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<ul><li>Monsoon is likely to hit Kerala on June 8. </li><li>With the monsoon delayed for another week, heatwaves in Northern India are going to continue. </li></ul><a href="https://sites.google.com/a/iitgn.ac.in/high_resolution_south_asia_drought_monitor/drought-early-warning-system/dews-india">With the early drought warning hovering over 43.3% parts of the country</a>, people in India aren’t going to get relieved from heat waves for another week. However<a href="http://www.imd.gov.in/pages/monsoon_main.php?adta=PDF&amp;adtb=6"> the monsoon is likely to begin within 48 hours</a> in Kerala and would take at least seven days to reach the central and western regions of the country. 
 
 <div type="ExtQuote" text="Heavy to Very heavy rainfall at isolated places likely over Assam &amp; Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram &amp; Tripura, South Interior Karnataka and Kerala &amp; Mahe on June 8. Heavy rainfall at isolated places likely over Tamilnadu, Puducherry &amp; Karaikal, Lakshadweep, Rayalaseema and Odisha" auname="— Special daily Weather Report by the India Meteorological Department"></div>




 Temperature in Rajasthan’s Churu soared to 50 degree Celsius on June 1— the day when monsoon normally hits Southern parts of India. Many parts of the country are struggling with heat waves with the maximum temperature between 45 degrees to 50 degree Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heat waves were expected in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, Telangana and coastal Andhra Pradesh. <a href="http://www.imd.gov.in/pages/monsoon_main.php?adta=JPG&amp;adtb=1">Expected Monsoon dates in key parts of India </a> <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">State </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Normal Monsoon onset date </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Delayed till (Approximate)* </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Kerala </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">1 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">8 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Tamil Nadu </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">1 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">8 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Odisha </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">10 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">17 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Maharashtra </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">10 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">17 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">New Delhi </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">29 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">5 July </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">West Bengal </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">10 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">17 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Bihar </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">10 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">17 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Andhra Pradesh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">1 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">8 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Karnataka </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">5 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">13 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Haryana </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">1 July </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">8 July </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Punjab </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">1 July </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">8 July </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Uttar Pradesh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;"> </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;"> </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Madhya Pradesh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">15 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">22 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Meghalaya </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">5 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">13 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Chattisgarh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">10 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">18 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Rajasthan </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">1 July </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">8 July </td></tr></tbody></table>*These are expected dates and may differ from the actual dates. This has been the second driest pre-monsoon season in the last 65 years, with the lowest being recorded in 2012 when countrywide cumulative rainfall deficiency had mounted to 31 per cent, according Private forecaster Skymet The heatwaves are expected to become severe in New Delhi and other northern cities in the coming days and the mercury is expected to breach 45 degrees Celsius. The National Capital Region along with Haryana and Punjab may get some relief due rains and thunderstorm led by western disturbances after June 11. 
 
 <div type="ExtQuote" text="Usually monsoon arrives in Delhi on June 29. However, this time it is expected to be delayed by a week. It may come in the first week of July" auname="Mahesh Palawat, Director at the private forecaster Skymet."></div>





 Delhi on Wednesday recorded a maximum temperature of 44.6 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average. (With IANS)

