News for 'Agriculture Infrastructure'

Govt raises import duty on gold, silver after PM's appeal

Govt raises import duty on gold, silver after PM's appeal

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Indian government has increased import duties on gold and silver from 6 per cent to 15 per cent to curb inbound shipments of precious metals amid a rising import bill due to the West Asia crisis.

India restricts gold imports to 100 kg under Advance Authorisation scheme

India restricts gold imports to 100 kg under Advance Authorisation scheme

Rediff.com7 days ago

India has capped gold imports under the Advance Authorisation scheme at 100 kg, a day after significantly increasing import duties on precious metals. This move aims to tighten conditions for duty-free gold imports by jewellery exporters and curb non-essential imports amidst a ballooning import bill.

Gold import duty hike to spur grey market, smuggling, say exporters

Gold import duty hike to spur grey market, smuggling, say exporters

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The gems and jewellery industry anticipates challenging times following the government's decision to increase gold import duty to 15 per cent, a move that exporters warn could fuel the grey market and heighten smuggling risks.

Agricultural shift from subsidies to sustainability may be the way ahead

Agricultural shift from subsidies to sustainability may be the way ahead

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

India is already a heavyweight in global farm trade in pockets such as rice exports, but experts are urging a pivot from a subsidy- and procurement-driven mindset to a productivity and nutrition strategy that still shields farmers from volatility.

VB-G RAM G Act to replace MGNREGA: What Changes For Rural Workers

VB-G RAM G Act to replace MGNREGA: What Changes For Rural Workers

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Indian government has announced the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, effective July 1. The new scheme aims to expand guaranteed wage employment and link it more closely with infrastructure development and climate resilience, but faces concerns from opposition parties and labour rights activists.

Modi inaugurates India's longest 6-lane highway connecting Meerut to Prayagraj

Modi inaugurates India's longest 6-lane highway connecting Meerut to Prayagraj

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 594-km-long Ganga Expressway, connecting Meerut to Prayagraj, aiming to boost connectivity, industrial investment, and economic growth in Uttar Pradesh.

Women Entrepreneurs To Be Trained As Drone Pilots

Women Entrepreneurs To Be Trained As Drone Pilots

Rediff.com12 May 2026

FLO has signed agreements with Garuda Aerospace, NEOSKY India and YRG for a skilling programme to train 1,000 women drone pilots by March next year.

Mission Drishti Marks Space Tech Breakthrough

Mission Drishti Marks Space Tech Breakthrough

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Weighing 190 kg, Mission Drishti is India's heaviest privately developed Earth observation satellite.

Yogi Adityanath: UP Attracted Rs 50 Trillion Investment Proposals Since 2017

Yogi Adityanath: UP Attracted Rs 50 Trillion Investment Proposals Since 2017

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the state has secured investment proposals worth approximately Rs 50 trillion over the past nine years, attributing this economic revival to the enforcement of the rule of law and strategic policy changes. He affirmed UP's trajectory towards becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2029-30.

Punjab blasts: Rlys to step up freight corridor security, to deploy drones

Punjab blasts: Rlys to step up freight corridor security, to deploy drones

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Following two blasts targeting the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor in Punjab, the Railways Ministry is intensifying security measures, including increased patrolling, expanded surveillance, and drone deployment, to safeguard railway infrastructure and prevent further disruptions.

Centre Slashes Excise Duty on Petrol to 3, Diesel to Zero: Big Relief for Consumers

Centre Slashes Excise Duty on Petrol to 3, Diesel to Zero: Big Relief for Consumers

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The government has sharply reduced excise duty on petrol to 3 and diesel to zero, offering major relief to consumers. Here's how the price cut will impact fuel rates and inflation.

When Will India Produce A Trillion-Dollar Company?

When Will India Produce A Trillion-Dollar Company?

Rediff.com2 May 2026

India's first trillion-dollar company will be built on technology it owns, not just operates, predicts Ajay Kumar.

