Thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall brought considerable relief from scorching conditions in Delhi, leading to a sharp decline in temperatures across the national capital, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The weather department said thunderstorm activity on Wednesday evening significantly reduced temperatures in several parts of the city. Between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm, temperatures at Safdarjung and Palam weather stations dropped substantially following rainfall and gusty winds.

Officials said the temperature at Safdarjung fell by around 11 degrees Celsius during the two-hour period, while Palam recorded a drop of nearly 9 degrees Celsius.

According to IMD data, Delhi has received 39.6 mm of rainfall so far this month, compared to the normal average of 48.3 mm, leaving the city with a rainfall deficit of around 18 per cent.

IMD forecasts more weather activity in Delhi

The IMD has forecast a partly cloudy sky for Delhi on Thursday, with the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning at isolated locations. The minimum temperature is expected to remain around 27 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature could reach nearly 39 degrees Celsius.

The latest weather activity has provided temporary respite from the prevailing heat conditions in the city.

Heavy rainfall disrupts normal life in Mumbai

Meanwhile, Mumbai witnessed intense rainfall that disrupted both road and rail traffic during peak morning hours on Wednesday.

Several low-lying areas reported waterlogging, affecting commuters and slowing traffic movement across the city. In some locations, rainfall exceeded 300 mm during the 24-hour period ending at 8 am, officials said.

The heavy showers also impacted suburban train services, causing inconvenience to thousands of daily passengers.

Weather officials have advised residents in affected areas to remain cautious and stay updated on official advisories as monsoon activity intensifies across several parts of the country.

The Centre has clarified that an Indian passport should primarily be viewed as a travel document and not as conclusive proof of citizenship, a statement that has reignited discussion over what documents can legally establish Indian citizenship.

The clarification was made by officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) during a briefing on India’s expanding passport ecosystem and related citizen services. Officials emphasised that passports are issued to Indian citizens after a detailed verification process, but their principal purpose is to facilitate international travel and serve as an identity document while abroad.

The statement comes amid ongoing public discussions over documents that can be treated as proof of citizenship. Questions regarding the legal status of documents such as Aadhaar cards and voter identity cards have also surfaced in recent years, with courts and authorities distinguishing between proof of identity and proof of citizenship.

Government officials noted that passports are issued only after verification based on multiple supporting documents submitted by applicants. However, they maintained that the passport itself is designed as a travel document and should not be interpreted as a standalone citizenship certificate.

The clarification triggered reactions on social media, with several public figures and users questioning which documents should be considered definitive proof of Indian citizenship. The issue has gained renewed attention following recent debates surrounding citizenship documentation and voter roll verification exercises.

Officials also highlighted the government’s efforts to modernise passport services, including the rollout of e-passports and the expansion of passport service infrastructure across the country.

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi has been ordered by a London court to pay Bank of India more than $11.5 million, including accrued interest, in connection with a personal guarantee linked to a loan extended to one of his Dubai-based firms.

In a significant ruling delivered by the London Circuit Commercial Court, Justice Simon Tinkler held that Modi remained liable under the personal guarantee issued for a loan granted to Firestar Diamond FZE, a Dubai-incorporated company associated with him. The court rejected Modi’s challenge to the enforceability of the guarantee.

The court examined whether Modi had been properly served with a demand notice, whether the demand related to a liability owed to the bank, and whether the personal guarantee was legally enforceable. Justice Tinkler ruled in favour of Bank of India on all three issues.

According to the judgment, Modi is liable for the principal outstanding amount of $4.1 million. After adding accumulated interest, the total payable amount has risen to an estimated $11.5 million as of March 2026, with additional interest continuing to accrue.

The public sector lender has been pursuing recovery proceedings against Modi since 2018, following the emergence of allegations involving companies linked to the businessman. Modi, who has largely represented himself in the proceedings, is currently lodged in a UK prison while contesting his extradition to India in a separate Punjab National Bank fraud and money laundering case.

Law firm Fladgate LLP, representing Bank of India, clarified after the verdict that the proceedings were strictly related to a commercial banking recovery claim and did not deal with the wider allegations connected to the Punjab National Bank fraud case.