News for 'Union Agriculture'

Former Union minister Bittu held in Punjab for waving liquor bottle at CM's convoy

Former Union minister Bittu held in Punjab for waving liquor bottle at CM's convoy

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

BJP leader and former Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu was detained by Punjab Police after he waved a liquor bottle, eggs, and tomatoes at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's cavalcade, claiming he was 'returning' items previously thrown at his own convoy and protesting alleged misgovernance.

Most Agriculture Ministers Hated Varghese Kurien

Most Agriculture Ministers Hated Varghese Kurien

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

At a function in Anand, ministers and the chief minister all in attendance, Varghese Kurien called the IAS lobby termites.

JD-U softens stand on UCC, says 'will not oppose for no reason'

JD-U softens stand on UCC, says 'will not oppose for no reason'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated that the JD(U) will thoroughly study the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill before deciding on its stance, indicating they will not oppose it without valid reasons. This position contrasts with the RJD's strong opposition and highlights the JD(U)'s independent approach within the NDA.

Congress Accuses Haryana BJP Of Two Years Of Misgovernance

Congress Accuses Haryana BJP Of Two Years Of Misgovernance

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Haryana Congress has strongly criticised the BJP government's two-year tenure in the state, alleging widespread misgovernance, unfulfilled election promises, a surge in crime, and rampant corruption. Senior Congress leaders, including Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Kumari Selja, highlighted issues faced by farmers, traders, and youth, demanding accountability and a white paper on the government's performance.

FM Sitharaman Confident Of India's Double-Digit Economic Growth

FM Sitharaman Confident Of India's Double-Digit Economic Growth

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed strong confidence in India achieving over 10 per cent economic growth, advocating for increased technology adoption and innovation. She urged overcoming scepticism and highlighted technology's transformative role in agriculture and public sector reforms, while also launching a new fund and book at an IIT Madras event.

Karnataka assembly rejects Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats

Karnataka assembly rejects Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Karnataka Assembly has passed a resolution rejecting the K Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats conservation in its current form. The state government urged the Centre to address deficiencies, particularly concerning the inclusion of agricultural lands and human settlements in Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) without proper physical surveys or livelihood support.

Farmers on way to protest in Delhi stopped at Haryana border

Farmers on way to protest in Delhi stopped at Haryana border

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Indian farmers staged a significant protest at the Shambhu border against a proposed India-US trade deal, fearing its detrimental effects on the domestic agricultural sector and demanding its immediate abandonment. They later ended their agitation after assurances from the Haryana Agriculture Minister regarding the release of detained farmers and a meeting with the Union Agriculture Minister.

LIC's top management thins as MD exits, other PSU insurers also face vacancies

LIC's top management thins as MD exits, other PSU insurers also face vacancies

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is facing a thinning of its top management as Managing Director Dinesh Pant exits to join Irdai, leaving one of four MD posts vacant. This comes amidst broader staffing challenges across several public sector insurers and a headless Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB).

How India Can Counter Trump's Tariff Threat

How India Can Counter Trump's Tariff Threat

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Navigating this geopolitical minefield requires a cold-blooded blend of immediate tactical pleading, structural domestic diversification, and aggressive collective resistance, suggests Ambassador Rajasekhar.

How Ethanol Can Transform India's Energy Landscape

How Ethanol Can Transform India's Energy Landscape

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde highlighted ethanol's potential to protect India from volatile petroleum markets and geopolitical risks, advocating for its widespread production and use. He, along with other officials, emphasised ethanol's role in strengthening the rural economy, ensuring timely cane payments, and combating carbon emissions, while also discussing its historical context and current government support.

TMC stripped of key parliamentary panel chairpersonships

TMC stripped of key parliamentary panel chairpersonships

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

The Trinamool Congress has lost the chairpersonship of two significant Parliamentary panels following a reconstitution by Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This development comes after a split in the TMC, with rebel MPs joining the Nationalist Citizen Party and supporting the NDA. The TMC has strongly criticised the move, alleging that Parliament is being turned into a 'deep, dark chamber' due to their exclusion from committee leadership.

