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New Delhi [India], August 1 (ANI): Delhi Education Minister Atishi announced that all schools in the national capital, both government and private, will remain closed on Thursday in view of heavy rainfall. Taking to her official handle on microblogging site X, Atishi posted on Wednesday, "In light of the very heavy rainfall today evening and the forecast of heavy rainfall tomorrow, all schools--government and private--will remain closed tomorrow." Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi also posted on her X handle and said that all schools under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will remain closed on August 1 in view of the forecast of adverse weather conditions. "All MCD schools will remain closed tomorrow, August 1, 2024, in view of incessant rainfall in the National Capital and the forecast of adverse weather conditions," read the post. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that clouds had converged over Delhi from all directions, prompting an advisory for residents to avoid unnecessary travel. "Clouds have converged over Delhi from all four sectors. Widespread light to moderate rainfall with isolated intense to very intense spells (3-5 cm/hr) is likely over Delhi in the next two hours," the IMD posted on X. Adding to the threat of rain-related incidents, a woman and her child drowned after falling into a waterlogged drain in the Ghazipur area of East Delhi on Wednesday following heavy rainfall in the national capital. The deceased were identified as Tanuja (22) and her child, Priyansh (3), residents of Prakash Nagar Khoda Colony, Ghaziabad. "The bodies have been recovered and further legal action is being taken by Ghazipur East Delhi Police Station," said the police. Meanwhile, amid heavy downpours, a house collapsed in Delhi's Sabzi Mandi area. A total of five fire tenders were rushed to the site. However, fire brigade officials were delayed due to traffic congestion. The incident occurred at 8:57 p.m., according to reports. Earlier in the day, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena cautioned all officers to remain alert in light of the ongoing heavy downpour in the national capital. Rain lashed several parts of Delhi and its adjoining National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday evening, providing relief from the humid weather. However, the downpour resulted in traffic congestion throughout the city. Due to the bad weather, Delhi witnessed 10 flight diversions reported between 7.30 pm and 8pm, according to airport sources. Severe waterlogging was witnessed near AIIMS after incessant rainfall in the national capital. Traffic jams were also witnessed in the ITO area of Delhi after rain lashed the city. The IMD has cautioned that the showers are likely to cause slippery roads, low visibility, traffic disruptions, and localised waterlogging in low-lying areas. According to the IMD, intermittent showers are likely in Delhi till August 5.

Delhi rains: All schools to remain closed today after intense downpours and heavy rain forecasts