Monsoon to hit Kerala tomorrow, heatwave in Northern India to last another week

<ul><li>The total rain from south west monsoon has been 40% less than the average.</li><li>The deficit is as high as 56% in south India and farmers have been asked to avoid sowing for crops like rice that need a lot of water.</li><li>Central India comes a close second with a rain deficit of 41% until June 19.</li><li>The crisis in rural India may become a significant factor in the upcoming budget.</li></ul> India is already suffering from a severe water shortage in many parts of the country and the rain Gods have not been merciful yet. That would put pressure on the Narendra Modi government, particularly on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, ahead of the upcoming budget to ensure the rural distress in the country does not worsen any further. The total rain from south west monsoon has been 40% less than the average. The deficit is as high as 56% in the southern peninsula --Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Goa. The central parts of the country, states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhatisgarh, come a close second with a rain deficit of 41% until June 19. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 The shortage is therefore the worst in the rice growing areas and therefore the farmers have either delayed or reduced the sowing of crops like rice, sugarcane and cotton, all of which need a lot of water, according to government data. This is part of the government's contingency plan in the 648 worst-hit districts of the country. What's worse, farmers have <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/chem-/-fertilisers/fertilisers-to-turn-10-costlier-as-potash-rates-rise/articleshow/69657956.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">to pay up to 10% more for fertilisers</a> this sowing season, than what they paid last winter, thanks to a rise in global prices for potash due to stronger demand, the key raw material, and a weaker rupee. Tractor sales Expectations of a poor monsoon also affect the purchase of farm equipment like tractors. The impact has been visible already in the 15% fall in tractor sales in May compared to the same time last year. That's bad news for Mahindra and Mahindra, which makes nearly 31% of its revenue from tractors alone and things have been far from rosy for a while now. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 The gloomy expectations have been evident in the share price too, which has lost over 31% in the last one year. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 All eyes are now on the budget, and both the country's millions of farmers as well as companies like M&amp;M hope for some sort of relief package that soften nature's blow on the rural economy. There are some encouraging signs with the President Ram Nath Kovind announcing a ₹25 trillion fund to protect the rural economy. The income guarantee scheme of ₹6,000 a year has been extended to the country's 145 million farmers. India has also appealed to China to lower tariffs on agricultural exports from India. Rural consumption has already slumped sharply and a poor monsoon may only worsen it. The government will have to think of other measures to support the economic recovery. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/there-is-a-lot-of-bad-news-that-modi-has-to-budget-for-this-year/articleshow/69635372.cms">There is a lot of bad news that Modi has to budget for this year</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/modi-government-sets-up-two-cabinet-panels-to-check-falling-gdp-employment/articleshow/69670523.cms">Modi government sets up two cabinet panels to check falling GDP, employment</a>

The shortfall in rains is the worst in South India and it will affect rice and oilseeds production as well as tractor sales

<ul><li>After 3 confirmed <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> cases, Kerala fears mass cancellations from tourists </li><li>State tourism minister <keyword id="916683" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kadakampally-Surendran">Kadakampally Surendran</keyword> said the hotels have seen mass cancellations. </li><li>Business Insider India reached out to online travel portals like EaseMyTrip and Cleartrip to assess the impact of Coronavirus on <keyword id="6362858" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala-Tourism">Kerala Tourism</keyword>. They say that the demand remains strong as of now. </li></ul>The outbreak of <keyword id="8637381" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Coronavirus-in-Kerala">coronavirus in Kerala</keyword> has cast a shadow on the state’s vibrant tourist inflow. After the state reported<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/806-people-in-kerala-under-observation-for-coronavirus/articleshow/73754612.cms?upcache=2"> three confirmed coronavirus cases</a>, even its border states like <keyword id="6354780" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Karnataka">Karnataka</keyword> have turned alert. State tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran said the hotels have seen mass cancellations. “After the Nipah virus and deadly floods, the coronavirus outbreak has also adversely impacted the holiday industry as hotel bookings during February-March have been cancelled widely across the state, ''<a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/world/coronavirus-live-update-death-toll-jumps-to-425-hyundai-suspends-production-line-11580788423653.html"> he said in a press conference</a>. Business Insider India reached out to online travel portals like EaseMyTrip and Cleartrip to assess the impact of Coronavirus on Kerala Tourism. They say that the demand remains strong as of now. Too early to asses, say travel portals Balu Ramachandran, senior vice president of Cleartrip believes that it is very early to say conclusively if there will be any discernible impact on travel with respect to Coronavirus “As of now, we haven't received any updates from airlines for flight cancellations for Kerala. However, we have observed a few cancellations of hotel bookings especially of women travellers,” Prashant Pitti, co-founder and executive director of EaseMyTrip. If any, this will be the third time that the state’s tourism sector has been hit. Two years ago in August 2018, Kerala was swept away by deadly monsoon rains taking as many as 504 lives. In all, 23 million were affected and the losses for the state mounted to $2.7 billion. In June 2019, 17 people were killed in 21 days after catching Nipah virus infection (NiV) that too like Coronavirus has no cure. SEE ALSO : <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/fighting-wuhan-coronavirus-pictures-show-how-china-built-a-1000-bed-hospital-in-10-days/articleshow/73758306.cms">Fighting Wuhan Coronavirus: Pictures show how China built a 1000-bed hospital in 10 days</a>

