News for 'Directorate of Agriculture'

Skymet predicts below-normal monsoon, drought in India

Skymet predicts below-normal monsoon, drought in India

Rediff.com10 Apr 2023

India is likely to experience below-normal monsoon rainfall this year, with a 20 per cent chance of drought due to the end of La Nina conditions and the potential for El Nino to take hold, private forecasting agency Skymet Weather said on Monday.

Nitish free to sack me, says Bihar agri minister who complained of graft

Nitish free to sack me, says Bihar agri minister who complained of graft

Rediff.com15 Sep 2022

Bihar Agriculture Minister Sudhakar Singh Thursday said that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar could "sack" him for his perceived defiance but he will not step down unless asked to do so by the top leadership of his party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal.

Wayanad May Not Be A Breeze For Rahul

Wayanad May Not Be A Breeze For Rahul

Rediff.com16 Apr 2024

Wayanad will continue to support Rahul but not to the same extent as in 2019, when his margin of victory had been enormous. Articulate, to the point and speaking in fluent Malayalam, CPI's Annie Raja, had the people who gathered to see her, listening in rapt attention, notes Shyam G Menon.

'Farmers are not enjoying any freedom'

'Farmers are not enjoying any freedom'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2022

'We will be hoisting the tiranga, but this kind of celebration is uncalled for when the farmers in this country are dying by suicides, their families are ravaged by poverty and farmers are not enjoying any freedom.'

A Week In The Life Of A PSU Banker

A Week In The Life Of A PSU Banker

Rediff.com12 May 2023

'The CM kept his cool, but his adviser was liberal with filthy language.' Tamal Bandyopadhyay recreates the diary of a general manager in a public sector bank, providing a glimpse of how they balance their work and life.

Day after Skymet's warning, IMD predicts normal south-west monsoon

Day after Skymet's warning, IMD predicts normal south-west monsoon

Rediff.com11 Apr 2023

The country can expect normal rainfall during the southwest monsoon season as a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and a lower snow cover over the northern hemisphere are likely to counter the evolving El Nino conditions, the India meteorological department (IMD) said on Tuesday.

These Scientists Shaped India

These Scientists Shaped India

Rediff.com15 Aug 2023

I suggest we build a Vigyan Mandir (Temple of Science) with the ambience of a place of worship, so that it becomes a destination for pilgrims. We should embed on its walls bronze plaques describing each scientist mentioned here along with about a dozen of our ancient mathematicians, recommends Professor Kalyan Singhal, historian of science and technology.

At 6.8%, July's unemployment was lowest in 6 months

At 6.8%, July's unemployment was lowest in 6 months

Rediff.com2 Aug 2022

The country's unemployment rate in July fell to 6.80 per cent, the lowest level in the last six months, amid rising agriculture activities during monsoon, according to Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) data. The unemployment rate dropped to 6.80 per cent in July from 7.80 per cent in June, the CMIE data said. Rural unemployment declined 6.14 per cent to 272.1 million last month from 265.2 million or 8.03 per cent in June, it said.

Govt to now sell discounted tomatoes at Rs 80/kg

Govt to now sell discounted tomatoes at Rs 80/kg

Rediff.com16 Jul 2023

The Centre will sell tomatoes at Rs 80 per kg from Sunday, as against Rs 90 per kg earlier, to provide relief to people from high prices of the key kitchen item in retail markets.

Exports fall by 12.7% in April; trade deficit at 20-month low

Exports fall by 12.7% in April; trade deficit at 20-month low

Rediff.com15 May 2023

The decline in exports is mainly on account of poor demand in India's key destinations -- the Europe and the US -- and it may take some more months for the situation to improve. The demand scenario is "not looking very good as far as Europe is concerned, and the US also we have seen a decline in demand. "For the next 2-3 months, I think the demand scenario does not look very optimistic," DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade) Santosh Kumar Sarangi told reporters.

Bain to buy 90% stake in Adani Capital and Adani Housing for Rs 1,600 cr

Bain to buy 90% stake in Adani Capital and Adani Housing for Rs 1,600 cr

Rediff.com24 Jul 2023

The Adani group has exited the financial services business by selling its entire 90 per cent stake in Adani Capital and Adani Housing to private equity (PE) firm Bain Capital for Rs 1,440 crore. The total valuation of the Adani financial services business stands at Rs 1,600 crore. Gaurav Gupta, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Adani firms will hold the rest of the stake.

'India is a equity market to invest in'

'India is a equity market to invest in'

Rediff.com13 Jul 2023

'India is an equity market with a breadth and depth of companies to invest in.'

Is The Congress Doomed?

Is The Congress Doomed?

