July 29, 2026

NEW DELHI: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Uttar Pradesh, in association with the Uttar Pradesh Ministry of IT and Electronics, on Wednesday organised the CII Uttar Pradesh AI Tech Summit 2026 in Lucknow, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, technology experts, startups and academia to discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence in driving innovation, economic growth and digital transformation.Addressing the summit, Uttar Pradesh IT and Electronics Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma said artificial intelligence had become a necessity rather than a technology of the future and presented significant opportunities across governance, business, education, healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing.He said the state was committed to building a robust AI ecosystem by promoting innovation, strengthening digital infrastructure, supporting startups and developing a future-ready workforce through collaboration between the government, industry and academia.Principal Secretary, IT and Electronics, Alok Kumar said Uttar Pradesh was establishing two Deep Tech Hubs and advancing its vision of developing Lucknow as an AI City to promote innovation, research and AI-led entrepreneurship. He urged industry stakeholders to partner in curriculum development, training, internships and mentorship programmes to prepare young professionals for AI-driven industries.CII Uttar Pradesh Chairman and Avadh Rail Infra Ltd Managing Director Abhishek Saraff said artificial intelligence represented the foundation of the next industrial transformation and offered Uttar Pradesh an opportunity to emerge as a national leader in the sector. He said CII would work with the government, industry, academia and startups to promote responsible AI adoption, innovation and skill development.ADROSONIC CEO and Managing Director Mayank said Uttar Pradesh was emerging as a preferred destination for advanced manufacturing and technology-led innovation, backed by policy support, infrastructure and a growing industrial ecosystem. He encouraged industries to adopt AI and Industry 4.0 technologies while investing in innovation and workforce upskilling.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesInMobi Global Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs and Public Policy Officer Dr Subi Chaturvedi said Uttar Pradesh had the potential to become a leading AI hub, with Lucknow playing a key role in developing the next generation of technology leaders. She said building an AI-first future required a strong foundation based on five pillars: compute, data, talent, applications and trust.Tata Consultancy Services Head of Zonal Operations (NGM) Dr Ajai Kumar Singh said Uttar Pradesh was steadily emerging as India’s AI powerhouse, supported by progressive government policies, a vibrant startup ecosystem and growing industry participation. He said the vision of developing Lucknow as India’s AI City could position the state as a leading destination for AI-driven innovation, talent and technology-led growth.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Dear Saurav…’ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Tells CJP’s Saurav Das To ‘Learn Some Skill’ | Watch’Detaining Activists Is Normal’: JP Nadda Defends Police Crackdown On CJP ProtestersWho Is V Kamakoti? IIT Madras Director And Exam Reforms Task Force Member Draws Political FireKhawaja Asif Calls POK Protesters “Enemies Like India” Amid Deadly Crackdown; Statement Sparks StirLok Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill Amid Ruckus Over Rahul’s ‘Shooting’ Charge Against Amit Shah’Put Pellets Into Blood Of Our Students,’ Rahul Gandhi’s Attack On Hm Shah In LS Sparks Uproar’Student, Idiot, Andhbhakt’: Rahul Gandhi’s ‘3 Categories’ Remark Sparks Row In Lok SabhaPoJK Burns Amid Violence And Protests: Why The World’s Silence And The Crisis Matter To IndiaFirst Direct Freight Train to Nepal! How One Railway Journey Could Transform India-Nepal TradeDelhi Police Denies ‘Mystery Truck’ Conspiracy Linked To Chalo Sansad Protest123PhotostoriesFrom alleging ex-wife Shweta Tiwari’s affair with her Kasautii co-star Cezanne Khan to claiming he Wasn’t allowed to meet their daughter; Raja Chaudhary makes serious allegationsWhy airplane windows are round: The engineering mistake that changed aviation foreverNot a 5 a.m. person? Try these 7 simple morning habits insteadWho Is Isha Rikhi? 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Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
