News for 'US Department of Agriculture'

15 dead, many hospitalised as north India reels under punishing heatwave

15 dead, many hospitalised as north India reels under punishing heatwave

Rediff.com20 Jun 2024

To ensure immediate cooling of the body, the hospital has set up a first-of-its-kind heatstroke unit.

Akhilesh takes over additional charge of 11 departments

Akhilesh takes over additional charge of 11 departments

Rediff.com21 Mar 2012

In a minor reshuffle, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has taken over the charge of 11 new departments. As per a notification issued in Lucknow, agriculture, foreign trade, export and marketing have been taken away from Agriculture Minister Anand Singh. Akhilesh has been given additional charge of Food and Drug Authority, AYUSH, non-conventional energy sources, infrastructure, coordination, public enterprises, political pension, language, agriculture, foreign trade

Govt plans to make India self-reliant in edible oils

Govt plans to make India self-reliant in edible oils

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

The government will formulate a strategy to make India self-reliant in edible oils by boosting domestic output of oilseeds and launch a comprehensive programme to support dairy farmers, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on Thursday. India imports a large quantity of edible oils to meet the domestic demand. During the 2022-23 marketing year (November-October), the country imported nearly 165 lakh tonnes of cooking oils, valuing a whopping Rs 1.38 lakh crore.

9 held for terror attack on Pakistan's agriculture institute

9 held for terror attack on Pakistan's agriculture institute

Rediff.com3 Dec 2017

Three burqa-clad Taliban terrorists stormed the training institute and opened indiscriminate fire, killing at least 12 people, half of them students, before being shot dead by security forces on Friday.

Will legalising MSP reduce the import bill for edible oils and pulses?

Will legalising MSP reduce the import bill for edible oils and pulses?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2024

The protesting farmers' main demand to legalise the minimum support price (MSP) regime has divided opinion. One school of thought says it would lead to crop diversification and help India keep under check its burgeoning import bill on edible oils and pulses, while another says it would incentivise farmers to produce low-quality crops. Contrary to popular perception, India has a trade surplus in agriculture and allied activities, which stood at $18.65 billion during 2022-23 (FY23) against $15.92 billion in the previous year. However, the surplus was mainly on account of rice, wheat, sugar, spices, and buffalo meat.

Bihar to 'name and shame' farmers who burn crop residue

Bihar to 'name and shame' farmers who burn crop residue

Rediff.com11 Nov 2023

Amid rising air pollution caused by the burning of crop residue, the Bihar government has decided to identify farmers who are indulging in this practice and put up their names at the block offices, officials said on Saturday.

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.

Heatwave grips parts of India; temperature touches 46 degrees C

Heatwave grips parts of India; temperature touches 46 degrees C

Rediff.com21 Apr 2024

Ten to 20 days of heatwave are expected against the normal of four to eight days in the entire April-June period.

Delhi's 52.9 Degree Reading Probably Due to Sensor Error

Delhi's 52.9 Degree Reading Probably Due to Sensor Error

Rediff.com31 May 2024

The Met department blamed the malfunctioning of sensors kept at the Automated Weather Station for the gaffe.

Protect our CPEC workers from terror attacks, China tells Pak

Protect our CPEC workers from terror attacks, China tells Pak

Rediff.com16 May 2024

Pakistan's deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who is in China on a four-day visit, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi co-chaired the fifth round of the foreign minister-level China-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue.

Charan Singh opposed Nehru's socialist economy

Charan Singh opposed Nehru's socialist economy

Rediff.com9 Feb 2024

Chaudhary Charan Singh, who on Friday was conferred with India's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna, is popularly known as a champion of farmers.

Govt seeks to allay concern over 'retaliatory' duty cut on US apples

Govt seeks to allay concern over 'retaliatory' duty cut on US apples

Rediff.com20 Sep 2023

India's recent move to remove additional 'retaliatory' duty on eight products from the United States (US), including apples and walnuts, would not have any negative impact on the domestic producers, the government clarified, even as the issue threatened to snowball into a political slugfest between the ruling and Opposition parties. The move would, in fact, result in competition in the premium market segment, ensuring better quality at better prices for consumers, especially for apples, a senior government official said. "There were certain concerns that were being raised on the mutually agreed solution that has come in, more specific to seven-eight agriculture products where we had levied additional import duties in retaliation to the steel and aluminum measures (imposed by the US)," Peeyush Kumar, additional secretary in the commerce department, told reporters in a briefing.

