Pallavi Singhal
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Articles by Pallavi Singhal
Govt relaxes sugar import condition, gives 60 days to refine, sell shipments
The government has relaxed a key condition on duty-free imports of 1 million tonnes of raw sugar, giving refiners up to two months from the date of filing the bill of entry to process the shipment and sell it in the domestic market.
GLUT TO SQUEEZE: sugar SHORTAGE may deepen
GLUT TO SQUEEZE: sugar SHORTAGE may deepen New Delhi, Aug. 25 -- India entered the sugar season expecting a surplus, only to see production estimates repeatedly cut. Prices surged and exports that were initially allowed, were halted. With stocks heading towards a two-decade low and next year's crop facing weather risks, a supply crunch may deepen. P2 Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Hindustan Times....
centre lifts wheat export restrictions
centre lifts wheat export restrictions New Delhi, Aug. 25 -- The government on Monday lifted restrictions on wheat exports, allowing traders to ship the grain and flour freely after months of quota-based exports, as comfortable government stocks eased food-security concerns. However, traders said the move may not immediately translate into large shipments because Indian wheat remains too costly for most overseas markets.
Wheat export ban lifted, but high prices may limit shipments
India on Monday removed restrictions on wheat exports, allowing traders to ship the grain and flour freely after months of quota-based exports, as comfortable government stocks eased food-security concerns. However, traders said the policy change may not immediately translate into large shipments because Indian wheat remains too expensive for most overseas markets.
Sugar surprise: How India went from surplus to shortage Original
Buying a packet of sugar in any of the major metros today will set you back by roughly 40% more than a fortnight ago. The reason: A severe supply crunch. This has prompted the government to fortify sugar stores at the onset of the festive season which traditionally begins with Onam and Rakshabandhan in August. File image India went from a possible glut, to a serious dearth of sugar in a year.
India’s fertiliser supplies for Rabi season remain on track despite Strait of Hormuz disruptions
India’s fertiliser supplies for the upcoming Rabi season appear secure despite continuing disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, with the country’s latest urea import tender attracting bids well above the required quantity, signalling easing supply concerns ahead of the winter sowing season, according to industry executives and analysts. India requires around 39 million tonnes of urea annually but produces about three-fourths of its requirement domestically.
Not ethanol, but low output, festive demand behind sugar price hike: Centre
The price surge has prompted the government to step up measures to curb hoarding and allow sugar imports for the first time in nearly a decade. The government on Friday said the recent surge in sugar prices cannot be attributed to the diversion of sugar for ethanol, pointing instead to lower-than-expected domestic production, higher festive-season demand, and weather-related crop damage.
Vast swathes of farmlands still short of rain despite late spells
Nearly half of the 262 districts the Centre identified as vulnerable to a weak monsoon continue to face rainfall deficiency, despite a sharp recovery in July and the first half of August, raising concerns over crops in areas with limited irrigation and high dependence on rain, an HT analysis of Agriculture Ministry and India Meteorological Department (IMD) data showed.
Centre allows duty-free import of raw sugar to curb surging prices
The Centre has allowed 1 million tonnes of raw sugar to be imported duty-free until October 31 as domestic prices climb ahead of the festive season In another attempt to contain surging sugar prices, the Centre on Thursday allowed 1 million tonnes of raw sugar to be imported duty-free under a tariff-rate quota (TRQ) until October 31. The government’s notification, however, allows only raw sugar to be imported, which must first be refined before it can reach the market as white sugar.
Centre hikes onion procurement price for 7th time this year
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Centre tightens sugar stock curbs amid record prices, bulk buyers face 15-day cap
The central government has tightened the sugar stockholding limits, restricting large industrial buyers from holding more than 15 days of their requirement from September, as a sharp rise in sugar prices raises concerns about the availability of the sweetener ahead of the festive season. The order will come into force on September 1 and remain in force until November 30, the notification said.
Govt hikes onion procurement price yet again
The government has raised the Minimum Assured Procurement Price (MAPP) for onions for the seventh time this year to ₹26.45 per kg, as tighter supplies and delayed arrivals push wholesale prices higher, with analysts expecting prices to remain firm in the near term. HT Image The latest increase takes the procurement price to more than double the level at which government procurement began in mid-May.
Govt hikes onion procurement price yet again
Posted On: 2026-08-20 Posted By: Pallavi Singhal Others Hindustan Times Columnists New Delhi, Aug. 20 -- The government has raised the Minimum Assured Procurement Price (MAPP) for onions for the seventh time this year to Rs.26.45 per kg, as tighter supplies and delayed arrivals push wholesale prices higher, with analysts expecting prices to remain firm in the near term. The latest increase takes the procurement price to more than double the level at which government procurement began in mid-May.