Rediff.com7 Dec 2023

The Congress needs to reorganise itself at the grassroots, infuse younger blood, and have more boots on the ground. Just offering freebies is not the answer anymore. Leadership matters, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Mamata to meet Modi, Sonia during 4-day Delhi visit

Mamata to meet Modi, Sonia during 4-day Delhi visit

Rediff.com4 Aug 2022

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is arriving in New Delhi on Thursday for a four-day visit during which she is likely to meet senior leaders and attend a Niti Aayog meeting on August 7, sources said.

Farm laws: Centre to take states route

Farm laws: Centre to take states route

Rediff.com29 Nov 2021

'As far as contract farming is concerned, we already have a model Act and states will be encouraged to adopt them.'

Chhattisgarh poll: The issues BJP, Cong are banking on

Chhattisgarh poll: The issues BJP, Cong are banking on

Rediff.com12 Oct 2023

The ruling Congress is seeking to retain power in Chhattisgarh by banking on the welfare schemes of the Bhupesh Baghel government, while the Bharatiya Janata Party is hoping to corner it on the issues of alleged corruption, religious conversions and unfulfilled poll promises.

India to see 'significantly' higher number of heatwaves from Apr-Jun

India to see 'significantly' higher number of heatwaves from Apr-Jun

Rediff.com1 Apr 2023

Above-normal heatwave days are predicted in most parts of central, east and northwest India during this period.

Are you 'fit' enough to be a bank director?

Are you 'fit' enough to be a bank director?

Rediff.com12 Jun 2013

The YES Bank family tussle puts focus on RBI guidelines on appointment of directors.

UPSC takes 31 pvt sector experts as jt secretaries

UPSC takes 31 pvt sector experts as jt secretaries

Rediff.com8 Oct 2021

Minister of state for personnel Jitendra Singh said it is a major step to place the right talent for the right role.

Ajit Pawar back as deputy CM for 3rd time in 4 yrs

Ajit Pawar back as deputy CM for 3rd time in 4 yrs

Rediff.com2 Jul 2023

Pawar, who was also the deputy CM in the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, which was in power from November 2019 to June 2022, enjoys the image of a grassroot leader and an able administrator.

GEAC clears environmental release of GM mustard

GEAC clears environmental release of GM mustard

Rediff.com27 Oct 2022

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has recommended the environmental release of the genetically modified (GM) mustard variety DMH (Dhara Mustard Hybrid)-11, paving the way for the commercialisation of the country's first GM food crop. The GEAC said the recommendation was valid for four years from the date the approval letter was issued. Further studies and coordinated trials will have to be conducted jointly with the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) within two years, according to the minutes of the GEAC meeting held on October 18, which was released on Wednesday.

IMF convinced about India's G-20 leadership

IMF convinced about India's G-20 leadership

Rediff.com13 Jan 2023

The international community counts a lot on India's leadership of the G-20 at a time when the world is faced with the continued economic slowdown and social distress, the chief of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva has said. "India, which is the president of G-20 countries, remains among the countries that perform better than the global average and by a good percentage," IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva told reporters during a media roundtable on Thursday. India formally assumed the G20 (Group of 20) Presidency on December 1.

Don't panic! Bad June doesn't mean bad monsoon

Don't panic! Bad June doesn't mean bad monsoon

Rediff.com22 Jun 2023

The southwest monsoon has started on a weak note and this has delayed the sowing of kharif crops. Though a cause for concern, the situation hasn't reached a stage where it warrants any panic response. Moreover, according to meteorologists and industry players, monsoon rains will witness a revival in the coming few weeks.

Former MyGovIndia chief Gaurav Dwivedi is new Prasar Bharati CEO

Former MyGovIndia chief Gaurav Dwivedi is new Prasar Bharati CEO

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

Senior IAS officer and former MyGovIndia chief Gaurav Dwivedi was on Monday appointed the Chief Executive Officer of public broadcaster Prasar Bharati. A 1995-batch officer of Chhattisgarh cadre, Dwivedi will have a five-year tenure from the date he assumes charge. Currently, he is posted as Principal Secretary, Commercial Tax, in the Chhattisgarh government. "The President of India has today appointed, after due recommendation by the Selection Committee, Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, as Executive Member (Chief Executive Officer) in Prasar Bharati for a period of five years from his assumption of charge," a statement from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said.

Secret behing the success of Indian Bank

Secret behing the success of Indian Bank

Rediff.com20 Feb 2023

Indian Bank expects recoveries to be more than slippages in this financial year, which will result in improved asset quality.

Like Uber, You Can Book A Drone Soon

Like Uber, You Can Book A Drone Soon

Rediff.com25 Apr 2023

E-commerce players may soon rent out drones, so you can use them the way you book a cab on an app, and test viable use-cases for last-mile delivery.

What You Must Know About Animall App

What You Must Know About Animall App

Rediff.com14 Aug 2023

Neetu Yadav and Kirti Jangra teamed up to create an app that is possibly the platinum standard for apps targeted at Bharat.

