News for 'Department of Agriculture'

North India reels under near-freezing temperatures

North India reels under near-freezing temperatures

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

A severe cold wave has gripped North India, with temperatures plummeting to near-freezing levels in several areas. The cold wave has disrupted daily life, with dense fog affecting visibility and forcing people to stay indoors.

Nitish Kumar gives up home portfolio after 20 years

Nitish Kumar gives up home portfolio after 20 years

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

The home portfolio of Bihar, which Chief Minister Nitish Kumar kept with himself all through his nearly 20-year-long tenure, has been given to his deputy, BJP leader Samrat Chowdhury, this time, according to an official notification issued on Friday.

Gujarat cabinet rejig: A look at new ministerial portfolios

Gujarat cabinet rejig: A look at new ministerial portfolios

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel allocated portfolios following a major cabinet reshuffle, with Harsh Sanghavi becoming Deputy CM and receiving Home and Industries. New ministers, including Rivaba Jadeja, were also assigned responsibilities.

How India Is Rewriting Its FTA Playbook

How India Is Rewriting Its FTA Playbook

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

India has been on an FTA-signing spree of late. Since 2021, it has signed eight trade agreements, three of which -- with the UK, Oman and New Zealand -- were finalised in 2025 alone.

Assam CM Sarma to sue Congress leaders over land grab claims

Assam CM Sarma to sue Congress leaders over land grab claims

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Assam Congress alleges CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's family grabbed thousands of acres of land, prompting a defamation case announcement. BJP denies claims as baseless.

Tamil Nadu bets big on India's first full-stack sovereign AI park

Tamil Nadu bets big on India's first full-stack sovereign AI park

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The sovereign AI park will be a first-of-its-kind, purpose-built district in India, integrating AI compute infrastructure, secure data frameworks, model research labs, and AI innovation clusters, along with a dedicated institute for AI in governance.

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The passing of bills without Parliament, including the treasury benches, having any real understanding of what they contained through any rigorous process has accelerated through the Modi era, points out Aakar Patel.

16th India-EU summit today; trade, security, defence on agenda

16th India-EU summit today; trade, security, defence on agenda

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Over the years, India-EU ties have grown, and covered trade, investment, climate change, science and technology, space, digital, mobility, and connectivity.

Assam Intensifies Eviction Drives

Assam Intensifies Eviction Drives

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

'Losing a house is a terrible feeling... We were not given enough time to shift our belongings.'

Kumaraswamy eyes agriculture portfolio in new NDA govt

Kumaraswamy eyes agriculture portfolio in new NDA govt

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

Janata Dal-Secular leader and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Wednesday hinted that his party was interested in the agriculture portfolio in the new National Democratic Alliance government.

Eat Dates. Go On Dates Too

Eat Dates. Go On Dates Too

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Dates occupy a special place among dried fruits. They're nourishing, budget-friendly and handy to have around -- 1-2 pieces makes for a good snack. Dates occupy a special place among dried fruits. They're nourishing, budget-friendly and handy to have around -- 1-2 pieces makes for a good snack.

'I Don't Want To Let Down The Economy...'

'I Don't Want To Let Down The Economy...'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

'This Budget has a one-year agenda, which you can call the sprint, and the marathon is towards Viksit Bharat.'

6 Reasons Why Apricots Are A Superfood

6 Reasons Why Apricots Are A Superfood

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Apricots aren't just nutritious. Health sites, like Cleveland Clinic, place them in the superfood category.

Inefficiency in MFIs leads to high interest rates: DFS secretary M Nagaraju

Inefficiency in MFIs leads to high interest rates: DFS secretary M Nagaraju

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The reduction in the number of loan accounts and the outstanding amount during the last financial year is a cause of concern and stress for microfinance institutions (MFI), Secretary, Department of Financial Services, M Nagaraju said on Thursday, highlighting "inefficiency" in MFIs that leads to higher rates of interest.

G RAM-G replaces MGNREGA after President's assent

G RAM-G replaces MGNREGA after President's assent

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, which aims to replace MGNREGA and guarantee 125 days of wage employment per rural household.

India-US Trade Deal In Final Lap!

India-US Trade Deal In Final Lap!

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

'As far as the contentious issues such as agriculture are concerned, we are finding some common ground.'

'He Never Made Us Feel He Was The PM'

'He Never Made Us Feel He Was The PM'

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

'Sometimes I wonder whether the meeting really happened. Everything seems like a dream from which I do not want to wake up.'

Maha minister Kokate shifted to sports ministry after rummy row

Maha minister Kokate shifted to sports ministry after rummy row

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate was shifted from the agriculture ministry to the sports and youth welfare department in a late-night reshuffle. Dattatrey Bharne will be the new agriculture minister. The reshuffle comes after Kokate faced controversy for playing online rummy during a legislative council session and allegedly equating farmers with beggars.

Cyclone Montha: 2 killed, crops damaged, transportation hit in Andhra

Cyclone Montha: 2 killed, crops damaged, transportation hit in Andhra

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Cyclone Montha crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast, resulting in two deaths, extensive crop damage, and disruptions to power and transportation. Neighboring Telangana also experienced heavy rains. Government relief efforts are underway.

Fresh FIR against Partha Pawar's biz partner in Pune land deal row

Fresh FIR against Partha Pawar's biz partner in Pune land deal row

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Another FIR has been registered against Digvijay Patil, business partner of Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son, in connection with a land deal case. The FIR involves allegations of misappropriation, cheating, and forgery.

Andhra temple stampede: 'People rushed, what could I do'

Andhra temple stampede: 'People rushed, what could I do'

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

Claiming he was not responsible for the tragic stampede at Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga that left nine devotees dead, the 94-year-old founder of the temple has said devotees rushed on their own during the gathering.

