MINISTER OF STATE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Shree Cement to invest Rs 7,000 crore in Andhra Pradesh; plans plants in 3 districts
Shree Cement Ltd plans to invest Rs 7,000 crore to establish cement plants in Andhra Pradesh. The company will set up facilities in Kadapa, Anakapalli, and Guntur districts. This decision comes after incentives from the coalition government led by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Shree Cement aims to increase its production capacity beyond 80 million tonnes in the near future.
Bulldozer rolls up to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's doorstep, footpath shed razed
Civic workers demolished a temporary bamboo shed outside TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's residence to clear the footpath. The action was defended by Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh, citing local hardships. Banerjee claimed the authorities were targeting him due to political reasons, which escalated tensions between the TMC and BJP. This operation followed allegations of police surveillance conducted outside his residence.
CII summit puts spotlight on Naidu's importance as key NDA ally, Centre's show of strength
The CII Partnership Summit is scheduled for November 12-13 in Visakhapatnam, featuring key Union ministers and the Vice-President of India. This event aims to solidify N Chandrababu Naidu's role as a crucial ally of the NDA. Naidu will deliver the keynote address while discussions will focus on various economic issues. Ministerial participation will showcase potential investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh.
PM Modi to open Bengaluru metro stretch; CM Shivakumar seeks extra fund, faster approvals
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a 7.5-km elevated stretch of Bengaluru's Namma Metro Pink Line on November 14, taking the city's operational metro network beyond 100 km for the first time, to around 103 km. The Kalena Agrahara-Tavarekere section will open to commuters at 6 am.
Fraud through calls, messages a global threat: MoS Telecom
Minister of State for Telecom Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani highlighted the threat of fraudulent activities at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference. He emphasized the importance of trust in technology alongside expanding telecom network coverage. India's fraud alert system has successfully prevented significant monetary losses in recent years. The digital infrastructure in India has seen massive growth, with internet subscriptions reaching over 1.1 billion.
Two auto firms commit Rs 1,370 cr investment in Tamil Nadu, govt dismisses rumours of projects shifting to AP
Two automotive manufacturers have committed to invest a total of Rs 1,370 crore in Tamil Nadu. Hwashin Automotive India will invest approximately Rs 850 crore over the next five years for various advancements. Seoyon E-Hwa Summit plans to invest around Rs 520 crore in technology upgrades and new business developments. The investments reflect the state's ongoing appeal to automotive investors.
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Keralam to establish dedicated Nursing University, increase nursing seats by 50%, says CM Satheesan
Keralam will soon establish a dedicated Nursing University to enhance nursing education for students. The government plans to increase nursing seats by 50 percent while maintaining quality standards. Chief Minister V D Satheesan emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health sector despite financial constraints. Aiming to reduce students' financial burden, the government seeks to make nursing education more accessible.
Karnataka: Khandre orders blacklisting of L&T over delay in rural water supply projects
Karnataka's Rural Development Minister Eshwar Khandre has blacklisted L&T for delays in drinking water projects. The projects involve supplying water from Renukasagar reservoir to various rural areas in Dharwad and Belagavi districts. Khandre instructed officials to take stringent actions against contractors not meeting obligations for timely work completion. He identified inadequate power supply as a significant challenge affecting water supply operations in rural regions.
Arunachal Pradesh inaugurates geothermal-powered drying unit to boost farmers' incomes
Arunachal Pradesh Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul inaugurated a geothermal-powered drying unit in Dirang, West Kameng district, to promote renewable energy, reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers' incomes. Developed with support from India, Norway and Iceland, the facility will use natural geothermal heat to preserve local agricultural and livestock products. Pul also urged the Centre to expedite the Seismic Microzonation Project to strengthen earthquake preparedness in the state.
In 1950, Clint Eastwood was a 21-year-old soldier visiting a Carmel dairy ranch; in 1986, he bought it to save it from condo developers
Mission Ranch was once part of a 160-acre property. It became one of California's early dairy farms in the 1850s. It covered a much larger area, with parts subsequently sold to the Carmel School District and the State. Meanwhile, Clint Eastwood's connection to the Carmel area goes back to his time in the US Army.
India's water journey a model for developing nations: World Bank official
India's water management initiatives, including the Jal Jeevan Mission and Namami Gange Programme, are gaining international recognition. Senior officials at the World Bank have praised these efforts as models for developing countries. The upcoming United Nations Water Conference will highlight India's achievements and encourage knowledge sharing. India is actively preparing for the conference, emphasizing its role in global water security discussions.
India's unemployment rate falls to 5.1% in July-September as rural joblessness declines
India's unemployment rate saw a decline to 5.1% from 5.4% in the prior quarter. The decrease in unemployment primarily occurred in rural areas, where it fell to 4.3%. The survey indicated that more individuals were either working or seeking jobs during this period. Women's employment participation also improved, rising to 34.7% from 33.2%. The overall employment figure reached approximately 57.9 crore individuals in India.
Karnataka Minister Patil blames Centre's UDAN policy for Shivamogga flight suspension, says aviation policy set for Cabinet nod
Karnataka is preparing to present a new civil aviation policy aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and airport management. The policy suggests financial help and viability gap funding to bolster state-operated airports. Minister MB Patil criticized the Centre for inadequate support related to flight operations. He held the Union government accountable for the ethanol production crisis affecting local sugar mills.
Canada makes rural immigration programme permanent, sets aside 5,500 admission spaces
Canada has made its Rural Community Immigration Pilot a permanent programme, setting aside 5,500 admission spaces under its 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan. Announced by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab on November 9, the initiative aims to help rural and smaller communities recruit skilled foreign workers to fill vacancies that cannot be met locally.
