Month: August 2025

US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday (local time) said that US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on India to deter Russia from pursuing the Ukraine conflict. Trump has doubled India’s tariff to 50 per cent by imposing an additional 25 per cent levy on the previously announced 25 per cent.

Leavitt, during her press briefing, said that the intent behind the sanctions was to put secondary pressure on Russia.

“Look, the president has put tremendous public pressure to bring this war to a close. He’s taken actions, as you’ve seen, sanctions on India and other actions as well. He’s made himself very clear that he wants to see this war end, and he has scoffed at the ideas of others that have been raised that we should wait another month before any meeting takes place,” she said.

Earlier, Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, with the former signalling his openness to a trilateral meeting with Putin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.

Trump said that he had a very successful day, while Zelensky noted that this was the “best conversation” he had with the US President so far.

Leavitt further said that Trump wishes to bring peace as soon as possible.

“The president wants to move and he wants to bring this war to an end as quickly as possible… With all of those European leaders leaving the White House, including the NATO Secretary General, they all agree that this is a great first step. And it’s a good thing that these two leaders are going to be sitting down together, and the president expects that to happen,” she said.

Leavitt further said, “I can assure you that the United States government and the Trump administration are working with both Russia and Ukraine to make that bilateral happen as we speak.”

Leavitt said that Trump’s relentless efforts at brokering peace led to the European leaders being present at the White House within 48 hours of his meeting with Putin.

“The President met with all of these European leaders at the White House 48 hours after sitting down with President Putin on American soil. In fact, there was so much progress in the readout that was given to these European leaders immediately following his meeting with President Putin that every single one of them got on a plane 48 hours later and flew to the United States of America,” she said.

“So these leaders who this war is in their backyard are very grateful that the president took that call and that he was there to provide them with a readout of Russia’s thinking on this, something that was not done by the previous administration at all,” she added.

Leavitt reinstated the White House’s claim that if Trump were the president, the war would have never happened when a reporter asked a question in that regard.

“The president often says that this war would not have started if he were in office and and Putin confirmed that,” the reporter asked.

Trump has repeatedly stated that the war wouldn’t have started if he were in office, and surprisingly, Putin seems to agree. When asked about this, Leavitt confirmed that Putin did indeed say that.

“True. Do you accept that as true? The European leaders do. Well, and President Putin himself said that, by the way,” Leavitt said.

A reporter asked what Trump plans to do to ensure security guarantees last beyond his presidency. Leavitt responded that Trump understands the need for lasting peace and is engaging in discussions with European leaders and NATO to achieve this goal.

Leavitt highlighted Trump’s dedication to bringing the war to an end, saying he has spent a significant amount of time and energy on this effort. Trump has been in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders to brief them on the situation.

“Well, he understands the need for that, which he spoke to yesterday. It’s why he’s engaging in numerous discussions and conversations with both sides of this war with our European allies. The President himself was discussing with European leaders and NATO how to ensure lasting peace and bring an end to the conflict. He has expended an incredible amount of time, energy and effort into bringing this war to an end, and he remains determined to do that,” Leavitt answered. (ANI)

IndiGo issued a travel advisory for its passengers on Wednesday, amid prediction of heavy rains in Mumbai and its surrounding areas.

According to the advisory, the heavy rains could lead to air traffic congestion, which could impact flight operations.

“While we want your journey to be as hassle-free as possible, Mother Nature has her own plans. With heavy rains expected again in Mumbai, there’s a chance this could lead to air traffic congestion and impact flight operations,” the advisory said.

The airline informed that any changes to the flight schedule will be shared with passengers through their contact details.

“While we continue doing our best to keep operations smooth, we recommend planning ahead. Any changes to your flight schedule will be shared via your registered contact details, so do ensure they are up to date,” the advisory added.

The airline further advised its passengers to check the status of their flight before going to the airport and allow extra time for themselves for commutation due to likely slow traffic movement and waterlogging.