Kerala’s tourism is infected following three confirmed cases of coronavirus

<ul><li>The recent <keyword id="48088" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="floods">floods</keyword> in <keyword id="13126" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maharashtra">Maharashtra</keyword>, <keyword id="6354780" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Karnataka">Karnataka</keyword>, and Kerala have already claimed 147 lives, and over a million people might turn homeless. </li><li> People claim that they have not seen such destruction in the last 40 years.</li></ul>The recent floods in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala have already claimed 147 lives, and over a million people might turn homeless. They are entirely cut off from the outside world because of the high water level. The worst-hit areas were Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. However, floods have also affected Gujarat, Assam and <keyword id="30033" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bihar">Bihar</keyword>. The locals have no clue when they are going to get their normal life back. People claim that they have not seen such destruction in the last 40 years, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCWqknq8zLs">reported BBC</a>. The opposition party, Congress, has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide relief assistance to the flood-affected area. 57 dead in Kerala <a href="https://www.news18.com/news/india/floods-live-updates-karnataka-kerala-maharashtra-bengaluru-amit-shah-kochi-2266985.html">In Kerala, as many as 57 have died and 165,000</a> are living at relief camps, said authorities. Chief Minister Pinaray Vijayan who assessed the flood-affected areas said that many houses are under 8-19 feet of mud, which is delaying rescue operations. Last year, floods killed 200 in Kerala and displaced as many as five million. All the 14 districts in the state, except Kollam, are in trouble. Many of them now live at 1,600 relief camps. Malappuram district with over 54,000 people has the largest number of people living in makeshift camps. 67 dead in Karnataka The death toll in Karnataka is now at 67, and as many as 227,000 were displaced. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCWqknq8zLshttps://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/monsoon-rains-flood-live-updates-news-kerala-maharashtra-gujarat-karnataka-1579879-2019-08-12">According to</a> State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, "Since August 1, 2019, 40 people have lost their lives, 14 are missing, 5,81,702 people have been evacuated. As many as 1168 number of relief camps are operational as 17 districts and 2,028 villages are affected." Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa that said the government would provide a compensation of ₹500,000 to families of the deceased. 30 dead in Maharashtra, but flood’s receding The death toll in Maharashtra stood at 30. However, the government said the situation is improving. Over 203 roads and 94 bridges were closed in advance to avoid vehicular movement. The water level is significantly going down in Maharashtra, <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/maharashtra-flood-toll-rises-to-40-amit-shah-conducts-aerial-survey-4320751.html">said the government. </a> The water level is significantly going down in Maharashtra, <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/maharashtra-flood-toll-rises-to-40-amit-shah-conducts-aerial-survey-4320751.html">said the government. </a> Floods in Bihar and monsoon floods in Assam too <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/bihar-floods-and-assam-floods-death-toll/articleshow/70329643.cms">killed 166 in July</a>. As many as 5 million people were displaced as well. However, the situation has been improving since then. Water level in four river in Bihar was receding with no fresh casualty reported.

Floods kill 140 in Maharashtra, Kerala, and Karnataka — and there is no end in sight

New Delhi, Jan 23 () The Kerala government has failed to provide utilisation certificates for at least half of the over Rs 3,000 crore given to it a year ago as relief for the 2018 floods that claimed around 488 lives and caused major devastation, officials said on Thursday.
The state government has sought Rs 2,000 crore more from the Centre for flood damages in 2019, despite its inability to show spending in reconstruction works after the 2018 deluge, they said.
"Rs 3,048.39 crore was given to Kerala in December 2018 as relief for the floods in that year. As on April 2019, the state government could spend just Rs 900 crore and no utilisation certificates came for the remaining Rs 2,100 crore," a government official said.
From April to December last year, the Kerala government spent some more funds, which could be about half of the sanctioned amount of Rs 3,048.39 crore, the official said.
After 2018, Kerala had sought Rs 4,700 crore as compensation from the central government for the damage caused by the floods, which was termed as the worst in a century.
At least 488 people died in Kerala due to monsoon rains and floods, which hit 14 districts of the state, in 2018.
Since utilisation certificates for the first tranche of fund has not come fully yet, the Centre did not take any decision on the request for the 2019 flood damage compensation.
"The central government will be able to release more funds only after receiving the utilisation certificates for the funds already given to Kerala," another official said. ACB ACB ANB
ANB

