"SEASONAL" · 총 68건
필터 보기현재 지수
50.3
0 = 부정 우세
50 = 중립
100 = 긍정 우세
최근 7일 기준 87,456건을 분석한 결과, 뉴스 심리지수는 50.2(균형)입니다. 긍정 4,360건(5.0%)·중립 80,951건(92.6%)·부정 2,145건(2.5%)이며, 중립 비중이 뚜렷하게 높습니다. 성향 지수는 종합 14.7(중도 균형)입니다.
Most Indians simply call it the monsoon, but several seasonal wind systems influence rainfall across the country. Here's how each one shapes the weather
Letters from schools and park closures signal a growing summer hazard in Germany. Oak processionary moth cateroillar infestations can trigger rashes, breathing problems and widespread disruption.
Seasonal adjustments pushed up jobless claims numbers for last week. But even with the rise, claims have rarely been so low. The post Despite Rise, Jobless Claims Have Almost Never Been So Low As Summer Started appeared first on Breitbart.
IndiGo has announced the temporary suspension of flights to six international destinations as it adjusts its network amid softer travel demand and rising operational costs.The airline said the move is part of a broader network optimisation strategy aimed at matching capacity with current market conditions while maintaining operational efficiency.Which International Routes Has IndiGo Suspended?According to the airline, services to the following destinations will be temporarily suspended:Hong KongShanghaiHo Chi Minh CityLangkawiKrabiSiem ReapFlights to Hong Kong, Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City, Langkawi and Krabi will be suspended from July 1, while services to Siem Reap will be paused from July 3.Read more: HSBC says Asia's largest slum could soon have metro stations, green spaces & 125,000 new homesThe suspension is expected to remain in place until September 30.Why Has IndiGo Suspended These Flights?IndiGo said the decision was driven by a combination of softer seasonal demand and a challenging operating environment.The airline noted that the upcoming quarter typically witnesses lower travel demand, especially on certain international routes.At the same time, airlines continue to face increased operational expenses, making it necessary to review network deployment.In a statement, IndiGo said: "These measured changes are designed to align capacity with current market conditions and demand trends, while ensuring the airline maintains reliability and network integrity across its global destinations."Will IndiGo Restart These Routes?Yes. The airline has confirmed that bookings for all affected routes will reopen from October 1, subject to an improvement in market conditions.IndiGo also stated that it remains prepared to restore services earlier if demand improves and operational conditions become more favourable.Airspace Restrictions Continue To Affect AirlinesApart from rising costs, airlines are also dealing with continuing airspace restrictions that have impacted flight operations and route planning.Several carriers globally have been forced to adjust schedules, reroute aircraft and review international networks due to changing geopolitical and operational challenges.IndiGo said it will continue monitoring the situation closely before making further decisions regarding these routes.IndiGo Retains More Than 1,800 Weekly International FlightsDespite the temporary suspension of six destinations, IndiGo said its international network remains largely intact.The airline continues to operate more than 1,800 international flights every week across its global network.This allows the carrier to maintain strong international connectivity while adjusting capacity where demand is currently weaker.What Does This Mean For Travellers?Passengers planning trips to the affected destinations between July and September may need to consider alternative airlines or adjust their travel plans.However, travellers heading to other international destinations served by IndiGo are unlikely to see any major disruption, as the airline has retained the majority of its overseas operations.The move highlights how airlines are increasingly balancing demand, operating costs and network efficiency as global travel patterns continue to evolve.IndiGo Focuses On Network OptimisationThe temporary suspension reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry, where airlines are becoming more flexible in managing capacity.Rather than operating flights with lower demand, carriers are increasingly redeploying aircraft to stronger-performing routes and adjusting schedules based on market conditions.For IndiGo, the strategy is aimed at protecting profitability while ensuring reliable operations across its growing domestic and international network.Inputs from PTI
The IMD has already stated that the 2026 southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall (June to September) across Karnataka is expected to be below normal in most parts of the State.