Centre allots full onion buffer stock for retail as procurement lags
The Union government will deploy its entire onion buffer stock through retail sales this year after procuring only about 120,000 tonnes — well short of its 200,000-tonne target — marking a departure from the past two years when it intervened in both wholesale and retail markets to contain prices, officials aware of the matter said.
Skymet raises drought risk, cuts monsoon forecast to 85% of LPA
Posted On: 2026-08-18 Posted By: Jasjeev Gandhiok,Pallavi Singhal, New Delhi Cities Hindustan Times Columnists New Delhi, Aug. 18 -- Private weather forecaster Skymet Weather on Monday issued a revised forecast for the southwest monsoon, stating it now expects monsoon rainfall to be 85% of the long period average (LPA), with a 70% probability of drought.
Skymet raises drought risk, cuts monsoon forecast to 85% of LPA
Private weather forecaster Skymet Weather on Monday issued a revised forecast for the southwest monsoon, stating it now expects monsoon rainfall to be 85% of the long period average (LPA), with a 70% probability of drought. In its initial forecast issued in April, Skymet had forecast the monsoon to be 94% of the LPA, flagging a worsening trend, aided by a strengthening El Nino.
Kharif crops' productivity at risk as monsoon trough shifts, widespread regional variations
After pulling India back from a near 40% rainfall deficit at the end of June, the southwest monsoon is losing momentum again. The all-India rainfall deficit remained stuck at 12% as of August 13 despite widespread showers in the first half of August, and forecasts suggest rainfall could weaken further through the month. Agriculture ministry data show kharif crops were sown over an area about 2% lower than a year earlier as of August 14.
Kharif crops' productivity at risk as monsoon trough shifts, widespread regional variations
India, Aug. 17 -- After pulling India back from a near 40% rainfall deficit at the end of June, the southwest monsoon is losing momentum again. The all-India rainfall deficit remained stuck at 12% as of August 13 despite widespread showers in the first half of August, and forecasts suggest rainfall could weaken further through the month.
Onion procurement lags after system overhaul
A major overhaul of India’s onion procurement system this year slowed government purchases for weeks despite an early start to stock-building, forcing authorities to relax quality specifications and repeatedly raise procurement prices to accelerate buying. Onion procurement lags after system overhaul This has troubled the consumer affairs ministry so much so that the ministry had recently for the sixth time raised procurement prices to ₹23.35 per kg.
House panel criticises Union government’s flagship welfare support for fisherfolk
A parliamentary panel has criticised the Union government’s flagship welfare support for traditional fisherfolk, noting that only about 2.1% or 595,000 of the country’s estimated 28 million fishers received financial assistance during the annual fishing ban between 2020 and 2025. An annual 61-day fishing ban is enforced along India’s coastal waters to protect fish during their peak breeding and spawning seasons.
House panel criticises Union government's flagship welfare support for fisherfolk
India, Aug. 13 -- A parliamentary panel has criticised the Union government's flagship welfare support for traditional fisherfolk, noting that only about 2.1% or 595,000 of the country's estimated 28 million fishers received financial assistance during the annual fishing ban between 2020 and 2025. An annual 61-day fishing ban is enforced along India's coastal waters to protect fish during their peak breeding and spawning seasons. The period differs for the country's east and west coasts.
A third of skilling scheme trainees remain unplaced
Since the Union government launched its flagship rural skilling programme in 2014, more than 1.8 million rural youth have been trained under it, but nearly one in three did not secure a reported placement, according to a parliamentary standing committee report tabled on Tuesday. PSDM/DBEE, Patiala conducted a Motivational & Career Guidance Session for the candidates of DDU-GKY Centre, Bhadurgarh.
1/3RD OF TRAINEES UNDER SKILLING SCHEME UNPLACED
1/3RD OF TRAINEES UNDER SKILLING SCHEME UNPLACED New Delhi, Aug. 12 -- Since the Centre launched its rural skilling programme in 2014, over 1.8 million youth have been trained, but nearly one in three did not secure a reported placement, according to a Parliamentary Standing Committee report. The rural development ministry told the panel that the overall placement rate of about 65% varied across states. P7 Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Hindustan Times....
Amit Shah likely to table bills to change Kerala's name, expand NCDC financing powers in Lok Sabha today
India, Aug. 10 -- Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to introduce two bills - one seeking to rename Kerala as Keralam and another expanding the financing powers of the National Co-operative Development Corporation (NCDC) - in the Lok Sabha on Monday, amid a logjam in both Houses of Parliament. With just four days left in the ongoing monsoon session, the Opposition parties are seeking a statement from the home minister over the use of force against protesting students on July 20.
