The flood situation in Assam showed marginal improvement on Saturday, though the disaster continued to impact more than 6.54 lakh people across six districts. Four more deaths were reported during the day, taking the total number of fatalities in this year’s floods to 66.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), three of the latest deaths were reported from Sivasagar district, while one person lost their life in Charaideo.

The number of affected people declined from over 7.05 lakh across nine districts on Friday to 6,54,800 across six districts on Saturday, indicating a gradual improvement in the overall situation.

Sivasagar remains the worst-hit district

Among the affected districts, Sivasagar continues to be the worst hit, with nearly 2.9 lakh people impacted by the floods. Charaideo follows with around 1.9 lakh affected residents, while more than 1.3 lakh people remain affected in Jorhat.

The other districts still facing flood-related challenges are Dibrugarh, Golaghat and Nagaon.

Relief operations continue across affected areas

The ASDMA said the state administration is operating 274 relief camps and aid distribution centres across the affected districts. Around 18,902 displaced people are currently taking shelter at these facilities.

The latest daily bulletin also stated that floodwaters have inundated 810 villages across the state, while 34,970.8 hectares of agricultural land have suffered damage.

Rivers flowing above danger level

The floods have also damaged embankments, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure in several areas.

Authorities said the Dikhou River in Sivasagar and the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh are flowing above the danger level, and officials continue to closely monitor the situation.

The Uttar Pradesh government has reconstituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by IG Kiran S, with DIG Somen Verma and SSP Dr Gaurav Grover as members, to investigate the alleged theft of donations meant for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. 

The move comes after directions from the Supreme Court, which sought a reconstituted investigation team to ensure an independent and comprehensive probe into the allegations.

The newly formed SIT is expected to continue the investigation and submit a status report before the Supreme Court on July 27.

Senior IPS officers to lead the probe

According to the state government, the investigation will now be supervised by senior IPS officers.  The revamped SIT has been tasked with examining all aspects of the alleged embezzlement of temple donations and carrying the investigation forward.

The Supreme Court had observed that criminal investigations and technical examination of theft-related cases are more effectively handled by experienced police officers, leading to the reconstitution of the SIT under senior IPS leadership.

Probe to continue under court supervision

The case relates to the alleged embezzlement of offerings (chadhava) donated by devotees at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.

The Supreme Court is monitoring the investigation and will review the SIT’s status report at the next hearing.

Authorities are expected to continue examining evidence collected during the earlier stages of the investigation as the newly constituted SIT proceeds with the case.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pralhad Joshi has been given additional charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan amid protests over alleged exam paper leaks.

A seasoned parliamentarian and organisation leader, Joshi is regarded as one of the BJP’s experienced faces, having played key roles in both the party’s organisational structure and the Union government over the years.

A political journey rooted in student leadership

Pralhad Joshi began his public life through student politics before becoming actively involved in the BJP’s organisational work in Karnataka.

Over the years, he emerged as a prominent leader in the state and was elected multiple times as the Member of Parliament from Karnataka’s Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency. He also served as the BJP’s Karnataka unit president, strengthening the party’s presence in the state.

His national political profile grew further after he was re-elected to the Lok Sabha in 2014, when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, formed the government at the Centre.

Experience across key ministries

Joshi currently serves as the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy. In previous terms, he has also handled important portfolios including Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs.

His long-standing association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and his experience in parliamentary affairs have made him one of the BJP’s trusted leaders.

Education Ministry responsibility

Joshi takes charge of the Education Ministry after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from the post amid protests over alleged examination paper leaks.

A day before receiving the additional responsibility, Joshi had defended the Centre’s approach to the ongoing student protests. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, he said the government remained committed to safeguarding students’ interests and alleged that “anti-social elements” were trying to take advantage of the CJP-led agitation.

He also said the Modi government was committed to taking strict action against any irregularities affecting students and reaffirmed its focus on strengthening the education system and protecting the future of young people.