RURAL HOUSEHOLDS WATER SUPPLY
Govt extends quality control order deadline for electrical items to March 2026
India has extended the implementation deadline for the mandatory quality control order (QCO) on specific electrical appliances to March 2026, following consultations with stakeholders. This decision aims to facilitate ease of doing business for domestic and foreign manufacturers. The QCO seeks to establish a robust quality ecosystem and curb the import of substandard products.
South Africa to offer Elon Musk Starlink deal before Donald Trump meet
South Africa is reportedly offering Elon Musk's Starlink a workaround to Black-ownership laws to ease tensions before President Ramaphosa's visit to the White House. This alternative, applicable to all ICT companies, involves investments in infrastructure or training instead of mandatory Black equity.
Will ensure safe, smooth Amarnath Yatra, Kheer Bhawani Mela: J-K CM
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah affirmed preparations for the Kheer Bhawani Mela and Amarnath Yatra, prioritizing security for pilgrims. He acknowledged the impact of the Pahalgam attack on tourism, deferring revival efforts until stability returns.
Govt extends implementation timeline for quality order on electrical appliances till March 2026
The government has extended the implementation deadline for the mandatory quality control order (QCO) on specific electrical appliances to March 2026, following consultations with stakeholders. This decision aims to facilitate ease of doing business, providing additional time for domestic enterprises, foreign manufacturers, and micro-enterprises to comply.
Centre to send 100 teams for ground inspection of Jal Jeevan Mission schemes
The Centre has deployed 100 teams to various states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh, to conduct ground inspections of Jal Jeevan Mission schemes. This initiative follows a review meeting led by the Cabinet Secretary on May 8, aiming to assess the mission's progress in providing adequate and quality drinking water to rural households across the country.
After India, now Afghanistan plans to build dams to cut water flow to Pakistan, claims Baloch activist
Amidst regional tensions, Afghanistan is reportedly planning new dams, potentially restricting water flow into Pakistan, following India's dam projects. A Taliban official, General Mubin, advocated for these dams in the Kunar region to bolster Afghanistan's electricity and agriculture.
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Bangalore Weather: Rains to continue as IMD rings yellow alert until Thursday; 23 districts on high-alert
Karnataka is bracing for more heavy rainfall as the IMD issues a yellow alert for 23 districts, including Bengaluru, from Monday to Thursday. This follows a weekend deluge that left three dead and caused widespread flooding. Authorities are on high alert, deploying emergency plans to manage potential tree falls, road blockages, and waterlogging.
China speeds up work on "critical" dam project in Pakistan amid India’s halt on Indus Waters Treaty
China is accelerating work on the Mohmand dam in Pakistan. This follows India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The dam is being built by a Chinese state-owned company. It aims to generate electricity, control floods, and supply clean water. The project's progress coincides with a visit by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister to Beijing.
'Bangalore has a port now, Pakistanis are visionary': Netizens mock flood-hit Bengaluru after heavy rain
Bengaluru residents experienced urban flooding due to heavy rains. Water entered homes, and roads became impassable. Sai Layout was among the worst-hit areas. Traffic disruptions occurred across the city. Citizens criticized the government on social media for failing to address the recurring issue. The India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for Karnataka, forecasting more rain.
US remittance tax plan may hit Indian households, rupee: GTRI
A proposed 5% US tax on remittances from non-citizens is alarming India, potentially impacting households and the rupee. With India receiving $120 billion in remittances in 2023-24, a significant portion from the US, the tax could cause a $12-18 billion annual shortfall and weaken the rupee, affecting states reliant on these funds.
Best AO Smith water purifiers for clean, mineral-rich drinking water
AO Smith water purifiers employ innovative purification technologies--including RO, UV, UF, SCMT, and Alkaline Min-Tech-- to provide pure and baby-friendly drinking water. The purifiers are certified for use with any water source--municipal, borewell, or tanker. Designed to fit the needs of the consumer, the purifiers are space-efficient and aesthetically modern. AO Smith provides plenty of options when the need is for a small washing/under-the-sink solution or as a countertop solution. All purifiers are designed to be efficient and last in the home for many years--making them ideal for Indian families.
Assam govt hands over 55,000 pucca houses, launches women mason drive
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented 55,000 pucca houses to rural beneficiaries in Assam under PMAY-G. They launched the 'Lakhimi Mistri' initiative, training women in masonry, and inaugurated 21 knowledge centers. Assam has been allotted a target of 3,76,075 houses for FY 2025-26, aiming to achieve 'Housing for All' in rural areas.
Delhi Master Plan 2041 to be implemented soon, 48 villages to get urbanised: Minister
Delhi's Master Plan 2041 is nearing implementation, promising urbanization for 48 villages, according to Minister Parvesh Verma. The plan aims to provide rural areas with urban amenities like better infrastructure, drainage, and healthcare. Additionally, the first property registry under the Lal Dora category will be free, resolving property disputes and granting legal ownership.
Piyush Goyal to mull QCO timeline extension for electrical appliances
Piyush Goyal is considering extending the deadline for implementing quality control orders on electrical appliances. This follows industry concerns about the current timeline. Issues include ambiguity in coverage and lack of testing facilities. The industry has requested a phased approach, starting with finished goods. Goyal has asked the industry to propose setting up more testing facilities across India.
