Lightning strikes during the monsoon have claimed eight lives across Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, with three fatalities in MP and five in Bihar. Additionally, one person died after being swept away in a drain in Sonbhadra, UP. Rising water levels in Uttarakhand's rivers have led to a ban on rafting in Rishikesh until August 31. The IMD reports that the monsoon has covered 26 states but predicts below-normal rainfall for July. In a separate development, ATF prices have been reduced by 5 rupees per liter. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/8-killed-in-lightning-strikes-in-madhya-pradesh-bihar-12122936 #creator program