After a three-month hiatus due to the Model Code of Conduct for the election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought back his popular radio show, Mann Ki Baat. In its 111th episode, he highlighted the unique and diverse contributions of communities in India, from Kerala's Karthumbi umbrellas to Andhra Pradesh's Araku coffee to Kashmir's snow peas. He also congratulated the 65 crore voters and everyone involved in the successful execution of the world's largest election. Here are 10 things he spoke about in the episode.
Araku Coffee: A Culinary Delight from the Eastern Ghats
Araku coffee, hailing from the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, has garnered national and international recognition for its distinctive flavor profile and ethical production practices. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted the significance of this unique coffee variety during his "Mann Ki Baat" radio address.
Background:
The Araku Valley, located in Visakhapatnam district, is home to over 15,000 tribal farmers who have been cultivating coffee for generations. The region's high altitude, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil create ideal conditions for growing premium-quality coffee beans.
In the early 2000s, the farmers of Araku faced significant challenges due to low prices and exploitation by middlemen. To address these issues, the Naandi Foundation, a non-profit organization, partnered with the tribal farmers to establish the Araku Coffee Cooperative.
Unique Characteristics:
Araku coffee is renowned for its smooth and balanced flavor, with notes of chocolate, caramel, and citrus. It is grown using organic and sustainable practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact and fair compensation for the farmers.
The coffee is grown under the shade of forest trees, which provides habitat for a diverse array of wildlife and helps to preserve the local ecosystem. The farmers also practice agroforestry techniques, which involve planting a variety of other crops alongside the coffee plants.
Economic Impact:
The Araku Coffee Cooperative has significantly improved the economic well-being of the tribal farmers in the region. The cooperative has provided them with training, infrastructure, and access to markets, allowing them to earn fair prices for their coffee.
The cooperative has also invested in community development initiatives, such as healthcare, education, and housing, which have benefited the entire Araku Valley.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What makes Araku coffee unique?
Araku coffee is grown under shade trees in an organic and sustainable manner, resulting in a distinctive flavor profile and minimal environmental impact.
2. Who grows Araku coffee?
Araku coffee is grown by over 15,000 tribal farmers in the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh.
3. How is Araku coffee different from other coffees?
Araku coffee has a smoother and more balanced flavor than many other coffees, with notes of chocolate, caramel, and citrus. It is also grown using ethical and sustainable practices that support the local community and environment.
4. Where can I buy Araku coffee?
Araku coffee is available at various specialty coffee shops and online retailers. It can also be purchased directly from the Araku Coffee Cooperative website.
5. What is the significance of Araku coffee being mentioned in "Mann Ki Baat"?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mention of Araku coffee in his "Mann Ki Baat" address highlights the significance of the coffee's unique characteristics, its economic impact on the tribal farmers, and its contribution to the rich cultural diversity of India.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has declared that his political party, the DMK, will challenge the recently passed Waqf Bill in the Supreme Court. The CM condemned the passing of the amendment at 2 am, alleging pressure from a few allies, despite opposition from most parties in India. He also highlighted that the state Assembly has already passed a resolution opposing the amendment, and that a case will be filed in the Supreme Court on behalf of the DMK. The Waqf Bill seeks to improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India, but its passing has been met with criticism and opposition.
The Lok Sabha was in session until the early hours of the morning, debating and passing important bills. However, amidst the proceedings, the government initiated a short discussion on the proclamation of President's Rule in Manipur at 2 AM which lasted only 41 minutes. The Opposition was surprised and protested, but the Speaker allowed the discussion to continue. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, in his speech, highlighted the failures of the government in maintaining law and order in Manipur and questioned the timing and necessity of the President's Rule.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, which was earlier passed by the Lok Sabha, sparked a heated debate in the Rajya Sabha today. While BJP MP JP Nadda defended PM Modi's welfare for all principle, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay attacked the BJP for ignoring the interests of Muslims. Union Minister Giriraj Singh also joined in, accusing the Congress of crossing the limits of appeasement by giving away 123 properties to Waqf in Lutyens' Delhi overnight in 2013. The debate highlights the deep division and polarizing views over the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act in Uttar Pradesh, the state with the highest number of Waqf properties in the country.
In a digitized effort, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis transferred a grant of ₹25 crore to 560 gaushalas across the state under the Desi Cow Conservation Scheme. This first phase of the scheme will benefit over 56,000 indigenous cows for their upkeep. Fadnavis emphasized the importance of preserving indigenous cows for rural development and praised the initiative taken by the Maharashtra Goseva Commission. With lower milk productivity, these cow shelters play a vital role in providing necessary care for non-milking and unproductive cows, making the scheme a major relief for them.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the BJP for taking 10 months to select a national president, while Amit Shah countered by pointing out dynastic practices among opposition parties. Reports suggest that the BJP will announce its new national president by the third week of April to replace JP Nadda. Nadda's tenure was extended until June 2024, but the new president will still be chosen after a process involving the party's 12-13 crore members.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi vehemently opposes the Waqf amendment bill during a Lok Sabha discussion, stating that it is an attack on the foundation of Parliament and the Constitution. He also alleges that the government has ulterior motives for pushing the amendment, including diluting the Constitution, defaming minorities, dividing society, and disenfranchising the minority community. He questions the timing of the amendment and accuses the BJP-led government of restricting religious freedoms in India.
US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by hinting at ways to stay in power beyond his second term. While the 22nd Amendment limits presidential terms to two, Trump believes there are "methods" to get around it. This raises concerns about the sanctity of democracy and the potential for abuse of power. The idea of a third term for any president has been largely rejected in American history, making this a crucial issue to watch.
The Indian Express has reported exclusively that the BJP may ask K Annamalai to step down as the party's Tamil Nadu president, in order to avoid having both BJP and AIADMK's state election faces come from the Gounder community. This move is seen as a strategic decision to strengthen the BJP's alliance with AIADMK, as both Annamalai and AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami belong to this community. Despite his successful leadership style, Annamalai has reportedly been assured of a bright future within the party and has pledged complete loyalty.
The Lok Sabha braces itself for a heated session as the Centre brings back the divisive Waqf (Amendment) Bill for consideration and passage. The eight-hour debate, agreed upon by leaders from all major parties, could be extended after taking the sense of the House. The previously introduced bill had faced backlash from the Opposition and was sent to a Joint Committee for further scrutiny, leading to clashes over proposed amendments and dissent notes being allegedly redacted. Some of the biggest points of contention include allowing non-Muslims to hold key positions in the Waqf board, giving power to the District Collector to determine ownership of disputed property, and removing the tribunal's final decision clause.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font held discussions on enhancing bilateral relations between India and Chile, particularly in the economic, commercial, and societal sectors. They also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat and announced the start of negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. The Chilean President is on a five-day state visit to India, accompanied by a high-level delegation.