AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT
USDA SNAP rule change: 6.3 million Americans face food stamp cuts as $44 billion savings plan targets 46 states; could children also lose automatic free school meals?
The USDA wants to end a food stamp eligibility rule that could leave 6.3 million Americans without SNAP benefits. The proposed change targets 3.2 million households across 46 states and could save the federal government more than $44 billion from 2027 to 2031. But the impact goes beyond food aid, as millions of families could also lose automatic access to free school meals.
NECTAR to host international workshop on cold plasma and pulse power in Shillong
The Northeast Center for Technology Application and Reach will hold the COFHA workshop in Shillong in December 2026. Participants will include scientists, engineers, and researchers from India and abroad. The workshop aims to explore cold plasma applications in various sectors, including food and agriculture. Sessions will cover food safety, seed treatment, and biomedical applications, focusing on emerging technologies. Keynote speakers will include experts from prominent universities around the world.
Greenjoules raises ₹150 crore in Series B funding, secures ₹100 crore TDB loan
Greenjoules has raised ₹150 crore in Series B funding from investors including Amazon’s Smbhav Venture Fund and Climate Pledge Fund, Rainmatter and Singularity, and secured another ₹100 crore loan from the government-backed Technology Development Board. The ₹250 crore financing will support a new Pune plant capable of producing 200,000 litres of biocrude a day from agricultural waste, with the company also planning to expand into sustainable aviation fuel and green hydrogen.
Wheat hits lowest since June ahead of Black Sea peace talks
The conflict has damaged ports amid escalating strikes in the Black Sea region, and disrupted exports of wheat from Russia and Ukraine, two of the world’s biggest suppliers of the grain.
Trump administration moves to cut food stamps for 6.3 million people
A proposed rule issued by the US Department of Agriculture would curb automatic eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, also known as food stamps, for households receiving cash aid under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program.
USDA flags frozen beef, pork and chicken products over hidden allergens. Check the affected lot codes and what to do
A public health alert has been issued by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service regarding frozen meat products from Betterballen Foods LLC. The alert highlights misbranding issues along with undeclared allergens, specifically sesame and anchovy. Consumers are urged to return or dispose of these products if found, although there have been no illness reports linked to them as per health officials.
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From lab to farm: How Proximal Soilsens is developing a ‘glucometer’ for soil testing
Developed over nearly a decade of research at IIT Bombay, Proximal Soilsens’s patented NutriSense X aims to make laboratory-grade soil testing portable, faster and accessible. The device tests multiple soil parameters in seconds, without requiring electricity or elaborate laboratory infrastructure.
Florida brought in Old World climbing fern as an ornamental; the vine later smothered more than 100,000 acres and can carry ground fires into tree canopies
Once admired for its ornamental beauty, the old world climbing fern has now wreaked havoc on Florida's ecosystems. This invasive plant grows rampantly, enveloping trees and choking out native flora, while also altering fire dynamics. The heightened fire risk threatens tree vitality and wildlife habitats, complicating management efforts. Although options like herbicides and physical removal exist, these methods face challenges in less accessible areas.
Why Is the Setting Sun Worshipped Before the Rising Sun During Chhath Puja? Know the Significance
Chhath Puja follows a tradition rarely seen in other Hindu festivals: devotees offer Arghya to the setting Sun before worshipping the rising Sun the next morning. But why does the festival begin its most important solar offerings with sunset? The answer lies in its understanding of gratitude, nature, life's cycles and the belief that the Sun deserves reverence at every stage.
Andhra CM Naidu orders immediate financial aid for Cyclone Murasu-hit families, steps to curb price rise
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to provide immediate financial assistance to families affected by Cyclone Murasu, ensure uninterrupted supplies of essential commodities and curb price rise. The state has distributed relief supplies to 3.8 lakh families, while power restoration and crop damage assessments remain underway.
E20 petrol supplied by PSU oil firms meets prescribed quality standards: Oil Min
The government's statement confirmed compliance of 893 petrol samples with prescribed ethanol content standards. Karnataka's Department of Food contested these findings, claiming higher ethanol levels in some petrol samples. Oil marketing companies asserted their sampling procedures were not followed during inspections in Karnataka. They requested access to sampling documentation and proposed joint testing of the ethanol content.
El Nino trigger: Rabi contingency plan drawn up for 225 districts amid rainfall deficit
The govt has developed a rabi contingency plan in response to the southwest monsoon's rainfall deficit. With concerns over soil moisture and reservoir levels, the plan targets 225 districts facing crop planning challenges. Recent rains have improved some reservoir levels, prompting a reassessment of the original strategies. Additionally, rising food prices and rice stocks have led to new regulatory measures across several states.
Bayer to invest Rs 200 crore in Karnataka R&D facility, create 220 jobs
Bayer Science and Innovation has signed an MoU to invest Rs 200 crore in Karnataka for an R&D facility. This investment will be made over the next seven years and aims to create 220 jobs. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled before the Global Investors Meet planned for April next year. Bayer already has facilities in Bengaluru.
USDA to launch AI tool to check crop production data after errors
After the USDA discovered errors in its corn data from September, officials determined the AI tool would have flagged the problem and decided to use it on the crop production report due on November 10, USDA Under Secretary Scott Hutchins said in an interview.
China confirms discussions are underway on a historic Xi-Trump-Putin meeting
Beijing has officially indicated it is coordinating a meeting between the leaders of China, the U.S., and Russia. This historic gathering may take place in Shenzhen later this month during a regional summit. Experts suggest the discussions will likely be superficial and primarily focused on optics rather than substantive issues. Both the U.S. and China are dealing with ongoing trade tensions and disagreements over multiple topics.