India releases first-ever monthly unemployment data; April jobless rate at 5.1%
India initiated monthly labor force and unemployment data releases on May 15, offering real-time unemployment monitoring. The unemployment rate in April 2025 was 5.1% for individuals aged 15 and above, slightly higher for men (5.2%) than women (5.0%). This monthly data, collected under the PLFS's CWS, aims to provide faster, more detailed insights into India's labor market.
Affording to age better: How India must prepare for its rapidly ageing population
India's aging population is set to surge by 2050, revealing stark consumption disparities across economic groups and regions. Healthcare access, nutrition, tech adoption, housing, and financial security vary significantly between the rich, middle class, and poor. Addressing these inequalities through inclusive policies is crucial for a sustainable future for all senior citizens.
Unemployment rate at 5.1% in April, urban areas lag at 6.5%
India's April unemployment rate stood at 5.1%, with a slight disparity between men (5.2%) and women (5%). Rural areas outperformed urban centers, showing lower unemployment at 4.5% compared to 6.5%. Female labor force participation remained significantly lower than males, particularly among youth, highlighting regional differences in education and employment opportunities.
Safe haven status takes a bit of a dent
Indian corporate earnings remain under pressure, but expectations of tax-induced consumption revival and interest rate cuts are rising. While geopolitical concerns and stretched valuations pose challenges, improved exports and rural spending offer some optimism. The revival of domestic consumption is crucial for a significant market upside, contingent on monsoon progress and the impact of the 8th Pay Commission.
SUVs drive April auto sales up 4% as entry-level buyers hold back
India's auto sector saw mixed results in April, with overall vehicle dispatches rising 3.9%. Passenger vehicle sales hit a record high, driven by SUV demand, while two-wheeler sales declined significantly due to a high base effect from the previous year.
This South Indian state records highest inflation in April at 5.9%
Kerala recorded the highest retail inflation in April at 5.9%, while Telangana had the lowest at 1.3%, government data showed. Kerala also led in both rural (6.5%) and urban (4.9%) inflation. Thirteen states saw inflation below the national average of 3.2%. A Crisil analysis noted that wealthier households face higher inflation due to their spending on core goods, unlike lower-income groups.
Weather alert: Check updates on Cyclone Shakti, its link to the wind storm in Delhi NCR, warnings for Mumbai, Bengaluru, and other cities
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has spotted a cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea, potentially developing into Cyclone Shakti, which could impact the coastal regions of Odisha, West Bengal, and parts of Bangladesh between 23 and 28 May. Simultaneously, the southwest monsoon has arrived early, reaching parts of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.
Labour force survey to be monthly exercise with larger sample size
The statistics ministry announced that the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) will be released monthly, incorporating rural areas in quarterly results. The sample size has significantly increased to 2,72,304 households, enhancing the reliability and precision of labour market indicator estimates. Districts will now be the primary geographical unit, improving the representativeness of the generated estimates.
No scarcity of drinking water in summer in the state says Gujarat Government
The Gujarat government assures citizens of adequate drinking water during the summer, with 2.23 Lakh MCFT available against a requirement of 14,895 MCFT. Water from 64 reservoirs is reserved for drinking, and 15,720 villages receive water through surface water schemes. Sufficient water is available in major dams until July 15, 2025, with remaining water allocated for irrigation.
India's retail inflation eases to a 6-year low of 3.16% in April
India's retail inflation eased to 3.16% in April, down from 3.34% in March, primarily due to a further moderation in food prices. This marks the third consecutive month inflation has stayed below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 4% target. Economists had predicted inflation would fall to 3.27%.
Addition of mobile users slows as tariff hikes pinch
Telecom tariff increases in July 2024 slowed subscriber growth in rural India, reversing a previous trend of outpacing urban areas. Net subscriber additions in rural regions plummeted compared to the prior fiscal year, attributed to SIM consolidation after the price hikes.
Best washing machines under 25000 in India for efficient cleaning
Finding the best washing machines under 25,000 does not mean compromising on your expectations. The curated selection below features high-performing machines with the latest advanced wash technologies, efficiency in energy savings, and durable cleaning. Whether you want a top-load washing machine or a front-load washing machine, these fully automatic options will allow you to clean your clothes with powerful cleaning cycles, easy controls, and additional smart features designed specifically for homes in India. There are trusted brands and value-for-money machines, and this overview will help you find the best washing machine under 25,000 without sacrificing quality, performance, or functionality.
Operation Sindoor: Need heightened vigilance against 'urban naxals', says UP CM Yogi Adityanath
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, following the success of Operation Sindoor, has directed officials in Varanasi to heighten vigilance against urban Naxals and affiliated organizations, emphasizing strict action. He also addressed public service delivery, instructing timely issuance of vital certificates and clamping down on crime.
Clay walls, check dams and neem leaves: Rural India fights extreme heat with age-old wisdom
As India faces intense summers, rural communities in heatwave-prone states are employing traditional methods for resilience. Villagers are constructing check dams, planting native trees, and modifying daily routines to combat rising temperatures.
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