News for 'Agriculture Initiative'

How Indian Agriculture Initiatives Have Doubled Farmer Income

How Indian Agriculture Initiatives Have Doubled Farmer Income

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan informed the Lok Sabha that government initiatives in the agriculture sector have doubled farmers' income through measures like MSP and fertiliser subsidies.

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

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

Rediff.com1 days ago

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.

TN CM Vijay waives cooperative farm loans up to Rs 75,000

TN CM Vijay waives cooperative farm loans up to Rs 75,000

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced a comprehensive waiver of cooperative farm loans, providing full relief for loans up to Rs 75,000 and partial waivers for higher amounts, benefiting over 1.38 lakh farmers with an additional financial commitment of Rs 953.06 crore.

PM lays out seven-point Sapta Dhara framework for Viksit Bharat

PM lays out seven-point Sapta Dhara framework for Viksit Bharat

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced a 'Sapta Dhara' (seven-stream) reform framework, aiming to propel India into a developed nation by 2047. This comprehensive plan focuses on key sectors including manufacturing, agro-food processing, technology, logistics, defence, green and blue economy, and soft power, leveraging the nation's youth potential.

Dreamfly Innovations To Boost India's Drone Battery Production

Dreamfly Innovations To Boost India's Drone Battery Production

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Dreamfly Innovations is setting up a 40,000-sq ft aviation battery manufacturing facility in North Bengaluru with an investment of Rs 40 crore. This plant will produce advanced batteries for various drone applications, supporting India's growing drone economy and domestic drone makers.

PM promises Rs 1 lakh crore Innovation Fund for start-ups

PM promises Rs 1 lakh crore Innovation Fund for start-ups

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon India's youth to dream big, assuring them of government support and resources, including a Rs 1 lakh crore Innovation Fund, to bolster the country's burgeoning startup ecosystem and drive its journey towards becoming a developed nation.

Land, business reforms key to India's next phase of growth, say economists

Land, business reforms key to India's next phase of growth, say economists

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Economists highlight that resolving domestic policy bottlenecks, particularly through land reforms and improving the ease of doing business, will be critical for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'next-generation reforms' and India's economic transformation towards its 'Viksit Bharat' vision for 2047.

Bengaluru, Mysuru unaffected by Karnataka bandh call over Cauvery

Bengaluru, Mysuru unaffected by Karnataka bandh call over Cauvery

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

While intense protests were seen in Mandya and preventive detentions carried out at several places, life remained unaffected in major urban centres like Bengaluru and Mysuru.

Southern states back Shah's push for dialogue to settle water disputes

Southern states back Shah's push for dialogue to settle water disputes

Rediff.com5 days ago

Chief ministers from southern states convened at the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Kovalam, where Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar advocated for the 1971 census as the basis for delimitation and a freeze on Lok Sabha seats, while also addressing the contentious Cauvery water and Mekedatu dam issues.

Army Recovers Suspected Drone In Samba District

Army Recovers Suspected Drone In Samba District

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

A drone was recovered from an agricultural field in Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir, after a resident spotted it. The recovery follows an earlier detection of an unidentified flying object by the Army, which initiated jamming measures. Authorities suspect the recovered drone is the same object and have sent it for forensic examination to investigate its origin and potential cross-border involvement.

Basit Ali's 100-seat mission: BJP steps up Muslim outreach in UP

Basit Ali's 100-seat mission: BJP steps up Muslim outreach in UP

Rediff.com6 days ago

Newly appointed BJP Minority Morcha national president Kunwar Basit Ali announced a strategic focus on approximately 100 Uttar Pradesh assembly seats, aiming to connect the Muslim community with the BJP by highlighting government welfare schemes and dispelling "misconceptions" about the party.

Karnataka Launches Tathyakosh.in To Centralise India's Public Data

Karnataka Launches Tathyakosh.in To Centralise India's Public Data

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The ACSEL Technology Forum, a Karnataka government Centre of Excellence in AI, has launched Tathyakosh.in, a digital public good designed to make India's extensive public data more accessible. This platform consolidates over 1.5 million datasets from 458 sources, addressing the challenge of fragmented data discovery across various government and research portals. It aims to benefit researchers, startups, and technology teams in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and financial inclusion by providing a structured and discoverable data infrastructure.

