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New Delhi: AAP has been allocated a new office in the Lutyens Delhi area, following directions from Delhi High Court, party sources said on Thursday.
AAP's new office is Bungalow No 1 in Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane.
"Following the directions of the (high) court, the party has been allotted a new office in Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane," a source said.  Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/delhi-excise-policy-cbi-case:-court-extends-judicial-custody-of-arvind-kejriwal-till-august-8" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/delhi-excise-policy-cbi-case:-court-extends-judicial-custody-of-arvind-kejriwal-till-august-8</a>&nbsp;
AAP's office was earlier located at Rouse Avenue.  Delhi High Court granted the Centre time till Thursday to decide on the allocation of an office space to AAP, in recognition of its status as a national party.
—PTI

AAP's new office in Lutyens Delhi, granted by Delhi High Court, signifies its national party status. New location: Bungalow No 1, Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane.

AAP allotted new office in Lutyens area following Delhi High Court order

New Delhi: A 20-year-old man, sitting on a Scorpio car's bonnet and dressed as Spiderman landed in the police net and a fine of Rs 26,000 was imposed for dangerous driving and other violations, officials said on Wednesday.
According to the police, they received a complaint on social media platform X about a Scorpio car seen on Dwarka roads with a person dressed as Spiderman on its bonnet and took action.  Police traced the car and located the occupants near Ramphal Chowk, Dwarka. The person in the Spiderman costume was identified as Aditya (20), a resident of Najafgarh. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Gaurav Singh (19), a resident of Mahavir Enclave, a senior police officer said.
The owner and driver of the vehicle have been prosecuted for dangerous driving, driving without a pollution certificate, and not wearing a seat belt, with a possible maximum fine of Rs 26,000 and/or imprisonment or both, the officer said.  The Delhi Traffic Police reiterates its commitment to ensuring road safety for all citizens. Such reckless behaviour on the roads will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken against offenders to uphold the law and protect the lives of road users, they said.  The Delhi Traffic Police urges citizens to report any instances of dangerous driving or traffic violations promptly. Public cooperation is vital in maintaining road safety and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic in the city, the officer added.
—PTI

Delhi man fined Rs 26,000 for dangerous driving in Spiderman costume. Delhi Traffic Police take strict action to ensure road safety and public cooperation.

'Spiderman' rides on car's bonnet in Delhi, booked for traffic violations

New Delhi: Delhi Finance Minister Atishi on Friday demanded Rs 10,000 crore from the Centre for infrastructure development, claiming the city government got nothing in return over the past year despite its income tax contribution of Rs 2 lakh crore.
Delhi also provided Rs 25,000 crore as central GST to the pool of taxes, the minister said during a press conference here.  Ahead of the presentation of annual budget of the Centre, Atishi batted for release of more money to Delhi, saying it could be spent on infrastructure development in road, transport and power sectors as well as to beautify the city.  She said that since 2001, the Centre had been paying only Rs 325 crore to the Delhi government from the central pool of taxes. However, even this payment was stopped last year, and now the city receives not a single rupee.
—PTI

Delhi Finance Minister Atishi demands Rs 10,000 crore from the Centre, citing city's contributions of Rs 2 lakh crore in income tax and Rs 25,000 crore in GST.

Atishi demands Rs 10,000 crore for Delhi, claims no return on Rs 2 lakh crore tax contribution

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the now scrapped excise policy case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). A bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna referred to his petition challenging his arrest by the ED to a larger bench. Supreme Court while granting interim bail to Kejriwal in the ED case observed that the Delhi Chief Minister has suffered incarceration of 90 days and it's conscious that he is an elected leader. Kejriwal's lawyer Rishikesh Kumar described the verdict as "a big victory." "The Supreme Court has granted him interim bail and the issue of Section 19 and necessity of arrest has been referred to a larger bench. CM Kejriwal will remain in custody as his bail in the CBI case is still pending. This is a big victory," Kumar told ANI. Supreme Court lawyer Shadan Farasat representing Kejriwal said, "The court observed that in so far as his arrest is concerned, there are certain aspects on the necessity of arrest... They said Mr Kejriwal has undergone a large period of incarceration already and therefore, directed his release and bail immediately in the ED matter." The top court had reserved the verdict on Kejriwal's plea on May 17.
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On May 10, the apex court granted Kejriwal interim bail till June 1 in the money laundering case registered by the ED in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy, however, ordered that he shall not visit the Office of the Chief Minister and the Delhi Secretariat. The court directed him to surrender on June 2, following which he had surrendered on June 2. While filing an appeal in the apex court, Kejriwal had contended that his arrest after the announcement of the General Elections was "motivated by extraneous considerations". On April 9, the High Court dismissed his plea for release from jail and rejected his argument of political vendetta amid the looming Lok Sabha elections. The High Court had said that Kejriwal's absence from nine ED summons over six months undermined any claims of special privilege as Chief Minister, suggesting his arrest was an inevitable consequence of his non-cooperation. He was arrested by ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe relating to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22.
—ANI

Supreme Court grants interim bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in excise policy case, referring his arrest challenge to a larger bench.

