National

Jharkhand Advances Towards Agricultural Self-Sufficiency: Chief Minister Inaugurates State’s First Milk Powder Plant

Published

1 year ago

June 7, 2025

On Friday, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren inaugurated the foundation stone for the state’s first milk powder manufacturing facility at the Medha Dairy complex in Hotwar, Ranchi. This landmark event signifies a crucial advancement in Jharkhand’s continuous efforts to boost agricultural productivity, enhance farmers’ incomes, and foster value addition within the dairy sector and its related fields.

Speaking to a large crowd at the nearby Harivansh Tana Bhagat Stadium, Soren emphasized the vital role of agriculture in driving Jharkhand’s economic growth and ensuring social stability. He stated, “Without agriculture, both the state and the nation cannot progress. It is the backbone of our economy and society.”

Once operational, the new plant is anticipated to mitigate post-harvest losses, manage milk surpluses, and facilitate the production of fortified dairy products like powdered milk. It also aims to generate employment opportunities and encourage rural entrepreneurship. The government’s dairy strategy includes incentives for milk procurement, price guarantees for producers, and strong market connections.

During the event, the Chief Minister unveiled several supporting initiatives, such as Medha Ragi Laddus and Medha Sudhan, a nutritious cattle feed designed to combat child malnutrition and enhance livestock health. A silage-making machine for efficient animal fodder production was also inaugurated. Soren urged farmers to adopt commercial farming practices and fully utilize government programs aimed at modernizing agriculture and boosting profitability.

To safeguard rural livelihoods, the government has implemented insurance for livestock acquired under state schemes. “If a cow or buffalo dies due to illness or an accident, the insured amount will be compensated. This is how we protect our farmers from unexpected losses,” the Chief Minister explained. He stressed the importance of integrating animal husbandry, fisheries, and dairy into the state’s economic framework.

Soren highlighted the environmentally friendly nature of agriculture, in stark contrast to industrial sectors that often harm ecosystems. “Agriculture nourishes us without compromising the environment. It is inherently a green activity,” he remarked. He connected food insecurity and malnutrition trends with the increasing consumption of adulterated and chemically treated foods, urging a revival of household-level cattle rearing to guarantee access to pure and nutritious food.

The CM encouraged farmers to view themselves not only as cultivators but as agro-entrepreneurs. He cited cricketer MS Dhoni’s involvement in agriculture as a success story, asking, “If a global sports icon can thrive in farming, why can’t our dedicated farmers?” He called upon the agricultural community to elevate their efforts and align with the state’s emerging agri-based economy.

Jharkhand has set an ambitious target to achieve self-sufficiency in dairy, fish, and meat production within seven years, with export potential on the horizon. The new dairy plant is expected to be pivotal in reaching this vision.

Officials from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) who attended the ceremony endorsed this initiative as a transformative model for other states with significant rural populations and livestock resources.

In conclusion, Chief Minister Soren reaffirmed his government’s commitment to support farmers in all seasons and situations. “To build a stronger, self-reliant Jharkhand, we must start with those who nurture and feed us,” he said.

National

11 Hospitalised After Dead Lizard Found in Birthday Cake

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Maharashtra : Eleven people were hospitalised after eating a birthday cake that allegedly contained a dead lizard in Nalasopara, Maharashtra.

The incident took place during a birthday celebration. The affected group included seven children and four women.

According to reports, they complained of sudden stomach and chest pain shortly after eating the cake.

They were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Doctors said that all 11 patients are in stable condition.

The incident has raised serious concerns about food safety and hygiene standards in bakeries.

The case comes amid growing concerns over food safety in Maharashtra. Earlier, a rat was allegedly seen inside an ice cream freezer at a Blinkit store in Thane’s Godrej Hill area in Kalyan.

In another incident, food safety officials suspended the FSSAI licence of a Blinkit-linked facility in Malad West after finding several violations.

The recent incidents have increased calls for stricter checks on food storage, hygiene and safety standards across the state.

National

Dead Russell’s Viper Found on Vande Bharat Express

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Ernakulam: A dead Russell’s viper was found on a passenger seat inside a Vande Bharat Express in Ernakulam, causing panic among passengers.

The incident took place on Friday, August 14, at around 2.30 pm. The train was scheduled to leave Ernakulam Junction for Bengaluru.

The incident came to light before the train began its journey. Vinu Varghese, who works for an insurance company in Ernakulam, had booked a ticket to travel to Coimbatore with his two-year-old child.

When he returned to his seat after visiting the restroom, he noticed the dead snake lying on the seat. He was shocked and immediately informed the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) and railway staff.

The railway staff quickly responded to the situation. With the help of passengers, they removed the dead snake from the coach.

After the snake was removed, the passengers felt relieved. Vinu Varghese later filed an official complaint through the railway portal.

In his complaint, he questioned the safety and cleanliness standards on the train. He said passengers pay a significant amount for travelling on Vande Bharat trains and expected better safety measures.

Varghese said the railway staff later apologised for the incident.

The incident has also raised questions about how a snake entered the passenger compartment. Vande Bharat trains are air-conditioned and have sealed gangways and automatic doors that open only at designated stations.

The incident has raised concerns about pest control and safety protocols on the train. Railway authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the matter.

This is not the first reported incident involving a snake on a Vande Bharat train. In December 2025, a passenger was allegedly accused of deliberately placing a snake inside the Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express.

National

West Bengal Man Detained in Bengaluru over Alleged Terror Links

Published

3 days ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have detained a 25-year-old man from West Bengal over his alleged links with a terror group.

The accused has been identified as Asafool Mallik. He is a native of Naopara village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.

Police detained Mallik in the Jigani area after receiving information about his alleged suspicious online activities.

According to the police, Mallik had allegedly established contact with a person identified as Imran Haider through Facebook. Haider, who is from Afghanistan, is suspected to have links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Police said Mallik allegedly wanted to travel to Afghanistan and join the group. He also allegedly discussed retaliatory attacks against the Pakistan Army and possible attacks in India.

Mallik had reportedly applied for a visa to travel to Afghanistan. However, he later dropped the plan due to financial difficulties and family responsibilities, police said.

Mallik was living near APC Circle in Jigani. He had been working as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.

Police said they received information about his activities while conducting patrols in the Bommasandra Industrial Area.

During questioning, Mallik allegedly said he was angry over what he believed were attacks on Muslims in Pakistan. He also reportedly expressed anger over Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Police further said Mallik was allegedly being encouraged to retaliate if Muslims faced difficulties in India.

Police later examined Mallik’s mobile phone. They allegedly found chats, voice calls and audio conversations between Mallik and Haider.

The police are now examining the chats, recordings and other material recovered from the phone.

The investigation is underway to determine the extent of Mallik’s alleged links with the terror network.