September 1, 2026

Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: Congress hit the streets nationwide in protest Monday, with the party dubbing the FIR against Rahul Gandhi for demanding action for “purification” of Haldwani rally venue of party chief Mallikarjun Kharge as reflective of BJP’s “abhorrently casteist behaviour”.AICC general secretary KC Venugopal said, “They are willing to put the entire might of the state to attack those who speak against Dalit atrocities.” He added, “What the BJP has done is to attack the values of social justice enshrined in the Constitution, and the Congress will fight against this attack tooth and nail. We will not rest until the true culprits of the insult to Kharge are punished, and this frivolous FIR against Rahul is thrown in the dustbin.”As a reaction from Rahul Gandhi, Congress released a video with the title “cases are my medals” and with footage of the leader of opposition saying, “There are 36 cases against me. I am not afraid of Narendra Modi. But the truth is if anyone is scared, it is Modi.” Sachin Pilot asked if seeking justice is a crime, adding, “Voice for justice cannot be suppressed under the weight of FIRs. The anti-dalit face of BJP stands exposed.”Congress spokesman Jairam Ramesh mocked that Rahul held a press conference to highlight the injustice and hate faced by Dalits, and “BJP-RSS took less than 24 hours to prove it correct”. He added, “This mindset faces the hurdle of Ambedkar’s Constitution. That is why they are disturbed by the Constitution and want to change it.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesVenugopal said BJP has shown to the entire world that they are the biggest perpetrators of social injustice.To protest the FIR against Rahul and “caste atrocity” against Kharge, Congress held protests at district level across states. A directive from AICC general secretary Venugopal to state units said, “Our fight should continue against the ones who attack the values of social justice. Active and mandatory participation must be ensured across all levels – PCC office-bearers, District leadership, CLP leaders MLA/MLC, MPs, senior leaders, frontal organisations… maximum mobilization and media dissemination must be undertaken to send an unyielding message – Congress will not be intimidated by state-sponsored witch-hunts and will fight relentlessly for social justice.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAkhilesh Yadav’s Big Attack On UP Govt; Divya Mittal Resignation & Meerut Custody RowIndus Waters Row: India Rejects Hague Court’s Jurisdiction, Says Treaty Suspension Will Continue’Dumped 40 KM Away In Delhi’: Teen Allegedly Gang-Raped In Empty Sleeper Bus, Two Accused ArrestedLVM3 Tech Transfer: Adani, Mahindra Among Firms Eyeing ISRO’s ‘Bahubali’ RocketPM Modi Meets Pezeshkian In Bishkek, Reiterates ‘Friendship With Iran’ Amid West Asia Conflict‘Babur’s Country Honoured Modi’: Owaisi Takes Dig At BJP, RSS As PM Gets Uzbekistan’s Top Award’One May Call Bharat Superpower But…’: RSS Chief Bhagwat’s ‘Vishwaguru’ Msg In Canada‘Islam Is Greater Than Other Dharams’: Karnataka Minister Sparks Row, BJP Calls Cong ‘Anti-Hindu’FIR Against Rahul Gandhi Under SC/ST Act For ‘Giving Caste Angle’ In Haldwani ‘Purification’ RowFor Every Rs 100 Laundered, Only Re 1 Is Recovered By Authorities: CJI Surya Kant At Cambridge123Hot PicksNepal floodMumbai port fireGandak riverMumbai milk priceDelhi rapeWeather tomorrowTN milk price hikeGATE 2027 registrationIndia GDP growthTop TrendingCanyon Flash FloodStuart BroadBabaz AzamNovak DjokovicUS Iran WarTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James

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Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: Congress hit the streets nationwide in protest Monday, with the party dubbing the FIR against Rahul Gandhi for demanding action for “purification” of Haldwani rally venue of party chief Mallikarjun Kharge as reflective of BJP’s “abhorrently casteist behaviour”.AICC general secretary KC Venugopal said, “They are willing to put the entire might of the state to attack those who speak against Dalit atrocities.” He added, “What the BJP has done is to attack the values of social justice enshrined in the Constitution, and the Congress will fight against this attack tooth and nail. We will not rest until the true culprits of the insult to Kharge are punished, and this frivolous FIR against Rahul is thrown in the dustbin.”As a reaction from Rahul Gandhi, Congress released a video with the title “cases are my medals” and with footage of the leader of opposition saying, “There are 36 cases against me. I am not afraid of Narendra Modi. But the truth is if anyone is scared, it is Modi.” Sachin Pilot asked if seeking justice is a crime, adding, “Voice for justice cannot be suppressed under the weight of FIRs. The anti-dalit face of BJP stands exposed.”Congress spokesman Jairam Ramesh mocked that Rahul held a press conference to highlight the injustice and hate faced by Dalits, and “BJP-RSS took less than 24 hours to prove it correct”. He added, “This mindset faces the hurdle of Ambedkar’s Constitution. That is why they are disturbed by the Constitution and want to change it.