Kerala fails to send utilisation certificates for fund given for 2018 floods: Officials

<ul><li>Over 828 hectares of <keyword id="624792" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="tea-plantations">tea plantations</keyword> have been affected due to the cold temperatures </li><li>Tea production in <keyword id="28504" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala">Kerala</keyword> had taken a massive hit because of the floods, with estimated production down by 11% in November 2018 </li><li>Frost can destroy the crop and plantations have to be careful while cultivating as the affected area won’t yield any produce for three months thereafter</li></ul>The town of <keyword id="6389278" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="munnar">Munnar</keyword> and major tea plantations in Kerala in South India—known for its sunny skies and soothing seashores —woke up to frost over the past weekend. The surprising weather is the strongest sign yet that <keyword id="6361617" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change">climate change</keyword> poses a serious threat to the state’s sprawling tea plantations. The frost has affected over 828 hectares of the Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company, an official from the company told <a href="http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2019/jan/06/munnar-frost-828-ha-of-tea-plantations-hit-1921203.html">The New Indian Express.</a> The hills of Kerala’s <a href="https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kerala-s-munnar-sees-sub-zero-temperatures-tourists-flock-frost-covered-town-94602">Munnar</a>, Kannimala, Chenduvara, Chittuvara, Seven valley and Nallathanni have been affected by the dip in mercury. While tea, being a sub-tropical plant, can survive cold temperatures, frost can usually destroy the crop and plantations have to be careful while cultivating, say experts. Frost usually sets in when temperature drops to less than three or four degrees and humidity levels reach less than 30. “It affects the bushes in the valley. During sunrise, when it starts melting the tender leaf gets burnt after which the affected area yields no crop for the next three months,” said R. Rajkumar, group manager of Glendale Estate in Nilgiris. Rajkumar added that it’s difficult to take precautionary measures because of the size of the tea plantations. However, for smaller areas ferns can be planted to cover the tea bushes, protecting them from frost. Frost isn’t the only thing threatening tea plantations. Tea production in Kerala took a massive hit last year because of floods, falling by <a href="http://www.teaboard.gov.in/pdf/Estimated_production_for_November_2018_pdf5245.pdf">11 per cent in November 2018</a> in comparison to the previous year. Last year, about <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/how-2018-offered-a-mixed-bag-to-the-tea-industry/article25808409.ece">44 hectares </a>of land was washed away in Kerala and <keyword id="20154" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword> because of the floods resulting in an estimated loss of about $820 million. Kerala has 35.01 thousand hectares of land dedicated to tea plantations producing over 56 million kgs, according to data from 2015-16, and has witnessed a decline in production in the past few years because of averse climate conditions. Bala Sarda, founder of Vahdam Teas told Business Insider that both the production and quality of tea are set to take a hit due to the current situation. “The production cost per kilo goes up naturally leading to an unstable situation for both manufacturers and buyers. And with a lower yield and poor quality, the prices too will also go up,” he said. North India, though, has a different story. Last week, the Tea Board of India had initiated a crackdown on the plucking of tea leaves during winters in Northern India, to discourage tea production of inferior quality, which could subsequently affect its pricing. Additionally, <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/markets/tea-likely-to-fetch-higher-prices-in-2019-auctions-on-output-shortfall-119010300060_1.html">reports suggest</a> that the 2019 tea auction could in fact see better pricing because of a shortfall in production. See more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/in-photos-a-tea-plantation-in-south-india-sees-a-white-winter-as-temperatures-dip-unusually-to-below-freezing/articleshow/67433352.cms">In photos: A tea plantation in South India sees a white winter as temperatures dip unusually to below freezing</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/despite-a-second-consecutive-deficient-monsoon-india-is-poised-for-a-record-harvest/articleshow/66026566.cms">Despite a second consecutive deficient monsoon, India is poised for a record harvest</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-first-ever-water-metro-has-the-potential-to-help-100000-islanders-living-in-the-area/articleshow/67381203.cms">India’s first ever ‘water metro’ has the potential to help 100,000 islanders living in the area</a>