The devastating <keyword id="21208239" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="monsoon-season" source="keywords">monsoon season</keyword> of 2024 has inflicted profound tragedy across <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>, marked by a series of catastrophic events. In <keyword id="19896018" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Kerala" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Kerala">Kerala</keyword>, relentless rains triggered deadly <keyword id="19964849" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="landslides" source="keywords">landslides</keyword>, leaving scores feared dead and hundreds trapped under debris. These are scenarios that have become alarmingly common this year due to the torrential rainfall and improper disaster-abating infrastructure in our country. <h2>Monsoon mayhem across India</h2>Since the onset of the monsoon in June, nearly 150 people have lost their lives in various rain-related incidents across India. The situation has been particularly dire in states like Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, and Kerala. <ul><li>Gujarat: The state has reported 65 deaths due to heavy rainfall, the highest so far this season. Many of these lives were lost due to widespread flooding, landslides and other rain-related incidents.</li><li>Himachal Pradesh: With 56 fatalities, the state has faced severe flooding and landslides, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and necessitating massive <keyword id="20501159" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rescue-operations" source="keywords">rescue operations</keyword>.</li><li>Delhi: The capital experienced its heaviest June rainfall in 88 years, resulting in six deaths and significant disruptions, including the closure of a terminal at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.</li><li>Maharashtra: Recent heavy rains have claimed six lives and injured 12 after triggering a landslide that trapped many in Lavasa. The downpours also inundated many houses in low-lying parts of the state.</li><li>Kerala: Landslides triggered by incessant rains around 2 AM on Tuesday trapped hundreds and resulted in 54 deaths so far, with rescue operations ongoing. The landslides have hit many areas, including Mundakkai, Attamal, Chooralmala and Kunhone.</li></ul> The Indian government, along with state authorities, has been actively engaged in rescue and relief operations. In Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced financial aid for affected families and coordinated with the National Disaster Response Force and other agencies for evacuation and relief efforts. In Delhi, the government, assisted by the army, managed rescue operations and worked to restore essential services disrupted by the flooding of the <keyword id="20334716" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="yamuna-river" source="keywords">Yamuna River</keyword>. 200 soldiers have also been deployed to Kerala to assist the landslide-trapped. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112127108" title="IMD issues Red alert for Wayanad, neighbouring districts" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2><keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">Climate change</keyword> and increased vulnerability</h2>Forecasters and scientists have been warning that such events are only set to turn more frequent and deadly in the coming years, thanks to climate change. Rising temperatures have the ability to lead to more intense monsoon rains, increasing the likelihood of <keyword id="19912527" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="floods" source="keywords">floods</keyword> and landslides. Further, increased soil saturation and flooding can also undermine the stability of railway tracks, leading to higher risks of derailments during such periods of intense rain. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112125756" title="Wayanad landslides: NDRF teams, Army choppers, Ministers rush to Wayanad" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon season in 2023 saw around 170 <keyword id="21330823" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="rain-related-deaths" source="keywords">rain-related deaths</keyword> by the end of July, as per media reports. This year, the toll has already surpassed this figure, indicating the growing severity of weather events attributed to climate change. <h2>Increased budget for disaster management</h2>However, there is good news in the fact that the Government is taking notice. In response to the increasing frequency of such <keyword id="21172782" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="disasters" source="keywords">disasters</keyword>, the Union Budget 2024-25 has made substantial allocations towards disaster prevention and management, even earmarking special relief funds for several states grappling with regular disasters, such as Bihar, Assam, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim for flood management, landslide and related projects. As per the Ministry of Finance, through the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme and other sources, government will provide financial support for projects with estimated cost of Rs 11,500 crore such as the Kosi-Mechi intra-state link and 20 other ongoing and new schemes including barrages, river pollution abatement and irrigation projects. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112128671" title="Kerala landslides: Toll climbs to 45, rescue ops underway" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>With the monsoon season still in progress, the government and disaster management agencies remain on high alert. Continuous efforts are being made to improve infrastructure resilience and enhance early warning systems to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters. However, the ongoing challenges posed by climate change necessitate sustained and comprehensive strategies to protect vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Kerala landslide adds to tally of over 180 rain-related deaths since June

The forecourt of the <keyword id="47045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi-airport" source="Orion">Delhi airport</keyword> was waterlogged for a "short period" Saturday morning due to sudden heavy rains, its operator DIAL said. Sources said five flights were diverted from the airport this morning due to the bad weather conditions. Waterlogging has been reported from several parts of the national capital including Moti Bagh and RK Puram in south Delhi after rains lashed the city Saturday morning. The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said on Twitter that "due to sudden heavy rain, for a short period, there was waterlogging at the forecourt". "Our team was immediately aligned to look into it and the issue has been resolved," it added. An official of the meteorological department said the national capital received 97 mm rainfall since Friday morning. PTI DSP TIR TIR

