With another wave of Corona, World has learnt nothing in the past 10 months of COVID pendamic

The world is reeling under another Corona wave, every day we are seeing more than six lakh new cases, and daily Corona death is touching 9,000. The situation is worsening day by day. Most of the European nations are going back to lockdown again. France, Germany, UK and Belgium have already started the move and others are likely to follow in the coming months.

Unfortunately, the world has not learnt little from the 10-month pandemic. We have forgotten it but CORONA is here to stay long. Ostrich like the attitude of state governments is not going to help anyone. High time to make SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) if we really want to fight the pandemic.

France is among the worst affected countries in Europe

 

France is adding nearly 60,000 new cases every day. On November 6, daily death rose to more than 800. It has already imposed lockdown but that is not the only solution. Considering the fact that its population is less than 7 crore, this figure is alarmingly high. Total

cases have reached more than 16 lakhs, which is not great but its active cases are as high as 14.65 lakhs, which means only 1.26 lakh people have recovered so far.

The Situation is bad in Europe. worst countries are France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Russia where active cases have been reported the most. Number wise so far a total of 11 495 874 cases have been reported in Europe. Five countries reporting most cases are Russia (1 712 858), France (1 601 367), Spain (1 306 316), United Kingdom (1 123 197) and Italy (824 879).\

But if we talk of new cases, more than 50 % of new cases are coming from Europe, of the new 6.27 lakh new cases on November 6, 3.15 lakh is from Europe alone. Death wise also out of nearly 9,000 daily deaths, around 4,800 is reported from Europe alone. And it shows the alarming spread in Europe.

After Europe, the USA is worst affected

We have been blaming Donald Trump for mishandling the situation. The fact is people of the USA are to be blamed for being complacent of the virus. They must remember they are not any terror group, but an invisible enemy about whom we know little despite our 10-month long research work.

Today, On November 6, it added 1.32 lakh new cases reported 1,248 new deaths. Total active cases are around 34 lakhs of the total 64 lakh cases reported so far.

USA is bussy in elections and forgets COVID-19, But CORONA has not forgotten the USA and working overnight spreading it all over the states. Let's see how new USA President deals with the pandemic.

India should learn from the bad experience of Europe, Kerala and Delhi

CPVID-19 spread in India and its recovery is much much better than Europe and USA. As against the population of 137 crores, India reported only 84 lakh cases out of which more than 78 lakhs have already recovered.

There are only 5.16 lakh active cases. With this India probably has the highest recovery rate and lowest fatality rate in the world.

Having said this, the fact remains Indian cannot sit on good performance like Germany and Hongkong and later face the wrath of complacency.

It is high time to be vigilant, and remember we can forget Corona but it would not forget us. Corona is no 20-20 match, it is here to stay long and state governments must learn to live with it

What we have learnt from 10-month long lockdown

https://statesmanvijay.blogspot.com/2020/07/10-simple-ways-to-prevent-viral.html

China had imposed its first lockdown in Wuhan and other cities of Hubei on January 23 in wake of COVID-19. It shocked the world initially, but later almost all countries in the world adopted the same practice to contain the virus spread. Some did it efficiently and some partially and some did lockdown for the sake of it.

Today it has been almost 10 months of starting the lockdown, the entire world economy is in shambles, poor countries which are already cash-starved are hit the most. It did not spare the world’s leading economies including USA, Germany, France and UK.

The decision to lockdown was taken in haste as most of the governments were confused on how to fight with this invisible enemy gifted by China. That time the step to lock down the country was obvious and required.

It is sorry to say that despite 10-month long research on the virus, most countries are still somewhat confused and going for the old practice of shutting down the country. Little they realize that the lockdown is no permanent solution. Poor people would die in any case either because of COVID-19 or due to hunger.

It is time for governments to evaluate whether to allow poor people to die of hunger or find a better workable solution. Remember third world countries would follow Developed countries footsteps. The world has apparently learnt little from COVID-19 and hardly tried to find a solution to contain the virus.

Remember COVID-19 is just a beginning, in the coming time we will see more contagious and stronger virus than this. It is time to make an SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) to change our lifestyle. Japan, Korea and China is the best example, they changed their lifestyle to fight SARS and other such viruses.