Delhi Excise Policy case: Supreme Court grants interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi: Former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) minister Raaj Kumar Anand on Wednesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday here in the national capital and criticized the AAP Chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal saying that he had requested the former to work towards the welfare of Dalits, however, he denied his requests. He was welcomed into the party by BJP's Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva and national general secretary Arun Singh. "I am grateful to the BJP for giving me the opportunity to join the party. I am committed to working for the welfare of all, particularly the Dalit community, to which I belong", Anand said while addressing the media. Attacking the AAP Chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Anand said that he had requested the former to work towards the welfare of Dalits, however, he denied his requests. "It is my responsibility to give back to society. I had requested Mr Kejriwal to work towards Dalit welfare, but he consistently denied my requests, which led to my resignation from the ministerial post. Despite the allocation of funds for Dalit welfare through the SC/ST fund, crores of rupees have not been utilized for the benefit of Dalits in Delhi over the past nine years", he said.
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The former AAP leader further added that the Dalit community is questioning the whereabouts of their welfare funds. "The Dalit community is questioning the whereabouts of their welfare funds. Unfortunately, Mr Kejriwal ignored the Dalit community during the Trith Yatra Yojana. I am determined to work for the upliftment of Dalits and ensure that their rights are protected", he said. Veena Anand, Raaj Kumar Anand's wife, also joined the BJP among other leaders. Earlier in April, Anand resigned from AAP and as minister of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's cabinet, alleging corruption in the party. Later, he joined the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) to contest the Lok Sabha polls. Anand faced raids by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) earlier in November last year in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam. Reportedly, around nine premises linked to Anand, including his official residence, were raided by the ED. Anand was elected to the Delhi assembly in 2020 and he represented the Patel Nagar assembly constituency. He held multiple portfolios in the Kejriwal cabinet, including Social Welfare, SC and ST, Gurudwara elections, and Registrar of Cooperative Societies. Before joining AAP, Anand was a businessman and was pictured beside Kejriwal in the Anna-Hazare-led movement against corruption in 2011.
—ANI

Former AAP minister Raaj Kumar Anand joins BJP, criticizes Kejriwal for neglecting Dalit welfare. Pledges to uplift Dalits, faces ED raids for liquor policy scam.

"Requested Kejriwal to work for Dalits but..." says former AAP Minister Raaj Kumar Anand as he joins BJP

New Delhi: It was a perilous ride into summer that went from an unprecedented heat wave to high humidity and now the monsoon, all within days. And as many retreated indoors, it was left to gig workers to brave the elements as they delivered food and myriad essentials on their two-wheelers.
Heat, humidity, hail or heavy rain, when the weather gets tough, theirs is the band that gets going, working harder and for longer hours than earlier. It’s a job that has been getting increasingly tough with extreme weather events becoming more commonplace and frequent.  Weaving in and out of lanes as they whiz through traffic, Vimlesh Kumar is amongst the thousands of gig workers in Delhi-NCR. Waiting outside a bakery in Ghaziabad for the rain to stop one day last week, the 27-year-old said he has mixed emotions on such days - worried that he might get sick, glad it will pay him more.
For the likes of Vimlesh, it is about completing long shifts, delivering food on time and managing largely on their own, because “ye kaam to majboori hai, kaisa bhi mausam ho (this job is a compulsion, will have to do it no matter the weather)".
“Generally, we get Rs 15-35 on an order. But when it rains, we can get as much as Rs 55 per order. There is also the risk of falling sick, our phone getting ruined, or much worse if I have an accident. But I have to do it. There is no other option,” Vimlesh told PTI.  Vimlesh, who makes Rs 20,000-25,000 a month, has to work more than 12 hours a day, travelling anywhere between 100 to 200 kilometres on his motorcycle.  Krishna, a 34-year-old delivery partner with a logistics company, complained about no respite from the elements and unempathetic customers.  “People only want to know updates on their orders. They rarely care about the weather outside,” he said.  Krishna has worked with different companies over the last 10 years, including Amazon, Zomato, Swiggy and Flipkart, and said the situation is the same everywhere.  “We have to risk our lives in this job that pays barely enough to survive in this city. Smartphones, bikes and petrol… nothing is cheap these days and we have to pay from our pockets so we can work,” he added.  Before the monsoon hit the national capital last week Friday, when large parts of the Delhi and its suburbs went under water stalling everyday life, the city broke records of punishing heat during the days -- and nights. Roads emanated toxic fumes, the wind felt like a blast from a furnace, the skin burned and eyes strained to remain open.  Ashutosh Kumar, 24, said the unrelenting heat would often force him to seek shelter, not for himself but for his phone that would become “too hot” and stop responding.
For a delivery partner with a food aggregator platform, not being able to make calls, send texts and check the map is akin to losing the day’s earnings.  From that to unbearable levels of humidity, where the sweat factor can be a potential health hazard, and then the the rain, it has been a blur of bad weather days of Ashutosh, Krishna, Vimlesh and their ilk.  Temperatures in Delhi remained above 40 degrees Celsius for 36 straight days from May 12 on. Of these, the city saw 16 days when the mercury reached or surpassed 45 degrees. The heat index often made it feel warmer.  Another temperature phenomenon, which measures the heat's impact on people under high humidity is wet-bulb temperature. Humans sweat to bring down their body temperature. But when the humidity is high, the sweat doesn't evaporate and the body temperature doesn't come down, creating a condition that can possibly be fatal.  The national capital recorded a wet-bulb temperature of 29.7 degrees last week Monday, according to a report by Hindustan Times. The highest reading on this scale is 35 degrees Celsius.  The weather extremities this summer can, of course, impact any and all. But for those whose daily bread depends on their job, there aren’t many options.  Companies made some efforts to relieve their delivery partners of the heat to some extent by offering them refreshment, resting areas and medical help when required.  While food aggregator Swiggy said it put up nearly “900 recharge zones in high-demand areas”, Zomato set up “450 rest points across India”.  A Swiggy spokesperson told PTI that these zones “offer rest areas, refreshing beverages, mobile phone charging points, and restrooms accessible to all delivery partners across the industry”.  Zomato’s rest points offer similar services “to support the entire gig economy and delivery partners of various companies in between deliveries”.  The company’s other offering, Blinkit, has also extended support by stacking its stores with glucose and buttermilk as well as installing air coolers in the waiting areas. But does it really help? According to Rahul Yadav, a 26-year-old delivery partner with a food aggregator, shelters are few around the city and not always reachable from their location. “It simply means if I have to rest I will have to let go of my earnings. While health is important, so is the job. I cannot always find a rest point near me where I can go, have some refreshment and go back on the job,” Rahul said.  He added that most restaurants don’t allow delivery boys to enter their air conditioned establishments.  “We are asked to pick up the order from the back door, or a window that opens into the street,” he said.  Companies have also made emergency response systems a part of their respective support structure.
While Swiggy’s delivery partners have access to “a free, rapid-response ambulance service with an average response time of 11 minutes” that can be summoned using the SOS button in the app, Zomato also offers a “15-min ambulance and 24x7 SOS support” in over 530 cities for all delivery partners.  Urban Company, a home service aggregator, also said that it provides “comprehensive social protection benefits through insurance programs, access to credit and various other initiatives”.  “We voluntarily offer free life insurance cover worth Rs 600,000, disability cover worth Rs 600,000, accidental hospitalisation cover worth Rs 70,000, and accidental OPD treatment worth Rs 10,000, among other benefits,” Bhavya Sharma, director, Communications &amp; ESG, told PTI.  “It is not that simple,” countered Mahesh Sharma, another rider with an ecommerce website who moonlights as a food delivery executive.  “The process itself is quite complex and the company I work with has an insurance system that is based on your quality and quantity of work. One week you may have all the benefits and the next none perhaps,” the 43-year-old said.  The first step, Mahesh declared, is to stay healthy. And if you can’t, it’s better to dig into your savings than rely on insurance programmes, he added.  Barely covered by the gig industry for their financial needs arising out of medical emergencies, the life of delivery executives is one full of troubles, some caused by circumstances, others by the unrelenting elements.
—PTI

