Parts of Delhi-NCR were inundated with rain and hailstorms, leading to transport disruptions and traffic snarls across the National Capital Region. An ‘orange’ alert has been issued as the India Meteorological Department predicts more showers and thunderstorms until Saturday in the region. The rainfall, which began around 2:30 am, is expected to affect traffic across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and East Rajasthan, making it difficult for commuters to move around the city.
At the age of 13, Vaibhav Suryavanshi created history by becoming the youngest player to be signed in the IPL auction when he was bought by Rajasthan Royals for 1.1 crore. The left-handed batsman had already made headlines earlier this year when he became one of the youngest ever to play in Ranji Trophy at the age of 12. His recent record-breaking century in a Youth Test match for India Under-19 against Australia U-19 caught the attention of IPL teams, resulting in a bidding war between Royals and Delhi Capitals. Vaibhav's father, Sanjeev Suryavanshi, expressed his joy and pride in his son's achievement, calling it a dream come true.
Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar was sold for a whopping Rs 10.75 crore to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. His valuation skyrocketed from his base price of Rs 2 crore as RCB and Mumbai Indians fought for his acquisition. Bhuvneshwar rejoined RCB, his first IPL franchise, after stints with Pune Warriors and Sunrisers Hyderabad where he became the team's all-time leading wicket-taker. Other notable transfers included Deepak Chahar to Mumbai Indians, Akash Deep to Lucknow Super Giants, Tushar Deshpande to Rajasthan Royals, and Delhi Capitals exercising their Right to Match option for Mukesh Kumar.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra, forecasting heavy rainfall and possible disruptions to daily life in these regions. The weather office also predicts light rain over Delhi for the next two days and has recorded satisfactory air quality in the capital. Meanwhile, rescue efforts continue in Kerala's Wayanad district following massive landslides that have claimed over 300 lives.
On the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, people from the Muslim community across India gathered to offer Namaz in celebration of Eid Al-Adha. This holy occasion marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage and is observed in the 12th month of the Islamic or lunar calendar. Videos of devotees offering Namaz in several states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu were shared by news agency ANI, while BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi was seen offering Namaz at Dargah Panja Sharif in Delhi.
With the NDA crossing the halfway mark in the Lok Sabha elections, jubilant BJP workers and supporters begin celebrating at the BJP headquarters in Delhi. Despite the initial expectation of surpassing 400 seats, the party takes cautious steps as leads dip below the 300-mark. Meanwhile, party spokespersons highlight positive takeaways from states like Odisha, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. However, they express disappointment over the unexpected outcome in Rajasthan and UP. The NDA is expected to form the government for the third consecutive term, creating history in independent India.
The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts a decrease in heatwave intensity over the next three days in parts of India. Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest temperature at 46.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Sirsa and Ganganagar at 45.4 degrees Celsius. However, the capital city of Delhi saw a maximum temperature of 42.8 degrees Celsius and may experience relief from the heat in the coming days. The weather office also predicts light to moderate rain in some parts of Rajasthan which could provide further relief from the intense heat.
As a record heatwave grips northwest and central India, with Delhi reaching a scorching 52.9 degrees Celsius, the demand for cooling has skyrocketed. This unprecedented demand has led to record-breaking power consumption, with Delhi alone reaching a peak demand of 8,302 MW. Despite this, Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju claims that such extreme temperatures are unlikely to occur.
Delhi-NCR residents were in for a scorching afternoon as the national capital recorded its highest-ever temperature at a blistering 52.3 degree Celsius. The temperature was just 4.4 degrees lower than the world record of 56.7 degrees Celsius, recorded in the US at the Furnace Creek Ranch, previously known as the Greenland Ranch. The IMD has attributed this extreme heat to hot winds from Rajasthan, with areas on the outskirts of Delhi being the first to experience their full force. The use of air conditioners has exacerbated the heat island effect, leading to an all-time high power demand of 8,302 megawatts in Delhi.
Delhi Capitals secure a nail-biting win against Lucknow Super Giants, staying in contention for the playoffs. Rajasthan Royals qualify for the playoffs without even playing, as teams battle for the final spots. LSG's Arshad Khan's brave effort of 58 runs goes in vain as Capitals' explosive batting leads them to a 19-run victory. IPL 2024 playoffs race intensifies with every match.