NEW DELHI: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Uttar Pradesh, in association with the Uttar Pradesh Ministry of IT and Electronics, on Wednesday organised the CII Uttar Pradesh AI Tech Summit 2026 in Lucknow, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, technology experts, startups and academia to discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence in driving innovation, economic growth and digital transformation.Addressing the summit, Uttar Pradesh IT and Electronics Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma said artificial intelligence had become a necessity rather than a technology of the future and presented significant opportunities across governance, business, education, healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing.He said the state was committed to building a robust AI ecosystem by promoting innovation, strengthening digital infrastructure, supporting startups and developing a future-ready workforce through collaboration between the government, industry and academia.Principal Secretary, IT and Electronics, Alok Kumar said Uttar Pradesh was establishing two Deep Tech Hubs and advancing its vision of developing Lucknow as an AI City to promote innovation, research and AI-led entrepreneurship. He urged industry stakeholders to partner in curriculum development, training, internships and mentorship programmes to prepare young professionals for AI-driven industries.CII Uttar Pradesh Chairman and Avadh Rail Infra Ltd Managing Director Abhishek Saraff said artificial intelligence represented the foundation of the next industrial transformation and offered Uttar Pradesh an opportunity to emerge as a national leader in the sector. He said CII would work with the government, industry, academia and startups to promote responsible AI adoption, innovation and skill development.ADROSONIC CEO and Managing Director Mayank said Uttar Pradesh was emerging as a preferred destination for advanced manufacturing and technology-led innovation, backed by policy support, infrastructure and a growing industrial ecosystem. He encouraged industries to adopt AI and Industry 4.0 technologies while investing in innovation and workforce upskilling.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesInMobi Global Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs and Public Policy Officer Dr Subi Chaturvedi said Uttar Pradesh had the potential to become a leading AI hub, with Lucknow playing a key role in developing the next generation of technology leaders. She said building an AI-first future required a strong foundation based on five pillars: compute, data, talent, applications and trust.Tata Consultancy Services Head of Zonal Operations (NGM) Dr Ajai Kumar Singh said Uttar Pradesh was steadily emerging as India’s AI powerhouse, supported by progressive government policies, a vibrant startup ecosystem and growing industry participation. He said the vision of developing Lucknow as India’s AI City could position the state as a leading destination for AI-driven innovation, talent and technology-led growth.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Dear Saurav…’ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Tells CJP’s Saurav Das To ‘Learn Some Skill’ | Watch’Detaining Activists Is Normal’: JP Nadda Defends Police Crackdown On CJP ProtestersWho Is V Kamakoti? IIT Madras Director And Exam Reforms Task Force Member Draws Political FireKhawaja Asif Calls POK Protesters “Enemies Like India” Amid Deadly Crackdown; Statement Sparks StirLok Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill Amid Ruckus Over Rahul’s ‘Shooting’ Charge Against Amit Shah’Put Pellets Into Blood Of Our Students,’ Rahul Gandhi’s Attack On Hm Shah In LS Sparks Uproar’Student, Idiot, Andhbhakt’: Rahul Gandhi’s ‘3 Categories’ Remark Sparks Row In Lok SabhaPoJK Burns Amid Violence And Protests: Why The World’s Silence And The Crisis Matter To IndiaFirst Direct Freight Train to Nepal! How One Railway Journey Could Transform India-Nepal TradeDelhi Police Denies ‘Mystery Truck’ Conspiracy Linked To Chalo Sansad Protest123PhotostoriesFrom alleging ex-wife Shweta Tiwari’s affair with her Kasautii co-star Cezanne Khan to claiming he Wasn’t allowed to meet their daughter; Raja Chaudhary makes serious allegationsWhy airplane windows are round: The engineering mistake that changed aviation foreverNot a 5 a.m. person? Try these 7 simple morning habits insteadWho Is Isha Rikhi? Badshah’s wife’s emotional post sparks separation rumours6 ways to make hard-boiled eggs easier to peel; Physics explains why one method works best5 psychology-backed lessons every father should teach his son about people and lifePaid menstrual leave to unlimited paid time off: 6 things a female CEO does that men may not imagine!Hollywood celebs who spoke about their ADHD, dyslexia and other mental health issues5 lessons from 80-year-old Canadian fitness influencer, Joan MacDonald, that can get you moving5 Plants you think are attractive, but are actually invasive in nature123Hot PicksMCC new rulesJalen HurtsDelhi Lakshmi YojanaTN CM Vijay’s new officeRussian sanctions billCWG 2026 GamesSmartphone exportsTN supplementary resultsNew anti-paper leak billTop TrendingTony RomosJantar Mantar ProtestKarnataka SuicideBJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna ArrestGurgaon Road RageAbhijeet Dipke Marriage ProposalsUGC PG ProgrammeWeather TomorrowPalani Mutt Temple Land CaseStock Market Up