I strongly recommend here old Indian style of living, where People used to practice certain rules to avoid such viral/bacterial diseases. (1) Like never cook without clean cloths and without taking bath, (2) Not let anyone enter your kitchen (3) Not touch anything after you return to form from the market, wash your face hand, change clothes and then only interact with your family especially children (4) Do gargle after every meal and always eat freshly cooked food.

 

Is Smart LOCKDOWN a Solution ?

To me smart lockdown and proper COVID-19 Education may be a way out to contain the virus.

1)     Let economy work for first five days a week.

2)     Tell people to effectively maintain social distancing and use of mask at public places.

3)     Tell people not to visit relatives until or unless it is very important.

4)     Do not let children playout for more than an hour that too strictly wearing masks.

5)     Strictly ask people to have Hot Water (better a light Kada) every four hours. It helps build immunity and fight the seasonal virus. (I have been doing this for 20 years to fight seasonal virus stronger than COVID-19 and it worked perfectly).

6)     Ask people to change their habits of taking your hands to mouth, eyes and noses.

7)     Tell people going out in public places to wash their hands every two hours.

8)     Change your clothes every time you return home from a public place.

9)     Avoid window shopping and go where it is essential.

10) Prefer online shopping, whenever and wherever it is possible.

 ENDS.

Government allows colleges and universities to open with 50 % capacity, UGC issues a detailed guidelines

The government allows colleges and universities to open with 50 % capacity, UGC issues a detailed guidelines 

The University Grants Commission framed and issued Guidelines for the universities and colleges for reopening their campuses.These Guidelines have been vetted by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Education. The Guidelines may be adopted by the institutions as per the local conditions and directives of the Government authorities.

The Universities and Colleges outside the containment zones may be opened in a graded manner after consultations with concerned State/UT Governments and subject to adherence to the guidelines/SOP for safety and health protocol prepared by UGC, as under:

1. For Centrally Funded Higher Education Institutions, the Head of the Institution should satisfy herself/himself regarding the feasibility of the opening of physical classes and decide accordingly.

 

2. For all other Higher Educational Institutions, e.g., State Universities, Private Universities, Colleges etc., opening of physical classes to be done as per the decision of the respective State/UT Governments.

 

3. Universities and colleges may plan opening the campuses in phases, with such activities where they can easily adhere to social distancing, use of face masks and other protective measures This may include administrative offices, research laboratories and libraries etc.

 

4. Thereafter, students of all research programmes and post-graduate students in science & technology programmes may join as the number of such students is comparatively less and norms of physical distancing and preventive measures canbe easily enforced.

 

5. Further, final year students may also be allowed to join for academic and placement purposes, as per the decision of the head of the institution.

However, for (iii), (iv) and (v) above, it should be ensured that not more than 50% of the total students should be present at any point of time and necessary guidelines/protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are in place.

6. For the programmes, other than those mentioned in paras (iv) and (v) above, online/distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged.

 

6. However, if required, students may visit their respective departments in a small number for consultation with the faculty members, after seeking prior appointments to avoid crowding, while maintaining physical distancing norms and other safety protocols.

 

8. Some students may opt not to attend classes and prefer to study online while staying at home. Institutions may provide online study material and access to e-resources to such students for teaching-learning.

 

9. Institutions should have a plan ready for such international students who could not join the programme due to international travel restrictions or visa-related issues. Online teaching-learning arrangements should also be made for them.

 

10. Hostels may be opened only in such cases where it is necessary while strictly observing the safety and health preventive measures. However, the sharing of rooms may not be allowed in hostels. Symptomatic students should not be permitted to stay in the hostels under any circumstances.

 

11. Before the reopening of any campus, the Central or concerned State Government must have declared the area safe for opening of educational institutions. The directions, instructions, guidelines and orders issued by the Central and concerned State Government regarding safety and health in view of COVID-19 must be fully abided by the higher education institutions.

These Guidelines provide in detail the measures to be taken by Higher Educational Institutions before re-opening of campuses. It also describes the safety measures to be taken by HEIs at Entry/Exit Point(s), in the classrooms and other learning sites, inside the campus and in the Hostels. Guidance for counselling and mental health is also provided in this document.

Earlier, the University Grants Commission issued "Guidelines on Examinations and Academic Calendar for the Universities in View of COVID-I9 Pandemic and Subsequent Lockdown" on 29th April, 2020 and then, on 6th July, 2020. These Guidelines covered important dimensions related to examinations, academic calendar, admissions, online teaching-learning, and provided flexibility for adoption by the universities.

