News for 'US Department of Agriculture'

How drones can give wings to farmers

How drones can give wings to farmers

Rediff.com13 Nov 2022

So far, the drones that were considered important for the agriculture sector were nature-made winged-insects - a key component of the bee-based natural pollination cycle. The new-age drone is a whirring machine with rotors that can help farmers plan and grow and manage their crops. For the farm sector in India, which has had low levels of mechanisation, the impact of drones can be tremendous. The use of drones can help it leapfrog to modernisation in the same way that mobile phones helped India overcome its traditional lack of connectivity.

Can't refer readopted bills to Prez: SC to TN Guv

Can't refer readopted bills to Prez: SC to TN Guv

Rediff.com2 Dec 2023

The Governor of a state cannot refer bills passed by the legislature and readopted by it for presidential assent, the Supreme Court ruled on Friday, and asked Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi to hold a meeting with Chief Minister M K Stalin in an effort to end the impasse over 10 such pending bills.

Monsoon expected to revive in September: IMD

Monsoon expected to revive in September: IMD

Rediff.com1 Sep 2023

Addressing a press conference virtually, India Meteorological Department Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said September was likely to witness normal rainfall in the range of 91-109 per cent of the long period average of 167.9 mm.

Average tomato prices in Delhi drop to Rs 150 per kg

Average tomato prices in Delhi drop to Rs 150 per kg

Rediff.com17 Jul 2023

Tomato prices in the retail markets of the national capital declined to an average Rs 150 per kg on Monday from Rs 178 per kg on Sunday, according to the government data. However, e-commerce players such as Amazon, Big Basket and Otipy are selling tomatoes at Rs 170-190 per kg in Delhi-NCR. Blinkit is selling at Rs 138 per kg. The Centre is selling tomatoes at a subsidised rate of Rs 80 per kg in Delhi-NCR and some other cities through the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED).

IMD warns of heat spike in northwest, central, east India for 5 days

IMD warns of heat spike in northwest, central, east India for 5 days

Rediff.com23 Feb 2023

Northwest, central and east India are predicted to record maximum temperatures three to five degrees above normal over the next five days, the India meteorological department (IMD) said on Thursday.

Bhujbal wants Maratha quota panel scrapped, issuing Kunbi certificates stayed

Bhujbal wants Maratha quota panel scrapped, issuing Kunbi certificates stayed

Rediff.com27 Nov 2023

Maharashtra cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal has demanded a stay on the Kunbi caste certificates issued to Marathas following their latest agitation for reservation and scrapping of the Justice (retired) Sandeep Shinde committee formed over the quota issue.

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.

FinMin flags El Nino risk for inflation, farm output

FinMin flags El Nino risk for inflation, farm output

Rediff.com24 Feb 2023

The finance ministry on Thursday raised concerns over the possible impact of El Nio conditions on India this year, saying if recent forecasts came true, the country could see lower agricultural output and higher inflation. "Some meteorological agencies predict the return of El Nio conditions in India this year. "If these predictions are accurate, then monsoon rains could be deficient, leading to lower agricultural output and higher prices," the ministry said in its monthly economic review.

How Politicians Prevented Onion Tears

How Politicians Prevented Onion Tears

Rediff.com5 Sep 2023

Even before NCP-Ajit Pawar leaders came to meet in Delhi, the central government decided to buy 200,000 tonnes of onions from farmers at Rs 24.1 per quintal. This was among the highest prices at which onions have ever been bought from farmers.

India may get normal rainfall in Aug-Sept, El Nino influence likely: IMD

India may get normal rainfall in Aug-Sept, El Nino influence likely: IMD

Rediff.com1 Aug 2023

Rainfall in August is predicted to be below normal (less than 94 per cent of LPA), but the situation is expected to improve comparatively in September, the IMD said.

Tauktae to Fani: A look at India's deadliest cyclones

Tauktae to Fani: A look at India's deadliest cyclones

Rediff.com15 Jun 2023

Several major cyclones have hit various parts of India over the last 10 years. Here is a look at the notable among them.