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesVenugopal said BJP has shown to the entire world that they are the biggest perpetrators of social injustice.To protest the FIR against Rahul and “caste atrocity” against Kharge, Congress held protests at district level across states. A directive from AICC general secretary Venugopal to state units said, “Our fight should continue against the ones who attack the values of social justice. Active and mandatory participation must be ensured across all levels – PCC office-bearers, District leadership, CLP leaders MLA/MLC, MPs, senior leaders, frontal organisations… maximum mobilization and media dissemination must be undertaken to send an unyielding message – Congress will not be intimidated by state-sponsored witch-hunts and will fight relentlessly for social justice.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAkhilesh Yadav’s Big Attack On UP Govt; Divya Mittal Resignation & Meerut Custody RowIndus Waters Row: India Rejects Hague Court’s Jurisdiction, Says Treaty Suspension Will Continue’Dumped 40 KM Away In Delhi’: Teen Allegedly Gang-Raped In Empty Sleeper Bus, Two Accused ArrestedLVM3 Tech Transfer: Adani, Mahindra Among Firms Eyeing ISRO’s ‘Bahubali’ RocketPM Modi Meets Pezeshkian In Bishkek, Reiterates ‘Friendship With Iran’ Amid West Asia Conflict‘Babur’s Country Honoured Modi’: Owaisi Takes Dig At BJP, RSS As PM Gets Uzbekistan’s Top Award’One May Call Bharat Superpower But…’: RSS Chief Bhagwat’s ‘Vishwaguru’ Msg In Canada‘Islam Is Greater Than Other Dharams’: Karnataka Minister Sparks Row, BJP Calls Cong ‘Anti-Hindu’FIR Against Rahul Gandhi Under SC/ST Act For ‘Giving Caste Angle’ In Haldwani ‘Purification’ RowFor Every Rs 100 Laundered, Only Re 1 Is Recovered By Authorities: CJI Surya Kant At Cambridge123Hot PicksNepal floodMumbai port fireGandak riverMumbai milk priceDelhi rapeWeather tomorrowTN milk price hikeGATE 2027 registrationIndia GDP growthTop TrendingCanyon Flash FloodStuart BroadBabaz AzamNovak DjokovicUS Iran WarTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James


'Purification' row: Congress protests FIR against Rahul Gandhi, attacks BJP's 'casteist' behaviour

NEW DELHI: Congress hit the streets nationwide in protest Monday, with the party dubbing the FIR against Rahul Gandhi for demanding action for “purification” of Haldwani rally venue of party chief Mallikarjun Kharge as reflective of BJP’s “abhorrently casteist behaviour”.AICC general secretary KC Venugopal said, “They are willing to put the entire might of the state to attack those who speak against Dalit atrocities.” He added, “What the BJP has done is to attack the values of social justice enshrined in the Constitution, and the Congress will fight against this attack tooth and nail. We will not rest until the true culprits of the insult to Kharge are punished, and this frivolous FIR against Rahul is thrown in the dustbin.”As a reaction from Rahul Gandhi, Congress released a video with the title “cases are my medals” and with footage of the leader of opposition saying, “There are 36 cases against me. I am not afraid of Narendra Modi. But the truth is if anyone is scared, it is Modi.” Sachin Pilot asked if seeking justice is a crime, adding, “Voice for justice cannot be suppressed under the weight of FIRs. The anti-dalit face of BJP stands exposed.”Congress spokesman Jairam Ramesh mocked that Rahul held a press conference to highlight the injustice and hate faced by Dalits, and “BJP-RSS took less than 24 hours to prove it correct”. He added, “This mindset faces the hurdle of Ambedkar’s Constitution. That is why they are disturbed by the Constitution and want to change it.”

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Telangana CM Revanth Reddy (File photo) NEW DELHI: Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday asked Congress workers to take to the streets against BRS president and leader of opposition K Chandrasekhar Rao, demanding his resignation over what he called KCR’s “1,000-day confinement” to his farmhouse.Reddy said the Congress government would complete 1,000 days in office on September 1 and claimed it was taking Telangana from “destruction to development” after inheriting a debt burden of more than Rs 8 lakh crore from the previous BRS regime.Reddy also put a price tag on KCR’s absence, claiming that the former chief minister had drawn Rs 1.24 crore in salary over the last 1,000 days, while the government spent another Rs 21 crore on his security, bullet-proof vehicles and other facilities, according to news agency PTI.”That means KCR ate away Rs 22,24,40,000 of government money in 1,000 days,” Reddy said, asking whether Rao had devoted even a single day to the concerns of the poor, women, students, farmers, Dalits and Adivasis.Taking another swipe at his predecessor, Reddy said he had not taken leave “even for an hour” during his 1,000 days in office and questioned whether KCR had spent even an hour addressing people’s issues during the same period.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe chief minister then reached for a colourful Telugu comparison, saying the difference between him and KCR was like that between a ‘Nandi’ (sacred bull of Lord Shiva) and a ‘Pandi’ (pig).”How can you be compared with me?” he asked.Reddy also questioned how an opposition leader could remain confined to a farmhouse for 1,000 days and challenged KCR to attend the assembly and participate in the upcoming monsoon session, beginning September 7.”Is there any other opposition leader in the country who did not come out of his farmhouse for 1,000 days?” Reddy asked.