Evening brief: Tamil Nadu hooch tragedy's death toll crosses 50; Monsoon to cover North West India by July 3, more
Kallakurichi: Relatives mourn near the mortal remains of people who died after consuming spurious liquor, in Kallakurichi, Friday, June 21, 2024. (
In Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi district, the death toll from a hooch tragedy has risen to 53, with many still hospitalized, officials reported Saturday. Chief minister MK Stalin disclosed in the State Assembly that 47 fatalities resulted from consuming methanol-laced illicit liquor on June 19. The incident sparked uproar in the assembly and drew criticism from the Madras High Court, which questioned the government's actions. Amidst opposition outcry, including calls for resignation, Stalin denounced political theatrics and emphasised the gravity of the situation. The state government pledged financial support for affected families, offering educational and hostel expenses for children orphaned by the tragedy. Dig deeper
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts the monsoon to progress over northwest India and cover most areas by July 3. Currently, ENSO-neutral conditions prevail, with La Niña expected by August. Rainfall is predicted to be near to above normal across the country, except for parts of the Western Himalayas and West Rajasthan. Heatwave conditions persist in isolated areas of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Significant rain deficits are noted in several regions. Active weather systems, including cyclonic circulations, are influencing widespread rainfall over multiple states in the coming days. Dig deeper
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(That’s all we have at this hour in our evening briefing. Catch you tomorrow morning)
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