Residents of Delhi may finally get respite from the prolonged spell of intense heat, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting the arrival of the southwest monsoon in the national capital by July 4.

According to the weather office, conditions are becoming favourable for the monsoon to advance further across several parts of north India, including Delhi, over the next five to six days. The forecast comes after the capital witnessed unusually high temperatures and delayed seasonal rainfall.

Monsoon expected to advance across north India

The IMD said the southwest monsoon is likely to progress into additional parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir during the coming days as weather systems create conducive conditions for its advance.

The expected arrival of the monsoon is likely to bring widespread rainfall activity and provide much-needed relief from scorching temperatures that have persisted across Delhi and adjoining regions. The city has experienced an extended period of heat, with temperatures remaining above normal in recent weeks.

The weather department has also issued heatwave warnings for parts of Uttar Pradesh even as monsoon activity gradually strengthens across northern India.

The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), led by Vaiko, has formally ended its nine-year association with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), marking a significant shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. The decision was taken during the party’s general council meeting held on Friday.

MDMK cites attempts to weaken party

In resolutions adopted at the meeting, the MDMK alleged that efforts had been made to weaken the party within the DMK-led alliance, making it difficult to continue the association. The party also claimed there were attempts aimed at facilitating an AIADMK return to power, allegations that were rejected by the DMK.

Although political observers have speculated about the MDMK moving closer to Chief Minister Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the party did not formally announce any alliance with the ruling front. Instead, it said decisions regarding future political alignments would be taken at an appropriate time.

Warm remarks for Vijay government fuel speculation

The MDMK’s resolutions welcomed the state government’s functioning under Chief Minister Joseph Vijay and urged it to remain committed to key promises, including ensuring corruption-free governance and safeguarding Tamil Nadu’s interests on issues such as the Mekedatu dam project. These remarks have intensified speculation about a possible future understanding between the two sides.

The development comes amid broader political realignments in Tamil Nadu following the 2026 Assembly elections, with several parties reassessing their alliances in the changed political scenario.

Senior functionaries of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, have resigned from their respective positions amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged theft and embezzlement of donations received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

According to reports, Champat Rai stepped down from his role as the Trust’s general secretary, while trustee Anil Mishra also resigned from his responsibilities linked to overseeing the counting of cash offerings. The developments come as the probe into alleged irregularities in handling temple donations continues to expand.

The resignations reportedly followed the registration of an FIR in connection with the alleged misappropriation of cash and valuables donated by devotees. Several individuals associated with the counting process have already been arrested, and investigators have recovered substantial amounts of cash during the course of the probe.

Sources indicated that the resignations were offered to facilitate an impartial investigation into the matter. However, there has been no official statement from the Trust detailing whether the resignations have been formally accepted.

The alleged embezzlement case has triggered political reactions, with opposition parties demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into the handling of temple donations. The issue has also raised questions regarding internal oversight and security mechanisms governing donation management at the temple.

Authorities continue to investigate the matter, while further action is expected based on the findings of the ongoing probe.