May 18, 2026
“More things may come out”: Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini scandal far from over as analyst warns more bombshells coming

“More things may come out”: Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini scandal far from over as analyst warns more bombshells coming

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini’s controversy may not be over, as analysts warn more details could emerge. While Russini has stepped away and Vrabel has returned to the New England Patriots, speculation continues. Analyst Kelvin Washington suggested new information could surface as more sources come forward. Despite this, players like Drake Maye have shown support…

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World’s longest escalator: China’s 905-meter ‘sky ladder’ lets you climb 80 floors in 20 minutes | World News

World’s longest escalator: China’s 905-meter ‘sky ladder’ lets you climb 80 floors in 20 minutes | World News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

China has transformed vertical transportation with the unveiling of the world’s longest outdoor escalator. Stretching an impressive 905 meters, this engineering marvel resides in Wushan County, Chongqing Municipality. Shaped like a dragon, it helps visitors ascend what would be an 80-story climb in just 20 minutes. This innovation replaces what used to be a tiring…

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Rahul Gandhi criticised the Centre over a sharp Rs 993 single-day hike in commercial LPG prices, warning of rising inflation and broader impact on small businesses, households, and potential fuel price increases.Noida International Airport in Jewar will begin commercial operations on June 15, with IndiGo’s first flight, aiming to boost connectivity, cargo movement and economic growth across the NCR and North India.Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann faces fresh controversy after opposition leaders alleged he attended the Assembly intoxicated, demanding alcohol tests, while similar past claims were dismissed by AAP as baseless.Air India will cut nearly 100 daily flights as rising ATF prices and longer international routes increase costs, intensifying financial strain and forcing reductions across key global and domestic networks.Russia successfully conducted the first test launch of its Soyuz-5 rocket from Baikonur, marking a major upgrade in launch capability aimed at improving payload capacity, efficiency and cost competitiveness.Here are the top 5 stories of the day:Rahul launches attack on Centre over LPG price hikeLeader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday attacked the Centre over rising inflation, highlighting a steep Rs 993 single-day jump in commercial LPG cylinder prices. He claimed prices have risen by Rs 1,380 since February, marking an 81% increase in three months, and termed it the “election bill.” Gandhi warned that the surge would hit small businesses such as tea stalls, hotels, and bakeries, while also impacting household expenses. He further alleged that petrol and diesel prices could rise after polling concludes in several states. Read the full story Watch Commercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | WatchNoida international airport to begin flight operations from June 15Commercial flight operations at Noida International Airport in Jewar will commence on June 15, marking the launch of a major aviation hub in the NCR. IndiGo will operate the first flight, with Akasa Air and Air India Express expected to follow. The airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has received security clearance and features modern terminal infrastructure with multimodal connectivity. Developed by Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd, it currently has one runway and a capacity of 12 million passengers annually, aiming to boost regional connectivity, trade and tourism. Read the full storyPunjab CM accused of being drunk in assembly; oppn demands alco-meter testingPunjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has come under fire after opposition leaders accused him of arriving at the Assembly under the influence of alcohol. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa demanded alco-meter and dope tests for all MLAs, while BJP MP Swati Maliwal also called for an alcohol test and his removal if proven guilty. The controversy comes shortly after Maliwal’s exit from AAP. Similar allegations had surfaced in 2022, including claims of an incident abroad, which the ruling party had dismissed as baseless. Read the full storyAir India may cut 100 flights daily as jet fuel prices hitAir India plans to cut nearly 100 daily flights from its 1,100-flight schedule as rising ATF prices and operational costs strain finances. The reductions will mainly impact international routes to Europe, North America, Australia and Singapore. Jet fuel prices for international operations rose over 5%, marking a second consecutive monthly hike, while domestic rates remain unchanged. Longer routes due to Pakistani airspace closure have further increased fuel and crew costs. With fuel making up around 40% of expenses, the airline faces mounting pressure to curb losses exceeding Rs 20,000 crore. Read the full storyRussia test launches Soyuz-5 rocket with ‘world’s most powerful liquid-fuelled engine’Russia has successfully carried out the first test launch of its Soyuz-5 rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, signalling a key step in modernising its space programme. The next-generation launch vehicle can carry payloads of up to 17 metric tonnes and is designed to improve efficiency while reducing launch costs. Roscosmos described it as a major upgrade, with chief Dmitry Bakanov calling it a new step in space exploration. The rocket is also expected to boost employment and strengthen Russia’s competitiveness in the global space sector. Read the full storyAbout 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 MediaVideosPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | WatchTrust Vote Drama In Punjab: BJP Boycott, Congress Walkout Rocks HouseIndia-Bangladesh Row: Dhaka Summons Indian Envoy Over Assam CM Himanta’s RemarksJabalpur Cruise Boat Capsize: 9 Dead as Rescue Operations Continue at Bargi Dam in Madhya PradeshChanakya Today Exit Poll: BJP Sweep In Bengal, DMK Ahead In TN, Assam Favours NDAUS Hands Back 657 Stolen Antiquities Worth Million To India, Exposes Global Smuggling NetworksNaval Anti-ship Missile : Navy, Drdo Demonstrate Salvo Launch That Can Sink ShipsECI Introduces New QR Code Photo ID Rule To Prevent Unauthorised Entry At Counting Centres123PhotostoriesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reasonAnushka Sharma birthday special: Must-watch films on OTT like ‘NH10’, ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’, ‘Sultan’5 fashion hacks all of us can steal from King CharlesUnderground shortcut: Delhi airport’s new subway to slash T2–T3 walking distance by 90%5 high-end residential localities in Ludhiana offering strong investment potentialVegetables you can easily grow on your balcony: A simple guide to fresh homegrown produceEmily Blunt’s most ICONIC roles: From ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ to ‘Oppenheimer’From Japan to Russia: 10 witty proverbs on love, marriage, and relationships that still feel relevant123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

