02.06.21 Daily [Assam] APSC Current Affairs

TheIndian Meteorological Department(IMD), in its updated long-range forecast for the southwest monsoon season that spans from June to September, has forecast most likely normal rainfall over the country.

But over the northeastern region alone, the Probability of below normal rainfall is more.
The country is divided into four homogenous rainfall regions Northwest India, South Peninsula,Central Indiaand Northeast and the Monsoon Core Zone which depicts most of the rainfed <a href="https://exam.pscnotes.com/Agriculture-notes-for-state-psc-exams”>Agriculture regions.

According to the IMD update, while the SW monsoon is likely to be normal over Northwest India (between 92-108% ofLPA) and South Peninsula (between 93-107% of LPA), Central India is likely to receive over normal rainfall (more than 106% of LPA).
But Northeast India is likely to get below normal rainfall (less than 95% of LPA). The monsoon core zone is likely to receive above normal (more than 106% of LPA) rainfall.
The IMD considers normal rainfall to be 96-108% of the long period Average (LPA) of the season rainfall over the country for the period 1961-2010, which is 88 cm.

Based on IMDs Multi Model Ensemble (MME) system for forecasting, the forecast probability of below normal rainfall over NE is more (40%), while the forecast probability for normal rainfall is 33% and the probability of above normal rainfall is just 27%.

The new strategy uses the existing statistical forecasting system to generate these forecasts along with a newly developed Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) forecasting system based on coupled global Climate models (CGCMs) from different global climate prediction and research centers including IMDs Monsoon Mission CFS (MMCFS) model.

The government announced the setting up of an eight-member ministerial panel, headed by Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma, to examine the issue of concessions or exemptions to Covid-19 materials like Vaccines, Oxygen concentrators, hand sanitisers, testing and PPE kits, masks, ventilators and temperaturechecking equipment.

The fitment committee comprising officers had recommended a reduction in rates for a number of items. While nine states wanted Covid materials to be zero-rated (which means the entire value chain to be exempted while providing tax credits to manufacturers), three states pushed for 5%. TheCentrehas said it was not clear if the benefit of lower rates on vaccines or other goods will flow to the end consumer.

A Housing Pricing Index (HPI) on residential property prices in eight cities across the country has been unveiled by real estate portal Housing.com in association with Indian School of Business (ISB).

It seeks to help homebuyers assess the appropriate time to purchase as well as assist sellers know the opportune moment to sell assets. Policymakers and financial analysts can make use of the Index as a reliable estimate to keep track of the trends in the real estate sector, said a release from Housing.com by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra.

India Inc has stepped up its efforts to contribute to thecountrys healthcare in the wake of the second wave of Covid.

HDFC Bank, under its Parivartan programme, will set up and enhance medical infrastructure across the country to assist the fight against the coronavirus. The bank said it has committed Rs 100 crore as an initial amount for Covid relief in FY22. This is in addition to the Rs 120 crore the bank spent in FY21.

The Money will be used to set up 20oxygenplants attached to hospitals, three 100-bed Covid-care facilities, isolation centres and provide medical equipment & supplies to over 200 hospitals across the country.

The initiative targets providing 20 lakh patients Home care support for asymptomatic, mild-symptom cases to reduce pressure on the overburdened Health system.