CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -A severe deficit in the rainfall during monsoon 2022 has affected Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Bihar. However, state governments have shied away from declaring a drought in the states even though Kharif-sowing was badly hit.

Detailed explanation-2: -Rajasthan is one of the most drought prone areas of India. Eleven districts of the state are in arid regions including Jaisalmer as the driest district.

Detailed explanation-3: -Palamu region and Mirzapur plateau in Uttar Pradesh. Purulia in West Bengal. Kutch and Saurashtra regions in Gujarat. Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu.

Detailed explanation-4: -Weather forecasts of the India Meteorological Department (predicting more than 19% deficiency in rainfall recorded at tehsil/district/state level), found that limited water flow or water availability in major reservoirs, and recommendations of the Crop Weather Water Group trigger the process of drought declaration.