Fresh violence broke out in Manipur’s Senapati district after an ambush on civilians triggered clashes between Naga and Kuki groups, escalating tensions in the hill regions.

According to media reports, the confrontation followed an ambush in which civilians were targeted, leading to anger among local groups and subsequent clashes.

Reports indicate that civilians were killed in the incident, which intensified distrust between communities. Following this, local organisations announced shutdowns and protests, disrupting normal life in several areas.

Security forces have been deployed, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely as tensions remain high.

Clashes were reported in areas near district borders, where both sides confronted each other during enforcement of shutdown calls. The situation escalated into violence, with reports of gunfire and physical altercations in certain pockets.

Authorities have been closely monitoring the situation, and security forces have been deployed to prevent further escalation. However, normal life in affected areas has been disrupted due to fear and uncertainty.

Manipur has witnessed a prolonged period of ethnic tension in recent years, particularly involving different communities in the hill districts. While earlier conflicts largely involved other groups, the latest clashes signal a widening of the unrest.

Experts note that such incidents, especially attacks on civilians, often act as flashpoints that quickly spiral into broader community confrontations.

Campaign activities continue on ground while engagement with I-PAC leadership reportedly declines after recent developments

Amid ongoing assembly election campaigns, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) are recalibrating their poll strategies as political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee comes under scrutiny.

According to media reports, campaign activities at the ground level remain largely unaffected in both states. Party workers continue voter outreach, rallies, and booth-level coordination without any visible slowdown.

However, there has been a noticeable reduction in engagement with I-PAC’s senior leadership following recent developments, including investigative actions involving the firm.

Sources indicate that while the broader campaign machinery remains intact, both TMC and DMK are making internal adjustments to ensure continuity and minimise dependence on external strategists. This includes greater reliance on party cadres and local leadership for campaign execution.

The developments come at a crucial time, with elections underway and political parties aiming to maintain momentum. Despite the situation surrounding I-PAC, both parties appear focused on sustaining their outreach efforts and adapting strategies as needed.

Higher-than-normal heatwave days likely between April and June, with temperatures expected to cross 40°C in several regions

Large parts of India, including the northern Indo-Gangetic plains and western states such as Gujarat and Maharashtra, are expected to experience a higher-than-normal number of heatwave days during the summer months, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD chief stated that regions in north India, eastern coastal areas, and adjoining western parts are likely to witness frequent heatwave conditions between April and June.

Temperatures in several climatologically prone regions are expected to rise above 40 degrees Celsius. Areas such as Vidarbha in Maharashtra typically record temperatures of around 41–42°C during this period, while states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana may see temperatures reaching 40–44°C in May.

The weather office noted that heatwave conditions are likely across multiple regions, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Eastern states such as Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana are also expected to face similar conditions.

Officials emphasised the need for preparedness as high temperatures are a recurring feature during April, May, and early June before the onset of the monsoon, although variations may occur year to year.

To mitigate risks, the IMD has been expanding its outreach efforts, especially for vulnerable populations such as outdoor workers. Alerts and forecasts are being shared through mobile-based systems, display boards, and coordinated communication channels to ensure timely access to heat-related advisories.

The department also provides seasonal forecasts in advance, along with weekly and district-level updates, to help authorities and the public prepare for extreme weather conditions during the summer months.