Kerala name change, expanding NCDC financing powers: Amit Shah likely to table 2 bills today
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to introduce two bills — one seeking to rename Kerala as Keralam and another expanding the financing powers of the National Co-operative Development Corporation (NCDC) — in the Lok Sabha on Monday, amid a logjam in both Houses of Parliament. With just four days left in the ongoing monsoon session, the Opposition parties are seeking a statement from the home minister over the use of force against protesting students on July 20.
Sugar mills to start crushing early to ease festive season supply
Following discussions with the Centre, sugar mills will begin crushing sugarcane 10-15 days earlier than usual in the 2026-27 sugar season, which begins on October 1, to bring fresh sugar into the market ahead of the festive season.
Sugar mills to start crushing early to ease festive season supply
Posted On: 2026-08-07 Posted By: Pallavi Singhal Others Hindustan Times Columnists New Delhi, Aug.
Zepto added handling charges, BookMyShow pulled up for 'basket sneaking': Why 9 platforms were penalised
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has penalised nine digital platforms, including IndiGo, Zepto, FirstCry, Physics Wallah and SpiceJet, for deploying "dark patterns" - deceptive user interface designs that manipulate consumer choices, the government told Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has penalised nine digital platforms, including IndiGo, Zepto, FirstCry, Physics Wallah and others.
Zepto, IndiGo, and Physics Wallah among 9 platforms penalised for deceiving consumers
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has penalised nine digital platforms, including IndiGo, Zepto, FirstCry, Physics Wallah and SpiceJet, for deploying “dark patterns”, or deceptive user interface designs that manipulate consumer choices, the government told the Rajya Sabha. The consumer affairs department has strengthened safeguards against unfair digital trade practices, it added.
SIAM's now-withdrawn letter: What the science says about chloride, moisture and your E20 petrol Original
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), in its now withdrawn letter to the Union ministry of petroleum and natural Gas (MoP&NG), raised the issue of possible chloride and water contamination after the rollout of E20 fuel – a blend of 20% ethanol with petrol – across the country this year. Cutouts of petrol dispensing machines at AAP office ahead of protest against E20 fuel planned by the party this week.
Employment generation slowed under VB-G Ram G
Employment generation under the Centre’s flagship rural jobs programme has slowed sharply during what is typically its busiest period of the year, with official data tabled in Parliament showing significantly fewer workdays generated than during the corresponding period last year.
Dip in employment generation under VB-G Ram G
Posted On: 2026-08-05 Posted By: Pallavi Singhal National Politics Hindustan Times Columnists New Delhi, Aug. 5 -- Employment generation under the Centre's flagship rural jobs programme has slowed sharply during what is typically its busiest period of the year, with official data tabled in Parliament showing significantly fewer workdays generated than during the corresponding period last year.
Despite uptick in July rainfall, Kharif sowing remains below 2025 levels
India, Aug. 4 -- The sowing of the monsoon crop (kharif) across India remained below last year's level despite an improvement in July rainfall, with farmers planting crops in 105.2 million hectares as of Friday, 3.6% lower than a year ago, as the delayed onset of the southwest monsoon and uneven rainfall distribution continued to weigh on planting decisions. According to experts, this is likely to impact total food output this season.
Despite uptick in July rainfall, Kharif sowing remains below 2025 levels
New Delhi: The sowing of the monsoon crop (kharif) across India remained below last year’s level despite an improvement in July rainfall, with farmers planting crops in 105.2 million hectares as of Friday, 3.6% lower than a year ago, as the delayed onset of the southwest monsoon and uneven rainfall distribution continued to weigh on planting decisions. According to experts, this is likely to impact total food output this season.
Agrivoltaics: Centre tests farming beneath elevated solar panels
Posted On: 2026-08-03 Posted By: Jasjeev Gandhiok,Pallavi Singhal, New Delhi National Politics Hindustan Times Columnists New Delhi, Aug. 3 -- The Centre is testing whether the country's vast agricultural landscape can be tapped to produce both food and electricity through agrivoltaics-a system that grows crops beneath elevated solar panels.
Centre revives Bharat Atta, Rice to temper price rise
The Centre has approved fresh allocations of subsidised Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice as it seeks to temper a gradual rise in the prices of key household staples, according to an official order seen by HT. While the initial allocation is modest, traders and analysts said the move signals that the government has ample stocks and can step up market intervention if prices continue to firm.
