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Delhi-NCR Faces Rain Forecast; IMD Issues Heatwave Alerts for Bengal and Odisha


1. IMD issues heatwave warning for several states as temperatures rise sharply in East India.
2. Delhi braces for temperatures over 38°C this week, with a slight increase forecasted.
3. Eastern, northern, and southern regions record temperatures 4-6°C above normal in recent week.


Weather Update, April 22: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for several states as temperatures soar across East India, recording a surge of four to six degrees Celsius above normal in northern, southern, and eastern regions over the past week.

In Delhi, temperatures are expected to exceed 38 degrees Celsius this week, with a further rise of 1-2 degrees anticipated in the coming days.

Additionally, the Delhi-NCR region may experience a slight increase in temperature after a brief respite. Eastern India is bracing for scorching temperatures reaching up to 44 degrees Celsius, according to IMD Senior Scientist Dr. Naresh Kumar.

Dr. Kumar stated, “In Delhi, we estimate that the temperature is expected to remain around 38 degrees Celsius in the coming 2-3 days. After this, it may increase slowly by 1-2 degrees and with it, there is a possibility of light rain tomorrow…At present, if you talk about Eastern India, the temperature has reached 44 degrees Celsius in 1-2 stations. In the next 4-5 days, the temperature can reach 44 degrees Celsius in Eastern India, and in Northwest India, there is no hope of it being near 40 or more than 41 degrees Celsius.”


Also Read: Repolling Commences at 11 Polling Stations in Inner Manipur Lok Sabha Constituency

Heatwave conditions are currently prevailing across India and are expected to intensify over the next 4-5 days. West Bengal has been issued a red alert due to soaring temperatures, while Odisha is under an orange alert.

Odisha recorded a maximum temperature of 44.6 degrees Celsius on Sunday, with the orange alert set to continue for the next four days.

A slight decrease in temperature is anticipated in eastern states on Monday, although Bihar is likely to experience heatwave conditions for the next five days, with the potential for heatwaves persisting in Jharkhand.

While southern states currently do not face a heatwave scenario, multiple states have been issued a ‘Hot and Humid’ weather warning.

Dr. Kumar mentioned, “For Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, we have issued a ‘Hot and Humid’ warning alert for the next four to five days.”

Repolling Commences at 11 Polling Stations in Inner Manipur Lok Sabha Constituency


1. Repolling is underway at 11 stations in Inner Manipur after the EC nullified Friday’s voting due to violence.
2. Chief Electoral Officer schedules April 22 repoll for 11 affected Inner Manipur polling stations.
3. Inner Manipur sees repolling following the Election Commission’s declaration of Friday’s voting as null and void.


Imphal, April 22: Repolling commenced at 11 polling stations within the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency in Manipur, following the Election Commission’s declaration of Friday’s voting as null and void due to incidents of violence, including gunfire and clashes.

On Saturday, the Chief Electoral Officer announced the repolling for April 22 at 11 affected polling stations in Inner Manipur.

These stations include Moirangkampu Sajeb and Thongam Leikai in Khurai constituency, four in Kshetrigao, one in Thongju in Imphal East district, and three in Uripok and one in Konthoujam in Imphal West district.


Also Read: Inner Manipur Prepares for Repoll Across 11 Polling Stations; Outer Manipur Readies for Next Phase

Friday’s polling day was marred by gunfire, clashes, intimidation, and the destruction of EVMs at certain polling booths.

There were also allegations of booth capturing, particularly in conflict-affected Manipur. Despite these challenges, the voter turnout stood at 72 per cent across the two Lok Sabha constituencies – Inner Manipur and Outer Manipur.

Earlier, the Congress party had demanded repolling in 47 polling stations, citing instances of booth capturing and electoral rigging.

Manipur Congress president K Meghachandra stated that the party had complained to the Chief Electoral Officer, requesting repolling in 36 polling stations within the Inner Manipur constituency and 11 in the Outer Manipur constituency.

Inner Manipur Prepares for Repoll Across 11 Polling Stations; Outer Manipur Readies for Next Phase



1. Manipur CEO Pradeep Jha addresses concerns, and schedules repoll for Inner Manipur on April 22.
2. Repoll in Inner Manipur to include 11 polling stations following the initial polling phase.
3. Preparations underway for Inner Manipur repoll in response to raised concerns during polling.


