National

Shivraj Chouhan Calls on State Governments to Guarantee Purchases at or Above MSP

Published

1 year ago

March 27, 2025

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, urged all state governments on Thursday to guarantee that purchases do not fall below the minimum support price (MSP). He emphasized that the Centre is dedicated to enhancing farmers’ welfare under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

“The Modi government is committed to supporting farmers. We are actively engaged in procuring their produce at the minimum support price (MSP), with the aim of benefitting the farming community. We will do everything possible to achieve this vital goal,” the minister stated.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in pulses, Chouhan noted that procurement of tur has gained momentum in major producing states. To bolster domestic pulse production, support farmers, and lessen reliance on imports, the government has approved the procurement of tur, urad, and lentils under a price support scheme (PSS) at 100% of state production for the procurement year 2024-25. He also mentioned that the upcoming Budget for 2025 includes provisions for the same 100% procurement of tur, urad, and masoor through to 2028-29, aiming for self-sufficiency in pulses nationally.

“Procurement of tur (arhar) has been sanctioned in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh under the PSS for the Kharif 2024-25 season. Additionally, in a farmer-friendly measure, Karnataka has extended the procurement period by 30 days to May 1, increasing it from 90 days,” the Minister mentioned in his statement.

He conveyed that procurement is actively ongoing at MSP through NAFED and NCCF in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana, with a total of 2.46 lakh metric tonnes of tur procured as of March 25, benefiting 171,569 farmers in these states. He noted that the price of tur in Uttar Pradesh is currently above the MSP.

The Minister reasserted the Centre’s commitment to procuring 100% of tur from farmers via Central Nodal Agencies.

“Moreover, procurement of gram, mustard, and lentils has been approved for RMS 2025. The PM-Asha Yojana has been extended to 2025-26, ensuring continued purchase of pulses and oilseeds from farmers at MSP. The total approved quantity for gram for RMS 2025 is 27.99 lakh metric tonnes, whereas for mustard, it is 28.28 lakh metric tonnes,” he stated.

Chouhan also assured that the government has streamlined the registration and procurement process for farmers by encouraging the use of NAFED and NCCF portals.

National

Jammu University Introduces Fuel-Saving Measures

Published

3 days ago

May 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

National : The University of Jammu has announced several fuel-saving measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation. Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai said the university has decided to conduct all PhD viva voce examinations online to reduce travel and save fuel.

The university will also prefer virtual speakers for national and international conferences. In another step, the Academic Council meeting planned in Poonch has been shifted to the Jammu University campus to avoid unnecessary travel.

Prof Rai said the measures will help save fuel, time and resources. He also encouraged university staff to use bicycles and carpool while travelling to the campus.

National

One Year On: Pahalgam Attack Still Haunts the Nation

Published

4 weeks ago

April 21, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: One year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the nation remembers the 26 people who lost their lives. The attack took place on April 22 at Baisaran, a popular tourist spot.

At first, reports said only five people were injured. Later, it became clear that it was one of the worst terror attacks in the region in decades. Terrorists came out of the forest and opened fire on tourists.

Survivors said the attackers separated men from women and children. They then shot the men at close range. Many victims were reportedly targeted after being asked about their religion.

A heartbreaking image of Himanshi Narwal sitting beside her husband’s body became a symbol of the tragedy. Her husband, a naval officer, was among those killed.

The group The Resistance front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency.

After months of tracking, security forces launched Operation Mahadev. On July 28, 2025, all three terrorists were killed after a long search operation.

The attack remains a painful memory and a reminder of the need for strong security.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

1 month ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.