How climate change is taking a toll on Indian tea

<ul><li>Natural calamities like floods, cyclones, and landslides took 6,585 lives in the last three years until 18 July 2019 in India. </li><li>Until today, floods and rains have killed 127 people in Bihar alone. </li><li>The situation is similar in Assam where monsoon floods killed 82 people and displaced 5.8 million. </li></ul>Natural calamities like floods, cyclones, and landslides have taken 6,585 lives in the last three years until 18 July 2019, <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/flood-situation-in-assam-bihar-grim-death-toll-reaches-209-4257211.html">revealed a </a>government statement. On an average, it means that India lost five lives daily for the last three years, because of flood-related calamities. Indian <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-is-facing-two-extreme-weather-conditions-together-drought-and-floods-/articleshow/70273165.cms">monsoon</a>s have turned extraordinarily erratic in the last few years. As of today, Bihar’s floods have killed 127 people, and they have not yet ebbed. The situation is similar in Assam where heavy rains and landslides killed 82 people and displaced 5.8 million. <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/145335/monsoon-rains-flood-south-asia">NASA earlier shared pictures </a>showing the rising level of Brahmaputra river which put thousands of lives at risk. Last year in August 2018, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-is-facing-two-extreme-weather-conditions-together-drought-and-floods-/articleshow/70273165.cms">Kerala was swept away by </a>deadly monsoon rains, claiming 504 lives. These estimates do not account for the death of animals and livestock. Assam government reported the death of around 204 animals, in the last 15 days alone. In the last three years, over 200,00 livestock perished in floods, <a href="http://164.100.24.220/loksabhaquestions/annex/171/AU4906.pdf">said the government. </a> About 12% of the land in India is prone to floods. Floods have displaced or wrecked lives of seven million people in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan in July alone, <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/145335/monsoon-rains-flood-south-asia">said a report by NASA</a>. If the trend continues, in spite of heightened disaster management and rescue efforts, many Indians will continue to remain on the brink of death.

Floods killed five people per day for the last three years in India

More than nine in 10 executives at electric utilities believe that <keyword id="6361617" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change">climate change</keyword> has contributed to increased extreme weather events that their electricity networks have experienced over the past 10 years, said a study by <keyword id="6370971" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="accenture">Accenture</keyword>. In addition, 90 per cent believe an expected rise in severe weather poses an increased financial risk to their grid businesses. The study -- the sixth edition of Accenture's Digitally Enabled Grid research -- is based on a survey of more than 200 electric utility executives in 28 countries, including India. "Around the world, high-impact weather-related events are becoming more frequent and more severe. In 2018, India's southern state of Kerala suffered its worst monsoon flooding in a century severely impacting the electricity distribution infrastructure in the flood-ravaged areas," Sanjeev Arora, Managing Director and Lead -- Resources, Accenture in India, said in a statement. "Events like this and Cyclone Fani in 2019 in eastern India have shown us the impact of extreme weather conditions in disrupting network operations," Arora said. About 92 per cent survey respondents said they expect severe weather to increase in the next 10 years. At the same time, 88 per cent said maintaining network resilience to extreme weather will result in significant increases in network prices for customers, while only one-quarter of the respondents believe that their businesses are very well prepared to deal with the impact of extreme weather, with one in 12 reporting being poorly prepared. "With various parts of the world affected by droughts, wildfires, and flooding in addition to the U.S. hurricane season just around the corner, climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and impacting the electricity grid," said Stephanie Jamison, a global industry senior managing director who leads Accenture's Utilities business. "Greater system flexibility, delivered through digital and emerging technologies, will be critical to optimising grid resilience in a cost-effective and timely manner," Jamison added. More than nine in 10 respondents (95%) believe that building greater adaptability into the network -- such as network reconfiguration, embedded storage, redundancy and voltage management -- over the next 10 years will be critical to increasing overall resilience. Further, 93 per cent see system flexibility as the most cost-effective approach to deliver long-term resilience. "Utilities need a forward-looking, holistic and flexible grid resilience strategy, with right regulatory measures, proactive investments and maintenance, to bounce back quickly from major and even multiple events -- whether it's from extreme weather, cyberattacks, earthquakes or even a pandemic," Arora said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/uber-ride-in-gurgaon-of-driver-seat-in-plastic-goes-viral-on-tiktok-and-instagram/articleshow/75771489.cms">Video of an Uber ride is all the rage on TikTok and Instagram ⁠— the driver got himself a cockpit covered in plastic</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/at-least-24-migrant-workers-killed-and-36-injured-on-their-way-home-from-rajasthan/articleshow/75770823.cms">At least 24 migrant workers killed and 36 injured on their way home from Rajasthan</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/indian-women-dont-like-being-gig-workers/articleshow/75757460.cms">Indian women don’t like being gig workers ⁠— the potentially $455 billion industry has to woo them with fair pay to start with</a>

