Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) witnessed another spell of monsoon rain early on Thursday, bringing relief from the recent humid weather while causing waterlogging in several parts of the city.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Delhi, warning of heavy rainfall through most of the day. The weather department has also predicted continued monsoon activity across several northern states over the coming days.

Waterlogging reported in several parts of Delhi

Continuous rainfall led to waterlogging at multiple locations across the capital, affecting traffic movement in some areas.

Among the locations where water accumulation was reported were the New Delhi Railway Station, Munirka, and several other parts of the city as rain continued through the morning.

Despite the disruptions, the showers brought welcome relief to residents after days of hot and humid conditions.

Amit Shah reviews rain situation with affected states

Amid heavy rainfall in different parts of the country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the chief ministers of Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Jammu and Kashmir to review the situation.

According to officials, the Home Minister assured the states of all possible assistance from the Centre following recent weather-related incidents, including a debris collapse in Kerala’s Wayanad, flash floods in Jammu’s Doda district, and deadly rain-related incidents and disruptions reported in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

IMD forecasts continued rainfall across North India

The IMD has forecast fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and West Uttar Pradesh until July 10.

The weather agency also expects a fresh spell of rainfall to continue over Northeast Uttar Pradesh until July 13, while East Rajasthan is likely to experience similar monsoon activity on July 9.

A widespread monsoon spell had already covered large parts of North India on Wednesday, providing relief from the prevailing heat and improving weather conditions across the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for closer cooperation between India and Australia, saying the two nations should strengthen their partnership as the world grapples with uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and an energy crisis triggered by ongoing tensions in West Asia.

Speaking at the India-Australia CEOs Forum during his visit to Australia, the Prime Minister said the changing global environment makes it essential for both countries to work together as reliable and trusted partners.

“We are living through a period of uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and an energy crisis. At such a time, it is natural and necessary for India and Australia to move forward as natural and trusted partners,” PM Modi said.

He noted that India and Australia have established a strong foundation for future cooperation by building on each other’s strengths over the past few years.

ECTA has strengthened economic ties

Highlighting growing trade relations, PM Modi said the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), signed in 2022, has significantly boosted bilateral economic engagement.

According to the Prime Minister, exports from India to Australia have doubled since the agreement came into effect, while businesses in both countries have gained improved access to each other’s markets.

He said the trade pact has created new opportunities for companies and strengthened economic cooperation between the two nations.

PM Modi calls for wider regional and sectoral collaboration

The Prime Minister also stressed that India-Australia cooperation should extend beyond interactions between national capitals.

He proposed expanding partnerships across states, cities, universities and industries to unlock greater economic potential.

PM Modi suggested identifying dedicated state-to-state and sector-to-sector collaborations and preparing strategies to advance them. He said India remains committed to taking business ties with Australia to new heights and expressed confidence that the CEOs Forum would generate fresh ideas, partnerships and investment opportunities.

Three-nation tour focused on trade and strategic cooperation

PM Modi is on a six-day visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand from July 6. The tour is aimed at strengthening trade and investment, deepening strategic partnerships, engaging with business leaders and interacting with the Indian diaspora.

During his Australia visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in addition to participating in business and community engagements.

A suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district, bringing an end to a multi-day search operation that had been underway since the militants were first spotted in the area.

According to officials, the body of the suspected terrorist was recovered from the Saidpora area of South Kashmir. Arms and ammunition were also seized from the encounter site following the operation.

The operation began after surveillance cameras reportedly captured two suspected terrorists moving through a dense orchard in the Chhanapora area of Saidpora several days ago. Based on the footage and subsequent intelligence inputs, security forces launched a cordon and search operation to track down the suspects.

Officials said the search was initiated following information about the presence of suspected Lashkar commander Zakir Ganai and his associate, Latief Bhat. Security agencies are still working to formally establish the identity of the militant killed in the encounter.

Joint operation by police, Army and CRPF

The anti-terror operation was carried out jointly by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army’s Rashtriya Rifles and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

As security personnel closed in on the suspected militants, an exchange of fire reportedly took place. To prevent any escape, forces sealed all possible exit routes through the orchard. The Army’s specialised counter-insurgency formation, Victor Force, also illuminated the area during the night to improve visibility and tighten the security cordon.

Following the operation, the Jammu and Kashmir Police shared a message on social media stating, “You can run, but you cannot hide,” confirming the success of the mission.

Authorities have not yet announced whether the second suspected militant has been apprehended or remains at large. Search operations in the area are expected to continue.