Imphal, April 22: In response to concerns raised during the initial polling phase, Manipur Chief Electoral Officer Pradeep Jha has announced preparations for a repoll in the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat. Set for April 22, this repoll will cover 11 polling stations within the Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency.

Jha affirmed the Election Commission of India’s commitment to addressing raised issues, stating, “We are taking into consideration all the issues that were raised. The Election Commission of India has decided to order repoll at 11 polling stations.”

With a steadfast dedication to ensuring transparency and fairness, electoral authorities are leaving no room for compromise in facilitating a seamless and credible voting process.

Simultaneously, the focus is shifting towards the upcoming second phase of Lok Sabha polls in the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat.


Also Read: Mizoram Prepares for Lok Sabha Vote Tally: EVMs Secured in Strong Rooms Under Watchful Eye

Chief Electoral Officer Pradeep Jha disclosed that elections for the remaining segments of the Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency are scheduled for April 26.

Assuring readiness for the upcoming phase, Jha stated, “All the arrangements have been made.”

With 13 assembly segments poised for polls, concerted efforts are underway to establish adequate infrastructure and security measures, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free electoral exercise.

Mizoram Prepares for Lok Sabha Vote Tally: EVMs Secured in Strong Rooms Under Watchful Eye


1. Mizoram election prepares for vote count with strict EVM security measures.
2. Senior official ensures EVMs sealed and under tight surveillance for safety.
3. Stringent steps taken to safeguard EVMs ahead of Mizoram vote tally.


Aizawl, April 22: In anticipation of the forthcoming counting of votes in the Mizoram Lok Sabha elections, stringent measures have been implemented to safeguard all Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) utilized during the polling process.

A senior election official disclosed that the EVMs have been securely sealed and are presently under rigorous surveillance.

The polling for Mizoram’s solitary Lok Sabha seat unfolded on April 19, with the vote tabulation slated for June 4.

H Lianzela, the Additional Chief Electoral Officer of Mizoram, revealed that the EVMs, in conjunction with the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines, were meticulously transported from polling stations to designated strong rooms situated in Aizawl and 10 other district headquarters. This intricate operation was diligently executed by polling officials throughout Friday and Saturday.

A network of 40 strong rooms, each designated for an individual assembly constituency, has been established across the state. These strong rooms are subject to stringent security measures, with security forces deployed to deter any unauthorized access or tampering attempts.

Furthermore, the election department has erected 13 polling centers, including three in Aizawl, strategically dispersed throughout the state to ensure voter accessibility. Additionally, 40 counting halls, one allocated for each assembly segment, have been arranged for the meticulous vote tallying process.


Also Read: Naba Kumar Sarania, Two-Time Sitting MP, Faces Rejection of Nomination Papers in Assam

On Saturday, post-poll scrutiny of the EVMs and VVPAT machines was diligently conducted, reaffirming the integrity and reliability of the electoral process.

The election department reported a respectable polling turnout of 56.87 percent in the Lok Sabha polls, excluding votes cast through postal ballots and the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS).

Out of an electorate totaling 8.56 lakh individuals, approximately 4.87 lakh voters exercised their franchise.

To uphold the tranquil conduct of elections, a robust security apparatus comprising over 3,500 police personnel and 12 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) was deployed. Consequently, the polling process unfolded in a peaceful environment conducive to democratic participation.

Six candidates are vying for the solitary Lok Sabha seat, representing diverse political entities such as the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), the principal opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), Congress, BJP, People’s Conference (PC) party, and an independent candidate.

Naba Kumar Sarania, Two-Time Sitting MP, Faces Rejection of Nomination Papers in Assam


1. Kokrajhar constituency: Naba Kumar Sarania’s papers rejected, altering electoral dynamics.
2. Rejection of Sarania’s nomination papers reshapes Assam’s political scenario.
3. Scrutiny fallout: Kokrajhar faces electoral shift with Sarania’s disqualification.


Guwahati, April 21: The Kokrajhar Lok Sabha Constituency in Assam witnessed a significant development as the nomination papers of Naba Kumar Sarania, a two-time sitting MP, were rejected during the scrutiny process conducted by the Returning Officer.

This unexpected turn of events has added a new dimension to the electoral landscape of the region.