Dr M S Swaminathan, who made India self-sufficient in food, passes away

Dr M S Swaminathan, who made India self-sufficient in food, passes away

Rediff.com29 Sep 2023

Renowned agricultural scientist M S Swaminathan and the driving force behind the nation's 'Green Revolution,' passed away in Chennai on Thursday.

Lalu's trusted IAS officers placed in sons' departments

Lalu's trusted IAS officers placed in sons' departments

Rediff.com25 Nov 2015

Rashtriya Janata Dal President Lalu Prasad Yadav's two of the most trusted senior IAS officers have been moved into departments held by the party patron's sons in the Bihar cabinet.

FSSAI launches probe into MDH and Everest products

FSSAI launches probe into MDH and Everest products

Rediff.com23 Apr 2024

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has commissioned a quality check on MDH and Everest products. This follows complaints that several popular spice mixes of the two leading brands contained traces of ethylene oxide more than the permissible levels, official sources said. This move by FSSAI comes after Hong Kong and Singapore recalled variants of the two masala majors' products in their countries.

'When innocent children die...': Modi to Putin on Ukraine war

'When innocent children die...': Modi to Putin on Ukraine war

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told Russian President Vladimir Putin that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and peace efforts do not succeed in the midst of bombs and bullets even as he flagged concerns over a missile strike on a children's hospital in Kyiv.

Severe heat wave predicted in many states during Phase 2 of polling

Severe heat wave predicted in many states during Phase 2 of polling

Rediff.com25 Apr 2024

Lakhs of voters will have to bear the searing heat when they step out to exercise their franchise in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Friday.

Predictions of normal monsoon boost prospects for domestic agrochem firms

Predictions of normal monsoon boost prospects for domestic agrochem firms

Rediff.com25 Apr 2024

https://www.rediff.com/business/report/quality-control-orders-what-does-this-mean-for-domestic-industry/20240425.htm

UCC Can Wait, Personal Law Reforms Can't

UCC Can Wait, Personal Law Reforms Can't

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

Crucial reforms in Muslim personal law, especially laws related to inheritance and adoption, need to be initiated forthwith; historically speaking, without the State's backing, hardly has any reform taken place or allowed to prevail, asserts Mohammad Sajjad.

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.

Ajit Pawar and men win big, Shinde and Co lose out in Maharashtra portfolios

Ajit Pawar and men win big, Shinde and Co lose out in Maharashtra portfolios

Rediff.com14 Jul 2023

Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was given the finance and planning portfolio on Friday, nearly two weeks after he broke away from the original party and took oath as Maharashtra's deputy chief minister.

'A prime minister should take the country forward'

'A prime minister should take the country forward'

Rediff.com19 Apr 2024

'The prime minister took a meeting recently and he asked for suggestions and ideas for a plan till 2047.'

Tax Sops Coming In Interim Budget!

Tax Sops Coming In Interim Budget!

Rediff.com23 Jan 2024

To offer additional support at the low end of the income ranges, the Centre will consider a large-scale jump in exemption rates under the old income-tax regime in the vote on account, or interim Budget, according to a senior official in the know. Those will include an extension of the income tax exemption rates close to Rs 7 lakh and additional measures for women farmers.

M&M shifts to high gear with Rs 37K cr investments

M&M shifts to high gear with Rs 37K cr investments

Rediff.com17 May 2024

Automotive (auto) major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), which is readying to launch nine sport utility vehicles (internal combustion engine/ICE), seven Born Electric Vehicles (BEVs), and seven light commercial vehicles by 2030, has outlined an investment of Rs 27,000 crore in its auto business between 2024-25 (FY25) and 2026-27 (FY27). Over the next three years, the company will deploy Rs 37,000 crore, including its auto business, farm business (Rs 5,000 crore), and service business (Rs 5,000 crore).