Gig workers in Delhi-NCR brave extreme weather, from heatwaves to monsoon rains, to deliver essentials, highlighting the tough realities of the gig economy.

Heat, humidity or hale: ‘Majboori’ makes gig workers brave the elements

New Delhi: The Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi on Saturday sent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till July 12 in connection with the excise policy case. The Vacation Judge Sunena Sharma sent Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till July 12, 2024. Advocate DP Singh appeared for CBI while seeking direction to send Arvind Kejriwal into Judicial Custody and alleged that during the police custody remand, the accused Arvind Kejriwal been examined/ interrogated. However, he did not cooperate with the investigation and deliberately gave evasive replies contrary to the evidence on record. On being confronted with the evidence, he did not give a proper and truthful explanation regarding the enhancement of the profit margin for wholesalers from 5 per cent to 12 per cent under the new Excise Policy of Delhi 2021-22, without any study or justification, said CBI. He also could not explain as to why during the peak of 2nd wave of Covid, the Cabinet approval for a revised Excise Policy was obtained through circulation in hurried manner within 01 day, when the accused persons of the South Group were camping in Delhi and holding meetings with his close associate Vijay Nair. He evaded the questions regarding the meetings of his associate Vijay Nair with various stakeholders of the liquor business in Delhi and demanded illegal gratification from them for favorable provisions in the upcoming Excise Policy, CBI added. He also evaded questions regarding the transfer and utilization of ill-gotten money to the tune of Rs.44.54 crores in the Goa Assembly Elections by his party during 2021-22, said CBI.
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In the light of aforesaid facts and circumstances, the further custodial interrogation of the accused Arvind Kejriwal is not required at this stage, said CBI. CBI alleged that he was deliberately and intentionally evading the just and relevant questions related to the case. He, being a prominent politician and Chief Minister of Delhi, is a very influential person, as such, there are credible reasons to believe that, he may influence the witnesses and evidence already exposed before him during the custodial interrogation and also the potential witnesses, who are yet to be examined, tamper with the evidence to be further collected and may hamper the ongoing investigation, CBI added. Earlier the Vacation Judge on June 26 had sent Arvind Kejriwal into 3 days Custodial Remand of CBI. On Saturday, Kejriwal was produced by CBI at the end of their remand period. Sunita Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh, Dilip Pandey, Samantha Bharti, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Madan Lal were present in the courtroom. On the last date of the hearing, Arvind Kejriwal himself addressed the court and said, "CBI is claiming that I have made a statement against Manish Sisodia which is completely false. Manish Sisodia Nirdosh hai, Aam Aadmi Party Nirdosh hai aur main bhi nirdosh hun. Iss Tarah ke statements hamme media me badnam Karne ke liye diye ja rahe hai." He also added that "CBI sources ke hawale se media me hamme badnam kar rahe rahe hai. Inka plan hai ki media front page ye chala de ki Kejriwal ne sara thikra Manish Sisodia pe daal diya." However, the Court said, "apki statement maine pad liya hai... apne aisa nahi bola hai." Appearing for CBI, DP Singh on the last date, submitted that there are certain dates...I got permission under the PC Act on 23rd April 2024 and since the election was on and then he was on interim bail, we refrained from investigating him. Vijay Nair a close confidant of CM, the media in charge of AAP is given the responsibility to coordinate. CBI counsel further alleged that on May 25, 2021 policy was notified. Before this first attempt was made to meet the liquor baron. The policy wasn't yet notified. But the process of finding suitors started? K Kavitha and Magunta Reddy met together and again in March 2021 itself K Kavitha called Reddy and then met. Even though lockdown happened, these meetings started and on a private flight, a team from the South came to Delhi during prime COVID. Boinpally sends a report through Nair to Sisodia...C Arvind, the Secy of Sisodia, types the report and it was given in his camp office (CM), said CBI in court. The GoM report was prepared by the South Group, the said report goes to the LG office. 4 chargesheets have been filed, 17 accused persons, we're almost on the conclusion of the investigation, said CBI Meanwhile, Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhari appeared for Arvind Kejriwal opposed the remand application moved by CBI and said CBI has filed four chargesheets till now and now arresting me and it still has to identify some persons through me. Is this a valid reason for arrest? Kejriwal's lawyer further added that, according to CBI I gave evasive replies during my examination/Interrogation in Tihar jail. The investigation officer of the case called it evasive because the only reply they want is my admission of guilt. Chaudhri questions the timing of the arrest: They were waiting for the pronouncement of my bail order. They could've arrested me on June 2 when I surrendered. The materials must be perused by the Court before granting them (the CBI) the custody of Kejriwal. On Tuesday CBI arrested the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Kejriwal after the Vacation Judge of the Delhi Court allowed CBI to examine/interrogate him in the courtroom so that the agency could proceed with his formal arrest. The court also asked the CBI to place on record the material that they have for his arrest. The Delhi High Court on recently stayed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's bail order passed by the trial court, saying that the trial court should have at least recorded its satisfaction with the fulfillment of twin conditions of section 45 of Prevention of the Money Laundering Act (PMLA) before passing the impugned order.
—ANI