Pakistan has issued a new tender for LNG, to the amount of 1 million tons, The Nation reported today, citing the seasonal increase in electricity demand as summer heat sets in. This is the fourth LNG tender for the spot market over the last two months as the country grapples with the fallout from the war in the Middle East. Not all of these tenders have resulted in delivery contracts as in some cases even the lowest bids were deemed too expensive for Pakistan LNG Limited, the state-owned operator. Pakistan has relied on Qatar's term LNG supply…
France experienced its hottest spring in 2026 since climate records began in 1900, with temperatures significantly above seasonal norms and rainfall well below average.
RAWALPINDI: In addition to 6,000 Punjab police personnel, 150 police personnel from the security division of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) police have been assigned for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) election duty, with a total of 2,000 personnel expected to be dispatched to the region. General elections in GB are scheduled for Sunday, with election campaigns already underway by major political parties. The 150 police personnel selected from the security division for GB election duty had been guarding high-profile buildings and installations in the federal capital, as well as performing sensitive security duties, such as escorting foreign delegations. They will leave for GB on Thursday amid tight security and will be back in Islamabad on June 9 (Tuesday). Of the 150 ICT police personnel, 30 personnel have been selected from the Special Protection Unit (SPU), five from the President’s House, 20 from the Prime Minister’s House, six from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), 10 from the Foreign Office (FO) guard duty and 10 from the high security zone. The security division wing of Islamabad police has been guarding several high-profile buildings, including the President’s House, the PM House, PMO, National Assembly, Police Lines, Special Services Group (SSG) Lines and the District Judicial Complex. The security division also escorts foreign delegations visiting Islamabad and its SPU is deputed with Chinese nationals. Meanwhile, convoys of Punjab police personnel to be deployed in GB for election security duty started departing from Rawalpindi and Lahore on Tuesday, escorted by armed police personnel and accompanied by Rescue 1122 ambulance to ensure their safe transportation. “The deployed escort will not leave the convoy without handing it over to another district’s escort,” a directive from the additional inspector general (AIG) operations said. According to sources, a convoy of 18 buses carrying 1,028 police personnel of Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) left Police Lines Headquarters Rawalpindi for GB on Tuesday. The Punjab police chief has directed Rawalpindi City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani, the Lahore capital city police officer, regional police officers of Gujranwala, Sheikhupura and Sargodha, and the district police chiefs to ensure the provision of security to police convoys travelling to GB. In line with the AIG’s directives, four armed police personnel will be deployed with each bus for security as more than 100 buses, including pick-up vans, have been arranged for transporting the police personnel. Of the total number of buses, 48 buses and four pickups will be used to transport 2,348 police personnel from the PHP to GB. The motor transport officers (MTOs) of Rawalpindi Police Lines and PHP Headquarters Lahore will be responsible for briefing the drivers about the destination and ensuring the deployment of buses with fitness certificates. Punjab authorities had initially approved the deployment of 5,000 personnel to GB and later gave the nod for the deployment of 1,000 more police personnel for election security duty. The police personnel will be equipped with anti-riot gear, having seasonal clothes and each bus used for their travel to GB will be accompanied by four armed police personnel. PPP raises concerns about Punjab police deployment In a related development, the PPP has raised questions over the deployment of Punjab Police personnel in GB on election duty. In a video statement, PPP Central Information Secretary Nadeem Afzal Chan said, “The public has many reservations about the Punjab police, which is coming [to GB].” He requested the Punjab police not to adopt the same “attitude” that it did towards the people of the province, emphasising there was a “huge difference” between the public in both regions. Chan added that having a “federal police or institution” overseeing election duties would have been a better choice than having the Punjab police. He stressed it was the responsibility of the GB election commissioner and other stakeholders to ensure that “free and fair elections” were held. The PPP leader contended that a few recent decisions taken by the GB election commissioner had raised concerns among the public as well as political parties. Chan further claimed that federal ministers were campaigning for their parties in GB, in an apparent reference to the defence and planning ministers accompanying PML-N President Nawaz Sharif on his Tuesday visit. The PPP leader also objected to the issuance of a no-objection certificate (NOC) to Nawaz, asking, “How can you issue an NOC to a government executive once the election schedule has been issued?”
In hot Delhi, a dinner host seeks a refreshing, low-effort summer menu for 8, using seasonal Indian produce. ChatGPT helps with a detailed planning.
Business leaders say they will have to offer fewer flexible seasonal roles as a result of the latest rules imposed on them under the Employment Rights Act drawn up by Angela Rayner.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that global oil markets could enter a "red zone" in July and August as rapidly depleting crude inventories coincide with the onset of peak summer fuel demand. The Northern Hemisphere is also entering its highest seasonal period for fuel consumption, with the situation compounded by severe global heatwaves that are straining power grids. According to the energy watchdog, global oil inventories fell by over 250 million barrels between March and May, with on-land commercial and strategic stockpiles…
Country: Afghanistan Source: World Food Programme Please refer to the attached file. Highlights Exchange Rate and Trade Dynamics: During the fourth week of May, the Afghani exchange rate remained stable at AFN 63.8/USD, while remaining stronger than both last year and the three-year average, helping to moderate the impact of imported inflation on domestic markets. Market supply conditions remained generally stable, supported by ongoing domestic harvests and continued imports through regional trade corridors. However, transportation costs, regional trade uncertainties, and high import dependence continue to pose risks to market stability and contribute to localized price fluctuations. Food Items: Overall, national average food prices remained relatively stable during the fourth week of May, with moderate week-on-week declines across major food commodities. However, compared to last year, most key food commodities continue to remain above year-ago levels, particularly wheat grain (+14%), wheat flour (high-price +9%; low-price +12%), rice (high-quality +38%; low-quality +28%), cooking oil (+4%), sugar (+25%), and salt (+10%). Meanwhile, pulses (-12%) and bread (-4%), remain below their respective levels from the same period last year. The higher year-on-year prices reflect increases recorded between Oct-25 and Mar-26 following border closures with Pakistan and the rerouting of trade through Iran and Central Asia. Since then, improved trade flows and market availability have gradually contributed to declining price levels. Vegetables: Vegetable prices continued their seasonal decline, supported by increased domestic production and improved market availability. Tomato prices recorded a significant weekly decrease of 18.5%, while potato prices declined by 2.3%. In contrast, onion prices increased by 4.6%, partially reversing the declines observed in recent months and moving back toward more typical seasonal levels. Compared to last year, tomato prices remain 20% lower and onion prices 35% lower, while potato prices continue to remain substantially above last year’s level (+24%). Increased arrivals of seasonal produce from several provinces, continued to improve market availability and support downward price movements across major markets. Non-Food Items: Diesel prices increased slightly during the week (+1.3%) and remained 14% above last year's level. Fertilizer prices remained broadly stable, with DAP increasing by 0.8% and urea by 0.3% compared to the previous week. Compared to last year, fertilizer prices continue to remain elevated, particularly for urea (+45%) and DAP (+16%), maintaining pressure on agricultural production costs. Improved seed and animal feed prices remained largely unchanged during the week. Livestock and Labour Market: The price of a one-year-old female sheep increased by 6.0%, driven by stronger demand ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, when livestock purchases typically increase across the country. Meanwhile, labour market conditions remained weak during the week, with labour availability declining slightly to 1.9 days per week, compared to the previous week. Labour availability remains substantially below both last year (-20%) and the three-year average (-16%), reflecting continued constraints in employment opportunities and increased competition among casual labourers.
