News for 'agriculture department'

Bihar Aquaponics Farm Blazes A Trail

Bihar Aquaponics Farm Blazes A Trail

Rediff.com16 Jul 2022

'Aquaponics can effectively cushion the impact of a calamity like COVID.'

Monsoon starts retreating; 8 states report deficient rains

Monsoon starts retreating; 8 states report deficient rains

Rediff.com20 Sep 2022

The south-west monsoon on Tuesday started withdrawing from parts of south-west Rajasthan and adjoining Kutch in Gujarat, with at least eight states, including rice bowl states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar reporting deficient rains. It was for the first time since 2016 that the monsoon started withdrawing in the third week of September. "Southwest monsoon has withdrawn from parts of southwest Rajasthan & adjoining Kutch today, against its normal date of withdrawal from southwest Rajasthan of September 17," the India Meteorological Department (IMD) tweeted.

Govt lifts expenditure curbs linked to Covid-19

Govt lifts expenditure curbs linked to Covid-19

Rediff.com24 Sep 2021

The finance ministry on Friday withdrew expenditure curbs on various departments and ministries imposed in June in the wake of the COVID-19 second wave, reflecting improvement in public finances and the urgency to step up growth.

The Theme Of Budget 2023 Will Be....

The Theme Of Budget 2023 Will Be....

Rediff.com13 Jan 2023

'It has been an ongoing process, talking to the relevant ministries about eliminating leakages and curbing non-core expenditure in various schemes.'

US calls for dialogue to resolve farmer protests

US calls for dialogue to resolve farmer protests

Rediff.com5 Feb 2021

Recognising that peaceful protests are a hallmark of a thriving democracy, the United States has said that it encourages dialogue between the protesting farmers and the Indian government to resolve their differences.

RJD minister's outburst irks Nitish, admits to meeting Prashant Kishor

RJD minister's outburst irks Nitish, admits to meeting Prashant Kishor

Rediff.com14 Sep 2022

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Wednesday frowned upon the recalcitrance shown by his Agriculture Minister Sudhakar Singh, who belongs to the Rashtriya Janata Dal, but sought to put the ball in the court of his deputy Tejashwi Yadav, the party's de facto leader.

BJP's no-trust motion against Chhattisgarh govt defeated

BJP's no-trust motion against Chhattisgarh govt defeated

Rediff.com28 Jul 2022

The no-confidence motion moved by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party against the Congress government in Chhattisgarh where assembly polls are due next year, was defeated by voice vote in the state Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

Recipe: Creamy Turkish Patlican Dip

Recipe: Creamy Turkish Patlican Dip

Rediff.com1 Jun 2022

The Turkish version of smoky Baba Ghanoush can be lavishly spread on pita or had in sandwiches with grilled vegetables and halloumi.

Once land of dreaded dacoits, can Chambal be arable land?

Once land of dreaded dacoits, can Chambal be arable land?

Rediff.com27 Aug 2020

The ravines, which are sharp, steep mud hillocks, stretch over three states - Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, once home to several dreaded dacoits have long been the subject of several projects and government schemes to make them agriculturally viable.

How Ajay Banga Can Change The World Bank

How Ajay Banga Can Change The World Bank

Rediff.com14 Apr 2023

The World Bank must become Archimedes's lever to help change the world into a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable planet in the 21st century. The change in leadership now provides that opportunity, observes Ajay Chhibber.

Two-wheel rides saddle up: Growth recovery, valuations to kick-start gains

Two-wheel rides saddle up: Growth recovery, valuations to kick-start gains

Rediff.com24 Apr 2023

After lagging behind other segments in the automotive (auto) space over the past few years, two-wheelers are expected to reverse their volume underperformance. After witnessing a 36.3 per cent volume decline over the 2018-19 (FY19) through 2021-22 (FY22) periods, the sector staged a recovery in 2022-23 (FY23), with volumes rising 17 per cent. While volumes are still a quarter lower than the FY19 peak of 21 million units, a double-digit growth trajectory is expected to prolong.

Heat wave hurting farmers' income as yields drop across several crops

Heat wave hurting farmers' income as yields drop across several crops

Rediff.com11 May 2022

Santosh Patkar of Devgadh Taluka Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra is a worried man these days. Devgadh, which is known as the home to world famous Alphonso variety of mangoes, has seen an unusual drop in yields which is affecting farmers' income. Being one of the primary agricultural produce from the area, Santosh is not untouched by this somewhat rare phenomenon. He said in his own mango garden, yields have come down by a third from most trees.

Pre-Budget Consultations To Begin Soon

Pre-Budget Consultations To Begin Soon

Rediff.com16 Nov 2022

Seven of the meetings will be held in late November or early December at the finance ministry, as is the norm.

The Many Portfolios Of Yogi Adityanath

The Many Portfolios Of Yogi Adityanath

Rediff.com4 Apr 2022

In his second term in office, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has retained 34 portfolios.

