The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in several parts of the country till June 9. Orange alerts for very heavy rains have been issued in Goa, Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra, Coastal Karnataka, Assam and Meghalaya. The IMD has advised people to take precautions against the heat and avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.
The BJP-led NDA initially had a lead in the Lok Sabha election results, but the INDIA bloc later gained momentum and is now leading in several key states, including Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The results have come as a surprise to many, as most exit polls predicted a comfortable victory for the NDA. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s target of 400 seats for the BJP looks unlikely to be achieved. Social media is abuzz with memes and reactions to the results, with many expressing shock at the BJP’s performance in its strongholds.
As of 11 am, the NDA and INDIA coalitions are neck-and-neck in the 11 major South Indian cities, each leading in 5 seats, while parties outside the alliances are leading in one seat. This is an improvement for the NDA, which gained one seat compared to 2019, while the INDIA coalition remains unchanged. The BJP and Congress are the leading parties, while the AIADMK has gained ground in Chennai. The Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram constituencies are seeing close contests between the NDA and INDIA coalitions, while the NDA leads in Secunderabad and the INDIA coalition leads in Ernakulam. Visakhapatnam is led by the Telugu Desam Party of the NDA coalition.
Air Canada has significantly expanded its flight network to India, increasing seat capacity by 40% for the winter season 2024-25. This expansion includes new routes, additional weekly flights, and the introduction of the only non-stop flight from Canada to Mumbai. The move is expected to have a positive impact on tourists, travelers, and tourism businesses, making it more convenient and potentially more affordable to travel between Canada and India.
Air Canada announces a significant expansion of its international network into India, enhancing its connectivity with key cities and offering increased seat capacity. The airline will introduce exclusive non-stop flights from Toronto to Mumbai, as well as upgraded services connecting Western Canada to Delhi through London Heathrow. With a total of 25 weekly flights to India, Air Canada aims to strengthen its position as the leading airline offering the most travel options between Canada and India.
India has experienced a surge in heat-related cases and deaths, with nearly 25,000 suspected cases and 56 fatalities reported between March and May. The month of May witnessed particularly extreme temperatures, with Delhi and Rajasthan recording highs of 50 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, heavy rains and Cyclone Remal have impacted eastern India, leading to 14 deaths in Assam. Additionally, at least 33 individuals, including election officials, succumbed to suspected heatstroke during the recent general election. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) data indicates that May was the deadliest month, with 46 heat-related deaths and over 19,000 suspected cases. Including suspected cases, the death toll could be as high as 80. Odisha has been particularly affected, with 20 confirmed sunstroke deaths reported in the past three days. Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor to the extreme weather conditions in South Asia.
Westin Hotels & Resorts, a member of Marriott Bonvoy, is offering an exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments event featuring Paralympic champion and artist Gregory Burns. This event will take place at select Westin properties in India from June 14 to June 26, 2024, offering guests a unique experience that combines artistic immersion, wellness activities, and meaningful interactions with Burns. Members can bid on these packages using points accumulated through travel or daily transactions.
RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka has outlined his expectations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term following the announcement of Lok Sabha election results. These expectations include: one nation, one election; uniform civil code; agricultural reforms; continued efforts to boost the economy through infrastructure & manufacturing; further push digitalisation; expanding healthcare & education; job creation as a priority; labour reforms; greater investments in energy & climate; and further enhancing India’s global profile. Netizens have reacted strongly to Goenka’s post, with some listing additional expectations and others expressing skepticism about the NDA government.
India is facing a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the heatwave will continue over the next two days but with reduced intensity. Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon has advanced into parts of India, bringing much-needed relief. Heavy rainfall is expected over Assam and Meghalaya, while sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura will experience heavy rains.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist), along with other left-wing organizations, has expressed strong condemnation against Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza, calling it a ‘genocide’ and demanding an immediate ceasefire. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been accused of supporting Israel despite its apparent deviation from the nation’s previous stance on the Palestinian cause.
