Torrential rains have brought north India to its knees. Over the past few days, floodwaters have swept through cities, towns, and villages, upending lives, drowning crops, and destroying homes. From the capital city of Delhi to the farmlands of Punjab and the hill slopes of Himachal, people are bracing for what’s being described as one of the worst monsoon disasters in decades.

Yamuna Swells, Delhi on Edge

In the heart of the capital, the Yamuna River breached its danger mark yet again, forcing the evacuation of around 10,000 people from flood-prone areas. Streets in parts of Delhi turned into muddy streams overnight, with families seen carrying their belongings on their heads or wading waist-deep through water in search of safety.

Schools have been closed, emergency shelters set up, and rescue teams deployed across the city. Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors as more rain is expected.

“It’s like last year’s floods, but worse,” said Rajni Sharma, a resident of Yamuna Bazar. “We’ve barely rebuilt from 2024, and now we’re back in camps.”

Punjab’s Worst Floods in a Generation

But it is Punjab that appears to be the hardest hit. The state has been officially declared a disaster-affected zone, with over 1,200 villages submerged and floodwaters swallowing entire paddy fields.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called the floods “more severe than 1988,” referring to the catastrophic deluge that scarred the state’s memory nearly four decades ago.

Since the beginning of August, at least 30 people have lost their lives in the state. Over 20,000 residents have been displaced, and more than 150,000 hectares of standing crops have been destroyed.

In the village of Shahkot, a local farmer stood by what was once a flourishing paddy field as everything he had grown was gone as he was staring at the murky water that now covered the land. With no hope or insurance or compensation, all that remained was silence and an endless fathom of water.

Meanwhile, in districts like Tarn Taran and Amritsar, some farmers have taken a bold step—offering to sell their land to the government to build permanent flood protection embankments. “If we don’t act now, this will keep happening every year,” said one farmer in Chheharta.

Hills Tremble in Himachal and J&K

The Himalayan states haven’t been spared either. In Himachal Pradesh, heavy rains triggered a landslide in Mandi, killing three people and trapping others under debris. Roads have caved in, and several towns remain cut off.

In Jammu & Kashmir, a wall collapsed in Rajouri district, killing a mother and her young daughter, highlighting the precariousness of poorly built homes in flood-prone zones.

Red Alert and More Rain Coming

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several states, including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Odisha. Extremely heavy rainfall is expected in the next 48 hours, sparking fears of flash floods and fresh landslides.

Relief operations are in full swing, with the Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed in several regions. Yet, access remains a challenge in many rural pockets.

Experts are warning that this monsoon catastrophe is a symptom of a larger crisis,  one where climate change, unregulated construction, and poor urban planning are amplifying the impact of natural disasters. As floodwaters continue to rise, so does the collective anxiety of millions. Families cling to what little they have, hoping the rain will stop and that help will arrive before it’s too late.

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has issued an open call to the scientific community, inviting proposals to analyze data collected by its Chandrayaan‑3 mission. Through this initiative, ISRO aims to further unlock the mysteries of the Moon’s south pole and foster academic engagement in planetary research.

Chandrayaan‑3 made history in August 2023 by successfully landing near the lunar south pole,  a feat accomplished by no other country at the time. Its lander, Vikram, and rover, Pragyan, conducted in-situ experiments, generating an extensive dataset now made available to researchers via ISRO’s PRADAN portal.

In its latest Announcement of Opportunity (AO), ISRO has called upon scientists, researchers, and academic institutions to submit proposals focusing on key areas such as lunar surface composition, seismic activity, thermal properties, and the Moon’s plasma environment. While proposals must center on Chandrayaan‑3 data, ISRO has encouraged integration with data from Chandrayaan‑1, Chandrayaan‑2, and other international missions to promote comprehensive lunar studies.

Each project is designed to be completed within three years, with potential for a one-year extension based on performance. Selected projects will receive financial support, including funding for Junior Research Fellows (JRFs), access to computational facilities, conference travel, and contingency expenses. Principal Investigators are also encouraged to involve interns for focused lunar data analysis and to conduct workshops and outreach activities to foster broader community engagement.

This open data initiative empowers India’s scientific community to unlock the Moon’s mysteries, reinforcing ISRO’s vision of harnessing space technology for national development and inspiring the next generation of space scientists.

The data from instruments like ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment), ILSA (Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity), RAMBHA-LP (Langmuir Probe), and two spectrometers onboard Pragyan,  LIBS and APXS, have already revealed several groundbreaking findings. These include the detection of sulfur and other elements at the lunar surface, temperature variations indicating potential subsurface ice, and natural seismic events at the south pole, which is a first in lunar exploration.

