News for 'Directorate of Agriculture'

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.

5 rescued orangutans undergo extensive health checks in Odisha zoo

5 rescued orangutans undergo extensive health checks in Odisha zoo

Rediff.com6 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.

Who Will Succeed Sashidhar Jagdishan At HDFC?

Who Will Succeed Sashidhar Jagdishan At HDFC?

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Potential external candidates include Anup Bagchi, Rajiv Sabharwal and CSB Bank's Pralay Mondal.

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.

HISTORIC! Isro places heaviest earth observation satellite into orbit

HISTORIC! Isro places heaviest earth observation satellite into orbit

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

ISRO has successfully launched EOS-05, India's first geo-imaging satellite, into a precise sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit using a GSLV rocket. This 2,367 kg satellite, the heaviest ever carried by a GSLV, will provide real-time imagery for applications in agriculture and disaster management from an altitude of 36,000 km.

'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.'

Wars, tariffs test BRICS unity as leaders gather in Delhi

Wars, tariffs test BRICS unity as leaders gather in Delhi

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The BRICS summit in New Delhi brings together leaders from major emerging economies to address global challenges like trade disputes, geopolitical upheavals, and the economic impact of conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. India, as chair, aims to position BRICS as an economic growth engine, focusing on the Global South's food, energy, and supply chain security. The summit also highlights the grouping's expansion and its growing influence in global governance.

Buying Property? Verify Title First

Buying Property? Verify Title First

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Examine the complete title chain to establish how the present owner acquired the property.

Some Revealing Facts About India's States!

Some Revealing Facts About India's States!

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

As the world's most populous country, India's economy looks large in the aggregate even as its average incomes stay modest.

ISRO Bets Big on Space Startups

ISRO Bets Big on Space Startups

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

'ISRO will not manufacture any launch vehicles. That will all be done by the private sector or public sector undertakings.'

RBI MPC members hint at rate hikes as inflation risks persist

RBI MPC members hint at rate hikes as inflation risks persist

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Members of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) have indicated that interest rate hikes may be necessary sooner rather than later, as headline inflation is projected to rise from its current benign levels in the coming months, according to the minutes of the August review.

'Ethanol Blending Has Not Led to Sugar's Price Rise'

'Ethanol Blending Has Not Led to Sugar's Price Rise'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'The ethanol blended with petrol programme should not be halted or reconsidered.' 'India is not experiencing a structural sugar shortage, and the ethanol blending roadmap does not compete with food security or drive domestic price increases.'

Tigers, Boars, Pythons, 400 Kg Tomatoes...

Tigers, Boars, Pythons, 400 Kg Tomatoes...

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Arti Dwarkadas, a former advertising professional, shares her experiences of transitioning from a balcony gardener to a rural Maharashtra farmer in Two Bandra Girls Buy A Farm.

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.

Bullet Gold Loans Lose Edge Under New RBI Rules

Bullet Gold Loans Lose Edge Under New RBI Rules

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Under bullet repayment, the principal remains outstanding and unpaid interest raises the liability over time. This makes the LTV ratio more vulnerable to a sharp fall in gold prices.

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.

Jharkhand govt's move to cancel 44 recruitment exams sparks fresh protests

Jharkhand govt's move to cancel 44 recruitment exams sparks fresh protests

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government has cancelled 44 recruitment examinations conducted by the state Public Service Commission (JPSC) and an outsourced agency since 2014, including the JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination, following a 25-day student agitation over alleged irregularities. This decision has led to protests from around 2,000 candidates who had already been appointed to various state government departments after clearing the JSSC-CGL exam.

HDFC Bank board to soon appoint CEO: Deputy MD

HDFC Bank board to soon appoint CEO: Deputy MD

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

HDFC Bank's board is actively discussing the appointment of its new managing director and chief executive officer (MD & CEO) as incumbent Sashidhar Jagdishan's three-year term concludes in October, with the Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee (GNRC) expected to finalise the process soon.

Gold loan-backed PSLC sales boost PSBs' non-interest income in Q1FY27

Gold loan-backed PSLC sales boost PSBs' non-interest income in Q1FY27

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Public-sector banks (PSBs) have reported a substantial increase in non-interest income for Q1FY27, primarily driven by the sale of Priority Sector Lending Certificates (PSLCs) backed by their rapidly expanding gold loan portfolios. This strategy has allowed several lenders to book significant profits by exceeding priority sector lending targets.

The Outsider Who Went On To Helm Tata Sons

The Outsider Who Went On To Helm Tata Sons

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, credited with stabilising Tata Sons after a boardroom coup and overseeing significant expansion, has announced his resignation as chairman, capping a nearly decade-long tenure marked by both successes and escalating tensions with the group's controlling charitable trusts.

