National

Chamber of Commerce Against Reintroduction of Agricultural Market Fees in Jharkhand

Published

1 year ago

February 19, 2025

The Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce has vehemently opposed the proposed reintroduction of agricultural market fees by the state’s Marketing Board, labeling the initiative as “anti-farmer” and “counterproductive.” During a recent meeting at the Chamber’s headquarters, industry leaders expressed their concerns regarding the potential impact on both farmers and consumers.

Chamber President Paresh Gattani and former President Praveen Jain Chhabra articulated their disapproval, noting that the market committees in Jharkhand have not effectively supported farmers. Gattani remarked, “Despite the presence of market committees, there have been no substantial efforts to provide farmers with adequate storage, marketing, or pricing facilities for their products. These committees, intended to promote trade and assist agriculture, have instead become mere vehicles for revenue generation.”

The Chamber’s criticism also targeted the proposed fee structure for imported food items, including rice and pulses. They argued that enforcing these fees would raise consumer prices and disproportionately affect traders and wholesalers.

General Secretary Aditya Malhotra raised concerns about the political ramifications of this decision, especially given the Congress party’s commitment to supporting farmers. “While the Congress party has historically advocated for farmers’ welfare, these policies seem to contradict that mission. We urge leadership to address the real challenges facing the agricultural community,” Malhotra stated.

The Chamber emphasized that their opposition is not against the regulation of agricultural markets but against the implementation of ineffective policies that fail to aid farmers. Chhabra added, “A comprehensive approach is needed—one that truly supports agriculture, ensures farmers receive fair prices, and improves market infrastructure for equitable competition.”

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the Chamber to continue advocating for the interests of both farmers and traders. They are prepared to engage with the Chief Minister, the Agriculture Minister, and other influential figures to address the deficiencies in the current market system and to promote reforms that more effectively serve Jharkhand’s agricultural sector.

National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

1 week ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.

National

Army Helicopter Crashes In Ladakh, All Three Officers Injured But Safe

Published

2 weeks ago

May 23, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: Three Indian Army officers survived after their helicopter crashed in the Tangste region near Leh in Ladakh. The accident took place on May 20. Officials confirmed the incident on Friday.

The helicopter belonged to the Army’s ageing Cheetah fleet. A Lieutenant Colonel and a Major were flying the chopper. Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Infantry Division, was travelling as a passenger.

All three officers suffered injuries in the crash. However, they survived the accident in the difficult mountainous region. A selfie clicked by Major General Mehta after the crash has now gone viral on social media. The photo showed the three officers sitting on rocks near the badly damaged helicopter.

Many people called their survival a miracle because of the harsh terrain and the risks involved in flying the old Cheetah helicopters in high-altitude areas.

The Indian Army has ordered an official inquiry to find out the reason behind the crash.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of the Cheetah helicopters. These helicopters were introduced in the 1970s and have been used for decades in difficult operations, including Operation Meghdoot in Siachen Glacier in 1984.

In recent years, several accidents involving the Cheetah fleet have been reported. The helicopters are now being slowly replaced by the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The Army has reportedly ordered six limited-series-production LUHs. The new helicopters can fly at a top speed of 220 kmph and have an operational range of 350 km.

Despite its age, the Cheetah helicopter is still considered one of the best helicopters for high-altitude flying operations.