Rahul Gandhi criticised the Centre over a sharp Rs 993 single-day hike in commercial LPG prices, warning of rising inflation and broader impact on small businesses, households, and potential fuel price increases.Noida International Airport in Jewar will begin commercial operations on June 15, with IndiGo’s first flight, aiming to boost connectivity, cargo movement and economic growth across the NCR and North India.Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann faces fresh controversy after opposition leaders alleged he attended the Assembly intoxicated, demanding alcohol tests, while similar past claims were dismissed by AAP as baseless.Air India will cut nearly 100 daily flights as rising ATF prices and longer international routes increase costs, intensifying financial strain and forcing reductions across key global and domestic networks.Russia successfully conducted the first test launch of its Soyuz-5 rocket from Baikonur, marking a major upgrade in launch capability aimed at improving payload capacity, efficiency and cost competitiveness.Here are the top 5 stories of the day:Rahul launches attack on Centre over LPG price hikeLeader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday attacked the Centre over rising inflation, highlighting a steep Rs 993 single-day jump in commercial LPG cylinder prices. He claimed prices have risen by Rs 1,380 since February, marking an 81% increase in three months, and termed it the “election bill.” Gandhi warned that the surge would hit small businesses such as tea stalls, hotels, and bakeries, while also impacting household expenses. He further alleged that petrol and diesel prices could rise after polling concludes in several states. Read the full story Watch Commercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | WatchNoida international airport to begin flight operations from June 15Commercial flight operations at Noida International Airport in Jewar will commence on June 15, marking the launch of a major aviation hub in the NCR. IndiGo will operate the first flight, with Akasa Air and Air India Express expected to follow. The airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has received security clearance and features modern terminal infrastructure with multimodal connectivity. Developed by Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd, it currently has one runway and a capacity of 12 million passengers annually, aiming to boost regional connectivity, trade and tourism. Read the full storyPunjab CM accused of being drunk in assembly; oppn demands alco-meter testingPunjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has come under fire after opposition leaders accused him of arriving at the Assembly under the influence of alcohol. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa demanded alco-meter and dope tests for all MLAs, while BJP MP Swati Maliwal also called for an alcohol test and his removal if proven guilty. The controversy comes shortly after Maliwal’s exit from AAP. Similar allegations had surfaced in 2022, including claims of an incident abroad, which the ruling party had dismissed as baseless. Read the full storyAir India may cut 100 flights daily as jet fuel prices hitAir India plans to cut nearly 100 daily flights from its 1,100-flight schedule as rising ATF prices and operational costs strain finances. The reductions will mainly impact international routes to Europe, North America, Australia and Singapore. Jet fuel prices for international operations rose over 5%, marking a second consecutive monthly hike, while domestic rates remain unchanged. Longer routes due to Pakistani airspace closure have further increased fuel and crew costs. With fuel making up around 40% of expenses, the airline faces mounting pressure to curb losses exceeding Rs 20,000 crore. Read the full storyRussia test launches Soyuz-5 rocket with ‘world’s most powerful liquid-fuelled engine’Russia has successfully carried out the first test launch of its Soyuz-5 rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, signalling a key step in modernising its space programme. The next-generation launch vehicle can carry payloads of up to 17 metric tonnes and is designed to improve efficiency while reducing launch costs. Roscosmos described it as a major upgrade, with chief Dmitry Bakanov calling it a new step in space exploration. The rocket is also expected to boost employment and strengthen Russia’s competitiveness in the global space sector. Read the full storyAbout 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 MediaVideosPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | WatchTrust Vote Drama In Punjab: BJP Boycott, Congress Walkout Rocks HouseIndia-Bangladesh Row: Dhaka Summons Indian Envoy Over Assam CM Himanta’s RemarksJabalpur Cruise Boat Capsize: 9 Dead as Rescue Operations Continue at Bargi Dam in Madhya PradeshChanakya Today Exit Poll: BJP Sweep In Bengal, DMK Ahead In TN, Assam Favours NDAUS Hands Back 657 Stolen Antiquities Worth $14 Million To India, Exposes Global Smuggling NetworksNaval Anti-ship Missile : Navy, Drdo Demonstrate Salvo Launch That Can Sink ShipsECI Introduces New QR Code Photo ID Rule To Prevent Unauthorised Entry At Counting Centres123PhotostoriesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reasonAnushka Sharma birthday special: Must-watch films on OTT like ‘NH10’, ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’, ‘Sultan’5 fashion hacks all of us can steal from King CharlesUnderground shortcut: Delhi airport’s new subway to slash T2–T3 walking distance by 90%5 high-end residential localities in Ludhiana offering strong investment potentialVegetables you can easily grow on your balcony: A simple guide to fresh homegrown produceEmily Blunt’s most ICONIC roles: From ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ to ‘Oppenheimer’From Japan to Russia: 10 witty proverbs on love, marriage, and relationships that still feel relevant123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Rahul Gandhi criticised the Centre over a sharp Rs 993 single-day hike in commercial LPG prices, warning of rising inflation and broader impact on small businesses, households, and potential fuel price increases. Noida International Airport in Jewar will begin commercial operations on June 15, with IndiGo’s first flight, aiming to boost connectivity, cargo movement and…

