News for 'agricultural productivity'

Retail Inflation Edges Up to 3.48% in April on Costlier Jewellery, Kitchen Staples

Retail Inflation Edges Up to 3.48% in April on Costlier Jewellery, Kitchen Staples

Rediff.com13 May 2026

India's retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), increased to 3.48 per cent in April, up from 3.40 per cent in March, primarily due to a surge in prices of gold and silver jewellery, as well as certain kitchen staples like tomatoes and cauliflower.

Welfare Spending Pushes Four States Into Red

Welfare Spending Pushes Four States Into Red

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Election-related freebies and populist measures are other factors crimping the revenue profile of these states.

Heatwaves Trigger Hidden Ozone Threat

Heatwaves Trigger Hidden Ozone Threat

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

'Can you believe there are over 26,500 deaths linked to heatwave-driven ozone in 2024?'

Avoid Costly Mistakes In ITR Filing

Avoid Costly Mistakes In ITR Filing

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

With more granular reporting and enhanced data matching, mismatches are likely to be identified more quickly.

India-US trade talks end, both sides agree to remain engaged

India-US trade talks end, both sides agree to remain engaged

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India and the US have reported positive progress in recent trade talks in Washington, agreeing to maintain engagement to finalise a bilateral trade agreement, which now requires recalibration following new US tariffs.

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

Rediff.com25 May 2026

'We should expect extreme heat, extreme rains, floods, landslides and maybe cyclones. Not just this year, in the coming year as well.'

91 Life Convicts Released From Telangana Prisons

91 Life Convicts Released From Telangana Prisons

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Telangana Prisons and Correctional Services Department facilitated the release of 91 life convicts who were granted special remission by the state government. The released prisoners include 85 men and six women, all of whom were found eligible for remission under the government's prescribed guidelines.

'Save the farmland': Yuvraj Singh urges Punjab's farmers to reduce chemical fertilisers

'Save the farmland': Yuvraj Singh urges Punjab's farmers to reduce chemical fertilisers

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh has called for a shift away from chemical fertilisers in Punjab, warning that their overuse was degrading soil quality across the state.

India links duty concessions on NZ apples, kiwifruit, honey to agri action plans

India links duty concessions on NZ apples, kiwifruit, honey to agri action plans

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Quota-based duty concessions granted by India to New Zealand for apples, kiwifruit, and Manuka honey are linked to the delivery of agriculture productivity action plans committed by the island country under the free trade agreement.

Farmer groups slam India-US trade deal, call nationwide strike on Feb 12

Farmer groups slam India-US trade deal, call nationwide strike on Feb 12

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Several farmer organisations in India are protesting the proposed India-US trade deal, expressing concerns about its impact on the agriculture sector and demanding the resignation of the Commerce Minister.

India, US to continue efforts to finalise interim trade deal: USTR

India, US to continue efforts to finalise interim trade deal: USTR

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

India and the United States are committed to finalising an interim trade agreement, despite recent challenges including the US imposing a blanket 10 per cent surcharge and India's decision to wait for a new global tariff architecture. The US Trade Representative's annual report highlights India's maintained high import tariffs and various non-tariff barriers across several sectors.

World Bank Chief Advocates 'Small AI' For Farmers

World Bank Chief Advocates 'Small AI' For Farmers

Rediff.com22 May 2026

World Bank President Ajay Banga has advocated for the deployment of 'Small AI' locally deployed artificial intelligence running on inexpensive hardware to address daily problems faced by farmers and rural communities in emerging markets.

India's GDP expands 7.8% in Q4, full year growth hits 7.7%

India's GDP expands 7.8% in Q4, full year growth hits 7.7%

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

India's economy registered a robust 7.7 per cent growth in the fiscal year 2025-26, an increase from 7.1 per cent in the previous year, with the January-March quarter alone seeing a 7.8 per cent expansion.

India will lower tariffs on wide range of US goods to zero per cent: Greer

India will lower tariffs on wide range of US goods to zero per cent: Greer

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The US said India will lower tariffs on a "vast array" of American industrial and agricultural goods, such as "fruits, vegetables", to zero per cent under the trade deal announced by President Donald Trump.