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal sent to judicial custody till July 12 in excise policy case. CBI alleges non-cooperation in interrogation. Kejriwal denies all charges.

CBI alleges Kejriwal deliberately gave evasive replies, court sends him to judicial custody till July 12

New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) held a nationwide protest on Saturday against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Delhi Liquor Policy case. In Delhi, the AAP protested in front of the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters, in which several party MPs, MLAs, councillors, and workers participated. Delhi Ministers Gopal Rai, Atishi were among the key leaders who were present at the protest. "While granting bail to Arvind Kejriwal, the trial court said that there is no evidence against Kejriwal. After getting bail, ED got scared, went to the High Court and got a stay on the bail order. When the hearing was to take place in the Supreme Court, a day before that, the CBI arrested Kejriwal. They do not want Kejriwal to come out of jail because they are scared that if Kejriwal comes out, he will get all the work of the public done," Gopal Rai said, speaking at the protest site. Meanwhile, the Delhi Chief Minister was produced at the Rouse Avenue Court by the CBI for a hearing in the liquor policy case on Saturday. Kejriwal's three-day CBI remand in connection with the case is slated to end on Saturday.
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Earlier in the day, the authorities significantly bolstered security measures outside the AAP headquarters in Delhi ahead of their protest. Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj said on Saturday that the coordination between national agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation shows that the Central Government wants to ensure that Arvind Kejriwal stays in jail. "The coordination between ED and CBI shows that the central government wants to ensure that Arvind Kejriwal stays in jail...We will raise our voice against it in the whole nation," he said. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced on Thursday that it would hold a nationwide protest against the arrest of Kejriwal. A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting at the party headquarters led by AAP's National General Secretary (Organisation), Sandeep Pathak. The meeting was attended by other top AAP leaders, including MPs, MLAs and councillors. The meeting detailed the alleged misuse of central investigative agencies by the BJP government to target CM Kejriwal. Sandeep Pathak announced that AAP workers will hold a massive protest to oppose the BJP's tactics and the arrest of their leader.
—ANI

AAP protested nationwide against CM Kejriwal's arrest by CBI in the Delhi Liquor Policy case, accusing BJP of misusing central agencies to target Kejriwal.

AAP protests at BJP headquarters against Arvind Kejriwal's arrest; Gopal Rai, Atishi participates

New Delhi: The monsoon has finally arrived in Delhi after a long and severe heat spell in the city, the IMD announced on Friday.
In an official statement, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the Southwest Monsoon has further advanced into the entire Delhi region.  "The Northern Limit of Monsoon passes through 26 °N/65 °E, Jaisalmer, Churu, Bhiwani, Delhi, Aligarh, Kanpur, Ghazipur, Gonda, Kheri, Moradabad, Dehradun, Una, Pathankot, Jammu, 33 °N/74 °E," it added.
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In the early hours of Friday, the monsoon's first rainfall lashed several parts of the national capital, causing waterlogging and traffic jams in many areas.  The Safdarjung weather station recorded 153.7 mm of rainfall, which began around 3 am. Last year, Delhi had welcomed the monsoon on June 26. In 2022, it arrived on June 30 and in 2021, on July 13. In 2020, the monsoon reached Delhi on June 25, according to the data.
—PTI

Delhi welcomes the monsoon after severe heat, causing waterlogging and traffic jams. IMD confirms the advance of the Southwest Monsoon into the entire Delhi region.

