Business

Procurement of Pulses from Farmers at MSP Accelerates Under PM-AASHA Scheme

Published

1 year ago

February 18, 2025

The Centre’s procurement of pulses at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is progressing steadily with the continued approval of the integrated Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme throughout the 15th Finance Commission cycle, which extends to 2025-26. This initiative aims to ensure that farmers receive better prices for their produce, as stated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare on Monday.Procurement has commenced in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana, with a total of 0.15 lakh metric tonnes of tur (arhar) already acquired in these states by February 15, benefiting 12,006 farmers. The procurement process for tur (arhar) in additional states will be initiated shortly. The Centre is dedicated to purchasing 100% of the tur produced by farmers through central nodal agencies, including NAFED and NCCF, as per an official announcement.

To encourage farmers to boost domestic pulse production and diminish reliance on imports, the government has permitted the procurement of tur, urad, and masur under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) equivalent to 100% of state production for the procurement year 2024-25. Furthermore, the government has announced in the Budget 2025 that this procurement policy will continue for an additional four years through central nodal agencies, with the aim of achieving self-sufficiency in pulse production across the country.

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has approved the procurement of tur (arhar) in several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, totaling 13.22 lakh metric tonnes for the Kharif 2024-25 season.

The integrated PM-AASHA Scheme is designed to enhance the effectiveness of procurement operations, which not only aims to provide farmers with remunerative prices for their harvests but also seeks to mitigate price volatility of essential commodities. This is achieved by ensuring a buffer stock to maintain affordability for consumers during market price spikes.

Under the Price Support Scheme of the integrated PM-AASHA Scheme, the central nodal agencies procure the notified pulses, oilseeds, and copra that meet the prescribed Fair Average Quality standards directly from pre-registered farmers through state-level agencies.

Business

Opendoor Shuts Down India Operations, 250 Employees Affected

Published

1 week ago

June 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business: US-based real estate technology company Opendoor has decided to close its operations in India. The move will impact nearly 250 employees.

CEO Kaz Nejatian said the company is bringing operational roles closer to its customers in the United States. He explained that most of Opendoor’s customers are based in America.

The company said the decision is not related to the performance of its India team. Nejatian praised the employees for their hard work and contributions.

Affected workers will receive severance pay, job placement support, and other assistance. A small number of employees will stay temporarily to help with the transition.

Opendoor said it will continue focusing on simplifying operations and improving efficiency with new technology and AI.

Business

Domestic LPG Cylinder Price Increased by Rs 29

Published

2 weeks ago

June 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: The price of domestic LPG cooking gas cylinders has been increased by Rs 29 across India. This is the second price hike in the last three months.

The increase comes as global energy prices continue to rise due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

After the revision, a domestic LPG cylinder now costs Rs 942 in Delhi, Rs 941.40 in Mumbai, Rs 968 in Kolkata, and Rs 957.50 in Chennai. In Bengaluru, the new price is Rs 944.50 per cylinder.

The government said the cost of supplying LPG has increased significantly. However, subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana continue to help over 10 crore beneficiaries.

Petrol, diesel, and CNG prices have also increased in recent weeks as global fuel markets remain volatile.

Business

Honda Begins Delivery of 2026 City Hybrid

Published

2 weeks ago

June 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business: Honda Cars India has started delivering the new 2026 Honda City Hybrid to customers. The first car was handed over at a dealership in Bengaluru.

Honda President and CEO Takashi Nakajima attended the special delivery event. Other senior company officials were also present.

The first customer received a Crystal Black Pearl Honda City Hybrid. The car was delivered with a symbolic key and a gift hamper.

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The updated City comes with new features such as ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera. It also offers wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a sunroof.

The sedan is available with petrol and strong-hybrid powertrain options. Honda claims the hybrid version delivers a mileage of 27.26 kmpl.

The Honda City competes with the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and Hyundai Verna in India.