This initiative marks a new chapter in Chandrayaan‑3’s mission, strengthening India’s position in global lunar research.

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The familiar Dream11 logo may soon disappear from Team India jerseys, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has kicked off the search for a new title sponsor. Fantasy sports giant Dream11 is stepping away from its high-profile deal nearly a year before its term ends, forced out by sweeping changes under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. For cricket fans, this marks the end of a sponsorship era that saw fantasy sports become a household name through Indian cricket’s massive reach.

Dream11 and its sister brand My11Circle have together pumped nearly ₹1,000 crore into Indian cricket sponsorships, helping fuel the sport’s commercial juggernaut. The company had secured rights to Team India’s title sponsorship in a $44 million (₹358 crore) deal that was to run through 2026. But with the government cracking down on real-money gaming, Dream11 has been left with little choice but to bow out gracefully. The BCCI has confirmed that the company will not face penalties for the early exit, acknowledging that this is a compliance issue beyond Dream11’s control.

Now, the BCCI is opening its doors to new suitors, but with a rulebook that’s as strict as a third umpire review. In its Invitation to Express Interest (IEOI), the Board made it clear that companies involved in online money gaming, betting, or gambling—whether in India or anywhere else—are not welcome. Firms with stakes or investments in such businesses are also barred, as are those in industries considered “against public morals,” including alcohol, tobacco, and pornography.

The playing field narrows further with “blocked brand categories,” where the BCCI already has deals in place. With Adidas holding the sportswear rights, IDFC First Bank in banking, Campa Cola in beverages, and SBI Life in insurance, brands in these sectors won’t get a look-in. Even companies from sectors like consumer appliances—fans, mixers, and locks—are off-limits. To prevent loopholes, the BCCI has warned bidders against “surrogate branding,” or sneaky attempts to apply through proxy brands or alternate names.

Financial muscle is also a prerequisite. Any bidder must have either a minimum average turnover of ₹300 crore over the last three years or an average net worth of the same amount. The timeline is tight: interested companies have until September 12 to purchase the IEOI and must submit their bids by September 16. As always, the BCCI has reserved the right to change or cancel the process entirely.

Dream11’s departure underscores the impact of the government’s new gaming law, which bans companies from offering, promoting, or advertising real-money games. For years, fantasy sports sponsors had been a dominant presence on Indian cricket kits and broadcasts. Now, with that chapter closing, the hunt is on for fresh brands eager to associate with the sport’s unmatched popularity.

“This is a government rule and full compliance is required. In the current scenario, their business is impacted, and we fully understand their plight,” a senior BCCI official told PTI, confirming Dream11’s clean break.

For cricket lovers, this moment is a reminder of just how intertwined business, regulation, and sport have become. With Team India continuing to rule the pitch, the BCCI’s next sponsorship partner won’t just buy ad space on a jersey—they’ll inherit a prime spot in the hearts and screens of a billion fans.

India and the United States are currently engaged in discussions to finalize a bilateral trade agreement, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday. The talks, which have seen five rounds since March, are aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two countries but have recently been impacted by rising tariff tensions.

Addressing an industry event in Delhi, Goyal confirmed the ongoing negotiations, stating, “We are in dialogue with the US for a bilateral trade agreement.” However, the sixth round of talks, originally scheduled for late August, has been delayed following the US decision to raise tariffs on several Indian exports to 50 percent.

The tariff hike, which took effect on August 27, is widely seen as a reaction to India’s continued imports of oil from Russia amid ongoing Western sanctions.

Despite the temporary setback, officials indicate that discussions remain on track and constructive. The proposed trade agreement is expected to address a range of key issues, including tariff reductions, digital trade regulations, intellectual property rights, and greater market access for goods and services.

Goyal emphasized the importance of the US as a strategic economic partner, noting that the agreement would serve to further deepen bilateral ties and promote long-term cooperation across multiple sectors, including technology, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.

No new dates have been confirmed for the next round of negotiations.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Semicon India 2025 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, on Tuesday, underscoring India’s ambitions to become a major player in the global semiconductor sector. The three-day event, which brings together over 20,750 participants, including 2,500 delegates from more than 48 countries, is aimed at catalyzing the growth of India’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Addressing industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and students, PM Modi said, “The world trusts India, the world believes in India, and the world is ready to build the semiconductor future with India.” He emphasized that semiconductors, often described as “digital diamonds,” are central to 21st-century economic progress, just as oil was in the previous century. Highlighting the rapid growth of India’s semiconductor sector, he noted that the global market has already reached $600 billion and is expected to surpass $1 trillion in the coming years, with India poised to capture a significant share.