Monsoon has arrived in Delhi, says IMD

New Delhi: The residents of Delhi, who endured one of the worst heatwaves in history earlier this month, now face severe water-logging with record-breaking rainfall in just 24 hours, surpassing the city's average for the entire month of June.
The torrential downpour caused a fatal airport roof collapse, disrupted flights, closed a metro station, blocked underpasses, and led to massive traffic jams, turning the city's relief from the heat into chaos.
What's happening?

<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/waterlogged%20in%20Delhi.webp" alt="waterlogged in Delhi" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>

The Indian capital of 20 million people received 228.1 mm rainfall in 24 hours at its main Safdarjung weather station until 8:30 a.m. (0300 GMT) on Friday, a 266% departure from normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).  Delhi has not recorded so much rain in the entire month of June at least in the last 15 years, IMD data shows. On Friday, in three hours alone, areas around the Delhi airport got 148.5 mm of rain, compared with 101.7 mm for all of June last year.  The seasonal monsoon rain, which slowly covers the country beginning from its southern tip at the end of May, brought respite from heatwave conditions that persisted in Delhi until last week. Temperatures this summer has neared 50 degrees Celsius in the city and it has recorded at least 40 consecutive days of temperatures at or above 40 degrees Celsius till June 22, according to IMD data.  An IMD official said the progress of the monsoon was stalled for a week, which led to lower rainfall and heat waves in northern India, but sudden thunderstorms last week in the region pushed the monsoon clouds back on track. This, he said, will help the monsoon cover the entire country on time or even a few days ahead of the normal schedule.
Why the extremes?

<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/hot%20summer%20in%20New%20Delhi.webp" alt="hot summer in New Delhi" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>

For every degree increase in earth's temperature, the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere can increase by about 7%, according to a NASA article. Experts say that can lead to heavy rains in a short period of time.  "Because of climate change, you will get more extreme rain events, which means more rain in a fewer number of rainy days, rainy hours," Sunita Narain, director general of research body Centre for Science and Environment, said in a recent video post.  "If you look at the data from across India, you will find that many weather stations are already reporting that they are breaking the record of 24-hour rainfall, which means that a city, a region, can get its annual rain, as much as a whole year's rain, in a matter of a few days or even one day."
What needs to be done? Delhi has endured erratic monsoon patterns over the last 40 years, facing both deficient and excessive rainfall, said Vishwas Chitale, at think-tank Council on Energy, Environment and Water.  "Such skewed distribution of rainfall impacts infrastructure and people severely, which re-emphasises the importance of climate proofing infrastructure and the economy," he said.  Experts say India needs to dig more lakes and ponds to store the water from heavy rain to prevent massive water shortages in places like Delhi and Bengaluru. Municipalities need to ensure drains and canals are un-clogged to avoid heavy flooding and major disruptions.  The country also needs to substantially increase its green cover and raise public awareness about the impacts of heat, stagger work hours and change school timings.
—Reuters

Delhi faces chaos with record-breaking rainfall following a severe heatwave, causing major disruptions and highlighting the need for better infrastructure and water management.

How Delhi went from extreme heat to heavy floods

New Delhi: An investigation has been ordered into the roof collapse at Delhi airport's Terminal 1 on Friday early morning that left one dead and six others injured, with Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announcing that a thorough inspection of the structure at the airport will be carried out.
Naidu, who visited the airport, said the situation is under control and Terminal 1 (T1) has been closed down and arrangements are being made to shift operations of flights to T2 and T3.  The minister said a compensation of Rs 20 lakh will be given to the family of the deceased and Rs 3 lakh to the injured people.
<a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiAirport/status/1806578733177802812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1806578733177802812%7Ctwgr%5E6ffafed9651991e998e9d689e72ddb496a102e50%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Findia%2Fdelhi%2Fcivil-aviation-minister-to-probe-delhi-airport-terminal-1-roof-collapse-incident-3084519" target="_self">https://twitter.com/DelhiAirport/status/1806578733177802812?</a>
The incident happened at around 5 am at the departure area of Terminal 1 (T1) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) amid heavy rains in the national capital.  The civil aviation ministry on Friday said heavy rain has resulted in the collapse of the canopy of Delhi airport T1.  "As a result of which flights to &amp; from Terminal 1 have been closed till further notice. Alternate arrangements are being made for smooth operation of the flights," the ministry said in a post on X.
Sources in the know said flight departures have been suspended till 2 pm.  T1 has only domestic flight operations by IndiGo and SpiceJet. The airport -- which has three terminals T1, T2 and T3 -- handles around 1,400 flight movements daily.  Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/india-bloc-leaders-target-pm-modi-over-delhi-t1-airport-canopy-collapse-incident" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/india-bloc-leaders-target-pm-modi-over-delhi-t1-airport-canopy-collapse-incident</a>&nbsp;
The technical reasons and other aspects of the incident will be known after the investigation, the minister told reporters.  According to him, the structure that collapsed on Friday morning was opened in 2009 and airport operator DIAL has been to do an inspection of the structure. "DGCA will supervise the inspection and they will give a report".  Further, he said a thorough checking of all similar structures at airports across the country will be carried out.  Sources in the government said the roof that collapsed at T1 was constructed during 2008-09 and that the work was contracted out by GMR to private contractors.  Immediately after knowing about the incident, Naidu said the emergency response and fire safety teams were sent. Among others, CISF and NDRF personnel were also at the site.  "Due to heavy rain since early this morning, a portion of the canopy at the old departure forecourt of Delhi airport's Terminal 1 collapsed around 5 am. There are injuries reported, and emergency personnel are working to provide all necessary assistance and medical aid to those affected," a DIAL spokesperson said in a statement.  As a result of this incident, the spokesperson said all departures from Terminal 1 are temporarily suspended, and check-in counters are closed as a safety measure.  Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), a consortium led by GMR Group, is the operator of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in the national capital.  "We sincerely regret this disruption and apologise for any inconvenience caused." the spokesperson said.
—PTI