“Check your flight status on our website or app before heading to the airport. And with waterlogging and slow-moving traffic likely, allow some extra time for your commute,” the advisory said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms in several parts of India, particularly in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

IMD issued a red nowcast warning for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Ratnagiri districts, indicating intense to very intense rainfall spells accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 60 kmph.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday informed that Mumbai received nearly 300 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, leading to some disruptions. However, he said the water level in Mithi River is gradually receding. (ANI)

With images of downed Pakistani drones, maps marking India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), and a spotlight on Made-in-India defence systems, NCERT has rolled out new modules on ‘Operation Sindoor’, calling it a military success, a technological breakthrough, and a political message rolled into one.

The modules for secondary and middle school stages, written in conversation style between teachers and students, detail how India launched its decisive military campaign in May 2025 following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

The module states that Operation Sindoor was “not just a military operation but a promise to protect peace and honour the lives lost.

Before explaining the operation, it reminds students about the Pulwama terror attack in February 2019, when “a suicide bomber named Adil Ahmed Dar rammed a car filled with explosives into one of the buses. The blast killed 40 CRPF personnel and injured many others.”

It also recounts the Balakot airstrike on 26 February 2019, when Mirage 2000 fighter jets destroyed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp deep inside Pakistan.

The module also discusses the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, noting that peace and development have followed in Jammu and Kashmir, including the upgrade of schools, rail connectivity, and a record tourist inflow. The text states, “Pakistan was not ready to see peace in Kashmir after Article 370 abrogation.”

The two modules are titled “Operation Sindoor – A Saga of Valour” for students of Classes 3 to 8, and “Operation Sindoor – A Mission of Honour and Bravery” for students of Classes 9 to 12.

On 22 April 2025, terrorists from The Resistance Front, TRF, a known proxy of LeT, opened fire on tourists in Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam. In the gruesome attack, 26 men, including one Nepali citizen, lost their lives.

The module highlights Prime Minister Modi cutting short his Saudi Arabia visit to return home after terror strikes in Kashmir and strongly condemning them.

It recalls candlelight marches across India, Muslim communities wearing black armbands in protest, and villagers near the border demanding “strong action” in solidarity with the Armed Forces.

“The terror attack was meant to create fear and hatred between communities. But people chose unity and courage,” the module notes.

The turning point, as the module describes, was the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, at 1.05 am.

The operation was given its name as a tribute to the widows of the victims, “Sindoor which symbolises the marital bond. By naming the operation Sindoor, our country’s leadership and armed forces paid tribute to the widows of the victims. It was to show solidarity, empathy, and respect,” the Prime Minister is quoted as saying.

Conducted with meticulous planning, Operation Sindoor targeted nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including Muridke and Bahawalpur, key hubs of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

In just 22 minutes, precision strikes by the Indian Army and Air Force destroyed these camps. The operation’s success, the module notes, also came from the prowess of Made-in-India weapons, advanced jets like Rafale and Su-30MKI using indigenous missiles, including BrahMos, and drones providing real-time surveillance.

ISRO’s satellites gave constant monitoring support, proving the synergy of defence and science.

While Pakistan retaliated with drones, artillery, and even a major missile offensive, India’s multi-layered air defence grid, including S-400 and Akash systems, neutralised threats. “Not one critical Indian asset was damaged,” the module says, underlining the strength of India’s defence architecture.

The modules also highlight the Navy’s role in asserting maritime dominance in the Arabian Sea and the Border Security Force foiling infiltration attempts. The emphasis throughout is on coordination, discipline, and technological self-reliance, hallmarks of the ‘Make in India’ push. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is quoted as saying the operation showed “India can break through any enemy defence using what we’ve made ourselves.”

The text does not shy away from the human cost. It notes that Pakistan’s ceasefire violations targeted schools and religious sites, killing 14 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, but stresses that India did not target civilians. Instead, the strikes were designed as “a precise and responsible answer to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.”

The modules close by reminding students that the terror attack aimed to create fear and communal hatred, but “people chose unity and courage.” They highlight India’s diplomatic outreach, noting that the US officially declared TRF a foreign terrorist organisation in July 2025 after India presented evidence.

