India is set to receive below-normal rainfall this monsoon season, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest forecast. Affected by an El Niño, monsoon rains are likely to be below average in 2026 for the first time in three years, raising concerns for the country's aquifers and reservoirs.

The southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall over the country as a whole is likely to be 90% of the long-period average (LPA) with a model error of +4%, indicating below-normal rainfall, the IMD stated. Northeast India is expected to see normal rains, while northwest, central and south peninsular India are projected to experience below-normal monsoon rains.

India's economy depends heavily on monsoon rains, which cover almost 70% of the country's rainfall needs to refill aquifers and reservoirs. The IMD defines normal rainfall as being between 96% and 104% of a 50-year average of 87 cm (35 inches) for the four-month season.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Governor has accepted Siddaramaiah's resignation as chief minister. The opposition Congress Party is set to select the next chief minister tomorrow, with Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar widely expected to succeed Siddaramaiah.

Following his resignation, Siddaramaiah met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday. The meeting holds significance as Siddaramaiah is expected to discuss his future within the Congress leadership, after having already declined a Rajya Sabha seat. He also met Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge to discuss the new government formation in Karnataka and his future role in the party.

After tendering his resignation, Siddaramaiah thanked Rahul Gandhi for giving him an opportunity to serve the state. "I got the opportunity to serve seven crore Kannadigas as CM twice, and as Leader of Opposition twice. I thank Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge," he said.

Source: www.dw.com