Delhi airport gets waterlogged after heavy rains

The residents of the national capital woke up to heavy rains and rumbling of thunder on Sunday morning. The rains brought the mercury down by several notches. Waterlogging in low-lying areas and roads is likely to affect traffic movement, <keyword id="3573341" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-India-Meteorological-Department">the India Meteorological Department</keyword> (IMD) said in a forecast for Delhi-NCR issued at 6:30 am. Till 5:30 am, the Safdarjung Observatory, which provides representative figures for the city, recorded 4.9 mm rainfall. The <keyword id="9602090" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="palam-weather-station">Palam weather station</keyword> gauged 3.8 mm precipitation. <keyword id="2737161" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kuldeep-Srivastava">Kuldeep Srivastava</keyword>, head of the IMD's regional forecasting centre, said, "Moderate to isolated heavy rains were witnessed in parts of Delhi-NCR." Earlier, the IMD had predicted isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over parts of northwest India. It had said the "entire monsoon trough is most likely to shift northwards, closer to the foothills of the Himalayas during July 19-20". Despite the early arrival of monsoon in Delhi, the rains have remained subdued. According to the IMD, the Safdarjung Observatory has recorded 47.9 mm rainfall in July so far, which is 56 per cent less than the normal of 109.4 mm. Palam and Lodhi Road weather stations have recorded 38 and 49 per cent less rains in July. Srivastava said the fresh spell of rains will reduce the deficit to some extent. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/weekend-lockdown-imposed-in-karnatakas-covid-hit-kodagu-district/articleshow/77046035.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Weekend lockdown imposed in Karnataka's Covid-hit Kodagu district</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/checkout-devastating-images-and-pictures-of-assam-floods/slidelist/76684624.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">IN PICS: Devastating images of Assam floods as five more die and 9.26 lakh people bear the after-effects</a>

Heavy rain lashes several parts of Delhi on Sunday morning, IMD says thundershowers likely to continue for next few hours

While there are nearly 5.68 lakh houses under various stages of construction in Delhi-NCR, any kind of periodic ban on construction by different agencies can only delay the projects, adding to the woes of the buyers. The maximum number of under-construction units is in <keyword id="18858" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="noida" source="Orion">Noida</keyword> and Greater Noida areas, accounting for nearly 2.70 lakh units, as per an estimate. On average, a one-month ban on all construction activity delays a project by at least 3-4 months, according to research by <keyword id="4695749" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="anarock" source="Orion">Anarock</keyword> consultants. As per the research, the areas in Delhi-NCR with the maximum under construction units presently include Greater Noida West, Yamuna Expressway, New Gurugram, Noida Expressway, Dwarka Expressway, Central Noida, Sector 150 (Noida), <keyword id="1464478" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="greater-faridabad" source="Orion">Greater Faridabad</keyword>, <keyword id="15299315" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="raj-nagar-ext" source="Orion">Raj Nagar Ext</keyword> (Ghaziabad), Sohna and Golf Course Ext Road. These areas together have more than 4 lakh units that are currently under various stages of construction. Greater Noida West alone has more than 1.37 lakh under-construction units currently. The air quality in Delhi-<keyword id="53426" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ncr" source="Orion">NCR</keyword> has turned poor and heavy smog has started engulfing the region. This year too, to battle pollution, an action plan has been rolled out in advance, mandating that if the pollution levels breach certain levels (i.e., Stage III or 'severe'), authorities will have to enforce a ban on construction and demolition activities in NCR, except on essential projects (like railways, metros, airports, ISBTs, national security/defence-related projects of national importance). Apart from this, the construction of projects also gets hampered due to protests on the issue of land compensation. The Anarock research said that being periodic, the impact of these construction bans on overall property prices is almost negligible. Moreover, real estate prices in most cities are not so much a function of environmental concerns as of accessibility, proximity to the city centres or major employment hubs, urban mobility via various modes of public transport, and affordability. In Mumbai too, the city perennially experiences floods during monsoon, yet property prices remain steady. In fact, in the last two-and-a-half years since the pandemic, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) has been the most active in terms of both new supply and new launches. As for Delhi-NCR, the region too has been very active. While developers restricted new supply, housing sales have been significant. In fact, the region has shed at least 23 per cent of its unsold stock in the last 2.5 years since the pandemic. Back in Q1 2020-end, the overall unsold stock in Delhi-NCR stood at 1.73 lakh units which have reduced to a little over 1.32 lakh units as of Q3 2022-end, said the Anarock research. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/huge-hike-in-airfare-from-delhi-mumbai-to-patna/articleshow/94961347.cms">Huge hike in airfare from Delhi, Mumbai to Patna</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/nissan-x-trail-premium-suv-to-launch-in-india-features-specs-and-everything-you-need-to-know/slidelist/94961171.cms">Nissan X-Trail premium SUV to launch in India – features, specs and everything you need to know</a>

