Comprehensive drainage package approved for NH66 across Kerala

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said the economic crisis that India faces today is not just the war in the West Asia, but because of 12 years of economic policies that have been a big failure. | He also attributed India's current "economic crisis" to its "failed" policies of the last 12 years.Amid the crisis in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently made a push for austerity. He suggested reducing petrol and diesel consumption, using metro rail services in cities, carpooling, increased use of electric vehicles, utilising railway services for parcel movement, and working from home to conserve foreign exchange.Responding to the PM's appeal, several prominent leaders in the government have announced steps like reducing the size of their convoy and switching to electric vehicles. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday (May 14, 2026) reached the Vidhan Bhavan in south Mumbai on a motorcycle. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis rides a two-wheeler, in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for austerity, in Mumbai on May 14, 2026. Photo: X/@Dev_Fadnavis via PTI In a post on X, Mr. Thackeray said, "It's amazing to see members of the government indulge in drama of austerity with cameras perfectly placed to film it.””The audacity to know the economic situation that their failed policies have put India in, then to be ok with thousands of crores be spent on their travels and campaign during elections, and then to indulge in such drama," he said.The economic crisis that India faces today is not just the war in the West Asia, but because of 12 years of economic policies that have been a big failure, Mr. Thackeray claimed."In a country where millions are unemployed, looking for jobs, numbers are falsely portrayed in data to show less poverty- as against the reality, instead of giving tasks to people and asking for sacrifice, the government should be transparent about its responsibility, duty and what it's doing for Indians," the former State Minister added. Published - May 14, 2026 04:55 pm IST

Karnataka’s Minister Santosh Lad reviewing progress of various development projects in Dharwad district, on May 12, 2026. | The drinking water supply system in the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation area has improved significantly in recent years. Even during summers, drinking water is now being supplied once every four to five days. Earlier, the interval used to be 8, 10, or even 15 days, he said. He appreciated HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Ghali and his team for their work towards addressing water scarcity issues.He was reviewing the progress of projects in the district, at a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner Snehal R., and other officials.With the monsoon season approaching and farmers beginning agricultural activities, officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments were instructed to stock and distribute sufficient quantities of seeds and fertilisers. “Inputs should be supplied on time through Raitha Samparka Kendras and co-operative societies,” Mr. Lad said.Mr. Lad said that the process of providing 24-hour water supply to all 17 wards under the Kalaghatagi town panchayat limits will commence on June 15.The Kalaghatagi Town Panchayat consists of 17 wards with a population of over 19,000 persons. Currently, 3 MLD of water is being supplied. The work on the 24x7 continuous drinking water supply project began on May 18, 2024, and was scheduled for completion by April 24, 2026. The contractor obtained an extension, and the project work is now expected to conclude in May. The ₹35.38 crore project will officially begin operations on June 15, he said.He instructed officials to complete similar projects at the earliest in Annigeri, Navalgund, and Kundgol towns so that residents there can also receive uninterrupted 24-hour drinking water supply.Ms. Snehal said drinking water shortage was reported in some villages of Dharwad, Hubballi, and Kalaghatagi taluks. Water is currently being supplied through private borewells. In total, 16 villages are dependent on private borewell water supply.At present, the district has a fodder stock balance of 5,06,588.81 metric tonnes, sufficient for the next 49 weeks, she said. Published - May 13, 2026 12:20 pm IST

Remains of the cruise boat, which was carrying 29 passengers, overturned in the Bargi dam reservoir due to a sudden storm, in Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh | The panel will submit its report to the government in three months, the official said on Sunday (May 10, 2026). The cruise boat, operated by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department, capsized on April 30 in the Bargi Dam in Jabalpur district, killing 13 persons, including women and children, while 28 others were rescued.The commission, formed on Sunday (May 10) under the chairmanship of retired High Court judge Sanjay Dwivedi, will probe the causes of the accident, examine whether adequate rescue and relief measures were taken, and fix responsibility, the official said.It will also make provisions for the audit and certification of boats, cruise and water sports activities under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, and NDMA Boat Safety Guidelines, 2017.Additionally, the commission will make Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the operation and maintenance of boats, cruise and water sports activities and for the formation of a Quick Response Team at places where such activities are held, the official said.The commission will complete the probe and submit its report to the government within three months from the date of notification in the State gazette, the official added.A judicial commission is considered important because it carries greater public credibility and institutional weight than a routine departmental inquiry. Published - May 11, 2026 08:49 am IST

This image is used for representational purposes only. | The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report has confirmed the presence of zinc phosphide in the viscera (liver, kidney, spleen), stomach contents, bile, and abdominal fat samples of the deceased identified as Abdulla Dokadia (44), his wife Nasrin (35) and their daughters Aayesha (16) and Zaineb (13), said Deputy Commissioner of Police Pravin Mundhe.“The watermelon sample also tested positive for zinc phosphide, while all other food items were negative. The report will be studied in depth. We will consult forensic doctors. Further probe in the case is underway,” the DCP said.Zinc phosphide is used primarily as a highly toxic acute rodenticide to control rats and mice.“The forensic experts who examined the viscera of deceased Abdulla Dokadia, Nasrin (35), Aayesha (16) and Zaineb (13) found traces of zinc phosphide. It is, however, unclear whether the rat poison was consumed accidentally (or on purpose). So far, we have found no strong reason why the whole family would take such an extreme step,” another official said.Further probe is being conducted by the JJ Marg police station, which has recorded statements of kin and neighbours, he added.The Dokadia family, residents of Ghari Mohalla on Ismail Kurte Road, had hosted a get-together of relatives on the night of April 25. At around 1 am, hours after the guests had left, Abdullah Dokadia, his wife Nasreen, and daughters Ayesha and Zaineb ate pieces of a watermelon.They suffered severe bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea in the early hours of April 26 and were rushed to a local hospital before being referred to the government-run JJ Hospital, where all four died during treatment. Published - May 08, 2026 06:47 am IST

File picture of BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide. The BMC has identified 93 locations in Mumbai city, eastern suburbs and western suburbs where rainwater drainage is slow. | “It is to ensure that Mumbai’s water supply remains in good condition, considering the El Niño effect. We have also requested the state government for additional reserves from Bhatsa and Vaitarna dams,” said Ms. Bhide, newly appointed BMC commissioner. Published - April 29, 2026 12:35 pm IST