Investigation ordered after roof collapse at Delhi airport's Terminal 1 leaves one dead, six injured. Terminal 1 closed, flights shifted to T2 and T3.

Civil Aviation Minister to probe Delhi airport Terminal 1 roof collapse incident

New Delhi: INDIA bloc leaders targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Delhi Airport canopy collapse incident at Terminal 1 on Friday morning and termed it as a failure of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. However, Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu clarified that the roof canopy which had collapsed was part of the old structure that was built in 2009. "We are taking this incident seriously...I want to clarify that the building inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi is on the other side and the building that collapsed here is an old building and was opened in 2009," he said. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari told ANI, "Just like what the condition has been of 'Modi Empire', Terminal-1 has collapsed like that only. For 10 years it was under their upkeeping, despite that it couldn't sustain the first rain. Modi govt will meet a similar fate, they are fully responsible for it." AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi told ANI, "It's a saddening incident. I hope Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will take note of it and will tell the country why and how this happened."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/heavy-rains-cause-severe-waterlogging-and-traffic-jams-in-delhi-ncr" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/heavy-rains-cause-severe-waterlogging-and-traffic-jams-in-delhi-ncr</a>&nbsp;

On the waterlogging issue in Delhi, the Hyderabad MP said, "The PM hosted G20, built Mandapam and even after this water logging continues. It shows that the work done for optics, results in this only. Basic works need to be done..." Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy termed the incident "very unfortunate". "It is a failure of the Ministry of Civil Aviation...Civil Aviation Minister should issue a statement on the same and tell us what remedial steps are being taken." Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge held "Corruption" and "criminal negligence" responsible for the Delhi Airport canopy collapse incident also alleged that the portion that has collapsed was inaugurated by the PM on March 10. Hours after the incident, which left one dead and several injured, Kharge wrote in a post on X, "Corruption and criminal negligence are responsible for the collapse of shoddy infrastructure falling like a deck of cards, in the past 10 years of Modi Govt." Meanwhile, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi also aligned her statement with the party president and highlighted the recent inauguration done by PM and alleged poor quality of work. Further, she also questioned the PM for taking responsibility and said, "This is the corrupt model of BJP of "take donations and give business" which has now been exposed. The question is whether the Prime Minister will take responsibility for these poor construction works and this corrupt model?" While debunking Congress's claim that the portion that collapsed was inaugurated by PM Modi on March 10, BJP leader Amit Malviya said the part of T1 that collapsed was opened in 2009, when Congress-led UPA was in power. "The part of T1 that collapsed was opened in 2009 when Congress-led UPA was in power. In those days there was no concept of quality check and contracts were given to whoever sent the biggest kickback to the ruling Congress. Sonia Gandhi, who was then the super PM, must answer." Notably, the incident occurred when Delhi-NCR was hit by a spell of heavy rains on Friday.
—ANI

INDIA bloc leaders blame PM Modi for Delhi Airport canopy collapse. Civil Aviation Minister clarifies old structure collapse. BJP, Congress clash over incident.

INDIA bloc leaders target PM Modi over Delhi T1 Airport canopy collapse incident

New Delhi: Several areas of Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram have been experiencing heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning since Thursday. Waterlogging and heavy traffic jams are some of the significant issues citizens are facing. Although the rain has provided relief from the scorching heat, visuals of heavy traffic jams and waterlogged streets have emerged from several areas, including Sarita Vihar, Connaught Place, Palam Airport, and Dhaula Kuan. Aman, a corporate employee stuck due to waterlogging in his area, said, "The rain has provided some respite from the heat. However, it has led to severe waterlogging, and traveling to the office has become very difficult." "The water has entered my truck, and it is not moving anymore. I have been stuck here for the last two hours," said Dinesh, a truck driver. Another driver, whose car was involved in an accident and was stuck on National Highway 9 due to no rescue efforts, said, "A truck suddenly hit my car from behind. Luckily, there were no passengers, and no one was injured. I have been waiting here for someone to come and help, but due to the heavy rains, there has been no help yet." Delhi Police have issued an alert on their X (formerly Twitter) handle regarding heavy traffic and congestion in areas such as Dhaula Kuan, the Minto Bridge underpass, and Kamla Market. Citizens are advised to plan their journeys accordingly. On the issue of waterlogging, Mayor Shelly Oberoi on Friday said, "The waterlogging situation this time is far better than last time. All departments concerned with the situation are working on the ground, and the work is underway. It will be resolved by this afternoon. The residents of Delhi won't have to face a situation like this after today." Additionally, a recent video showed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor Ravinder Singh Negi symbolically protesting against the Aam Aadmi Government by rowing an inflatable boat amidst the severe waterlogging. He said, "All PWD drains are overflowing. They (Aam Aadmi Party) did not get them cleaned ahead of the monsoon. This has led to waterlogging. Vinod Nagar has submerged." All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi commented on the waterlogging situation, saying, "The waterlogging is something very important that needs to be paid attention to." The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast cloudy skies and varying intensities of rain accompanied by gusty winds in Delhi for the next seven days.
—ANI

Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram hit by heavy rainfall causing waterlogging and traffic jams. Authorities issue alerts; further rain expected in the coming days.