Severe weather threatens India's electricity infrastructure —  the threats have been building up over the last 10 years

New Delhi, Nov 25 () Public sector trading firm MMTC, which has been tasked to import onion on behalf of the Centre to cool prices, has contracted to import 6,090 tonnes from Egypt, and the edible bulb will be supplied to states in a price range of Rs 52-60 per kg.
 Last week, the Union Cabinet decided to import 1.2 lakh tonnes of onions to improve the domestic supply and control prices, which touched Rs 100 per kg earlier this month. Retail prices are ruling at around Rs 70 per kg in the national capital.
 "MMTC has placed order for the first consignment of 6,090 tonnes of onions from Egypt which will be arriving at Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mumbai. The Onions are being offered to state governments for distribution at the rate of Rs 52-55 per kilogram ex-Mumbai and will also be made available at the rate of Rs 60 per kilogram ex-Delhi," an official statement said.
 States could directly take the imported stock from the location and also have the option of getting transportation facilitated through NAFED, if required.
 "The supply of imported onions will begin from early December onwards," the statement said.
 Consumer Affairs Secretary Avinash K Srivastava on Monday held video conference with state governments to analyse their demand. He has also written a letter to chief secretaries of all states on November 23 in this regard.
 While the Delhi government is yet to place any demand for onions, NAFED has informed that it will retail onions through its own outlets and those of Mother Dairy, Kendriya Bhandar and NCCF.
 "The total demand received so far from various state governments for the 1st week is 2,265 tonnes which includes demand from Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala and Sikkim and also includes the demand of NAFED for supplies in Delhi," the statement said.
 Other states have been requested to indicate their demand at the earliest.
 On November 19, Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said production in kharif and late-kharif seasons of 2019-20 is estimated to fall 26 per cent to 5.2 million tonne, putting pressure on supply and prices.
 In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Paswan said onion is a seasonal crop with harvesting period of rabi (March to June), kharif (October to December) and late-kharif (January-March). During July to October, the supply in the market comes from stored onions from rabi season.
 "During 2019-20, there was a 3-4 weeks delay in sowing as well as decline in sown area of the kharif onion because of late arrival of monsoon. Further, untimely prolonged rains in the major growing states of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh during the harvesting period caused damage to the standing crops in these regions," Paswan had said.
 As a result, the minister said the production of kharif crop was affected.
 The rains during the September-October period also hit transportation of crop from these producing regions to consuming centres, he had said.
 "This led to limited availability of kharif onions in the market and has put pressure on its prices," Paswan had said.
 The minister said the government has banned onion exports and imposed stock limits to boost domestic supply and check prices. MJH HRS

MMTC contracts to import 6,090 tonnes onion from Egypt; to be supplied to states at Rs 52-60/kg

