Heavy monsoon rains have triggered a major flood crisis across Assam and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, leaving more than 22,000 people affected and causing widespread destruction. Dhemaji has emerged as the worst-hit district, with 96 villages submerged, nearly 1,690 hectares of cropland damaged, and more than 48,000 livestock affected. A railway bridge over the Simen River, built in 1965, partially collapsed due to severe riverbank erosion, forcing the suspension of train services between Archipathar and Simen Chapari.

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai's meeting with BJP president Nitin Nabin and senior leader B.L. Santosh has triggered intense speculation about his future in the party. Sources suggest Annamalai may be preparing to chart an independent political course, even as BJP leaders reportedly try to persuade him to stay. Reports indicate that he could launch a public movement before eventually floating a political party of his own.