Delhi-NCR: 5.68L houses under construction; periodic bans add to buyers' woes

To influence voters in Bihar, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Prime+Minister+Narendra+Modi+">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> announced on Tuesday a package of whopping Rs 1.25 lakh crore for the state and promised that it would touch new heights of development if the BJP is voted to power. 
 
Modi also attacked <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Bihar+Chief+Minister+Nitish+Kumar+">Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar</a> for putting the prestige of Bihar at stake by pleading with the previous <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=UPA+government+">UPA government</a> for packages and getting only Rs 12,000 crore, reported PTI. 
 "I am here today to fulfill my promise to you. I am announcing a package of Rs 1.25 lakh crore for Bihar. Now you give me your blessings to change the fate of Bihar," he said at a government function in <keyword id="1076700" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Arrah">Arrah</keyword> district, where several projects were launched. 
 
The PM also made it clear that the Rs 1.25 lakh crore package will be in addition to the ongoing projects worth Rs 40, 657 crore, announced previously. 
 In the wake of high-stakes state assembly polls, the BJP is banking heavily on the Centre's development package to wrest power from <keyword id="6358190" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Nitish-Kumar">Nitish Kumar</keyword>, its one time ally-turned-rival, who has now joined hands with <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Lalu+Prasad%27s+RJD+">Lalu Prasad's RJD</a> to take on the saffron combine. 
 
Attacking Kumar for his claim that Bihar was no longer a 'bimaru' state as claimed by Modi in his previous rally in Bihar, Modi wondered why he had been seeking packages all the time. 
 
He said: "Our chief minister turned very angry and said who is Modi to call Bihar a 'bimaru' state. He said with authority that Bihar is no longer a bimaru state. If it is true, then I will be the happiest person. I welcome this.” 
 
"Tell me, if somebody is healthy, will he go to a doctor. If somebody's stomach is full, will he go anywhere seeking food? I am surprised that on the one hand he says Bihar is not bimaru and on the other he keeps asking for something or the other. Let the people of Bihar decide," Modi said. 
 
He further cited the previous two packages of Rs 10,000 crore and Rs 12,000 crore given to the state in 2003 and 2013 and said the CM could not utilize them properly. 
 
Referring to Kumar's split with BJP in 2013, he said the chief minister then went to 'Delhi Durbar' and pleaded that please give me something to keep my honour. 
 
"For political benefits, he put at stake the prestige of Bihar," Modi said, adding that Rs 12000 crore given by UPA was like giving a candy to a child who cries too much. 
 
Invoking freedom fighter Babu Veer Kunwar Singh, who hailed from Arrah, and seeking <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Jayaprakash+Narayan">Jayaprakash Narayan's</a> blessings, he went on to ask people, "Should it be Rs 50, 000 crore or more, Rs 60, 000 cr, Rs 70, 000 cr...," he said as the crowd cheered and then stood up as he made the final announcement of Rs 1.25 lakh crore. 
 Wooing the electorate, he said people of Bihar were bestowed with "sharp intellect" and mentioned that <keyword id="120638" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="chanakya">Chanakya</keyword> was born here. 
 
He also spoke about the "comprehensive work" being done by his government, especially regarding skilling youth and training women, to develop the country and took a jibe at the previous dispensations, saying they had a "piecemeal" approach to progress. 
 