New Delhi, Feb 7 () The Centre on Friday told Parliament that private insurance companies have not made "windfall gains" under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) as the overall claim ratio between 2016-17 and 2018-19 was as high as 81 per cent. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, in his written reply to the Rajya Sabha, also made it clear that the difference between premium collected and claims paid is not the margin or profit for these firms. The reinsurance and administrative cost totalling 10 to 12 per cent of gross premium also has to be borne by the insurance companies. The government is implementing two crop insurance schemes of the PMFBY and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS). According to provisions of the PMFBY and the RWBCIS, the minister said premium from farmers along with central and state government share in premium subsidy is paid to the concerned insurance company for acceptance of risk and payment of claims as per provision of scheme. "Insurers save premium in good seasons/years and pay high claims, if any in bad years from the savings made in the good years," he said adding that crop is all about spreading the risk over the period and over the area. In spite of overall good monsoon during first three years of the implementation of PMFBY, the claim ratio during 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 was about 77 per cent, 86 per cent and 80 per cent (provisional), respectively, he said. Tomar further said that overall claim ratio for the three years combined (2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19) comes to about 81 per cent. "But, the farmers in most affected areas/states received higher claims." "Hence, it is not correct to say that private insurance companies have made windfall gains under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)," the minister said. In this regard, it is also informed that the difference between premium collected and claims paid is not the margin or profit for the insurance companies, he said. The reinsurance and administrative cost totalling 10 to 12 per cent of gross premium also has to be borne by the insurance companies. Further, out of the total crop insurance business under the scheme, more than 50 per cent is shared by the 5 public sector insurance companies including Agriculture Insurance Company of India Ltd. (AIC), he added. Placing the data before the Upper House, Tomar said the claim ratio was high at 209 per cent in Kerala, 136 per cent in Karnataka during kharif 2016, while the claim ratio was at 298 per cent in Tamil Nadu and 179 per cent in Andhra Pradesh during rabi 2016-17. Similarly, during kharif 2017, the higher claim ratio was in the states of Chhattisgarh (452 per cent), Haryana (270 per cent), Madhya Pradesh (161 per cent) and Odisha (217 per cent). During the rabi 2017-18, high claim ratio states were Odisha (226 per cent), Tamil Nadu (148 per cent) and Chhattisgarh (109 per cent), he said. Though complete data for the kharif 2018 season is not available, high claims ratio has been reported in states of Haryana (140 per cent), Uttarakhand (115 per cent) and Chhattisgarh (124 per cent), he added. To a query if farmers are indifferent towards PMFBY, the minister replied in negative. "No, sir." Due to the improved features of PMFBY, the minister said the coverage under the scheme has increased to 30 per cent of the gross cropped area from 23 per cent in 2015-16 under erstwhile schemes. Participation of non-loanee farmers, for whom the scheme is voluntary, have also increased from 5 per cent under erstwhile schemes to 42 per cent (kharif 2019) under PMFBY showing the voluntary acceptability of the scheme, he said. LUX HRS

