A report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), which was released on July 6th (observed as World Zoonoses Day by research institutions and non-governmental organisations across the globe) this year, says that around 60 percent of known infectious diseases in humans are estimated to have an animal origin. Likewise, almost three-fourth of all new and emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic i.e. these diseases...

-The Indian Express Farmers participated in the protests at more than 5,000 locations across India, and similar demonstrations in larger numbers are expected to be held in New Delhi later this month. New Delhi: At least one million farmers across 20 states took to the streets on Thursday against the three recently passed Agriculture laws and the proposed Electricity Amendment Bill, All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) leader Avik Saha told...

-The Indian Express Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that those from economically and socially backward classes can benefit from this programme as India has a shortage of around 22 lakh drivers. New Delhi: Citing the shortage of drivers in India, the government is working to set up Driver Training Centres in tribal areas and in the 115 poorest districts in the country. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that those from economically and socially...

-Down to Earth Every rupee spent on weather forecasting fetches 50-fold economic gains to below poverty line farming families   A survey by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) has shown that timely delivery of weather advisories to farmers had a significant impact on their income. The survey was done to gauge the economic impact of India’s investments on the National Monsoon Mission (NMM) and High Performance Computing Facilities (HPC). It...

-Financial Express The current guidelines may not inspire confidence among farmers on entering into collective enterprises. Prime minister Narendra Modi, in his address commemorating 75 years of the UN’s FAO, reiterated India’s commitment to enhance its farmers’ income. He also reiterated the resolve to create 10,000 additional Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), one of the main pillars in the proposed transformation of the agri-economy. Will his futuristic vision result in creation of successful...