The Andhra Pradesh government is reportedly seeking to crack down on the diversion of rice intended for distribution through ration shops | Photo Credit: antpkrAndhra Pradesh politics is affecting the exports of white rice, in particular. It all began at Kakinada port, which is State-owned. It has now extended to the Vizag port, with the Andhra Pradesh government reportedly seeking to crack down on the diversion of rice intended for distribution through ration shops. In Kakinada, the State government put a check-post inside the port, affecting traffic movement. In Vizag, however, the State has had to put up the check-post outside the port. Is there a political sub-text between the Centre and States here?Probably, the Centre is insisting it doesn’t want State politics within its ports and to intervene in national commerce.TN’s paddy controversyA few weeks ago, a group of farmers staged a blockade on arterial Anna Salai in Chennai, seeking payment of ₹800 crore for the paddy procured from them. But a little bird says the issue here is with the Tamil Nadu government allowing NCCF (National Cooperative Consumer’s Federation) to procure paddy. NCCF, in turn, asked the Tamil Nadu paddy and rice processing cooperative to buy it.The paddy is milled and used by the State Civil Supplies Department for distribution through ration shops. However, with the Food Corporation of India offering rice at a lower price through the Open Market Sale Scheme, the Civil Supplies Department did not need the paddy procured by the cooperative.As a result, farmers have not been paid for the paddy procured from them. The blockade, the little bird says, was an effort to divert the attention and blame the Centre.Tesla all the wayThe debut of Tesla in India got a lot of coverage — print, electronic, social media. There was also activity of a different kind to get on to the Tesla electric bandwagon. At least two major insurance firms lost no time in announcing customised insurance schemes for Tesla owners, who were described as “discerning” customers. Financiers were not far behind with one auto finance company saying it was the first to be appointed a “preferred” financier for Elon Musk’s cars in India. Not to be left behind, a legal firm jumped in and announced that it had advised the developer in renting its premises to Tesla.Health policing checkedOh, what a delectable disaster has engulfed India’s cherished samosa and jalebi! Some babu thought slapping warning labels on these crispy, syrupy treasures would “nudge” us towards kale-smoothie enlightenment. Social media ignited like a Holi bonfire, with netizens howling. The government caught in this soap opera, backtracked, clarified there were no plans for cigarette-style doom labels. The samosa sizzles as always; the jalebi remains a dripping delight. Long live our deep-fried, sugar-soaked revolt against the health police’s crusade.Advantage HyderabadEven as Karnataka and Maharashtra are caught up with issues around language, Hyderabad seems to be a clear winner. Venture capitalist Tehseen Poonawalla’s post on ‘X’ reflects the mood of a section of investors who look for a place where people are not bothered about what language you speak or where you hail from. Sharing a picture of a cozy coffee shop that his friend sent him, Poonawalla wondered where they could set up a similar shop, which is free from mobs that shut shops on the basis of religion or language by moral police or those with regressive hiring agendas.“We need a place where young couples can chill, the infrastructure is world-class, the vibe is inclusive, and the city is clean and global? And then boom it hit me: why not Hyderabad?” he asked.Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy shared his post, thanking him for reposing faith in the city.Day of YouTubersPR agencies in Chennai organising business press meets are facing a major problem. In the past, the hall would be full with business journalists. But, today, there are not many business journalists and hardly any presence of mainstream media in press meets, putting the PRs in an embarrassing situation in front of their clients.The halls are, however, packed with YouTubers. The clients though are unhappy due to the low number of views and lack of response to the videos. “We are now very scared of organising a press meet,” says the staff in a leading PR agency.Published on July 20, 2025