Countries: Lebanon, Syrian Arab Republic Source: Famine Early Warning System Network Please refer to the attached file. Key Messages Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are expected across South and El-Nabatieh governorates through September 2026, driven by sustained insecurity, collapsed market functionality, and severely constrained humanitarian access. From June through September, a deterioration from Stressed! (IPC Phase 2!) to Crisis (IPC Phase 3) is likely in Akkar, Baalbek-El Hermel, Beirut, and parts of Mount Lebanon, Bekaa, and North, reflecting mounting displacement pressures and declining income-earning opportunities alongside a reduction in humanitarian food assistance after May. Hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah persist in May, with continued airstrikes and ground operations driving large-scale displacement, reducing market access, disrupting agricultural production, and constraining humanitarian operations. Despite a 45-day ceasefire extension announced on May 15, fighting intensified in mid- to late May, with attacks remaining concentrated in southern Lebanon, particularly in Tyre, Nabatieh, Bint Jbeil, and Marjayyoun districts. Israeli air and drone strikes are also increasing in frequency in the Bekaa Valley. Attacks targeting critical infrastructure — including health facilities, water systems, and transportation routes — continue to disrupt supply chains and constrain service delivery, while humanitarian access remains constrained across insecurity-affected areas, further isolating southern populations. Displacements continue to increase, placing additional strain on collective shelters and intensifying social tensions in host communities. Returns to southern Lebanon remain limited due to persisting insecurity, widespread infrastructure destruction, restricted access, and disruptions to markets and essential services. Expanded evacuation orders beyond southern Lebanon are constraining movement and access to assistance across southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, with 90 percent of forced displacement orders concentrated in South, triggering further population movements. As of May 21, nearly 130,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are residing in 635 collective shelters, while the majority of the estimated 1.3 million IDPs remain outside formal sites in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and North. Within these governorates, large influxes are exacerbating overcrowding, straining local resources, and heightening tensions between displaced populations and host communities. Food and fuel prices remain key constraints on household food access amid Lebanon’s heavy reliance on imports and ongoing insecurity-related disruptions. Below-average 2025 wheat production, intermittent trade disruptions, and localized access constraints, particularly in the south and the Bekaa-Baalbek-Hermel corridor, are placing upward pressure on prices, with bread prices rising 12 percent from mid-February to mid-April and remaining elevated despite national wheat availability that is supported by sustained imports, especially in areas affected by insecurity and transport disruptions. Sharp increases in fuel prices — rising by approximately 84 percent between mid-February and mid-May — due to domestic price adjustments and regional fuel market pressures following the escalation are raising transportation and production costs. These price increases are further eroding household purchasing power, particularly for poor and displaced households. Market functionality and income-earning opportunities remain uneven across Lebanon, reflecting a geographic divide between insecurity-affected areas and areas not directly impacted by hostilities. In South and El-Nabatieh, market functionality remains severely degraded, with limited trader activity, supply chain breakdowns, and restricted physical access constraining food availability. In contrast, markets continue to operate in most displacement-affected areas, though growing strain on local markets — driven by the IDP influx, price inflation, depleting stocks, and overwhelming trader capacity — and declining purchasing power are increasingly constraining food access. Income-earning opportunities remain well below average countrywide, with the collapse of the tourism industry — an 80 percent drop compared to the same period in 2025 — and below-average activity in construction, services, and transport limiting urban labor demand. The increased labor supply from displaced populations is increasing competition and placing downward pressure on wages. In South, El-Nabatieh, and Baalbek-Hermel, agricultural labor opportunities, associated with the start of the typical wheat and barley harvest, are below average and compounded by displacement, land access constraints, and infrastructure damage, which are reducing a key source of seasonal income. Humanitarian food assistance remains ongoing but insufficient to meet rapidly rising needs. A revised extension of the Lebanon Flash Appeal through August — expected to launch in early June — will continue to target up to 1 million people, contingent on the availability of funding, including poor Lebanese, displaced Syrians, and Palestinian refugees. However, implementation remains highly dependent on securing additional funding, with substantial funding gaps limiting partners’ ability to sustain assistance delivery at scale. Since the start of the escalation, partners have delivered more than 10.3 million hot and cold meals, 129,852 ready-to-eat rations, and 37,256 bread bundles across Lebanon, and have supported 618,000 insecurity-affected people with cash assistance as of May 21. Operational effectiveness also continues to vary by area. In insecurity-affected areas, particularly South and El-Nabatieh, ongoing hostilities, movement restrictions, infrastructure damage, and localized market disruptions limit households’ ability to fully utilize cash assistance, while access constraints and convoy limitations continue to restrict the timely delivery of in-kind assistance to the most affected and isolated populations.