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi Draft Voter Roll Out: 47.7 Lakh Electors Excluded, Claims Allowed Till September 30Akhilesh Yadav’s Big Attack On UP Govt; Divya Mittal Resignation & Meerut Custody RowIndus Waters Row: India Rejects Hague Court’s Jurisdiction, Says Treaty Suspension Will Continue’Dumped 40 KM Away In Delhi’: Teen Allegedly Gang-Raped In Empty Sleeper Bus, Two Accused ArrestedLVM3 Tech Transfer: Adani, Mahindra Among Firms Eyeing ISRO’s ‘Bahubali’ RocketPM Modi Meets Pezeshkian In Bishkek, Reiterates ‘Friendship With Iran’ Amid West Asia Conflict‘Babur’s Country Honoured Modi’: Owaisi Takes Dig At BJP, RSS As PM Gets Uzbekistan’s Top Award’One May Call Bharat Superpower But…’: RSS Chief Bhagwat’s ‘Vishwaguru’ Msg In Canada‘Islam Is Greater Than Other Dharams’: Karnataka Minister Sparks Row, BJP Calls Cong ‘Anti-Hindu’FIR Against Rahul Gandhi Under SC/ST Act For ‘Giving Caste Angle’ In Haldwani ‘Purification’ Row123Hot PicksNepal floodMumbai port fireGandak riverMumbai milk priceDelhi rapeWeather tomorrowTN milk price hikeGATE 2027 registrationIndia GDP growthTop TrendingCanyon Flash FloodStuart BroadBabaz AzamNovak DjokovicUS Iran WarTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy (File photo) NEW DELHI: Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday asked Congress workers to take to the streets against BRS president and leader of opposition K Chandrasekhar Rao, demanding his resignation over what he called KCR’s “1,000-day confinement” to his farmhouse.Reddy said the Congress government would complete 1,000 days in office on September 1 and claimed it was taking Telangana from “destruction to development” after inheriting a debt burden of more than Rs 8 lakh crore from the previous BRS regime.Reddy also put a price tag on KCR’s absence, claiming that the former chief minister had drawn Rs 1.24 crore in salary over the last 1,000 days, while the government spent another Rs 21 crore on his security, bullet-proof vehicles and other facilities, according to news agency PTI.”That means KCR ate away Rs 22,24,40,000 of government money in 1,000 days,” Reddy said, asking whether Rao had devoted even a single day to the concerns of the poor, women, students, farmers, Dalits and Adivasis.Taking another swipe at his predecessor, Reddy said he had not taken leave “even for an hour” during his 1,000 days in office and questioned whether KCR had spent even an hour addressing people’s issues during the same period.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe chief minister then reached for a colourful Telugu comparison, saying the difference between him and KCR was like that between a ‘Nandi’ (sacred bull of Lord Shiva) and a ‘Pandi’ (pig).”How can you be compared with me?” he asked.Reddy also questioned how an opposition leader could remain confined to a farmhouse for 1,000 days and challenged KCR to attend the assembly and participate in the upcoming monsoon session, beginning September 7.”Is there any other opposition leader in the country who did not come out of his farmhouse for 1,000 days?” Reddy asked.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi Draft Voter Roll Out: 47.7 Lakh Electors Excluded, Claims Allowed Till September 30Akhilesh Yadav’s Big Attack On UP Govt; Divya Mittal Resignation & Meerut Custody RowIndus Waters Row: India Rejects Hague Court’s Jurisdiction, Says Treaty Suspension Will Continue’Dumped 40 KM Away In Delhi’: Teen Allegedly Gang-Raped In Empty Sleeper Bus, Two Accused ArrestedLVM3 Tech Transfer: Adani, Mahindra Among Firms Eyeing ISRO’s ‘Bahubali’ RocketPM Modi Meets Pezeshkian In Bishkek, Reiterates ‘Friendship With Iran’ Amid West Asia Conflict‘Babur’s Country Honoured Modi’: Owaisi Takes Dig At BJP, RSS As PM Gets Uzbekistan’s Top Award’One May Call Bharat Superpower But…’: RSS Chief Bhagwat’s ‘Vishwaguru’ Msg In Canada‘Islam Is Greater Than Other Dharams’: Karnataka Minister Sparks Row, BJP Calls Cong ‘Anti-Hindu’FIR Against Rahul Gandhi Under SC/ST Act For ‘Giving Caste Angle’ In Haldwani ‘Purification’ Row123Hot PicksNepal floodMumbai port fireGandak riverMumbai milk priceDelhi rapeWeather tomorrowTN milk price hikeGATE 2027 registrationIndia GDP growthTop TrendingCanyon Flash FloodStuart BroadBabaz AzamNovak DjokovicUS Iran WarTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James

Vamsikrishna 0
India is bracing for below-average rainfall this September, signaling an early end to the monsoon season with overall inadequate precipitation. NEW DELHI: Monthly rainfall over the country as a whole is most likely to be ‘below normal’ in Sept, the last month of the monsoon season, said IMD on Monday — an indication that the four-month rainy season is likely to end with overall deficient cumulative (June-Sept) rainfall as predicted earlier with high probability due to the impact of El Nino.The Met department said August, which reported a deficit of more than 16 percent in monthly rainfall in the country despite good rains in certain parts, was the warmest August in India since 1901, recording a mean temperature of 28.01 degrees Celsius.Region-wise, August in south Peninsular India was the second-warmest August since 1901, whereas it was the third warmest for east and northeast India, and fifth warmest for northwest India in the past 126 years.So far, the country as a whole reported a deficit of 14 percent in cumulative (June 1-Aug 31) rainfall, despite ‘normal’ rainfall in July. In June, the deficit was as high as 35 percent. Out of a total of 741 districts assessed for monsoon rainfall distribution, 312 districts (42 percent) received ‘below normal’ rainfall and 38 districts (5 percent) reported large deficient rainfall till Aug 31.A forecast of ‘below normal’ rainfall in Sept may lead to a deficit in overall kharif crop acreage. Though sowing of most of the seasonal crops is almost complete with a decline in acreage by nearly 2 percent compared to the corresponding period last year, low rainfall in Sept means an increase in the input cost due to farmers’ spending on irrigation of standing crops.