And the most polluted city in the world is....

And the most polluted city in the world is....

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Lahore, Pakistan, has once again been ranked as the world's most polluted city, with hazardous smog levels far exceeding WHO guidelines. The city is battling a toxic mix of vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and crop residue burning.

GST 2.0 bolstered momentum, economy on stable footing

GST 2.0 bolstered momentum, economy on stable footing

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The reduction in the goods and services tax (GST) rates has increased the momentum in India's economic activity both on the supply and demand sides, while robust agricultural activity - reflected in the strong onset of rabi sowing and adequate reservoir levels - has reinforced the outlook for food supply and rural incomes, the finance ministry said on Thursday.

Onam Flowers Cost Actor Rs 1L Fine In Oz

Onam Flowers Cost Actor Rs 1L Fine In Oz

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Airport authorities discovered around 15 centimetres of jasmine flowers in Navya Nair's bag, and under Australian laws, the import of fresh flowers is strictly prohibited.

Govt Targets 100 Products For Aatmanirbhar Push

Govt Targets 100 Products For Aatmanirbhar Push

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

'Our endeavour will be that we identify these products, put them in the public domain so that the manufacturers can look at them and give a boost to Make in India.'

How Fake PANs Help Hide Crooked Property Deals

How Fake PANs Help Hide Crooked Property Deals

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

Quoting an incorrect PAN during property registration can invite penalties and prosecution.

India's NCDEX eyes 20% stake in Sri Lanka's first commodity exchange

India's NCDEX eyes 20% stake in Sri Lanka's first commodity exchange

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

India's leading agriculture commodity exchange, the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), has decided to acquire around a 20 per cent stake in a new commodities and financial derivatives exchange being set up in Sri Lanka, subject to regulatory and governmental approvals. The move aims to deepen NCDEX's footprint in the financial ecosystem of its neighbouring country.

The Putin Visit: The US-Pakistan Connection

The Putin Visit: The US-Pakistan Connection

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Luckily for us, a Russia that is desperate to stay relevant in an emerging multipolar world finds in India a reliable geostrategic partner. The Russian proximity to India also keeps China from exploiting its economic dominance vis a vis Russia, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Cyclone Ditwah wreaks havoc in Sri Lanka, 80 killed; India provides relief

Cyclone Ditwah wreaks havoc in Sri Lanka, 80 killed; India provides relief

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Sri Lanka is facing a severe crisis after Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in numerous deaths and displacement. India has launched 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' to provide relief. The situation is expected to remain critical with rising river levels and continued rainfall.

India's EU Trade Deal Has A LONG Way To Go

India's EU Trade Deal Has A LONG Way To Go

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

'Even if tariffs are reduced, non-tariff may still remain a challenge.'

NDA bags 202 of 243 seats, Mahagathbandhan reduced to 34

NDA bags 202 of 243 seats, Mahagathbandhan reduced to 34

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

The ruling National Democratic Alliance on Friday secured a thumping majority in the Bihar Assembly, winning 202 seats in the 243-member House, as results for all the constituencies were declared by the Election Commission.

Can Global Superfood Makhana Survive Trump's Tariff?

Can Global Superfood Makhana Survive Trump's Tariff?

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

'Traders and exporters will have to explore alternative markets.'

Maha issues GR, forms panel to grant Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas

Maha issues GR, forms panel to grant Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

The Maharashtra government has formed a committee to facilitate the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas who can provide documentary evidence recognizing them as Kunbis in the past, potentially opening the door for reservation benefits.

Hundreds evacuated in Maha's Nanded as rivers swell after heavy rains

Hundreds evacuated in Maha's Nanded as rivers swell after heavy rains

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

Heavy rains in Nanded, Maharashtra, have caused severe flooding, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of residents as the Godavari and Asna rivers overflow. The Vishnupuri dam released a large amount of water, exacerbating the situation.

Jarange calls off Maratha agitation after Maha issues GR

Jarange calls off Maratha agitation after Maha issues GR

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

Jarange Patil on Tuesday called off his five-day old agitation after the Maharashtra government issued a resolution on the Hyderabad gazetteer and announced the formation of a committees to facilitate the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas who are able to produce documentary evidence recognising them as Kunbis in the past.

Nitish Kumar's Education Reforms: Top Grades Then Slide

Nitish Kumar's Education Reforms: Top Grades Then Slide

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

The story of Bihar's educational reform is a lesson for all reforms done halfway.

India, Canada unveil roadmap to revive ties

India, Canada unveil roadmap to revive ties

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

India and Canada have unveiled a roadmap to boost cooperation in trade, critical minerals, and energy, signaling efforts to rebuild strained relations following the killing of a Sikh separatist in 2023. Discussions include addressing concerns over pro-Khalistan elements and pursuing a balanced partnership.

Tomato price volatility exposes gaps in India's agriculture supply chain

Tomato price volatility exposes gaps in India's agriculture supply chain

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

Tomato prices have been on the boil for more than a month. Data from major cities show that the spike has been between 125 and 150 per cent at the wholesale level. Soaring vegetable prices, including tomatoes, pushed the retail inflation rate to a nine-month high of 5.49 per cent in September, according to government data. Though reports say prices are expected to come down in the next few weeks after supplies improve from Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, how long will the respite last is anybody's guess.

'Trump Is A Businessman, He'll Get A Deal Done'

'Trump Is A Businessman, He'll Get A Deal Done'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

'You can't have a one-sided deal. If you have a lopsided deal then it won't be sustainable.'

Private Talent At PSU Banks Is Welcome, But...

Private Talent At PSU Banks Is Welcome, But...

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Opening up the corner office is fine, but will the government be able to attract talent without giving a market-rate salary?, asks Tamal Bandyopadhyay.