Country: World Source: Pan American Health Organization Please refer to the attached file. Regional situation: In EW 19 of 2026, respiratory virus activity in the Region of the Americas deepens the pattern of inter-hemispheric seasonal transition observed in previous weeks, with an increasingly marked divergence between hemispheres. North America, the Caribbean, and Central America are consolidating the end of the 2025–2026 season, with influenza positivity at low levels close to the interseasonal baseline. In contrast, Brazil and the Southern Cone establish themselves as the subregion of greatest epidemiological relevance for this reporting period, intensifying an accelerated upward trend of the start of the austral winter season, led by Argentina. The Andean Subregion maintains a mixed pattern, with an aggregate decline in influenza but divergent trajectories between countries and with RSV cases that continue to rise. The inter-hemispheric predominance of subtypes persists: influenza B, which has characterized the end of the Northern Hemisphere season, and influenza A, mainly A(H3N2), in the subregions of the Southern Hemisphere. Likewise, RSV shows opposite patterns according to hemisphere: declining in North America and rising in the Andean Region and in Brazil and the Southern Cone, consistent with the start of the austral season. SARS-CoV-2 maintains its generalized decline in all subregions, with no sign of resurgence. The burden of SARI and ILI is declining in the Northern Hemisphere, while the indicators are beginning to reflect an increase in the Southern Cone. Situación regional: En la SE 19 de 2026, la actividad de virus respiratorios en la Región de las Américas profundiza el patrón de transición estacional inter-hemisférica observado en las semanas previas, con una divergencia cada vez más marcada entre hemisferios. América del Norte, el Caribe y Centroamérica consolidan el fin de la temporada 2025–2026, con positividades de influenza en niveles bajos próximos a la línea de base interestacional. En contraste, Brasil y el Cono Sur se afirman como la subregión de mayor relevancia epidemiológica para este periodo de reporte, intensificando una tendencia ascendente y acelerada de inicio de temporada invernal austral, liderada por Argentina. La Subregión Andina mantiene un patrón mixto, con descenso agregado de influenza, pero trayectorias divergentes entre países y con casos de VRS que continúan en ascenso. Persiste el predominio inter-hemisférico de subtipos: influenza B que ha caracterizado el cierre de temporada del hemisferio norte e influenza A, principalmente A(H3N2), en las subregiones del hemisferio sur. Igualmente, el VRS muestra patrones opuestos según hemisferio: en descenso en América del Norte y en ascenso en la Región Andina y en Brasil y el Cono Sur, consistente con el inicio de la temporada austral. El SARS-CoV-2 mantiene su descenso generalizado en todas las subregiones, sin señal de resurgimiento. La carga de IRAG y ETI desciende en el hemisferio norte, mientras los indicadores comienzan a reflejar un incremento en el Cono Sur.
India's UPI transactions reached record highs in May, with 23.2 billion transactions valued at Rs 29.90 lakh crore. This growth, driven by summer travel and seasonal spending, signifies a healthy upward trajectory for the digital payments ecosystem. Future expansion is anticipated through Credit-on-UPI and cross-border initiatives.
Country: Honduras Source: Famine Early Warning System Network Please refer to the attached file. Key Messages Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes remain widespread across Honduras, with Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes emerging in the Dry Corridor between June and September as above-average prices, below-average labor demand, and previous harvest losses exacerbate seasonal trends. While many households continue to meet minimum food needs through market purchases, they are struggling to cover essential non-food expenditures amid below-average seasonal agricultural labor opportunities and are increasingly relying on coping strategies such as selling small livestock and borrowing. In the Dry Corridor, households negatively impacted by multiple poor agricultural seasons are likely to resort to more severe coping strategies at the height of the lean season. The rest of the country will experience Stressed (IPC Phase 2), while urban centers including Tegucigalpa (Francisco Morazán), La Esperanza (Intibucá), and the Bay Islands remain in Minimal (IPC Phase 1) due to more stable formal and informal income sources. Above-average fuel and fertilizer prices continue to drive high production and transportation costs for a second consecutive month. In April,diesel prices remained nearly 34 percent higher than March, 64 percent higher than last year, and 49 percent higher than the five-year average. Fertilizer prices have also remained elevated, with DAP (18-46-0) and urea rising to 7.2 and 50 percent higher than March, respectively, and 21.2 and 45.1 percent above the five-year average, respectively. These rising input costs contributed to inflation surpassing the 5 percent threshold in April. Staple food costs persist above last year and the five-year average despite relatively stable month-on-month prices, driven by weak domestic production. In April, wholesale white maize prices were 49.2 and 39.8 percent higher than last year and the five-year average, respectively, reflecting increased demand and lingering effects of below-average import volumes in 2025. Wholesale red bean prices are 10 percent above the five-year average but remained stable month-on-month and year-on-year, partly supported by increased bean availability