Impact of untimely rain on wheat crop marginal

Impact of untimely rain on wheat crop marginal

Rediff.com5 Apr 2023

There has not been a large impact of untimely rain and hailstorm so far in several major wheat-growing areas, and those might have damaged around 3 per cent of the standing crop -- not enough to make a big dent in the expected 112 million tonnes of production in FY24, a senior government official said on Tuesday. Relentless rain pounded most North Indian states all through March. Separately, the chairman of Food Corporation of India (FCI), Ashok K Meena, told reporters the agency was on track to achieve the targeted 34 million tonnes of procurement in FY24 on the back of a strong start to the purchase season from Madhya Pradesh.

Court calls Raut's arrest illegal, witch-hunt, asks why Wadhawans were spared

Court calls Raut's arrest illegal, witch-hunt, asks why Wadhawans were spared

Rediff.com9 Nov 2022

The arrest of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut in a money laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was "illegal" and a "witch-hunt", a special court in Mumbai said on Wednesday while granting him bail in the Patra Chawl redevelopment matter.

What Manipur govt's latest status report to SC says

What Manipur govt's latest status report to SC says

Rediff.com10 Jul 2023

The report urged the top court that the matter may be taken up by the petitioners and other parties with utmost sensitivity as any misinformation or rumour or even suspicion may aggravate the situation in Manipur, where things are slowly returning to normal with the concerted efforts of the central and the state governments.

NDA Better For Economy Than INDIA In 2024

NDA Better For Economy Than INDIA In 2024

Rediff.com31 Aug 2023

What is most troubling is that not a single party that is part of INDIA has talked about any kind of reform and economic sense, argues R Jagannathan.

Mulayam, Ustad Zakir Hussain, SM Krishna get Padma Vibhushan

Mulayam, Ustad Zakir Hussain, SM Krishna get Padma Vibhushan

Rediff.com25 Jan 2023

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav is among six personalities chosen for this year's Padma Vibhushan.

Niti Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar steps down

Niti Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar steps down

Rediff.com22 Apr 2022

The government on Friday appointed Suman K Bery as the vice chairman of Niti Aayog, following the sudden resignation of Rajiv Kumar.

Monsoon onset over Kerala to be delayed

Monsoon onset over Kerala to be delayed

Rediff.com16 May 2023

The onset of the southwest monsoon is being keenly watched this year as it may provide an early sign regarding its progress over the Indian subcontinent, particularly when El Nio is expected to rear its head during the latter half of the season.

Hotter summer likely in 2023, parts of India to see above normal temperature

Hotter summer likely in 2023, parts of India to see above normal temperature

Rediff.com14 Mar 2023

At the review meeting, chaired by cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba in New Delhi, the IMD said above normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of northeast, east and central India and some parts of northwest India.

Do the Supreme Court panel members support the farm laws?

Do the Supreme Court panel members support the farm laws?

Rediff.com13 Jan 2021

Where do the four members of the Supreme Court appointed panel to interface with farmers stand on the Modi government's farm laws?

Farm scientist refuses to accept award in solidarity with farmers

Farm scientist refuses to accept award in solidarity with farmers

Rediff.com9 Dec 2020

Varinderpal Singh was joint winner of Fertiliser Association of India Golden Jubilee Award for Excellence for the best work done in the field of plant nutrition.

Indo-Australia trade pact: Over 6000 products to get free access

Indo-Australia trade pact: Over 6000 products to get free access

Rediff.com28 Dec 2022

The interim free trade agreement between India and Australia will come into force on Thursday, providing duty-free access to thousands of domestic goods such as textiles, and leather in the Australian market. The agreement will help almost double the bilateral commerce to $45-50 billion in around five years, according to exporters and industry players. The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which was signed on April 2, would provide duty-free access to Indian exporters of over 6,000 broad sectors, including textiles, leather, furniture, jewellery and machinery in the Australian market.

Unemployment rate zooms to 1-year high of 8.3% in Aug

Unemployment rate zooms to 1-year high of 8.3% in Aug

Rediff.com1 Sep 2022

India's unemployment rate surged to a one-year high of 8.3 per cent in August as employment sequentially fell by 2 million to 394.6 million, according to data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). During July, the unemployment rate was at 6.8 per cent and the employment was 397 million, the CMIE data added. "The urban unemployment rate is usually higher at about 8 per cent than the rural unemployment rate, which is usually around 7 per cent.

PSB reforms only on paper; 10 don't even have chairman

PSB reforms only on paper; 10 don't even have chairman

Rediff.com10 Aug 2021

The talk of governance reforms at public-sector banks seems to remain on paper, as a majority of them continue to be working with just a handful board members. Half of the board seat at these banks have been vacant. Ten of the 12 public-sector banks, even large ones like Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank and Union Bank of India - all except State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda - don't even have a chairman. In 2014, while splitting the post of chairman & managing director (CMD), the government had decided to appoint non-executive chairmen at these banks. SBI, which has an executive chairman and four managing directors, was an exception.