India imposes 20% export duty on non-Basmati rice

India imposes 20% export duty on non-Basmati rice

Rediff.com8 Sep 2022

The government on Thursday imposed a 20 per cent export duty on non-Basmati rice except for parboiled rice to boost domestic supplies amid a fall in area under the paddy crop in the current Kharif season. According to a notification by the revenue department, an export duty of 20 per cent has been imposed on 'rice in husk (paddy or rough)' and 'husked (brown) rice'. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs further said the export of 'semi-milled or wholly-milled rice, whether or not polished or glazed(other than Parboiled rice and Basmati rice)' will also attract a customs duty of 20 per cent.

Canada's stand on farmers' protests 'nothing but hypocrisy': BJP

Canada's stand on farmers' protests 'nothing but hypocrisy': BJP

Rediff.com5 Dec 2020

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had recently backed the agitating farmers in India, saying his country will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protests. He had expressed concern over the situation.

Not enough space for cheetahs in Kuno park, says WII ex-official

Not enough space for cheetahs in Kuno park, says WII ex-official

Rediff.com30 Apr 2023

The Wildlife Institute of India's former dean Yadvendradev Vikramsinh Jhala, who was part of the cheetah project in the past, told PTI that KNP has 'inadequate space' for these animals.

Salahuddin's son admits receiving funds to stir trouble in J&K: NIA

Salahuddin's son admits receiving funds to stir trouble in J&K: NIA

Rediff.com25 Oct 2017

NIA says he has also given the names of overseas Hizbul Mujahideen members involved in fund-raising for the terror outfit.

These Scientists Shaped India

These Scientists Shaped India

Rediff.com15 Aug 2023

I suggest we build a Vigyan Mandir (Temple of Science) with the ambience of a place of worship, so that it becomes a destination for pilgrims. We should embed on its walls bronze plaques describing each scientist mentioned here along with about a dozen of our ancient mathematicians, recommends Professor Kalyan Singhal, historian of science and technology.

US waives in-person interviews for H-1B visas

US waives in-person interviews for H-1B visas

Rediff.com24 Dec 2021

Amid growing concerns of surging COVID-19 cases, the US has announced that it will waive the in-person interview requirement for a range of visa applicants during the entire year in 2022, including for H-1B workers and students, many of whom are from India. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

IT dept detects Rs 184-cr black money after raids on Pawar kin, others

IT dept detects Rs 184-cr black money after raids on Pawar kin, others

Rediff.com15 Oct 2021

Pawar had told the media on the day of the raids that the tax searches were also carried out at the premises of his three sisters, one living in Kolhapur district and two in Pune district of Maharashtra.

Bengal: Babul Supriyo among 9 new ministers sworn in

Bengal: Babul Supriyo among 9 new ministers sworn in

Rediff.com3 Aug 2022

Nine MLAs, including Babul Supriyo, took oath as ministers in West Bengal on Wednesday, in a major reshuffle of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's cabinet.

MP CM allocates portfolios, Scindia loyalists get key ministries

MP CM allocates portfolios, Scindia loyalists get key ministries

Rediff.com13 Jul 2020

The 28 new ministers who joined the Chouhan cabinet on July 2 include 20 of cabinet rank and eight ministers of state.

9000 people evacuated in Punjab due to rain, 8 die; Haryana reports 7 deaths

9000 people evacuated in Punjab due to rain, 8 die; Haryana reports 7 deaths

Rediff.com12 Jul 2023

In Punjab, more than 9,000 people were evacuated in Patiala, Rupnagar, Moga, Ludhiana, Mohali, SBS Nagar and Fatehgarh Sahib districts, officials said on Tuesday.

Why are Tamil Nadu government employees committing suicide?

Why are Tamil Nadu government employees committing suicide?

Rediff.com7 May 2015

Constant harassment and pressure to accept bribes has left employees of the Tamil Nadu administration disillusioned, reports R Ramasubramanian from Chennai.

'Orange' alert in North India as intense cold wave continues

'Orange' alert in North India as intense cold wave continues

Rediff.com7 Jan 2023

A severe cold wave brought the minimum temperature down to a numbing 1.5 degrees Celsius at the Ridge weather station in central Delhi.

H-1B, L-1 visa fees to be hiked massively

H-1B, L-1 visa fees to be hiked massively

Rediff.com5 Jan 2023

The Biden administration has proposed a massive hike in immigration fees, including the much sought-after H-1B visas for high-skilled foreign workers, which is very popular among Indian tech professionals. Under the proposed rule, published by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Wednesday, the application for the H-1B visa increases from $460 to $780, and L-1 from $460 to $1,385. The application fee for O-1 visas has been proposed to increase from $460 to $1,055.