How India's New Phygital Centre Aims to Transform Rural Life in Madhya Pradesh

How India's New Phygital Centre Aims to Transform Rural Life in Madhya Pradesh

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

India has launched its first integrated phygital service centre in Umri village, Madhya Pradesh, aiming to provide online services and boost rural development through digital connectivity and various essential services.

Maruti's Bhargava puts biogas ahead of hybrids, bats for more sops

Maruti's Bhargava puts biogas ahead of hybrids, bats for more sops

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Maruti Suzuki Chairman R C Bhargava is pushing for increased government incentives for biogas-powered vehicles over hybrids, emphasising their net-zero carbon emissions and the valuable organic manure they produce, while also advocating for continued GST benefits for electric vehicles.

Govt to Crack Down on Industrial Users Diverting Cheaper Retail Fuel

Govt to Crack Down on Industrial Users Diverting Cheaper Retail Fuel

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Indian government has issued a stern warning to industrial users who are reportedly procuring cheaper retail fuel instead of industrial-grade fuel, leading to significant losses for state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) and potential local shortages. This diversion, driven by a substantial price difference between retail and bulk diesel, is adversely impacting OMCs, which are absorbing daily losses of approximately 550 crore to keep retail prices stable.

New ITR Rules Taxpayers Must Know About

New ITR Rules Taxpayers Must Know About

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

"Taxpayers with income from shares, mutual funds, crypto, ESOPs, or derivatives often incorrectly use ITR-1 instead of ITR-2 or ITR-3."

India can return to over 7% growth path in FY28: CEA

India can return to over 7% growth path in FY28: CEA

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran stated that India's economy is projected to return to a 7 per cent-plus growth trajectory by 2027-28 (FY28), or sooner if external conditions improve, despite near-term challenges from the West Asia crisis.

Unincorporated Sector Drives Job Growth, Digital Divide Persists

Unincorporated Sector Drives Job Growth, Digital Divide Persists

Rediff.com7 May 2026

India's unincorporated non-agricultural sector, excluding construction and corporate enterprises, added approximately 7.5 million workers in a single year, reaching 128.1 million employed in 2025, according to the NSO's ASUSE 2025 report.

India's Demerger Trend Soars: Over $40 Billion in Deals in 2025

India's Demerger Trend Soars: Over $40 Billion in Deals in 2025

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Indian companies are increasingly opting for demergers, with 29 deals valued at over $40 billion in 2025 alone, marking a 10-year high, as promoters and boards recognise that markets favour focused businesses over complex conglomerates.

How Modi's Austerity Appeal Can Work

How Modi's Austerity Appeal Can Work

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Insights from behavioural economics suggest that an ambitious nudge can be effective if three conditions are met, points out Ram Singh Insights from behavioural economics suggest that an ambitious nudge can be effective if three conditions are met, points out Ram Singh, director, Delhi School of Economics.

The Ladakh Cheese That Won The World!

The Ladakh Cheese That Won The World!

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The amazing story of how a little known cheese from Ladakh stunned the world!

Haryana leads informal job growth, Gujarat sees sharp contraction in 2025

Haryana leads informal job growth, Gujarat sees sharp contraction in 2025

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Haryana recorded the fastest growth in unincorporated non-agricultural employment among major Indian states in 2025, with a 29.8 per cent increase to 3.1 million workers, while Gujarat experienced the sharpest contraction, declining by 12.6 per cent to 8 million.

Store water to better agricultural production: Railway minister

Store water to better agricultural production: Railway minister

Rediff.com2 Jul 2015

Agriculture is based on natural capital, Suresh Prabhu said.

'FIR or privilege motion, I will fight for farmers': Rahul Gandhi

'FIR or privilege motion, I will fight for farmers': Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being 'anti-farmer' and 'selling' the country through the India-US interim trade deal, vowing to stand strongly with farmers.

