“The imposition of export duty on onions reflects our commitment to stabilize domestic prices and ensure a steady supply for our citizens.” – [Government Spokesperson]

In a bid to curb soaring onion prices and bolster supplies in the domestic market, the government has implemented a 40% duty on onion exports, effective until December 31, 2023.

The Finance Ministry, earlier today, issued a notification announcing the imposition of a 40% export duty on onions for the specified period.

The Ministry succinctly stated, Government imposes 40% duty on onion exports till December 31.

The introduction of this export duty comes in response to concerns over the potential rise in onion prices, particularly in the upcoming month of September.

On August 11, the central government initiated the release of onions from its buffer stock to manage the situation.

For the 2023-24 season, the central government had previously decided to maintain a buffer stock of 3 lakh tonnes of onions, following the maintenance of 2.51 lakh tonnes during the 2022-23 season. The buffer stock serves as a contingency measure to address exigencies and ensure price stability in case rates significantly rise during periods of lean supply.

Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Food and Public Distribution Department, convened a meeting with the Managing Directors of agricultural marketing agencies, namely the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited (NCCF), to finalize the operational aspects.

The strategy involves releasing onion stocks strategically in states or regions where retail prices surpass the all-India average. It also targets areas where price increases over the previous month and year exceed the defined threshold. Disposal methods include e-auctions and retail sales on e-commerce platforms, as outlined in a release from the food ministry.

Notably, the Rabi onion harvested between April and June contributes to 65% of India’s onion production, meeting consumer demand until the Kharif crop is harvested in October-November.

Typically, procured stocks are distributed through targeted open market sales, as well as to states, Union territories, and government agencies for retail outlet supplies during lean supply periods.

Collapsed Shiv Temple Adds to Toll in Shimla Landslide, Rescue Efforts Continue Amidst Harsh Weather Conditions.

Additional Relief Pledged: Himachal CM Expresses Gratitude to Ashok Gehlot and Chhattisgarh CM for Generous Contributions in Aid

Shimla// Himachal Pradesh : As Himachal Pradesh grapples with the aftermath of rain-induced calamities, the toll of rain-related casualties has surged to a sobering 78. Amidst recovery efforts, a tragic incident at a collapsed Shiv temple in Shimla adds to the gravity of the situation, with ongoing efforts to retrieve victims from the debris.

Rising to the challenge, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot has extended a gesture of solidarity and support. In a significant move, he announced on Friday, through a post on [X], that Rajasthan will contribute a substantial sum of Rs 15 crore to aid those affected by the heavy rain and landslides in Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, Chhattisgarh CM has also stepped forward, pledging Rs 11 crore to support the rain-ravaged state.

The Himachal Chief Minister expressed profound gratitude for these compassionate contributions. These generous donations not only reflect the spirit of unity among states but also serve as a testament to the collective efforts required to mitigate the impact of the disaster.

The collapse of the Shiv temple in Shimla, a heart-wrenching incident, has added to the overall toll in the recent landslides. Rescue operations persist despite harsh weather conditions, as responders tirelessly work to retrieve victims from the debris. The extent of the tragedy is compounded by the ongoing challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns.

As rescue operations continue, Himachal Pradesh’s collective resolve remains unwavering. The state acknowledges the significance of aid from its counterparts, marking a significant step towards recovery and restoration in the midst of adversity.

Speaking Truth to Celebration: Prakash Raj’s Perspective on Independence Day, Unveiling Manipur’s Orphans and Nationwide Minority Persecution

Amidst the exuberance of India’s 77th Independence Day celebrations, a sentiment of national pride engulfs the atmosphere. Nevertheless, a poignant perspective emerges from renowned actor Prakash Raj, who, in an exclusive conversation with CINEMA EXPRESS, reveals his inability to partake in the festivities while bearing witness to the hardships endured by women and minorities across the nation.

Speaking openly to CINEMA EXPRESS , Prakash Raj shared, This is quite an unhappy Independence Day for me. I can’t celebrate when children of my land are left parentless. This is the present scene in Manipur and across the nation.

The actor further highlighted the elusive nature of true freedom, as he underscored the persistent persecution faced by minorities and the disturbing elevation of criminals. He expressed, These days, patriotism is the refuge of the unscrupulous. Fake patriotism has become alarmingly common now. How can anyone with a conscience celebrate our Independence?

Prakash Raj underscored the urgency of the moment, urging citizens to reclaim their freedom and contribute to reestablishing harmony within the country. Now is the time for us to stand together and seek answers. Our leaders in the assembly are answerable to us, none of them should take their responsibility lightly like a debate or an election campaign.

As India commemorates its relentless journey towards independence, Prakash Raj’s poignant words serve as a reminder that introspection, accountability, and solidarity are essential elements of a meaningful celebration, especially in a nation grappling with intricate challenges. This insightful interview was published by “CINEMA EXPRESS”

“Larsen & Toubro and IIT Madras Collaborate to Complete Bengaluru’s 3D-Printed Post Office in Record 43 Days, Paving the Way for Future Customizable and Cost-Effective Construction Solutions”

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially unveiled India’s pioneering 3D-printed post office situated in Bengaluru’s Cambridge Layout. This groundbreaking achievement marked a significant stride in the fields of technology and construction.

The project was brought to fruition through a collaboration between Larsen & Toubro Limited and the technical expertise of IIT Madras. The post office’s construction was managed using cutting-edge 3D concrete printing technology, which introduced an innovative approach to building construction.Unlike traditional methods, this novel technology employed a robotic printer that deposited layers of concrete according to the pre-approved design.

This approach facilitated quicker construction and enhanced bonding between the layers, contributing to the overall structural integrity of the building. Remarkably, the post office was completed in a mere 43 days, a remarkable achievement compared to the six to eight months usually taken by conventional construction techniques.The economic aspect of the project was equally noteworthy.

The cost of constructing the 3D-printed post office was approximately Rs 23 lakh, a remarkable reduction of around 30-40% in comparison to conventional methods. This cost-effectiveness is poised to have significant implications for future construction projects, paving the way for more sustainable and budget-friendly building practices.One of the key advantages of 3D concrete printing was its ability to accommodate individual customization.

This flexibility extended to the incorporation of weather-proofing and utilities within the walls, contributing to enhanced construction efficiency. The potential impact of this technology on the construction of quality housing, even in challenging terrains, was emphasized by Rajendra Kumar, Chief Postmaster General of Karnataka Circle. The goal of utilizing 3D printing technology to create low-cost, customizable post offices, and eventually housing solutions, was presented as a forward-looking aspiration.

As the first of its kind in India, the 3D-printed post office project has set a new standard for rapid and cost-effective construction. Its success has showcased the immense potential of this innovative technology in transforming traditional construction practices and revolutionizing the housing sector. This achievement serves as a stepping stone toward the broader implementation of 3D printing technology in various construction projects across the nation.

Rahul Gandhi emphasized that Rameshwar embodies the voice of India, representing a pain that often remains marginalized in mainstream discussions. He underscored our collective moral duty to lend an ear to the unspoken challenges faced by many across the nation and unite in support of their battles.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently extended a warm gesture by hosting Rameshwar, a vegetable seller whose emotional video went viral due to rising vegetable prices and the struggles faced by ordinary citizens. Gandhi shared a video of his interaction with Rameshwar and his family on his X (formerly Twitter) account, emphasizing the need to address the challenges faced by people who often remain marginalized from mainstream discourse.

In the video, lasting over nine minutes, Rahul Gandhi engaged in candid conversation with Rameshwar, joined by his wife and daughter. Gandhi personally served them lunch and engaged in a detailed discussion on their experiences and challenges.

Rameshwar, who had expressed his despair in the viral video, shared his feelings with Rahul Gandhi, to which the Congress leader responded with empathy: “Speaking from your heart isn’t a weakness, it is honesty. Don’t think about what others say. You only adhere to the truth.

During the interaction, Rahul Gandhi also encouraged Rameshwar to address him by his first name, rejecting formal titles. Rameshwar expressed gratitude for being hosted by Gandhi and stated that the leader understood his struggles.

On August 14, Rahul Gandhi invited Rameshwar for lunch and spent time engaging with him. In a heartfelt X post, Gandhi wrote, “Rameshwar ji is a lively person. One can see the innate nature of crores of Indians in them. Those who move ahead with a smile even in adverse circumstances are truly ‘Bharat Bhagya Vidhaata’.” He also attached a photograph of himself with Rameshwar.

Gandhi’s visit to Rameshwar comes after his August 1 visit to Azadpur Mandi, one of Asia’s largest vegetable and fruit markets. During this visit, he met several vegetable and fruit vendors as well as traders, following the viral video of Rameshwar.

Rahul Gandhi, currently a Lok Sabha MP from Kerala’s Wayanad, had criticized the government for rising inflation during his visit to Azadpur Mandi. The visit was in response to soaring vegetable prices, where some vegetables were being sold at over Rs 100 per kilogram and tomatoes at over Rs 200 per kg in certain areas of the national capital.

Gandhi has consistently made efforts to connect with the public through various engagements, such as visiting farmers, truck drivers, gig workers, and students. His actions have resonated with many, as he strives to address the concerns of everyday citizens.

Edtech platform Unacademy has sacked its teacher who stirred up a controversy by asking students to vote for educated candidates.

Karan Sangwan, an legal faculty with Unacademy, also raised questions over the bills related to IPC, CrPC tabled in Parliament.

In a video, the teacher appealed to his students to vote for educated candidates next time. Unacademy sacked the teacher, after this appeal, saying classroom is not a right place to share personal opinions and views.

Roman Saini, Co-founder, Unacademy Group said, “Our learners are at the centre of everything we do. The classroom is not a place to share personal opinions and views as they can wrongly influence them. In the current situation, we were forced to part ways with Karan Sangwan as he was in breach of the Code of Conduct”.

He also said, “We are an education platform that is deeply committed to imparting quality education. To do this we have in place a strict Code of Conduct for all our educators with the intention of ensuring that our learners have access to unbiased knowledge.

” Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal objected the move of sacking the teacher and said whether asking people to vote for educated person is a crime.

In a reply sent to IANS the Unacademy co-founder Roman Saini said that Sangwan was in breach of contract and therefore the company had to part ways with him.

Saini said that there are strict Code of Conduct for all the educators with the aim to provide unbiased knowledge to the learners. “The classroom is not a place to wrongly influence them”.

In his video Sangwan can be heard asking the students to elect educated politicians. He was discussing the recent bills tabled in Lok Sabha by the union government to replace British-era IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act.

Sangwan added that even he doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry because he also has a lot of bare acts, caseloads, and notes that he had prepared.

“Keep in mind one thing. Next time vote for someone who is well-educated so you don’t have to go through this again. Elect someone who is educated, who understands things. Don’t elect someone who only knows, changing things and changing names. Take a decision judiciously,” he says.

The teacher said that he would share the details about the controversy on his YouTube channel on August 19