Gujarat farmers to get Rs 1,500 govt aid to purchase smartphones

Gujarat farmers to get Rs 1,500 govt aid to purchase smartphones

Rediff.com21 Nov 2021

The Gujarat government has decided to provide financial assistance of up to Rs 1,500 to farmers in the state for purchasing a smartphone, as per a notification issued by the state agriculture department.

Big boost for agriculture, bags Rs 44,485 crore grant in FY17

Big boost for agriculture, bags Rs 44,485 crore grant in FY17

Rediff.com29 Feb 2016

A provision of Rs 15,000 crore has been made in the budgetary estimate of 2016-17 towards interest subvention.

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.

Fadnavis gets home, finance; BJP bags key portfolios in Maha cabinet

Fadnavis gets home, finance; BJP bags key portfolios in Maha cabinet

Rediff.com14 Aug 2022

Five days after the induction of 18 ministers into his cabinet, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday allocated portfolios, keeping Urban Development and 11 other ministries with himself, while giving the crucial Home Department to Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.

In ChatGPT's shadow, India readies for aggressive AI play

In ChatGPT's shadow, India readies for aggressive AI play

Rediff.com11 Mar 2023

The government has identified nine key focus areas in the AI national programme, including agriculture, education, Indian languages, smart cities, cybersecurity, transportation, and finance.

What was TN governor doing for 3 years, SC asks on pending bills

What was TN governor doing for 3 years, SC asks on pending bills

Rediff.com20 Nov 2023

The Supreme Court on Monday deferred the hearing on the Tamil Nadu government's plea alleging delay by Governor R N Ravi in granting assent to bills passed by the state assembly to December 1.

In a first, forest departments will be given LPG dealerships

In a first, forest departments will be given LPG dealerships

Rediff.com20 Jul 2017

Govt looks to take cooking gas to tiger reserves, Naxal-hit areas

Stringent curbs set in but Delhi's air quality still 'severe'

Stringent curbs set in but Delhi's air quality still 'severe'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2023

The poisonous haze has been causing significant problems for people with existing respiratory issues, according to doctors.

Artificial rain not a sustainable solution to pollution crisis: Experts

Artificial rain not a sustainable solution to pollution crisis: Experts

Rediff.com19 Dec 2023

The sustainable impact of this process is under scrutiny, Tripathi added.

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.

TN assembly re-adopts 10 bills returned by Guv Ravi

TN assembly re-adopts 10 bills returned by Guv Ravi

Rediff.com18 Nov 2023

Stalin, moving the resolution, said without giving any reasons, Ravi had returned the Bills, mentioning "I withhold Assent" to them.

Cyclone Biparjoy may prove to be killjoy for onset of monsoon

Cyclone Biparjoy may prove to be killjoy for onset of monsoon

Rediff.com7 Jun 2023

Cyclone 'Biparjoy', the first storm brewing in the Arabian Sea this year, has rapidly intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, with meteorologists predicting a 'mild' monsoon onset over Kerala and 'weak' progress beyond southern peninsular under its influence.

'The impact of El Nino is always a matter of concern'

'The impact of El Nino is always a matter of concern'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2023

'If because of El Nino, the monsoon is affected adversely in the current year, naturally it will affect income projections and consequently Budget numbers.'

Eight months after rolling back farm laws, Centre sets up MSP panel

Eight months after rolling back farm laws, Centre sets up MSP panel

Rediff.com19 Jul 2022

Nearly eight months after the government repealed the three controversial farm Acts, it has constituted a high-powered panel under the chairmanship of former agriculture secretary Sanjay Agarwal to make the minimum support price (MSP) mechanism more effective and transparent as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his televised address announcing the repeal. The names of three members from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the main grouping that spearheaded the year-long agitation at Delhi's borders, have been withheld, pending receipt by the government, stated a gazette notification. NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand, Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad Professor Sukhpal Singh, Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative chairman Dilip Sanghani, secretaries of the Departments of Agriculture, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Food and Consumer Affairs, Cooperation and Textiles, along with representatives from the state governments of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Odisha will also form part of the panel.