Uttar Pradesh aims to become AI hub as CII summit brings together policymakers, industry leaders

NEW DELHI: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Uttar Pradesh, in association with the Uttar Pradesh Ministry of IT and Electronics, on Wednesday organised the CII Uttar Pradesh AI Tech Summit 2026 in Lucknow, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, technology experts, startups and academia to discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence in driving innovation, economic growth and digital transformation.Addressing the summit, Uttar Pradesh IT and Electronics Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma said artificial intelligence had become a necessity rather than a technology of the future and presented significant opportunities across governance, business, education, healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing.He said the state was committed to building a robust AI ecosystem by promoting innovation, strengthening digital infrastructure, supporting startups and developing a future-ready workforce through collaboration between the government, industry and academia.Principal Secretary, IT and Electronics, Alok Kumar said Uttar Pradesh was establishing two Deep Tech Hubs and advancing its vision of developing Lucknow as an AI City to promote innovation, research and AI-led entrepreneurship. He urged industry stakeholders to partner in curriculum development, training, internships and mentorship programmes to prepare young professionals for AI-driven industries.CII Uttar Pradesh Chairman and Avadh Rail Infra Ltd Managing Director Abhishek Saraff said artificial intelligence represented the foundation of the next industrial transformation and offered Uttar Pradesh an opportunity to emerge as a national leader in the sector. He said CII would work with the government, industry, academia and startups to promote responsible AI adoption, innovation and skill development.ADROSONIC CEO and Managing Director Mayank said Uttar Pradesh was emerging as a preferred destination for advanced manufacturing and technology-led innovation, backed by policy support, infrastructure and a growing industrial ecosystem. He encouraged industries to adopt AI and Industry 4.0 technologies while investing in innovation and workforce upskilling.

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NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Wednesday demanded that home minister Amit Shah be sacked from the govt and a Supreme Court monitored probe be ordered into the use of lethal force against young protesters — raising the stakes in the battle of wits with the Modi govt over the police crackdown on students.Rahul said Shah either directly ordered the use of pellet guns, shock batons, lathicharge and tear gas on students which makes him “culpable” of brutalisation of youngsters, or he did not know what the police was doing which makes him “incompetent”. “In either case, he has to go,” he said, advising PM Narendra Modi to sack the senior minister.He alleged the students are still being threatened, with face recognition and Bajrang Dal being used to scare them. “These are our children and the govt has no business threatening them or beating them. They have not committed any crime. They should not be punished,” he said.The leader of opposition said the demand for Shah’s sacking was not proforma, raising the possibility of the confrontation of last week resuming after the opposition joined the proceedings to discuss the bill on “unfair means” for two days. Said he, “Shah is responsible and we are not going to let him get away with it.”The renewed aggression from Rahul came at a press conference that he addressed after he could not complete his heavily interrupted speech in Lok Sabha following a clash with the BJP benches over his remarks about Shah. After brief adjournments over an “unparliamentary” word, the BJP blocked him when he directly linked Shah to police crackdown. While his remarks were expunged, the BJP benches led by parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju insisted that he tell the source of his claim or apologise.According to Rahul, he was told that he would have to apologise if he wanted to complete his speech, but he replied that he would never apologise to BJP or RSS.With Shah’s photograph on the big screen at the AICC headquarters, Rahul said, “Every child beaten by police should know that this is the man who is responsible for what happened. He takes orders from the prime minister, but he is the man who thrashed you and humiliated you.” He slammed Shah for not coming to the Lok Sabha, which shows that he is “guilty”.At the same time, Rahul said he is proud of students who protested and “they had the courage that their parents did not have” to stand up to the BJP.He said Shah was fully aware of the police action, and he was repeatedly calling minister Jitendra Singh when the latter came to meet him (during dharna outside PM residence).He said the opposition will ensure justice for students one day, as cops responsible for use of pellet guns and batons are identified in videos and photos.In LS, Rahul riled the BJP by narrating that a student told him about three categories of people – “students” who accept they don’t know everything; those who think they know everything and pretend to be God, and “andh bhakts” who believe the second category is God.