On Thursday, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the Union government’s decision to refrain from waiving loans for those impacted by the landslides in Wayanad last July, calling it a “betrayal.”

As the Member of Parliament representing Wayanad, Priyanka highlighted a recent affidavit from the central government submitted to the Kerala High Court, indicating that the loans could only be rescheduled or restructured in accordance with the Reserve Bank of India’s Master Directions on Natural Calamities.

“The victims of the Wayanad landslides have lost everything: their homes, land, and livelihoods. Yet, the government remains unwilling to provide even a basic loan waiver. Instead, they are offered only loan rescheduling and restructuring, which is not genuine relief. This is a betrayal,” she stated in a Facebook post.

Priyanka further expressed her condemnation of the government’s indifference, stating that she and her party stand in solidarity with the affected individuals in Wayanad. “Their suffering will not be overlooked. We will continue to amplify their voices until justice is achieved,” she asserted.

The Centre’s affidavit was submitted in response to a query from the High Court concerning the possibility of waiving the loans taken by those affected. The Union Finance Ministry noted that a special meeting of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) of Kerala took place on August 19 of the previous year, which was attended by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This meeting resulted in the decision to apply relief measures as outlined in the RBI’s guidelines on natural calamities.

According to the RBI’s Master Directions, in the aftermath of a natural disaster, financial relief measures include the restructuring or rescheduling of existing loans, which offers a one-year moratorium along with the possibility of new loans.

This affidavit was submitted in relation to a Public Interest Litigation initiated by the court following the Wayanad landslides, aimed at enhancing disaster prevention and management strategies in Kerala. A significant landslide occurred on July 30 of last year, devastating the Mundakkai and Chooralmala regions.

Pakistan on Thursday issued a statement regarding the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key figure in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India from the United States. Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, clarified during a media briefing that “Tahawwur Rana has not renewed his Pakistani documents for over two decades. His Canadian nationality is very clear,” effectively distancing Pakistan from any responsibility or connection to the case.

The development marks a significant milestone in the long-standing effort to bring justice to the victims of the November 26, 2008, attacks, which claimed over 166 lives. Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the US for providing material support to the Lashkar-e-Taiba group responsible for the coordinated assaults on Mumbai’s landmarks. His extradition, expected imminently, will see him face trial in India for his role in one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in the country’s history.

In India, preparations are underway to house Rana in a high-security ward at Tihar Jail in Delhi upon his arrival, according to reports. Authorities have made the necessary arrangements, but they are awaiting a court order to formalize his detention. The central government has appointed advocate Narender Mann as a Special Public Prosecutor to handle the trials and other legal proceedings related to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) case.

A Delhi court, presided over by District Judge Vimal Kumar Yadav, has already received the trial records of the 26/11 attacks in anticipation of Rana’s arrival. The records were transferred from a Mumbai court following the judge’s directive on January 28, prompted by an application from the NIA seeking to retrieve the documents for the upcoming proceedings.

Rana’s extradition from the US is seen as a major victory for India, which has long sought to prosecute all individuals involved in the Mumbai attacks. The incident, which lasted four days and targeted sites like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and Nariman House, left a scar on India’s national psyche, killing civilians, security personnel, and foreigners. Rana’s role as a facilitator, providing logistical and financial support, made him a critical target for justice.

Pakistan’s statement, however, attempts to sidestep any association with Rana, emphasizing his Canadian citizenship and lack of active ties to Pakistani documentation.

A sudden weather upheaval across Bihar has claimed 19 lives and caused extensive damage to standing crops and property within a span of 48 hours. The extreme weather event, marked by intense thunderstorms, hailstorms, and lightning, has severely impacted both rural and urban regions.

Death toll rises as severe storms sweep across Bihar

According to official updates, the storms have caused fatalities across several districts: five each in Begusarai and Darbhanga, three in Madhubani, two each in Saharsa and Samastipur, and one each in Lakhisarai and Gaya. In response, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed condolences and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased.

Heavy crop loss in agrarian districts

The unseasonal storm has been particularly devastating for farmers. Crops nearing harvest—such as wheat, mango, and litchi—have suffered widespread destruction in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Shivhar, and East Champaran. The damage has sparked fears of significant financial loss in the farming community.

District authorities have begun assessing crop damage to roll out relief measures promptly. Local reports highlight how the erratic weather struck just weeks ahead of harvesting season, compounding distress in the agricultural sector.

IMD warns of continued severe weather

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for continued thunderstorms, lightning, and rain across Bihar until April 12. A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is fueling the adverse weather, and the forecast includes the possibility of hail and strong winds in certain areas.

Districts likely to experience ongoing impact include Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Madhepura, Saharsa, Purnea, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Khagaria, Banka, Munger, Jamui, Sheikhpura, Begusarai, Patna, Nalanda, Nawada, Jehanabad, and Gaya.

Authorities on high alert, residents urged to remain cautious

Officials in vulnerable districts have been put on alert, and emergency response teams are coordinating relief operations. The IMD has urged people to stay indoors during storms, avoid open areas during lightning, and secure loose objects to minimize damage.

In Patna and surrounding cities, heavy rain brought temporary relief from the heat but also led to power disruptions and traffic slowdowns. The administration continues to monitor developments closely and is preparing for potential escalation in weather conditions.