In open letter to PM, Bernstein flags structural risks to growth

In open letter to PM, Bernstein flags structural risks to growth

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Global brokerage Bernstein has issued a cautionary note, stating that India risks 'under-delivering on its potential' unless it addresses key policy bottlenecks and structural risks, including employment challenges from AI, limited manufacturing gains, and rising welfare spending.

Industrial credit growth may clock 9-13% in H1CY26

Industrial credit growth may clock 9-13% in H1CY26

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Indian banking sector is projected to experience a steady 9-13 per cent industrial credit growth in the first half of 2026, driven by capital expenditure, infrastructure development, and sectoral demand recovery, according to a Ficci-IBA survey.

SCARY! Weak Monsoon Threatens Water Security

SCARY! Weak Monsoon Threatens Water Security

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

'Monsoon is the pran (life) of our water system.' 'A weak monsoon will have a very negative impact on crops and people's lives.'

Bernstein Urges India To Accelerate Structural Reforms

Bernstein Urges India To Accelerate Structural Reforms

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Brokerage Bernstein has warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi that India risks squandering recent economic gains unless it accelerates structural reforms, particularly in jobs, manufacturing and innovation.

The Top 5 Engineering Careers In India

The Top 5 Engineering Careers In India

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Nayagam PP, career counsellor and founder of EduJobs360, explains how traditional engineering choices are being replaced with flexible, future-ready career paths that align with industry requirements.

Google readies plans for AI push in healthcare, agriculture

Google readies plans for AI push in healthcare, agriculture

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Google on Tuesday announced funding support of USD 8 million to India's AI Centers of Excellence for health, agriculture, education, and sustainable cities, and committed USD 4,00,000 to support development of India's health foundation model.

West Asia Conflict to Push India's Fiscal Deficit to 4.5% of GDP

West Asia Conflict to Push India's Fiscal Deficit to 4.5% of GDP

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

India's fiscal deficit is projected to reach 4.5 per cent of GDP for the current fiscal year, exceeding the budgeted target, as the government's policy responses to the West Asia conflict are expected to strain public finances, according to research firm BMI.

Moody's cuts India's FY27 growth forecast to 6% amid West Asia conflict

Moody's cuts India's FY27 growth forecast to 6% amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Moody's Ratings has downgraded India's growth forecast for financial year 2026-27 (FY27) to 6 per cent from 6.8 per cent, attributing the revision to weaker consumption and industrial activity, elevated energy prices, and rising input costs stemming from the West Asia conflict.

TMC manifesto bets on women voters, ramps up welfare push

TMC manifesto bets on women voters, ramps up welfare push

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has released its manifesto for the West Bengal elections, focusing on welfare politics and women's empowerment with pledges to expand existing schemes, improve healthcare, and develop infrastructure.

Intense battle of ballot in Tamil Nadu's cradle Of democracy

Intense battle of ballot in Tamil Nadu's cradle Of democracy

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

There is something that makes the Uthiramerur assembly constituency in Kancheepuram district special.

Saini Boosts Haryana's Jind with 253 Crore Development Projects

Saini Boosts Haryana's Jind with 253 Crore Development Projects

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has launched development projects worth 253 crore in Jind district, focusing on irrigation, infrastructure, health, and water supply.

Modi moves to new PMO, Seva Teerth; takes 1st decision on...

Modi moves to new PMO, Seva Teerth; takes 1st decision on...

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Seva Teerth complex, which will house the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the National Security Council Secretariat, and the Cabinet Secretariat, marking a shift towards modernizing India's administrative governance.

Ready to restart war, awaiting US approval: Israel

Ready to restart war, awaiting US approval: Israel

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz has stated that Israel is prepared to escalate military action against Iran, pending approval from the United States. This comes as US President Donald Trump says he would not use nuclear weapons in any conflict with Iran, while also claiming the US has 'total control' over the Strait of Hormuz.

How India's New Phygital Centre Aims to Transform Rural Life in Madhya Pradesh

How India's New Phygital Centre Aims to Transform Rural Life in Madhya Pradesh

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

India has launched its first integrated phygital service centre in Umri village, Madhya Pradesh, aiming to provide online services and boost rural development through digital connectivity and various essential services.