Dead animals, swollen eyes, rat poison: Ohio breeder hid 800 chinchillas from inspectors for years; over 1,100 surrendered after shocking discovery
Dead animals, swollen eyes and open packets of rat poison were among the disturbing conditions uncovered at an Ohio chinchilla breeding facility. Federal inspectors also discovered that the breeder had allegedly hidden around 800 chinchillas in a separate building for years to avoid inspections. Following a federal investigation and a court-approved settlement, R & R Chinchilla Inc. has agreed to surrender more than 1,100 animals.
Cyclone Murasu wreaks havoc in Andhra Pradesh, causing Rs 1,919 crore in damages and affecting thousands: CM
Cyclone Murasu struck Andhra Pradesh, leading to an estimated damage of Rs 1,919 crore. The cyclone affected over 1.8 lakh farmers, causing significant agricultural losses across several districts. At least eight fatalities were reported, with rescue and relief operations actively ongoing. Immediate relief funding of Rs 37 crore was allocated to support affected areas and communities. Infrastructure repairs are underway, with efforts to restore electricity and telecommunications services post-cyclone.
Farmer bought land at less than stamp duty value, got income tax notice; How DVO report helped him win Rs 18.24 lakh tax dispute in ITAT Surat
Mr. Desai, encountered difficulties with the Income Tax Department after purchasing land for a price less than the stamp duty value. The Income Tax Department attempted to levy taxes on an Rs 18.24 lakh discrepancy, but his Chartered Accountant opposed this claim. The case was sent to the Departmental Valuation Officer, who appraised the land at Rs 14.08 lakh.
Manipur Chief Minister announces new handloom department at MANITEX 2026 to boost local artisans
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has announced a future upgrade for the Handloom and Handicrafts sector. The government is considering establishing a full-fledged department dedicated to this important economic area. During his speech at the Manipur International Textile Expo, he emphasized the sector's contribution to the state's identity.
Centre issues advisory to states to boost fodder production, livestock infra under VB-G RAM G
The Centre has issued an advisory to states and Union territories to improve fodder security and livestock infrastructure. This advisory promotes convergence under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Act, 2025. It identifies 22 permissible works supporting fodder cultivation, livestock shelters, and veterinary health facilities. States are encouraged to increase expenditure on these works while aligning with local development priorities.
Odisha signs MOU with J-PAL South Asia to strengthen evidence-based policymaking
The Government of Odisha has signed a three-year MoU with Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab. This agreement aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking through research and collaboration. J-PAL South Asia will support various governmental departments to address their policy priorities effectively. A Steering Committee will oversee the partnership and monitor project development every six months. The collaboration builds on ongoing efforts to improve areas such as education, sanitation, and governance.
Government prepares draft sustainable aviation fuels policy; moots mandatory blending in ATF from 2027
The civil aviation ministry has circulated the draft National Policy on Sustainable Aviation Fuels which mandates use of only indigenously manufactured SAF to be blended with Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).
Hawaii introduced black wattle as a forestry tree; it escaped cultivation and now chokes about 3,000 acres of Maui pasture, gulches, and empty lots
Black wattle has become a formidable invasive force in Hawaii, spreading rapidly beyond its initial planting zones into the island's treasured native ecosystems. This explosive growth is transforming open pastures into impenetrable thickets, effectively pushing out native plant species. With seeds that can lie dormant for extended periods, the challenge of management and restoration is heightened.
Adam Hamilton defeats Trump-backed Roger Marshall in Kansas, ending 94-year Democratic Senate drought
Adam Hamilton achieved a historic victory in Kansas, becoming the first Democrat elected to the US Senate in 94 years. He defeated Trump-backed Republican Roger Marshall in a contest initially deemed safely Republican. Hamilton, who emphasizes affordability and bipartisanship, campaigned effectively amidst a changing political landscape. The race gained attention from notable figures, including Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Make urban legend real: Our cities must become far more business-friendly for India to achieve high per-capita income
India's urban population has grown slowly, with a significant portion living in small rural habitations. The country requires substantial rural-urban migration to boost urbanisation and economic productivity. Urban centres must create favorable business environments to attract new and expanding enterprises. State governments should implement measures to alleviate urban land scarcity and improve labor regulations.
Europe stocks slip on AI concerns, escalating Iran tensions
Asian tech benchmarks came under pressure earlier in the day as investors reassessed the sustainability of the AI-driven rally following disappointing results from major US hyperscalers in the previous week, raising concerns that the sector has become overvalued globally.
Ladakh Saffron: 22 grams harvested in four days, daily flower count nearly triples; LG VK Saxena shares update
A groundbreaking saffron farming initiative in Ladakh has yielded its first flowers in just 30 days, showcasing the viability of this spice in the region's climate. Remarkably, 22 grams of saffron were collected only four days after blooming. This venture not only aims to boost the local economy but also presents an exciting agricultural opportunity for farmers in Ladakh.
PM releases Rs 3,000 crore PM-KISAN instalment to over 35.38 lakh Odisha farmers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 24th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme on Friday, transferring over Rs 18,690 crore to more than 9.34 crore farmers across India. In Odisha, 35.38 lakh beneficiaries received financial assistance as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi joined the programme virtually from Bhubaneswar. Majhi also spoke about crop losses caused by recent floods and assured affected farmers of assistance.
India is addressing Wall Street’s favourite ‘elephant’ in the room to its own advantage
The Indian government has identified 762 potential applications of artificial intelligence across 62 ministries and departments, spanning farming, railway safety, tax compliance, public grievances, customs and healthcare. While some tools are already in use, others remain in pilot or development stages.
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