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe alleged Dharmendra Pradhan, who had to resign as education minister, was just a symbol while the real mess in the education system was created by RSS. “The man and the organisation that ran the ministry is called the RSS… They (students) have to buy this nonsensical history that RSS fantasises about. Pradhan is the symbol. Your real enemy is the RSS. They are the people who want you to be andh bhakts,” the LOP said.He complained that he is “silenced” every time he tries to speak in Lok Sabha.He called the bill on unfair means as irrelevant because it is about hiking punishment after paper leak when the demand is to reform the system to make it paper leak-proof.He said Modi has lost his image which was a “balloon” that had been inflated with heavy investments.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Vasteguna Huiya, Kuchu-Puchu, FOMO’: Viral Gen Z Vocabulary Echoes In ParliamentBihar Man Claims He Was Booked In NEET Leak Protest Viral Video Sparks Questions Over Protest FIRs’Dear Saurav…’ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Tells CJP’s Saurav Das To ‘Learn Some Skill’ | Watch’Detaining Activists Is Normal’: JP Nadda Defends Police Crackdown On CJP ProtestersWho Is V Kamakoti? 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NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Wednesday demanded that home minister Amit Shah be sacked from the govt and a Supreme Court monitored probe be ordered into the use of lethal force against young protesters — raising the stakes in the battle of wits with the Modi govt over the police crackdown on students.Rahul said Shah either directly ordered the use of pellet guns, shock batons, lathicharge and tear gas on students which makes him “culpable” of brutalisation of youngsters, or he did not know what the police was doing which makes him “incompetent”. “In either case, he has to go,” he said, advising PM Narendra Modi to sack the senior minister.He alleged the students are still being threatened, with face recognition and Bajrang Dal being used to scare them. “These are our children and the govt has no business threatening them or beating them. They have not committed any crime. They should not be punished,” he said.The leader of opposition said the demand for Shah’s sacking was not proforma, raising the possibility of the confrontation of last week resuming after the opposition joined the proceedings to discuss the bill on “unfair means” for two days. Said he, “Shah is responsible and we are not going to let him get away with it.”The renewed aggression from Rahul came at a press conference that he addressed after he could not complete his heavily interrupted speech in Lok Sabha following a clash with the BJP benches over his remarks about Shah. After brief adjournments over an “unparliamentary” word, the BJP blocked him when he directly linked Shah to police crackdown. While his remarks were expunged, the BJP benches led by parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju insisted that he tell the source of his claim or apologise.According to Rahul, he was told that he would have to apologise if he wanted to complete his speech, but he replied that he would never apologise to BJP or RSS.With Shah’s photograph on the big screen at the AICC headquarters, Rahul said, “Every child beaten by police should know that this is the man who is responsible for what happened. He takes orders from the prime minister, but he is the man who thrashed you and humiliated you.” He slammed Shah for not coming to the Lok Sabha, which shows that he is “guilty”.At the same time, Rahul said he is proud of students who protested and “they had the courage that their parents did not have” to stand up to the BJP.He said Shah was fully aware of the police action, and he was repeatedly calling minister Jitendra Singh when the latter came to meet him (during dharna outside PM residence).He said the opposition will ensure justice for students one day, as cops responsible for use of pellet guns and batons are identified in videos and photos.In LS, Rahul riled the BJP by narrating that a student told him about three categories of people – “students” who accept they don’t know everything; those who think they know everything and pretend to be God, and “andh bhakts” who believe the second category is God.