RURAL DEVELOPMENT
'Under no circumstances will we allow that': Minister Anand rebuffs Shivakumar on Mekedatu dam
Tamil Nadu Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources, N Anand, has rejected claims about the Mekedatu dam. Karnataka Chief Minister, D K Shivakumar, asserted that permission from Tamil Nadu is unnecessary. Anand emphasized that under no circumstances will they allow such construction to occur. DMK leader Duraimurugan supported Anand's statements, stressing that no state can independently build a dam on an interstate river.
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.
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.
Moody’s raises India FY27 growth forecast to 7% as economy weathers Iran war energy shock
Moody’s Ratings has raised India’s FY27 growth forecast to 7% from 6.5%, citing resilient domestic consumption, improving investment and the economy’s ability to absorb the Iran war-induced energy shock. Robust capital goods activity and industrial credit growth point to a possible private capex revival, though inflation and tighter monetary policy pose risks.
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.
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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 water management initiatives a model for developing nations: World Bank official
India's water management efforts, such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, are being recognized internationally for their effectiveness. The World Bank highlights India's initiatives, including river restoration and dam safety improvements. These programs aimed at increasing access to clean water are now models for other developing nations. The upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference will provide a platform for India to share these experiences.
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.
AI a boon, but its misuse can cause serious distress: NCW chief
Vijaya Rahatkar, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, warns about the dangers of artificial intelligence, especially concerning the misuse of women's images and deepfakes. She advocates for increased understanding of AI to not only mitigate risks but also harness its potential. The NCW has launched the 'Yashoda AI' initiative to educate women in rural and semi-urban communities about AI and enhance their digital security skills.
AI power rush sends data centres hunting for used turbines and jet engines
Utilities and developers are increasingly looking for second-hand gas turbines as new equipment takes longer to produce. Orders for gas turbines are significantly outpacing manufacturing capacity and are projected to reach 129 gigawatts. The AI data centre boom is driving demand and leading to higher prices for gas turbine equipment.
Arunoday Singh-headed O-Health secures strategic funding
O-Health has received strategic funding from several investors to advance its healthcare technology solutions. The company aims to enhance its voice-first AI-enabled clinical pre-assessment platform for better patient information management. The investment will support the expansion into additional healthcare sectors and development of indigenous AI models and clinical hardware. O-Health plans to broaden its focus to include preventive health technologies and intelligent hospital workflows.
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.
Vehicle registrations fall 24% in October on high base
Registrations of vehicles in October experienced a significant decline compared to the previous year's records. This drop was largely due to an earlier festive season that drove higher demand last year. Despite the decrease, certain vehicle segments like electric vehicles showed remarkable growth in registrations. The upcoming Dhanteras and Diwali festivities are expected to positively impact sales this month. Dealers remain cautiously optimistic about demand, especially in rural markets.
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.
Unilever to take India playbook to Africa, Vietnam, Pakistan and Bangladesh to drive growth
Unilever plans to use its India business as a blueprint for growth in Africa, Vietnam, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The company aims to replicate India's distribution network, category-building strategy and ability to serve consumers across income groups in these underpenetrated markets. India contributes $6.3 billion, or around 16%, of Unilever's revenue.
Two Iowa families donated adjoining properties totaling 21 acres for wildlife; the land was transferred to county conservation for public use
A heartwarming act in Pocahontas County, Iowa, sees neighbors John and Sally Pascal team up with Gail Ewan to donate land for a new 21-acre conservation area. Their contributions to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation are a testament to community spirit, ensuring the land remains untouched for wildlife and outdoor enjoyment. This initiative not only serves wildlife but also reinforces a legacy of conservation for the community's future.
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.
'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.
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.
Azim Premji Foundation launches Social Startups Programme to build grassroots NGOs
The initiative seeks to address a key gap in the social sector where many professionals have extensive experience working with communities but often lack the financial backing, mentorship and institutional support needed to start their own organisations, the Foundation said in a press release.
Green crackers: Where can you buy them in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida and Ghaziabad? How to identify if it is real or polluting cracker?
Green crackers list: Green crackers are low-emission fireworks developed to reduce air and noise pollution compared with conventional firecrackers. With the Supreme Court allowing their use in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8, 2026, consumers are looking for authorised markets to purchase them ahead of Diwali. These crackers use a modified chemical composition and are designed to reduce particulate matter emissions by at least 30% and gaseous emissions by 10%.
VB-G RAM G grievance redressal rules set 15-day deadline
The rules establish a multi-tier grievance redressal mechanism at the gram panchayat, block and district levels. Designated grievance redressal officers will be responsible for receiving, registering, inquiring into and disposing of complaints. Inquiries must be completed within seven working days.
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.
Karnataka CM orders transfer of 87 KAS officers to fix service delivery hours after MLC election results
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has ordered the transfer of 87 Karnataka Administrative Service officers to improve public services. This decision was made after the ruling Congress experienced an electoral setback during the legislative council elections. Nine officers were appointed as Assistant Commissioners while four were designated as Additional Deputy Commissioners. The reshuffle aims to enhance urban and rural development and improve the implementation of government schemes.
Regional rural banks to set up cybersecurity centres, develop threat intel
Regional rural banks are set to improve their cyber security through the establishment of cyber security operations centres. They will also develop capabilities for vulnerability assessments and incident response as part of the reform agenda. The Financial Stability and Development Council plans to enhance cyber security measures following previous ransomware attacks. New initiatives will include implementing enterprise data warehouse solutions for better data management and reporting.
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