Later, “UGC Guidelines on Academic Calendar for the First Year of Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate Students of the Universities for the Session 2020-21 in View of COVID-19 Pandemic” were issued on 24thSeptember, 2020.

Click here for the detailed UGC guidelines for Re-opening the Universities and Colleges Post Lockdown

Click here for the salient features of UGC guidelines for Re-opening the Universities and Colleges Post Lockdown

 

MALABAR-20: The naval exercise that gives sleepless night to China

MALABAR-20: The naval exercise by India, US, Japan & Australia that would give sleepless night to China 

The 24th edition of the MALABAR naval exercise is scheduled in two phases in November 2020.

Phase 1 of the Exercise MALABAR 20 involving participation by Indian Navy (IN), United States Navy (USN), Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF), and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is set to commence off Visakhapatnam in Bay of Bengal from 03 to 06 November 2020.

MALABAR series of maritime exercises commenced in 1992 as a bilateral IN-USN exercise. JMSDF  joined MALABAR in 2015. The 2020 edition will now witness participation of the RAN in this joint maritime exercise.

Phase-1 of MALABAR 20 will witness participation of Indian Navy units with United States Ship (USS) John S McCain (Guided-missile destroyer), Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Ballarat (long range frigates) with integral MH-60 helicopter, and Japan Maritime Self Defence Ship (JMSDF) Onami (Destroyer) with integral SH-60 helicopter.  

The Indian Navy participation in Phase 1 will be led by Rear Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. Indian Navy units participating in the exercise include destroyer Ranvijay, frigate Shivalik, Off Shore Patrol Vessel Sukanya, Fleet Support Ship Shakti and submarine Sindhuraj. In addition, Advanced Jet Trainer Hawk, long-range maritime patrol aircraft P-8I, Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, and helicopters will also be participating in the exercise. 

The exercise, being conducted as a ‘non-contact, at sea only’ exercise in view of COVID-19 pandemic, will showcase the high-levels of synergy and coordination between the friendly navies, which is based on their shared values and commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order. 

MALABAR 20 Phase 1 would witness complex and advanced naval exercises including surface, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare operations, cross deck flying, seamanship evolutions and weapon firing exercises.

Phase 2 of MALABAR 20 is scheduled to be conducted in the Arabian Sea in mid-November 2020.

 End.

Government wakes up to reduce Onion Price, reduces stock limits of Onion till December 31

Government wakes up to reduce Onion Price, reduces stock limits of Onion till December 31 

The Onion price, which started increasing since September this year, has forced the Consumer Affairs Ministry to wake and reduce stock limits for whole stock as well as retailers.

The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 provides for the circumstances for imposition of the Stock limit under extraordinary price rise. The All India average retail price variation of onions as on 21.10.2020 when compared to last year is 22.12 % (from Rs 45.33 to Rs 55.60 per/Kg) and when compared to last 5 years average is 114.96 % (from Rs 25.87 to 55.60 per/ Kg). Therefore, the prices have increased by more than 100% when compared with an average of the last 5 years and thus the price triggers under EC Act have been reached. Thus the stock limit on the onions has been imposed with effect from today which is 25MT for Whole Sellers and 2MTfor Retailers for a period up to 31-12-2020.

In order to moderate the price rise, the government took a pre-emptive step by announcing a ban on onion export on 14.09.2020 so as to ensure availability to domestic consumers at reasonable rates, before the expected arrival of Kharif onion. Thus the retail price rise was moderated to some extent, but recent reports of heavy rainfall in the onion growing districts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have created concerns about damage to Kharif crop.

These developments on the weather front have contributed to the sharp increase in onion prices. To tide over the present situation, the government has stepped up disposal of Onionsthrough the built-up onion buffer stock from the Rabi onion -2020 of I LMT which was doubled since the quantity of last year. The release of onion from the buffer stock is being carried out swiftly but in a calibrated manner from the second half of September 2020 to major Mandis as well as to retail suppliers such as Safal, KendryaBhandar, NCCF, TANHODA & TANFED (Govt. of Tamil Nadu), and NAFED outlets in major cities and also through State Governments. Presently Govt. of Assam, and Govt. of Kerala (Horticulture Product Dev. Corp. Ltd) are being supplied from the retail disposal mechanism. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Lakshadweep have also placed their requisition for onions, which are being dispatched.