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe alleged Dharmendra Pradhan, who had to resign as education minister, was just a symbol while the real mess in the education system was created by RSS. “The man and the organisation that ran the ministry is called the RSS… They (students) have to buy this nonsensical history that RSS fantasises about. Pradhan is the symbol. Your real enemy is the RSS. They are the people who want you to be andh bhakts,” the LOP said.He complained that he is “silenced” every time he tries to speak in Lok Sabha.He called the bill on unfair means as irrelevant because it is about hiking punishment after paper leak when the demand is to reform the system to make it paper leak-proof.He said Modi has lost his image which was a “balloon” that had been inflated with heavy investments.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Vasteguna Huiya, Kuchu-Puchu, FOMO’: Viral Gen Z Vocabulary Echoes In ParliamentBihar Man Claims He Was Booked In NEET Leak Protest Viral Video Sparks Questions Over Protest FIRs’Dear Saurav…’ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Tells CJP’s Saurav Das To ‘Learn Some Skill’ | Watch’Detaining Activists Is Normal’: JP Nadda Defends Police Crackdown On CJP ProtestersWho Is V Kamakoti? 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Vamsikrishna 0
MP farmers breach barricades, march towards CM Mohan Yadav’s residence over moong MSP. (PTI images) NEW DELHI: Hundreds of farmers protesting over the procurement of summer moong at the minimum support price (MSP) breached multiple police barricades and marched to Roshanpura Square in Bhopal on Wednesday, reaching within a kilometre of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s official residence.Before reaching Roshanpura, the protesters demonstrated outside Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s residence as the state government initiated talks with farmer representatives.Led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and 18 other farmer organisations, the protesters crossed several layers of barricades on Narmadapuram Road, resulting in tense stand-offs with police. Authorities deployed heavy security at Roshanpura Square, where the farmers camped while negotiations continued at the state secretariat.Although repeated scuffles broke out between protesters and police and the windows of a few buses were damaged, police did not resort to force.The farmers are demanding procurement of the entire summer moong crop at MSP, the scrapping of the e-token system for fertiliser distribution and timely availability of fertilisers ahead of the next sowing season.In an attempt to resolve the standoff, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the formation of a four-member committee to hold discussions with farmer representatives.”The government has always stood with farmers and is ready to consider positive suggestions. At the same time, both sides should ensure that the public doesn’t face inconvenience. We will resolve the issue through talks,” Yadav said.He expressed hope that the Bharatiya Kisan Sangathan and other organisations would resolve the issue through dialogue, adding that the government’s commitment to public welfare also included farmers’ welfare.Despite the government’s outreach, some protesters intensified the agitation by staging a semi-nude demonstration on Narmadapuram Road. Protesters also performed a ‘Sadbuddhi Yagya’ and cooked baati-chokha on the roadside, while residents, including members of Generation Z, extended support to the agitation.The protest continued after the first round of talks between State Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana and farmer leaders ended without a breakthrough on Tuesday night. Farmers remained on the roads overnight, disrupting traffic and prompting police to divert commuters. Schools in nearby areas remained closed on Wednesday morning.Meanwhile, Kansana wrote to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seeking an increase in the procurement limit for summer moong.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesResponding after protesters gathered outside his residence, Chouhan said the Centre had already approved procurement of up to 4,54,580 tonnes of summer moong for Madhya Pradesh under the Price Support Scheme for the 2025-26 season.He said the allocation accounted for 87 per cent of the total 5,23,243 tonnes approved nationwide under the PM-AASHA scheme, the highest allocation for any state.Chouhan also clarified that the Centre does not prescribe procurement targets for states. Under PM-AASHA guidelines, procurement is allowed up to 25 per cent of estimated production, with any procurement beyond that limit to be undertaken by the state government.According to data available with the Centre until July 29, Madhya Pradesh had procured around 60,000 tonnes of summer moong so far, Chouhan said, urging the state government to speed up procurement in the interest of farmers.