In Maharashtra, a political controversy has erupted following an incident involving BJP MLA Nitesh Rane, with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis promising action if Rane is found guilty of slapping a government official. The incident has sparked outrage among opposition parties, who are demanding immediate action against Rane. Fadnavis has assured a thorough investigation and stated that the government will not tolerate any misconduct by elected representatives.
Meanwhile, a plea seeking to label the Eidgah mosque in Karnataka as a 'disputed structure' has been rejected by the authorities. The petitioners claimed that the mosque was built on land that was originally a Hindu temple. However, the authorities dismissed the petition, stating that there was no historical evidence to support the claim. The decision has been welcomed by Muslim leaders, who have called for peace and harmony.
In other news, several states are bracing for heavy rainfall as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for the next few days. The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the country, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala. Authorities have been put on high alert and are taking necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the rains.
The ongoing heatwave in northern India continues to cause distress, with temperatures soaring to record levels in some areas. The heatwave has claimed several lives, and hospitals are reporting a surge in cases of heatstroke and dehydration. Authorities have advised people to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day and to drink plenty of fluids.
On the economic front, the Indian rupee has continued its downward slide against the US dollar, reaching a new record low. The rupee's depreciation has been attributed to a combination of factors, including rising global crude oil prices and increased demand for the dollar. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is closely monitoring the situation and has intervened in the market to stabilize the rupee.
In sports news, the Indian cricket team is preparing for its upcoming tour of Australia. The team is scheduled to play a series of Test matches, One Day Internationals, and Twenty20 Internationals against the Aussies. The tour is expected to be a challenging one for the Indian team, as Australia is a formidable opponent on their home ground.