due to crop substitution of maize for beans during primera 2025and improved import volumes. While increased remittance inflows in early 2026 are helping receiving households partially offset higher food costs, most poor households do not receive remittances and remain vulnerable to price increases. Recent rainfall estimates through mid-May indicate widespread below-average precipitation across Honduras, negatively impacting primera land preparation and planting in localized areas. While some localized rainfall has met thresholds for planting requirements, much of this precipitation has been concentrated within short periods (2-3 days), limiting soil moisture adequacy and leading many farmers to postpone planting until more consistent rainfall is established. As a result, smallholders are not expected to initiate primera planting until mid-May. At the same time, elevated input costs are constraining fertilizer use by smallholder farmers, likely contributing to expected below-average primera crop yields by August. The Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG), in coordination with agroclimatology boards and with support from the Centro de Estudios Atmosféricos, Oceanográficos y Sísmicos (CENAOS)/Comisión Permanente de Contingencias (COPECO), is monitoring and guiding planting decisions across the country. The forecast transition to El Niño is expected to result in rainfall deficits and above-average temperatures through September, particularly in the Dry Corridor, reducing vegetation health and soil moisture and disrupting crop development throughout the primera season. While the magnitude of the El Niño event remains uncertain, CENAOS has issued region-specific guidance for farmers, recommending early planting (before May 10) in the Dry Corridor areas bordering El Salvador, and slightly later planting (after May 15) in central and eastern departments. Drought-prone areas, including southern Francisco Morazán, El Paraíso, Valle, Choluteca, and southern Comayagua, are likely to experience larger rainfall deficits. SAG is advising some farmers to prioritize planting red beans instead of white maize due to its short production cycle and lower water requirements, improving crop resilience under uncertain rainfall conditions.
New Delhi: The price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders has been increased from June 1, raising input costs for hotels, restaurants and other commercial establishments, while domestic cooking gas rates have been left unchanged, according to industry sources.In Delhi, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has been raised by Rs 42 to Rs 3,113.50. In Kolkata, the increase is steeper at Rs 53.50, taking the retail price to Rs 3,255.50.The price revision comes amid heightened efforts by the government and oil marketing companies (OMCs) to strengthen fuel security and ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products across the country.Also read | Refiners adjust to new crude mix as Hormuz crisis tightens supplyIndustry sources said the price of 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders has also been increased by Rs 11. Following the revision, a 5-kg FTL cylinder will cost Rs 821.50 in Delhi. The revised rates came into effect on June 1.There has been no change in the price of domestic LPG cylinders, providing relief to household consumers at a time when global energy markets continue to remain volatile.The latest revision follows the government's assurance that adequate stocks of petroleum products are available and that there is no shortage of LPG, petrol or diesel in the country.Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on Friday, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the government is working to bolster energy security through strategic reserves and enhanced inventory management.She said OMCs have been advised to maintain a minimum LPG reserve equivalent to 30 days of consumption and that efforts are underway to strengthen crude oil reserves as well.Also read | India cuts export duties on petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuelAccording to Sharma, all refineries are operating at optimum levels and domestic LPG production has reached record highs. She said inventories of key fuels remain comfortable and no instances of LPG distributors running dry have been reported.At the same time, authorities have observed unusual spikes in fuel sales in several regions. While part of the increase is attributed to seasonal agricultural demand, bulk purchases have also contributed to higher offtake.Government data showed overall fuel sales growth exceeding 30%, with 14 districts recording more than 100% growth in petrol sales. In contrast, six districts witnessed a decline of about 38% in sales by OMCs.To prevent diversion and hoarding, enforcement agencies have intensified inspections. Over the past four days, around 6,500 raids were conducted involving LPG distribution networks, resulting in multiple FIRs and arrests. Separate inspections at retail fuel outlets led to the seizure of significant quantities of petrol and diesel, along with legal action against violators.Sharma said domestic refineries are currently producing around 50-52 thousand metric tonnes of LPG per day against demand of about 72 thousand metric tonnes, with the balance being met through imports. She added that the backlog in LPG supplies has narrowed to around 4.5 days, indicating an improvement in distribution efficiency.The increase in commercial LPG prices is expected to have a bearing on operating costs for eateries, catering businesses and other commercial users, even as household consumers remain insulated from the latest revision.