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Vasteguna Huiya, Kuchu-Puchu, FOMO’: Viral Gen Z Vocabulary Echoes In ParliamentBihar Man Claims He Was Booked In NEET Leak Protest Viral Video Sparks Questions Over Protest FIRs’Dear Saurav…’ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Tells CJP’s Saurav Das To ‘Learn Some Skill’ | Watch’Detaining Activists Is Normal’: JP Nadda Defends Police Crackdown On CJP ProtestersWho Is V Kamakoti? IIT Madras Director And Exam Reforms Task Force Member Draws Political FireKhawaja Asif Calls POK Protesters “Enemies Like India” Amid Deadly Crackdown; Statement Sparks StirLok Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill Amid Ruckus Over Rahul’s ‘Shooting’ Charge Against Amit Shah’Put Pellets Into Blood Of Our Students,’ Rahul Gandhi’s Attack On Hm Shah In LS Sparks Uproar’Student, Idiot, Andhbhakt’: Rahul Gandhi’s ‘3 Categories’ Remark Sparks Row In Lok SabhaPoJK Burns Amid Violence And Protests: Why The World’s Silence And The Crisis Matter To India123PhotostoriesFrom alleging ex-wife Shweta Tiwari’s affair with her Kasautii co-star Cezanne Khan to claiming he Wasn’t allowed to meet their daughter; Raja Chaudhary makes serious allegations’Avengers: Doomsday’: What details did fans miss in the trailer? Here’s what comic book hintsMeghalaya’s Lakadong Turmeric has 10% curcumin, the highest among Indian varieties: What does this actually means for your healthWhy airplane windows are round: The engineering mistake that changed aviation foreverNot a 5 a.m. person? Try these 7 simple morning habits insteadWho Is Isha Rikhi? Badshah’s wife’s emotional post sparks separation rumours6 ways to make hard-boiled eggs easier to peel; Physics explains why one method works best5 psychology-backed lessons every father should teach his son about people and lifePaid menstrual leave to unlimited paid time off: 6 things a female CEO does that men may not imagine!Hollywood celebs who spoke about their ADHD, dyslexia and other mental health issues123Hot PicksMCC new rulesJalen HurtsDelhi Lakshmi YojanaTN CM Vijay’s new officeRussian sanctions billCWG 2026 GamesSmartphone exportsTN supplementary resultsNew anti-paper leak billTop TrendingTony RomosJantar Mantar ProtestKarnataka SuicideBJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna ArrestGurgaon Road RageAbhijeet Dipke Marriage ProposalsUGC PG ProgrammeWeather TomorrowPalani Mutt Temple Land CaseStock Market Up

MP farmers breach barricades, march towards CM Mohan Yadav’s residence over moong MSP. (PTI images) NEW DELHI: Hundreds of farmers protesting over the procurement of summer moong at the minimum support price (MSP) breached multiple police barricades and marched to Roshanpura Square in Bhopal on Wednesday, reaching within a kilometre of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s official residence.Before reaching Roshanpura, the protesters demonstrated outside Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s residence as the state government initiated talks with farmer representatives.Led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and 18 other farmer organisations, the protesters crossed several layers of barricades on Narmadapuram Road, resulting in tense stand-offs with police. Authorities deployed heavy security at Roshanpura Square, where the farmers camped while negotiations continued at the state secretariat.Although repeated scuffles broke out between protesters and police and the windows of a few buses were damaged, police did not resort to force.The farmers are demanding procurement of the entire summer moong crop at MSP, the scrapping of the e-token system for fertiliser distribution and timely availability of fertilisers ahead of the next sowing season.In an attempt to resolve the standoff, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the formation of a four-member committee to hold discussions with farmer representatives.”The government has always stood with farmers and is ready to consider positive suggestions. At the same time, both sides should ensure that the public doesn’t face inconvenience. We will resolve the issue through talks,” Yadav said.He expressed hope that the Bharatiya Kisan Sangathan and other organisations would resolve the issue through dialogue, adding that the government’s commitment to public welfare also included farmers’ welfare.Despite the government’s outreach, some protesters intensified the agitation by staging a semi-nude demonstration on Narmadapuram Road. Protesters also performed a ‘Sadbuddhi Yagya’ and cooked baati-chokha on the roadside, while residents, including members of Generation Z, extended support to the agitation.The protest continued after the first round of talks between State Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana and farmer leaders ended without a breakthrough on Tuesday night. Farmers remained on the roads overnight, disrupting traffic and prompting police to divert commuters. Schools in nearby areas remained closed on Wednesday morning.Meanwhile, Kansana wrote to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seeking an increase in the procurement limit for summer moong.