Read More
Miners seek easier climate norms; experts flag rising costs, resource depletion

Miners seek easier climate norms; experts flag rising costs, resource depletion

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

India’s mining and metals sector needs a fresh look at environmental compliance norms as rising exploration costs and depletion of high-grade mineral reserves create new pressures for the industry, experts said on Thursday, PTI reported.The sector, which is estimated to account for up to 7 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, currently requires environmental…

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‘Mormon Wives’ star Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen granted 3-year mutual protective orders amid custody war – Report

‘Mormon Wives’ star Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen granted 3-year mutual protective orders amid custody war – Report

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The first custody hearing for Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen’s son, Ever, has officially been held. As per the latest reports, both have been granted mutual protective orders as requested. Read ahead to know more about the ongoing legal proceedings. Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen granted protective order Earlier last month, both Paul…

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Largest underwater flag and human stack in Andaman set to break Guinness World Record at Swaraj Dweep; here’s what travellers need to know |

Largest underwater flag and human stack in Andaman set to break Guinness World Record at Swaraj Dweep; here’s what travellers need to know |

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are preparing for an unusual global spotlight this weekend. Two underwater world record attempts are planned at Swaraj Dweep, also known as Havelock Island. One involves a massive Indian flag being unfurled beneath the sea. The other focuses on forming a human stack underwater, reaching a notable height. The events…

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Barcelona’s El Clásico kit gets Olivia Rodrigo treatment in Spotify collab; 11 hand-signed jerseys up to ,500 | International Sports News

Barcelona’s El Clásico kit gets Olivia Rodrigo treatment in Spotify collab; 11 hand-signed jerseys up to $3,500 | International Sports News

