Political

Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Saturday said that “Despite global uncertainties, India is growing so steadily that even IMF revised its GDP forecast upwards.” Economy News Live: ‘Volume grew by 22.6% YoY without India Cements and Kesoram,’ says UltraTech CFO Atul Daga “Volume grew by 22.6% YoY without India Cements and Kesoram. Reduction of green energy cess in long-term interest of UltraTech. Aim to complete brand transition of acquired assets by June 2026. Focusing on strengthening market share in north and west, through largely brownfield and greenfield expansion. Cable and wire business expected to start production from Q3FY26,” said Daga. FM Nirmala Sitharaman said, “MSMEs benefited from GST 2.0 as most of the raw products and inputs that go in manufacturing has come down. So MSMEs that create jobs have benefited from raw materials side and on the consumption side as well which is going up because their output is taxed at lesser rates.”

Milkfood Ltd Unlocks ₹130 Cr Value through Moradabad Asset Sale; Strengthens Balance Sheet and Accelerates Growth Plans New Delhi [India], January 27: Milkfood Ltd., one of India’s established dairy companies with a strong legacy in value-added dairy products, has informed the stock exchanges about the sale of its Moradabad plant located at Agwanpur, Uttar Pradesh undertaking for a consideration of ₹130 crore. The company has signed an Agreement to Sell with the buyer, marking a decisive step in its ongoing business reorganisation and balance-sheet strengthening strategy. The transaction has resulted in a net inflow of ₹116.11 crore, post taxes. The sale has generated a net profit of ₹78.04 crore on land, while the company has reported no loss on the sale of plant and machinery and a profit of ₹7.54 crore on buildings. The reversal of ₹37.37 crore from revaluation reserves is a non-cash accounting adjustment. Focused Deleveraging to Improve Financial Health Milkfood Ltd. plans to deploy a significant portion of the proceeds towards debt repayment. The company intends to repay loans amounting to ₹75 crore, which is expected to lead to an annual reduction in finance costs of approximately ₹9.25 crore. In addition, savings on plant overheads are estimated at ₹8.5 crore annually, resulting in a combined benefit of nearly ₹17.75 crore. These measures are expected to translate into a net EPS accretion of approximately ₹7.25 per share (face value ₹5), underlining the immediate financial impact of the transaction. Commenting on the development, Mr Sudhir Avasthi, Managing Director, Milkfood Ltd., said, “This transaction reflects a disciplined approach to capital allocation. By monetising a non-core asset, we are meaningfully reducing debt, improving cash flows and creating financial headroom to pursue growth opportunities. Our focus remains on building a stronger, more agile Milkfood with sustainable profitability.” Reallocating Capital Towards Growth With a cleaner balance sheet and lower leverage, Milkfood Ltd. is sharpening its focus on expanding high-growth and high-margin dairy categories. The company is actively planning investments in new capacities, including ice-cream manufacturing and evaluating opportunities in cheese and butter segments that continue to see strong consumer demand across urban and semi-urban markets. Operationally, Milkfood also plans to scale up production at its Patiala plant, with the company estimating that overall turnover could reach ₹750 crore by FY 2026-27, with an expected EBITDA margin of around 7%. A Stronger Platform for the Future The Moradabad asset sale represents more than a one-time transaction-it marks a strategic reset. With lower debt, improved earnings visibility and a sharper focus on future-ready categories, Milkfood Ltd. believes it is well-positioned to enhance shareholder value and strengthen its competitive standing in India’s evolving dairy market.

The Moradabad administration has ordered the Samajwadi Party to vacate its 31-year-old district office bungalow, originally allotted to Mulayam Singh Yadav, citing lack of legal renewal post his demise. Moradabad: The district administration of Moradabad has issued a notice to the Samajwadi Party (SP), directing it to vacate its district office within 30 days, citing the cancellation of the official allotment of the government bungalow the party currently occupies. The property, Bungalow No. 4, located in the Chakkar Ki Milak area opposite the Police Training College in the Civil Lines area, was originally allotted to the late SP supremo and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav in 1994. Bungalow allotment cancelled after 31 years According to officials, the bungalow spans nearly 1,000 square yards and had been allotted for Rs 350. After his death, no formal procedure was initiated by the party to transfer the allotment in its name Now, citing the absence of any legal allotment or renewal, the current District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Singh has ordered the cancellation of the allotment, stating that the use of a government-owned building by a political party without valid authorisation is untenable. By the DM’s orders, the Additional District Magistrate (Finance) has sent a formal eviction notice to SP’s Moradabad district president, Jayveer Singh Yadav, instructing him to vacate the premises and hand over its possession to the district administration within a month.