Summing up the entire episode, the module describes Operation Sindoor as “a military success, a technological breakthrough, and a political message all rolled into one. A triumph of bravery, strategy, and innovation.” (ANI)

Condolences have been pouring in following the demise of veteran actor Achyut Potdar, known for his role as a professor in Rajkumar Hirani’s film ‘3 Idiots.’

A heartfelt tribute came from Aamir Khan, who shared screen space with Potdar in the 2009 film.

His production house, Aamir Khan Productions, shared a note on Instagram, remembering the actor as an “amazing actor.”

“I am very saddened to hear about Achyutji’s passing away. He was an amazing actor, a wonderful human being, and a great colleague. We will miss you, Achyutji. My heartfelt condolences to his family,” the note read, further concluding with the initial “a.”

Meanwhile, tributes were also shared by filmmakers Hansal Mehta and Sudhir Mishra and actor Jackie Shroff.

Boman Irani, who portrayed the iconic character of Professor Viru Sahastrabuddhe in the film, also paid tribute to Potdar on Instagram.

Achyut Potdar passed away on Monday, August 18, his daughter Anuradha Paraskar confirmed. The veteran actor, who was set to turn 91, was admitted to Jupiter Hospital in Thane at the time of his passing.

“He was getting old, but yesterday, what happened, he fell unconscious in the afternoon, and we admitted him to Jupiter Hospital and then within a matter of a few hours, by about 9 o’clock, his heart went into failure. They said there was an aorta dissection that happened, and then multiple organs. So, it was a quick but very peaceful end,” she told ANI.

Besides his memorable role in 3 Idiots, Potdar had an extensive filmography that included Aakrosh, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai, Ardh Satya, Tezaab, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Dilwale, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, and Dabangg 2, among others.

The actor also had a notable presence on television, featuring in shows such as Bharat Ek Khoj, All The Best, Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo, and Mrs Tendulkar. (ANI)

Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie is reportedly planning to sell her house in the United States and relocate abroad with her children.

According to a People magazine report, the actor is preparing to put her Los Angeles home on the market ahead of the move.

“Jolie never wanted to live in L.A. full-time. She didn’t have a choice because of the custody arrangement with her ex-husband Brad Pitt,” the source said, as quoted by the outlet.

The report added that Jolie may relocate as soon as her youngest children, twins Knox and Vivienne, turn 18 next year.

“She’s eyeing several locations abroad. She’ll be very happy when she’s able to leave Los Angeles,” the source added.

In an earlier interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jolie briefly touched upon her personal life, involving her children and divorce from Pitt. Even though she grew up in Los Angeles, the actress remains in the city because of the legalities surrounding her divorce.

“When you have a big family, you want them to have privacy, peace, safety. I have a house now to raise my children, but sometimes this place can be… that humanity that I found across the world is not what I grew up with here,” she said.

Jolie and Brad Pitt finalised their divorce in December last year, citing “irreconcilable differences.”

“More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time, she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family,” her lawyers told People at the time.

The former couple share six children, including Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne.

On the work front for Angelina Jolie, the actress will reunite with her ‘Mr and Mrs Smith’ director Doug Liman for the upcoming spy thriller, ‘The Initiative,’ reported Variety.

Details surrounding the film’s plot have been kept under wraps. (ANI)

More than 300 passengers were rescued after a monorail broke down due to a power supply failure near Mysore Colony station in Mumbai on Tuesday evening, officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

According to officials, the incident was first reported by a passenger identified as Jivan Mhatre.

Upon receiving information, an 108 ambulance unit and personnel from the BMC, Mumbai Fire Brigade, and local police reached the site and initiated rescue operations. Six passengers who experienced suffocation were treated in the on-site ambulances and later discharged.

Sunil, a passenger who was onboard the monorail, stated that the rescue operations started one hour after the incident occurred, further stating that the train had around 500 passengers onboard.

