New Delhi – A powerful spell of unseasonal rainfall and fierce winds swept across the Delhi-NCR region on Saturday, causing widespread disruption to daily life. From toppled trees and flooded roads to delayed and diverted flights, the impact was felt across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad, with residents grappling with waterlogging and transport chaos.
In south Delhi’s Vasant Kunj area, several trees were uprooted as heavy rain lashed the city, while Daula Kuan and other low-lying zones were submerged under several inches of water. Flooded underpasses and snarled traffic brought parts of the capital to a standstill.
The chaos extended to Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, where flooded terminals disrupted operations. More than 100 flights were impacted, and at least 49 were diverted, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated. The Delhi Airport Authority issued advisories urging travelers to check flight statuses before leaving for the airport.
Gurugram’s Sector 10, near the Civil Hospital in Vikas Nagar, witnessed severe waterlogging. Noida’s Sector 6 industrial area was also hit, with reports of damage to a chemical factory adding to the growing list of losses due to the downpour.
Neighboring Haryana also experienced a shift in weather patterns. Jhajjar was swept by strong winds and rains, while Jammu and Kashmir reported wind speeds reaching 76 km/h in some regions. The storm brought relief from the blistering heat but left a trail of destruction, including fallen trees and impaired vehicular movement. In Mumbai, pre-monsoon showers drenched the city overnight, signaling the arrival of the rainy season.
Meanwhile, in Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar district, forest fires reignited in two jungle ranges, raising fresh concerns for environmental officials already battling unpredictable weather across the region.
Political Storm Over Controversial Remarks
On the political front, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ramchandra Jangra stirred controversy with remarks related to the Pehalgaon terror attack. Criticized for implying that women victims lacked emotion during the tragedy, Jangra later attempted to clarify, stating, “If women had fought back, perhaps there would have been fewer casualties.” The statement was met with sharp rebuke from the opposition. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate condemned the remarks, calling them “insensitive and shameful.”
India’s Global Diplomacy and Bahrain Visit
Simultaneously, India’s diplomatic efforts took center stage as a delegation of Indian Parliamentarians visited Bahrain. During the visit, BJP MP Rekha Sharma praised Bahrain for standing in solidarity with India against terrorism. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, before departing, made a symbolic stop at the 9/11 Memorial, calling for global unity in combating terrorism.
Multiple parliamentarians, including Nishikant Dubey and Asaduddin Owaisi, echoed concerns over Pakistan’s alleged role in fostering terrorism, while advocating for international cooperation.
NITI Aayog Meeting: Center-State Cooperation in Focus
Back home, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 122nd NITI Aayog meeting with a call for unity between the Centre and states. PM Modi emphasized that “a developed state means a developed India,” urging state governments to align their developmental goals for a collective national transformation by 2047.
However, the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee drew criticism from BJP leaders, who accused the TMC of “putting politics before development.” Delhi CM Rekha Gupta presented a vision for a cleaner Yamuna and a greener capital, showcasing the city’s aspirations for inclusion in India’s growth narrative.
COVID-19 Resurgence in Pockets
In health news, several states are witnessing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. Kerala, Maharashtra, and Gujarat have reported spikes, with Ahmedabad alone recording over 20 cases in a day. In Noida, a patient has tested positive, prompting the health department to issue advisories.
In Uttarakhand, two women returning from outside the state tested positive, according to the Health Directorate. The total nationwide case count, though low compared to past peaks, is enough to warrant caution amid fears of a potential localised outbreak.
Other Developments
In Maharashtra, political tensions flared as MNS leader Raj Thackeray accused the BJP of trying to erase the legacies of Sharad Pawar and Bal Thackeray. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to embark on a three-day visit to Maharashtra, during which he will address public gatherings and review party strategies ahead of elections.
Internationally, Bangladesh’s Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus remained at the center of controversy after claiming his social media accounts were hacked, following the viral spread of altered images intended to malign him and his family.
Economic Milestone
India’s economic resilience remains a bright spot: the country has officially become the world’s fourth-largest economy, a significant achievement amid global uncertainty. Economists attribute this milestone to strong domestic consumption, digital infrastructure expansion, and a resilient manufacturing sector.
As monsoon winds begin to sweep the nation, India stands at a juncture of climatic upheaval, political contention, and economic ascent—each shaping its complex present and future.