“Spatially, many parts of the country are likely to receive below-normal rainfall, but some areas of northwest, northeast, east, east-central and south-east Peninsular India are likely to receive ‘normal to above-normal’ rainfall,” said IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.He said currently “strong El Niño conditions” are prevailing over the equatorial Pacific Ocean, with sea surface temperature (SST) remaining above normal across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. “These conditions are expected to strengthen further in the coming months,” said Mohapatra, hinting at its negative impact on Sept rainfall.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesEl Niño, characterised by the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, is invariably associated with a weak monsoon and a harsh summer in India.At present, neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions prevail over the Indian Ocean and the forecasts from the Monsoon Mission Coupled Forecast System (MMCFS) indicate that neutral IOD conditions are likely to persist through Sept. It means the monsoon may not benefit from this climatic phenomenon as only positive IOD helps increase rainfall activities.IMD noted that the extreme weather events (lightning, thunderstorm and heavy rains) took 113 human lives in Aug. Mohapatra, however, said this figure can be cross-checked with the data compiled by the states.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi Draft Voter Roll Out: 47.7 Lakh Electors Excluded, Claims Allowed Till September 30Akhilesh Yadav’s Big Attack On UP Govt; Divya Mittal Resignation & Meerut Custody RowIndus Waters Row: India Rejects Hague Court’s Jurisdiction, Says Treaty Suspension Will Continue’Dumped 40 KM Away In Delhi’: Teen Allegedly Gang-Raped In Empty Sleeper Bus, Two Accused ArrestedLVM3 Tech Transfer: Adani, Mahindra Among Firms Eyeing ISRO’s ‘Bahubali’ RocketPM Modi Meets Pezeshkian In Bishkek, Reiterates ‘Friendship With Iran’ Amid West Asia Conflict‘Babur’s Country Honoured Modi’: Owaisi Takes Dig At BJP, RSS As PM Gets Uzbekistan’s Top Award’One May Call Bharat Superpower But…’: RSS Chief Bhagwat’s ‘Vishwaguru’ Msg In Canada‘Islam Is Greater Than Other Dharams’: Karnataka Minister Sparks Row, BJP Calls Cong ‘Anti-Hindu’FIR Against Rahul Gandhi Under SC/ST Act For ‘Giving Caste Angle’ In Haldwani ‘Purification’ Row123PhotostoriesBigg Boss Telugu through the years: A look back at all seasonsVaibhav Suryavanshi breaks all-time Duleep Trophy record as a teenager: Times the young cricketer has made historyThe glass-skin obsession: Can Indian skin really achieve that mirror-like glow?Personality test optical illusion: Only sharp-eyed people can find all the hidden deer in this image within 11 secondsTamannaah Bhatia just made Rs 2.43 lakh look like a personality trait in this Aisha Rao ivory ensembleNew OTT releases this week (August 31-September 6): ‘Gandhari’, ‘Dhamaal 4’, ‘The Gentlemen’ Season 2, ‘Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly’ and moreTravelling by train in India? 10 things you should never do on a journeySamantha Ruth Prabhu joins the polka-dot club, and maternity fashion just got a lot more funBigg Boss Malayalam: A look back at seven unforgettable seasonsSimple things that make you feel good without spending money, from taking a walk to reconnecting with people you love123Hot PicksNepal floodMumbai port fireGandak riverMumbai milk priceDelhi rapeWeather tomorrowTN milk price hikeGATE 2027 registrationIndia GDP growthTop TrendingCanyon Flash FloodStuart BroadBabaz AzamNovak DjokovicUS Iran WarTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James

India is bracing for below-average rainfall this September, signaling an early end to the monsoon season with overall inadequate precipitation. NEW DELHI: Monthly rainfall over the country as a whole is most likely to be ‘below normal’ in Sept, the last month of the monsoon season, said IMD on Monday — an indication that the four-month rainy season is likely to end with overall deficient cumulative (June-Sept) rainfall as predicted earlier with high probability due to the impact of El Nino.The Met department said August, which reported a deficit of more than 16 percent in monthly rainfall in the country despite good rains in certain parts, was the warmest August in India since 1901, recording a mean temperature of 28.01 degrees Celsius.Region-wise, August in south Peninsular India was the second-warmest August since 1901, whereas it was the third warmest for east and northeast India, and fifth warmest for northwest India in the past 126 years.So far, the country as a whole reported a deficit of 14 percent in cumulative (June 1-Aug 31) rainfall, despite ‘normal’ rainfall in July. In June, the deficit was as high as 35 percent. Out of a total of 741 districts assessed for monsoon rainfall distribution, 312 districts (42 percent) received ‘below normal’ rainfall and 38 districts (5 percent) reported large deficient rainfall till Aug 31.A forecast of ‘below normal’ rainfall in Sept may lead to a deficit in overall kharif crop acreage. Though sowing of most of the seasonal crops is almost complete with a decline in acreage by nearly 2 percent compared to the corresponding period last year, low rainfall in Sept means an increase in the input cost due to farmers’ spending on irrigation of standing crops.