News for 'Directorate of Agriculture'

Dr Swaminathan changed India's destiny from begging bowl to food basket

Dr Swaminathan changed India's destiny from begging bowl to food basket

Rediff.com28 Sep 2023

"As I was working on agriculture, my family wanted me to take over the management of our plantations. But my aim was to master the art of developing new varieties, that is genetics and breeding. As the proverb has it, we reap what we sow. Consequently, sowing the right things is very important," M S Swaminathan had once said.

In peak of monsoon, Jharkhand stares at drought due to 45% rain deficit

In peak of monsoon, Jharkhand stares at drought due to 45% rain deficit

Rediff.com23 Jul 2023

Kharif crops were sown in only 4.15 lakh hectares against the target of 28.27 lakh hectares till July 21 or only in 14.71 per cent of the arable land.

GDP Surge: Economy Truly Booming?

GDP Surge: Economy Truly Booming?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2024

This period of strong growth not only offers opportunities but also calls for strategic considerations to ensure sustainable development and equitable prosperity in the years to come, suggests Sujan Hajra.

India's exports to Iran decline in last one year

India's exports to Iran decline in last one year

Rediff.com8 Jan 2024

India's exports to Iran have been falling over the last one year, amid decline in rupee reserves of the West Asian economy. Going ahead, the possibility of augmenting exports to Iran may not be easy for India, considering the geopolitical tensions - Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts - and the West Asian country's support for Russia and Hamas, people aware of the matter said. Exports to Iran saw a downward spiral since November last year.

Centre to recruit private sector experts in key posts across 12 ministries

Centre to recruit private sector experts in key posts across 12 ministries

Rediff.com16 May 2023

The department of personnel and training has asked the Union Public Service Commission to recruit such specialists through "lateral entry" mode in 12 government departments/ministries, he said.

Union ministers to hold 4th round of talks with farmers today

Union ministers to hold 4th round of talks with farmers today

Rediff.com18 Feb 2024

A panel of Union ministers will hold a fourth round of talks with farmer leaders in Chandigarh on Sunday over their demands, including loan waiver and bringing an ordinance on giving legal guarantee to a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

Intense summer heat to add to election fever, warns IMD

Intense summer heat to add to election fever, warns IMD

Rediff.com2 Apr 2024

India is set to experience extreme heat during the April to June period, with the central and western peninsular parts expected to face the worst impact, the IMD said on Monday as the country prepares for seven-phase general elections from April 19.

'Nobody's Asking Where Money Will Come For Freebies'

'Nobody's Asking Where Money Will Come For Freebies'

Rediff.com24 May 2024

'The prime minister's comment on 'revdi culture' was welcome. But I am disappointed he did not follow up on that.' 'All political parties, including the BJP, have been guilty of this.' 'Now, Modi's guarantees, the Congress's 'nyay' path and both ruling and Opposition parties are vying with each other for freebies in my home state Andhra Pradesh.'

ED summons Sanjay Raut's brother over 'kichdi' scam links during Covid

ED summons Sanjay Raut's brother over 'kichdi' scam links during Covid

Rediff.com25 Jan 2024

Sandeep Raut has been asked to depose before the central agency at its office in Mumbai next week, they said, adding his statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

'ITC aspires to double its business in five years'

'ITC aspires to double its business in five years'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2024

'While every year presents new challenges, it also provides opportunities for better growth and performance.'

'Stop' Mann from hoisting R-Day flag: Pannun to Punjab gangsters

'Stop' Mann from hoisting R-Day flag: Pannun to Punjab gangsters

Rediff.com16 Jan 2024

In an email sent to some journalists and two videos accessed by PTI, Pannun compared Mann with former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, who was assassinated in a bomb blast on August 31, 1995.

The journey of Hemant Soren, Jharkhand's youngest CM

The journey of Hemant Soren, Jharkhand's youngest CM

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

From taking charge of Jharkhand as its youngest chief minister at 38 to establishing himself as a 'fighter' for tribal rights, Hemant Soren, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, is an accidental leader thrust into politics after a family tragedy.

Baltimore mishap: Indian crew onboard Dali 'healthy'

Baltimore mishap: Indian crew onboard Dali 'healthy'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2024

The Indian crew onboard a crippled container vessel that collided against a key bridge in Baltimore last week is healthy , according to a nonprofit organisation that has been in touch with the personnel.

Nirmalaji, What Surprises Can We Expect?

Nirmalaji, What Surprises Can We Expect?