Agrivoltaics: Centre tests farming beneath elevated solar panels
The Centre is testing whether the country’s vast agricultural landscape can be tapped to produce both food and electricity through agrivoltaics—a system that grows crops beneath elevated solar panels. With pilots already in place, advisories for the use of this tech may be launched as early as next kharif season, according to officials involved in the project.
Onion procurement price hiked 6th time this season
The Union government has increased the onion procurement price for the sixth time this season as purchases for its buffer stock continue to fall short of the revised target, even as authorities extend procurement efforts to build adequate stocks for the lean supply season, people familiar with the matter said.
How FCI rice is driving govt’s ethanol push
Food Corporation of India (FCI) supplied a record 4.4 million tonnes of surplus Food Corporation of India (FCI) rice till June 30 for ethanol production in the current Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26, which begins in November and ends in October, marking a sharp increase in the use of government grain after supplies resumed last year following a suspension over food security concerns. The government has said that diversion of surplus FCI rice has had no impact on retail food inflation.
Half of India’s 651 farm districts vulnerable to climate change; 109 at very high risk: Centre
Nearly half of India’s predominantly agricultural districts have been identified as vulnerable to climate change, with 109 classified as facing a “very high” level of risk, according to an official assessment cited by the Centre in Parliament on Tuesday. The assessment shows the growing threat that rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and extreme weather pose to crop production and food security in the country.
Centre says MP already given highest moong procurement approval, urges state to speed up purchases
Amid protests by farmers in Bhopal over moong procurement, the Centre has told the Madhya Pradesh government that it has already approved procurement of the state’s entire eligible quantity under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) for the 2025-26 summer season and urged it to expedite purchases to safeguard farmers’ interests.
Centre caps sugar stockholding to 4,000 quintals amid surge in prices
New Delhi, July 29 -- Amid a surge in sugar prices, the Centre on Tuesday imposed stockholding limits on sugar dealers, under which they cannot hold more than 4,000 quintals of sugar or retain stocks for more than 30 days from the date of receipt, seeking to curb hoarding and ease prices ahead of the festive season. The government order is effective from August 1 to November 30.
Centre caps sugar stockholding to 4,000 quintals amid surge in prices
Amid a surge in sugar prices, the Centre on Tuesday imposed stockholding limits on sugar dealers, under which they cannot hold more than 4,000 quintals of sugar or retain stocks for more than 30 days from the date of receipt, seeking to curb hoarding and ease prices ahead of the festive season. The government order is effective from August 1 to November 30.
FCI sold rice to ethanol plants below acquisition cost, Rajya Sabha told
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) sold rice to ethanol distilleries at ₹2,250-2,320 per quintal between June 2025 and June 2026, roughly 40% below its average acquisition cost of ₹3,720-3,889 per quintal, according to a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. As per a parliamentary reply to MP Ashok Singh, the Food Corporation of India sold rice at a 40% discount to ethanol distilleries.
Kharif sowing witnesses sharp recovery after improved rainfall in July
Kharif sowing has staged a sharp recovery after improved rainfall in July, but total acreage remains below last year’s level, with the shortfall concentrated in coarse cereals, rice and pulses even as weather experts and economists warn that crop yields, not acreage, will determine the eventual harvest amid strengthening El Nino conditions.
Centre looks to pause pulse stock sales as El Nino risk grows
New Delhi, July 28 -- The Centre has asked the agriculture ministry to relax the Price Support Scheme (PSS) norm requiring government-procured pulse stocks to be disposed of within nine months, as it seeks to preserve inventories amid emerging El Nino-related weather risks that could hit kharif production and fuel food inflation.
Parliament panel questions Centre's handling of fertiliser PSU disinvestment, seeks review
New Delhi, July 28 -- A parliamentary committee has pulled up the Centre for failing to adequately respond to its recommendations on fertiliser PSU disinvestment, saying the government has not answered key concerns over food security, modernisation of ageing fertiliser plants and the future of state-owned fertiliser companies.
Parliament panel questions Centre’s handling of fertiliser PSU disinvestment, seeks review
A parliamentary committee has pulled up the Centre for failing to adequately respond to its recommendations on fertiliser PSU disinvestment, saying the government has not answered key concerns over food security, modernisation of ageing fertiliser plants and the future of state-owned fertiliser companies.
Centre looks to pause pulse stock sales as El Nino risk grows
The Centre has asked the agriculture ministry to relax the Price Support Scheme (PSS) norm requiring government-procured pulse stocks to be disposed of within nine months, as it seeks to preserve inventories amid emerging El Nino-related weather risks that could hit kharif production and fuel food inflation.
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