"Urged PM Modi to ban apple imports from Turkey, Azerbaijan": Himachal CM Sukhu at NITI Aayog meet
New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to impose a ban on
apple imports from Turkey and Azerbaijan
.
He also discussed the state's proposal to share the cost of
Kangra Airport expansion
equally with the Centre, and sought financial assistance amid ongoing reforms.
Speaking to the mediapersons following the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting, Sukhu said, "...I spoke to PM Modi that the prices of our orchards fall due to imported apples, which causes losses. I also requested that a ban be imposed on apples from Turkey and Azerbaijan. He said that he would see to it that the import of apples does not cause orchardists of Himachal Pradesh to suffer losses... I also spoke to him about the expansion of Kangra Airport, and that 50 per cent of the expansion cost will be covered by us while the remaining 50 per cent by the centre."
Raising environmental concerns, Sukhu told the Planning Commission that Himachal's 68 per cent forest land and 28 per cent forest cover had been overlooked in
Finance
Commission parameters, adding that the cold deserts in the region were not being recognised as forest land, thereby depriving the state of its fair dues.
He further added, "I also said that our power projects, which receive loan waivers, should pay 50 per cent royalty to the state... I told him that our state is undergoing some reforms, so our financial condition is not good. So the state should be given some financial assistance... I told the Planning Commission that our forest land is 68 per cent, and our forest cover is 28 per cent. We have not been done justice in the parameters set by the Finance Commission. In the
Niti Aayog meeting
, we raised this point that our cold deserts are not counted as forest land..."
Live Events
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday.
It was attended by Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors representing 24 States and 7 UTs. This year's theme was Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047. The meeting commenced with a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims of the
Pahalgam terrorist attack
, in which 26 people were killed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
18 minutes ago
- Mint
Air India plane crash: PM Modi's first reaction -'Tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, where Air India Flight AI171, with 242 people on board, crashed shortly after taking off from from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight was bound for London. In a post on X, PM Modi described the incident as "heartbreaking beyond words" and extended condolences to those affected. "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. I have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," PM Narendra Modi wrote on X. According to a passenger list document accessed by Mint, Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was reportedly among the 242 passengers who were onboard the Air India flight. Air India has confirmed that there were as many as 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian among the passengers. The former Gujarat Chief Minister was reportedly travelling in the Z class, a Business Class category, though his condition remains unconfirmed as rescue efforts are still underway. Vijay Rupani served as Gujarat's Chief Minister from 2016 to 2021 — a role previously held by Narendra Modi for 12 years, from 2001 to 2014. The Air India flight, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed into a residential area in Ahmedabad's Meghaninagar, just minutes after taking-off. The incident happened around 1:30 pm, shortly after the Air India plane took off. It crashed just outside the Ahmedabad airport. While cause of the Air India plane crash is not known yet, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement that the pilot has made a 'MAYDAY' call. 'As per ATC, aircraft departed from Ahmadabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft Immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on ground outside the airport perimeter.' The video of the plane crash shows thick black smoke billowing out of the Air India plane crash site.
NDTV
20 minutes ago
- NDTV
At Doctors' Hostel Where Air India Plane Crashed, Uneaten Food On Tables
Ahmedabad: Horrifying visuals from the hostel of Ahmedabad's BJ Medical College, into which an Air India flight with 242 people onboard crashed this afternoon, show plates of food left uneaten, suggesting that the aircraft hit the building when the students were having their lunch. AI-171, which was flying to London, crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad. The pilots had sent a Mayday call shortly after take-off. A minute later, the plane turned into a fireball and crashed into a hostel of the government-run medical college. An investigation is underway to find out what led to the tragedy. Rescue efforts are on and more information will be available shortly. Air India has set up a dedicated hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide information about the incident. Air India has said in a statement that the crash took place shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad at 1.38 pm. "Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals," the airline has said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the tragedy in Ahmedabad has "stunned and saddened us". "It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," he said in a post on X. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has said he is monitoring the situation and directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. "My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families," he said in a post on X. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement that the scenes emerging from the crash site are "devastating". "I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time," he said. N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Air India, said the primary focus now is to support the affected people and their families. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted. Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information."
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
20 minutes ago
- Business Standard
PM Modi reviews Air India crash in Ahmedabad, orders swift relief efforts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (June 12) spoke to the Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu, to get an update on the Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad, said the Ministry of Civil Aviation. An Air India Boeing 787, operating as flight AI171 and carrying 242 passengers, crashed near Meghani Nagar, close to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. According to the ministry's statement, the Civil Aviation Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is travelling to Ahmedabad to directly monitor the rescue and relief operations. The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025 In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected." PM orders swift support 'The Prime Minister has directed the minister to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately and asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation,' the ministry said. The Ministry of Civil Aviation added that all relevant agencies are on high alert and coordinated efforts are ongoing to manage the situation. Meanwhile, in its first response, Air India said: 'Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today (June 12, 2025). At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.' #WATCH | Gujarat | Row of ambulances arrive at the Civil Hospital following the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025 In a statement, the UK government has said, "We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved. British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000." Air India crash: Reactions In a post on X, President Droupadi Murmu has said, "I am deeply distressed to learn about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. It is a heart-rending disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief." In a post on X, Home Minister Amit Shah wrote, "Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation." Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Minister of Civil Aviation, took to X and wrote, "Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site..." Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also reacted to the plane crash incident. Taking to X, he wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the incident of Air India passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. I have instructed the officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing. I have also instructed to arrange for a green corridor to take the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all arrangements for treatment in the hospital on priority basis. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to me and assured full cooperation." Congress MP & LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said, "The Ahmedabad Air India crash is heartbreaking. The pain and anxiety the families of the passengers and crew must be feeling is unimaginable. My thoughts are with each one of them in this incredibly difficult moment. Urgent rescue and relief efforts by the administration are critical - every life matters, every second counts. Congress workers must do everything they can to help on the ground." Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan expressed shock over the incident and wrote on X, "The news of the horrific plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat has shocked the heart and filled the mind with grief. In this hour of grief, the entire country stands with the bereaved family." AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi also expressed concern over the incident, "Very concerned about the Air India crash in Gujarat. My prayers are with those on the flight and their loved ones. I hope for a thorough investigation into the disaster," he wrote on X. Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik said, "Deeply anguished to learn about the disastrous crash of the Ahmedabad-London Air India flight with hundreds of people onboard. My thoughts and prayers are with the families deeply affected in the tragic plane crash." Reacting to the crash, N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Air India and Tata Sons wrote on X, "With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event."