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesResponding after protesters gathered outside his residence, Chouhan said the Centre had already approved procurement of up to 4,54,580 tonnes of summer moong for Madhya Pradesh under the Price Support Scheme for the 2025-26 season.He said the allocation accounted for 87 per cent of the total 5,23,243 tonnes approved nationwide under the PM-AASHA scheme, the highest allocation for any state.Chouhan also clarified that the Centre does not prescribe procurement targets for states. Under PM-AASHA guidelines, procurement is allowed up to 25 per cent of estimated production, with any procurement beyond that limit to be undertaken by the state government.According to data available with the Centre until July 29, Madhya Pradesh had procured around 60,000 tonnes of summer moong so far, Chouhan said, urging the state government to speed up procurement in the interest of farmers.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Vasteguna Huiya, Kuchu-Puchu, FOMO’: Viral Gen Z Vocabulary Echoes In ParliamentBihar Man Claims He Was Booked In NEET Leak Protest Viral Video Sparks Questions Over Protest FIRs’Dear Saurav…’ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Tells CJP’s Saurav Das To ‘Learn Some Skill’ | Watch’Detaining Activists Is Normal’: JP Nadda Defends Police Crackdown On CJP ProtestersWho Is V Kamakoti? 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NEW DELHI: While the use of rice, maize and damaged food grain for ethanol manufacturing has increased manifold in the past six years, maize has surpassed rice sold by Food Corporation of India (FCI) to distilleries under govt’s ethanol blended petrol (EBP) programme.Food ministry’s data submitted to Lok Sabha on Wednesday show that till June end of the current 2025-26 ethanol supply year (Oct to Sept), a little over 54 lakh tonne of FCI’s surplus rice and damaged foodgrain (including broken rice) had been used by distilleries under EBP programme, while the figure for maize was around 68 lakh tonne. Two months of the current ethanol supply year (ESY) are still left.Data show that there was no use of maize for ethanol manufacturing during ESY of 2020-21 and 2021-22. After a modest start in ESY 2022-23 with 8.3 lakh tonne of maize being used for manufacturing the bio-fuel, the figure jumped to 75.4 lakh tonne the next year and 131 lakh tonne in ESY 2024-25, which was an all-time high. In comparison, a little over 50 lakh tonne of FCI’s surplus rice and broken rice was used for ethanol production in 2024-25.The ministry said, “Diversification of feedstock base for ethanol production to sugarcane juice, B-heavy molasses, C-heavy molasses, maize, damaged food grains, surplus FCI rice has reduced dependence on any single feedstock or crop and has supported agricultural diversification.” It added that inclusion of maize as a feedstock for ethanol production has helped provide farmers with assured markets and ensured better prices.FCI sells surplus rice for ethanol production after meeting the requirements under National Food Security Act and other welfare schemes and maintaining a buffer stock, the ministry stated. FCI had stopped supply of rice for ethanol production during ESY 2022-23.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesAs per sugar industry, only 2,890 million litres of ethanol, just 28% of the total requirement, are to be procured from sugar-based feedstocks for ESY 2025–26, compared to 72% or 7,610 million litres from grain-based sources, of which 4,780 million litres are from maize (45%), and 2,830 million litres from rice (22%).On Tuesday, govt informed Rajya Sabha that FCI had sold rice to ethanol distilleries at Rs 2,250-2,320 per quintal during June 2025–June 2026, about 40% below its acquisition cost of Rs 3,720-3,889 a quintal. FCI’s average acquisition cost includes MSP and storage and carrying costs.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Dear Saurav…’ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Tells CJP’s Saurav Das To ‘Learn Some Skill’ | Watch’Detaining Activists Is Normal’: JP Nadda Defends Police Crackdown On CJP ProtestersWho Is V Kamakoti? IIT Madras Director And Exam Reforms Task Force Member Draws Political FireKhawaja Asif Calls POK Protesters “Enemies Like India” Amid Deadly Crackdown; Statement Sparks StirLok Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill Amid Ruckus Over Rahul’s ‘Shooting’ Charge Against Amit Shah’Put Pellets Into Blood Of Our Students,’ Rahul Gandhi’s Attack On Hm Shah In LS Sparks Uproar’Student, Idiot, Andhbhakt’: Rahul Gandhi’s ‘3 Categories’ Remark Sparks Row In Lok SabhaPoJK Burns Amid Violence And Protests: Why The World’s Silence And The Crisis Matter To IndiaFirst Direct Freight Train to Nepal! 