Mumbai Airport faced significant disruptions today due to heavy rain, with 50 flights diverted to other airports. The city received over 300 mm of rain in just six hours, causing widespread waterlogging and traffic chaos. Key roads and low-lying areas were inundated, crippling normal life in the city. Train services were also cancelled, and several areas reported significant water accumulation. As the airport struggled to cope with the downpour, flights were diverted to ensure passenger safety. The rain overwhelmed storm drains, bringing the city to a standstill.

The Supreme Court will hear a batch of pleas related to the controversial NEET UG exam today. The exam has been marred by allegations of paper leaks and irregularities. A bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud will hear 38 petitions, including one filed by 56 Gujarat students urging the court not to cancel the exam. The students' petition seeks to prevent the Centre and NTA from scrapping the exam. The court's decision will be crucial for the future of thousands of medical aspirants who appeared for the exam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a two-nation tour, starting with Russia, where he will meet President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. Modi hailed the "special and privileged" relationship between the nations, noting significant progress in the past decade. The leaders will review bilateral cooperation, but it's unclear if Modi will address the issue of Indians forced to fight in the Russian Army. Following his Russia visit, Modi will head to Austria on July 9. This trip aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and enhance cooperation between the nations. [Video Courtesy: ANI]

France's recent election has yielded a surprising result, with no clear winner emerging. Despite predictions, the far-right party did not prevail, but the outcome has still created political uncertainty. The election aimed to provide clarity, but instead, it has sparked ongoing questions and potential stalemates. Public discontent and established rivalries may further complicate the situation. As the country navigates this unexpected outcome, the future of French politics remains unclear. Official results are pending, and the path forward will likely be shaped by negotiations and coalition-building efforts in the coming days.

The European Union's climate agency, Copernicus Climate Change Service, has confirmed that June was the warmest month on record, marking the 12th consecutive month with global temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above the pre-industrial average. This milestone follows a year of consecutive record-breaking temperatures, with scientists warning that the planet has surpassed the 1.5°C threshold. While the Paris Agreement aims to limit long-term warming to 1.5°C, the current trend raises concerns about the devastating impacts of climate change. The record-breaking heat has affected millions worldwide, with no signs of slowing down.

In a surprise twist, France's left-wing New Popular Front coalition is poised to win the parliamentary elections, according to exit polls. The coalition is projected to secure 172-192 seats, followed by President Emmanuel Macron's Ensemble group. Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party trails in third place. The results deal a blow to Le Pen's ambitions and prompt Prime Minister Gabriel Attal to offer his resignation. The snap election was called by Macron to counter the far-right's surge in European elections. The outcome suggests French voters have blocked the far-right's advance, as they have in the past.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will visit Manipur's Jiribam district today, interacting with internally displaced persons (IDPs) in relief camps. Security has been tightened, with the area declared a "No Fly Zone" and aerial photography/videography banned. Gandhi will arrive in Imphal and travel to Jiribam by chopper, then head to Churachandpur district by road, meeting IDPs in Moirang, Bishnupur, on his return. The visit comes amid ongoing tensions in the region. Manipur Congress leaders met with party leader Girish Chodankar on Sunday, ahead of Gandhi's visit.

Lisa Nandy, the Indian-origin MP, has been re-elected from Wigan in north-west England and appointed Culture Secretary by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Nandy, 44, was among 11 women appointed to the Cabinet after Labour's landslide win in the UK Elections 2024. She expressed gratitude on social media, acknowledging the country's cultural and sporting heritage as one of its greatest assets. Nandy's appointment marks a significant milestone, as she takes on the crucial role of promoting and preserving the UK's cultural landscape. Her tenure begins amid high expectations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. The two leaders will hold a private dinner and delegation-level talks, reviewing the comprehensive ties between the nations. The visit comes after frequent communication between the leaders since their informal meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2022. Modi will also interact with the Indian community in Russia and visit the Kremlin. The summit aims to strengthen the extensive relations between India and Russia, building on the progress made during their last meeting in New Delhi in 2021.

Mumbai and its suburbs experienced intense rainfall on Monday, with over 300mm recorded in some areas in just six hours. Low-lying areas faced waterlogging, disrupting suburban train services. Heavy rains were reported in Chakala, Aarey, Powai, Sewri, and Dharavi. The IMD forecasts moderate to heavy rain in the region. In response, BMC has declared a holiday for schools and colleges, and stopped drawing water from reserve stocks. Several trains were cancelled due to waterlogging. Officials are working to mitigate the inconvenience caused by the heavy rains.