The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a pilot project to collect cow urine from farmers in Bulandshahr, with the initiative aimed at creating an additional source of income for farmers and rural women while helping maintain cows that are no longer producing milk.

The collected cow urine is expected to be used as a raw material for agricultural purposes, with the possibility of reducing reliance on chemical formulations. If the pilot is successful, the government plans to formulate a formal policy and expand the initiative across Uttar Pradesh.

The pilot covers 15 villages and is being implemented through a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) led by Dr Praveen in Narsaina village of Syana tehsil.

Around 500 litres of cow urine are currently being collected every day. There are plans to increase the procurement rate to ₹20 per litre in the future. Storage tanks with a capacity of 200 litres have also been installed in the villages.

Rural women to earn through collection

Women in the villages are playing a key role in the collection process. Those involved in collecting cow urine are being paid a commission of ₹2 per litre, providing them with an additional source of income.

The initiative reportedly began with the participation of around 300 women, who have been made shareholders.

SP alleges election funding scam

The Samajwadi Party has criticised the initiative, calling the cow urine procurement scheme a “scam”.

SP spokesperson Mohammad Azam Khan alleged that the scheme was being orchestrated to raise funds for elections. He also alleged that cow shelters and the cows housed there were not safe in the state and claimed that the initiative would not lead to development.

These claims are allegations by the Samajwadi Party and have not been established as facts.

BJP hits back at Samajwadi Party

Responding to the criticism, BJP spokesperson Hero Bajpai said the Samajwadi Party finds fault with every development scheme.

He also claimed that the opposition party was unhappy with benefits reaching the Yadav community, which he said is the section whose interests the Samajwadi Party champions.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday challenged Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to remain in Parliament and participate in the discussion, as Home Minister Amit Shah prepares to respond to issues raised by the Congress leader.

Rijiju’s remarks came amid a continuing standoff between the government and the Opposition over recent student protests and the police action against demonstrators. The issue has repeatedly disrupted proceedings in Parliament, with the Opposition seeking answers from the government.

Rahul Gandhi has been demanding a response from Amit Shah on the matter. The government has now agreed to a debate, with the Home Minister expected to respond to the questions raised by the Opposition.

Rijiju asks Rahul Gandhi to stay for Shah’s response

In a social media post, Rijiju said Rahul Gandhi had been seeking a response from Amit Shah for several days.

He argued that since the Home Minister was now ready to answer the questions in detail, Rahul Gandhi should remain present in Parliament and take part in the discussion rather than leave.

The remarks came as the government and Opposition remained at odds over the handling of the student protests, with the issue becoming a major point of contention during the Monsoon Session.

India will witness a historic moment on August 15 as Vande Mataram is set to be sung during the Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort for the first time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations as India marks its 80th Independence Day. This year’s programme will highlight the contribution of India’s youth towards the goal of building a developed nation by 2047.

Defence Secretary R K Singh said the decision to focus on youth achievements was taken before the recent student protest at Jantar Mantar.

“The plan to celebrate the success and contribution of youth at the Independence Day celebrations predates any other event,” Singh said, adding that the planning preceded the Jantar Mantar agitation.

Vande Mataram to mark 150 years

The Defence Secretary said 2026 marks 150 years of Vande Mataram, which inspired millions during India’s freedom struggle.

The national song will be performed when the Prime Minister arrives at the Red Fort. Modi will then unfurl the national flag and deliver his customary Independence Day address.

A Mi-17 helicopter of the Indian Air Force will also carry a banner commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram and shower flower petals over people gathered at the Red Fort.

Youth achievements to be highlighted

The Independence Day celebrations will focus on Yuva Shakti, recognising the achievements and contributions of young Indians in different fields.

Nineteen students who won medals at the International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematical Olympiads 2026 have been invited to the function. They will be seated on the rampart as an example of youth achievement in science.

Around 5,000 special guests, including achievers from different walks of life, have also been invited to the celebrations.

Rahul Gandhi invited to celebrations

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has been invited to the Independence Day event, according to the Defence Secretary.

Singh said seating arrangements would follow the Table of Precedence. He said Gandhi’s seat would be after the Cabinet ministers as per the prescribed order.

Lakes to name seating enclosures

The invitation cards for this year’s celebrations feature Seva Teerth, while the Dharm Chakra on the card symbolises righteous duty and continuous selfless action.

The seating enclosures at the Independence Day celebrations have been named after major lakes of India.

The move follows the use of river names for seating enclosures during the Republic Day celebrations, which was aimed at highlighting water conservation and reducing the emphasis on VIP culture.