I'm the luckiest person, says Ram Lalla idol sculptor

I'm the luckiest person, says Ram Lalla idol sculptor

Rediff.com22 Jan 2024

"I have always felt that Lord Ram has been shielding me and my family from all the bad times and I strongly believe that it is him, who chose me for the auspicious task," Yogiraj, who has received effusive praise for his work, told PTI.

K'taka portfolios: Siddaramaiah keeps finance, Shivakumar gets irrigation

K'taka portfolios: Siddaramaiah keeps finance, Shivakumar gets irrigation

Rediff.com29 May 2023

Shivakumar has got the all-important Major and Medium Irrigation and Bengaluru City Development, including the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bangalore Development Authority, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited.

Sitharaman to present sixth Budget in a row

Sitharaman to present sixth Budget in a row

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her sixth straight Budget ahead of the Parliamentary elections, matching the record of former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. Sitharaman in her pre-election Budget, which technically is a vote on account and popularly termed an interim Budget, will seek Parliament's nod for a grant in advance to meet the central government's essential expenditure for the first four months of the new fiscal year that starts in April. A new government elected after the April/May general elections will present the full Budget, likely in July.

Maharashtra passes 10% quota bill for Marathas, leaves OBCs untouched

Maharashtra passes 10% quota bill for Marathas, leaves OBCs untouched

Rediff.com20 Feb 2024

A substantial number of castes and groups are already placed in the reserved category, getting about 52 per cent of reservations altogether. It would be completely inequitable to place the Maratha community in the Other Backward Class (OBC) category, it said.

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.

Govt holds meetings to prepare for adverse monsoon, works on action plans

Govt holds meetings to prepare for adverse monsoon, works on action plans

Rediff.com19 May 2023

With different agencies showing divergent predictions regarding the southwest monsoon, the central government and states are gearing up to face adversity with various line ministries reportedly being directed to undertake mock drills and hold preparatory meetings. Around 56 per cent of the net cultivable area of the country is rain-fed, accounting for 44 per cent of foodgrain production. The June-September rains contribute around 73 per cent of the annual precipitation.

Will 2023 Be A Repeat Of 2015?

Will 2023 Be A Repeat Of 2015?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2023

States have been told to prepare in advance to counter any impact of an adverse southwest monsoon.

Agricultural minister's silence on land bill strategic or tactical?

Agricultural minister's silence on land bill strategic or tactical?

Rediff.com28 Mar 2015

The fact that everyone but Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh is speaking on the issue only gives credence to the specious fears of farmers that this government is out to get them. Aditi Phadnis reports

Gold Loans On RBI, Finance Ministry Radar

Gold Loans On RBI, Finance Ministry Radar

Rediff.com28 Mar 2024

Loan against gold as a product is catching on fast. Let's keep the momentum going, but aim for sustainable growth. A few bad apples should not ruin the brunch, argues Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

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.

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.

Social stock exchange sees its first listing

Social stock exchange sees its first listing

Rediff.com14 Dec 2023

Social stock exchange (SSE) saw its first listing on Wednesday, with SGBS Unnati Foundation becoming the first entity to take this route to avail financing. The foundation - engaged in vocational training of youth - raised Rs 1.8 crore from four investors. These include brokerage firm Zerodha and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard).

Michaung damages infra in Andhra, subsides into cyclonic storm

Michaung damages infra in Andhra, subsides into cyclonic storm

Rediff.com6 Dec 2023

Severe cyclonic storm Michaung crossed south Andhra Pradesh coast close to Bapatla district between 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm on Tuesday with maximum gales of up to 90-100 km per hour speed, said an Amaravati Meteorological Centre official.

Maha to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas

Maha to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas

Rediff.com31 Oct 2023

The decision comes a day after Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said a government-appointed committee scrutinised 1.72 crore old documents (including those of Nizam-era) and among them, 11,530 records were found where Kunbi caste was mentioned.

'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.'

Gehlot's Political Response To Farmers' Debt Problem

Gehlot's Political Response To Farmers' Debt Problem

Rediff.com23 Aug 2023

Banks may become more cautious in extending loans, as more and more farmers may take loans, relying on the assurance that a debt relief commission will back them in the event of default.