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Hans India
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Thousands throng Chamundi Hill for first Ashada Friday darshan
Mysuru: On the first Friday of the auspicious Ashada month, devotees from across Karnataka and neighbouring states thronged Mysuru's Chamundi Hill to seek blessings from Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of the region. Ashada is considered highly significant for the worship of Shakti deities. Every year, thousands of devotees flock to the hill temple on the four Ashada Fridays and on the Goddess's Vardhanti (birthday). This year too, massive crowds were seen lining up since the early hours. The temple opened its doors for devotees at 5:30 AM, but eager pilgrims had begun queuing up from as early as 2 AM. After the darshan, devotees were provided prasada, along with kumkum and turmeric packets outside the temple. Speaking to the media,KSRTC Mysuru Divisional Controller Viresh said that free buses were arranged from Lalit Mahal grounds at the foothills to the temple for all devotees. Over 60 city transport buses and 100 staff were deployed for smooth movement. For those who purchased the Rs300 and Rs2,000 special darshan tickets, dedicated AC buses were provided in three categories. Devotees with Rs2,000 tickets were given additional amenities such as water bottles, small Chamundi idols, kumkum packets and sweet laddus, along with separate access for hassle-free darshan. Among prominent visitors were former minister and JD(S) MLA HD Revanna, who offered prayers and wished for good rains and prosperity for the people of Karnataka. Local MLA G.T. Devegowda visited with his family and prayed for the wellbeing of the state and the nation. Popular actors Shruti and Malavika Avinash were also seen seeking the goddess's blessings. Mysuru Deputy Commissioner Lakshmikant Reddy too visited the shrine with his family. Despite massive arrangements, the heavy turnout exceeded expectations, causing long waiting times for those in general queues. Complaints were raised about insufficient drinking water and toilet facilities. In contrast, devotees who bought special darshan tickets enjoyed smoother arrangements.
Business Recorder
6 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Domestic consumers: Pakistan govt hikes gas fixed charges
ISLAMABAD: Federal government has approved increase in the fixed charges for domestic gas consumers of both gas companies (SNGPL/ SSGC) by Rs150 (protected) and Rs400 (non-protected) effective from July 1, 2025. With an average 10 percent tariff hike will applicable to the power sector, bulk consumers, and general industry (process). The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), on Friday, approved the summary submitted by the Petroleum Division, seeking approval for a revised natural gas pricing structure for the fiscal year 2025–26. The ECC considered the proposed adjustments in energy sector tariffs and decided to maintain gas prices to protect household consumers with only fixed charges re-adjusted in domestic sector to recover the asset costs. It also allowed price of gas for bulk consumers, power plants operating on natural gas and industry to be increased by an average value of around 10 percent. SNGPL, SSGC: Weighted average price of imported RLNG cut slightly The committee approved a raise in gas tariff to bulk consumers from Rs2,900 per mmbtu to Rs3,075 per mmbtu. For power sector tariff has revised from Rs1,050 per mmbtu to Rs1,313 per mmbtu. For general industry (process) tariff was revised from Rs2,150 to Rs2,350 per mmbtu. The minimum bill for protected and non-protected consumer will be calculated at the first tariff slab of each category. Power tariff would also be stand revised for PPL's gas supply to Guddu, and Mari Energies' gas supply to Foundation Power. According to the summary submitted for consideration of ECC, it argues that only room to revise prices is available in the domestic sector slabs, wherein, a huge cross-subsidy is involved which is estimated at Rs168 billion per annum at current prices. Government is already engaged with IMF under the resilience sustainability facility to replace cross-subsidies with direct or budgeted subsides in commensuration with income levels of the domestic consumers under the BISP. As per the reform measure, the framework for replacing the cross-subsidy would be developed by June 2026 following the model being pursued by Power Division which is expected to be rolled out in 2027. Petroleum Division worked out option whereby revision in the gas tariff, as well as, fixed charge has been proposed; however, in order to lower the impact of price revision in domestic sector, the revision in bulk domestic, industry (process) and power sector, which is unchanged since February 2023, has also been approved. The revisions in gas tariff are estimated to meet Rs41 billion revenue deficit of SNGPL and it would also generate Rs31 billion surplus for SSGC which would be utilised to meet prior revenue shortfall of SSGC which are around Rs565 billion. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