Tracing India’s journey in the semiconductor space, the Prime Minister recalled the launch of the Semicon India program in 2021. By 2023, India’s first semiconductor plant was approved, followed by additional approvals in 2024 and 2025. Currently, ten semiconductor projects are underway, representing an investment of over $18 billion (₹1.5 lakh crore). PM Modi highlighted the swift operational progress, noting that CG Power’s pilot plant began functioning on August 28, Kaynes’ plant is about to start, and test chips from Micron and Tata are already in production. Commercial chip production is expected to commence later this year.

“The shorter the time from file to factory, the sooner wafer work can begin,” he said, underlining the government’s efforts to reduce paperwork and accelerate approvals through the National Single Window System. Semiconductor parks are being developed across India under a plug-and-play model, offering investors ready access to land, power, transport, and skilled workforce. Combined with incentives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) and Design Linked Grants, PM Modi said this is positioning India as a full-stack semiconductor nation, moving beyond backend operations to encompass design, manufacturing, packaging, and high-tech devices.

India is also advancing alongside global technology leaders, the Prime Minister said, pointing to design centers in Noida and Bengaluru developing chips with billions of transistors, capable of powering next-generation technologies. Emphasizing the role of critical minerals, PM Modi noted that the National Critical Mineral Mission is underway to ensure domestic supply, complementing India’s semiconductor ambitions.

Start-ups and MSMEs are central to India’s strategy. India contributes 20 percent of global semiconductor design talent, with a growing pool of young engineers and innovators. The government has launched initiatives like the Chips-to-Startup Program and the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme, which is being restructured to better support domestic IP development. The National Research Fund will also facilitate strategic collaborations to strengthen the sector.

PM Modi called upon states to foster competition and build dedicated semiconductor ecosystems, citing ongoing policy support and infrastructure readiness. “Design is ready. Mask is aligned. Now is the time for precision execution and delivery at scale,” he said, affirming India’s commitment to long-term investor confidence.

Semicon India 2025, running from September 2–4, will include discussions on semiconductor fabs, advanced packaging projects, infrastructure readiness, smart manufacturing, R&D and AI innovations, and investment opportunities. The event features over 150 speakers, 350 exhibitors, country pavilions, and sessions on workforce development and start-ups, highlighting India’s integrated approach to building a robust, resilient, and globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem.

Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Jitin Prasada, along with the Chief Ministers of Delhi and Odisha, were present at the event.

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The death toll in the Afghanistan earthquake has risen to more than 900, with thousands more injured, as rescuers continue to search for survivors in the country’s mountainous eastern regions. A 6.0-magnitude quake struck late Sunday night in Kunar province, near the border with Pakistan, destroying entire villages and flattening homes built of mud and stone in steep valleys.

Rescue operations have been hampered by the difficult terrain, landslides, and poor weather conditions, which have cut off many remote areas from immediate aid. Authorities fear the casualty count will rise further as teams reach isolated locations. Local hospitals are overwhelmed, and medical supplies are in short supply. Helicopters and military teams have been deployed to ferry the injured and recover bodies from hard-to-reach areas.

The Taliban have called for international assistance to tackle the scale of the disaster. Countries including India, China, and the United Kingdom have pledged humanitarian aid. India has sent 1,000 family tents to Kabul and is transporting 15 tonnes of food to Kunar, with more relief expected in the coming days. China has offered disaster relief assistance according to Afghanistan’s needs, and the UK has committed emergency funding through humanitarian partners to ensure aid reaches the affected population rather than the Taliban administration. The United States has expressed condolences but has not confirmed direct aid.

Villagers continue to laboriously clear debris by hand, while others carry the injured on makeshift stretchers. Entire communities in Kunar, including the Nurgal district, have been devastated, with children and elderly among those trapped under rubble. Many of the dead were wrapped in white shrouds and buried by their families in accordance with local customs.

The Afghanistan earthquake struck at a shallow depth of just six miles beneath the surface, making it particularly destructive. The region had already experienced heavy rainfall in the 48 hours prior, increasing the risk of landslides and complicating rescue operations. Authorities report that at least 610 people were killed in Kunar and 12 in Nangarhar, with hundreds more feared dead in remote areas.

Humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, are coordinating relief efforts, delivering medical care, clean water, and food to affected communities. However, access challenges and a lack of infrastructure are slowing aid distribution.

