The Indian government has undertaken a new initiative, “Bharat Atta Sale,” to combat the rising prices of wheat flour. It proposes a maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs 27.50 per kilogram for ‘Bharat’ brand Atta. This price point is significantly lower than the current national average price of Rs 35.93 per kg. It is part of the government’s broader strategy to stabilize the prices of essential commodities and offer relief to consumers.
The Distribution of ‘Bharat’ Atta
The Bharat Atta will be accessible through several outlets. These outlets include organizations like Kendriya Bhandar, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED), and the National Cooperative Consumer Federation (NCCF). This distribution strategy will ensure that this more affordable Atta is available to a wide consumer base. NAFED, established in 1958, is a leading Indian agricultural product procurement and marketing cooperative organization. The NCCF operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution and serves as the apex organization for consumer cooperatives. Both NAFED and NCCF are registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, of 2002.
Benefits for Consumers and Farmers
These price stabilizing efforts benefit consumers by making essential commodities more affordable. They also help farmers secure fair prices for their crops, supporting a more balanced and equitable agricultural economy.
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Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture: The Krishi 24/7 Initiative
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) and the Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence (Wadhwani AI) have collaborated to develop Krishi 24/7. This innovation uses artificial intelligence to automate agricultural news monitoring and analysis. Supported by Google, it aims to revolutionize how we identify and manage agricultural news articles, allowing for timely action to protect farmers’ interests and ensure sustainable agricultural growth.
A Cricketing First: Timed Out Dismissal in an ICC World Cup Match
During a recent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh, Sri Lankan batsman Angelo Mathews became the first player in the 146-year history of international cricket to be dismissed for timing out. According to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 rules, incoming batters must be ready to face the next ball within a strict 2-minute time limit. Matthews claimed the delay was due to a faulty helmet, but the rules do not accommodate last-minute equipment issues. These incidents highlight the complexities and challenges of enforcing rules in international sports competitions.