News for 'Agricultural'

CBI Busts Bribery Ring In J&K Agriculture Department

CBI Busts Bribery Ring In J&K Agriculture Department

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO) and two others in Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe to release a subsidy under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) scheme.

J&K Bribery Scandal: CBI Nabs Agriculture Officer For Subsidy Demands

J&K Bribery Scandal: CBI Nabs Agriculture Officer For Subsidy Demands

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a sub-divisional agriculture officer and two others in Jammu and Kashmir in connection with a bribery case. The officer allegedly demanded a bribe for releasing a subsidy under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).

Most Agriculture Ministers Hated Varghese Kurien

Most Agriculture Ministers Hated Varghese Kurien

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

At a function in Anand, ministers and the chief minister all in attendance, Varghese Kurien called the IAS lobby termites.

Innovators Invited To Transform Agriculture With AI Solutions

Innovators Invited To Transform Agriculture With AI Solutions

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

IIT Ropar's ANNAM.AI, in collaboration with Syngenta and Google, has launched 'HACK CORE 2026', a national AI hackathon. It invites innovators to develop AI-driven solutions for critical agricultural challenges like crop health, pest management, and climate-resilient farming, offering significant prizes and mentorship.

Assam Demolition Drive Faces HC Scrutiny

Assam Demolition Drive Faces HC Scrutiny

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Gauhati high court has questioned the legality of the demolition of 21 dwelling units on private agricultural land in Goalpara, saying the action appeared prima facie illegal and unauthorised and may have involved misuse of the Disaster Management Act.

Why Google Picked 4 Indian Startups For Climate AI Programme

Why Google Picked 4 Indian Startups For Climate AI Programme

Rediff.com6 days ago

Google has chosen four Indian startups -- Terrastack, Varaha Climate, Farmers for Forests, and Climitra Carbon -- for its inaugural Google DeepMind Accelerator: AI for the Planet programme.

Experts Call For Localised AI To Serve India's Unique Needs

Experts Call For Localised AI To Serve India's Unique Needs

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Experts at AI Manthan 2.0 in Kanpur stressed the need for Artificial Intelligence to be customised for India's specific requirements in education, healthcare, agriculture, and governance. Discussions highlighted the development of local language models, AI solutions for farmers like crop loss assessment and a single-window platform, and AI's role in healthcare for diagnosis and reducing doctors' workload, all while ensuring data privacy through federated learning.

UP Governor Calls For Comprehensive AI Integration Across University Curricula

UP Governor Calls For Comprehensive AI Integration Across University Curricula

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel addressed AI Manthan 2.0, advocating for the comprehensive integration of Artificial Intelligence across all university subjects rather than as a standalone course. She urged universities to develop clear, time-bound AI roadmaps covering education, research, healthcare, and agriculture, emphasising indigenous AI development, employment creation, and the importance of "Safe and Trusted AI." The event also saw the formation of an AI Policy Advisory Group and an AI Implementation Group to drive these initiatives.

Former Union minister Bittu held in Punjab for waving liquor bottle at CM's convoy

Former Union minister Bittu held in Punjab for waving liquor bottle at CM's convoy

Rediff.com2 days ago

BJP leader and former Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu was detained by Punjab Police after he waved a liquor bottle, eggs, and tomatoes at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's cavalcade, claiming he was 'returning' items previously thrown at his own convoy and protesting alleged misgovernance.

7 AI-Linked Courses To Boost Your Career

7 AI-Linked Courses To Boost Your Career

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Students are learning to combine technology with agriculture, healthcare, biotechnology, architecture and fashion, explains Mandeep Singh, assistant professor and deputy dean, Lovely Professional University.

SKM ends dharna after Punjab govt's assurance on key demands

SKM ends dharna after Punjab govt's assurance on key demands

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has ended its protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border after receiving written assurances from the Punjab government. The government has pledged to convene a state Assembly session within a month to address issues concerning river waters, agriculture, and farmer loans, including resolutions against old water agreements and certain central bills.

Manoj Bajpayee Buys Farm Land At THIS Price

Manoj Bajpayee Buys Farm Land At THIS Price

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Manoj Bajpayee has expanded his real estate portfolio with the acquisition of 4.45 acres of agricultural land in Pune's scenic Mulshi taluka.

What's This Chief Minister Up To?

What's This Chief Minister Up To?

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

On the morning of September 8, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar paid a surprise visit to the Agricultural Produce Market Committee at Yeshwanthpur in Bengaluru.

Centre deploys tool to prevent fertiliser shortage

Centre deploys tool to prevent fertiliser shortage

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

India's fertiliser ministry has introduced a new analytical tool and a national-to-retail dashboard to monitor fertiliser dispatches, movement, and inventories in real time, aiming to prevent localised shortages and ensure equitable access for farmers.