The CM, who had gone to receive Modi at <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Patna+Airport">Patna Airport</a>, was not present at the Arrah function where the PM inaugurated &amp; laid foundation stone of 11 National Highway projects of 700 km at a cost of Rs 9,700 crore. 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

Bihar to soon be flooded with cash! Rs 1.65 lakh cr handed out for the state

<keyword id="19905655" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="celebrations" source="keywords">Celebrations</keyword> erupted Saturday night across cricket-crazy <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> as its <keyword id="19920398" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="team" source="keywords">team</keyword> won the <keyword id="19921630" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="T20-World-Cup" source="keywords">T20 World Cup</keyword>, with fans flooding the streets carrying the tricolour in their hands. Chants of 'India, India' reverberated in the air as crowds gathered at city centres in different parts of the country to cheer for the ''Men in blue". Whether it was Jammu, Hyderabad, Patna or Pune, people were seen hugging and dancing as the nation's 13-year wait for a world title ended for crores of fans of cricket, who religiously follow the game and idolise its players. Taking to X soon after India defeated South Africa in a nail-biter in Barbados, Prime Minister <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword> said the cricketers have won the hearts of crores of Indians. "CHAMPIONS! Our team brings the T20 World Cup home in STYLE! We are proud of the Indian Cricket Team," he said on X, calling the match historic. As soon as the match ended in Barbados at around 11.30 PM IST, joyous fans flooded the streets and burst firecrackers as the cricket-loving nation revelled in the glory, with celebrations continuing for hours after midnight. In Delhi, a large number of people gathered at India Gate to celebrate the occasion. At Mumbai airport, fans were seen dancing to the beats of drums, and out on roads, many revellers climbed atop vehicles. Streets in Kolkata were lit with firecrackers and shouts and whistles of irrepressible fans. In Bengaluru, many fans wearing Team India's attire were seen dancing in pubs and outside eateries. Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages and images of celebratory scenes as the star-studded Indian team outwitted South Africa by seven runs in a see-saw final that went down to the wire. "We are very ecstatic. I was a child when we last won. My throat is sore from shouting but we will celebrate for two days," a cricket fan told PTI. In Jammu, young and old celebrated with fireworks and chants of ''Bharat Mata ki Jai". "The whole country is celebrating. It is like a Diwali for us," said a reveller. Euphoric scenes were witnessed outside the state secretariat in Hyderabad as fireworks dazzled the sky. People climbed on top trucks, cars, and other vehicles which honked cheerily. Many praised the contribution of all players of Team India and coach <keyword id="19923639" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rahul-dravid" source="keywords">Rahul Dravid</keyword>. In an emotional message on X, one of cricket's greatest icons Sachin Tendulkar said, "Every star added to the Team India jersey inspires our nation's starry-eyed children to move one step closer to their dreams. India gets the 4th star, our second in @T20WorldCup. "Life comes full circle for Indian cricket in the West Indies. From our lows in the 2007 ODI World Cup to becoming a cricketing powerhouse and winning the T20WC in 2024. Very happy for my friend Rahul Dravid, who missed out on the 2011 World Cup win but his contribution to this T20 World Cup victory has been immense. I am so so happy for him.... "It was wonderful to see Team India excel under the guidance of this class of '96. A total team effort. Hearty congratulations to all the players, coaches, support staff, and @BCCI," he said.