Further, Onions are also being disposed off through Open Market Sales. This will be stepped up further to bring down the price rise.

An estimated Kharif Crop of 37 LMT is also likely to start arriving in the Mandis that will add to the availability of Onions.

To additionally ensure availability of onions in the Mandis, the government has taken steps to facilitate import of onion and on 21.10.2020, the government has relaxed the conditions for fumigation and additional declaration on Phytosanitary Certificate under the Plant Quarantine Order, 2003 for import up to December 15, 2020.

The Indian High Commissions in the relevant countries are already contacting the traders for ensuring greater imports of onions to the country. Such consignments of imported onions, which arrive on Indian ports, through land or sea, without fumigation and endorsement to that effect on the PSC, would be fumigated in India by the importer through an accredited treatment provider. Such consignments after fumigation would be released with no additional inspection fee and an undertaking will be obtained from the importers that the onion will be used only for consumption and not for propagation. Such consignments of onions for consumption will not be subjected to four times additional inspection fee on account of non-compliance of conditions of import under the PQ order, 2003.

Apart from facilitating the import by the private traders, it has also been decided that MMTC would start importing of red onions to meet the demand-supply gap.

Requisite action under the Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980 would be taken to prevent any hoarding, black marketing of Onions by unscrupulous elements.

ends.

India successfully test fires the supersonic cruise missile BrahMos from India's naval ship INS

 

BrahMos, the supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired on October 18 from Indian Navy’s indigenously-built stealth destroyer INS Chennai, hitting a target in the Arabian Sea. The missile hit the target successfully with pin-point accuracy after performing high-level and extremely complex manoeuvres.

BrahMos as ‘prime strike weapon’ will ensure the warship’s invincibility by engaging naval surface targets at long ranges, thus making the destroyer another lethal platform of Indian Navy. The highly versatile BrahMos has been jointly designed, developed and produced by India and Russia.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, BrahMos and Indian Navy for the successful launch.

Secretary DDR&D & Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy, congratulated the scientists and all personnel of DRDO, BrahMos, Indian Navy and industry for the successful feat. He stated that BrahMos missiles will add to the capabilities of Indian Armed Forces in many ways.

About BrahMos

The BrahMos (designated PJ-10) is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarine, ships, aircraft, or land. It is the fastest anti-ship supersonic cruise missile in the world. It is a joint venture between the Russian and India, who together have formed BrahMos Aerospace. The name of BrahMos is a Portmanteau formed from the names of two rivers, Indian river Brahmaputra and Russian river Moskva.

It is said to be based on the Russian P-800 Oniks cruise missile and other similar sea-skimming Russian cruise missile technology. A hypersonic version of the missile, BrahMos-II is also presently under development with a speed of Mach 7-8 to boost aerial fast strike capability.

 

India and Russia are also developing BrahMos-NG (Next Generation), a mini version based on the existing BrahMos. It will have same 290 km range and Mach 3.5 speed but it will weigh around 1.5 tons, 5 metres in length and 50 cm in diameter, making BrahMos-NG 50 per cent lighter and three metres shorter than its predecessor The system is expected to be inducted in the year 2024. BrahMos-NG will have lesser RCS (radar cross-section) compared to its predecessor, making it harder for air defence systems to locate and engage the target. BrahMos-NG will have Land, Air, ship-borne and Submarine tube-launched variants. The first test flight is expected to take place in 2022–24. Initially, Brahmos-NG was referred to as Brahmos-M. Additionally, the BrahMos-NG will have an AESA radar rather than the mechanically scanned one on the PJ-10.

Ends.

Is it best time to invest in Pharma and Medical device sector in India ?

Union minister For Chemicals and Fertilizers DV Sadananda Gowda claimed that it is the Best time to invest in Pharma & Medical device sector in India--which he says is likely to grow into 120 billion-dollar industry by 2030

He said that Pharma industry Should focus on R & D activities in order to remain as one of the leading global suppliers of medicines.

Posted On: 01 OCT 2020

The Minister said the Pharma sector is likely to grow into the 65-billion-dollar industry by 2024  and to 120 billion dollars by 2030 and  Medical Devices industry to reach the US $ 50 Billion by 2025.