“Spatially, many parts of the country are likely to receive below-normal rainfall, but some areas of northwest, northeast, east, east-central and south-east Peninsular India are likely to receive ‘normal to above-normal’ rainfall,” said IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.He said currently “strong El Niño conditions” are prevailing over the equatorial Pacific Ocean, with sea surface temperature (SST) remaining above normal across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. “These conditions are expected to strengthen further in the coming months,” said Mohapatra, hinting at its negative impact on Sept rainfall.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesEl Niño, characterised by the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, is invariably associated with a weak monsoon and a harsh summer in India.At present, neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions prevail over the Indian Ocean and the forecasts from the Monsoon Mission Coupled Forecast System (MMCFS) indicate that neutral IOD conditions are likely to persist through Sept. It means the monsoon may not benefit from this climatic phenomenon as only positive IOD helps increase rainfall activities.IMD noted that the extreme weather events (lightning, thunderstorm and heavy rains) took 113 human lives in Aug. Mohapatra, however, said this figure can be cross-checked with the data compiled by the states.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi Draft Voter Roll Out: 47.7 Lakh Electors Excluded, Claims Allowed Till September 30Akhilesh Yadav’s Big Attack On UP Govt; Divya Mittal Resignation & Meerut Custody RowIndus Waters Row: India Rejects Hague Court’s Jurisdiction, Says Treaty Suspension Will Continue’Dumped 40 KM Away In Delhi’: Teen Allegedly Gang-Raped In Empty Sleeper Bus, Two Accused ArrestedLVM3 Tech Transfer: Adani, Mahindra Among Firms Eyeing ISRO’s ‘Bahubali’ RocketPM Modi Meets Pezeshkian In Bishkek, Reiterates ‘Friendship With Iran’ Amid West Asia Conflict‘Babur’s Country Honoured Modi’: Owaisi Takes Dig At BJP, RSS As PM Gets Uzbekistan’s Top Award’One May Call Bharat Superpower But…’: RSS Chief Bhagwat’s ‘Vishwaguru’ Msg In Canada‘Islam Is Greater Than Other Dharams’: Karnataka Minister Sparks Row, BJP Calls Cong ‘Anti-Hindu’FIR Against Rahul Gandhi Under SC/ST Act For ‘Giving Caste Angle’ In Haldwani ‘Purification’ Row123PhotostoriesBigg Boss Telugu through the years: A look back at all seasonsVaibhav Suryavanshi breaks all-time Duleep Trophy record as a teenager: Times the young cricketer has made historyThe glass-skin obsession: Can Indian skin really achieve that mirror-like glow?Personality test optical illusion: Only sharp-eyed people can find all the hidden deer in this image within 11 secondsTamannaah Bhatia just made Rs 2.43 lakh look like a personality trait in this Aisha Rao ivory ensembleNew OTT releases this week (August 31-September 6): ‘Gandhari’, ‘Dhamaal 4’, ‘The Gentlemen’ Season 2, ‘Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly’ and moreTravelling by train in India? 10 things you should never do on a journeySamantha Ruth Prabhu joins the polka-dot club, and maternity fashion just got a lot more funBigg Boss Malayalam: A look back at seven unforgettable seasonsSimple things that make you feel good without spending money, from taking a walk to reconnecting with people you love123Hot PicksNepal floodMumbai port fireGandak riverMumbai milk priceDelhi rapeWeather tomorrowTN milk price hikeGATE 2027 registrationIndia GDP growthTop TrendingCanyon Flash FloodStuart BroadBabaz AzamNovak DjokovicUS Iran WarTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James

Vamsikrishna 0
File photo: Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera during a press conference The Congress on Monday hit out at the government over India’s 7.8 per cent GDP growth in the April-June quarter, saying the figure was “not an economic spring” and presented a “Greatly Distorted Picture” of the state of the economy.The opposition party questioned why the country’s economic growth was not translating into jobs and prosperity, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the first-quarter performance as an “exemplary” and “herculean feat”.Jairam Ramesh flags investment, consumer confidence concernsCongress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the quarterly GDP numbers did not reflect what he described as depressed private investment sentiment, both domestic and foreign.”The quarterly GDP numbers, such as they are reported, present a GDP – Greatly Distorted Picture – of the economy. They do not convey the decidedly depressed private investment sentiment in the economy – both domestic and foreign,” Ramesh said in a post on X.He also claimed that consumer confidence was sluggish, household savings rates had fallen and debt had reached record highs.”Consumer confidence is very sluggish, hitting its lowest point since COVID and on a relentless downward trajectory since November 2025. Prices of household essentials are galloping. Educated unemployment is at alarming levels. The unabated trade deficit with China is wreaking