India Will Become A Leader In Applied AI: Nilekani

India Will Become A Leader In Applied AI: Nilekani

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

'Applying AI to change the lives of Indians and at population scale -- just like we did with DPI [digital public infrastructure] -- is really where it's going to go.'

Maharashtra waives off Rs 48,000 crore of farmers' power dues

Maharashtra waives off Rs 48,000 crore of farmers' power dues

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a significant waiver of approximately Rs 48,000 crore in pending electricity dues for farmers, aiming to facilitate new agricultural power connections and support the state's agricultural sector.

Nepal PM meets Indian envoy in first diplomatic engagement

Nepal PM meets Indian envoy in first diplomatic engagement

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah held his first one-on-one meeting with Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava, signalling a shift towards direct diplomacy after previously preferring group interactions. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral ties, development partnerships, and mutual interests between India and Nepal.

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Underlining that students are the "architects of India's future," President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy.

Govt Nods Polymer Banknote Trials for Rs 10 and Rs 20 Denominations

Govt Nods Polymer Banknote Trials for Rs 10 and Rs 20 Denominations

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Indian government has approved the introduction of one billion polymer banknotes in Rs 10 and Rs 20 denominations for field trials, aiming to enhance durability. This move comes as the Finance Minister also addressed Parliament on declining retail inflation, GST reforms, and other fiscal measures taken to support the economy and household consumption.

High-level panel set up to tackle road woes in Maha's Chakan industrial belt

High-level panel set up to tackle road woes in Maha's Chakan industrial belt

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has constituted a high-level committee to address road repairs, traffic congestion and management issues in the rapidly expanding Chakan industrial belt in Pune district, and set up a mechanism for time-bound redressal of industrial grievances.

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Why the industry's public position changed is difficult to say. What the developments did establish, though, is that ethanol-blended petrol has become one of the country's most politically and commercially sensitive policy issues.

Salman Khan Steps In To Help Assam Flood Victims

Salman Khan Steps In To Help Assam Flood Victims

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has initiated a multi-phase relief drive through his Being Human organisation and fan club in Assam, providing food, medicines, and essentials to families affected by devastating floods, with plans for long-term rehabilitation support.

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal sustained a minor injury to his right hand after being attacked with a kirpan by a Nihang member inside a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. The assailant has been arrested, and SAD leaders are demanding a CBI probe into what they term an intelligence failure.

Rajasthan HC flags unchecked construction on Udaipur hills

Rajasthan HC flags unchecked construction on Udaipur hills

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Rajasthan High Court has expressed serious concern over rampant construction on Udaipur's ecologically sensitive hills, questioning the state's hill policies and demanding records of commercial project permissions. The court's observations stem from a petition challenging a hotel project and an interim report highlighting extensive hill cutting and inadequate policy formulation, potentially leading to a suo motu Public Interest Litigation.

Google selects 20 Indian AI startups for 2026 accelerator programme

Google selects 20 Indian AI startups for 2026 accelerator programme

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Global technology giant Google has announced the selection of 20 Indian AI startups for its 2026 Google for Startups Accelerator programme, marking the 10th anniversary of its accelerator initiatives.

How Digital India Has Redefined Governance And Empowered Citizens

How Digital India Has Redefined Governance And Empowered Citizens

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated 11 years of the Digital India initiative, highlighting its role in redefining governance, empowering citizens, and accelerating all-round development. He emphasised its impact on digital payments, direct benefit transfers, and expanding digital public infrastructure, making technology a powerful instrument for 'Ease of Living' across India, including tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

In her address to the nation on the eve of the country's 80th Independence Day, the president stressed that just as government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students.

India braces for below-normal rainfall for Aug-Sept

India braces for below-normal rainfall for Aug-Sept

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted below-normal rainfall for India during the second half of the southwest monsoon season, specifically from August to September. This forecast indicates less than 94 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA) for the period. While July saw good rainfall activity due to low-pressure systems and the Madden-Julian Oscillation, the Southern Peninsula experienced significantly low rainfall and record high minimum temperatures.