After decades of isolation, Chaugurji village on the India–Nepal border received a new pontoon bridge, household tap water under Jal Jeevan Mission, and 20 solar streetlights. The initiatives, inaugurated by DM Durga Shakti Nagpal and MLA Shashank Verma, aim to improve mobility, safety, and daily life, showcasing the Yogi government’s focus on last-mile development. Lucknow: For decades, Chaugurji village, located along the India–Nepal border, remained isolated from the mainstream of development. Rivers, distance, and difficult terrain cut off 109 families from basic facilities and opportunities. Today, however, the CM Yogi government’s resolve of “development for every village” has rewritten the fate of this border hamlet. A powerful example of good governance under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unfolded on Thursday, as Chaugurji finally received the lifeline it had awaited for generations, made possible through the administrative efficiency of District Magistrate Durga Shakti Nagpal and the active cooperation of public representatives. The newly constructed pontoon bridge over the Karnali and Mohana rivers was inaugurated by DM Durga Shakti Nagpal and Nighasan MLA Shashank Verma. More than just a structure, the bridge has become a lifeline for the village. What once required a two-hour journey can now be covered in minutes, ensuring swift access to ambulances, school buses, and essential services. This transformation reflects the CM Yogi government’s governance model, which focuses on reaching the last person at the last mile. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, all 109 families of Chaugurji have been provided clean drinking water through household tap connections. For villagers who were forced to rely on arsenic-contaminated water for years, this is nothing less than a blessing. The flow of clean water at the turn of a tap stands as a symbol of government schemes moving decisively from policy documents to on-ground reality. The village, once engulfed in darkness, is now illuminated with hope. The installation of 20 solar streetlights has enhanced safety while bringing positive changes to daily and social life. This initiative also reflects the Yogi government’s commitment to green energy and the vision of self-reliant villages. Education in Chaugurji has also received a transformative push. With solar power, smart classrooms, and new furniture introduced in primary schools, the government has sent a clear message that children in border areas deserve the same opportunities as those in urban centers. Digital education is now enabling Chaugurji’s children to connect with the national mainstream.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid floral tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary at Hazratganj, praising his revolutionary role in India’s freedom struggle. He highlighted Netaji’s iconic slogans, global efforts for independence, and inspiring legacy. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, and other dignitaries were also present. Lucknow: “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is a name inseparably linked with India’s independence, one that commands the highest respect in the heart of every Indian and instills an unyielding resolve to never bow before traitors or anti-national forces, even in the most challenging times. A true son of Mother India, the very mention of Netaji evokes deep reverence, pride, and patriotism in every Indian,” said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath while addressing a program organized at Netaji Subhas Chowk, Hazratganj, Lucknow, on the auspicious occasion of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary. The Chief Minister described Netaji as a towering hero of the freedom movement, expressed gratitude for his unparalleled contribution to India’s independence, and offered floral tributes to his portrait on behalf of the people of the state. The Chief Minister said, “Netaji’s clarion call, ‘Tum Mujhe Khoon Do, Mai Tumhe Azaadi Dunga,’ became the defining mantra of India’s freedom struggle. Every word spoken by Netaji energized the movement. His slogan “Chalo Delhi” continues to inspire generations, while his song “Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja, Khushi Ke Geet Gaye Ja…” is still proudly sung during passing-out parades of the Indian Army.” He asked whether there is any Indian whose heart does not hold reverence and respect for Netaji. The Chief Minister noted that Netaji provided a new direction to the freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi and emerged as the foremost leader of the revolutionary struggle. He added, “His contribution to India’s independence, both within the country and abroad, is unforgettable. His journey across Germany, Japan, and several other nations to rally global support for India’s freedom remains an enduring source of inspiration.”