HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS MINISTRY

Govt focusing on empowering tribal people to speak up for their rights: President Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan as a crucial step towards empowering tribal communities to assert their rights and build self-reliant futures. The initiative aims to foster active participation in national development, ensuring all tribal regions benefit from growth and that villages become self-respecting.

Govt orders probe into September 24 violence in Leh by retired Supreme Court judge
The Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered a judicial inquiry into the September 24 violence in Leh. Retired Supreme Court judge B S Chauhan will investigate the circumstances leading to the law and order situation and the deaths of four people. The government remains committed to dialogue with local groups to address the aspirations of Ladakh's people.

Trump praises PM Modi, then makes bizarre remark: 'Don’t want to destroy his political career’
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “loves Trump,” but quickly clarified he did not want to harm Modi’s political career. Trump also claimed Modi assured him that India will stop buying Russian oil, though he noted the process would take time.

Hyderabad man duped into Russian job, forced to fight war, wife complains
A Hyderabad man was allegedly duped by a Mumbai agent and sent to Russia for a construction job. He claims he was forced to fight in the war after being given weapons training. Ahmed is now trapped on the Russia-Ukraine border and has appealed for help.

FHA loan access ends for H-1B visa holders and other non-permanent residents, squeezing them out of US housing market
The US government has stopped insuring FHA mortgages for non-permanent residents, including H-1B visa holders, effective May 25. This policy change, aligning with broader immigration restrictions, means only citizens and permanent residents now qualify for these loans. The move significantly reduces non-permanent residents' access to homeownership, impacting entry-level housing markets.