Uncertainty looms over key bills as monsoon session heads for washout

Uncertainty looms over key bills as monsoon session heads for washout

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Major bills, including those on women's reservation, delimitation, and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), face an uncertain future in the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament due to persistent opposition protests and a lack of consensus.

'Why Have The Number Of Jobs Created Fallen?'

'Why Have The Number Of Jobs Created Fallen?'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

'We have to pull 80 million workers out of agriculture and go back to where we were in 2014. That itself is going to be a huge task.' 'We have already lost time, and that is a catastrophe impending.''

Karnataka announces India's first govt-driven AI university

Karnataka announces India's first govt-driven AI university

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced the establishment of India's first government-driven Artificial Intelligence University and an AI Hub in Bengaluru. This initiative aims to position Karnataka as a global leader in responsible AI innovation, fostering talent, research, and collaboration. The state seeks to become an AI-native state, leveraging AI to improve governance and daily life across various sectors.

The India Story Review: Not Brave Enough!

The India Story Review: Not Brave Enough!

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The India Story adopts a very soap opera-like approach, piling on ham-fisted melodrama along with plenty of unevenness, sighs Sreeju Sudhakaran

Bank Credit Growth Hits Two-Year High, Deposits Mobilise Rs 7 Trillion

Bank Credit Growth Hits Two-Year High, Deposits Mobilise Rs 7 Trillion

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Commercial banks in India recorded their highest credit growth in two years, accelerating to 18.6 per cent year-on-year by June 27, while also mobilising nearly 7 trillion in deposits, marking the third-highest fortnightly deposit growth in 29 years.

PSU Banks Q1FY27: BoB's Profit Dips on Settlement, BoI's Rises on Loan Growth

PSU Banks Q1FY27: BoB's Profit Dips on Settlement, BoI's Rises on Loan Growth

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

State-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) reported a 72 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) drop in net profit to 1,278 crore for Q1FY27 due to a $600 million out-of-court settlement related to NMC Health Plc. In contrast, Bank of India (BoI) saw its net profit rise by 36.23 per cent Y-o-Y to 3,068 crore for the same quarter, driven by healthy loan growth and improved asset quality.

MP: Elderly Farming Couple Murdered Over Land Dispute

MP: Elderly Farming Couple Murdered Over Land Dispute

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

An elderly farming couple, Chenu Ghosh and Panbai, were brutally murdered in Tikamgarh district, Madhya Pradesh. Police suspect a land dispute as the motive behind the killings, and a case has been registered as investigations continue to apprehend the unidentified accused.

Inflation likely to remain contained:FinMin report

Inflation likely to remain contained:FinMin report

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

India's finance ministry anticipates inflation will remain relatively contained in the coming months, supported by a correction in crude oil prices and softening input costs following the cessation of the West Asia conflict, despite earlier spikes in wholesale and retail inflation.

'US Thought They Could Pressurise India'

'US Thought They Could Pressurise India'

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

'They talked bad about our leaders. They said India was a dead economy. They were not sensitive to the Indian psyche.'

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India too can rise to the top if the 1.4 billion Indians back home are given better opportunities to use their innate talent and capacity to work hard, with right incentives in a more meritocratic rules-based system, asserts Ajay Chhibber.

No trace of 6 fishermen days after boat capsize off Andhra coast

No trace of 6 fishermen days after boat capsize off Andhra coast

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

A lone fisherman survived after a fishing boat carrying seven capsizes off the Visakhapatnam coast; a passing ship saved him from certain death after the crew threw him a life jacket and pulled him on board.

FMCG Sector Sees Strong Demand, Improved Margins for FY27

FMCG Sector Sees Strong Demand, Improved Margins for FY27

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies in India are expressing strong optimism for the current fiscal year, anticipating robust consumption trends, significant growth, and improved profit margins. This positive outlook is largely driven by resilient demand and the expected easing of elevated input costs, despite ongoing inflationary pressures and potential weather volatility.

Gold Imports Fall After Duty Hike

Gold Imports Fall After Duty Hike

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Monthly gold imports have declined to 25-30 tonnes from 70-80 tonnes while recycling of old jewellery has increased following the recent hike in import duties.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.