“I was in the train from 5:30 PM. The rescue operation started after 1 hour. There were at least 500 passengers in the train. This train arrived after a gap of 30 minutes, so the entire train was overloaded with passengers…” he told ANI.

Another passenger said that several senior citizens and kids who were onboard the train faced the issue of suffocation due to the number of passengers.

“Passengers were patient. The train had many senior citizens and kids, and they were facing difficulties… Suffocation was the main problem inside the train…” he told ANI.

BMC, along with fire department personnel and police, rushed to the spot and prompted a swift rescue operation.

BMC Additional Municipal Commissioner Amit Saini confirmed that the rescue operation was actively underway, with fire and police department teams on site.

“Teams of the fire department and police are engaged in the rescue. The rescue operation is underway,” said Saini.

Passengers aboard the stranded train also contacted the BMC helpline for immediate assistance.

Meanwhile, the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL), in a post on social media platform X, said that services between Wadala and Chembur were continuing on a single line and assured that full operations would resume shortly.

“Service update One Monorail train near Mysore Colony station has experienced a minor power supply issue. Our operations and maintenance teams are already on-site and working to resolve it quickly. For now, services between Wadala and Chembur are running smoothly on a single line. We sincerely thank you for your patience and assure you that your safety remains our top priority. Rest assured, normal services will be restored at the earliest,” the post read. (ANI)

India and China held the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ dialogue on the Boundary Question here on Tuesday and agreed on a series of measures to improve bilateral ties including setting up a Working Group, under the WMCC, to advance effective border management in order to maintain peace and tranquillity in India-China border areas.

They agreed to use the border management mechanisms at diplomatic and military levels to carry forward the process of border management, and discuss de-escalation, beginning with the principles and modalities.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was on a two-day visit to India during which he had a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday and co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ (SRs) dialogue on the Boundary Question with the National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. The Chinese leader also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

During the meeting between Jaishankar and Wang Yi, both sides agreed to the re-opening of border trade through the three designated trading points, namely Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass and Nathu La Pass.

The two sides agreed to facilitate trade and investment flows between the two countries through concrete measures.

Both sides agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between the Chinese mainland and India at the earliest, and finalise an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed on the facilitation of visas to tourists, businesses, media and other visitors in both directions.

Both sides agreed to uphold multilateralism, enhance communication on major international and regional issues, maintain a rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, and promote a multipolar world that safeguards the interests of developing countries.

The two sides spoke positively of the progress made in the implementation of the important leader-level consensus in Kazan, Russia, during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the margins of the BRICS Summit last year.

A Ministry of External Affairs release said that the two sides shared the view that peace and tranquility has been maintained in the India-China border areas since the 23rd SR talks.

They reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas to promote overall development of the India-China bilateral relationship.

Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries and in a positive and constructive spirit, the two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the India-China boundary question during the meeting between the Special Representatives.

The two SRs agreed on the need to take a political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship while seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for settlement of the boundary question in accordance with the Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question signed in 2005.

They agreed to set up an Expert Group, under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), to explore Early Harvest in boundary delimitation in the India-China border areas.

They also agreed to “setting up a Working Group, under the WMCC, to advance effective border management in order to maintain peace and tranquillity in India-China border areas”.

The two sides agreed to the creation of General Level Mechanisms in Eastern and Middle Sectors, in addition to the existing General Level Mechanism in Western Sector, and holding an early meeting of the General Level Mechanism in the Western Sector.

The two sides also agreed to hold the next round of the SR Talks in China at a mutually convenient time.

In the meeting with the External Affairs Minister, the two sides had positive, constructive and forward-looking discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest and agreed on various understandings and outcomes/practical steps on people-centric and economic engagement, the release said.

Both sides underscored that the strategic guidance of the leaders of India and China plays an irreplaceable and crucial role in the development of India-China relations.

They agreed that a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China is in the mutual interest of the two countries to realize their development potential fully. They further agreed that both sides should earnestly implement the important common understandings reached between the two leaders and promote sustained, sound and steady development of India-China relations.

Chinese side welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit to be held in Tianjin. The Indian side reaffirmed its full support for China’s SCO Presidency and looked forward to a successful SCO Summit with fruitful outcomes.

Both sides agreed to support each other in hosting successful diplomatic events. Chinese side will support India in hosting the 2026 BRICS Summit. The Indian side will support China in hosting the 2027 BRICS Summit.

India and China agreed to explore and resume various official bilateral dialogue mechanisms and exchanges, to enhance cooperation and address each other’s concerns and properly manage differences, including holding the Third Meeting of the India-China High-level Mechanism on People-to-People Exchanges in India in 2026.

Both sides agreed to continue supporting each other in holding events in 2025 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China.

India and China agreed to continue and further expand the scale of the Indian pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash/ Gang Renpoche and Lake Manasarovar / Mapam Yun Tso in Tibet Autonomous Region of China starting 2026.

The two sides exchanged views on trans-border rivers cooperation and agreed to give full play to the role of India-China Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers and keep communication on renewal of the relevant MoUs. The Chinese side agreed to share hydrological information during emergency situations based on humanitarian considerations.

Both sides agreed to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas through friendly consultations. (ANI)

Psephologist Sanjay Kumar, who is the co-director of Lokniti-CSDS (Centre for the Study of Developing Societies), on Tuesday issued a clarification over a post on X concerning data of Maharashtra elections, which he deleted after issuing an apology.

Sanjay Kumar told ANI that he rechecked the data after receiving information that the information in his post was wrong.

“Actually, we (mistakenly) compared assembly constituency number 125 (Nashik West) data with 124 and 50 (Hingna) with 49, which is one row back; that’s why the information we got was wrong,” Kumar said.

“The data provided by EC regarding Maharashtra state assembly polls shows that in six months, slightly more than 40 lakh voters have been added to the voters’ list,” he added.

Although Kumar acknowledged a “slight” unusual increase in the number of voters between the Lok Sabha and assembly elections in Maharashtra, he said that this could happen if the voters were left out in the updation of the voter list during the LS polls and found their way in the updation for the assembly polls.

“There was a slightly unusual increase in the number of voters between the Lok Sabha and assembly elections (in Maharashtra). However, it can happen. Suppose, if the voter list was being updated before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, maybe a very large number of people were left out. When you are updating the list during assembly polls, those voters get added,” Kumar said.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his allegations about discrepancies in the 2024 state assembly elections and said that the data on which the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha based his claims has been found to be “wrong”.

Terming Rahul Gandhi a “serial liar”, Fadnavis said he should apologise over his allegations and that “truth has come before the public”.

“This is a fact that CSDS gave data, and based on that data, Rahul Gandhi had made allegations on the Election Commission, and also he targeted our legitimately elected government. Today, CSDS has tweeted on X and has accepted that their data was wrong and they have apologised for their mistake. They have retracted all of their earlier data,” Fadnavis told reporters.

Earlier in the day, Sanjay Kumar apologised over a post concerning data of Maharashtra elections.

“I sincerely apologise for the tweets posted regarding Maharashtra elections. Error occurred while comparing data of 2024 LS and 2024 AS (assembly segments). The data in row was misread by our Data team. The tweet has since been removed. I had no intention of dispersing any form of misinformation,” he said in a post on X. (ANI)

The teaser of Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna starrer ‘Thama’ is finally out.

Produced under the banner of Maddock Films, ‘Thama’ belongs to the same horror-comedy universe as Rajkummar Rao’s ‘Stree’, Varun Dhawan’s ‘Bhediya’ and Abhay Verma’s ‘Munjya’.

Thama is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and is billed as the first love story in Maddock’s horror comedy universe. Apart from the lead duo, the film stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a negative role and Paresh Rawal in a supporting role.

The teaser opens with Ayushmann’s voiceover asking, “Will you be able to live without me for 100 years?” to which Rashmika responds, “Not even for a moment.”