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Barcelona x Olivia Rodrigo El Clásico kit collab/ Image: X Barcelona will again turn one of football’s biggest fixtures into a crossover cultural moment, with FC Barcelona set to wear a special-edition shirt featuring Olivia Rodrigo’s logo during the upcoming El Clásico against Real Madrid on May 10, as part of the club’s ongoing partnership…

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An AI-generated image Step outside into 45-47°C heat and it is not just uncomfortable. It is immediate and overwhelming. The sun beats down relentlessly as the air feels heavy and unbearably still, hitting your face like a wave from an open furnace and clinging to the skin even as you step into shade. Within minutes, the body begins to slow. The throat dries, the eyes strain, and even standing still becomes tiring. The surroundings start to feel almost dizzying as roads shimmer in the distance and metal surfaces grow hot enough to burn on contact. The city no longer feels like it is moving through seasonal heat. It feels trapped under it.Indoors, relief isn’t the same for everyone. While air conditioning offers escape for some, it remains out of reach for many Indian households, and even where it is used, cooling systems push out waste heat into already dense urban spaces, adding to the surrounding temperature burden. For others, walls absorb heat through the day and release it slowly at night, keeping rooms warm well past sunset. Sleep is often disrupted, recovery remains limited, and for many, there is little escape from the cycle, often stretching for months. Scorching summer heat is not unusual in India, but this year it has arrived in sharper bursts, earlier than expected, and with greater intensity. In April, large parts of the country were already under heatwave conditions, with temperatures crossing 40°C in several regions and climbing close to 45°C in some pockets. Akola in Maharashtra recorded the highest temperature at 46.9°C as Vidarbha region entered an early-summer heatwave, briefly placing multiple Indian cities among the hottest in the world during peak afternoons even before May.In late April, a few isolated spells of rain offered brief relief, cooling conditions in parts of the country for short periods, but the respite did not last. The heat has returned in waves, keeping large regions locked in a cycle of rising discomfort. During this period, global temperature trend data showed that 95 of the world’s 100 hottest cities were in India, underscoring how widespread and intense the heat had become even before peak summer had fully set in.Top 10 hottest cities in the world as on May 1, 2026Is the worst of the heat yet to come?This year’s heat is unfolding alongside a shifting global climate pattern. In the equatorial Pacific, El Niño is a naturally occurring ocean-atmosphere phenomenon marked by warming sea surface temperatures and weakening trade winds. It is part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation system that influences weather across the world by altering rainfall, wind patterns and heat distribution.When it strengthens, it can intensify extreme heat, disrupt India’s monsoon and raise global temperatures. The World Meteorological Organization has indicated that conditions are tilting towards a likely El Niño development around mid-2026. This raises concerns of additional stress on an already warming world, particularly for India as this period coincides with the monsoon onset and can significantly affect the agrarian sector.What is El Niño?El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon that describes the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. It is part of a larger system known as the El Niño Southern Oscillation, or ENSO, which has three phases: El Niño, La Niña and neutral conditions.Under normal conditions, trade winds push warm surface waters westward toward Asia and Australia, while cooler waters rise along the South American coast. During an El Niño event, these trade winds weaken or reverse. As a result, warm water shifts eastward, disrupting the ocean-atmosphere balance.This shift has global consequences because the Pacific Ocean strongly influences atmospheric circulation. Changes in sea surface temperature alter rainfall patterns, jet streams and storm formation across continents.El Niño typically occurs every two to seven years and lasts around nine to twelve months. Its impacts vary by region but often include drought in Australia, Indonesia and parts of South Asia, and heavier rainfall in parts of South America and East Africa. It can also influence tropical storm activity, reducing hurricanes in the Atlantic while increasing them in the Pacific.What is El NiñoImportantly, El Niño does not operate in isolation. In a warming world, its impacts are amplified. A hotter baseline means that when El Niño adds extra heat to the system, extreme weather events intensify. This is why recent strong El Niño years have