Stories from New Delhi · India

The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow high-temperature alert for surrounding areas. New Delhi is experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching record highs for April. New Delhi has recorded a temperature high of 42.8C amidst a heatwave. A heatwave is forecast for Northern India. India typically experiences hot weather from April to June, with monsoon rains in July providing cooling.

The National Disaster Management Institute (NIDM) is inviting applications for the position of Professor. The application deadline is April 30, 2016. Further details can be found on the NIDM website, nidm.gov.in.

The Election Commission of India has launched the E-CINET platform to allow voters to review candidate backgrounds before voting. The platform is designed to provide comprehensive candidate profiles. The tool is intended to provide transparency regarding candidate profiles during the election process. The platform provides detailed information on candidates to assist in the electoral process. The Secretary of the Ministry of Development of North-East, IN, Vij Kapche, launched a textile initiative yesterday. The project combines the Mishing silk traditions of North-East India with the Chandheri weaving heritage of Madhya Pradesh. The Secretary stated the initiative brings both heritage and innovation.

The sowing season in India is scheduled to commence in two weeks. The announcement highlights the country's central role in international food security.

India has currently produced only one gigawatt hour of battery capacity despite an announced ambition of 178 gigawatt hours. Most electric vehicles sold in India rely entirely on imported battery cells. This represents a small fraction of the country's stated energy goals. The reliance on imports persists despite the scale of the domestic EV market. Indian manufacturers rely almost entirely on imported battery cells for production. This dependency creates a obstacle for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal to increase manufacturing to 25 percent of India's GDP. China currently shares older technology but maintains strict control over more sophisticated battery innovations. The lack of domestic high-end cell production hinders India's industrial growth ambitions.

Listed companies in India reported a 14.7 percent increase in net profit for Q3 FY26. This represents the fastest growth rate recorded in two years.

India currently possesses only 1 gigawatt hour of battery capacity despite an announced goal of 178 gigawatt hours. The country faces challenges in accessing manufacturing technology compared to rivals like Japan and South Korea. This technological gap threatens India's ability to scale its electric vehicle industry. Experts note that the country is attempting to build many of these industries from scratch.

The Safdarjung meteorological station in New Delhi, India, recorded a maximum temperature of 42.8 degrees Celsius on April 25. This is the highest recorded temperature for April in recent years for the city. This reading significantly exceeds the average for the same period and meets the India Meteorological Department's criteria for a heatwave, defined as temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Authorities have implemented a vigilance protocol, specifically regarding schools, due to the early and violent heat. A report from Adoula and Rally noted the extreme conditions in the capital.

An Indian official has proposed a trusted traveler scheme to assist with visa verification processes. The proposal aims to help prevent scam artists from obtaining visas through the IRCC system. The official suggested that authorities check the legitimacy of applicants before issuing visas to mitigate system abuse. This discussion follows concerns regarding the exploitation of asylum systems.

Renowned Indian photographer and photojournalist Raghu Rai has passed away at the age of 83. Observers noted his ability to witness rather than just record historical moments. He was considered a major figure in global photojournalism and a key visual witness to contemporary India. His career spanned over six decades, during which he documented historical events including the Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971. He was recognized for capturing the country's social contrasts and shifts. His work has been considered a chronicle of modern India since the 1950s, covering both political and social themes. He was notably recognized for his photographs of the 1904 Bhopal disaster. The photographer had previously faced controversy regarding social media accusations involving a sandal design based on traditional indigenous Mexican community patterns.