Mandore Express traveling from Delhi to Jodhpur. The theft took place late last night, on Tuesday, as the train passed through Rajasthan, officials said on Wednesday.According to reports, the tourists had boarded the train from Jaipur. Shortly after departure, they discovered that two of their bags, placed near their seats in the First AC coach, had gone missing.The…