been linked to record global temperatures.El Niño and India: a familiar but intensifying linkEl Niño is one of the most influential climate drivers as it alters global atmospheric circulation, reshaping weather patterns across continents within months.Some of the strongest El Niño events in modern history include 1982 to 1983, 1997 to 1998 and 2015 to 2016. The 1997 to 1998 event was among the most intense and was linked to flooding in parts of South America, severe drought across Southeast Asia and Australia, and widespread wildfires in Indonesia. The 2015 to 2016 event contributed to global temperature spikes and major regional disruptions.For India, El Niño has a well-established relationship with the southwest monsoon. It is often associated with below-normal rainfall, delayed onset and uneven distribution. Years such as 1987, 2002, 2009 and 2015 saw weak monsoon performance and drought-like conditions in several regions. It is also linked with increased likelihood of intense pre-monsoon heat, raising heatwave risk across northern and central India.Historical records show how El Niño can intersect with food insecurity. The 1877 to 1878 event coincided with severe drought conditions across multiple continents and is associated with the global famine period of 1877 to 1879. Research links this period with widespread mortality in India and China, shaped by climatic stress interacting with structural vulnerabilities. Climate variability acted as a trigger, but outcomes were shaped by deeper social and economic conditions.What is increasingly important today is that these natural cycles are unfolding on a warmer global baseline. This amplifies their effects, increasing heat extremes and sharpening rainfall contrasts across regions.What is a ‘super El Niño’ and why are scientists warning about it?A “super” El Niño refers to an unusually strong version of the climate phenomenon, marked by sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific rising by at least 2°C. Such events are rare, occurring only a few times since 1950, with just one instance pushing beyond 2.5°C.Scientists say the stronger the warming, the greater the likelihood that El Niño’s global impacts are intensified, including heat extremes, disrupted rainfall patterns and shifts in monsoon systems.According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is about a one-in-four chance of such a strong or “super” El Niño developing by the coming autumn or winter. However, researchers caution that forecasts made in spring can be less stable, as seasonal transitions often introduce uncertainty in climate patterns.Even so, early indicators are already pointing towards a potentially strong event. Dr Paul Roundy, professor of atmospheric and environmental sciences at the State University of New York at Albany, recently said in a post on X there is “real potential for the strongest El Niño event in 140 years.” Similarly, Dr Andy Hazelton, associate scientist at the University of Miami, noted that “all models and observations are pointing in the same direction: a very strong El Niño with significant impacts on global climate this year.”India’s heat reality: exposure rising, protection laggingIndia is already experiencing a steady rise in heatwave frequency, duration and intensity. Climate assessments and meteorological records indicate that several of the warmest years in India’s history have occurred in the last decade.Despite this trend, heatwaves are not formally classified as a notified disaster under India’s central disaster framework. This limits structured compensation, long-term adaptation funding and a uniform national response mechanism. States can use State Disaster Response Funds for heatwave-related relief under certain conditions, but this creates a patchwork system where preparedness and response vary across regions.What it means for IndiaFor India’s informal workforce, heat is not just a weather event but an occupational hazard that directly cuts wages and reduces working hours.Street vendors, construction workers, rickshaw pullers, farm labourers and delivery workers remain directly exposed to extreme temperatures with little protection. Office goers and daily commuters also spend long hours moving through the same conditions, often with limited relief. Work does not pause when temperatures rise, and air conditioning remains out of reach for many households. Even where it is used, cooling systems release waste heat into already dense urban areas, adding to the surrounding temperature burden.