Why Zero-Fee UPI Transactions Are Crucial For India's Digital Economy

Why Zero-Fee UPI Transactions Are Crucial For India's Digital Economy

Rediff.com9 hours ago

Former NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar has urged the government to maintain zero-fee UPI transactions for several more years, arguing that the benefits of UPI as a public good outweigh the costs. This comes amidst the government's recent decision to introduce a 0.4% fee on person-to-merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15, a move that has drawn criticism.

Punjab farmers begin week-long protest against Indo-US trade deal

Punjab farmers begin week-long protest against Indo-US trade deal

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Farmers under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha have initiated a week-long protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border, demanding a minimum support price (MSP) based on the C2 plus 50 per cent formula, debt waivers, and opposing the proposed India-US trade deal, Electricity Amendment Bill, and Seed Bill. They also raised concerns about water depletion and sought resolutions based on riparian principles.

Accused Arrested After Elderly Woman Sexually Assaulted In Arunachal Pradesh

Accused Arrested After Elderly Woman Sexually Assaulted In Arunachal Pradesh

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

A 70-year-old woman was allegedly sexually assaulted in Arunachal Pradesh's Lower Dibang Valley district. The accused, Kangge Pertin, has been arrested and remanded to judicial custody. The incident has drawn condemnation from the Arunachal Pradesh Women's Welfare Society.

'This 2,000 MDR Limit Is Bogus'

'This 2,000 MDR Limit Is Bogus'

Rediff.com14 hours ago

'These limits will change. Very soon restrictions, restrictions will come.'

'India Should Stop Listening To The US'

'India Should Stop Listening To The US'

Rediff.com14 hours ago

'If you listen to a rowdy in a class, he will keep on bullying you.' 'India can say do whatever you want. We will not compromise on anything.'

'West Bengal Doesn't Need To Experiment With The Bulldozer'

'West Bengal Doesn't Need To Experiment With The Bulldozer'

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

'We have a very demanding electorate which expects us to do something. So we will have to do something which is a bit out of the ordinary while at the same time keeping in mind the risk factors.'

Brics Grain Exchange: A Game-Changer or Too Many Hurdles?

Brics Grain Exchange: A Game-Changer or Too Many Hurdles?

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Brics proposal for a Grain Exchange, aimed at challenging the dominance of Western trading firms, faces significant operational and implementation hurdles, including settlement currency, regulatory frameworks, and limited participation from key members like India, according to experts.

Tax Defaulters Won't Be Arrested

Tax Defaulters Won't Be Arrested

Rediff.com2 days ago

'Tax recovery will continue through attachment and sale of assets and other recovery mechanisms, but personal arrest will no longer form part of the prescribed recovery process.'

Probe reveals another exam paper leak at govt-run agri university

Probe reveals another exam paper leak at govt-run agri university

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV) in Raipur has cancelled the BSc Agriculture first-year Plant Pathology exam after a police investigation confirmed its question paper was leaked. This follows an earlier leak of the Entomology paper, which led to arrests. The university is implementing new security measures, including digital paper distribution and increased CCTV surveillance, and will re-conduct the affected exams in September.

Akhilesh Yadav Criticises New UPI MDR Charges As 'Chungi'

Akhilesh Yadav Criticises New UPI MDR Charges As 'Chungi'

Rediff.com4 days ago

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has criticised the BJP government's proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on high-value UPI transactions, calling it a "chungi" (tax) on digital payments. He alleged the move was an attempt to extract money from people's transactions, contradicting the government's goal of a trillion-dollar economy. The new UPI framework will impose a 0.4% MDR on person-to-merchant transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15, with certain sectors having a flat Rs 5 MDR.

5 rescued orangutans undergo extensive health checks in Odisha zoo

5 rescued orangutans undergo extensive health checks in Odisha zoo

Rediff.com4 days ago

Five rescued baby orangutans quarantined at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar underwent extensive health checks, including X-rays and blood sample collection, to assess their condition and facilitate DNA testing. The health check-up was prompted after one primate developed a fever. Officials are identifying a suitable laboratory for DNA analysis, which is crucial for determining their origin and aiding an ongoing international wildlife smuggling investigation.

How UPI MDR Charges Could Push Consumers Back To Cash

How UPI MDR Charges Could Push Consumers Back To Cash

Rediff.com5 days ago

A new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15, could force small merchants and price-sensitive consumers to revert to cash, according to economic think tank GTRI. The move, which introduces a 0.4 per cent MDR with a Rs 300 cap and concessional rates for specific categories, is questioned by GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava, who suggests it's not a revenue issue for the government but potentially a response to US pressure regarding UPI and RuPay's preferential market position.

