Delhi-NCR experienced rain, thunderstorms and strong winds on Tuesday, bringing much-needed relief from the prevailing heat conditions across the region. Several parts of the national capital, along with Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad, witnessed a sudden change in weather, accompanied by dust storms and gusty winds.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more spells of light rain and thunderstorms in Delhi and adjoining areas. The weather department said partly cloudy conditions are likely to persist, with thunderstorms, lightning and strong surface winds expected during the afternoon and evening hours over the next few days.

According to the IMD, wind speeds during thunderstorms could reach 40-50 kmph and may gust up to 60 kmph in some areas. The weather office has advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity and avoid taking shelter under trees or near weak structures.

The showers led to a noticeable drop in temperatures, offering relief from the intense summer heat. Earlier, squally winds with speeds touching 91 kmph were recorded at Palam during a thunderstorm episode, highlighting the intensity of recent weather activity in the capital.

Meteorologists attributed the changing weather pattern to favourable atmospheric conditions and advancing monsoon activity over parts of north India. Similar weather conditions, including thunderstorms and gusty winds, are expected to continue intermittently across Delhi-NCR in the coming days.

The internal crisis within the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has escalated, with both the camp led by Mamata Banerjee and the rebel faction approaching the Election Commission over claims to the party’s leadership and organisational control.

The latest development comes amid an intensifying power struggle within the party following the formation of a parallel leadership structure by dissident leaders. The rebel group, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has asserted that it represents the “real” Trinamool and has sought official recognition from the poll panel.

Rival camps approach Election Commission

On Tuesday evening, members of the rebel faction met officials of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer and reiterated their claim that they are the legitimate organisational face of the Trinamool Congress. The dissident camp has already announced a separate National Working Committee and appointed its own leadership team.

In response, Mamata Banerjee’s camp has moved swiftly to reinforce its authority. The faction led by the former West Bengal chief minister submitted a fresh list of office-bearers and a reconstituted National Working Committee to the Election Commission, asserting that Mamata Banerjee remains the chairperson of the party.

Internal turmoil deepens

The confrontation marks a new phase in the turmoil that has gripped the Trinamool Congress after its defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Several senior leaders, including some long-time associates of Mamata Banerjee, have joined the rebel camp, further deepening divisions within the party.

With both factions staking claim to the party’s identity and organisational machinery, the Election Commission may now have to examine competing submissions before deciding on the issue of recognition and control.

In a unique welfare initiative, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay is set to launch the ‘Thai Maman Gold Ring Scheme’ across the state. Under this program, every child born in government hospitals will be gifted a one-gram gold ring. To fund the project, the state government has designated an annual allocation of Rs 755.83 crore.

The Chief Minister has already instructed state officials to immediately begin the tender process required to roll out the initiative.

Eligibility and official launch timeline

Children born in government hospitals on or after June 22, 2026—coinciding with the Chief Minister’s birthday—will be eligible to receive the benefit. While the eligibility begins in June, the scheme will see its formal, official launch later in the year on September 15, 2026, marking the birth anniversary of Perarignar Anna.

Cultural roots and inspiration

According to an official government release, the welfare scheme draws direct inspiration from “Thai Maman Seer,” a deeply rooted Tamil cultural tradition where a maternal uncle presents blessings and gifts to a newborn baby. Through this initiative, the state government will symbolically assume the responsibilities of a maternal uncle, presenting the one-gram gold ring as a token of care, affection, and welcome.

The administration noted that the initiative is designed to preserve and reflect Tamil cultural heritage while offering a symbol of support and love to newborns and their respective families.

From election promise to institutional welfare

The ‘Thai Maman Gold Ring Scheme’ originally formed a key component of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s election promises and was highlighted in the government’s ‘Vetri Thamizhagam Vision Document’.

While political organizations in the region have historically distributed gold rings to infants born in government facilities on their leaders’ birthdays, this initiative represents the first time the practice has been institutionalized as an official state government welfare scheme.