Himachal Pradesh is likely to experience a stronger spell of monsoon activity from Monday evening, with heavy to very heavy rainfall forecast in several parts of the state until August 11, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at IMD Himachal Pradesh, said several areas had received light to moderate rainfall during the past 24 hours. Dharamshala recorded the highest rainfall at 61 mm, while Arki in Solan received 25 mm and Shimla city recorded nearly 40 mm of rain.

According to Sharma, rainfall activity is expected to increase from Monday evening and remain fairly strong through August 11. The mid- and high-altitude areas are likely to receive frequent light to moderate showers, with some locations witnessing intense spells of rain. The IMD has issued an orange alert for August 10 and 11 in Chamba, Kangra and Mandi districts, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected. A yellow alert has been issued for Una, Bilaspur and Shimla, while isolated heavy showers are also possible in other parts of the state.

Rainfall activity is expected to ease somewhat on August 12 and 13, although central and adjoining areas may continue to experience unsettled weather. Some locations could still receive heavy rain, prompting a yellow alert for parts of Chamba, Bilaspur, Kangra and Mandi. The weather department expects monsoon activity to strengthen again from August 14 and remain active until August 16. During this period, widespread moderate rainfall is likely across Himachal Pradesh, with isolated areas potentially receiving heavy showers. Despite the ongoing monsoon spells, Himachal Pradesh has recorded a rainfall deficit of around 9 per cent between June 1 and August 10. Mandi is the only district that has reported below-normal rainfall, while most other districts have received normal or above-normal precipitation.

The IMD has advised residents and tourists to exercise caution while travelling during the period of active monsoon weather. Heavy rainfall can cause sudden rises in the water levels of rivers, streams and other water bodies, while intense showers may also affect road conditions. People have been advised to check weather and road conditions before travelling and avoid unnecessary journeys during adverse weather.

The department has also warned of reduced visibility in Shimla, Solan and nearby areas because of low clouds and intermittent heavy rain. Temperatures across the state are expected to remain close to normal, with Shimla recording around 24°C. Solan temperatures remained between 27°C and 29°C, while Una and Bilaspur recorded temperatures of around 32°C to 34°C.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Eighty-four years after the Quit India Movement shook the foundations of British rule in India, the historic August 1942 uprising continues to hold an important place in the country's freedom struggle and national memory. The movement began on August 8, 1942, when the All India Congress Committee adopted the Quit India resolution in Bombay, now Mumbai. At the historic meeting at Gowalia Tank Maidan, Mahatma Gandhi gave his powerful call of "Do or Die", urging Indians to launch a decisive struggle for independence. The historic ground is today known as August Kranti Maidan.

The Quit India Movement emerged at a crucial moment in India's history. World War II was underway and Britain was seeking Indian support for the war. However, political leaders in India were increasingly demanding a clear commitment to independence. The failure of the Cripps Mission earlier in 1942 further deepened the political crisis. The proposals brought by Sir Stafford Cripps did not meet the Congress demand for immediate self-government, paving the way for a much more aggressive mass movement.

The British government moved quickly to suppress the agitation. On August 9, Gandhi and several other senior Congress leaders were arrested. Authorities expected that removing the movement's top leadership would prevent it from spreading. Instead, protests erupted across several parts of the country. Students, workers, farmers and ordinary citizens joined demonstrations and strikes. In several places, protesters challenged colonial authority by targeting government offices, railway infrastructure and communication networks. With senior leaders in prison, local organisers and underground groups played an increasingly important role in keeping the movement alive.

The British administration responded with widespread arrests, censorship and police action. Thousands of people were detained, while several protesters were killed or injured during the crackdown. Despite the repression, the movement demonstrated the growing determination among Indians to end colonial rule.

Women also played an important role in the movement. Aruna Asaf Ali became one of its most recognisable figures after hoisting the national flag at Gowalia Tank Maidan on August 9, following the arrest of senior Congress leaders. Her role later became closely associated with the resistance of 1942. The movement also brought several lesser-known freedom fighters into the national struggle. Across different parts of India, young people and local activists participated in protests, organised underground activities and faced imprisonment for opposing British rule. Their contribution remains an important part of the wider history of the Quit India Movement.

The slogan "Quit India" itself is widely associated with socialist leader Yusuf Meherally, who had earlier coined the slogan "Simon Go Back". Gandhi's "Do or Die" message subsequently became one of the defining phrases of the 1942 movement. Although the Quit India Movement was suppressed by the British authorities, it marked a significant stage in India's journey towards independence. The mass mobilisation showed the extent of public opposition to colonial rule and reinforced the demand that India should determine its own political future.

Independence eventually came on August 15, 1947, five years after the Quit India resolution. The country then faced an entirely different challenge: building a democratic and independent nation from the foundations left behind by colonial rule. That nation-building process continues decades later. The meaning of freedom has expanded beyond political independence to include economic opportunity, access to education, technological development, social security, good governance and equal participation in the country's growth.

