News for 'US Department of Agriculture'

Bharat Rice to be sold at Rs 29/kg in retail market from next week

Bharat Rice to be sold at Rs 29/kg in retail market from next week

Rediff.com2 Feb 2024

The Centre on Friday said it will sell 'Bharat Rice' in the retail market at Rs 29 per kg from next week to give relief to the common man and has also directed traders to disclose rice/paddy stock, as part of its efforts to control prices that have risen by around 15 per cent in the last one year. In a press conference, Union Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra exuded confidence that these two measures along with the various restrictions of exports will help in cooling down the prices. Seeking to dispel market rumours, he categorically said the government has no plans to lift restrictions on rice exports any time soon.

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Nearly eight months after the government repealed the three controversial farm Acts, it has constituted a high-powered panel under the chairmanship of former agriculture secretary Sanjay Agarwal to make the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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

Bilateral trade deal: India to import pork from US

Bilateral trade deal: India to import pork from US

Rediff.com12 Jan 2022

India has agreed to allow import of pork and pork products from the US as a part of a bilateral trade deal which will facilitate export of Indian mangoes and pomegranate to the US. The development comes months after the two governments renewed the India US Trade Policy Forum (TPF), after which both nations agreed to iron out thorny issues that included market access issues pertaining to the agriculture sector.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Portfolios allocated to ministers in Rajasthan; Gehlot keeps 9, Pilot 5

Portfolios allocated to ministers in Rajasthan; Gehlot keeps 9, Pilot 5

Rediff.com27 Dec 2018

Apart from the chief minister and deputy chief minister, 13 cabinet and 10 ministers of state were allocated portfolios.

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.

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.

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.

'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.'

India gets USDA nod to export mangoes to America

India gets USDA nod to export mangoes to America

Rediff.com11 Jan 2022

India has secured approval of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the export of domestic mangoes to America in the new season, the commerce ministry said on Tuesday. The export of Indian mangoes has been restricted by the US since 2020 as the USDA inspectors were unable to visit India for inspection of irradiation facilities due to restrictions imposed on international travel because of the COVID-19 pandemic. On November 23, 2021, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the USDA signed a framework agreement for implementing the "2 Vs 2" agri-market access 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.

'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.'

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Goa CM distributes portfolios, retains home, finance

Goa CM distributes portfolios, retains home, finance

Rediff.com3 Apr 2022

Vishwajit Rane, who had unsuccessfully lobbied for the CM's post, has been given crucial Health and Town and Country Planning Portfolios along with Urban Development, Women and Child, and Forest departments.

Did poverty and inequality spike during Covid?

Did poverty and inequality spike during Covid?

Rediff.com20 Mar 2023

Claims of a spike in poverty and inequality in India during the Covid-19 pandemic are patently false as such claims are based on uncomparable different surveys, according to a paper co-authored by eminent economist Arvind Panagariya. The paper also noted that inequality fell in the country during Covid years, both in rural and urban areas as well as nationally. Panagariya, Columbia University Professor and former vice chairman of NITI Aayog and Vishal More of Intelink Advisors, New Delhi have co-authored a detailed paper 'Poverty and Inequality in India: Before and After Covid-19'.

Uddhav strips 9 rebel ministers of portfolios, reassigns to others

Uddhav strips 9 rebel ministers of portfolios, reassigns to others

Rediff.com27 Jun 2022

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has handed over portfolios of nine rebel ministers, who are currently camping in Guwahati, to other ministers.

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.

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.

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.

Nitish keeps home, Tejashwi gets health; JD-U ministers get depts back

Nitish keeps home, Tejashwi gets health; JD-U ministers get depts back

Rediff.com17 Aug 2022

Portfolios were on Tuesday allocated in the new Bihar cabinet headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who, predictably, retained the all-important home department which helps him keep direct control on the state police.

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.

Rs 6,000 cr scam accused may get Maha cabinet berth

Rs 6,000 cr scam accused may get Maha cabinet berth

Rediff.com10 Aug 2022

All the Shiv Sena rebels who had resigned as ministers of the previous MVA government to join the Shinde camp were inducted into the new cabinet on Tuesday.