A night of celebrations in cricket-crazy India after T20 WC win

New Delhi, Apr 9 () The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has started distributing specially procured 'dignity kits', each containing basic toiletries, a pair of clothes and hygiene items for both men and women, to the needy and those displaced by the lockdown enforced in the country to contain the spread of coronavirus.NDRF Director General (DG) S N Pradhan told the force has distributed over 8,800 such kits through its battalions based in Noida, Gorakhpur and Chandauliin Uttar Pradesh, Gaya in Bihar, Guntur, Nellore and Krishna districts in Andhra Pradesh, and Vadodara and Gandhinagar in Gujarat.It is for the first time that the disaster response body has distributed such kits. "These kits were procured by us about six months back. The kit contains basic survival essentials for people who have been displaced or who are not able to purchase these items due to lack of money," the NDRF chief said.A standard 'dignity kit' for women, packed in a plastic bucket, contains a small toothpaste, brush, bathing and washing soaps, two pairs of undergarments, towel, oil, comb, two pairs of salwar suits in different sizes, a nail cutter, mirror, a packet with 10 sanitary pads, an anti-septic cream and a mug.The men's kit also contains similar items and has two pairs of 'pyjama-kurta' instead of the women's attire, and a shaving pack instead of feminine hygiene products.The force has distributed over 8,800 such kits to both males and females till now and has a total reserve of 15,000 'dignity kits' for men and 25,000 for women, the official said.The kits have been distributed among the 12 NDRF battalions in the country and they are distributing them to the needy as per requirement, Pradhan said.The federal disaster contingency force had made this first-time procurement of 'dignity kits' under the national disaster response reserve (NDRR) that is meant to provide primary survival kit to victims. Global disaster response procedures mandate that the victims are provided basic sanitation and surviving items so that they can sustain themselves for some time in the aftermath of a calamity. A senior official said during the ongoing lockdown many migrant workers and daily wagers started moving from metro cities to their homes in far off states, leading to a situation where they had no means to carry out their daily activities and ablutions in a hygienic manner.The dignity kits were procured by the NDRF with the sole reason that during disasters like floods, earthquakes and other calamities, the victims are displaced from their homes and their essential items are either damaged or left behind, he said.NDRF chief Pradhan also said the force has divided the about 13,000 personnel-strong force into 84 small teams across the country and they can be deployed for any contingency in any state in the wake of the COVID-19 spread."We have also equipped our teams with personal protective equipments (PPEs). At present 60 per cent of our manpower has them and it will be hundred per cent availability in the coming days," the DG said.Our teams are on standby and can assist any state or respond to any emergency as and when required, he said.The force recently helped the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration for contact tracing of Tablighi Jamaat members and about 15 such people were found. "Our teams are also assisting some other states in the COVID-19 combat," he said.About 89 NDRF personnel are also assisting the COVID-19 control room response teams in various states and the Union home ministry.The force has also conducted training programmes for understanding and responding to basic symptoms for the viral infection and about 38,000 front line workers in the security and health services have been trained, the senior official quoted above said.Those trained include CISF personnel at airports, officials at various land and sea ports and staffers at the Supreme Court and the Parliament. The NDRF was raised in 2006. NES RDMRDM

Over 8,800 'dignity kits' distributed by NDRF to those affected by COVID-19 lockdown

Two recent interventions brought to the fore the issues about pricing in an economy. The first of these pertains to the ongoing tussle between the Delhi government and the taxi aggregators like Ola and Uber, who engage in surge pricing. The second issue concerns to the Lok Sabha speech of the Minster of Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapati Raju while engaging in a debate on Demand for Grants for the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Tourism, which was approved by the House later. The issue there was guidelines to fix the prices to Rs. 2500 for an hour long flight or less as operators were seen charging way beyond the normal prices at certain times like during the Chennai Floods and Jat agitation. A pertinent question that arises is what is the role of the government if such a situation arises. Should it intervene to set right the prices? 
 
Ideally, the government is best left out of the procedure of deciding prices. It is because it is not in the best position to determine the prices for goods and services as it has limited knowledge of these. However, there is a case for intervention where the balance (between consumer interest and producer interest) is shifting in favour of producers, and they are using their power to charge exorbitant prices. In such a case the prices become exploitative and ideally some independent regulators, (if any) of the sectors should intervene to set right the prices. They can also issue guidelines to the operators for adjusting prices or limiting prices accordingly. 
 