Punjab farmers begin week-long protest against Indo-US trade deal

Punjab farmers begin week-long protest against Indo-US trade deal

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Farmers under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha have initiated a week-long protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border, demanding a minimum support price (MSP) based on the C2 plus 50 per cent formula, debt waivers, and opposing the proposed India-US trade deal, Electricity Amendment Bill, and Seed Bill. They also raised concerns about water depletion and sought resolutions based on riparian principles.

FY28 Budget Work Starts Early

FY28 Budget Work Starts Early

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

The Centre has spent 28 per cent of its FY27 capital expenditure budget of Rs 12.21 trillion in the first three months against around 24.5 per cent during the corresponding period a year ago.

TN CM Vijay waives cooperative farm loans up to Rs 75,000

TN CM Vijay waives cooperative farm loans up to Rs 75,000

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced a comprehensive waiver of cooperative farm loans, providing full relief for loans up to Rs 75,000 and partial waivers for higher amounts, benefiting over 1.38 lakh farmers with an additional financial commitment of Rs 953.06 crore.

How Indian Agriculture Initiatives Have Doubled Farmer Income

How Indian Agriculture Initiatives Have Doubled Farmer Income

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan informed the Lok Sabha that government initiatives in the agriculture sector have doubled farmers' income through measures like MSP and fertiliser subsidies.

Putin Offers More Fertilisers To India

Putin Offers More Fertilisers To India

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Russia remains India's biggest fertiliser supplier, with imports rising nearly 40 per cent in 2025.

PIL in SC against govt's 0.4% MDR on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000

PIL in SC against govt's 0.4% MDR on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Centre's decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. The plea argues that the levy was introduced without adequate statutory safeguards, transparency, or public consultation, and questions its constitutional validity and potential adverse effects on merchants and consumers.

'India Should Stop Listening To The US'

'India Should Stop Listening To The US'

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

'If you listen to a rowdy in a class, he will keep on bullying you.' 'India can say do whatever you want. We will not compromise on anything.'

Left to skip Vijay's meet called amid rift in alliance

Left to skip Vijay's meet called amid rift in alliance

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is set to chair a crucial TVK alliance coordination meeting in Chennai. The meeting aims to formalise the ruling coalition's structure, common minimum programme, and joint steering committee. However, the absence of key Left allies and a public rift between TVK and Congress over national leadership aspirations threaten to destabilise the alliance, highlighting a significant test for CM Vijay's political management.

Netas Join '80s Trend. Like It?

Netas Join '80s Trend. Like It?

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Netas are embracing the viral '80s social media trend, sharing AI-generated images and real throwback photos.

Wars, tariffs test BRICS unity as leaders gather in Delhi

Wars, tariffs test BRICS unity as leaders gather in Delhi

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The BRICS summit in New Delhi brings together leaders from major emerging economies to address global challenges like trade disputes, geopolitical upheavals, and the economic impact of conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. India, as chair, aims to position BRICS as an economic growth engine, focusing on the Global South's food, energy, and supply chain security. The summit also highlights the grouping's expansion and its growing influence in global governance.

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Centre has reviewed the monsoon situation, noting a reduced rainfall deficit and ongoing preparedness for the kharif season amidst El Nino concerns. A high-level meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister discussed measures across various sectors, emphasising continuous monitoring and coordinated action to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture, water resources, and essential commodities.

India-US trade deal: How India protects its agriculture, dairy sectors

India-US trade deal: How India protects its agriculture, dairy sectors

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

India has completely protected the interests of its agriculture and dairy sector in the India-US trade agreement.

Vidisha To Get Tata Memorial Hospital Unit For Cancer Treatment

Vidisha To Get Tata Memorial Hospital Unit For Cancer Treatment

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced plans to establish a unit of the Tata Memorial Hospital in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, to provide advanced cancer treatment locally. He also inaugurated a free cancer screening camp and urged public awareness about early detection and prevention, including a social movement against substance abuse.

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Why the industry's public position changed is difficult to say. What the developments did establish, though, is that ethanol-blended petrol has become one of the country's most politically and commercially sensitive policy issues.

Shivraj Chouhan Condemns Murder Of BJP Leader's Assistant

Shivraj Chouhan Condemns Murder Of BJP Leader's Assistant

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has condemned the killing of a BJP leader's personal assistant in West Bengal, accusing the Trinamool Congress of resorting to violence after their electoral defeat.

