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.
In an effort to combat rising drug abuse rates, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced the implementation of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign) in all medical colleges across India. Along with this, the NMC has also requested the formation of drug-free hostel committees, a schedule of activities, and awareness programs for students, faculty, and staff. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the NMC, is also planning to launch Tobacco Cessation Centres in all medical colleges to help individuals quit tobacco consumption and reduce tobacco-related diseases.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued detailed guidelines for All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), medical colleges, and other higher educational institutions to implement Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan activities to tackle the growing issue of substance abuse among students. These measures include forming committees, conducting awareness campaigns, and creating referral systems to provide support to students. The government hopes that this collaborative approach will help curb drug trafficking and protect the student population from falling prey to substance abuse.
The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, announced a major step towards inclusive mobility by offering a 50% concession on bus fares for women employed in the private sector. This move aims to make daily commuting more affordable and encourage more women to join the workforce. The announcement was made at the launch of the Mhaji Bus Scheme 2025 in Sanquelim, which also includes benefits for private bus operators such as operational subsidies and upgraded technology. Sawant assured current operators that they will not be left out during the system's upgrade and urged them to join the scheme for significant annual benefits.
Former Member of the Scottish Parliament, Wendy Alexander, has accused Dundee University of pressuring her to leave her position as Vice Principal International due to her questioning of the institution's financial practices. She claims she was offered a "package and trips" as a way to leave quietly. This revelation comes after a recent report revealing financial mismanagement at the university, with the former principal, Prof Iain Gillespie, resigning last year. Alexander's comments were made in a statement to Holyrood's education committee, which also heard evidence from other former university officials expressing regret for not implementing cost-cutting measures earlier and acknowledging the pain caused to students and staff.
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has announced a rally in Rajgir – the hometown of his alliance partner and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar – strategically aimed at expanding his base among other Bahujan communities. The LJP (RV) has called the event "Bahujan sankalp samagam" where the 42-year-old leader will focus on a "new leadership" for the state and aim to claim a larger share in the upcoming state Assembly polls. With the key allies of the BJP-led NDA locking horns over seat-sharing, Chirag seems to be positioning himself as a major player in Bihar politics and is set to make an announcement that could potentially change the political landscape of the state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, fulfilling a major demand of farmers in Telangana. The event was attended by various BJP leaders, who welcomed Shah at the Begumpet airport. The establishment of the Turmeric Board was a key election promise by BJP Lok Sabha member D Arvind, who defeated K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This move is aimed at improving the quality and income of turmeric farmers in the region.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana. The ceremony was attended by several prominent leaders such as Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, Union MoDS (Home) Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BJP MP K Laxman, and BJP Lok Sabha member from Nizamabad, D Arvind. This move is expected to boost the production and export of turmeric, a key spice in Indian cuisine, and support the farmers in the region.
With the latest news and developments surrounding Justice PG Ajithkumar, stay informed about the famous judge's groundbreaking cases and decisions. Stay connected and up-to-date with the latest verdicts and judgments made by the well-known Justice as he continues to make waves in the legal world. Don't miss out on any crucial updates and stay on top of the current political landscape with this exciting news piece featuring Justice PG Ajithkumar.
The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday heard arguments from ride-hailing platforms Ola, Uber, and Rapido, as well as the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, challenging a state-wide ban on bike taxis. Advocates for the petitioners argued that the ban violated their right to livelihood and hindered the service's potential to decongest roads and bridge last-mile connectivity gaps in urban areas. The ban was put in place following an expert committee report opposing bike taxis, but was later reversed to allow operations until the state issues specific guidelines. The matter is set for further hearing on July 2.
In a press conference held in Hyderabad, BRS leader P Karthik Reddy voiced his concerns over the alleged discrimination against Rangareddy district by the Telangana government. He has given an ultimatum of one week for the government to release the Rythu Bandhu funds to the farmers, threatening to go on an indefinite hunger strike if his demands are not met. Reddy also questioned the chief minister about his knowledge of the combined Rangareddy district and accused him of neglecting the district due to lack of support from the Congress.