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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Climate
- Indian Express
Why have rains subsided in Mumbai after a historic early onset?
After experiencing its earliest onset of southwest monsoon in 75 years on May 26, rain activity has subsided considerably in Mumbai. For the past week, Mumbai and its neighbouring districts have only received intermittent spells of scant showers. Making for an atypical May, the city experienced showers as early as May 6, with heatwaves eluding the region. Spurred by heavy spells of pre-monsoon showers and a historic early onset of monsoon, the Colaba weather station recorded its rainiest May for the island city since 1918, at 503.2 mm. The Santacruz station also registered 378.4 mm of rain, marking its wettest May in 25 years. However, since then, monsoon activity has receded considerably. Data from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) show that the Santacruz station received only 9.2 mm of rain in the first three days of June. The Colaba station registered only 8.2 mm rainfall, nearly 10 mm below the normal for the period. Typically, Mumbai receives an average of 537 millimetres of rainfall in June, the month it experiences the onset of monsoon. Heavy spells of rain during the monsoon in Mumbai are generally influenced by factors such as strong westerly winds, which usher in moisture and build convection. Weather systems like the monsoon trough or the Somali Jet also play a role. For the record, the monsoon trough is an elongated low-pressure area which extends from the heat low over Pakistan to the Bay of Bengal. It is a semi-permanent feature of monsoon circulation, and its southward movement results in heavy downpours. The Somali jet is the low-level, inter-hemispheric and cross-equatorial flow of air, which moves further into eastern Africa by May, followed by arrival into the Arabian Sea. It reaches the west coast of India in June. The strengthening of the Somali Jet is another factor that contributes to heavy rains. However, currently, none of the systems that trigger monsoon currents are active in the region. 'Presently, there is no active system like strong westerlies, offshore troughs or even a strong Somali Jet, which can lead to heavy rains. Therefore, the city is only experiencing on-and-off showers for the past few days owing to the presence of moisture and onset of monsoon,' said an IMD scientist. Mumbai-based Rajesh Kapadia, who runs the Vagaries of Weather blog, said that the low-pressure area (LPA), which had resulted in heavy showers between May 24 and May 27, has also fizzled out. 'Since this LPA is no longer persisting and we have no other supporting system such as a monsoon trough, we are only passing showers at present,' added Kapadia. According to meteorologists from the weather bureau, the southwest monsoon is characterised by dry and wet spells, which are phases influenced by the presence of active systems. Last year, too, the city experienced a lull in showers in June after an early monsoon onset on June 9. Indicating no immediate revival of heavy showers, the IMD has stated that the city and its neighbouring districts will continue to experience only light showers for the next five days. No alerts have been sounded for the region until at least June 7. 'There is no major system at present which indicates that we will receive heavy showers immediately. We are closely observing our models to forecast the intensifying rains,' said an IMD official. The region could see a revival of active monsoon after June 7. 'The break in monsoon conditions may prevail till at least June 9. However, starting June 7, we can expect some thundershowers in the interiors of Maharashtra. Meanwhile, monsoon may gain strength from June 7 or June 8 onwards as well,' said Kapadia. He added that an unseasonal 'ridge' is prevailing currently, which is the opposite of a trough that is characterised by a low pressure area. However, a trough is expected to develop along the west coast by June 8. The IMD's long-range forecast bulletin has said that the city, as well as most parts of the country, will continue to receive 'above normal' rainfall in June. It will also usher in a dip in temperatures, which will likely remain in the normal to below-normal range.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Don't finalise bids to replace Turkiye co's Indian arm: HC
Mumbai: Bombay HC's vacation bench on Monday restrained Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) from making a final decision on bids invited on May 17 to replace a Turkiye-based company's Indian arm for ground and bridge handling services. The decision will remain in effect till a regular bench, after reopening, hears the challenge raised by the entity to its security clearance revocation. On May 15, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, citing national security concerns, revoked the security clearance granted to Celebi Airport Services. The action followed Turkiye's support of Pakistan during the recent hostilities. Celebi Airport Services India and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India then petitioned Delhi HC against the revocation and the cancellation of contracts by the Delhi airport operator. Delhi HC reserved the matter for orders. Last week, Celebi NAS Airport Services India Pvt Ltd approached Bombay HC against the revocation of its security clearance. On Monday, Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan heard Celebi's senior counsel Chetan Kapadia, who asked that the bids not be finalised as it would cause his clients irreversible harm. Kapadia said the firm had two agreements for bridge and ground handling services with MIAL in 2015 and 2018, each for 30 years, with a condition for renewing them for another 30 years. He said the sudden and immediate revocation of clearance and the subsequent termination of services by the Mumbai airport operator placed Celebi in a position where it could not even approach the court for a remedy. Ordinarily, it would have been eligible for a 30-day notice, he said. Senior counsel Vikram Nankani for MIAL said there is a special clause in the contract that allows it to act on orders of the Indian govt in national security interests without giving notice. He said as a pro tem measure, Indo Thai Airport Services was asked to handle the services with Celebi's staff and equipment. Kapadia said Celebi has 2,088 staffers trained over 10 years and it has invested crores for the long-term agreements. He said there must be a mechanism to ensure an inventory of its staff and equipment being used. HC said Indo Thai must hand over a report of all its operational and financial data to MIAL, which will give it to Celebi.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bombay high court restrains Mumbai airport from finalising bids to replace Celebi amid security clearance challenge
MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court vacation bench on Monday restrained Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) from making a final decision on bids invited on May 17 to replace Celebi for ground and bridge handling services at Mumbai International Airport. This decision will remain in effect until the challenge raised by an Indian arm of a Turkish firm to its security clearance revocation is heard by a regular bench after reopening. Last week, just days after moving the Delhi High Court, a ground handling services subsidiary of a company headquartered in Turkey—Celebi NAS Airport Services India Pvt Ltd—approached the Bombay High Court on Wednesday against the revocation of its security clearance. The Delhi High Court, after hearing a similar plea on a day-to-day basis, reserved the matter for orders. The Delhi HC breaks for summer vacation on June 1. On Monday, the vacation single judge bench of Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan heard Celebi's senior counsel, Chetan Kapadia, who expressed his immediate concern that the bids not be finalised, as it would cause his clients irreversible harm. Kapadia stated that the Turkish firm had two agreements, each for 30 years, with a condition for renewing them for another 30 years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dukung Orang Terkasih Menghadapi Limfoma: Mulai Di Sini Limfoma Klik Di Sini Undo The agreements were dated April 7, 2015, for bridge handling services and May 9, 2018, for ground handling services at Mumbai International Airport. The sudden and immediate revocation of clearance and the subsequent termination of services by MIAL placed Celebi in a position where it could not even approach the court for a remedy. Ordinarily, it would have been eligible to receive a 30-day notice under the contract, said Kapadia. However, senior counsel Vikram Nankani for MIAL argued that there is a special clause in the contract that allows it to act on orders of the govt of India in national security interests, where no notice is required. Nankani mentioned that as a pro-tem measure, Indo Thai was asked to operate the services with the staff and equipment of Celebi. Kapadia stated that Celebi has a staff of 2,088, whom it trained over ten years, and has invested crores for the long-term agreement it has. He emphasised that there must be a mechanism to ensure the inventory of its staff and equipment being used. Justice Sundaresan directed that the company conducting the pro-tem arrangement must hand over a report of all its operational and financial information to MIAL, which will then hand it over to Celebi. This includes all obligations that Celebi had. Celebi Airport Services India and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India petitioned the Delhi High Court against the security clearance revocation and cancellation of contracts by the Delhi airport operator. On May 15, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), citing national security concerns, revoked the security clearance granted to Celebi Airport Services, a ground handling company headquartered in Turkey. The action followed Turkey's support of Pakistan in recent hostilities. The company filed two petitions for the two contracts to also challenge the consequential termination of its contract. The revocation order, enforced with immediate effect, meant airlines that had given ground handling contracts to Celebi would face flight delays. Ground handling companies carry out security-sensitive jobs such as loading and unloading of bags, cargo, cleaning aircraft, fuelling, and passenger check-in. However, the govt worked with airport operators and appointed ground handling companies on an interim basis. At Mumbai airport, for instance, Indo Thai Airport Services—a certified ground handler currently operating at nine airports across India—was appointed within 24 hours of the BCAS order.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Time of India
Millennials Travel: Travel Insurance Soars as Millennials Lead Summer Travel Surge, ET TravelWorld
Advt By , ETTravelWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App Millennials are leading the 2025 summer travel season, comprising 51.12 per cent of total travellers, followed by Gen X at 19.31 per cent and Gen Z at 18.39 per cent, according to exclusive data from Baby Boomers maintain a modest share of 11.15 per cent, possibly due to health and mobility destinations continue to show a global spread, with the United States topping the international chart at 5.23 per cent of bookings. France (4.63 per cent), Singapore (4.61 per cent), Switzerland (4.53 per cent), and Thailand (3.69 per cent) round out the most popular destinations. However, when comparing broader regions, Asia leads with 36.57 per cent of summer travel bookings, outpacing Europe at 31.77 per cent.A significant shift has been observed in the approach to travel insurance. In 2024, just 24 per cent of travellers booked insurance early. In 2025, that figure has risen sharply to 76 per cent, marking a 100.3 per cent growth in early bookings. The surge is attributed to increased risk awareness and visa requirements for several insurance coverage preferences are also evolving. Around 62 per cent of travellers now opt for policies offering USD 250,000 or more, compared to the previously typical USD 100,000 sports add-ons have become increasingly popular, with 84 per cent of add-on purchasers choosing this rider, reflecting the growing appeal of activity-focused travel. Other notable choices include visa fee refund riders (9 per cent) and pre-existing disease cover (6 per cent).Family travel saw a 6 per cent increase, coinciding with school holidays, yet awareness around paediatric insurance coverage remains limited. Many policies offer minimal coverage for children, particularly for congenital or pre-existing conditions, underlining the importance of detailed plan and group travel bookings rose by 9.6 per cent and 9.3 per cent, respectively, in April 2025. The average trip duration across all traveller categories ranges from 17 to 18 Kapadia, Head of Travel Insurance at Policybazaar, commented, 'Travel insurance is no longer seen as optional. It's now becoming a must-have part of planning any trip. 62 per cent of travellers are now opting for coverage of USD 250,000 or more, showing a clear preference for stronger protection and peace of mind over just saving on cost.'