Xi by his side, Modi warns against 'weaponisation of tech'

Xi by his side, Modi warns against 'weaponisation of tech'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned against the 'weaponisation' of technology and critical minerals at the BRICS summit, advocating for cooperation to foster shared prosperity. Concurrently, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced plans for an open-source AI ecosystem for BRICS nations, positioning Beijing as a key technology partner amid global AI competition.

Southern states back Shah's push for dialogue to settle water disputes

Southern states back Shah's push for dialogue to settle water disputes

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Chief ministers from southern states convened at the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Kovalam, where Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar advocated for the 1971 census as the basis for delimitation and a freeze on Lok Sabha seats, while also addressing the contentious Cauvery water and Mekedatu dam issues.

Some Revealing Facts About India's States!

Some Revealing Facts About India's States!

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

As the world's most populous country, India's economy looks large in the aggregate even as its average incomes stay modest.

Ladakhis get rights over barren land, relief for thousands

Ladakhis get rights over barren land, relief for thousands

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved new rules for the regularisation of 'nautor lands', granting proprietary rights to eligible landholders. This move aims to resolve a long-pending issue, provide legal certainty, and allow land to be used as a financial asset for thousands of residents in the Union Territory.

Union Minister Accuses West Bengal Government of Farmer Injustice

Union Minister Accuses West Bengal Government of Farmer Injustice

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticised the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal for allegedly failing to implement central agriculture schemes, claiming injustice to farmers.

Modi present, NDA meeting showcases India's employment surge, sports boost

Modi present, NDA meeting showcases India's employment surge, sports boost

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NDA leaders reviewed India's progress in international sports and significant growth in youth employment opportunities at their weekly parliamentary meeting.

Saree becomes lifeline as Tamil Nadu pilgrims escape Nepal floods

Saree becomes lifeline as Tamil Nadu pilgrims escape Nepal floods

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

A group of 21 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu faced a terrifying ordeal during a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash when flash floods and mudslides struck Timure, Nepal. Despite being trapped in a raging torrent, a combination of miraculous coincidences, quick thinking, and the selfless heroism of a couple, Ratnakumar and Poonguzhali, ensured their survival. Indian and Tamil Nadu officials coordinated a swift rescue operation, bringing them safely back home.

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Bangladesh-China and Bangladesh-US relations have evolved from reluctant engagement to increasingly consequential strategic partnerships.

High-Powered Committee to Drive Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat, Says FM Sitharaman

High-Powered Committee to Drive Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat, Says FM Sitharaman

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the government's plan to establish a high-powered committee to examine reforms for the banking sector, aligning it with the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and India's next phase of growth.

'We are on your side': Polish envoy backs right to pursue terrorists

'We are on your side': Polish envoy backs right to pursue terrorists

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Polish envoy Piotr Antoni Switalski stated that Poland stands with India in the fight against terrorism, asserting his country's support for India's right to pursue terrorists globally, while also highlighting strong cultural and defence ties between the two nations.

El Nino Revives India's Water Disputes

El Nino Revives India's Water Disputes

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Change of guard in some states and evolving El Nino dynamics are triggering fresh actions on raging water-sharing disputes in several states.

Complaint filed against Union agriculture minister

Complaint filed against Union agriculture minister

Rediff.com4 Jun 2018

Tamanna Hashmi, a social activist, filed the complaint in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Hari Prasad, alleging that the minister had said that the farmers' protests were attempts to grab media attention, and sought a direction for issuing summons to Singh.

Three NCPI MPs skip NDA meeting amid rift among Trinamool rebels

Three NCPI MPs skip NDA meeting amid rift among Trinamool rebels

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers and leaders of the National Democratic Alliance allies on Tuesday attended the ruling coalition's weekly meeting of parliamentarians, where the absence of three Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) MPs stood out amid signs of differences within the 20-member group of Trinamool Congress rebels over its association with the alliance.

Arun Yadav Accuses BJP of Neglecting Farmers and Enabling Mafias in Madhya Pradesh

Arun Yadav Accuses BJP of Neglecting Farmers and Enabling Mafias in Madhya Pradesh

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Arun Yadav has criticised the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, alleging neglect of farmers and the enabling of mafia activities.