Bengaluru, Aug 30: Union Minister of State for MSMEs Shobha Karandlaje on Friday emphasised that public sector industries must prioritise MSMEs when purchasing spare parts and raw materials.

“A memorandum to that effect will be submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” said Karandlaje.

The minister inaugurated a two-day conclave on MSME, organised by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FKCCI) at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru.

Karandlaje said small, micro, and medium sector industries play a vital role in the industrial development of the country. “These MSMEs create jobs for our youth. The Centre has evolved many schemes to encourage MSMEs,” she added.

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She also highlighted that there has been an increased allocation for MSMEs in the Union budget, emphasising that MSMEs are playing a vital role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a "Vikasit Bharat."

According to Karandlaje, there is a need to improve the skill development of youth in MSMEs to better align with the needs of the industry.

“We are taking steps in that direction. MSMEs are contributing significantly to GDP growth. About five lakh applications are received every year to start new MSMEs. We are currently able to provide subsidies to only 90,000 applicants. We have submitted a proposal to the finance minister to enhance this subsidy component," the MSME Minister explained.

Revealing that large PSUs are importing many raw materials from other countries, Karandlaje said her ministry will appeal to the Prime Minister to direct these PSUs to prioritise purchasing raw materials from MSMEs.

FKCCI President Ramesh Chandra Lahoti, in his speech, stated that the two-day conclave will create a platform for young entrepreneurs to obtain information about starting MSMEs.

“MSMEs form the foundation of our industrial development. The Centre and states have introduced many schemes for the benefit of young entrepreneurs,” he added.

According to him, the MSME Conclave-2024 is an important platform to ensure the growth and sustainability of the MSME sector in the state. Industry leaders, policymakers, and financial institutions have joined forces to provide all the necessary information about starting MSMEs.

“Our aim is to create a conducive environment for starting MSMEs with all the necessary financial and infrastructural support,” the FKCCI President explained.

FKCCI President-Elect M G Balakrishna, Senior Vice-President Uma Reddy, FKCCI Industry Committee President Aravinda Burji, Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association President M G Rajagopal, and Peenya Industries Association President Shivakumar were also present on the occasion.

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Beijing : Pizza Hut China has taken a bold step into culinary experimentation by introducing a limited-edition pizza topped with deep-fried bullfrog, a move that has garnered both curiosity and criticism online. The unconventional dish was first highlighted by global food trend expert David Henke, who shared a photo of the new menu item on X (formerly Twitter), noting the diverse protein preferences in different cultures.

The pizza, known as "Goblin Pizza," features a thick crust, red sauce, a layer of parsley, and a whole deep-fried bullfrog as the centerpiece. The frog's "eyes" are created with halved hard-boiled eggs, each topped with a black olive, making for a visually striking presentation. According to Korean news outlet Maeil Business Newspaper, the unusual offering is a collaboration with Dungeons and Dragons, inspired by a character from the game.

Details about the availability of this new creation are limited, with no specific information provided on Pizza Hut’s official website. However, the quirky menu item has already become a talking point on social media, drawing a mix of reactions ranging from shock to curiosity.

On Reddit, a photo of the pizza was shared, fueling further debate. Some users labeled the dish as “pure blasphemy,” while one user went so far as to say, “This pizza is a felony.” Another asked, “Why ruin a pizza like that?”

Not all feedback was negative; one commenter admitted that while the frog might be off-putting, they'd be more accepting if the pizza underneath was satisfactory. Another joked, "You can ribbet this right into the garbage."

Amidst the critique, there were voices of intrigue. One foodie defended the dish, saying, “Fried frog legs are so good! Maybe next time, shred the frog leg meat and add it to the pizza—that would be pretty good.”