{
  "id": 14399032,
  "title": "Maharashtra: 305 drought-hit talukas, ₹5,000 bonus",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/maharashtra-305-drought-hit-talukas-5-000-bonus",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-14T07:59:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/maharashtra-cm-devendra-fadnavis-expands-drought-hit-talukas-to-305-announces-5000-diwali-bonus-for-farmers/articleshow/134936388.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared that the number of drought-affected talukas has risen to 305 from the previously designated 265, and has approved a Diwali bonus of ₹5,000 for farmers. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Fadnavis explained that the government expedited relief measures to assist farmers experiencing significant crop loss and financial strain due to the drought. He noted that while drought declarations typically occur in December, this declaration was made in advance due to the severity of the situation. The Diwali bonus aims to provide immediate financial support to farmers so they can manage their festival expenses.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Maharashtra’s drought-affected talukas increase to 305",
    "Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declares Diwali bonus of ₹5,000",
    "Government accelerates relief measures for drought-stricken farmers"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Economic Times",
        "title": "85% of Maharashtra declared drought-hit",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/85-of-maharashtra-declared-drought-hit",
        "published": "2026-10-14T08:58:49.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}