Rediff.com31 Jan 2024

The interim Budget proposals that will be presented on February 1 in the backdrop of the general elections scheduled in April/May 2024 are likely to have a hint of populism, believe analysts, but are unlikely to derail the government from its path of fiscal prudence.

Mamata, BJP trade verbal blows over NIA team attack in Bengal

Mamata, BJP trade verbal blows over NIA team attack in Bengal

Rediff.com6 Apr 2024

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday accused NIA officials of attacking villagers in Purba Medinipur district, the BJP hit back at her saying that the attack on the NIA officials is Sandeshkhalli 2.0 orchestrated by the state.

Consider weather, climate while planning 'one nation, one poll': IMD

Consider weather, climate while planning 'one nation, one poll': IMD

Rediff.com7 Apr 2024

Some India states are likely to record a significantly higher number of heatwave days, according to the national weather body.

ITC would increasingly try to go outside India: Sanjiv Puri

ITC would increasingly try to go outside India: Sanjiv Puri

Rediff.com20 Feb 2024

Sanjiv Puri, chairman and managing director of ITC, is looking to expand the conglomerate's play outside India by taking "strategic positions" in markets close to home in the non-cigarette fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and hospitality businesses. In a recent conversation with Business Standard, Puri revealed that ITC is setting sights beyond India's borders. "We already export to 100-odd countries. We want to scale that up and take some strategic positions in markets close to us," he said.

ED probes land deals involving Priyanka Gandhi, Robert Vadra

ED probes land deals involving Priyanka Gandhi, Robert Vadra

Rediff.com28 Dec 2023

Purchase of three plots of land in Haryana in 2005-06 by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra from a real estate agent is being probed along with a land deal made by his wife Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) claimed in a recently filed money laundering case charge sheet.

Farmers tear-gassed even as govt calls for fresh talks

Farmers tear-gassed even as govt calls for fresh talks

Rediff.com21 Feb 2024

The Haryana Police on Wednesday fired tear gas shells to disperse farmers from Punjab at Shambhu and Khanauri border points as they tried to move towards barricades stalling their protest march to Delhi.

'We Had A Tom And Jerry Relationship'

'We Had A Tom And Jerry Relationship'

Rediff.com6 May 2024

'I believed that no matter what happened, I would be there to take care of him.' 'He believed it too and even when he fell ill, he had total faith in me, ki main sab theek kar doongi.' 'I tried, I really tried, but I fell short and he went away.'

Hemant Soren arrested by ED, Champai Soren to take over as new CM

Hemant Soren arrested by ED, Champai Soren to take over as new CM

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

Sources claimed 48-year-old Soren was "evasive" in his replies during his questioning and hence was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Centre expands talent pool, to induct 17 private sector experts

Centre expands talent pool, to induct 17 private sector experts

Rediff.com30 May 2023

This is the fourth such recruitment drive proposed to be undertaken by the Narendra Modi government which had in 2018 initiated lateral entry.

PIX: World leaders in Delhi for G20 Summit

PIX: World leaders in Delhi for G20 Summit

Rediff.com8 Sep 2023

The G20 leaders will deliberate on pressing global issues at the grouping's annual summit here on September 9 and 10. India is hosting the summit in its capacity as the current G20 chair.

'Money lending has become prudent and conservative'

'Money lending has become prudent and conservative'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2024

'We need to be far more careful given the fact that while this is group lending, it's essentially unsecured.'

India faces its worst locust swarm in nearly 30 years

India faces its worst locust swarm in nearly 30 years

Rediff.com27 May 2020

According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research Director General Trilochan Mohapatra, the insects have attacked about 40,000 hectares of land.

Farmer killed, 12 cops hurt as stir turns violent; Delhi march put on hold

Farmer killed, 12 cops hurt as stir turns violent; Delhi march put on hold

Rediff.com21 Feb 2024

A 21-year-old farmer was killed and a few others injured following a clash between security personnel and protesting farmers at Khanauri on the Punjab-Haryana border.

Abrahamic binary has outlived its utility

Abrahamic binary has outlived its utility

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

It is only the Indian approach of holding on to multiple realities and contradictory ideas simultaneously that is likely to deliver peace and progress. Binary logic is out of sync with reality, notes R Jagannathan.

GDP to grow nearly 7% in FY24: Economists

GDP to grow nearly 7% in FY24: Economists

Rediff.com12 Jan 2024

The economy may grow by around 7 per cent this financial year as estimated by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), say economists with various organisations. The first advance estimates for 2023-24 will be released on Friday by the National Statistical Organisation (NSO), an exercise done for calculating ratios such as the fiscal deficit. The interim Budget will be presented on February 1.

