Sanjeeb Mukherjee

Reservoir water levels across India rose sharply in the week to July 9 as strong monsoon rains boosted storage, with western India recording levels well above the 10-year average

Among hilly regions and Northeast India, Assam, Manipur and Tripura recorded the highest CAGR during the same period, though from a smaller base

After a subdued start, the southwest monsoon has gathered pace since the beginning of July, narrowing the cumulative rainfall deficit from nearly 30 per cent on June 30 to around 15 per cent as of July 8.

States can offset lower formula-based allocations by meeting performance benchmarks under the govt's new funding framework

Low incomes, limited economic activity and weak tax collection continue to constrain panchayats' own-source revenue, affecting their financial autonomy

Government dismisses viral claims about ants, engine damage and excessive water use. Key Points

Kharif sowing gathers pace as monsoon improves, but acreage remains below last year amid weak rainfall concerns

After months of deliberations, the Central government has formally issued an order banning the widely used plant protection chemical paraquat

Changes to AAY entitlements, digital food vouchers, procurement systems and PDS reforms signal a broader effort to improve targeting, reduce leakages and contain food subsidy costs

The Union Cabinet is expected to discuss a series of major policy reforms for the urea sector at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday.