Asaduddin Owaisi's party AIMIM ties up with Pallavi Patel's Apna Dal (K) in UP for Lok Sabha polls
In Lucknow, AIMIM and Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) formed an alliance named PDM for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. The alliance includes other parties like Pragatisheel Manav Samaj Party and Rashtriya Uday Party. The rift between Samajwadi Party and Apna Dal (K) led to the end of their alliance. Uttar Pradesh will vote in seven phases starting from April 19, with results to be announced on June 4. Key Points
Economic TimesApna Dal (Kamerawadi) to ally with Asaduddin Owaisi's party in UP: Sources
The Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) will ally with the AIMIM, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, sources said. An official announcement of their alliance is set to be announced later today. Key Points
India TodayModi govt's Bharat Dal, available at Rs 60 per kg, is now India's highest selling brand. Where to buy?
The government has introduced the sale of 'Bharat Dal' at subsidized rates through various retail outlets, including NAFED, NCCF, Kendriya Bhandar, and Safal, as well as on e-commerce platforms. State governments can also access chana Dal for distribution in welfare schemes. To stabilize pulse prices, the government maintains buffer stocks of major pulses. It has removed import duty on tur and urad and reduced import duty on masur to zero. Bharat Dal, priced at Rs. 60 per kg, has quickly gained popularity, capturing a quarter of the market share within four months of its launch. Key Points
Economic TimesNafed feels the pulse, ropes in pvt retailers to sell subsidised grains
Government subsidised foodgrain in consumer packs has become available through private retail channels, with the Bharat Dal brand being sold through Reliance Retail and Big Basket. The government agency Nafed has started selling Bharat Dal since end-October and is planning to soon begin selling Bharat Atta through private retail channels. Key Points
Economic TimesConsumption of Arhar Dal down 15-20%
Consumers substituted tur Dal with imported green lentils in homes in southern and eastern India, while in the northern and the western regions, tur Dal was substituted with lentils in institutional consumption, said experts. Consumption of chana dal, which is being promoted by the central government as healthy alternative to tur dal, also increased in vegetarian meals, they said. Key Points
The Economic Times
Central govt selling Bharat Dal at Rs 60 per kg. Where to buy
To make pulses and wheat flour more affordable, the central government initiated the sale of chana Dal and wheat flour under the brands 'Bharat Dal' and 'Bharat Atta'. Chana Dal is retailed at a subsidized rate of Rs.60/kg and Bharat Atta at Rs. 27.50/kg, available through outlets like NAFED, NCCF, Kendriya Bhandar, and mobile vans across India. Buffer stocks of major pulses are released under Bharat Dal to regulate market prices Key Points
Economic TimesIndia's masoor imports to surge as restaurants look for alternatives to replace expensive arhar
As arhar Dal prices rule between Rs 150-200/kg, restaurants and canteens have shifted to using masoor Dal (red and yellow lentils) to replace arhar partially or fully to prepare Dal and sambar. When eating Dal or sambar at a restaurant, the chances are high that it is made either fully or partially using masoor Dal instead of the traditional recipe of using arhar dal. Key Points
Economic TimesEye on OBC votes ahead of 2024, BJP, SP go all out to claim Apna Dal founder Sonelal's legacy
Both parties cosied up to Apna Dal factions at separate events on Kurmi leader Sonelal Patel’s 74th birth anniversary. One was attended by Amit Shah, the other by Akhilesh Yadav. Key Points
ThePrintUP assembly bypolls: BJP ally Apna Dal (S) leading in Chhanbey, Suar
In the Chhanbey (SC) assembly seat, SP's Kirti Kol is trailing behind Apna Dal (Sonelal)'s Rinki Kol by more than 220 votes, it showed. Bypolls were held for the Suar assembly seat in Rampur district and the Chhanbey assembly seat in Mirzapur district on May 10. Apna Dal (Sonelal) chief and Union Minister Anupriya Patel is the MP from Mirzapur. Key Points
Economic TimesPM Modi springs to Bajrang Dal’s defence: A brief history of the ‘forever-fringe’ outfit
The Congress manifesto in Karnataka promising to ban the Bajrang Dal has caused a furore. However, the outfit has been banned before, and calls to ban it have been made several times, not always by Congress. Key Points
The Indian Express
Lok Sabha polls: Apna Dal (K) forms PDM Nyay Morcha with Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM, exits INDIA bloc
The two opposition parties floated the PDM Nyay Morcha, calling it a front to bring justice to Pichda (backwards), Dalits and Muslims. This is similar to PDA -- an acronym for Pichda, Dalit and Alpasankhyak (minorities) -- coined by the former Apna Dal (K) ally Samajwadi Party. Key Points
mintIs Lok Dal emerging as a new alternative as RLD moves closer to BJP?
Vijay Sankalp Rally by Lok Dal in Meerapur region of Muzaffarnagar had impressive turnout. Concerns raised as RLD aligns with BJP. Lok Dal aims to be Key Points
Times Of IndiaBJP has Captain but no team in Punjab as talks turn SAD
The farmer protests have affected alliance talks between the BJP and its long-time ally, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The SAD, vital in Punjab, seeks more time amid discussions for seat distribution before the Lok Sabha elections. The farmers' agitation has prompted a pause in negotiations. Key Points
Economic TimesPiyush Goyal launches sale of subsidised chana Dal at Rs 60/kg under 'Bharat Dal' brand
Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday launched the sale of subsidised chana Dal at Rs 60 per kg under a brand name 'Bharat Dal' to provide pulses at an affordable rate to consumers. Chana Dal is being sold in Delhi-NCR through the retail outlets of National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED). It will also be available at retail stores of NCCF, Kendriya Bhandar and Mother Dairy's Safal. Key Points
Economic TimesShah underlines importance of U.P. allies in Mission 300
Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged the cadres of BJP's OBC allies in Uttar Pradesh to support the party's 'Mission 300' in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and ensure a third consecutive term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shah emphasized the consolidation of backward caste voters in the state and stated that the BJP would contest the parliamentary elections in alliance with the Apna Dal (S) and Nishad party. He also praised the Yogi Adityanath government for law and order and for providing employment to OBC youth. Opposition parties criticized Shah's remarks. Key Points
Hindustan Times
Central govt selling Bharat Atta at Rs 27.5/kg, Bharat Dal at Rs 60/kg - Where to buy
The central government is selling atta and chana Dal at subsidized rates under the Bharat Atta and Bharat Dal brands. Priced at Rs 27.50/kg and Rs 60/kg respectively, these items are available at Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, and NCCF outlets, with expansion plans to other cooperative and retail stores. Mobile vans are deployed for sales. Key Points
Economic TimesInflation within tolerance band; govt taking steps to check price rise: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the government's efforts to control inflation have been successful, especially in perishable commodities. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is collaborating with the government to extend the shelf life of onions through the use of gamma rays. The government has increased its buffer size of onions to 7 LMT to stabilize prices. Key Points
Economic TimesA look into India's tur problem: Why is this Dal always on the boil?
India, the largest producer of pulses, is facing a shortage of tur dal, leading to increased imports. Issues such as hoarding and cartelisation in the importation contribute to price increases. The average market price of tur Dal has risen by Rs 10 per kg, reaching Rs 149 per kg. To prevent hoarding, the government has reduced the stock limit for tur Dal held by wholesalers and large retail chains. The Department of Consumer Affairs is monitoring stock levels, and the government has taken measures to boost domestic availability and contain price rise. Key Points
Economic TimesAkali Dal calls move to oust Sukhbir Badal 'dangerous conspiracy', Harsimrat blames 'BJP's stooges'
Punjab BJP refutes allegations, says Badal should introspect why SAD has been seeing downslide since breaking ties with BJP. Rebellion in SAD comes after poor performance in LS polls. Key Points
ThePrintPerishable items' prices within tolerance band: FM Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed concerns about rising perishable commodity prices, citing government measures like importing pulses and offering essential items at concessional rates. Importing over 879,000 tonnes of tur Dal and 1.51 million tonnes of masoor Dal in 2023 aimed to stabilize domestic supplies. Initiatives like 'Bharat Dal' provide pulses at reduced prices, with 297,000 tonnes of chana sold cheaper. Additionally, 396,000 tonnes of onions were released at concessional rates to curb inflation. Key Points
Economic Times
Govt directs retailers not to keep unseasonable profit margin on tur dal
The retail industry players expressed their commitment to extend full cooperation with the government and also assured that all efforts will be made to keep prices of pulses under control. Today's meeting with retail association and major organised retail chains is part of the series of meetings that the department had with stakeholders across pulses value chain to ensure availability and affordability of pulses for consumers. Key Points
Economic TimesWho invented Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani? Delhi HC may answer this
Moti Mahal and Daryaganj restaurants are in a legal dispute over who invented Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani. The Delhi High Court is set to rule on the dispute between Moti Mahal and Daryaganj restaurants over the invention of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani. Key Points
mintTur Dal prices may stay firm after slight fall: Industry expects
The government's imposition of a stock limit on tur Dal traders and processors has slightly reduced prices. However, the industry fears the shortage of supply will maintain high tur prices for the next three to four months. The stock limit was expected by stockists and traders, but given the shortage, it is unlikely to significantly reduce tur prices, according to Suresh Agarwal, president of the All India Dal Millers' Association. Key Points
Economic TimesHappy Gudi Padwa 2023: Check out these 3 healthy recipes for Samvatsara Padvo
On the day of Samvatsara Padvo or Gudi Padwa i.e. Marathi New Year, a delicious spread is prepared from Puran Poli to Shrikhand to be enjoyed with family and friends. Whip up these healthy recipes for Gudi Padwa 2023 Key Points
Hindustan TimesDon't know what to pack for your kid's lunch box tomorrow? Try these upma recipes with a fun twist
Upma is a no-brainer lunch for active kids who prefer a light yet fulfilling meal. Check out quick and easy recipes inside. Key Points
Hindustan Times
Why Radhika Gupta, Edelweiss MF MD & CEO, wants you to invest in 'dal chawal' funds
India Business News: What’s a Dal chawal fund? Broad based funds that are all weather and span a range of sectors. Balanced advantage and aggressive hybrid types. Key Points
Times Of IndiaBJP, Akali Dal likely to join hands in Punjab for Lok Sabha polls
Leaders of the BJP and Akali Dal have confirmed that the two parties are in talks for a possible re-alliance in Punjab for Lok Sabha polls. A decision regarding the same would be taken after SAD's core committee meeting on March 22. Key Points
India TodayMasur Dal portal to guarantee MSP to farmers
India is set to launch a portal for masur dal, ensuring farmers receive a minimum support price (MSP) for their produce. The initiative, first introduced for tur dal, aims to make cultivation of pulses more lucrative for farmers. The government expects India to become the world's largest producer of masur in 2023-24, with production estimated at an all-time high of 1.6 million tonnes during the rabi season. Key Points
Economic TimesNot many takers for govt drive to procure tur Dal at market rates
The government's tur Dal procurement drive has received a lukewarm response from farmers due to lower prices, stringent quality norms, and formalities. Small farmers sell to private traders while bigger farmers hold the crop, expecting prices to rise further. The government's presence in the market has increased tur Dal prices by 15% in the last two months. Key Points
Economic TimesWholesale Tur prices rise 5% in a month
Wholesale prices of tur Dal have increased 5% despite new crops and imports from Myanmar as reduced acreage impacts supply. Retail prices declined due to price control measures, but this led to a fall in unprocessed tur beans prices. Farmers refrained from selling, reducing tur availability. Prices are now recovering. Tur prices have surged due to rising purchases by Dal millers. Key Points
Economic Times
No restrictions on tur, urad Dal imports till March 2025: Govt
The Indian government has extended the free import policy for tur and urad Dal until March 2025, aiming to boost domestic supply and maintain stable prices. The pulses will continue to fall under the free category, allowing unrestricted imports. This move aligns with the government's commitment to supporting the agricultural sector. Key Points
Economic TimesDoors still open for alliance with TMC: Jairam Ramesh
The Trinamool Congress will contest all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, but the Congress is still open to an alliance with TMC. Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary, expresses hope for an alliance and mentions the joint opposition rally in Patna. Congress is finalizing its manifesto and candidates. Key Points
Economic TimesTur, chana prices fall 4% on rising imports, government actions, fall in demand
The prices of pulses in India have decreased by about 4% in the past month due to increased imports and reduced consumer demand. The price of tur/arhar Dal has declined by 4% due to stock limits imposed by the government, while chana Dal prices have also fallen by 4% as a result of increased supply and competitive tenders. However, industry executives believe that prices may increase during the festival season. In contrast, tomato prices have significantly dropped, with prices in wholesale markets ranging from Rs 3-6/kg. Key Points
Economic TimesInflation within tolerance band; govt taking steps to check price rise: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman assures the Rajya Sabha that inflation is within the tolerance band and the government is taking steps to check price rise. The government's efforts in managing prices of perishable commodities and essential goods have contributed to containing inflation. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre is collaborating with the government on a project to de-humidify onions through Gamma Rays. Retail inflation has decreased and falls within the notified tolerance band. The government has implemented strategies to address onion prices and improve preservation methods. Steps have also been taken to address supply shortages of perishable goods. The government actively analyzes crop estimates to manage pulse prices and ensure a stable supply of essential commodities. Key Points
Times Of India'I am a better Hindu than all BJP leaders as…': former Madhya Pradesh CM Digvijaya Singh
Digvijaya Singh, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Congress Rajya Sabha MP, says Bajrang Dal won't be banned but individuals involved in violence will face consequences. He claims to be a better Hindu than BJP leaders and criticizes BJP for corruption and dividing the nation. Key Points
mint
Dal main kaala? Why Tur Dal prices are shooting up
The central government has imposed stock limits on tur and urad till October 31 due to a spurt in prices of these pulses. Apart from production shortage, hoarding and alleged cartelisation in imports also contribute to price rise. Key Points
Economic TimesMoradabad cow slaughter incident has a first—it has angered Hindus against gau rakshaks
Bajrang Dal calls themselves cow protectors. Now they themselves have started killing cows. Nothing can be a bigger sin than this, says a resident of Chetrampur village. Key Points
ThePrint