10 hours ago
- Climate
- Business Recorder
PMD warns heavy rainfall today: First spell of monsoon rain brings disruption
KARACHI: The first spell of monsoon rain has brought widespread disruption to Karachi and several cities across Sindh and Balochistan, with urban flooding, water logging, and power outages affecting daily life. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of more heavy rainfall through Saturday, raising concerns about flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas. In Karachi, overnight showers turned streets into water channels in several neighbourhoods including Sher Shah Colony and SITE Town. Overflowing drains, stagnant rainwater, and sewage backflow created serious mobility and health challenges for residents. Electricity supply was also affected in many areas after water entered substations, leading to precautionary shutdowns. The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported that Karachi received between 2 mm and 17 mm of rain, while Mithi recorded 53 mm, Nawabshah 49 mm, and Hyderabad 43 mm. Other cities affected by the wet spell include Sukkur, Larkana, Thatta, Mirpur Khas, Badin, and Dadu. In addition to Sindh, parts of Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) also saw rainfall. The PMD has forecast more rain, wind, and thunderstorms in southern and north-eastern Balochistan, central and upper Sindh, and parts of Punjab and KP over the coming days. Officials have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel and remain alert as moist currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal continue to fuel the weather system. The PMD also warned of possible damage to weak structures such as electric poles, billboards, solar panels, and kacha houses due to strong winds and lightning. In Murree, Galliyat, Swat, Dir, Mansehra, Kohistan, and other hilly areas, there is a risk of landslides which may disrupt road access. Flash floods may also occur in local streams and nullahs in parts of KP, southern Punjab, and Balochistan including Barkhan, Kalat, Lasbella, and Khuzdar. In Karachi, residents faced tough conditions on Friday morning as waterlogged streets made it difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to move. Garbage mixed with rainwater formed pools of sludge, raising concerns about hygiene and disease. Political leaders responded with concern over the situation. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief Monem Zafar addressed a press conference, highlighting what he termed the city's inadequate budget allocation in the recently announced Sindh budget. He noted that only Rs37.44 billion; around 1.1 percent of the Rs 3,451 billion budget was assigned to Karachi. He called for a development package of Rs500 billion for the city, proposing that each of Karachi's towns receive Rs2 billion and every union council Rs20 million. Comparing the current Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) budget of Rs55 billion with 2005's Rs43 billion, Monem pointed out the need for inflation-adjusted investments to meet the city's growing needs. JI leaders also raised concerns over funding for key federal projects in Karachi, such as the K-IV water scheme and the Karachi IT Park. Monem stated that their current allocations — Rs3.2 billion and Rs6 billion, respectively — fall far short of the required Rs40 billion and Rs42 billion. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) leader Maulana Azeemullah Usman, after visiting rain-hit areas in District Kemari, echoed similar concerns. He said that Sher Shah had been submerged within half an hour of rainfall, and stressed the need for immediate drainage and relief operations. He urged authorities to remain visible and responsive, especially in low-lying localities. By Friday evening, Karachi's temperature dropped to 29 degrees Celsius, with high humidity at 81 percent. Coastal areas remained under surge alerts due to high tides, further threatening vulnerable communities along the shore. As the weekend approaches, authorities continue to monitor the situation. Citizens are advised to follow official updates, avoid flooded areas, and take precautions to stay safe. Opposition leaders said that though rain offers relief from heat, its impact on cities like Karachi highlights the urgent need for long-term urban planning, upgraded drainage systems, and timely maintenance before each monsoon season. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Domestic consumers: Govt hikes gas fixed charges