Heavy rains cause severe waterlogging and traffic jams in Delhi NCR

New Delhi: Heavy to very heavy rain is likely in the national capital on the weekend, the India Meteorological Department said as parts of the city were lashed by showers on Thursday, bringing Delhiites much-needed respite from heat.
In its weather bulletin, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) mentioned that a thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speeds reaching 30 to 40 kmph is very likely at isolated places over Delhi and other states on June 28.  Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places over Delhi on June 29 and June 30, it said.
According to the IMD, heavy rain is defined as rainfall amounting to between 64.5 mm and 124.4 mm in a day while very heavy rain is defined as rainfall amounting to between 124.5 mm and 244.4 mm in a day.  On Wednesday, an independent weather agency said, "Monsoon is expected to reach Delhi on the weekend." The weather department has predicted localized flooding of roads, water logging in low-lying areas and closure of underpasses due to very heavy rainfall in Delhi on June 29 and 30.  The monsoon current typically enters Delhi between June 27 and 29. Last year, it arrived on June 26 while the first monsoon showers of 2022 were recorded on June 30, according to official data.
—PTI

Delhi to face heavy rain this weekend, IMD predicts thunderstorms, gusty winds, and possible flooding on June 29-30. Monsoon brings relief from heat.

Heavy to very heavy rain likely in Delhi on June 29-30

New Delhi: A court here on Wednesday sent Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to CBI custody for three days after the probe agency arrested him in a corruption case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.
Special Judge Amitabh Rawat passed the order on an application moved by the CBI. The probe agency formally arrested Kejriwal on Wednesday after getting permission from the court.  Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/judge-was-in-hurry-didn't-give-prosecutor-opportunity-to-oppose-kejriwal's-bail:-ed-to-sc" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/judge-was-in-hurry-didn't-give-prosecutor-opportunity-to-oppose-kejriwal's-bail:-ed-to-sc</a>&nbsp;
The Aam Aadmi Party national convener is lodged in prison in an excise policy-linked money laundering case being probed by the Enforcement Department (ED).  "CBI application is allowed for three days," the judge said.  In the application seeking Kejriwal's custody, the CBI told the court that he was required to be quizzed to unearth the larger conspiracy in the matter. It also said that the Delhi chief minister was required to be confronted with evidence and other people accused in the case.  Federal agencies had earlier claimed that a so-called "south lobby" dictated the formulation of the now-scrapped excise policy and that the chief minister was involved in all this.
—PTI

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal sent to CBI custody for three days in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam. Special Judge Amitabh Rawat approved CBI's application.

Delhi excise policy case: Arvind Kejriwal sent to 3-day CBI custody

New Delhi: The AAP alleged on Wednesday that when there was a possibility of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal getting bail from the Supreme Court in a money laundering case, the BJP panicked and got him arrested in a "fake case" by the CBI.
Earlier in the day, a Delhi court allowed the CBI to formally arrest Kejriwal in the Delhi excise policy case.  The CBI arrested Kejriwal after Special Judge Amitabh Rawat passed the order. The agency has sought five-day custody of the chief minister in the case.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/delhi-excise-policy-case:-kejriwal-withdraws-petition-from-sc-to-file-fresh-plea" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/delhi-excise-policy-case:-kejriwal-withdraws-petition-from-sc-to-file-fresh-plea</a>&nbsp;
In a post in Hindi on X, the AAP said, "The dictator crossed all limits of cruelty!! Today when there was every possibility of Chief Minister @ArvindKejriwal getting bail, the BJP went into panic mode and got Kejriwal arrested by the CBI in a fake case." "The CBI took Kejriwal ji to Rouse Avenue Court where his blood sugar level dropped very low. Dictator, no matter how much oppression you inflict, Kejriwal will neither bow down nor break," it said.
Watch: <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1805859131972370941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1805862496189686103%7Ctwgr%5E7a1137b2b1070f333bda5801c094e67d23a56f63%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Findia%2Fdelhi%2Fbjp-got-kejriwal-arrested-by-cbi-in-fake-case-aap-3081426" target="_self">https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1805859131972370941?</a>
Kejriwal has been in prison since April 1 in connection with the excise policy-linked money laundering case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate.  On May 10, the Supreme Court had granted interim bail to Kejriwal for 21 days to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. He returned to prison on June 2.  The Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 was withdrawn by the Kejriwal government in July 2022 after Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities in its formulation and implementation.
—PTI

AAP accuses BJP of panicking and orchestrating the arrest of Delhi CM Kejriwal by CBI in a fake case, as he was about to get bail in a money laundering case.

