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Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
As ‘Karuppu Kavuni' paddy sees price crash, TN farmers seek govt support
Chennai: A surge in off-season cultivation of Karuppu Kavuni, a traditional black rice variety, has led to a sharp fall in prices, leaving farmers and rice mill owners across southern districts of Tamil Nadu, such as Madurai, Tiruchy, and Virudhunagar, grappling with losses. Typically grown during the samba season (September-January), Karuppu Kavuni has seen a shift in its cultivation pattern, with many farmers opting to grow it during the summer months. The move was largely driven by the high market value the variety previously commanded, with wholesale prices averaging Rs 50-Rs 60 per kg. However, the sudden oversupply has created a glut in the market, pushing prices down to Rs 35 per kg in Madurai on Sunday. A senior official from the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Agri Business, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that large quantities of paddy from Madurai, Virudhunagar, and surrounding districts are being sold through the Thirumangalam Regulated Market using digital farmgate platforms. 'Currently, around 1,600 bags of old stock and 200 bags of new stock, each weighing 66 kg, are waiting to be sold,' the official said. The lack of buyers has led to a buildup of unsold stock, depressing wholesale prices further and leaving hundreds of bags languishing in storage as dead stock. MSK Bakkiyanathan, a farmers' representative, has urged the state government to intervene by procuring Karuppu Kavuni under the same system used for conventional paddy varieties. 'Many farmers are in distress as they are unable to sell their produce in the open market,' he said. A rice mill owner from Virudhunagar, Ram Kumar, pointed out that off-season cultivation has affected the distinctive deep-purple colour and grain quality of Karuppu Kavuni. 'Because the rice lacks its iconic attributes, millers are hesitant to purchase the stock. Even after buying it at a higher price earlier, we are now compelled to sell the processed rice at lower rates,' he explained. He also appealed to the government to regulate off-season cultivation of the variety to protect its quality and market value. With prices continuing to fall and demand drying up, both farmers and millers are pinning hopes on government action to stabilise the market and ensure the survival of this heritage grain.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Bhatkhande scam kingpin still on run
Lucknow: The CID has intensified its probe into the Rs 3.31 crore scam at Bhatkhande Sanskriti University, carrying out searches to trace the alleged mastermind — administrative officer Ram Kumar — who remains absconding. Seven people, including two faculty members, were arrested on July 23. Ram Kumar allegedly manipulated tender and construction processes under the patronage of top officials. Contracts worth crores were reportedly handed out arbitrarily, often without any formal tender process — sometimes even on plain paper. He fled weeks ago as the probe loomed. CID sources say further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Museum of Art and Photography unveils new exhibition of works by celebrated modernist Ram Kumar
The Bengaluru-based Museum of Art and Photography Saturday unveiled its latest exhibit: 'Shape of a Thought: Letters from Ram Kumar.' The display, which will be open to the public until October 26, focuses on the works of the celebrated abstract artist Ram Kumar, juxtaposing his art and writing. A fascinating aspect of the late Ram Kumar's work is that most of his pieces on display are untitled – in keeping with his perspective that his art should be interpreted by the viewer. He was also deeply influenced by the cities he visited, with some of his works being inspired by places like Varanasi. In the words of the curators of the exhibition, he 'viewed cities as people, and people as cities.' The exhibition also focuses on Ram Kumar as a writer – something he tried his hand at before he was ever known for his art. One can expect to see the odd quotation by Ram Kumar, or contemporaries who knew him like M F Husain, or even an excerpt from a conversation alongside a painting. In keeping with this, visitors can write down their impressions of the gallery and leave them behind. Also on display are several excerpts from letters by Ram Kumar that give readers an insight into his thought process. One reads, 'I want a direct confrontation with myself without any distraction. It suits me wonderful. I am able to see things in a deeper perspective.' Speaking to members of the press and others this Thursday, MAP founder Abhishek Poddar shared his memories of Ram Kumar, whom he befriended when he was a teenager in Delhi after finding out his home address. He recalled, 'I was 17 or 18 at the time… he called me up to his house and asked me why I wanted to see his work. It resulted in this amazing relationship.' The MAP has also opened up displays in collaboration with BIAL (Bangalore International Airport Limited) at Terminal 2 of the Kempegowda International Airport – with a digital display centre located in the domestic section, and an exhibition of Padma Shri-winning artist Bhuri Bai's work in the international section. The digital display centre allows access to various digital experiences such as puzzles based on art and virtual displays, including past exhibitions displayed at the Museum of Art and Photography. Harish Vasudevan, Director, MAP, said, 'The point is not for people to come (physically) to the museum – the point is for people to understand the value of art in your life. We want to take art to people in the media they are more comfortable with.' A particular highlight is the autobiographical series of artworks by artist Bhuri Bai, who belongs to the Bhil community of Madhya Pradesh. This is a physical display at the international section of T2, and will be exhibited for an extended period of several months or longer before being rotated out. Bhuri Bai's art on display reflects her own experiences and those of her community, while also exhibiting the evolution of her own artistic style – which started out with makeshift pigments using earth, soot and turmeric. One sees art closer to the traditional Pithora style of the Bhil community – which was historically male-dominated – and later changes as Bhuri Bai developed her own distinctive art. Natural motifs have progressed to modern trappings such as aeroplanes and cars – through the prism of her distinct style.
