India and the United States are close to finalising a trade agreement that could significantly lower tariffs on Indian exports. Sources suggest tariffs might fall to around 15-16%, a substantial drop from the current 50%. This potential deal hinges on key areas like energy and agriculture. One major point of discussion is India’s imports of…
Farmers in Maharashtra are facing a severe crisis as onion prices have plummeted, making it unprofitable to even sell their produce. Many are opting to destroy their harvested onions rather than transport them to market. This situation highlights the financial distress many farmers are experiencing. The recent onion harvest has been particularly challenging. Heavy rains…
Indian farmers may face higher costs for fertilizers this upcoming rabi (winter) season. China, a major global supplier, has stopped exporting urea and specialty fertilizers from October 15. This decision affects not only India but also other countries worldwide. China had only recently resumed fertilizer exports in May after a period of increased inspections. The…
Eminent ecologist Madhav Gadgil has once again called for the repeal of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 (WLPA). He stated that the Act is “anti-people” and that the Forest Department, which he believes is “helpless in protecting human lives from wildlife,” should be dismantled. Gadgil made these remarks during an online convention announcing the…
The Rajasthan High Court has put a temporary stop to the sale, manufacture, distribution, and import of any genetically modified (GM) food products in India. This decision comes after the court ordered the government and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to create clear regulations for GM foods within the next six…
Scientists have discovered that the tiny microbes living in rice fields play a crucial role in how much arsenic, a harmful substance, ends up in our rice. A new study shows that a balance between certain types of bacteria and archaea can either increase or decrease the risk of arsenic building up in rice grains….
Our planet’s oceans are becoming less green, a concerning change linked to global heating. A recent study reveals that this shift is due to a decrease in phytoplankton, tiny marine organisms vital for life on Earth. Phytoplankton are responsible for almost half of the planet’s biological productivity, and their decline has serious implications for oxygen…
US President Donald Trump’s recent statement about stopping soybean oil imports from China is unlikely to cause major changes for Beijing, according to industry experts. This comes as China has not bought any US soybeans this season, putting pressure on soybean prices. Prices are currently around $10 per bushel. China has completely stopped buying US…
In the Ganjam district of Odisha, September brings a golden glow to the fields as foxtail millet ripens. This harvest time is marked by ‘Tammne Abdoor’, a special festival celebrated by the Saura community. It’s a time of joy and gratitude for the bounty of the land. Farmers in villages like Balisahi, Dharakote block, treat…
Khanna Police in Punjab have arrested eight individuals in connection with a large-scale Ponzi scam. The scam involved an organic farming firm called “Generation of Farming.” The firm allegedly promised investors exceptionally high returns, leading to over 23,000 people investing a total of Rs 170 crore. According to Khanna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jyoti…
