Thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall brought considerable relief from scorching conditions in Delhi, leading to a sharp decline in temperatures across the national capital, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The weather department said thunderstorm activity on Wednesday evening significantly reduced temperatures in several parts of the city. Between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm, temperatures at Safdarjung and Palam weather stations dropped substantially following rainfall and gusty winds.

Officials said the temperature at Safdarjung fell by around 11 degrees Celsius during the two-hour period, while Palam recorded a drop of nearly 9 degrees Celsius.

According to IMD data, Delhi has received 39.6 mm of rainfall so far this month, compared to the normal average of 48.3 mm, leaving the city with a rainfall deficit of around 18 per cent.

IMD forecasts more weather activity in Delhi

The IMD has forecast a partly cloudy sky for Delhi on Thursday, with the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning at isolated locations. The minimum temperature is expected to remain around 27 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature could reach nearly 39 degrees Celsius.

The latest weather activity has provided temporary respite from the prevailing heat conditions in the city.

Heavy rainfall disrupts normal life in Mumbai

Meanwhile, Mumbai witnessed intense rainfall that disrupted both road and rail traffic during peak morning hours on Wednesday.

Several low-lying areas reported waterlogging, affecting commuters and slowing traffic movement across the city. In some locations, rainfall exceeded 300 mm during the 24-hour period ending at 8 am, officials said.

The heavy showers also impacted suburban train services, causing inconvenience to thousands of daily passengers.

Weather officials have advised residents in affected areas to remain cautious and stay updated on official advisories as monsoon activity intensifies across several parts of the country.

The Centre has clarified that an Indian passport should primarily be viewed as a travel document and not as conclusive proof of citizenship, a statement that has reignited discussion over what documents can legally establish Indian citizenship.

The clarification was made by officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) during a briefing on India’s expanding passport ecosystem and related citizen services. Officials emphasised that passports are issued to Indian citizens after a detailed verification process, but their principal purpose is to facilitate international travel and serve as an identity document while abroad.

The statement comes amid ongoing public discussions over documents that can be treated as proof of citizenship. Questions regarding the legal status of documents such as Aadhaar cards and voter identity cards have also surfaced in recent years, with courts and authorities distinguishing between proof of identity and proof of citizenship.

Government officials noted that passports are issued only after verification based on multiple supporting documents submitted by applicants. However, they maintained that the passport itself is designed as a travel document and should not be interpreted as a standalone citizenship certificate.

The clarification triggered reactions on social media, with several public figures and users questioning which documents should be considered definitive proof of Indian citizenship. The issue has gained renewed attention following recent debates surrounding citizenship documentation and voter roll verification exercises.

Officials also highlighted the government’s efforts to modernise passport services, including the rollout of e-passports and the expansion of passport service infrastructure across the country.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is set to visit the United Kingdom from June 25 to 27 for high-level discussions aimed at ensuring the smooth implementation of the recently concluded India-UK trade agreement.

The visit comes ahead of the scheduled enforcement of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Double Contribution Convention (DCC) on July 15. During the trip, Goyal is expected to engage with senior British officials and industry representatives to review preparedness for the rollout of the landmark agreements.

Focus on implementation issues

During his stay in London, Goyal is expected to meet UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle to discuss key implementation-related matters, including operational frameworks, regulatory coordination and measures to facilitate bilateral trade and investment.

The discussions are also likely to cover industry concerns and unresolved issues related to the practical execution of the agreement, with both countries seeking a seamless transition before the pact comes into force.

Trade pact to take effect from July 15

India and the UK had earlier announced that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, along with the Double Contribution Convention, would become operational from July 15. The agreement is expected to deepen economic engagement between the two countries by reducing tariffs, improving market access and strengthening investment ties.

The upcoming visit is being viewed as a significant step in ensuring that businesses on both sides are prepared to benefit from the agreement from day one.