Agriculture

After a period of heightened tensions marked by airstrikes between Pakistan and Islamabad, diplomatic efforts are underway as Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday embarked on a three-day visit to Pakistan aimed at bolstering bilateral ties.

States such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are among the worst affected. Experts warn of adverse impacts on agriculture, water resources, and rural livelihoods if the dry spell persists or worsens.

The Indian Meteorological Department predicts above-normal rainfall for Karnataka's 2024 monsoon, providing much-needed relief from recent drought conditions. With the monsoon typically accounting for 74% of annual rainfall, this year’s increase is expected to enhance agricultural yields and improve water availability, significantly benefiting the state’s economy and ecology.

In a recent viral video interview, veteran journalist Karan Thapar took Congress Manifesto Committee member Praveen Chakravarty to task over the party's stance on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

Chikkamagaluru, known for its lush greenery and rivers, faces a severe drought, with key rivers like Tunga-Bhadra and Hemavati drying up due to a year-long absence of rain. Communities, especially those reliant on agriculture like Coffee Land, are in crisis, with dwindling water reserves posing a threat to their well-being. Efforts to mitigate the situation are ongoing but insufficient.

Bengaluru experienced its driest March on record, with not a single drop of rain recorded in the city despite forecasts predicting significant rainfall. The absence of rain led to scorching temperatures, reaching a high of 36.6 degrees Celsius on March 31st. Residents are worried about the impact on agriculture, water resources, and the environment.

Karnataka is reeling under a severe heatwave, with temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius in several regions. Tragedy struck as a laborer died while working, suspected to be due to heatstroke or heart attack. The Meteorological Department warns of a tropical wave expected to hit several districts. 

In the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Thrissur constituency in Kerala becomes a key battleground. The Congress witnesses a surprise twist as K Muraleedharan shifts from Vadakara and BJP's Suresh Gopi seeks vote again while the Left Front backs VS Sunil Kumar, a prominent CPI leader and former Agriculture Minister.
 

Author Shantanu Gupta has launched a new comic book titled "101 Reasons, Why I Will Vote For Modi," aimed at urging voters to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, commencing on April 19.

Reflecting on his trip, Bill Gates expressed eagerness to return and highlighted his interactions with diverse stakeholders, including political leaders, scientists, and grassroots activists. He praised India's innovation ecosystem and emphasized the transformative impact of the Gates Foundation's initiatives in the country

The people of Kashmir are jubilant as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for his first visit since the abrogation of Article 370. His visit is marked by chants of 'Modiji Zindabad' in Srinagar, where he will participate in the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir’ initiative

Titled 'Modi aayenge Modi aayenge, Kamal khilayenge, jhanda leharayenge,' the song welcomes the Prime Minister and celebrates his government's actions. Meanwhile, security measures have been heightened by the Jammu and Kashmir administration in anticipation of PM Modi's visit to the Valley

The salary of the state government employees, which was delayed for three days, will be credited today. The salary of employees working in 12 departments including agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry, cooperation, and industries is to be paid.

Gates said that he talked about Artificial Intelligence, women-led development, innovation in agriculture, health and climate adaption and taking lessons from India to the world, among other things, with the Prime Minister.

The Kerala government has allotted Rs 33 lakh for the face-to-face programme of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan which will be held for the agriculture sector in the state next month. The development comes amid a severe financial crisis in the state.