The two issues need a closer scrutiny. In the case of taxi aggregators, like Ola and Uber the practice of surge pricing takes place once demand exceeds supply in a location. In such a scenario the surge pricing incentivizes the cab drivers to be on the road during this shortfall. A pertinent question to ask the regulators or even the government is at what level does the surge becomes exorbitant? Is it in principle unfair or is the price which is getting charged, i.e., 2X, 3X or even at 1.00001X (where X represents the normal price of the journey) unfair. The question is not just about prices but about fairness in a system. What is the fair price to charge to a consumer? Ideally, this is between a producer (taxi aggregator) and customer to decide but when exorbitant and exploitative prices are getting charged, which are beyond what is mandated by norms and guidelines, etc., there is a case for intervention. But then too the case is fairly weak for governments to intervene. At best regulators should intervene keeping the interest of consumers and producers in mind. 
 
The second issue of reduction of prices to 2500 Rs. for trips, which take less than an hour to complete, is laudable. However, making it mandatory could be detrimental. If the government works to reduce the cost structures, it could very easily enable masses to undertake air travel. The cost reduction is part of the draft civil aviation policy as well. However, this is pursued best through economic liberalization in the civil aviation industry. The government should also look at the industry dynamics at play here. The airline sector as it is very competitive in India. At present, a host of regulations and the nature of industry have an impact on industry have a bearing on industry profitability. These include airport charges mandated by the regulator of the sector AERA (Airports Economic Regulatory Authority) to operate in India. Another factor having a bearing on cost structure and profitability is the price of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). Other factors include intense competition in the sector and fulfilling operators' public service obligations which include flying to remote and often nonprofitable areas. Only now as ATF prices are down, have the airline companies become profitable. Also, there are regulations like 5/20 rule which mandate an airline to operate in India for five years and have a fleet of 20 airlines before it can fly in international route stifle entry of newer players. All these have a bearing on the industry structure and pricing of airline tickets. At present the prices don't seem to be supernormal however bringing them down by liberalization will help in the cause of making air travel accessible to people. 
 
One sees that pricing is an important area not only from the viewpoint of companies and industries but also from the viewpoint of consumer interest. It is where there is a provision and case for independent regulators in a free market system whose role is to ensure that market participants behave. The regulators should bring in the semblance of balance in the system by looking at the priorities of various groups and coming to conclusions pertaining to prices etc., accordingly in case of the situations, which mandates intervention. Over the next few years, issues such as these will be in the limelight. The role of regulators is critical in ascertaining that markets function not only according to the free market system but also ensuring that there is balance and fairness in how market participants behave. 
 
(The article is co-authored with Sankalp Sharma, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Competitiveness, India. Amit Kapoor is Chair, Institute for Competitiveness &amp; Editor of Thinkers. The views expressed are personal. Amit can be reached at <a href="mailto:amit.kapoor@competitiveness.in">amit.kapoor@competitiveness.in</a> and tweets @kautiliya) 
 