No windfall gains to private insurers under PMFBY: Centre

A large number of <keyword id="8750874" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="millenial-farmers">millenial farmers</keyword> in villages around Nashik district of Maharashtra are making more money from alternative jobs like electrician, plumbing and fabrication than from farming itself. Most of these farmers are earning between Rs 7,000-15,000 per month from alternative jobs in construction-affiliated industry, which they said is "good enough money" to support their agriculture-dependent families. These millenial farmers, who are mostly educated till 12th standard, are gradually emerging as talented professionals, thanks to the vocational skill training intervention by PNB Housing Finance Ltd (PNBHF) as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative implemented with the support of Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) and Vivekananda Institute at Nashik. Looking at the uncertainty in agriculture, a matric-passed farmer Sagar Nivruthi Bodke (22 years), who assists his family in a 2.5-acre farm land located at Tadwade village in Trimbakeshwar Taluk, took up the 45-day free training course on fabrication at Vivekananda Institute last year. "There is not much income from agriculture. Both monsoon and markets are unpredictable. Despite efforts of entire family, the return from a piece of farm land is very low. Youth like me cannot even think of asking salary for my share of work," Bodke told . Stating that farming is becoming difficult with increased water woes in Trimbakeshwar, he said an alternative job like fabrication comes handy to sustain during off season. "Now, I have my own work. I earn Rs 14,000 to Rs 15,000 per month. My family is happy that I earn from this new job and at the same time help them in agriculture activities," he said, adding that he was able to learn fast as the course syllabus was more on practical knowledge than theory. Sharing a similar story, 20-year old Abhishek Mohan Daghar said he has become a certified electrician after getting the training at the institute and been working with a building contractor for last three months. "I am getting Rs 7,000 per month, which is not bad for a 12th Class fail youth. We have 5 acres of farm land and I help my father in agriculture and also doing electrician job," Daghar said and added that he was ready to join a company if he was offered better salary. There are many millenial farmers like Bodke and Daghar in and around Nashik who have either become entrepreneurs or got placed in companies after the training. The objective of the intervention, PNBHF Chief People Officer Anshul Bhargava said, is constantly build inroads for upgrading skills of construction workers and creating a conducive environment for them. The purpose is to improve the socio-economic condition of this community. Now, the demand for such courses is increasing not only among millenial farmers but also from youth belonging to economically weaker groups who want to acquire new skills to find job opportunities. For instance, 21-year old Vinayak Rawat (12th class pass) after the training course got placement as electrician at Chinese home appliance giant Haier in Nashik and is earning as much as Rs 15,000 per month. "I did the course in June-July 2019 and now working with Haier. My salary is Rs 15,000 per month. Gradually I started earning more money because of incentive given on marketing of the company's products," Rawat said, adding that additional skills that were taught at the training helped him deal with customers, market the company's products and earn incentives. Under this partnership, CREDAI President Satish Magar said it has been able to directly reach out to 40,000 unemployed youth from underprivileged backgrounds, helping them access entry levels job opportunities in construction affiliated industries. Since many of the existing plumbers, electricians and fabricators have picked up skills on job and are not trained at all, Vivekanand Institute Executive Officer Sandip Kuyate said, "Such courses help supply of trained workers who can provide better services keeping safety on priority." "Along with the course, we teach additional basic skills like computer, soft skills, entrepreneur development skill, financial literacy and career counselling," he said, adding that such skills give them confidence to deal with customers. As per the latest data, PNBHF has trained over 1,500 youth in electrician, plumbing and fabrication skills in the last three years in Nashik district alone, while a total 41,744 youth between 2015-16 and 2019-20 across India. There is 70-75 per cent placement after the training. Besides Maharashtra, PNBHF is offering such training courses in 10 states -- Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Orrisa. The certificate courses are recognised globally as it is accredited by the National Skill Development Council (NSDC) and Construction Skill Development Council Of India (CSDC). The courses are offered free of cost to people belonging to economically weaker sections. PNBHF is investing Rs 8,000 per candidate for the training and aims to train 13,000 persons this fiscal. Many students travel 20-25 km from Nashik city to attend classes and Vivekananda Institute is also offering hostel and meal facility here. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/mh-bud-cm/articleshow/73843286.cms">Budget does injustice to Maharashtra, Mumbai: Uddhav Thackeray</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/bjp-ruled-states-praise-pro-people-budget-others-say-it-lacks-vision-to-revive-economy/articleshow/73846584.cms">BJP-ruled states praise 'pro-people' budget, others say it lacks vision to revive economy</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/policy/news/new-government-in-maharashtra-led-by-uddhav-thackeray-sharad-pawar-and-congress-what-to-expect/articleshow/72271660.cms">Here's what to expect from the new government in Maharashtra</a>

You Searched For "kerala monsoon 2019" and got 11 results

Monsoon to hit Kerala tomorrow, heatwave in Northern India to last another week

Preeti Soni

The shortfall in rains is the worst in South India and it will affect rice and oilseeds production as well as tractor sales

Sriram Iyer

Kerala’s tourism is infected following three confirmed cases of coronavirus

Preeti Soni

Floods kill 140 in Maharashtra, Kerala, and Karnataka — and there is no end in sight

Preeti Soni

Kerala fails to send utilisation certificates for fund given for 2018 floods: Officials

PTI

How climate change is taking a toll on Indian tea

BI India Bureau

Floods killed five people per day for the last three years in India

Preeti Soni

Severe weather threatens India's electricity infrastructure — the threats have been building up over the last 10 years

IANS

MMTC contracts to import 6,090 tonnes onion from Egypt; to be supplied to states at Rs 52-60/kg

PTI

No windfall gains to private insurers under PMFBY: Centre

PTI

Millenial farmers making more money from alternative jobs than farming

PTI

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