Inflation eases across India, but these states are still feeling the heat
India's retail inflation hit a 99-month low in September. However, some states saw higher price increases. Kerala experienced a surge driven by gold prices. Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab faced rising costs due to fuel and light categories. Rural areas in several states also recorded more inflation than urban centers. This data comes from the Statistics Ministry.
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Keith Urban won’t bring Maggie Baugh on next tour as romance rumors heat up
Keith Urban will not take Maggie Baugh on his next High and Alive tour. Fans have rumors about them dating after Nicole Kidman’s divorce, but Maggie’s father says it is only professional. She recently released a new song, but Keith is not involved. The tour will continue with other musicians and Natalie Stovall as the main guitarist.
Centre okays construction of additional 1.41 lakh houses under PMAY-Urban 2.0
The Union Housing Ministry has taken a remarkable step forward by approving more than 1.41 lakh new housing units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0. With this move, the total number of sanctioned homes surpasses 10 lakh, thanks to the action of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee.
MahaRERA clears record 200 registrations in a day, 809 projects in fortnight
MahaRERA approved a record 200 housing projects in a single day and 809 applications in two weeks, including new registrations, extensions, and corrections. This surge in clearances, particularly in Pune and MMR, reflects ongoing housing demand and developers' efforts to meet buyer interest while ensuring regulatory compliance.
What are other benefits of the UAE Golden Visa beyond the 10-year residency
The UAE's Golden Visa is attracting global talent with its 10-year renewable residency. Holders enjoy benefits like consular services abroad and no sponsor requirement. This visa allows extended stays outside the UAE and simplified family sponsorship. It also offers unlimited domestic worker sponsorship and exemption from employment bans.
From Mumbai to Pune: How young professionals are navigating property prices, 1 Finance study
India’s young workforce, with a median age of 28, is driving demand for homeownership, shaping urban development and economic growth. A study highlights affordability challenges, especially in Mumbai, where high property prices push young professionals toward suburbs. Strategic planning is crucial for talent retention, rental market balance, and sustainable urban growth.
BLS International wins MEA contract for Indian visa application centres in China, days after a ban
BLS International Services Ltd. has been awarded a three-year contract by India’s Ministry of External Affairs to set up and operate Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, effective October 14. The centres will feature enhanced infrastructure, advanced technology, and multilingual staff for streamlined visa services.
India's unemployment rate rises to 5.2% in September, driven by rural job losses
As of September, India's unemployment rate climbed to 5.2%, with rural areas particularly impacted, affecting men and women alike. Urban centers also felt the squeeze, as youth unemployment reached a concerning three-month high.
European Union & India carry out joint counterterrorism training to strengthen defences against drones
The EU and India recently conducted a joint counterterrorism training exercise focused on protecting critical infrastructure and soft targets from drone threats. Senior officers and experts from India's NSG and the EU's HRSN participated, blending tactical and technological training to enhance interoperability and develop strategies against emerging UAS challenges.
BRICS for the future: India’s chairship to lead from ideas to implementation
India's upcoming BRICS+ chairmanship in 2026 presents a pivotal chance to champion the Global South's development and reform global governance. A recent conference highlighted BRICS+ as a corrective force, emphasizing South-South cooperation in finance, technology, and energy. Experts stressed the need for actionable partnerships and a unified approach to global challenges, moving beyond declarations to tangible delivery.
Urban Company, 2 other September-listed stocks set for share lock-in expiry this week. Check details
Shares of Shringar House of Mangalsutra, Dev Accelerator, and Urban Company will see lock-in expiries this week, unlocking millions of shares, potentially influencing near-term post-IPO price movements and liquidity trends.
PMAY 2.0 boosts digital payment adoption, fuels financial inclusion among low-income borrowers: SBI Research
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 scheme is significantly boosting digital payments among beneficiaries. Home ownership under the scheme leads to increased UPI spending, especially for women. This initiative is also deepening India's digital economy and formal financial ecosystem for lower-income households, demonstrating a positive wealth effect and financial stability.
Proposal transfer of old shares for small investors in 30 days
In a bid to enhance investor experience, the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority is set to evaluate a proposal that would streamline the transfer process for small investors holding outdated shares. The initiative intends to allow swifter transfers for physical shares worth up to ₹5 lakh and dematerialised shares valued at ₹15 lakh.
Beijing-style plan to curb Delhi pollution in works
The Centre is set to roll out an innovative initiative modeled after Beijing's air quality improvements, aiming to significantly reduce pollution in Delhi-NCR. Over the next five years, the plan aspires to halve pollution levels through targeted actions such as managing heavy vehicle access and encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles.
Supreme Court asks SEBI, finance & corporate affairs ministries to respond to Sahara plea on Adani property sale
The Supreme Court has directed government ministries and SEBI to respond to Sahara's plea to sell 88 properties, including Aamby Valley, to Adani Properties. Sahara proposes depositing Rs 12,000 crore from the sale towards its liabilities. The court seeks clarity on disputed properties and Sahara's worker claims.
BLS International expands visa and consular services to Latin America
BLS International has expanded its Latin American operations by launching a new Visa Application Centre in Argentina and upgrading facilities in Ecuador and Bolivia. These enhancements, featuring AI and advanced biometrics, aim to improve service delivery and applicant experience. This expansion continues despite a recent two-year ban from Indian government tenders.
India, Australia military exercise 'AUSTRAHIND 2025' kicks off in Perth, reinforces growing defence cooperation
The fourth edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AUSTRAHIND 2025, commenced in Perth, Australia, focusing on enhancing interoperability and joint company-level operations in urban and semi-urban terrains. This exercise underscores the deepening defence cooperation and enduring camaraderie between the two nations, reinforcing mutual trust and partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.
Pre-testing exercise held for new household income survey
India's statistics ministry pre-tested its National Household Income Survey, a first-ever pan-India initiative to measure household income, set for launch in February 2026. The survey will capture diverse income sources and expenditures, crucial for economic indicators and poverty analysis. Recommendations include building public confidence and ensuring data collection sensitivity.
Dutch government takes control of Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia over governance shortcomings
The Dutch government took control of Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia, citing risks to European economic security and technological sovereignty. Using the rare Goods Availability Act, it restricted China’s Wingtech Technology’s control.
Exercise AUSTRAHIND :Indian Army contingent departs for Australia
An Indian Army contingent of 120 personnel has departed for Australia. They will participate in the fourth edition of the India-Australia joint military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025. The exercise is scheduled from October 13 to October 26. It aims to enhance military cooperation and interoperability. Troops will focus on joint company-level operations.
Inspector Bhawna Chaudhary becomes BSF air wing’s first woman flight engineer
In a historic first, the Border Security Force (BSF) air wing has appointed its first woman flight engineer, Inspector Bhawna Chaudhary, after she completed an in-house training capsule. Chaudhary, along with four male officers, received their flying badges, marking a significant achievement for the BSF's aviation unit which operates for various paramilitary and special forces.
Pakistan conveys concerns to Kabul envoy over India-Afghanistan joint statement
Pakistan has lodged a protest with Afghanistan's Ambassador over the India-Afghanistan joint statement's reference to Jammu and Kashmir. Islamabad also rejected Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi's remarks on terrorism, asserting that Afghan soil is used against Pakistan. The statement also urged unauthorized Afghan nationals in Pakistan to return.
EAM Jaishankar meets US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor in New Delhi on Saturday amid tensions over Washington’s 50% tariff on Indian exports. The two discussed the global significance of India-US ties. Gor, on a six-day visit, also met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Despite trade frictions, both sides hope ongoing talks will ease tensions.
Jaishankar meets US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor in New Delhi; discusses India-US ties
US Ambassador Sergio Gor arrived in India, with his formal credential presentation set for a later date. His visit follows a Diwali celebration hosted by the Indian Embassy in the US and a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, where deepening the strategic partnership was discussed. Gor emphasized India's crucial role in regional stability and shared security interests.
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