According to Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi, the Returning Officer for Kokrajhar, out of the total 16 candidates, Naba Kumar Sarania’s nomination papers were deemed invalid and subsequently rejected during the scrutiny conducted on the designated day.

This decision has implications not only for Sarania but also for the political dynamics of the constituency.

The scrutiny process was carried out meticulously in the presence of various stakeholders, including the General Observer, contesting candidates, their agents, and proposers.

Adherence to electoral laws and regulations was strictly observed during this crucial phase of the electoral process.

With the last date for withdrawal of candidature scheduled for April 22, the rejection of Sarania’s nomination papers has set the stage for potential recalibrations in the electoral strategies of the remaining candidates.

This development underscores the fluidity and unpredictability inherent in the democratic exercise of elections.


Also Read: Rinku Singh Playfully Breaks Virat Kohli’s Bat, Requests Replacement Ahead of KKR vs RCB Clash

Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi emphasized the district administration’s commitment to ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections.

Stringent measures are being implemented to monitor and prevent malpractices such as the misuse of money, muscle power, violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), and the dissemination of misinformation.

All candidates and political parties have been urged to maintain vigilance and promptly report any instances of MCC violations to the administration.

The rejection of Naba Kumar Sarania’s nomination papers introduces a layer of uncertainty into the electoral contest for the Kokrajhar Lok Sabha seat.

As the remaining candidates gear up for the impending elections, the political landscape of the constituency is poised for potential shifts and realignments.

The electorate awaits the unfolding of events with keen interest, aware that every twist and turn in the electoral narrative holds implications for the future trajectory of governance and representation in the region.

Rinku Singh Playfully Breaks Virat Kohli’s Bat, Requests Replacement Ahead of KKR vs RCB Clash


1. Rinku Singh, a KKR player, shares a funny moment with Virat Kohli before the KKR vs RCB match.
2. Eden Gardens hosts a highly anticipated clash between KKR and RCB on April 21.
3. It’s a rematch between the two cricketing giants in this thrilling encounter.


Kolkata, April 21: KKR’s Rinku Singh found himself in a comical yet slightly awkward exchange with Virat Kohli ahead of the much-anticipated clash between KKR and RCB at the iconic Eden Gardens. Scheduled for Sunday, April 21, this fixture marks the reverse encounter between the two cricketing powerhouses.

In their initial face-off, KKR emerged victorious, delivering a resounding defeat to RCB at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. One of the enduring highlights of this rivalry has been the camaraderie and mutual admiration displayed by players from both teams.

During their previous encounter, RCB’s skipper and star batsman, Virat Kohli, had bestowed upon KKR’s rising talent, Rinku Singh, a precious gift in the form of one of his cricket bats.


Also Read: Assam’s Hill Districts Experience Long-Awaited Peace, Acknowledges Himanta Biswa Sarma

However, it appears that fate had other plans, as Rinku inadvertently broke the gifted bat while facing a spinner in an Indian Premier League match.

Seizing the opportune moment, Rinku cheekily approached Kohli, subtly hinting at the need for a replacement bat ahead of the impending clash between KKR and RCB.

The amusing incident, whether staged or spontaneous, unfolded in full view of KKR’s camera crew, capturing Rinku’s candid plea to Kohli regarding the broken bat.

As Rinku inspected two alternative bats offered by Kohli, the RCB captain, albeit with a hint of irritation, inquired about the fate of the original bat and whether Rinku was now requesting a second one.

Playfully admonishing Rinku, Kohli warned him of the potential repercussions if he were to gift two bats in consecutive matches, hinting at a possible superstition regarding the number.

In a heartening gesture of sportsmanship, RCB‘s Virat Kohli had previously presented KKR’s emerging star, Rinku Singh, with a specially gifted bat following their encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

RCB had suffered a humbling defeat at the hands of Kolkata, with KKR securing a commanding victory by seven wickets on RCB’s home turf.

This match marked KKR’s sixth consecutive triumph at the stadium, further solidifying their dominance over RCB in recent encounters. Kohli’s gesture symbolized his appreciation for Rinku’s stellar performances, both for KKR and the Indian team, positioning him as a burgeoning talent in the cricketing arena.

The exchange of pleasantries and camaraderie extended beyond the boundaries of the playing field, with players from both RCB and KKR engaging in amiable interactions post-match.

This display of mutual respect and sportsmanship exemplified the spirit of cricket, transcending the intensity of the rivalry between the two teams.

As RCB sets foot in Kolkata, their focus lies on reviving their faltering campaign. With five consecutive defeats weighing heavily on their shoulders, RCB finds themselves in dire need of victories to salvage their standing in the tournament.

Each match from this point forward carries immense significance, as RCB strives to turn the tide in their favor and reignite their pursuit of glory in the Indian Premier League.

Assam’s Hill Districts Experience Long-Awaited Peace, Acknowledges Himanta Biswa Sarma


1. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma lauds PM Modi’s governance for achieving peace in hill districts.
2. Sarma attributes the lasting peace to Modi’s policies, addressing an election rally in Bokajan.
3. The transformation marks a significant turnaround from years of violence and insurgency in the region.


Guwahati, April 21: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance for bringing about lasting peace in the hill districts of the state, which had long been plagued by violence and insurgency.

Speaking at an election rally in Bokajan, Karbi Anglong, Sarma credited Modi’s policies for this significant transformation.

Sarma highlighted the remarkable progress in Karbi Anglong, stating that the region is now witnessing unprecedented development under the leadership of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.

He emphasized that the region is not just benefiting from a double-engine government but from a triple-engine government, signifying the collaboration between the local autonomous council and the state and central governments.


Also Read: Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 2: School Closures in States on April 26

Expressing confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) prospects in the Lok Sabha Elections, Sarma noted the growing trust of the people in the BJP and the diminishing chances of the opposition bloc.

He reiterated the party’s commitment to continue serving the people and advancing development initiatives across the state.

Later in the day, Chief Minister Sarma was scheduled to be joined by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at an election rally in Silchar, underscoring the party’s concerted efforts to mobilize support and consolidate its position in the ongoing electoral battle.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 2: School Closures in States on April 26


1. Lok Sabha election 2024’s second phase on April 26 spans 89 constituencies across 13 states and union territories.
2. Schools and colleges in these areas will be closed to support hassle-free voting and ensure safety for students and staff.
3. This measure aims to facilitate the democratic process and maintain security during the electoral proceedings.


New Delhi, April 21: The Lok Sabha election 2024 continues with its second phase scheduled on April 26, covering 89 constituencies across 13 states and union territories.

As citizens exercise their democratic rights, schools and colleges in these regions will remain closed to facilitate smooth polling and ensure security for students and staff.

States and Constituencies

This phase encompasses a diverse range of states and territories, each contributing to the democratic process with its unique socio-political landscape. Here’s a breakdown of the states and their respective constituencies participating in the second phase:

  1. Assam (5): Karimganj, Silchar, Mangaldoi, Nawgong, Kaliabor
  2. Bihar (5): Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia, Bhagalpur, Banka
  3. Chhattisgarh (3): Rajnandgaon, Mahasamund, Kanker
  4. Jammu and Kashmir (1): Jammu
  5. Karnataka (14): Udupi Chikamagalur, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Mandya, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Bangalore Rural, Bangalore North, Bangalore Central, Bangalore South, Chikballapur, Kolar
  6. Kerala (20): Kasaragod, Kannur, Vadakara, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Ponnani, Palakkad, Alathur, Thrissur, Chalakudy, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Mavelikkara, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Attingal, Thiruvananthapuram
  7. Madhya Pradesh (7): Tikamgarh, Damoh, Khajuraho, Satna, Rewa, Hoshangabad, Betul
  8. Maharashtra (8): Buldhana, Akola, Amravati (SC), Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani
  9. Manipur (1): Outer Manipur
  10. Rajasthan (13): Tonk-Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Udaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota, Jhalawar-Baran
  11. Tripura (1): Tripura East
  12. Uttar Pradesh (8): Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Aligarh, Mathura, Bulandshahr
  13. West Bengal (3): Darjeeling, Raiganj, Balurghat

Also Read: Intense Heatwave Grips Odisha: Mercury Soars to 45.2 Degrees; IMD Issues Alerts for Multiple States

Key Candidates

This phase sees the electoral fate of several prominent figures locked in electronic voting machines (EVMs). Notable candidates include:

  • Hema Malini (Mathura)
  • Arun Govil (Meerut)
  • Rahul Gandhi (Wayanad)
  • Shashi Tharoor vs. Rajeev Chandrasekhar (Thiruvananthapuram)

Phase 1 Recap

In the first phase, 102 parliamentary constituencies across 21 states and Union Territories (UTs) witnessed the democratic exercise, garnering a turnout of nearly 64%. Notably, Tripura recorded the highest voter turnout, while Bihar reported the lowest.