He said business-friendly reforms carried out by Government have helped India to emerge as one of the best investment destinations among emerging economies. Implementation of policies to promote financial inclusion and to check corruption and easing of compliance of labour laws & regulations has made India the best destination for investment.  In 2018-19, India attracted FDI inflows of 73 billion dollars, up 18 % from the previous year. Especially mentioning the pharma and medical device sector. He said pharma this is the most opportune time to invest in this sector in India as pharma sector It is likely to grow into the 65-billion-dollar industry by 2024 to 120 billion dollars by 2030 and medical device sector has the potential to grow at 28% per annum to reach the US $ 50 Billion by 2025.

Union minister said Indian pharma and medical device sector have immense potential to contribute towards making India a 5 trillion-dollar economy in next 4-5 year. In this backdrop, the Indian Government is supporting the development of three Bulk Drug and four Medical Device Parks with State of Art Infrastructure and world-class Centres of Excellence across the country. The government will also provide Production Linked Incentives (PLI) to eligible new manufacturing units to ensure level playing field to domestic manufacturers. 

Highlighting the contribution of pharma industry during this testing time of COVID-19 crisis he said that Indian pharma and medical devices industry was able to rise to the occasion. The crisis is being turned into opportunities by supporting the development of mega bulk drug and medical device park through a mix of right policies. Prime Minister is himself has been personally involved in this, right from the initial stage of conception. It is expected that these schemes of the Union Government for development of bulk drug & medical device park will attract cumulative investment of Rs 78000 crore and can generate about 2.5 lakh employment.  

He said it is a matter of great pride for millions of Indians that from being a net importer, India became the second-largest producer of PPE Kits in the world with daily production capacity surpassing more than 5 lakh per day.  Similarly, within a very short span of time, the indigenous production capacity of ventilators has increased to 3 lakh per annum. We have also achieved self-sufficiency in the production of  N-95 masks

Shri Gowda said that there is need for the pharma industry to focus on R & D activities in order to remain as one of the leading global suppliers of medicines. The full potential of growth cannot be fully tapped unless we come up with the discovery of a new drug or repurposing in India. He expressed hope that the Indian pharma sector will be among the first one to develop and supply low-cost vaccines for COVID-19.

He appreciated the efforts of CII Life Sciences conclave for providing the necessary platform for stakeholders across the world to converge and embed their ideas to help usher in a new era of competitiveness of the Indian pharma segment in the post-COVID-19 world. 

Ends

The longest 9.02 km long highway tunnel between Manali to Lahaul-Spiti becomes functional. Would prove a game changer to protect Indo-Pak-China borders

Atal Tunnel is the longest highway tunnel in the World built at above 10,000 feet. The 9.02 Km long tunnel connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley throughout the year. Earlier the valley was cut off for about 6 months each year owing to heavy snowfall.

The Tunnel is built with ultra-modern specifications in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas at an altitude of 3000 Mtrs (10,000 Feet) from the Mean Sea Level (MSL).

The tunnel reduces the road distance by 46 Kms between Manali and Leh and the time by about 4 to 5 hours.

The Tunnel is built with ultra-modern specifications in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas at an altitude of 3000 Mtrs (10,000 Feet) from the Mean Sea Level (MSL).

The tunnel reduces the road distance by 46 Kms between Manali and Leh and the time by about 4 to 5 hours.

 

The South Portal (SP) of Atal Tunnel is located at a distance of 25 Km from Manali at an altitude of 3060 Mtrs, while the North Portal (NP) of the tunnel is located near village Teling, Sissu, in Lahaul Valley at an altitude of 3071 Mtrs.

It is horse shoe shaped, single tube double lane tunnel with a roadway of 8 Mtrs. It has an overhead clearance of 5.525 Mtrs.

It is 10.5-metre wide and has a 3.6 x 2.25 Mtrs fire proof emergency egress tunnel built into the main tunnel itself.

Atal Tunnel has been designed for traffic density of 3000 cars per day and 1500 trucks per day with max speed of 80 km/hr.

It has the state of the art electromechanical system including semi transverse ventilation system, SCADA controlled firefighting, illumination and monitoring system.  

 

The Tunnel has ample safety features built into it. Some of the key safety features are

(a) Tunnel entry barriers at both portals.

(b) Telephone connections at every 150 Mtrs for emergency communication.

(c) Fire hydrant mechanisms at every 60 Mtrs.