BJP got Kejriwal arrested by CBI in fake case: AAP

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday withdrew his plea challenging the June 21 order of the Delhi High Court granting interim stay on regular bail to him in the Delhi excise policy case being probed by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED). Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, said he will file a fresh petition challenging the June 25 final order of the High Court by which it has stayed the trial court order granting regular bail to Kejriwal. A vacation bench of Justices Manoj Misra and SVN Bhatti allowed Kejriwal to withdraw the plea before the apex court and granted liberty to file a fresh petition. Singhvi also told the bench that the CBI has also arrested Kejriwal today in connection with the case. The High Court on June 21 had ordered to grant interim stay on bail while reserving its order. The order of the High Court had come on a plea of the Enforcement Directorate seeking a stay on the release of Kejriwal. Kejriwal then filed an appeal in the top court against the High Court order. The apex court on June 24 adjourned the matter for hearing on June 26 and observed that the decision of the High Court to grant an interim stay on Kejriwal's bail without passing a final order in the matter was "unusual". On June 25, the High Court passed its final order and ordered the continuation of stay on Kejriwal's release from jail. It said that the trial court vacation judge passed the bail order without going through ED's entire material, which reflects "perversity" in it. The High Court in its final order has noted that the observation made by the vacation judge while granting bail to Kejriwal was "uncalled for, unwarranted and out of context."
—ANI

Arvind Kejriwal withdraws his plea against Delhi HC's interim stay on bail in the excise policy case; plans to file a fresh petition against the final order.

Delhi excise policy case: Kejriwal withdraws petition from SC, to file fresh plea

New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Saturday used a water cannon to disperse BJP workers demonstrating against the AAP government over water shortage in the the national capital.
Led by the BJP's former South Delhi MP Ramesh Bidhuri, the protesters gathered outside a Delhi Jal Board (DJB) office in Okhla and raised slogans against the AAP government. The police dispersed them with a water cannon after they refused to move.  Amid a punishing heat wave battering the city, Delhi is facing a severe water shortage while the BJP and AAP continue to blame each other for the crisis.
Addressing the protesters, Bidhuri alleged that the DJB, which had profits of Rs 600 crore, is now facing losses of Rs 60,000 crore due to corruption.  Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/atishi's-indefinite-fast-over-water-crisis-enters-second-day" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/atishi's-indefinite-fast-over-water-crisis-enters-second-day</a>&nbsp;
He later handed over a memorandum to a DJB engineer over an acute shortage of water in the Tughlaqabad assembly constituency.  Meanwhile, Delhi Water Minister Atishi's indefinite hunger strike for release of the city's "rightful share" of water share in the Yamuna by Haryana entered its second day on Saturday.  Atishi launched her hunger strike, accusing the BJP government in Haryana of stopping the release of 100 million gallons per day (MGD) of water to Delhi and said it has affected 28 lakh people in the city.
—PTI

Delhi Police used water cannon on BJP protesters rallying against AAP over water shortage. Amid a heat wave, Delhi faces severe water crisis; Atishi on hunger strike.

Delhi Police uses water cannon on BJP workers protesting against water shortage

New Delhi: Delhi Water Minister Atishi continued her indefinite fast, which enters the second day on Saturday, over the water crisis in the national capital.
In a video message from her 'Jal Satyagrah' venue at Bhogal in south Delhi, Atishi said she will not eat anything till Haryana releases more water for the people in the city, 28 lakh of whom she said were water shortage.  The minister sat on indefinite fast on Friday, alleging that Haryana was not releasing Delhi's rightful share of water in Yamuna.
She said 110 million gallons per day (MGD) less water was released by Haryana on Friday.  Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/new-rule:-government-employees-face-half-day-penalty-for-being-15-minutes-late" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/new-rule:-government-employees-face-half-day-penalty-for-being-15-minutes-late</a>&nbsp;
"One MGD water provides for 28,000 people. Shortage of 100 MGD water means 28 lakh people are not getting water in Delhi," she said.  The Water Minister said that Delhi depends on neighbouring states for water. It receives 1,005 MGD water from neighbouring states through rivers and canals, out of which Haryana provides 613 MGD, she said.  In the extreme summer heat faced by Delhi, Haryana has reduced its share to 513 MGD for a few weeks affecting over 28 lakh people, she added.
—PTI

Delhi Minister Atishi continues her indefinite fast, demanding Haryana to release more water to address the severe water crisis affecting 28 lakh residents in the capital.

Atishi's indefinite fast over water crisis enters second day

New Delhi: After a long and harsh spell of heatwave, the national capital witnessed a pleasant morning on Thursday, with the weather department saying parts of the city received light rains.
The India Meteorological Department predicted a generally cloudy sky, with the possibility of very light rain and gusty winds during the day. Duststorm or thunderstorm accompanied by lightning are also likely.  A weather update notified people about the likelihood of light to moderate intensity rains and gusty winds with speeds of 30-50 km/ph over Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas in the pre-noon period on Thursday.
The department also predicted a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of rain, thunderstorm or dust storm on Friday and Saturday.  Humidity at 8.30 am on Thursday was 67 per cent. The minimum temperature was 29.6 degrees Celsius and the maximum is likely to settle around 42 degrees Celsius.  Swathes of northern India, including the national capital, have been in the grip of a punishingly long heat wave, increasing heat stroke casualties and prompting the Centre to issue advisory to hospitals to set up special units to cater to such patients.  During the past three days, the bodies of 50 people evidently belonging to the underprivileged backgrounds were recovered around Delhi, police said on Wednesday.  Meanwhile, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital at 9 am was recorded in the "poor" category with a reading of 214, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.  An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".
—PTI

Delhi experiences relief from heatwave with light rains and gusty winds. IMD forecasts cloudy skies, thunderstorms, and poor AQI of 214.

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