For today's generation, the legacy of the Quit India Movement is therefore not limited to remembering the events of 1942. It also raises questions about the responsibilities that come with independence. Building strong institutions, creating opportunities for young people, protecting democratic values and ensuring that development reaches ordinary citizens remain important parts of India's continuing national journey. As the country marks 84 years of the Quit India Movement, the events of August 1942 serve as a reminder of a generation that demanded the right to shape its own future. The challenge for the present generation is to carry that legacy forward by strengthening the foundations of the independent India that those freedom fighters envisioned.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde received a bomb threat via her official email on Friday morning, prompting an immediate investigation by law enforcement agencies ahead of the Independence Day celebrations. According to officials, the email warned of planned explosions at several prominent locations across Mumbai before August 15. Among the sites mentioned were the Mayor's office, the Mumbai Metro, schools and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), raising concerns over public safety.

The message also reportedly advised parents against sending their children to school and urged commuters to avoid using the Metro. Authorities said the email contained pro-Khalistan slogans and referred to certain individuals, leading security agencies to treat the threat with seriousness. Following the alert, Mumbai Police registered the matter and launched an investigation. Cyber Crime officials have been brought in to trace the origin of the email by examining its IP address and other digital footprints in an effort to identify the sender.

This is not the first such incident involving Mayor Tawde. Officials noted that she had previously received two similar bomb threat emails, both of which triggered police inquiries and enhanced security measures. The latest threat comes at a time when security arrangements are already being strengthened across Mumbai and other major cities ahead of Independence Day. Police and intelligence agencies have stepped up surveillance at transportation networks, educational institutions and other crowded public places as part of routine precautionary measures.

Investigators are now examining whether the latest email is connected to the earlier threats targeting the Mayor or if it is an independent attempt to spread fear. Authorities have assured that the matter is being thoroughly investigated and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for parts of Delhi after heavy monsoon showers lashed the national capital on Thursday, triggering waterlogging, traffic snarls, and disruptions to daily life. Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors unless necessary and exercise caution as more intense rainfall is expected during the day.

Several areas of the city received heavy rainfall from the early morning hours, leading to flooded roads and slow-moving traffic during the peak office commute. Low-lying localities witnessed water accumulation, while motorists faced delays on major routes due to reduced visibility and waterlogged stretches. Civic agencies were deployed to monitor vulnerable areas and respond to weather-related complaints.

According to the IMD, the active monsoon system over north India is likely to continue influencing weather conditions across Delhi-NCR. The department has warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds, and spells of heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas. The weather agency has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel during intense showers and stay updated through official advisories.

The fresh spell of rain has brought noticeable relief from the humid weather experienced over the past few days, with temperatures expected to remain below seasonal highs. However, officials cautioned that the prolonged rainfall could lead to localized flooding, disruption of public transport services, and delays in road traffic across several parts of the capital.

Weather experts say the current conditions are part of an active monsoon phase affecting several states in northern India. Besides Delhi, heavy rainfall warnings have also been issued for parts of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and other neighbouring regions, raising concerns over flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.

The IMD has advised residents to stay away from waterlogged roads, avoid sheltering under trees during thunderstorms, and keep track of the latest weather bulletins before planning travel. Emergency services and local authorities remain on alert to deal with any weather-related incidents as the rain is expected to continue over the coming days. Officials have appealed to citizens to cooperate with traffic advisories and avoid venturing into flood-prone areas. With the monsoon remaining active across north India, weather conditions are expected to remain unpredictable, making regular updates from the IMD essential for public safety.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

Myanmar's military government has released rare images of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi meeting a Red Cross official, marking her first known contact with the outside world since the 2021 coup. The photos were released just ahead of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing's first official visit to Thailand, prompting speculation about their political significance.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

In a conversation with political editor Tom McIlroy and chief political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy during the 50th Labor conference in Adelaide, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas discussed his state’s political battle with One Nation. He said progressive groups should avoid dismissing or talking down to Pauline Hanson’s supporters, arguing that their concerns need to be understood rather than ignored. Addressing the ongoing debate over the AUKUS submarine deal, Malinauskas acknowledged concerns after the US revealed that Virginia-class submarine production rates had not improved. However, he maintained that walking away from the agreement would create greater strategic risks than the challenges surrounding the controversial defence partnership.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

On Made in SG, Melanie Oliveiro chats with Singaporean singer-songwriter Frances Tan, who recently competed in the Commonwealth Song Contest — an international music competition featuring participants from all 56 Commonwealth countries. Tan shares her experience of being chosen as a Grand Finalist, representing Singapore alongside six other finalist nations. She also discusses her original track, Just Me, which she submitted as her contest entry.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Following the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Donald Trump and the White House administration responded strongly, accusing the media and the Democratic Party of contributing to rising political violence. Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy explore the origins of the deep political divide between Democrats and Republicans in the United States. At the same time, Usha Vance has started a new podcast, raising questions about her motives, while King Charles’s upcoming visit to the White House is expected to shed light on Donald Trump’s relationship with the British monarchy.

Disclaimer: This video is taken from The Guardian.