-The health and economic toll is already visible. According to the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, people in India experienced an average of 19.8 heatwave days in 2024, the warmest year on record. The study links rising heat exposure to increased illness, reduced labour capacity and falling productivity. It estimates potential income losses of about 194 billion dollars due to heat-driven labour reduction.At the same time, extreme heat is feeding into wider economic stress. Higher electricity demand for cooling increases power consumption, water shortages strain urban supply systems, and climate variability affects food production and prices, adding pressure to household budgets.Health impactsExtreme heat disrupts the body’s ability to regulate internal temperature. When ambient conditions exceed physiological thresholds, sweating alone becomes insufficient.Common conditions include dehydration, muscle cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Severe exposure can lead to organ failure and death.-Heatwaves are strongly associated with increased mortality from cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological conditions. Estimates suggest between 10,000 and over 20,000 heat-related deaths in India over two decades. Independent studies indicate that the actual toll may be higher due to underreporting, as heat is often not recorded as a primary cause of death.Urban India: Heat trapped by designUrban areas face amplified risk due to the urban heat island effect. Dense construction, reduced vegetation and limited airflow trap heat, making cities warmer than surrounding rural areas, especially at night, a phenomenon known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect.Rapid urbanisation has replaced tree cover and green spaces with concrete surfaces that absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night. This creates persistently high nighttime temperatures, reducing the body’s ability to recover between heat exposure cycles.Heat is therefore not only meteorological. It is also shaped by planning, land use and ecological change.Economy under heat stressExtreme heat is increasingly feeding into economic stress. Higher temperatures drive electricity demand for cooling, increasing power consumption during peak summer months.At the same time, agricultural productivity declines under heat stress and erratic rainfall. In 2022, unusually high pre-harvest temperatures during the grain-filling stage caused significant yield losses in major wheat-growing states such as Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. This led to a ban on wheat exports aimed at stabilising domestic supply and controlling prices.For households, this creates a dual burden of rising food inflation and higher cooling costs.A longer, harsher summerIn the convergence of rising temperatures, shifting climate patterns, India’s summer is no longer merely a seasonal cycle. It is becoming a prolonged test of endurance, measured not only in degrees Celsius, but in loss of wages, health risk, mortality and survival. And, as temperatures rise and climate patterns shift, India’s summer is becoming harder to navigate and stakes are rising. How the country adapts to this growing heat stress, whether by slowing deforestation and protecting existing forest cover, expanding urban green spaces that can lower local temperatures, reducing reliance on coal-based power, which still accounts for roughly 70% of electricity generation, and accelerating the shift to cleaner energy sources such as solar, will shape livelihoods and public health outcomes.About the AuthorOshin BhatiaOshin Bhatia is a budding journalist driven by an insatiable curiosity and hunger for knowledge. She loves diving deep into complex issues and expressing them through compelling narratives. Her interests span human-interest stories, the environment, and the intersections where people, places, and stories meet.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | WatchTrust Vote Drama In Punjab: BJP Boycott, Congress Walkout Rocks HouseIndia-Bangladesh Row: Dhaka Summons Indian Envoy Over Assam CM Himanta’s RemarksJabalpur Cruise Boat Capsize: 9 Dead as Rescue Operations Continue at Bargi Dam in Madhya PradeshChanakya Today Exit Poll: BJP Sweep In Bengal, DMK Ahead In TN, Assam Favours NDAUS Hands Back 657 Stolen Antiquities Worth Million To India, Exposes Global Smuggling NetworksNaval Anti-ship Missile : Navy, Drdo Demonstrate Salvo Launch That Can Sink ShipsECI Introduces New QR Code Photo ID Rule To Prevent Unauthorised Entry At Counting CentresCCTV Shows Car Plunging Into Gorge In Una, Himachal | Tyre Burst Suspected, 2 Killed123PhotostoriesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reasonAnushka Sharma birthday special: Must-watch films on OTT like ‘NH10’, ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’, ‘Sultan’5 fashion hacks all of us can steal from King CharlesUnderground shortcut: Delhi airport’s new subway to slash T2–T3 walking distance by 90%5 high-end residential localities in Ludhiana offering strong investment potentialVegetables you can easily grow on your balcony: A simple guide to fresh homegrown produceEmily Blunt’s most ICONIC roles: From ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ to ‘Oppenheimer’From Japan to Russia: 10 witty proverbs on love, marriage, and relationships that still feel relevant123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