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NEW DELHI: While the use of rice, maize and damaged food grain for ethanol manufacturing has increased manifold in the past six years, maize has surpassed rice sold by Food Corporation of India (FCI) to distilleries under govt’s ethanol blended petrol (EBP) programme.Food ministry’s data submitted to Lok Sabha on Wednesday show that till June end of the current 2025-26 ethanol supply year (Oct to Sept), a little over 54 lakh tonne of FCI’s surplus rice and damaged foodgrain (including broken rice) had been used by distilleries under EBP programme, while the figure for maize was around 68 lakh tonne. Two months of the current ethanol supply year (ESY) are still left.Data show that there was no use of maize for ethanol manufacturing during ESY of 2020-21 and 2021-22. After a modest start in ESY 2022-23 with 8.3 lakh tonne of maize being used for manufacturing the bio-fuel, the figure jumped to 75.4 lakh tonne the next year and 131 lakh tonne in ESY 2024-25, which was an all-time high. In comparison, a little over 50 lakh tonne of FCI’s surplus rice and broken rice was used for ethanol production in 2024-25.The ministry said, “Diversification of feedstock base for ethanol production to sugarcane juice, B-heavy molasses, C-heavy molasses, maize, damaged food grains, surplus FCI rice has reduced dependence on any single feedstock or crop and has supported agricultural diversification.” It added that inclusion of maize as a feedstock for ethanol production has helped provide farmers with assured markets and ensured better prices.FCI sells surplus rice for ethanol production after meeting the requirements under National Food Security Act and other welfare schemes and maintaining a buffer stock, the ministry stated. FCI had stopped supply of rice for ethanol production during ESY 2022-23.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesAs per sugar industry, only 2,890 million litres of ethanol, just 28% of the total requirement, are to be procured from sugar-based feedstocks for ESY 2025–26, compared to 72% or 7,610 million litres from grain-based sources, of which 4,780 million litres are from maize (45%), and 2,830 million litres from rice (22%).On Tuesday, govt informed Rajya Sabha that FCI had sold rice to ethanol distilleries at Rs 2,250-2,320 per quintal during June 2025–June 2026, about 40% below its acquisition cost of Rs 3,720-3,889 a quintal. FCI’s average acquisition cost includes MSP and storage and carrying costs.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Dear Saurav…’ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Tells CJP’s Saurav Das To ‘Learn Some Skill’ | Watch’Detaining Activists Is Normal’: JP Nadda Defends Police Crackdown On CJP ProtestersWho Is V Kamakoti? IIT Madras Director And Exam Reforms Task Force Member Draws Political FireKhawaja Asif Calls POK Protesters “Enemies Like India” Amid Deadly Crackdown; Statement Sparks StirLok Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill Amid Ruckus Over Rahul’s ‘Shooting’ Charge Against Amit Shah’Put Pellets Into Blood Of Our Students,’ Rahul Gandhi’s Attack On Hm Shah In LS Sparks Uproar’Student, Idiot, Andhbhakt’: Rahul Gandhi’s ‘3 Categories’ Remark Sparks Row In Lok SabhaPoJK Burns Amid Violence And Protests: Why The World’s Silence And The Crisis Matter To IndiaFirst Direct Freight Train to Nepal! How One Railway Journey Could Transform India-Nepal TradeDelhi Police Denies ‘Mystery Truck’ Conspiracy Linked To Chalo Sansad Protest123PhotostoriesFrom alleging ex-wife Shweta Tiwari’s affair with her Kasautii co-star Cezanne Khan to claiming he Wasn’t allowed to meet their daughter; Raja Chaudhary makes serious allegations’Avengers: Doomsday’: What details did fans miss in the trailer? Here’s what comic book hintsMeghalaya’s Lakadong Turmeric has 10% curcumin, the highest among Indian varieties: What does this actually means for your healthWhy airplane windows are round: The engineering mistake that changed aviation foreverNot a 5 a.m. person? Try these 7 simple morning habits insteadWho Is Isha Rikhi? Badshah’s wife’s emotional post sparks separation rumours6 ways to make hard-boiled eggs easier to peel; Physics explains why one method works best5 psychology-backed lessons every father should teach his son about people and lifePaid menstrual leave to unlimited paid time off: 6 things a female CEO does that men may not imagine!Hollywood celebs who spoke about their ADHD, dyslexia and other mental health issues123Hot PicksMCC new rulesJalen HurtsDelhi Lakshmi YojanaTN CM Vijay’s new officeRussian sanctions billCWG 2026 GamesSmartphone exportsTN supplementary resultsNew anti-paper leak billTop TrendingTony RomosJantar Mantar ProtestKarnataka SuicideBJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna ArrestGurgaon Road RageAbhijeet Dipke Marriage ProposalsUGC PG ProgrammeWeather TomorrowPalani Mutt Temple Land CaseStock Market Up

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