Mumbai: Indian equities face challenges in repeating their seasonal strength in June, with uncertainty over the peace process between the US and Iran and continued foreign selling clouding the outlook. Mid and smallcap stocks stand a better chance of extending their winning run with domestic money chasing potential winners beyond blue chips.In the past ten years, both the Nifty 50 and Nifty 500 have posted gains in six instances, with average gains of 1.6% and 1.9%, respectively, according to data from Motilal Oswal Financial Services for the past decade.The Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 250 were up seven times over the past decade, according to Bloomberg data."June seasonality has generally favoured Indian equities," said Sriram Velayudhan, senior vice-president, IIFL Capital Services. "However, factors like crude prices, foreign selling and the impact of adverse weather conditions on the impending monsoon will influence market sentiments in June."The Nifty and Sensex dropped by 2.6% and 2.8%, respectively, in May. The Midcap 100 was up 2.6%, and the Nifty Smallcap 250 gained 1.6%.131431493Analysts said investors tracking seasonal trends must look beyond June."As per seasonality, May and June mostly remain mixed, but July has historically been positive," said Chandan Taparia, head of technical and derivatives research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services. "So dips or consolidation of June can be bought for the next leg of the rally for July."Selective themes such as capital markets, power, energy, auto ancillaries, infrastructure, capital goods, and wire and cable could outperform, he said.Lower foreign ownership is helping small and midcaps, unlike large caps, said Velayudhan.
New Delhi: Restaurants, fashion and beauty retailers, and multi-brand outlets in malls are raking it in as heatwave conditions, school holidays, and lesser travel combine to drive customers indoors into air-conditioned retail outlets and eating joints."Our restaurants have waiting periods stretching to hours at key locations like Mall of India in Delhi NCR even on weekdays. We have over 15 outlets across key malls in India, and the mall business is higher than last year. Our sales would be up by around 15-20% for outlets in malls compared to last year," said Saurabh Khanijo, managing director of Kylin chain of restaurants.Also read: After Zudio boom, Trent still has a long runway for growth: Noel TataPushpa Bector, group executive director at DLF Retail, said revenues for DLF malls should be up by around 10-11% for April and May compared to last year. “People are not travelling as much this summer,” said Bector. “Because of adverse weather conditions, disposable incomes are going into malls, and per capita spending seems to have gone up. We should be doing considerably well all the way till August. Categories such as F&B, beauty and fashion are doing well,” she added.The average time a family spends at the mall has increased since the start of summer vacations, said Ravinder Choudhary, vice president of Vegas & Unity Group that operates half a dozen malls in Delhi and Punjab.“We have also created activity zones in the malls that we operate. That crowd then spends time shopping and eating out as well. Food and entertainment zones are doing extremely well while there is a stable growth in fashion brands,” he added.Café Delhi Heights, which operates around 44 outlets across malls in India, is seeing a 10% uptick in sales over last year.For standalone outlets in local markets and high street areas, restaurateurs are running offers like extended happy hours to lure more crowds.Also read: The 9 pm rule inside India’s predictable summer shopping pattern"Extreme weather is increasingly becoming a factor in consumer decision-making. During periods of intense heat, air-conditioned malls gain a natural advantage as they offer a complete ecosystem of shopping, dining and entertainment in a comfortable environment,” said Shriram PM Monga, co-founder, SRED, a retail advisory firm.Monga said that it was not merely a seasonal spike in footfalls but a shift in ‘dwell-time economics.’“Based on what we are observing across our portfolio, mall footfalls increase by 15–25% during peak holiday and high-temperature periods, resulting in stronger sales for F&B and lifestyle brands,” he said. “As Indian cities continue to urbanise and temperatures grow more extreme, well-planned retail destinations are poised for sustained demand. The consumption story inside organised retail is only getting stronger."