An AI-generated image Step outside into 45-47°C heat and it is not just uncomfortable. It is immediate and overwhelming. The sun beats down relentlessly as the air feels heavy and unbearably still, hitting your face like a wave from an open furnace and clinging to the skin even as you step into shade. Within minutes, the body begins to slow. The throat dries, the eyes strain, and even standing still becomes tiring. The surroundings start to feel almost dizzying as roads shimmer in the distance and metal surfaces grow hot enough to burn on contact. The city no longer feels like it is moving through seasonal heat. It feels trapped under it.Indoors, relief isn’t the same for everyone. While air conditioning offers escape for some, it remains out of reach for many Indian households, and even where it is used, cooling systems push out waste heat into already dense urban spaces, adding to the surrounding temperature burden. For others, walls absorb heat through the day and release it slowly at night, keeping rooms warm well past sunset. Sleep is often disrupted, recovery remains limited, and for many, there is little escape from the cycle, often stretching for months. Scorching summer heat is not unusual in India, but this year it has arrived in sharper bursts, earlier than expected, and with greater intensity. In April, large parts of the country were already under heatwave conditions, with temperatures crossing 40°C in several regions and climbing close to 45°C in some pockets. Akola in Maharashtra recorded the highest temperature at 46.9°C as Vidarbha region entered an early-summer heatwave, briefly placing multiple Indian cities among the hottest in the world during peak afternoons even before May.In late April, a few isolated spells of rain offered brief relief, cooling conditions in parts of the country for short periods, but the respite did not last. The heat has returned in waves, keeping large regions locked in a cycle of rising discomfort. During this period, global temperature trend data showed that 95 of the world’s 100 hottest cities were in India, underscoring how widespread and intense the heat had become even before peak summer had fully set in.Top 10 hottest cities in the world as on May 1, 2026Is the worst of the heat yet to come?This year’s heat is unfolding alongside a shifting global climate pattern. In the equatorial Pacific, El Niño is a naturally occurring ocean-atmosphere phenomenon marked by warming sea surface temperatures and weakening trade winds. It is part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation system that influences weather across the world by altering rainfall, wind patterns and heat distribution.When it strengthens, it can intensify extreme heat, disrupt India’s monsoon and raise global temperatures. The World Meteorological Organization has indicated that conditions are tilting towards a likely El Niño development around mid-2026. This raises concerns of additional stress on an already warming world, particularly for India as this period coincides with the monsoon onset and can significantly affect the agrarian sector.What is El Niño?El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon that describes the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. It is part of a larger system known as the El Niño Southern Oscillation, or ENSO, which has three phases: El Niño, La Niña and neutral conditions.Under normal conditions, trade winds push warm surface waters westward toward Asia and Australia, while cooler waters rise along the South American coast. During an El Niño event, these trade winds weaken or reverse. As a result, warm water shifts eastward, disrupting the ocean-atmosphere balance.This shift has global consequences because the Pacific Ocean strongly influences atmospheric circulation. Changes in sea surface temperature alter rainfall patterns, jet streams and storm formation across continents.El Niño typically occurs every two to seven years and lasts around nine to twelve months. Its impacts vary by region but often include drought in Australia, Indonesia and parts of South Asia, and heavier rainfall in parts of South America and East Africa. It can also influence tropical storm activity, reducing hurricanes in the Atlantic while increasing them in the Pacific.What is El NiñoImportantly, El Niño does not operate in isolation. In a warming world, its impacts are amplified. A hotter baseline means that when El Niño adds extra heat to the system, extreme weather events intensify. This is why recent strong El Niño years have been linked to record global temperatures.El Niño and India: a familiar but intensifying linkEl Niño is one of the most influential climate drivers as it alters global atmospheric circulation, reshaping weather patterns across continents within months.Some of the strongest El Niño events in modern history include 1982 to 1983, 1997 to 1998 and 2015 to 2016. The 1997 to 1998 event was among the most intense and was linked to flooding in parts of South America, severe drought across Southeast Asia and Australia, and widespread wildfires in Indonesia. The 2015 to 2016 event contributed to global temperature spikes and major regional disruptions.For India, El Niño has a well-established relationship with the southwest monsoon. It is often associated with below-normal rainfall, delayed onset and uneven distribution. Years such as 1987, 2002, 2009 and 2015 saw weak monsoon performance and drought-like conditions in several regions. It is also linked with increased likelihood of intense pre-monsoon heat, raising heatwave risk across northern and central India.Historical records show how El Niño can intersect with food insecurity. The 1877 to 1878 event coincided with severe drought conditions across multiple continents and is associated with the global famine period of 1877 to 1879. Research links this period with widespread mortality in India and China, shaped by climatic stress interacting with structural vulnerabilities. Climate variability acted as a trigger, but outcomes were shaped by deeper social and economic conditions.What is increasingly important today is that these natural cycles are unfolding on a warmer global baseline. This amplifies their effects, increasing heat extremes and sharpening rainfall contrasts across regions.What is a ‘super El Niño’ and why are scientists warning about it?A “super” El Niño refers to an unusually strong version of the climate phenomenon, marked by sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific rising by at least 2°C. Such events are rare, occurring only a few times since 1950, with just one instance pushing beyond 2.5°C.Scientists say the stronger the warming, the greater the likelihood that El Niño’s global impacts are intensified, including heat extremes, disrupted rainfall patterns and shifts in monsoon systems.According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is about a one-in-four chance of such a strong or “super” El Niño developing by the coming autumn or winter. However, researchers caution that forecasts made in spring can be less stable, as seasonal transitions often introduce uncertainty in climate patterns.Even so, early indicators are already pointing towards a potentially strong event. Dr Paul Roundy, professor of atmospheric and environmental sciences at the State University of New York at Albany, recently said in a post on X there is “real potential for the strongest El Niño event in 140 years.” Similarly, Dr Andy Hazelton, associate scientist at the University of Miami, noted that “all models and observations are pointing in the same direction: a very strong El Niño with significant impacts on global climate this year.”India’s heat reality: exposure rising, protection laggingIndia is already experiencing a steady rise in heatwave frequency, duration and intensity. Climate assessments and meteorological records indicate that several of the warmest years in India’s history have occurred in the last decade.Despite this trend, heatwaves are not formally classified as a notified disaster under India’s central disaster framework. This limits structured compensation, long-term adaptation funding and a uniform national response mechanism. States can use State Disaster Response Funds for heatwave-related relief under certain conditions, but this creates a patchwork system where preparedness and response vary across regions.What it means for IndiaFor India’s informal workforce, heat is not just a weather event but an occupational hazard that directly cuts wages and reduces working hours.Street vendors, construction workers, rickshaw pullers, farm labourers and delivery workers remain directly exposed to extreme temperatures with little protection. Office goers and daily commuters also spend long hours moving through the same conditions, often with limited relief. Work does not pause when temperatures rise, and air conditioning remains out of reach for many households. Even where it is used, cooling systems release waste heat into already dense urban areas, adding to the surrounding temperature burden.-The health and economic toll is already visible. According to the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, people in India experienced an average of 19.8 heatwave days in 2024, the warmest year on record. The study links rising heat exposure to increased illness, reduced labour capacity and falling productivity. It estimates potential income losses of about 194 billion dollars due to heat-driven labour reduction.At the same time, extreme heat is feeding into wider economic stress. Higher electricity demand for cooling increases power consumption, water shortages strain urban supply systems, and climate variability affects food production and prices, adding pressure to household budgets.Health impactsExtreme heat disrupts the body’s ability to regulate internal temperature. When ambient conditions exceed physiological thresholds, sweating alone becomes insufficient.Common conditions include dehydration, muscle cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Severe exposure can lead to organ failure and death.-Heatwaves are strongly associated with increased mortality from cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological conditions. Estimates suggest between 10,000 and over 20,000 heat-related deaths in India over two decades. Independent studies indicate that the actual toll may be higher due to underreporting, as heat is often not recorded as a primary cause of death.Urban India: Heat trapped by designUrban areas face amplified risk due to the urban heat island effect. Dense construction, reduced vegetation and limited airflow trap heat, making cities warmer than surrounding rural areas, especially at night, a phenomenon known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect.Rapid urbanisation has replaced tree cover and green spaces with concrete surfaces that absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night. This creates persistently high nighttime temperatures, reducing the body’s ability to recover between heat exposure cycles.Heat is therefore not only meteorological. It is also shaped by planning, land use and ecological change.Economy under heat stressExtreme heat is increasingly feeding into economic stress. Higher temperatures drive electricity demand for cooling, increasing power consumption during peak summer months.At the same time, agricultural productivity declines under heat stress and erratic rainfall. In 2022, unusually high pre-harvest temperatures during the grain-filling stage caused significant yield losses in major wheat-growing states such as Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. This led to a ban on wheat exports aimed at stabilising domestic supply and controlling prices.For households, this creates a dual burden of rising food inflation and higher cooling costs.A longer, harsher summerIn the convergence of rising temperatures, shifting climate patterns, India’s summer is no longer merely a seasonal cycle. It is becoming a prolonged test of endurance, measured not only in degrees Celsius, but in loss of wages, health risk, mortality and survival. And, as temperatures rise and climate patterns shift, India’s summer is becoming harder to navigate and stakes are rising. How the country adapts to this growing heat stress, whether by slowing deforestation and protecting existing forest cover, expanding urban green spaces that can lower local temperatures, reducing reliance on coal-based power, which still accounts for roughly 70% of electricity generation, and accelerating the shift to cleaner energy sources such as solar, will shape livelihoods and public health outcomes.About the AuthorOshin BhatiaOshin Bhatia is a budding journalist driven by an insatiable curiosity and hunger for knowledge. She loves diving deep into complex issues and expressing them through compelling narratives. 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