Mumbai woke up to its first major pre-monsoon spell of the season as heavy rains lashed several parts of the city, triggering waterlogging and massive traffic disruptions. Areas including Andheri, Bandra, Khar, Malad, Goregaon, Juhu, Versova and Vakola witnessed intense rainfall, while key stretches of the Western Express Highway and the Andheri subway faced severe disruptions. The IMD has issued a yellow alert and forecast more rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds in the coming days. With the southwest monsoon expected to advance soon, Mumbai may be heading into a wet and challenging week ahead.

A political flight turned into a national tragedy after a chartered Learjet 45XR crashed near the Baramati airport in Maharashtra, resulting in the loss of all five lives onboard. The aircraft, carrying senior leaders and security personnel, was reportedly attempting a landing when the crash occurred near the runway, triggering shockwaves across the state and the country. The flight was commanded by Captain Sumit Kapoor, with First Officer Shambhavi Pathak as flight support in the cockpit. Both pilots were among the victims of the tragic crash. Also onboard were Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s Personal Security Officer, Vidip Dilip Jadhav and cabin crew member Pinky Mali. WATCH