The government on Sunday launched a model kisan credit card scheme aimed at making adequate and timely availability of credit to farmers. Under the scheme, farmers can avail credit facility, whenever required, on the basis of their land holdings, an official statement said in New Delhi. All scheduled commercial banks have been instructed by the Reserve Bank of India for introducing the scheme as early as possible, it said. Further, NABARD and all the regional rural banks (RRBs) and district central cooperative banks have also been told to implement a similar scheme in their area of operation.

Industry's ultimatum to AP govt:

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Industries served a 15-day ultimatum to the Chandrababu Naidu government to withdraw the power tariff hike, failing which it would launch an agitation. Terming the hike as a death blow to small scale sector, FAPI president BV Rama Rao told reporters here that the agitation would include closing down ofunits and "fast unto death" if the state did not reverse its decision. The state has hiked the power tariff ranging from six to 25 per cent for all categories, barring agriculture, from January 1 to shore up an additional revenue of Rs 430 crore.

CII, DSIR sign MoU:

The Confederation of Indian Industry and department of scientific and industrial research (DSIR) signed an MoU to enhance technology intensive exports from the country. As per the MOU, both have decided to set up a technology export development organisation for the purpose, a CII release said in New Delhi on Sunday. "The long-term objective of TEDO would be to enhance technology intensive exports from India. It was observed that in several areas, a high potential for technology exports exists and India, so far, had not made any significnt achievement in these areas," the release said.

FIR against former RJD minister:

Barely a day after imposition of Central rule in Bihar, the administration has lodged an FIR against theminister of state for housing in the sacked Rabri Devi Cabinet, Lalbabu Yadav, in connection with the HUDCO housing scam.