Business

UP Government Achieves Record Procurement of 3.90 Lakh MT of Paddy for 2024-25

Published

1 year ago

March 14, 2025

Uttar Pradesh has achieved a remarkable milestone in paddy procurement for the 2024-25 season, surpassing last year’s figures by 3.90 lakh metric tonnes, bringing the total to 57.70 lakh metric tonnes. The Yogi government has ensured quick payments, successfully disbursing over 99% of the dues to farmers, which total more than ₹13,326 crore.

This year, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for regular paddy was set at ₹2,300 per quintal, while Grade A paddy was priced at ₹2,320 per quintal—an increase of ₹117 per quintal compared to last year. Additionally, farmers received ₹20 per quintal to cover unloading, sieving, and cleaning costs.

Officials reported on Thursday that a total of 57,70,671.09 metric tonnes of paddy has been procured from nearly 8 lakh farmers at 4,339 purchase centers across the state. This is a significant increase from last year’s procurement of 53,80,032.83 metric tonnes.

Procurement operations were efficiently managed under government supervision. In western Uttar Pradesh, procurement took place from October 1 to January 31, covering regions such as Bareilly, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Agra, Aligarh, Meerut, Jhansi, and various parts of the Lucknow division, including Hardoi, Sitapur, and Lakhimpur Kheri. In eastern Uttar Pradesh, procurement commenced on November 1 and continued until February 28, encompassing areas such as Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Basti, Devipatan, Azamgarh, Varanasi, Vindhyachal, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Chitrakoot, and parts of the Lucknow division like Rae Bareli and Unnao.

To facilitate this process, 4,339 purchase centers were established by the Food and Civil Supplies Department and other procurement agencies, allowing sharecroppers to sell their paddy after completing the registration and renewal processes.

Through effective policies and strong procurement strategies, the Yogi government is reinforcing the agricultural sector, ensuring timely payments and improved returns for farmers throughout Uttar Pradesh.

Business

Honda Begins Delivery of 2026 City Hybrid

Published

4 days 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.

Business

Overseas Loans by Indian Firms See Sharp Decline

Published

3 weeks ago

May 17, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business : Indian companies borrowed $5.43 billion from abroad in March, according to RBI data. This was 51% lower than March last year.

Experts said the weak rupee and high global interest rates made foreign loans less attractive for companies.

In the financial year 2025-26, India Inc raised nearly $43 billion through foreign borrowings. This was down from $61 billion in the previous year.

In March 2025, borrowings had crossed $11 billion due to large deals by companies like JSW Steel and Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing.

Companies are also avoiding overseas loans because hedging costs have become expensive during currency volatility.

The RBI reportedly discussed easing foreign borrowing rules and offering hedging support, but no final decision was taken.

Market experts said the ongoing West Asia conflict has increased uncertainty, making companies cautious about raising funds from abroad.

Business

Fuel Prices Hiked by Rs.3 per Litre across India

Published

3 weeks ago

May 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Petrol and diesel prices have been increased by Rs.3 per litre across the country from today. Oil marketing companies revised the rates due to the rise in global crude oil prices.

After the hike, petrol price in Bengaluru has reached Rs.106.17 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs.94.10 per litre.

The increase comes amid fluctuations in international crude oil prices and tensions in West Asia, including the Iran conflict. The fall in the value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar has also increased import costs.

The fuel price hike is expected to affect transportation and daily essentials. Transport charges for goods may rise, leading to higher prices of vegetables, fruits, milk, and other items. Bus, auto, and taxi fares may also increase.

Earlier, fuel prices were reduced before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2022, the Centre had also cut excise duty to control inflation after the Covid pandemic.