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Centre has reviewed the monsoon situation, noting a reduced rainfall deficit and ongoing preparedness for the kharif season amidst El Nino concerns. A high-level meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister discussed measures across various sectors, emphasising continuous monitoring and coordinated action to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture, water resources, and essential commodities.

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Swift India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Swift India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has urged the Indian government to swiftly conclude the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), while ensuring India's interests are protected, recommending complete exemption for key export products like generic medicines and smartphones from future US tariff increases.

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.

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.

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.

El Nino effect: 111 districts tagged as most vulnerable, 20 in Maharashtra

El Nino effect: 111 districts tagged as most vulnerable, 20 in Maharashtra

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The Indian government has identified 111 districts as 'most vulnerable' to crop damage due to a 43 per cent monsoon deficit, driven by El Nino, which threatens kharif sowing. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that weak monsoon conditions are expected to persist until July 2, prompting contingency plans and recommendations for alternative, less water-intensive crops.

Directors of Agri-Tourism Firm Arrested for Rs 100 Crore Investment Scam in Kerala

Directors of Agri-Tourism Firm Arrested for Rs 100 Crore Investment Scam in Kerala

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Police in Kochi have arrested three directors of an agri-tourism firm accused of defrauding hundreds of investors of over Rs 100 crore through a fake investment scheme.

Wholesale Price Inflation Climbs to 9.87% in June, Driven by Food and Mineral Costs

Wholesale Price Inflation Climbs to 9.87% in June, Driven by Food and Mineral Costs

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India's wholesale price inflation (WPI) increased to 9.87 per cent in June, up from 9.68 per cent in May, primarily due to significant price increases in non-food and food products, with food inflation alone rising to 5.49 per cent.

GDN To Dada: 10 Coming Biopics That Have Our Attention

GDN To Dada: 10 Coming Biopics That Have Our Attention

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

From Dr A P J Abdul Kalam to Sourav Ganguly, these coming biopics are bringing some of India's most fascinating lives to the big screen.

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

Rediff.com29 May 2026

"Rather than worrying, preparation is required. Contingency plans will be made for affected districts and crop changes will be considered wherever necessary"

Anil Nutrients Ltd and Director Face Money Laundering Charges in Bank Fraud Case

Anil Nutrients Ltd and Director Face Money Laundering Charges in Bank Fraud Case

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint against Anil Nutrients Ltd, its director, and six others in connection with a money laundering case involving an alleged fraud of Rs 47.88 crore with Bank of India.

'Engine of plunder': Cong targets MP CM over Ujjain land scam

'Engine of plunder': Cong targets MP CM over Ujjain land scam

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Madhya Pradesh BJP president Hemant Khandelwal has termed the land scam allegations against Yadav as "baseless", saying whenever the state has a CM from the backward class, the Congress attempts to weaken him.

Jaipur Farmers Summoned In Land Fraud Investigation

Jaipur Farmers Summoned In Land Fraud Investigation

Rediff.com31 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned several farmers in Jaipur as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering and fraudulent land aggregation involving real estate developers.

IMD forecasts below normal monsoon rainfall for India

IMD forecasts below normal monsoon rainfall for India

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the June-September southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall over India is expected to be 90 per cent of the long-period average. While the Northeast is likely to witness normal rainfall, the remaining parts of the country may see below normal rainfall.

Rajasthan Teacher Held For Allegedly Using Forged Documents To Get Job

Rajasthan Teacher Held For Allegedly Using Forged Documents To Get Job

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

A government school lecturer in Rajasthan has been arrested for allegedly using forged documents to secure his job. The Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Rajasthan Police made the arrest after investigating irregularities in the Lecturer (Agriculture Science) Recruitment Examination-2022.

Avoid Costly Mistakes In ITR Filing

Avoid Costly Mistakes In ITR Filing

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

With more granular reporting and enhanced data matching, mismatches are likely to be identified more quickly.

91 Life Convicts Released From Telangana Prisons

91 Life Convicts Released From Telangana Prisons

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Telangana Prisons and Correctional Services Department facilitated the release of 91 life convicts who were granted special remission by the state government. The released prisoners include 85 men and six women, all of whom were found eligible for remission under the government's prescribed guidelines.

Subhash Kashyap: A Titan Passes Into The Ages

Subhash Kashyap: A Titan Passes Into The Ages

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Dr Subhash Kashyap not only enhanced Parliament's image in India and abroad, but also the position of Lok Sabha secretary-general which succeeding secretary-generals have upheld thorough neutrality, objectivity and high degree of professionalism, notes Rup Narayan Das.