It is followed by the close-up shots of Ayushmann and Rashmika as they exchange glances in the forest. The teaser then features visuals of the lead duo’s dance numbers, followed by the special dance performance of Malaika Arora.

The teaser concludes with Nawazuddin’s chilling antagonist look, criticising romance among the citizens, saying “Why did you stop? In my 75 years of life, I haven’t seen romance. Continue, Continue”, before leaping in the air to attack.

Maddock Films shared the teaser of the movie on its Instagram handle. While sharing the teaser, the production house wrote, “Na darr kabhi itna shaktishaali tha, aur na pyaar kabhi itna BLOODY! Brace yourself this Diwali to witness the first love story in the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe.”

On Monday, the makers dropped a string of posters of the lead actors, including Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna.

They wrote, “Presenting Ayushmann Khurrana as Alok – Insaaniyat ki aakhri umeed” presenting an intense look.

It was followed by another mysterious poster of Rashmika Mandanna’s “Tadaka – Roshni ki ek hi paheli kiran.”The ‘Animal’ star is seen dressed in a dramatic gown, putting forward a powerful expression on her face.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who appears to be in a negative character, will portray the character of “Yakshasan – Andhere ka badshah.” In the poster, the actor is seen sporting long hair as he exudes a devilish aura.

The makers have also unveiled the first look of Paresh Rawal as Mr. Ram Bajaj Goyal – “someone who always tries to find tragedy in comedy.”

‘Thama’ will be released on Diwali this year. (ANI)

Authorities in Pune on Tuesday said a red alert will remain in place for the next two days in the Ghat areas as heavy rains continue to batter many parts of the city and the surrounding regions.

Several areas of Pune city are also under an orange alert.

Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi told ANI, “…There is a Red Alert in Ghat areas. In the city and other areas of Pune, there has been an Orange Alert for the past 2 days. In the coming two days too, there is a Red Alert in Ghat areas and an Orange Alert in city areas. The situation is under control right now,” he said.

He further said that the release of water from Khadakwasla and Pawna dams has been “increased a little because the water from the catchment area is coming directly into the dam”, and noted both dams are “more than 95% full.”

“We are planning in such a manner that the timing of the release of water and rainfall in the city should not coincide. Otherwise, the chances of a flood situation rise. Currently, our solution is to release the water slowly… No accident as such has been noticed in any of the areas. No road is blocked due to water. Water should be released only in coordination with the Irrigation Department and other Departments. So that flood situation doesn’t form in any area…” he added.

Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday declared a holiday for all government and semi-government offices in Mumbai, advising private offices to allow employees to work from home except those in essential and emergency services.

The decision came after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai and its suburbs.

The BMC order stated that concerned offices and establishments should immediately instruct their employees to work from home depending on the nature of their work.

In a post on X, BMC wrote, “All government and semi-government offices in Mumbai will remain closed today, August 19, 2025. Private offices/establishments are requested to instruct their employees to work from home. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation area (Mumbai city and suburbs) today, Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Additionally, continuous heavy rain is lashing Mumbai.”

According to officials, parts of Mumbai received more than 250 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. Between 8:30 AM on Monday and 8:30 AM on Tuesday, Vikhroli recorded 255.5 mm, Byculla 241 mm, Santacruz 238.2 mm, Juhu 221.5 mm, and Bandra 211 mm. Colaba received 110.4 mm, while Mahalaxmi saw 72.5 mm of rainfall.

On Monday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued a warning about severe weather conditions in the state, particularly in Mumbai, due to heavy rainfall.

Mumbai received 177 mm of rainfall in just 6-8 hours, prompting the CM to advise citizens to take precautions as more showers are expected along with high tides.

A red alert has been issued for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, with the IMD forecasting extremely heavy rainfall in these areas.

“In the last 2 days, Maharashtra has received widespread rainfall. Red Alert and Orange Alert have been issued for several districts. Even for the next three days, until 21st August, half of the districts in Maharashtra have either Red Alert or Orange Alert. We discussed the precautions that need to be taken due to this,” Fadnavis said. (ANI)