(d) Auto incident detection system with CCTV cameras at every 250 Mtrs.

(e) Air quality monitoring at every 1 Km.

(f) Evacuation lighting / exit signs at every 25 Mtrs.

(g) Broadcasting system throughout the tunnel.

(h) Fire rated Dampers at every 50 Mtrs.

(i)  Cameras at every 60 Mtrs.

The historic decision to construct a strategic tunnel below the Rohtang Pass was taken on June 03, 2000 when late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. The foundation stone for the Access Road to the South Portal of the tunnel was laid on May 26, 2002.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) worked relentlessly to overcome major geological, terrain and weather challenges that included the most difficult stretch of the 587-metre Seri Nalah Fault Zone. The breakthrough from both ends was achieved on October 15, 2017.

The Union Cabinet met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 24th December 2019 and decided to name the Rohtang Tunnel as Atal Tunnel to honour the contribution made by the former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

After attending the inauguration function of the Atal Tunnel at South Portal, Manali, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shall be participating in public functions at Sissu in Lahaul Spiti and at Solang Valley. 

In the time of Covid-19, Monsoon brings cheers in the Agriculture sector, rainfall was third highest since 1994

 

Some Salient Features of Monsoon 2020

The all India seasonal rainfall this year was third-highest, after 112% of LPA in 1994 and 110% of LPA in 2019

Out of 36 meteorological subdivisions, 2 subdivisions received large excess, 13 received excess and 16 subdivisions received normal monsoon rainfall during 2020 while only 5 subdivisions received deficient rainfall

Monsoon in 2020 withdrew from western parts of northwest India on 28th Sept. 2020 against the normal date of 17th Sept 2020 with a delay of around 11-days.

The cool ENSO neutral conditions observed over the equatorial Pacific Ocean in the beginning of the year turned in to weak La Niña conditions by the end of August 2020 as predicted by IMD

Posted On: 01 OCT 2020

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued the following information on India Monsoon 2020:

Ø Quantitatively, 2020 All India monsoon seasonal rainfall during 1 June to 30 September 2020 has been 95.8 cm against the long period average of 88.0 cm based on data of 1961-2010 (109% of its Long Period Average (LPA)).

Ø Considering the recent years since 1990, the all India seasonal rainfall this year was third-highest, after 112% of LPA in 1994 and 110% of LPA in 2019.

Ø Thus 2019 & 2020 are the two consecutive years with above-normal monsoon rainfall, after 1958 (110% of LPA) and 1959 (114% of LPA ) (Fig.1).

Ø Considering four broad homogenous regions of India, the monsoon seasonal rainfall during 2020 has been 106%, 84%, 115% & 129% of LPA respectively over East and North-East(NE), North- West(NW), Central and South India. Therefore, seasonal rainfall has been excess over Central and South India, normal over East and NE India and deficient over NW India. Monthly and seasonal total rainfall over different broad homogeneous regions and all India are given in Fig. 2.

Ø Out of 36 meteorological subdivisions, 2 subdivisions received large excess, 13 received excess and 16 subdivisions received normal monsoon rainfall during 2020 while only 5 subdivisions received deficient rainfall (Fig. 3). These 5 Met subdivisions which got deficient rains are Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura (- 32%), West Uttar Pradesh (-37%), Uttarakhand (-20%), Himachal Pradesh        (- 26%), Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (-34%) (Fig. 3).

Ø Considering month to month rainfall variation over India as a whole, the season is very uniquely placed in the historical record for its distinct and contrasting month to month variation. The rainfall over the country as a whole was 118%, 90%, 127% and 104% of LPA during June, July, August and September respectively (Fig 2).

The spatial distribution of monthly rainfall over different Met- Subdivisions is shown in Fig 4.

Ø The week to week progress of monsoon rainfall over the country as a whole and cumulative rainfall in percentage departure is shown in Fig. 5

Ø It was a good beginning for the season in terms of rainfall with formation and movement of the cyclone Nisarga, over the Arabian Sea. It helped the monsoon to advance into main-land along the west coast. Subsequent features favoured timely advance and monsoon covered entire country by 26th 2 June against the normal date of 8th July (about 12 days ahead of normal date). The country as a whole experienced excess rainfall (118% of LPA) during June.