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Business Standard
23-05-2025
- Business Standard
Need a Schengen visa? A guide to the travel insurance you must have
More Indians are heading to Europe this year—and if a Schengen trip is on your calendar too, you'll need travel insurance before applying for a visa. 'Travellers should remember that travel insurance is more than just a formality—it's a smart, practical safeguard that provides financial protection and peace of mind when unexpected disruptions occur,' said Meet Kapadia, head of travel insurance at Insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants Travel insurance is a requirement for anyone applying for a Schengen visa. It must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation, according to Schengen rules. 'The regulation requires coverage of at least 30,000 euros for medical emergencies, evacuation, and repatriation. But the real value of travel insurance goes far beyond a visa formality,' said Alok Kumar Agarwal, managing director and CEO at Zurich Kotak General Insurance. 'Many travellers visit Schengen countries for adventure sports, medical treatments, or cultural exploration—each of which carries unique risks,' he said. India was the third-highest source of Schengen visa applications India submitted 1.1 million Schengen visa applications in 2024, according to data from the European Commission released on May 16. Of these, 936,748 were approved and 165,266 were refused, putting India's rejection rate at 15%. Insurance providers say travel insurance can reduce the financial burden in case of trip disruptions. 'From sudden illnesses and injuries to last-minute cancellations or missed connecting flights, a travel insurance policy can help travellers steer through financial setbacks. It also protects against natural events like floods or earthquakes at the traveller's home or destination,' said Kapadia. What travel insurance usually covers According to insurers, here's what a standard Schengen travel insurance policy often includes: Emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation Personal accident coverage Loss or delay of baggage Trip delays or cancellations Passport loss or theft 24/7 emergency assistance 'For example, if a traveller misses a connecting flight due to a delay or their luggage is lost in transit, travel insurance can help cover the costs and inconveniences,' said Agarwal. 'Even events back home—like a burglary while the insured is abroad—can be covered under certain plans,' he added. Read the fine print There are exclusions to be aware of. 'Normal wear and tear, negligence, and certain high-value items like fine jewellery or collectibles may not be covered unless specified,' said Agarwal. Kapadia said travellers heading to politically unstable regions should check whether their policy includes coverage for those risks. 'Many standard policies exclude war-like situations or political unrest. It's best to opt for extended coverage if you're travelling to higher-risk areas.' Travel insurance demand rising with outbound travel According to Policybazaar, Schengen-bound travel from India rose by 18.95% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Germany, France and Switzerland continue to be among the top five destinations. More Indians are now choosing insurance plans with higher cover and add-on features. In 2023, with a rejection rate of 15.7%, Indian travellers lost nearly €12.1 million (₹109 crore) in non-refundable visa fees. About 20% now opt for insurance riders that refund this fee if a visa is denied. Other trends include: < 62% of Indian travellers now opt for insurance coverage of $250,000 or more < Senior citizens prefer policies with cover of over $500,000 for hospitalisation < Comprehensive plans covering pre-existing conditions and evacuation are more popular 'With 62% of travellers now choosing $250,000+ coverage, it's evident that customers are prioritising peace of mind over cost,' Kapadia said. A look at some available plans ICICI Lombard offers a plan called Trip Secure Plus – Gold, which costs ₹1,299 (including GST) and provides coverage of USD 250,000. Tata AIG has the Schengen Silver Plus plan, priced at ₹1,074. The exact sum insured was not listed. Care Health provides the Explore Gold plan for ₹1,119, and Reliance offers the Value Care policy for ₹1,656. Feature comparisons across plans Some of these plans cover medical expenses up to $250,000 or even $300,000, with a typical deductible of $100. Baggage loss cover ranges from $300 to $750 depending on the plan, with some offering no deductible and others applying a $50 one. For loss of passport, most plans offer $250 to $300 in coverage, with deductibles between $25 and $50. Trip cancellation benefits vary from $500 to $1,000, and are sometimes provided without a deductible. In terms of personal accident coverage, ICICI Lombard offers $15,000, while Tata AIG quotes ₹15 lakh. Some other plans may not include this benefit at all.