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) offloaded 39,786 passengers in 2025 under a “lawful, intelligence-driven and risk-based system” to curb irregular migration and human smuggling, a top official said on Sunday. Speaking to a select group of senior journalists, Immigration Additional Director General Nouman Siddiqui said passenger offloading, often criticised publicly, was primarily a preventive step aimed at saving lives, protecting citizens from exploitation abroad and safeguarding Pakistan’s international image. “Offloading decisions are not arbitrary,” he asserted. They are based on immigration concerns, suspicious travel patterns, document verification, destination-country requirements and established standard operating procedures. The primary objective, he said, was “the protection of human life and prevention of exploitation at the hands of human traffickers”. At least 132 passengers were offloaded from their scheduled flights at various airports across the country in the past year by FIA immigration officers, while 85 of its officials were penalised for misuse of authority during this period, according to a report submitted to the Senate. A National Assembly standing committee was told in December that at least 51,000 passengers were offloaded at airports in 2025 after failing immigration checks, with a large number of them being offloaded at Lahore and Karachi airports. Rising risks and deadly consequences Siddiqui said the crackdown followed multiple tragedies linked to illegal migration routes. Over the past three years, around 460 Pakistanis have fallen victim to such incidents, with at least 377 reported deaths. According to International Organisation for Migration’s (IOM) data, 109 Pakistani nationals lost their lives in 2025 alone while attempting irregular migration. He said the issue gained urgency after the June 2023 Greece boat tragedy, in which a large number of Pakistani migrants perished in the Mediterranean Sea. A high-level inquiry committee formed by the prime minister subsequently recommended stricter enforcement measures, many of which are now being implemented. To dismantle criminal networks, the FIA registered 2,421 cases since December 2024, resulting in the arrest of 3,130 agents. Authorities seized property worth Rs961.71 million, recovered Rs87.7m and froze bank accounts amounting to Rs239.63m. “These figures reflect the scale and seriousness of human smuggling and trafficking in Pakistan,” he said. In many cases, passengers were found travelling through suspicious routes, fake overseas employment schemes, forged documents, fraudulent sponsorships or high-risk transit patterns linked to organised smuggling and trafficking networks, he added. The FIA’s Risk Analysis Unit developed five risk profiles to help immigration officers segregate suspected travellers from genuine passengers. The profiles are reviewed and updated periodically. The measures led to a 75 per cent reduction in deportations related to beggary and a 31pc decrease in deportations due to forgery. Overall deportations from various countries fell 16pc in 2025 compared to 2024. The agency also cited a 64pc reduction in illegal border crossings into Europe by Pakistani nationals in the first two months of 2025-26, according to Frontex data. Two categories of offloaded passengers Siddiqui said offloaded passengers fell into two categories: those offloaded by FIA on immigration or risk grounds, and those not offloaded by FIA, including cases involving airline issues, technical faults, flight cancellations, bad weather, self-offloading, seasonal border closures or requests from other departments. Besides the 39,786 passengers offloaded by FIA in 2025, another 34,688 were offloaded for non-FIA reasons. These included airline-related disruptions and arrests required by Customs, Anti Narcotics Force, Airport Security Force and the police. Facilitation and reforms To reduce inconvenience for genuine travellers, FIA Immigration has established pre-departure facilitation desks at zonal offices to help passengers verify travel documents before ticket purchase. Passengers who believe they were offloaded due to a misunderstanding or incomplete information can approach the concerned border checkpost in-charge for immediate review, and are allowed to travel if found eligible. A 24/7 helpline has also been set up for complaints and facilitation. Siddiqui noted that immigration staff face challenges in making real-time decisions, often under public pressure and media scrutiny. “Many passengers initially present legitimate purposes, but deeper checks reveal links with traffickers or illegal migration routes,” he said, warning that failure to act could expose individuals to detention, exploitation or even death. Reforms underway The FIA has proposed new legislation to strengthen immigration controls and introduce clearer remedial mechanisms for affected travellers. A Joint Working Group comprising the FIA, Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has also been formed. Siddiqui said the forum will facilitate genuine overseas workers holding valid work visas registered with the Protectorate of Emigrants, while strengthening anti-smuggling measures and coordinated immigration controls. He affirmed that the FIA remained committed to balancing facilitation of genuine travellers with effective prevention of irregular migration, human smuggling, trafficking, forged travel and loss of Pakistani lives abroad. The head of FIA’s immigration wing stressed that immigration controls were not merely punitive but protective in nature. “Our goal is to strike a balance — to facilitate genuine travellers while preventing human smuggling, trafficking and the tragic loss of Pakistani lives,” he said.