India Adopts Balanced AI Regulatory Approach

India Adopts Balanced AI Regulatory Approach

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

An Indian AI Research Organisation official says India has adopted a balanced and pragmatic approach to AI regulation, avoiding the extremes of the US and EU models.

Nand Kishore Yadav Takes Office as Nagaland's New Governor

Nand Kishore Yadav Takes Office as Nagaland's New Governor

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Nand Kishore Yadav has been sworn in as the new Governor of Nagaland, succeeding Ajay Kumar Bhalla. He pledged to uphold the Constitution, promote development, and preserve the state's cultural heritage.

Vaishnaw Chairs Meeting on AI, Emerging Technologies, and Electronics Manufacturing

Vaishnaw Chairs Meeting on AI, Emerging Technologies, and Electronics Manufacturing

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw chaired a meeting focusing on Artificial Intelligence, emerging technologies, and electronics hardware manufacturing, highlighting India's progress and future roadmap in these sectors.

Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'Infliltration A Long-Standing Challenge For Assam'

Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'Infliltration A Long-Standing Challenge For Assam'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'Our government is committed to addressing it firmly while protecting the rights of genuine citizens.'

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Karnataka Budget 2026-27 Praised for Balanced Approach to Economic Growth

Karnataka Budget 2026-27 Praised for Balanced Approach to Economic Growth

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) has welcomed the Karnataka Budget 2026-27, highlighting its focus on economic growth, support for MSMEs, and infrastructure development. Industry leaders have expressed optimism about the budget's potential to boost manufacturing, create jobs, and drive innovation in the state.

AI summit in Delhi: Modi welcomes global leaders

AI summit in Delhi: Modi welcomes global leaders

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi champions India as a leader in the artificial intelligence revolution, emphasising the nation's ambition and responsibility at the India AI Impact Expo 2026.

Modi emerges longest-serving head of govt, surpassing Pawan Chamling

Modi emerges longest-serving head of govt, surpassing Pawan Chamling

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

With 8,931 days in office as head of government covering his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and as Prime Minister, PM Modi has overtaken Chamling's record of 8,930 days.

Modi to move to new office, PMO gets new address: Seva Teertha

Modi to move to new office, PMO gets new address: Seva Teertha

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

For decades, several key government offices and ministries functioned from fragmented and ageing infrastructure spread across multiple locations in the Central Vista area.

India pushing for dialogue, diplomacy to resolve West Asia crisis, Modi tells LS

India pushing for dialogue, diplomacy to resolve West Asia crisis, Modi tells LS

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Parliament on the West Asia crisis, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy, ensuring the safety of Indians in the region, and addressing concerns about fuel and food security.

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The question is no longer whether the war will expand. It has. The next few days will tell us whether the war stabilises around Hormuz or whether the Strait itself becomes the trigger for a far larger rupture. What to watch for over the next 48 hours is simple: Any move by the US toward direct naval control of the Strait; any credible Iranian attempt to disrupt or mine shipping lanes and, critically, whether energy infrastructure in the Gulf continues to be targeted.If those lines are crossed in tandem, the war will no longer be containable within the region.

Gujarat govt allocates Rs 1,331 Cr to make Ahmedabad 'Olympic-ready'

Gujarat govt allocates Rs 1,331 Cr to make Ahmedabad 'Olympic-ready'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Gujarat government has announced a significant investment in sports infrastructure, with the goal of transforming the state into a sports hub and positioning Ahmedabad as a potential host city for the 2036 Olympic Games.

Vadhvan Port: Landowners to get Rs 2 crore per hectare

Vadhvan Port: Landowners to get Rs 2 crore per hectare

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The district administration has announced compensation details for people affected by the Vadhvan Port project in Palghar, Maharashtra, with agricultural land receiving over Rs 2 crore per hectare on average.

Modi meets AI startups' CEOs, global leaders at AI Summit

Modi meets AI startups' CEOs, global leaders at AI Summit

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a roundtable with AI startup CEOs and held bilateral meetings with global leaders at the India AI Impact Summit, focusing on AI's potential across sectors and international cooperation.