havoc,” Ramesh said.He further claimed that the concentration of key sectors among a few large conglomerates was having “deleterious effects”, adding that the wealth of India’s five richest families had grown by 400 per cent while the real wages of salaried workers had fallen.Congress asks: Where are the jobs?Congress media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said one quarter of 7.8 per cent growth did not amount to an “economic spring”.”One quarter of 7.8 per cent growth is not an economic spring. If India has truly ‘bloomed’, why do rampant unemployment, leaked exam papers, and a crumbling education system define the ground reality?” he said.”Why is the republic’s prosperity not translating into the prosperity of its public?” Khera asked.Taking aim at the prime minister’s remarks, he said GDP measures national output rather than jobs, wages or opportunities.”Modi can manage his headlines. For India’s youth, the question remains the same as ever: Where are the jobs?” Khera said.PM Modi calls Q1 growth a ‘herculean feat’The Congress’s criticism came after government data released on Monday showed that India’s economy grew by a faster-than-expected 7.8 per cent in the April-June quarter.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe growth figure exceeded the Reserve Bank of India’s forecast of 7 per cent for the quarter and kept India as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.Responding to the data, PM Modi took a dig at those questioning the state of the Indian economy, saying “doomsayers were doomed and India bloomed yet again”.The prime minister said India’s GDP growth during the first quarter of FY 2026-27 was a “herculean feat”.”The collective strength of our people ensured India delivered such growth despite oil price shocks and supply chain issues in the midst of global uncertainties,” PM Modi said in a post on X.The Q1 growth compares with a 6.9 per cent expansion in the year-ago quarter.The RBI has projected India’s economy to grow by 6.7 per cent in the full 2026-27 fiscal year.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi Draft Voter Roll Out: 47.7 Lakh Electors Excluded, Claims Allowed Till September 30Akhilesh Yadav’s Big Attack On UP Govt; Divya Mittal Resignation & Meerut Custody RowIndus Waters Row: India Rejects Hague Court’s Jurisdiction, Says Treaty Suspension Will Continue’Dumped 40 KM Away In Delhi’: Teen Allegedly Gang-Raped In Empty Sleeper Bus, Two Accused ArrestedLVM3 Tech Transfer: Adani, Mahindra Among Firms Eyeing ISRO’s ‘Bahubali’ RocketPM Modi Meets Pezeshkian In Bishkek, Reiterates ‘Friendship With Iran’ Amid West Asia Conflict‘Babur’s Country Honoured Modi’: Owaisi Takes Dig At BJP, RSS As PM Gets Uzbekistan’s Top Award’One May Call Bharat Superpower But…’: RSS Chief Bhagwat’s ‘Vishwaguru’ Msg In Canada‘Islam Is Greater Than Other Dharams’: Karnataka Minister Sparks Row, BJP Calls Cong ‘Anti-Hindu’FIR Against Rahul Gandhi Under SC/ST Act For ‘Giving Caste Angle’ In Haldwani ‘Purification’ Row123PhotostoriesBigg Boss Telugu through the years: A look back at all seasonsVaibhav Suryavanshi breaks all-time Duleep Trophy record as a teenager: Times the young cricketer has made historyThe glass-skin obsession: Can Indian skin really achieve that mirror-like glow?Personality test optical illusion: Only sharp-eyed people can find all the hidden deer in this image within 11 secondsTamannaah Bhatia just made Rs 2.43 lakh look like a personality trait in this Aisha Rao ivory ensembleNew OTT releases this week (August 31-September 6): ‘Gandhari’, ‘Dhamaal 4’, ‘The Gentlemen’ Season 2, ‘Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly’ and moreTravelling by train in India? 10 things you should never do on a journeySamantha Ruth Prabhu joins the polka-dot club, and maternity fashion just got a lot more funBigg Boss Malayalam: A look back at seven unforgettable seasonsSimple things that make you feel good without spending money, from taking a walk to reconnecting with people you love123Hot PicksNepal floodMumbai port fireGandak riverMumbai milk priceDelhi rapeWeather tomorrowTN milk price hikeGATE 2027 registrationIndia GDP growthTop TrendingCanyon Flash FloodStuart BroadBabaz AzamNovak DjokovicUS Iran WarTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James

File photo: Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera during a press conference The Congress on Monday hit out at the government over India’s 7.8 per cent GDP growth in the April-June quarter, saying the figure was “not an economic spring” and presented a “Greatly Distorted Picture” of the state of the economy.The opposition party questioned why the country’s economic growth was not translating into jobs and prosperity, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the first-quarter performance as an “exemplary” and “herculean feat”.Jairam Ramesh flags investment, consumer confidence concernsCongress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the quarterly GDP numbers did not reflect what he described as depressed private investment sentiment, both domestic and foreign.”The quarterly GDP numbers, such as they are reported, present a GDP – Greatly Distorted Picture – of the economy. They do not convey the decidedly depressed private investment sentiment in the economy – both domestic and foreign,” Ramesh said in a post on X.He also claimed that consumer confidence was sluggish, household savings rates had fallen and debt had reached record highs.”Consumer