Monsoon ends in India with 'below average' rainfall

Monsoon ends in India with 'below average' rainfall

Rediff.com30 Sep 2023

The southwest monsoon season concluded on Saturday with India receiving 'below-average' cumulative rainfall -- 820 mm compared to the long-period average of 868.6 mm -- in an El Nino year.

Maha, UP, MP target locust swarms; more invasions predicted

Maha, UP, MP target locust swarms; more invasions predicted

Rediff.com29 May 2020

Senior officials, including those from a central team, were present during the night-long operation and a close vigil is being maintained on further movement of locusts, Katiyar said. Two fire brigade vehicles loaded with insecticide had been deployed in all four Jhansi tehsils besides six vehicles were kept ready at the district headquarter. Ten municipal employees with two insecticide spraying machines were posted in every block.

India to advocate for food security, WTO reforms at upcoming Geneva meeting

India to advocate for food security, WTO reforms at upcoming Geneva meeting

Rediff.com19 Oct 2023

Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal is set to attend a two-day meeting from October 23 at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, that would focus on finding solutions and giving the 'necessary political push' for at least some crucial global trade issues. Next week's meeting comes ahead of the WTO's 13th ministerial conference (MC13), scheduled in Abu Dhabi in February 2024. It will see participation of senior government officials from all WTO member nations.

Amul delegates in alleged 'inappropriate act' with woman in New Zealand

Amul delegates in alleged 'inappropriate act' with woman in New Zealand

Rediff.com24 Apr 2023

The New Zealand police on Monday said they have received a "report" wherein it was alleged that two members of a delegation of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), the Amul brand owner, "inappropriately touched" a woman at a trade event in the island country a week ago.

ED seizes beach resort, land of Uddav aide Parab in money laundering probe

ED seizes beach resort, land of Uddav aide Parab in money laundering probe

Rediff.com19 Jul 2023

The ED had attached Sai Resort NX, constructed over the land located at Gut no: 446, Murud in Ratnagiri's Dapoli, in January.

'The expected credit loss model will not dent profits much'

'The expected credit loss model will not dent profits much'

Rediff.com3 Jul 2023

'We will test the waters, ferret out information through our business correspondents, and only then open a branch'

Ratan Tata-promoted Electra EV raises $25 mn

Ratan Tata-promoted Electra EV raises $25 mn

Rediff.com3 Nov 2022

Ratan Tata-promoted Electrodrive Powertrain Solutions or Electra EV has raised USD 25 million in equity capital from GEF Capital for a minority stake. The Tata Group patriarch set up Electra EV in 2017 and the company designs, manufactures and supplies EV powertrains systems across passenger and commercial vehicle segments. It also has products for the agriculture and off-highway segments.

'Is it usual for a store to be empty at 6 pm?'

'Is it usual for a store to be empty at 6 pm?'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2024

'Due to rural stress, volumes continue to remain an issue for the industry, and we are yet to see any revival in demand.'

'I expect 8% growth next year'

'I expect 8% growth next year'

Rediff.com29 Dec 2023

'We will see a lot of investments from the private sector.' 'As long as we are not impacted by some global events, I think we will be in a strong place.'

What Reforms Can We Expect, Modiji?

What Reforms Can We Expect, Modiji?

Rediff.com9 Feb 2024

Assuming we still have a Modi-led majority government after May 2024, there is no guarantee that reforms will move at anything more than a snail's pace, though we must be thankful even for that, notes R Jagannathan.

Future of Reliance belongs to Akash, Isha, Anant, and...: Ambani

Future of Reliance belongs to Akash, Isha, Anant, and...: Ambani

Rediff.com28 Dec 2023

Having created businesses ranging from world's largest single-location oil refining complex to nation's largest mobile network operators in just few years, billionaire Mukesh Ambani says his group Reliance Industries Ltd will never be complacent and will grow to be among the top 10 business conglomerates of the world. Addressing employees on Reliance Family Day - the birthday of the group's founder Dhirubhai Ambani, he said Reliance is now aiming to consolidate a place among global leaders in digital data platforms and AI adoption. "Today, the domestic and global environments for business are changing very fast.

'Minister has converted ED into an extended arm of the BJP'

'Minister has converted ED into an extended arm of the BJP'

Rediff.com11 Jan 2024

'Now the political boss decides, and the ED acts.'