Northern India Grapples with Severe Flood Crisis; Cross-Border Impact Noted
Large parts of northern India, particularly Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, are currently battling severe flood conditions. The Ravi river's fury has led to significant devastation in Punjab's border belt, resulting in the washing away of approximately 30 km of iron fencing along the Indo-Pak frontier and breaching embankments. This has forced the Border Security Force (BSF) to abandon numerous checkposts. Officials reported at least 50 breaches in protective bundhs across Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and Pathankot. In Himachal Pradesh, the Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters successfully evacuated 350 Manimahesh pilgrims affected by the floods.
The flood situation has also had cross-border implications, with Pakistan reporting an additional release of floodwaters from India into its territory, leading to high-level flooding in the Sutlej and Ravi rivers. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that the floods were due to India releasing water without prior information, violating the Indus Waters Treaty, and demanded India honor the treaty or return their rivers.
India Firm on Russian Oil Purchases Amidst US Tariff Warnings
India has strongly responded to recent tariff warnings from US President Donald Trump concerning its continued purchase of Russian oil. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed that India would "undoubtedly" continue to buy Russian oil, asserting that the nation would act in its national interest. She also hinted at internal reforms, including adjustments to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), to help Indian exporters manage the impact of new US tariffs. This comes after President Trump's remarks suggesting that India and Russia had been "lost" to China, following a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting.
Mumbai on High Alert Following Security Threat
Mumbai has been placed on high alert after authorities received a threat of "human bombs." Investigations have been launched by the Mumbai Police to address the security concern.
Other Key Developments
In other national news, President Droupadi Murmu honored 45 teachers with the National Teacher Awards. In a significant development for the automotive sector, Elon Musk's Tesla has officially entered the Indian market, with the first Model Y delivered in Mumbai. Additionally, a lookout circular has been issued against Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty and her businessman husband Raj Kundra in connection with a ā¹60 crore cheating case.