confidence is very sluggish, hitting its lowest point since COVID and on a relentless downward trajectory since November 2025. Prices of household essentials are galloping. Educated unemployment is at alarming levels. The unabated trade deficit with China is wreaking havoc,” Ramesh said.He further claimed that the concentration of key sectors among a few large conglomerates was having “deleterious effects”, adding that the wealth of India’s five richest families had grown by 400 per cent while the real wages of salaried workers had fallen.Congress asks: Where are the jobs?Congress media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said one quarter of 7.8 per cent growth did not amount to an “economic spring”.”One quarter of 7.8 per cent growth is not an economic spring. If India has truly ‘bloomed’, why do rampant unemployment, leaked exam papers, and a crumbling education system define the ground reality?” he said.”Why is the republic’s prosperity not translating into the prosperity of its public?” Khera asked.Taking aim at the prime minister’s remarks, he said GDP measures national output rather than jobs, wages or opportunities.”Modi can manage his headlines. For India’s youth, the question remains the same as ever: Where are the jobs?” Khera said.PM Modi calls Q1 growth a ‘herculean feat’The Congress’s criticism came after government data released on Monday showed that India’s economy grew by a faster-than-expected 7.8 per cent in the April-June quarter.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe growth figure exceeded the Reserve Bank of India’s forecast of 7 per cent for the quarter and kept India as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.Responding to the data, PM Modi took a dig at those questioning the state of the Indian economy, saying “doomsayers were doomed and India bloomed yet again”.The prime minister said India’s GDP growth during the first quarter of FY 2026-27 was a “herculean feat”.”The collective strength of our people ensured India delivered such growth despite oil price shocks and supply chain issues in the midst of global uncertainties,” PM Modi said in a post on X.The Q1 growth compares with a 6.9 per cent expansion in the year-ago quarter.The RBI has projected India’s economy to grow by 6.7 per cent in the full 2026-27 fiscal year.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi Draft Voter Roll Out: 47.7 Lakh Electors Excluded, Claims Allowed Till September 30Akhilesh Yadav’s Big Attack On UP Govt; Divya Mittal Resignation & Meerut Custody RowIndus Waters Row: India Rejects Hague Court’s Jurisdiction, Says Treaty Suspension Will Continue’Dumped 40 KM Away In Delhi’: Teen Allegedly Gang-Raped In Empty Sleeper Bus, Two Accused ArrestedLVM3 Tech Transfer: Adani, Mahindra Among Firms Eyeing ISRO’s ‘Bahubali’ RocketPM Modi Meets Pezeshkian In Bishkek, Reiterates ‘Friendship With Iran’ Amid West Asia Conflict‘Babur’s Country Honoured Modi’: Owaisi Takes Dig At BJP, RSS As PM Gets Uzbekistan’s Top Award’One May Call Bharat Superpower But…’: RSS Chief Bhagwat’s ‘Vishwaguru’ Msg In Canada‘Islam Is Greater Than Other Dharams’: Karnataka Minister Sparks Row, BJP Calls Cong ‘Anti-Hindu’FIR Against Rahul Gandhi Under SC/ST Act For ‘Giving Caste Angle’ In Haldwani ‘Purification’ Row123PhotostoriesBigg Boss Telugu through the years: A look back at all seasonsVaibhav Suryavanshi breaks all-time Duleep Trophy record as a teenager: Times the young cricketer has made historyThe glass-skin obsession: Can Indian skin really achieve that mirror-like glow?Personality test optical illusion: Only sharp-eyed people can find all the hidden deer in this image within 11 secondsTamannaah Bhatia just made Rs 2.43 lakh look like a personality trait in this Aisha Rao ivory ensembleNew OTT releases this week (August 31-September 6): ‘Gandhari’, ‘Dhamaal 4’, ‘The Gentlemen’ Season 2, ‘Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly’ and moreTravelling by train in India? 10 things you should never do on a journeySamantha Ruth Prabhu joins the polka-dot club, and maternity fashion just got a lot more funBigg Boss Malayalam: A look back at seven unforgettable seasonsSimple things that make you feel good without spending money, from taking a walk to reconnecting with people you love123Hot PicksNepal floodMumbai port fireGandak riverMumbai milk priceDelhi rapeWeather tomorrowTN milk price hikeGATE 2027 registrationIndia GDP growthTop TrendingCanyon Flash FloodStuart BroadBabaz AzamNovak DjokovicUS Iran WarTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James

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General Secretary and Media In-Charge, ‘AAP’ Punjab NEW DELHI: Punjab’s groundwater crisis is showing signs of improvement, with the latest assessment indicating a decline in groundwater extraction and an increase in canal-water utilisation, AAP Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu said on Monday.Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh earlier today, Pannu attributed the improvement to the Bhagwant Mann government’s efforts to strengthen canal infrastructure, increase the use of canal water and reduce dependence on groundwater.Pannu said canal-water utilisation has risen to around 80-82% from roughly 21% in 2022. He said the government had activated 14,100 watercourses, restored more than 400 km of defunct canals and concretised over 1,000 km of canals. Recharge points have also been developed along repaired canal infrastructure, he said.According to Pannu, Punjab’s stage of groundwater extraction declined from 163.80% in 2021-22 to 156.36% in 2025 and 152.22% in 2025-26. Annual groundwater extraction also fell from around 28.01 billion cubic metres to 26.32 billion cubic metres.