Ø In July, many unfavourable features of monsoon appeared resulting in deficient rainfall for the country (90% of LPA). The weak monsoon in July was mainly due to the absence of any major monsoon disturbance over the Bay of Bengal. Absence of such major systems in July (Table 1) also caused the monsoon trough weak. The monsoon trough lay to the north of the normal position or closed to the foothills of the Himalayas on many days. It resulted in frequent and prolonged floods over northeastern India, Bihar and adjoining areas of east Uttar Pradesh.

At the same time, major parts of central and northwest India received deficient rainfall.

Ø During August, there was back to back-formation of low-pressure systems over the north Bay of Bengal and their movement towards Gujarat and south Rajasthan (Table 1). Monsoon trough was mostly south of the normal position and remained active. The Arabian Sea was very active with stronger winds reaching up to 50-60kmph in lower levels during a few days in the month. Five low-pressure systems formed during 4-10, 9-11, 13-18, 19-26 and 24-31 August 2020 which caused higher than normal rainfall over the central and western part of India. The total number of low-pressure days was 28 against normal of about 17(Table 1). It caused 2-3 spells of riverine floods over Odisha, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, south Gujarat and south Rajasthan. It was a record rainfall in August 2020, when all India rainfall was 127% of LPA. It has been the record highest in last 44- years, after August 1976 (128.4% of LPA). It is also fourth-highest in the last 120 years. The highest ever percentage departure for the month of August during 1901-2020 had been 33% above LPA during 1926. The all India rainfall in percentage departure from LPA for the month of the August during 1901-2020 is shown in Fig.6.

Ø During August 2020, consecutively for 4 weeks, India got excess rain with 13% to 41% above LPA during the week ending 12 Aug to week ending 2 Sept 2020. Similarly, the most deficient monsoon conditions prevailed in the second fortnight of July.

Ø Month-wise locations of Very Heavy Rainfall (115.6 to 204.4 mm) and Extremely Heavy Rainfall (more than 204.4 mm) reported stations for June to Sept 2020 given in Fig 7.

Ø Monsoon in 2020 withdrew from western parts of northwest India on 28th Sept. 2020 against the normal date of 17th Sept 2020 with a delay of around 11-days. Withdrawal has been delayed mainly due to active monsoon trough in association with the formation of 2 low-pressure systems in Sept 2020.

Ø As on 01st October, southwest monsoon has withdrawn from Punjab, western Himalayan region,

Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and many parts for Rajasthan and some parts of Uttar Pradesh. The withdrawal line of the Southwest Monsoon passes through Lat. 29°N/ Long.81°E, Lakhimpur Kheri, Shahjhanpur, Alwar, Nagaur and Lat. 26°N/ Long.70°E.

Verification of Long Range Forecast:

Ø The forecast for the date of monsoon Onset Over Kerala issued on 15th May 2020 was 5th June with a model error of ±4 days. The actual monsoon onset over Kerala was on 1st June and therefore the forecast was correct.

Ø The first stage forecast for the season (June-September) rainfall over the country as a whole issued in April was 100% of LPA with a model error of ± 5% of LPA. The forecast was upgraded to 102% of LPA with a model error of ± 4% of LPA in the updated forecast issued in May. IMD also predicted a probability of 65% of monsoon rainfall to be normal to above normal. However, the actual seasonal rainfall for the country as a whole was 109% of LPA, which is more than the predicted value.

Ø Considering the four broad geographical regions of India, the forecasts issued in May for the season 3 rainfall over Northwest India, Central India, Northeast India and South Peninsula were 107%, 103%, 96% & 102% of the LPA respectively all with model errors of ± 8%. The actual rainfall over Northwest India, Central India, Northeast India and South Peninsula was 84%, 115%, 107% and 129% of the LPA respectively. Thus, the forecasts of season rainfall over the Central India, Northeast India and South Peninsula regions were underestimated to the actual rainfall, while the forecast for Northwest India was an overestimate. The forecast for the second half of the monsoon season (August – September) for the country as a whole was 104% with a model error of 8% of LPA against the actual rainfall of 118% of LPA.

Ø This year, IMD had predicted the possibility of the development of weak La Nina conditions in the second half of the season in its forecasts issued in April and May. The cool ENSO neutral conditions

observed over the equatorial Pacific Ocean at the beginning of the year turned in to weak La Niña conditions by the end of August 2020 as predicted by IMD.