Southwest monsoon withdraws from India, northeast monsoon has commenced: IMD
New Delhi: The southwest monsoon withdrew from the entire country on Thursday, October 16, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
Simultaneously, the northeast monsoon has commenced over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, south interior Karnataka, and Kerala-Mahe.
This year, the monsoon reached Kerala on May 24, its earliest onset over the Indian mainland since 2009, when it arrived on May 23. Over the four-month season that ended on September 30, India recorded 937.2 mm of rainfall, 8% above the normal of 868.6 mm.
However, the distribution was uneven across regions. Eastern and northeastern India recorded a 20% deficit with 1,089.9 mm of rainfall, while central India received 1,125.3 mm — 15.1% above normal. The southern peninsula saw a surplus of 9.9% over its average of 716.2 mm.
The IMD attributed the surplus rainfall to active monsoon conditions aided by frequent western disturbances that boosted precipitation in several regions.
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Attacks on Christians contradict PM's message of harmony, visit to church: Gehlot
Jaipur (PTI): Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday expressed concern over the reported attacks and disruptions in prayer gatherings of the Christian community in different parts of the country, saying such incidents were "worrying and condemnable".
In a post on X, Gehlot said that while the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visiting a church and giving a message of peace and harmony, news of attacks on members of the Christian community from various regions reflected a serious contradiction.
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"Symbolic gestures would not be enough, and strict legal action was required against those spreading hatred," the senior Congress leader said.
He added that Indian culture has always upheld the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", where every citizen has full freedom to practise their faith.
Gehlot urged the Centre and state governments to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no citizen is forced to celebrate their festival under fear.