ISLAMABAD: Federal government has approved increase in the fixed charges for domestic gas consumers of both gas companies (SNGPL/ SSGC) by Rs150 (protected) and Rs400 (non-protected) effective from July 1, 2025. With an average 10 percent tariff hike will applicable to the power sector, bulk consumers, and general industry (process). The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), on Friday, approved the summary submitted by the Petroleum Division, seeking approval for a revised natural gas pricing structure for the fiscal year 2025–26. The ECC considered the proposed adjustments in energy sector tariffs and decided to maintain gas prices to protect household consumers with only fixed charges re-adjusted in domestic sector to recover the asset costs. It also allowed price of gas for bulk consumers, power plants operating on natural gas and industry to be increased by an average value of around 10 percent. SNGPL, SSGC: Weighted average price of imported RLNG cut slightly The committee approved a raise in gas tariff to bulk consumers from Rs2,900 per mmbtu to Rs3,075 per mmbtu. For power sector tariff has revised from Rs1,050 per mmbtu to Rs1,313 per mmbtu. For general industry (process) tariff was revised from Rs2,150 to Rs2,350 per mmbtu. The minimum bill for protected and non-protected consumer will be calculated at the first tariff slab of each category. Power tariff would also be stand revised for PPL's gas supply to Guddu, and Mari Energies' gas supply to Foundation Power. According to the summary submitted for consideration of ECC, it argues that only room to revise prices is available in the domestic sector slabs, wherein, a huge cross-subsidy is involved which is estimated at Rs168 billion per annum at current prices. Government is already engaged with IMF under the resilience sustainability facility to replace cross-subsidies with direct or budgeted subsides in commensuration with income levels of the domestic consumers under the BISP. As per the reform measure, the framework for replacing the cross-subsidy would be developed by June 2026 following the model being pursued by Power Division which is expected to be rolled out in 2027. Petroleum Division worked out option whereby revision in the gas tariff, as well as, fixed charge has been proposed; however, in order to lower the impact of price revision in domestic sector, the revision in bulk domestic, industry (process) and power sector, which is unchanged since February 2023, has also been approved. The revisions in gas tariff are estimated to meet Rs41 billion revenue deficit of SNGPL and it would also generate Rs31 billion surplus for SSGC which would be utilised to meet prior revenue shortfall of SSGC which are around Rs565 billion. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
13 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Punjab allocates Rs4b to boost South Punjab tourism
In a move to boost tourism in South Punjab, the provincial government has announced an investment of up to Rs4 billion under the fiscal year 2025-26 budget. The initiative includes seven new development projects focused on enhancing tourism infrastructure, preserving natural and historical sites, and promoting adventure sports in the region. Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) South Punjab Fuad Hashim Rabbani shared the details of the planned investments on Friday, stating that the government aims to transform the region into a vibrant tourism hub by developing key sites and introducing advanced technology in major events. As part of the initiative, a recreational park and tourist resort will be developed at the scenic hill station of Fort Munro at an estimated cost of Rs400 million. Additionally, another recreational park will be established along the Indus River at Ghazi Ghat in Dera Ghazi Khan, with an allocation of Rs800 million. These facilities aim to provide quality leisure spaces for tourists and locals alike. One of the most ambitious undertakings in the new plan is the launch of an international-standard eco-tourism project at Lal Suhanra National Park in Bahawalpur. With a dedicated budget of Rs2 billion, this flagship project will focus on sustainable tourism practices while preserving the park's unique ecosystem. According to ACS Rabbani, this effort is designed to place South Punjab on the map as an ecotourism destination of global repute. In addition to new developments, several existing tourist sites will see upgrades. These include the historic Derawar Fort in the Cholistan desert, the spiritual town of Kot Mithan, and Choubara Tehsil. New tourist resorts are also planned for Mari, a lesser-known but scenic hill station in district Rajanpur, and further facilities will be added in Ghazi Ghat. Recognising the growing popularity of car sport events, especially the annual Cholistan Jeep Rally in Bahawalpur and the Thal Jeep Rally in the Thal desert, the government has allocated Rs250 million to enhance the management and international appeal of these rallies. Funds will be used to procure modern time management systems and GPS-based live tracking devices, bringing these high-octane events in line with global standards. ACS Fuad Hashim Rabbani emphasised that the timely execution of these projects will not only unlock the immense tourism potential of South Punjab but also generate employment, stimulate economic growth, and create new livelihood opportunities for local communities. "These targeted investments reflect our commitment to regional development through sustainable tourism," he said, expressing optimism that the initiatives will significantly uplift the profile of South Punjab as a premier tourist destination in Pakistan.
