News for 'Directorate of Agriculture'

ISRO Bets Big on Space Startups

ISRO Bets Big on Space Startups

Rediff.com1 days ago

'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.com5 days ago

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.

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.

Bullet Gold Loans Lose Edge Under New RBI Rules

Bullet Gold Loans Lose Edge Under New RBI Rules

Rediff.com7 days ago

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.

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.

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.com6 days ago

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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"

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How Modi's Austerity Appeal Can Work

How Modi's Austerity Appeal Can Work

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Insights from behavioural economics suggest that an ambitious nudge can be effective if three conditions are met, points out Ram Singh Insights from behavioural economics suggest that an ambitious nudge can be effective if three conditions are met, points out Ram Singh, director, Delhi School of Economics.

India's Demerger Trend Soars: Over $40 Billion in Deals in 2025

India's Demerger Trend Soars: Over $40 Billion in Deals in 2025

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Indian companies are increasingly opting for demergers, with 29 deals valued at over $40 billion in 2025 alone, marking a 10-year high, as promoters and boards recognise that markets favour focused businesses over complex conglomerates.

New ITR Rules Taxpayers Must Know About

New ITR Rules Taxpayers Must Know About

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

"Taxpayers with income from shares, mutual funds, crypto, ESOPs, or derivatives often incorrectly use ITR-1 instead of ITR-2 or ITR-3."

Besides a packet of Melody, here's what Modi gifted to Meloni

Besides a packet of Melody, here's what Modi gifted to Meloni

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a range of culturally significant gifts during his recent five-nation tour, including a Muga silk stole for the Italian Prime Minister and Madhubani painting for the Dutch Prime Minister, showcasing India's rich artistic heritage.

How Punjab Is Strengthening Public Safety And Rural Economy

How Punjab Is Strengthening Public Safety And Rural Economy

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Punjab Cabinet has approved a series of measures aimed at enhancing public safety through forensic science upgrades and boosting rural incomes with a new farm stay policy.

More use of speciality fertilisers can help tide over supply shocks: Experts

More use of speciality fertilisers can help tide over supply shocks: Experts

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Despite significant price differences, Indian farmers are increasingly adopting non-subsidised speciality fertilisers, which are seen as a potential solution to the rising fertiliser subsidy burden exacerbated by global supply shocks.

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

Rediff.com23 May 2026

South India's manufacturing, construction, and services sectors are grappling with severe labour shortages, prompting employers to offer attractive incentives like free air tickets and salary increments to lure migrant workers back from their home states after recent assembly elections.

ED Raids Punjab Police DIG, Seizes Crores In Money Laundering Probe

ED Raids Punjab Police DIG, Seizes Crores In Money Laundering Probe

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized Rs 1.4 crore and incriminating documents during raids related to money laundering against suspended Punjab Police DIG H S Bhullar and his associates.

How India's New AI Weather Forecasts Will Help Farmers

How India's New AI Weather Forecasts Will Help Farmers

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched two advanced weather forecast products developed under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), aimed at delivering hyper-local, impact-based and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven weather services across India.

Court Discharges Rohit Pawar In MSCB Scam Case

Court Discharges Rohit Pawar In MSCB Scam Case

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A special court in Mumbai discharged NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar and others in a case registered by the Enforcement Directorate concerning an alleged Rs 25,000 crore scam at the Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank (MSCB).

Punjab Minister Highlights Role of AI and Innovation in Future Farming

Punjab Minister Highlights Role of AI and Innovation in Future Farming

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian emphasised the importance of innovation, technology adoption, and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of farming at the Smart Agri Summit 2026. He highlighted the need to combine traditional knowledge with data-driven insights to mitigate climate risks and enhance agricultural productivity.