NBFCs see significant gold loan growth, outpacing banks

NBFCs see significant gold loan growth, outpacing banks

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) experienced a significant 68.5 per cent year-on-year growth in gold-backed credit in July 2026, while banks saw their gold loan growth moderate to 88.1 per cent from 136.4 per cent a year prior, according to RBI data.

'Can I Apply For JEE With Two Class 12 Marksheets?'

'Can I Apply For JEE With Two Class 12 Marksheets?'

Rediff.com5 days ago

rediffGURU Radheshyam Zanwar, founder of Zanwar Classes, clarifies doubts and guides young aspirants on eligibility for science, and engineering entrance exams.

Governor Yadav Champions Drone Tech For Nagaland's Youth

Governor Yadav Champions Drone Tech For Nagaland's Youth

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav has advocated for increased use of technology, especially drones and geospatial systems, to enhance governance and create employment opportunities for the state's youth. During his visit to the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre and Drone Centre of Excellence, he highlighted the broad applications of drone technology and the importance of skill development. The centre is actively training youth in various drone-related courses, aiming to meet the demand for drone pilots in the Northeast.

FY28 Budget Work Starts Early

FY28 Budget Work Starts Early

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

The Centre has spent 28 per cent of its FY27 capital expenditure budget of Rs 12.21 trillion in the first three months against around 24.5 per cent during the corresponding period a year ago.

PIL in SC against govt's 0.4% MDR on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000

PIL in SC against govt's 0.4% MDR on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000

Rediff.com5 days ago

A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Centre's decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. The plea argues that the levy was introduced without adequate statutory safeguards, transparency, or public consultation, and questions its constitutional validity and potential adverse effects on merchants and consumers.

India's Geospatial Sector Gets Boost With Mirai-GreenValley LiDAR Partnership

India's Geospatial Sector Gets Boost With Mirai-GreenValley LiDAR Partnership

Rediff.com5 days ago

GIS intelligence solutions provider Mirai Aerospace Systems and Software Solutions has signed an MoU with US-based GreenValley International Inc to strengthen India's geospatial and LiDAR remote sensing manufacturing base. The collaboration focuses on local assembly, manufacturing, technical support, and the development of AI-driven LiDAR applications, aiming to meet India's growing demand across various sectors.

Watch: Take A Tour Of Varun Dhawan's New Farm

Watch: Take A Tour Of Varun Dhawan's New Farm

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Varun Dhawan has made a significant investment in agricultural farmland, declaring it his 'biggest achievement', highlighting a growing trend among celebrities to embrace organic farming and rural living over urban luxury.

JD-U softens stand on UCC, says 'will not oppose for no reason'

JD-U softens stand on UCC, says 'will not oppose for no reason'

Rediff.com6 days ago

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated that the JD(U) will thoroughly study the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill before deciding on its stance, indicating they will not oppose it without valid reasons. This position contrasts with the RJD's strong opposition and highlights the JD(U)'s independent approach within the NDA.

'Felt like winning a crore': CM Vijay's gesture moves elderly farm worker

'Felt like winning a crore': CM Vijay's gesture moves elderly farm worker

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

For Chellam, an elderly resident of Tamil Nadu's Salem district, Tuesday began like any other hard day on the field. But by afternoon, a fleeting encounter with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay transformed an ordinary workday into a memory she says she will cherish for the rest of her life - one she compares to winning a "crore of rupees."

BRICS summit begins at 2.35 pm on Saturday, ends with New Delhi declaration on Sunday

BRICS summit begins at 2.35 pm on Saturday, ends with New Delhi declaration on Sunday

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

India is hosting the BRICS summit, leveraging the platform to address global trade tensions and champion the developmental priorities of the Global South, including food, energy, and supply chain security. The summit, attended by leaders like President Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, will focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, with India aiming to strengthen intra-BRICS collaboration and discuss global matters. The expanded BRICS grouping represents a significant portion of the world's population and GDP, making its discussions crucial for global economic stability.

Putin Offers More Fertilisers To India

Putin Offers More Fertilisers To India

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Russia remains India's biggest fertiliser supplier, with imports rising nearly 40 per cent in 2025.

What Will Modi-Putin Discuss?

What Will Modi-Putin Discuss?

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

One of the important topics of discussion between the two leaders is expected to be the Northern Sea Route and the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor.

S&P Global Ratings retains India's 'BBB' sovereign rating with stable outlook

S&P Global Ratings retains India's 'BBB' sovereign rating with stable outlook

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

S&P Global Ratings has affirmed India's sovereign credit rating at 'BBB' with a stable outlook, citing the country's dynamic and fast-growing economy, strong external balance sheet, and stable institutions that ensure policy predictability.

'UP Has Potential To Generate More Than 11 Million Jobs'

'UP Has Potential To Generate More Than 11 Million Jobs'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'Improved law and order and transparent governance have helped change UP's investment image.'