Maharashtra to give ₹5,000 advance aid to drought-hit farmers

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announced ₹5,000 Diwali advance assistance for drought-affected farmers — a first in state history. Drought declared in 305 talukas across 32 districts. Around 1–1.25 crore farmers will receive funds directly in bank accounts before Diwali, with total outlay estimated at ₹6,000 crore.