The earthquake comes amid Afghanistan’s ongoing economic crisis, worsened by the withdrawal of international aid since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. Millions of Afghans are already vulnerable, and the disaster further stretches the country’s limited resources. Sustained international support and coordinated relief efforts are critical to addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and the long-term recovery of affected communities.

The situation remains dire, and authorities have warned that the full scale of destruction may only become clear as rescue teams reach isolated villages and assess the damage.

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The Ministry of Tribal Affairs on Monday unveiled the beta version of ‘Adi Vaani’, an AI-powered translation tool designed to support and preserve India’s tribal languages. Developed with contributions from academicians, educators, and tribal language experts, the app can translate Hindi and English into tribal languages and vice versa, laying the groundwork for future large language models dedicated to these tongues.

The project is led by a consortium of premier institutes, including IIT Delhi, BITS-Pilani, and IIIT Naya Raipur, in collaboration with tribal research bodies across Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Meghalaya.

India is home to 10.45 crore Scheduled Tribe members, speaking 461 tribal languages and 71 distinct mother tongues. Of these, 82 languages are considered vulnerable, while 42 are critically endangered. ‘Adi Vaani’ will initially offer translation services for Bhili, Gondi, Santali, and Mundari, some of the more widely spoken tribal languages. Bhili alone is spoken by over one crore people across Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Future updates will include languages such as Kui (Odisha) and Garo (Meghalaya, Assam, and parts of Tripura).

The app will also complement the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, a government initiative to build grassroots tribal leadership, aiming to ensure widespread adoption within tribal communities.

Creating the AI model posed significant challenges. Developers had to collect, validate, and collate a vast corpus of words and sentences from tribal languages. More than 250 native speakers, community leaders, and educators contributed, compiling dictionaries, translating NCERT textbooks, recording folklore, and documenting oral literature to train the models.

In addition, ‘Adi Vaani’ integrates tribal language primers developed by NCERT and the Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysuru, which support foundational learning in mother tongues. Primers for 117 languages, including 89 tribal languages such as Santali, Warli, and Pawri, are incorporated into the app.

Vibhu Nayar, Secretary of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, said the translation tool will enhance the implementation of government schemes at the grassroots level and improve access to educational resources for tribal students through integrated OCR (optical character recognition) functionality.

The app is scheduled for official release on the Google Play Store from Friday and marks a significant step toward preserving India’s rich linguistic diversity while leveraging AI to empower tribal communities.

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Rahul Vijay, a senior manager at the Airports Authority of India (AAI), for allegedly diverting Rs 232 crore from public funds into his personal accounts. The arrest follows a First Information Report (FIR) filed by AAI after uncovering irregularities in financial transactions at the Dehradun airport.

Rahul Vijay, who headed the finance and accounts branch at Dehradun Airport from 2019 to 2023 and is currently posted at Jaipur Airport, allegedly manipulated official and electronic records to siphon funds. During searches at his official and residential premises in Jaipur, the CBI recovered documents relating to immovable properties and other valuable assets, suggesting a systematic fraud.

According to the investigation, Vijay created duplicate and fictitious assets and inflated asset values, in some cases by simply adding “zeros” to entries, to evade detection. Preliminary analysis indicates that the diverted funds were subsequently transferred to trading accounts, effectively laundering public money.

The irregularities came to light when ChandraKanth P, Senior Manager in AAI’s Finance Department, reviewed asset records from 2019-20 to 2022-23. He discovered abnormal capitalisation of assets and immediately flagged the matter. A verification committee confirmed that Vijay had passed false entries and misappropriated Rs 232 crore between February 2019 and August 2022.

The FIR alleges that Vijay created three separate user IDs for AAI’s official bank account at SBI and used a combination of small and large transfers to move funds to his personal accounts undetected. He reportedly fabricated assets worth Rs 189 crore, duplicating or inflating legitimate entries to justify the transfers.

In one instance, on September 29, 2021, Vijay recorded genuine assets worth Rs 67.81 crore for electrical work on a new terminal. The following day, he allegedly created 17 fictitious assets totaling Rs 189 crore by inflating 13 original assets, channeling the money into his personal accounts. An additional Rs 43 crore was allegedly misappropriated through fraudulent entries under various expenditure heads.

The CBI has initiated a detailed probe into the transactions and is scrutinising Vijay’s bank accounts and financial dealings to trace the flow of public funds. The case highlights vulnerabilities in financial controls at government agencies and raises serious concerns about oversight mechanisms in AAI’s accounting operations.

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North India is grappling with unprecedented rainfall and severe flooding as the monsoon season intensifies across Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for these regions, warning of extreme weather conditions that threaten lives, infrastructure, and agriculture.