Karnataka clears Rs 6,826-crore industrial investment proposals, 131 outside Bengaluru
Karnataka's State Level Single Window Clearance Committee has approved multiple industrial projects worth Rs 6,825.93 crore. The majority of these projects will be set up outside Bengaluru, promoting regional growth. These projects are expected to generate around 18,600 jobs across various sectors, including IT and food processing. Notable investments include IT parks in Devanahalli and Doddanekundi, attracting significant capital.
Karnataka clears industrial projects worth Rs 6,825.93 cr; 18,600 jobs expected
Karnataka's recent committee meeting led to the approval of 147 industrial projects amounting to Rs 6,825.93 crore. These projects are anticipated to generate approximately 18,600 jobs across the state. Notably, 131 projects will invest in regions outside Bengaluru's urban areas to promote regional development. The investments span several sectors, including IT, semiconductors, and food processing. Major projects include IT parks and manufacturing units expected to create thousands of job opportunities.
Kerala to launch digital dashboard for real-time monitoring of projects
Kerala plans to introduce a digital dashboard at the Chief Minister's Office for project monitoring. This initiative aims to track infrastructure project progress and accelerate implementation. The Saral Keralam Act simplifies investment approval processes by unifying existing laws. Additionally, the government will promote major developments such as an international convention centre in Kochi.
Yogi Adityanath accuses Congress, SP of spreading propaganda against Ayodhya
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused the Congress and Samajwadi Party of spreading propaganda against Ayodhya because of the temple town's development and heritage preservation initiatives. Addressing a Diwali event in Gorakhpur, he claimed the state's ongoing development drive would threaten the political identity and future of both opposition parties.
IFC extends $150 million credit line to SBI in first investment in an Indian state-owned bank
The International Finance Corporation has extended a $150 million social loan to State Bank of India to support agricultural financing for around 864,000 rural women. The IFC has also executed its first domestic cross-currency swap with an Indian bank, making SBI its first local swap counterparty in South Asia.
E30 petrol being sold as E20? Karnataka minister claims oil companies are supplying petrol exceeding the 20% ethanol limit
Karnataka Minister Rizwan Arshad has flagged alleged over-blending of ethanol in petrol after tests found concentrations of up to 31.2% in samples from major oil companies. The state has warned of possible damage to vehicle fuel systems, questioned laboratory disclosures and demanded action, consumer compensation and mandatory display of ethanol percentages at petrol pumps.
Centre identifies 22 works to boost fodder security, livestock infrastructure under VB-G RAM G Act
The Centre has asked states and Union Territories to strengthen fodder security, pasture development and livestock infrastructure under the VB-G RAM G Act, identifying 22 permissible works. These include fodder banks, silage units, grazing lands and livestock shelters, aimed at addressing shortages and supporting rural households dependent on animal husbandry.
Nitin Gadkari wants to change how India's city roads are built; after highways, he's turning his attention to engineers, quality and accountability
Nitin Gadkari has called for a national mission on urban roads, stressing better project preparation, skilled engineers and accountability. Speaking at MARG 2026 in New Delhi, he also highlighted integrated planning between road, metro and rail agencies and showcased urban road development models in Bengaluru and Uttar Pradesh.
Centre issues advisory to states to boost fodder production, livestock infra under VB-G RAM G
The Centre has issued an advisory to states and Union territories to improve fodder security and livestock infrastructure. This advisory promotes convergence under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Act, 2025. It identifies 22 permissible works supporting fodder cultivation, livestock shelters, and veterinary health facilities. States are encouraged to increase expenditure on these works while aligning with local development priorities.
Voter ID to replace Aadhaar for welfare schemes and benefits? BJP government's plan sparks row
The Centre plans to require voter ID numbers and biometric authentication for welfare benefits. This proposal has sparked criticism from the CPI(M), which claims it could exclude vulnerable individuals from essential government schemes. Critics argue that many rural residents lack access to necessary technology, thereby hindering their ability to receive benefits.
'How many sins will BJP commit in Ram's name': Congress flags VB G RAM G 'fake attendance' cases
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh has raised concerns about fake attendance issues in the VB-G RAM G scheme. He highlighted previous instances of fraud in Gorakhpur and recent cases in Sant Kabir Nagar district. Ramesh accused the BJP of undermining employment rights while invoking Lord Ram's name. He referred to fraudulent practices as corrupt and a betrayal of trust.
Raj Thackeray's MNS cancels Dipotsav in Mumbai over drought, urges restraint during Diwali
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray announced the cancellation of Dipotsav this year to address the severe drought. He urged the citizens to celebrate Diwali mindfully in light of the challenges faced by farmers. The state government declared 85 percent of Maharashtra drought-hit following inadequate rainfall. An interim aid of Rs 5,000 has been announced for affected farmers before the festival.
Astrobase, Bayer to invest Rs 700 crore in Karnataka, creating nearly 1,500 jobs
Astrobase and Bayer have announced a combined investment of Rs 700 crore in Karnataka. Astrobase will invest Rs 500 crore to set up a manufacturing facility for rocket engines. This project aims to create approximately 1,250 jobs in the region. Bayer plans to invest Rs 200 crore to establish a Global Capability Centre, generating around 220 jobs. Both investments reflect a growing interest in expanding industrial capabilities in Karnataka.
Amitabh Kant pitches for development model with rural communities as producers, innovators
Kant also stressed the need to transform rural India into centres of economic activity, innovation and entrepreneurship rather than limiting it to welfare delivery.
Centre approves Rs 989 crore for 39 road projects in Keralam
The Centre has approved Rs 988.75 crore for 39 road development projects in Keralam that will begin in December. The funding will support the development of 486.33 km of roads across various districts. Rs 570 crore is specifically allocated for road projects in the Malabar region. The projects include major and ordinary district roads, as well as Corporation roads.
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