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines95 dark-zone blocks show improvementPannu said the latest assessment showed improvement in 95 of Punjab’s 153 dark-zone blocks, while the number of critical blocks fell from 10 to six. Four blocks — Arniwala in Fazilka, Makhu in Ferozepur, Hajipur in Hoshiarpur and Narot Jaimal Singh in Pathankot — have moved into the safe category, he said.Another 14 blocks have recorded significant improvement, according to Pannu.Pannu said total annual groundwater recharge has increased to 19.14 billion cubic metres, including 5.53 billion cubic metres from rainfall and 5.5 billion cubic metres through canal water. Canal-water recharge increased from 4.5 billion cubic metres last year to 5.5 billion cubic metres this year, he said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAkhilesh Yadav’s Big Attack On UP Govt; Divya Mittal Resignation & Meerut Custody RowIndus Waters Row: India Rejects Hague Court’s Jurisdiction, Says Treaty Suspension Will Continue’Dumped 40 KM Away In Delhi’: Teen Allegedly Gang-Raped In Empty Sleeper Bus, Two Accused ArrestedLVM3 Tech Transfer: Adani, Mahindra Among Firms Eyeing ISRO’s ‘Bahubali’ RocketPM Modi Meets Pezeshkian In Bishkek, Reiterates ‘Friendship With Iran’ Amid West Asia Conflict‘Babur’s Country Honoured Modi’: Owaisi Takes Dig At BJP, RSS As PM Gets Uzbekistan’s Top Award’One May Call Bharat Superpower But…’: RSS Chief Bhagwat’s ‘Vishwaguru’ Msg In Canada‘Islam Is Greater Than Other Dharams’: Karnataka Minister Sparks Row, BJP Calls Cong ‘Anti-Hindu’FIR Against Rahul Gandhi Under SC/ST Act For ‘Giving Caste Angle’ In Haldwani ‘Purification’ RowFor Every Rs 100 Laundered, Only Re 1 Is Recovered By Authorities: CJI Surya Kant At Cambridge123Hot PicksNepal floodMumbai port fireGandak riverMumbai milk priceDelhi rapeWeather tomorrowTN milk price hikeGATE 2027 registrationIndia GDP growthTop TrendingCanyon Flash FloodStuart BroadBabaz AzamNovak DjokovicUS Iran WarTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James

General Secretary and Media In-Charge, ‘AAP’ Punjab NEW DELHI: Punjab’s groundwater crisis is showing signs of improvement, with the latest assessment indicating a decline in groundwater extraction and an increase in canal-water utilisation, AAP Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu said on Monday.Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh earlier today, Pannu attributed the improvement to the Bhagwant Mann government’s efforts to strengthen canal infrastructure, increase the use of canal water and reduce dependence on groundwater.Pannu said canal-water utilisation has risen to around 80-82% from roughly 21% in 2022. He said the government had activated 14,100 watercourses, restored more than 400 km of defunct canals and concretised over 1,000 km of canals. Recharge points have also been developed along repaired canal infrastructure, he said.According to Pannu, Punjab’s stage of groundwater extraction declined from 163.80% in 2021-22 to 156.36% in 2025 and 152.22% in 2025-26. Annual groundwater extraction also fell from around 28.01 billion cubic metres to 26.32 billion cubic metres.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines95 dark-zone blocks show improvementPannu said the latest assessment showed improvement in 95 of Punjab’s 153 dark-zone blocks, while the number of critical blocks fell from 10 to six. Four blocks — Arniwala in Fazilka, Makhu in Ferozepur, Hajipur in Hoshiarpur and Narot Jaimal Singh in Pathankot — have moved into the safe category, he said.Another 14 blocks have recorded significant improvement, according to Pannu.Pannu said total annual groundwater recharge has increased to 19.14 billion cubic metres, including 5.53 billion cubic metres from rainfall and 5.5 billion cubic metres through canal water. Canal-water recharge increased from 4.5 billion cubic metres last year to 5.5 billion cubic metres this year, he said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAkhilesh Yadav’s Big Attack On UP Govt; Divya Mittal Resignation & Meerut Custody RowIndus Waters Row: India Rejects Hague Court’s Jurisdiction, Says Treaty Suspension Will Continue’Dumped 40 KM Away In Delhi’: Teen Allegedly Gang-Raped In Empty Sleeper Bus, Two Accused ArrestedLVM3 Tech Transfer: Adani, Mahindra Among Firms Eyeing ISRO’s ‘Bahubali’ RocketPM Modi Meets Pezeshkian In Bishkek, Reiterates ‘Friendship With Iran’ Amid West Asia Conflict‘Babur’s Country Honoured Modi’: Owaisi Takes Dig At BJP, RSS As PM Gets Uzbekistan’s Top Award’One May Call Bharat Superpower But…’: RSS Chief Bhagwat’s ‘Vishwaguru’ Msg In Canada‘Islam Is Greater Than Other Dharams’: Karnataka Minister Sparks Row, BJP Calls Cong ‘Anti-Hindu’FIR Against Rahul Gandhi Under SC/ST Act For ‘Giving Caste Angle’ In Haldwani ‘Purification’ RowFor Every Rs 100 Laundered, Only Re 1 Is Recovered By Authorities: CJI Surya Kant At Cambridge123Hot PicksNepal floodMumbai port fireGandak riverMumbai milk priceDelhi rapeWeather tomorrowTN milk price hikeGATE 2027 registrationIndia GDP growthTop TrendingCanyon Flash FloodStuart BroadBabaz AzamNovak DjokovicUS Iran WarTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James

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