India, US chief negotiators to begin three-day trade pact talks in Washington from Apr 20

India, US chief negotiators to begin three-day trade pact talks in Washington from Apr 20

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Chief negotiators from India and the US are set to begin three-day talks in Washington to recalibrate the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) framework, following significant changes in the US tariff landscape, including a new 10 per cent tariff imposed on all countries.

India, Venezuela vow long-term energy tie-up

India, Venezuela vow long-term energy tie-up

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

India's procurement of Venezuelan crude oil has picked up momentum since April and the South American nation has already emerged as the third largest oil supplier to the country.

How India's New AI Weather Forecasts Will Help Farmers

How India's New AI Weather Forecasts Will Help Farmers

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched two advanced weather forecast products developed under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), aimed at delivering hyper-local, impact-based and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven weather services across India.

Class 8-12 Students: Apply for vivo Tech Award

Class 8-12 Students: Apply for vivo Tech Award

Rediff.com20 May 2026

vivo India is looking for class 8-12 students from across the country for fully sponsored innovation and product prototyping opportunities at its national tech development platform.

RBI likely to maintain repo rate at 5.25% through FY27, says India Ratings

RBI likely to maintain repo rate at 5.25% through FY27, says India Ratings

Rediff.com20 May 2026

India Ratings and Research predicts the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will maintain the repo rate at 5.25 per cent throughout FY27, despite potential inflationary pressures from higher fuel prices, with inflation expected to remain within the central bank's tolerance band.

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the Cabinet Committee on Security to address the impact of the West Asia conflict on Indian citizens, focusing on safeguarding them from the conflict's effects and ensuring the smooth flow of essential supplies.

Why Gold Loan Boom Needs Caution

Why Gold Loan Boom Needs Caution

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Rapid growth in personal gold loans has raised concerns over borrower leverage, large-ticket exposure and volatility in gold prices, points out Swaminathan J, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India.

FTA to boost marine products; concerns over farm exports' non-tariff barriers

FTA to boost marine products; concerns over farm exports' non-tariff barriers

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

India's marine product exports facing rough weather from punitive US tariffs are expected to get a big boost following the reduction of 26 per cent tariff as part of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), but concerns over non-tariff barriers, which are a dominant aspect of marine trade to the EU, still remain.

Punjab Minister Highlights Role of AI and Innovation in Future Farming

Punjab Minister Highlights Role of AI and Innovation in Future Farming

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian emphasised the importance of innovation, technology adoption, and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of farming at the Smart Agri Summit 2026. He highlighted the need to combine traditional knowledge with data-driven insights to mitigate climate risks and enhance agricultural productivity.

India restricts gold imports to 100 kg under Advance Authorisation scheme

India restricts gold imports to 100 kg under Advance Authorisation scheme

Rediff.com14 May 2026

India has capped gold imports under the Advance Authorisation scheme at 100 kg, a day after significantly increasing import duties on precious metals. This move aims to tighten conditions for duty-free gold imports by jewellery exporters and curb non-essential imports amidst a ballooning import bill.

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

Rediff.com23 May 2026

South India's manufacturing, construction, and services sectors are grappling with severe labour shortages, prompting employers to offer attractive incentives like free air tickets and salary increments to lure migrant workers back from their home states after recent assembly elections.

India clarifies stance on proposed interim trade pact with US

India clarifies stance on proposed interim trade pact with US

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

India has clarified its position on the proposed interim trade agreement with the US, stating that the joint statement remains the basis for mutual understanding. Amendments to a White House fact sheet reflect shared understandings, with both sides working towards finalizing the agreement.

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges Centre Starving West Bengal by Blocking Funds

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges Centre Starving West Bengal by Blocking Funds

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the central government of withholding funds from West Bengal to punish voters for supporting the TMC, while highlighting state-led initiatives to support the population.

When Will India Produce A Trillion-Dollar Company?

When Will India Produce A Trillion-Dollar Company?

Rediff.com2 May 2026

India's first trillion-dollar company will be built on technology it owns, not just operates, predicts Ajay Kumar.