20-05-2025
Delhi Confidential: Global promotion
Makhana (foxnuts) has emerged as a buzzword ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar, following the Centre's announcement to establish a dedicated board for its promotion. It was among the most sought-after food products at the inaugural International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM), held in Patna on May 19–20. Organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, under the leadership of Union Minister Chirag Paswan, the event attracted considerable interest from international buyers, many of whom are said to have entered into agreements to source makhana directly from the farmers in Bihar. An official noted that the ministry staff — especially those in Paswan's office — along with state government officials, worked tirelessly to make the event a success, earning appreciation from the minister himself.
Unexpected Support
Ashoka University associate professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, arrested by Haryana police on Sunday over a social media post, has got support from an unexpected quarter – former Ambedkar Nagar MP and BJP leader Ritesh Pandey, who jumped ship from the BSP last year. Pandey, who has a 'close friendship' with Mahmudabad, a Samajwadi Party member and former spokesperson of the party, wrote on X that the professor is a 'sensible person' and there can be no 'question mark' on his dedication towards the nation. He also wrote that he hopes Mahmudabad 'gets justice soon'. Many in the BJP were surprised and the party office in Lucknow was abuzz about the post which also called the action taken by the police in BJP-ruled Haryana 'not justified'.
Strong Backing
At the External Affairs Standing Committee meeting on Monday, MPs cutting across party lines are learnt to have expressed their anguish at the extent of social media harassment that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family had to face. The committee was inclined to pass a resolution but Misri thanked the Members of Parliament and insisted that their support was enough for him.