The Hindu
17-07-2025
- The Hindu
Delhi court holds 4 guilty of contempt, makes them stand with their hands up for the day
A Delhi court held four persons guilty of wasting its time and directed them to stand with their hands up for the entire day as punishment. Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Saurabh Goyal of the Dwarka Courts passed the order on July 15 after pronouncing the four guilty of contempt. The matter pertains to an FIR registered in 2018 on the complaint by a man named Harkesh Jain against Anil, Ram Kumar, Anand, Kuldeep, Rakesh and Upasana Sehrawat, whom he accused of attempting to grab his property and issuing death threats. The accused were booked and summoned for offences under Section 441 (criminal trespass), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 34 (criminal intent) of the IPC. The court was informed that two of the accused — Anil and Ram Kumar — had died during the proceedings. In the last hearing on May 6, the remaining accused were directed to furnish their bail bonds on July 15. When the accused failed to furnish their bail bonds in time, the court said, 'Despite waiting and calling the matter twice from 10.00 a.m. till 11.40 a.m., the bail bonds were not furnished by the accused persons. For wasting the time of the court, which is in contempt of the order duly promulgated on the last date of hearing, the accused persons are hereby held guilty for contempt of court proceedings ... They are directed to stand in the court till the rising of this court with their hands straight in the air.' The court posted the matter for further hearing on August 11.
Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Local govt dept writes to Mohali Commissioner, seeks action report on boundary expansion
In the long-pending issue of boundary expansion of Mohali, the Punjab government's Department of Local Government has issued a letter to the Mohali Municipal Commissioner, directing an immediate submission of the action report related to the boundary expansion process. The letter, a copy of which was shared to The Indian Express, comes a week after Mohali Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi warned the Punjab government that if a decision to expand the boundaries is not taken within a month, he will approach the high court. The proposal for expanding the municipal limits was approved nearly four years ago during the Congress government. Notably, even then, Amarjit Singh Jeeti Sidhu was serving as the Mayor of the city. Areas such as Balongi, Baliyari, Badh Majra, TDI City, Sectors 90, 91, 82 and others were proposed to be brought under the Municipal Corporation's (MC's) jurisdiction. However, the process came to a halt following the Aam Aadmi Party's rise to power in 2022. The delay prompted social activist Ram Kumar to file a civil writ petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The high court had directed the Punjab government to take a final decision by May 25. Although the government submitted an affidavit in the court, no concrete steps have been taken so far. In his letter dated May 26, he expressed displeasure over the government's inaction, stating that 'despite repeated correspondence and sufficient passage of time, no action has been taken'. He warned that he would move court with a contempt of court petition and even consider filing a defamation suit against the department. Taking note of the seriousness, the department has now instructed the Municipal Commissioner to urgently submit a report. The letter specifically refers to the legal notice issued by Ram Kumar and emphasises that since the matter is sub-judice, the report must be sent without delay. Speaking to The Indian Express, social activist Ram Kumar said, 'I have continuously attached copies of High Court orders with my representations, but the government has remained silent. Now I am left with no option but to file for defamation'. When contacted, Mohali Municipal Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh confirmed awareness of the matter. 'This issue is under active consideration, and we will be responding to the department's letter very soon,' he stated.
