K’taka to launch lemon tea points to promote Indi lemons
Dakshina Kannada, Udupi among target districts
Vijayapura: In a bid to popularise Indi lemons, which have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, the Karnataka Lime Development Board has launched a state-wide initiative by setting up lemon tea points. The move aims to showcase the unique flavour and health benefits of lemons grown in Vijayapura, Karnataka’s largest lemon-producing district.
The project, which began with the opening of a lemon tea point in Indi town, has received positive feedback. Encouraged by the response, the board now plans to expand the initiative to other districts. “The Lemon Tea Point initiative has taken off well in Indi, and we are planning to replicate it across Karnataka, including in Bengaluru, Dakshin Kannada, and Udupi in the next two months,” The New Indian Express quoted Yashwantraigoud Patil, MLA from Indi, as saying.
H. S. Patil, In-charge Managing Director of the Board, said the initiative aims to establish Indi lemon as a globally recognised brand. He explained that through the launch of tea points and the promotion of products like lemon pickle, the board intends to showcase the superior quality of lemons from Indi to a broader audience.
To further boost visibility, the board is also planning to give franchise to others to popularise the lemons of Vijayapura, added the report.
One of the key promotional strategies includes setting up lemon tea stalls at public events, such as agricultural fairs and flower shows. Additionally, lemon pickles made from Indi lemons have been introduced, with over 200 kilograms already sold at stalls. The pickles received notable demand during the recent Bengaluru Flower Show.
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MEA reports more than 200 Indians enlisted in Russian military since 2022; 26 deaths confirmed
More than 200 Indian nationals have joined the Russian armed forces since 2022, with 26 are confirmed dead, MEA—The Ministry of External Affairs have informed the Upper house of the Parliament: Rajya Sabha.
In a written response, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, has stated that at least 202 Indians are reported to have joined the Russian army. Among these recruited personnels, 26 have lost their lives; while, seven individuals have been reported missing by Russian authorities. He added that the remains of two deceased Indian nationals were cremated in Russia.
Singh noted that the sustained diplomatic efforts by the Indian government have led to the early discharge of 119 individuals. He further added that the discussions are going smoothly with the Russians to secure the release of the remaining personnel, with efforts underway to facilitate the early discharge of 50 more Indian nationals.
According to the minister, the Union government is in contact with Russian authorities to ensure the safety, welfare, and prompt return of Indian citizens serving in the Russian army. The issue, he said, is being addressed at multiple levels, including interactions between senior leaders, ministers, and officials of both countries.
The said disclosure was made in response to queries raised by Saket Gokhale, the MP of Trinamool Congress, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, the MP of INC, regarding the number of Indians allegedly recruited into the military service in Russia; Along with the details of deaths and missing persons reported since 2022.