Moonlighting? Be Ready To Pay Tax

Moonlighting? Be Ready To Pay Tax

Rediff.com31 Jul 2023

Failure to disclose any income can lead to penalties and legal issues.

Manipur: Several feared dead in fresh clashes; CM defers rally

Manipur: Several feared dead in fresh clashes; CM defers rally

Rediff.com29 Apr 2023

Rumours are flying that several people were killed and injured in police action in the town, hours after a bandh called by Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) concluded at 4 pm.

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.

23 tableaux in this year's R-Day parade with 'nari shakti' as main theme

23 tableaux in this year's R-Day parade with 'nari shakti' as main theme

Rediff.com22 Jan 2023

A preview of many of the tableaux, some of which are still being constructed or given finishing touches, was held at the Rashtriya Rangshala Camp in the city.

K'tala Cong chief Shivakumar hatched conspiracy with 4 aides to hide cash: ED

K'tala Cong chief Shivakumar hatched conspiracy with 4 aides to hide cash: ED

Rediff.com2 Jul 2022

The about 60-pages prosecution complaint was filed by the federal agency before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court in Delhi on May 24.

Channi keeps 14 portfolios, Amarinder's ministers retain theirs

Channi keeps 14 portfolios, Amarinder's ministers retain theirs

Rediff.com29 Sep 2021

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Tuesday allocated portfolios to the new ministers, keeping 14 departments with himself and giving home affairs to deputy chief minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and health to other deputy O P Soni.

Bengal cabinet okays replacing governor with CM as chancellor of varsities

Bengal cabinet okays replacing governor with CM as chancellor of varsities

Rediff.com7 Jun 2022

The cabinet also agreed to the proposal to remove the governor from the post of the 'visitor' of private universities and give it to the state's education minister instead.

Bhupendra Patel takes oath as Gujarat CM, allots portfolios

Bhupendra Patel takes oath as Gujarat CM, allots portfolios

Rediff.com13 Dec 2022

Patel was administered the oath as the 18th chief minister by Governor Acharya Devvrat at a function held at the Helipad Ground near the new Secretariat.

ISRO, NASA in talks to place Indian on ISS next year

ISRO, NASA in talks to place Indian on ISS next year

Rediff.com8 Sep 2023

India and the US on Friday said they have started talks to put in place a strategic framework for human space flight by year-end as they plan to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station in 2024.

'Economic rebound has run out of steam'

'Economic rebound has run out of steam'

Rediff.com9 Mar 2023

'When the average growth in the last three years was just 2.5%, how does that make us the fastest growing country?' 'They only tell you what has happened in the last 2 years; they are not taking into account what happened in FY21 on account of their mistakes.'

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.

U'khand CM Dhami allots portfolios, keeps over 2 dozen depts for himself

U'khand CM Dhami allots portfolios, keeps over 2 dozen depts for himself

Rediff.com30 Mar 2022

These include home, industrial development (mining), justice, labour, excise, environment conservation and climate change, disaster management and rehabilitation and civil aviation.

Monsoon covers Delhi, Mumbai together, breaks 62-year-old record

Monsoon covers Delhi, Mumbai together, breaks 62-year-old record

Rediff.com25 Jun 2023

While it hit the national capital two days before schedule, its entry into the financial capital is two weeks late, the Met office said.

'India-Canada Ties Won't Sink Further'

'India-Canada Ties Won't Sink Further'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2023

'They are too connected for the relationship to completely sour.' 'It will be difficult to mend this relationship, but it will start with full and clear evidence on the issue in question.'

'Hindutva Is The New Normal'

'Hindutva Is The New Normal'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2023

'Barring Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the BJP will may make inroads in Karnataka, Andhra and Telangana in 2024.'