This article discusses the dryest monsoon season in India for over a decade, an increase in jet fuel prices for domestic airlines, and a stay of death sentence by the Supreme Court in a high-profile case.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon ended with a 12.6% deficit in rainfall, making it the driest season in 11 years and the fourth driest this century. The four-month rainy season began three days late on June 4, covering the entire country one day later than its normal date on July 9. The total rainfall recorded was 759.4 mm against a long-period average of 868.6 mm. This long-period average is an average rainfall measurement over the past 50 years.
Jet fuel prices for domestic airlines have increased by approximately 13% or Rs 15.8 per litre, resulting in a cost of Rs 137 per litre. This marks the third consecutive monthly increase in jet fuel prices, adding to the financial burden on airlines as aviation turbine fuel accounts for about 40% of their operating expenses.
The Supreme Court has stayed the death sentence awarded to one of the 38 persons convicted in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case. The challenge was made against the Gujarat High Court’s July 7 judgement upholding the death sentences handed to 38 of the 49 persons convicted.
Twenty-two explosions occurred on July 26, 2008, resulting in 56 deaths and over 200 injuries. In February 2022, a special court convicted the 49 persons, with 38 receiving death sentences and the others being given life imprisonment.
Source:
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