With the southwest monsoon recording a sharp rainfall deficit and concerns mounting over the impact of El Nino, the Centre has identified 315 districts across the country as vulnerable to below-normal rainfall during the ongoing kharif season.

According to the Union Agriculture Ministry, the country had recorded a rainfall deficit of around 43 per cent till June 23, prompting authorities to initiate a nationwide preparedness exercise to minimise the impact on agriculture and rural livelihoods.

The identified districts have been categorised based on irrigation coverage, which determines their ability to withstand prolonged dry spells. Of the total, 111 districts with irrigation coverage of less than 25 per cent have been classified as the most vulnerable. Another 76 districts with irrigation coverage between 25 and 50 per cent fall under the medium-risk category, while 128 districts with irrigation coverage exceeding 50 per cent have been placed in the relatively lower-risk category.

Officials have directed state governments to activate district-level contingency plans to protect crop production during the crucial monsoon season. These plans include measures such as promoting drought-tolerant crops, revising sowing schedules and strengthening water conservation efforts.

The government has also set up dedicated monitoring mechanisms, including an El Nino Monitoring Cell and a Crop Weather Watch Group, to closely track weather developments and coordinate response measures.

Meteorological agencies have forecast below-normal monsoon rainfall this year, with El Nino conditions expected to strengthen during the June-September period. The weather phenomenon is historically associated with weaker monsoons in India and can adversely affect agricultural output, water availability and rural incomes.

The southwest monsoon contributes nearly 70 per cent of India’s annual rainfall and remains critical for the country’s agriculture sector, particularly for rain-fed crops such as rice, pulses and oilseeds.

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.