New Delhi (PTI): The government has extended the export ban on de-oiled rice bran, a major ingredient in preparation of cattle and poultry feed, till March 31 next year, according to a notification.

It was first banned in July this year.

"Export prohibition of de-oiled rice bran is extended till March 31, 2024," the directorate general of foreign trade has said in a notification.

According to experts, rise of prices of the feed is one of the major reasons for increasing milk prices in the country and putting a ban on the exports can help increase availability of the product in the domestic market, thereby containing rates.

However, Solvent Extractors Association of India had earlier asked the government to reconsider its decision on banning the exports as the move is likely to have minimal impact on the prices of cattle feed and milk.

As per estimates, in cattle feed, about 25 per cent rice bran extraction is used.

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Chennai: The Enforcement Bureau Police’s Central Intelligence Unit has arrested eight individuals and seized two kilograms of cocaine valued at approximately ₹6 crore in a major anti-drug operation conducted in Chennai. The bust, which took place at two key locations in the city, also resulted in the seizure of a car and five mobile phones used by the accused.

The operation began in the St. Thomas Mount area, where officers detained five suspects — all hailing from Keelakarai in Ramanathapuram district — who were in possession of one kilogram of cocaine. During questioning, the group reportedly provided information leading to the arrest of three additional individuals from the Koyambedu area.

Police identified Mahendran, a forest guard posted in Sayalgudi, as one of the key accused. He allegedly received one kilogram of cocaine from a waste collector named Pandi. According to police sources, Pandi claimed he found the narcotics washed ashore along the Ramanathapuram coast during routine waste collection. Similarly, another accused, Palaneeswaran, claimed to have discovered a separate kilogram of cocaine in the same manner.

Further investigations revealed that the alleged mastermind behind the operation was Kasim, who planned to sell the cocaine in Chennai for a significant profit. He was aided by co-conspirators identified as Mohamed Mubarak, Edward Sam, Mohamad Idris, and Kaja Mohaideen.

While the seized cocaine is believed to have arrived via the coastal route, authorities have not yet confirmed its exact origin. Efforts are underway to investigate possible international or domestic supply links.