On September 1, Delhi experienced heavy rainfall leading to widespread waterlogging and significant traffic disruptions. The Yamuna River’s water level is projected to exceed the danger mark by the evening of September 2, prompting flood alerts and the closure of the Old Railway Bridge. Airlines, including Air India, SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Akasa Air, have issued travel advisories due to poor visibility and access issues at airports.

Punjab and Haryana Battling Record Rainfall and Flooding

Punjab recorded its highest rainfall in 25 years this August, with a 74% increase above the normal average. Districts like Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Hoshiarpur have been severely affected, with swollen rivers and canal breaches causing widespread damage. Haryana also experienced a 32% increase in rainfall, leading to rising water levels in the Yamuna, Ghaggar, and Markanda rivers. The Hathnikund barrage’s discharge has surpassed the alarm level, raising concerns over potential flooding in low-lying areas.

Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh Under Red Alert

The IMD has issued a red alert for Uttarakhand, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and the possibility of flash floods and landslides in the coming days. A rare meteorological phenomenon, the interaction between the monsoon trough and an active western disturbance, is expected to exacerbate the situation. Southern parts of Himachal Pradesh are also under similar warnings, with authorities urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

The continuous heavy rainfall has not only caused immediate flooding but also threatens the upcoming harvest season. Above-normal rainfall in September could damage summer-sown crops like rice, cotton, soybean, corn, and pulses, which are typically harvested from mid-September. Additionally, the persistent rains have led to soil erosion and compromised infrastructure, complicating relief and rescue operations.

In response to the escalating crisis, the governments of the affected states have declared disaster-hit statuses and are coordinating with the central government for additional support. Relief camps have been set up, and emergency services are on high alert to assist affected populations. Authorities are also monitoring river levels closely and have issued advisories to ensure public safety.

With the IMD forecasting above-average rainfall for the remainder of the monsoon season, the risk of further flooding and landslides remains high. Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to stay informed through official channels and adhere to safety guidelines issued by local authorities.

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New Delhi: India’s tea industry, already grappling with domestic challenges, faces a significant setback as the United States imposes a 50% tariff on Indian goods, threatening one of its key export markets.

The U.S. is a significant destination for Indian tea, which shipped 17 million kg there in 2024. Between January and May 2025 alone, India exported 6.26 million kg to the American market.

The recent imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian goods is likely to impact Indian tea exports to the U.S. Any increase in cost cannot be absorbed by the supply chain, given that producers are already operating on very thin margins, the Indian Tea Association (ITA) said.

India, Sri Lanka, Argentina, and Malawi are the main suppliers of black tea to the U.S., where demand for Assam and Darjeeling varieties remains strong. This brand equity could help cushion some of the impact, but producers warn that price hikes will strain competitiveness.

The ITA noted that India exports to 21 key countries, accounting for 88% of total shipments. This global spread, coupled with the enduring appeal of Assam and Darjeeling teas, provides opportunities to diversify and expand into fresh markets.

Back home, however, a grim reality is unfolding. Assam and West Bengal’s tea sectors are reeling from plummeting auction prices, driven by oversupply and muted demand. Auction data from North India’s three key centres—Kolkata, Guwahati, and Siliguri—showed steep declines from mid-July to mid-August (Sale 28–33/34), with average prices down by Rs.32 to Rs.74.

Between April and July 2025, North India’s average auction price fell nearly 6%, with unsold stocks touching 36% at Guwahati and 26% at Kolkata. Rising output has compounded the crisis: Assam’s production grew 4.6% year-on-year, and West Bengal’s surged 27%. Large estates, however, reported only modest gains or even declines due to erratic weather and pest infestations.

The resulting oversupply in auctions has exerted additional pressure on already declining prices, the ITA warned.

Industry bodies are urging the government to introduce a Minimum Sustainable Price (MSP) for made tea, fast-track approvals for pest-control chemicals, impose a minimum import price to block cheap inflows, and revise export incentives, including the RoDTEP rate. A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has backed many of these recommendations, stressing the need for import restrictions, fair competition, and a holistic review of the sector.

The pressure is further aggravated by low-cost imports, which jumped 57% to 19.6 million kg between January and June 2025, with Kenya emerging as a major supplier. On exports, North India saw an 8.7% rise in volume and 22% in value during January–May 2025, while South India’s exports declined 15%.

The ITA cautioned that without swift government intervention, the livelihoods of millions, the sustainability of the sector, and India’s position in the global tea market will all be at risk.

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