43 ministers in Mamata's cabinet take oath

43 ministers in Mamata's cabinet take oath

Rediff.com10 May 2021

Three TMC leaders Amit Mitra, Bratya Basu and Rathin Ghosh were sworn-in virtually. Mitra is unwell and both Basu and Ghosh are recuperating from COVID-19.

Indian telcos surpass 3-year 5G rollout target in six months

Indian telcos surpass 3-year 5G rollout target in six months

Rediff.com1 Mar 2023

Indian telecom operators have surpassed the three- year 5G network rollout target given to them within six months and now the government is making efforts to enhance adoption of 5G applications across various key segments, a senior government official said in Barcelona. Department of Telecom Additional Secretary VL Kantha Rao told PTI at "India Evening" event on the sidelines of Mobile World Congress 2023 that the government has hosted over 50 companies at the India pavilion and the delegation is here to showcase indigenously-developed 4G and 5G technology stack. "When the spectrum was allocated to telecom service providers for 5G rollout, we gave a minimum rollout obligation saying that within one year they have to cover a few cities within three years, a few towns and so on and so forth.

Modi raises H-1B visas issue with Biden: Foreign Secretary Shringla

Modi raises H-1B visas issue with Biden: Foreign Secretary Shringla

Rediff.com25 Sep 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first-ever in-person meeting with President Joe Biden raised a number of issues involving the Indian community in America, including access for Indian professionals in the US and speaking about the H-1B visas, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said.

What Shah's cooperation ministry will do

What Shah's cooperation ministry will do

Rediff.com16 Jul 2021

New ministry will bring much-needed transparency in the functioning of the cooperatives, which so far have been riddled with allegations of political interference and mismanagement.

PM kicks off 'Rozgar Mela' to provide 10 lakh jobs

PM kicks off 'Rozgar Mela' to provide 10 lakh jobs

Rediff.com22 Oct 2022

In his address after more than 75,000 people were given appointment letters for various government jobs in the first tranche, Modi acknowledged the challenges facing the economy the world over with many countries hit by a record inflation and unemployment and said India is making every effort to come out of the situation unscathed.

Deep Sidhu, accused in Red Fort violence case, dies in accident

Deep Sidhu, accused in Red Fort violence case, dies in accident

Rediff.com16 Feb 2022

Actor and activist Deep Sidhu, accused of being the key conspirator of the Red Fort violence on Republic Day last year, died in a road accident on Kundli-Manesar-Palwal highway near Kharkhoda in Haryana's Sonipat, police said.

'Government is doing the right thing'

'Government is doing the right thing'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2022

'It is building the country's infrastructure, and delivering it very efficiently.'

Govt rejects Walmart-Flipkart's bid to enter food retail sector

Govt rejects Walmart-Flipkart's bid to enter food retail sector

Rediff.com1 Jun 2020

The department for promotion of industry and internal trade has rejected Walmart-backed Flipkart's proposal seeking approval for entry to the food retail sector, citing a regulatory issue, an official said on Monday. The government permits 100 per cent foreign direct investment in food retail for food produced and manufactured in India.

Power outage: Jalandhar MSMEs' new struggle

Power outage: Jalandhar MSMEs' new struggle

Rediff.com20 May 2022

With the Covid-19 pandemic showing signs of ebbing and economic activity picking up, factory owners in Jalandhar had hoped that the worst was over. However, the heat wave in April and extensive power cuts that came with it, have crushed their hopes. The city's large number of micro, medium and small enterprises (MSMEs) are now gearing up for yet another struggle, this time to survive with the shortage of power that is severely impacting their operations.

After non-basmati, govt bans export of broken rice

After non-basmati, govt bans export of broken rice

Rediff.com9 Sep 2022

After imposing 20 per cent export duty on non-basmati rice, the government has banned the export of broken rice with an aim to increase domestic availability, according to a government notification.

Monsoon surge in August may lead to crop damage

Monsoon surge in August may lead to crop damage

Rediff.com22 Aug 2020

Reports said that in Telangana and Karnataka, excessive rains the past 10 days has threatened the standing green gram and maize crops and could negatively impact yields if the skies don't open up. But in the north-west and central parts of India, the resurgence of monsoon could not have come at a better time as oilseeds and pulses crops would otherwise had weathered if the rains didn't revive in August.

What Are The Aims Of India's Indo-Pacific Policy?

What Are The Aims Of India's Indo-Pacific Policy?

Rediff.com26 Jun 2023

India's historical focus on its continental borders has overshadowed its maritime ambitions, but that is changing quickly, notes Ajai Shukla.

Gehlot allocates portfolios, retains home, finance

Gehlot allocates portfolios, retains home, finance

Rediff.com22 Nov 2021

The 15 ministers were sworn in on Sunday for the expanded Gehlot cabinet, fulfilling a key demand of former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot whose rebellion last year shook the state's Congress government.