As the Lok Sabha election progresses, citizens across these regions participate in shaping the country’s political landscape.

With schools and colleges closed to facilitate polling, the democratic process unfolds amidst diverse challenges and opportunities, embodying the essence of Indian democracy.

Intense Heatwave Grips Odisha: Mercury Soars to 45.2 Degrees; IMD Issues Alerts for Multiple States


1. IMD issues an orange heatwave alert for Odisha and West Bengal, a yellow alert for other states.
2. Boudh and Baripada in Odisha hit 45.2°C, and 10 places exceed 43°C.
3. Scorching temperatures grip several states; alerts issued by IMD.


Weather Update, April 21: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert (heatwave) for Odisha and West Bengal, while a yellow alert was issued for Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu amid scorching temperatures across several states.

High Temperatures Across States

  • Odisha: Boudh and Baripada recorded a scorching 45.2 degrees Celsius, with the mercury exceeding 43 degrees Celsius at 10 other places in the state.
  • West Bengal: Midnapore and Bankura witnessed temperatures soaring to 44.5 and 44.6 degrees Celsius, respectively.
  • Jharkhand: Daltonganj and Jamshedpur recorded maximum temperatures of 43.6 and 43.5 degrees Celsius.
  • Chhattisgarh: Rajnandgaon saw the mercury touching 43 degrees Celsius.
  • Bihar: The district administration of Patna altered school timings due to intense heat, with temperatures surpassing 42 degrees Celsius in multiple locations.

IMD Forecast for Heatwave

The IMD forecasts an increase in heatwave days across India, with April expecting four to eight days, compared to the normal one to three days. Certain regions, including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and others, are anticipated to witness 10-20 heatwave days or more.

Weather Concerns Amid Elections

The scorching weather conditions coincide with India’s general elections, raising concerns about voter vulnerability to heatwaves.

The IMD previously warned of extreme heat conditions during this period when approximately 97 crore eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots.


Also Read: Nagaland: Collapse of Double Circuit Tower near Pungro Town Hampers Likhimro HEP Power Generation

IMD Forecast for Rain

While parts of India endure searing temperatures, higher reaches in Himachal Pradesh experienced snowfall, and rain lashed mid and lower hills, resulting in the closure of 104 roads and three national highways on Saturday.

The local meteorological station issued a yellow warning of thunderstorms at isolated places on April 22 and 23.

Rain is forecasted in mid hills and rain and snowfall in higher reaches for the next six days as a fresh western disturbance is expected to affect northwest India from April 22.

Nagaland: Collapse of Double Circuit Tower near Pungro Town Hampers Likhimro HEP Power Generation


1. Power generation at Likhimro Hydro Electric Powerplant, Nagaland, halted since April 20, 2024.
2. Collapse of 66kV Double Circuit Tower near Pungro Town, Kiphire, cited as the cause.
3. Theft of tower members identified as the reason behind the collapse.


Kohima, April 21: The power generation of the Likhimro Hydro Electric Powerplant near Pungro town, Nagaland, has been disrupted since the early hours of April 20, 2024, due to the collapse of one of the 66kV Double Circuit Towers of the 66kV Kiphire-Likimro Transmission Line near Pungro Town, Kiphire.

The collapse was caused by the theft of the tower members.

The transmission division of Kohima, Nagaland, issued a notification stating, “It is to mention that the said 66kV Kiphire-Likimro Transmission Line is a vital transmission line for the evacuation of Likimro HEP and is an important element of the State Power Transmission Grid. While the Department is making all efforts for the erection of the collapsed tower, the Department sincerely appeals to all not to indulge in the theft of tower parts and requests the concerned authority to take necessary action for booking the culprits.”

The collapse of the tower has not only disrupted power generation but also affected the transmission of electricity from the Likimro HEP.


Also Read: Assam Police Officer Brutally Assaulted by Miscreants in Guwahati Bar

The incident underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to theft and the importance of safeguarding such assets for uninterrupted power supply to the region.

Authorities are working to restore the transmission line and ensure minimal disruption to the power supply.

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