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Governments and Pricing

<div class="image-container" style="width:800px"><div class="image">REUTERS/Anindito MukherjeeA man rides a motorcycle through a flooded street after a heavy monsoon rain shower in New Delhi July 20, 2013. <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>'s monsoon rains turned average last week and may pick up over areas that grow cane, oilseed and cotton in northern and western regions next week, weather department officials said, helping most summer crops into their last leg of planting.</div></div>Deep in India's northeast, villagers use grass to sound-proof their huts from deafening rain, clouds are a familiar sight inside homes and a suitably rusted sign tells visitors they are in the "wettest place on earth".
Oddly enough, lifelong residents of Mawsynram, a small cluster of hamlets in Meghalaya state have little idea that their scenic home holds a Guinness record for the highest average annual rainfall of 11,873 millimeters (467 inches).
"Really, this is the wettest place in the world? I didn't know that," Bini Kynter, a great-grandmother who estimates she must be "nearly 100 years old" tells AFP.
"The rain used to frighten me when I was a young girl, it used to make our lives hell. Today people have it easy," she says, wrapping a green tartan shawl tightly around her shoulders.
Meteorologists say Mawsynram's location, close to Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal is the reason the tiny cluster receives so much rain.
"What happens is that whenever any moisture gathers over the Bay of Bengal, it causes precipitation over Mawsynram, leading to a heavy, long monsoon season," Sunit Das of the Indian Meteorological Department told AFP.
While annual monsoon rains lashed the national capital last week, causing traffic chaos and flooding at the international airport, such problems are mild for Mawsynram.
Just thirty years ago, Mawsynram had no paved roads, no running water and no electricity, making its six-month long monsoon an insufferable experience for its mostly impoverished residents.
Landslides still occur regularly, blocking the only paved road connecting the hillside hamlets. Rainwater still seeps into the mud huts occupied by some villagers. And, while most homes now have electricity, outages are commonplace.
Every winter the people of Mawsynram spend months preparing for the wet season ahead, anticipating nonstop rain and no sunshine for several days at a time.
They repair their battered roofs. They cut and hoard firewood -- a source of light and fuel for cooking. They buy and store foodgrains, since few will venture out to shop during the wettest months between May and July.
The women make rain covers known as "knups," using bamboo slivers, plastic sheets and broom grass to create a rain shield that resembles a turtle shell, meant to be worn on one's head while being large enough to keep rain off one's knees.
The labour-intensive process of weaving a knup -- each one takes at least an hour to complete -- occupies the women of the village right through the rainy season, when they are cooped up indoors for months at a time.
Bamboo and broom grass -- a delicate, fragrant, olive-coloured grass used to make Indian brooms -- are among the chief plants grown in this rocky, hilly region.
Broom grass is dipped in water, flattened using wooden blocks and finally dried on rooftops across Mawsynram. According to Prelian Pdah, a grandmother of nine, this makes the grass stronger and more likely to survive a downpour.
Pdah, 70, spends part of the winter and all of the monsoon season making bamboo baskets, brooms and knups which are bought by visiting businessmen who sell them around the state.
"I don't like the heavy rainfall, it's boring to stay indoors all day. It's annoying," she tells AFP.
Although few Mawsynram residents seemed to know or care about their record-holder status, the right to the Guinness title has been hotly disputed by a nearby town, Cherrapunji, which used to lay claim to that honour.
In sleepy Mawsynram, many find the record-setting monsoon downright depressing.
"There's no sun, so if you don't have electricity it's very dark indoors, even during the day," Moonstar Marbaniang, the pyjama-clad headman of Mawsynram says.
Those who have second homes elsewhere flee to escape the season. Others catch up on their sleep, according to Marbaniang, whose first name suggests one of the more striking legacies of colonial rule in India's northeast.
Historians say the past presence of British soldiers and missionaries in this region has seen many people name their children after random English words or famous historical figures, often with no knowledge of what they might mean.
State capital Shillong's former nickname as the "Scotland of the East" also goes some way to explain the popularity of tartan scarves and shawls, even in the most far-flung and underdeveloped villages of Meghalaya.
Somewhat fittingly for a state whose name means "the abode of the clouds" in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, it is not unusual for clouds to drift through people's homes in Mawsynram, leaving a wet film on their furniture.
The grass-covered roofs are meant to muffle the relentless drumming of the rain, but a heavy downpour will usually dislodge the grass to deafening effect.
"We have to talk a little louder to be heard during the monsoon!" 67-year-old Marbaniang tells AFP, his mischievous eyes sparkling.
When the monsoon finally ends, there are no parties to mark its exit. The rainy season simply gives way to the repair season, Marbaniang says.
"We don't hold any celebration or festival to mark the end of the rain. We just start drying our clothes outside," he says, flashing a toothless grin.
Despite enduring record amounts of rain, sanguine villagers say there is no other place they would rather live.
Marbaniang, whose children all live in Shillong, says: "I'll never leave, this is my home, I was born here, I will die here."
"Sure, it rains a lot, but we are used to it. We just wait it out."
<div>
Copyright (2013) AFP. All rights reserved.
</div>

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