02.06.21 Daily [Madhya Pradesh] MPPSC Current Affairs

Amarkantak, the origin of river Narmada, would be developed as a naturopathy and wellness centre by the government. It is to bring the local tourist destination to the national and international map.

The government plans to open a naturopathy centre, ayogainstitute and seeks to promote the medicinal Plants and herbs found in the forests. The participation of local Population would be ensured for their Empowerment. There is also a proposal of paragliding, hot air balloon and for a golf course in Amarkantak and land is being identified for the purpose. Villagers would be trained to start a homestay facility to give tourists the option to stay in the homes of villagers.

A plan in this regard is being made by the administration, and if all goes well the work is expected to start in the next few months. Officials said different departments including the Ayush department and forest department would be roped in for the naturopathy and wellness centre with facilities like panchkarma and other plans promote the local herbs and . Efforts will be made to increase the forest cover in the area.

Notably, Amarkantak is in Anuppur district ofMadhya Pradesh. It is the meeting point ofVindhya, Maikal andSatpuraranges. Narmada, one of the holiest rivers in India, originates from Amarkantak. It is situated at an altitude of 1000m and the forests surrounding Amarkantak contain a rich variety of medicinal plants.

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.