News for 'Centre for Sustainable Development'

L&T plans to exit road, power concessions, incubate digital business

L&T plans to exit road, power concessions, incubate digital business

Rediff.com30 May 2022

Engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is looking to divest its exposure to road and power concessions and incubate digital and e-commerce businesses as part of its new five-year plan ending 2025-26 (FY26). The base year for the plan is 2020-21 (FY21). The blueprint, called Lakshya 2026, is intended to help the company exit sub-scale businesses, concentrate on high-technology (tech) manufacturing, construction and green energy projects, and increase its share from information technology (IT) and digital services. The lending operations of the financial services business, meanwhile, will be reorganised, with focus on retail lending.

AUKUS And The Militarization Of Indo Pacific

AUKUS And The Militarization Of Indo Pacific

Rediff.com20 Mar 2023

Although the pact would focus mainly on the Pacific and the South China Sea region, any action designed to deter China with or without New Delhi's active participation is a welcome move, notes Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

India to face export shocks from global recession

India to face export shocks from global recession

Rediff.com22 Dec 2022

India has been relatively insulated from the severe headwinds in the West. However, with a third of the global economy expected to slip into recession in calendar year 2023, the impact will strongly be felt on India's exports and trade economy, leading economists said in a panel discussion at the Business Standard BFSI Insight Summit in Mumbai on Wednesday. The panel comprised former Reserve Bank of India executive director and former Monetary Policy Committee member Mridul Saggar, State Bank of India Chief Economic Advisor Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Citibank India Chief Economist Samiran Chakraborty, ICRA Chief Economist Aditi Nayar, and IndusInd Bank Chief Economist Gaurav Kapoor. The topic of the panel discussion was No recession in sight: Is India decoupled from developed economies?

British Indian ex-minister Alok Sharma knighted; 30 more PIOs to be honoured

British Indian ex-minister Alok Sharma knighted; 30 more PIOs to be honoured

Rediff.com31 Dec 2022

Sharma was the president of the conference, the first since the Paris Agreement of COP21 that expected parties to make enhanced commitments towards mitigating climate change.

'Modi remains deeply involved in every election the BJP contests'

'Modi remains deeply involved in every election the BJP contests'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2022

'The BJP while being in government in Gujarat continues to campaign like an Opposition party whereas the Opposition does the opposite.'

Cannot ignore China's infra buildup and Army needs better roads: SC

Cannot ignore China's infra buildup and Army needs better roads: SC

Rediff.com9 Nov 2021

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that China has made a huge build-up in the Tibet region and the Army needs broader roads to move heavy vehicles up to the India-China border to avoid a 1962 war-like situation.

Defence budget raised to Rs 5.25 lakh crore

Defence budget raised to Rs 5.25 lakh crore

Rediff.com1 Feb 2022

In the Union Budget presented in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, a total of Rs 1,52,369 crore has been set aside for capital expenditure that includes purchasing new weapons, aircraft, warships and other military hardware.

The Woes Of Wayanad Continue

The Woes Of Wayanad Continue

Rediff.com19 Apr 2023

Away from the distraction of its new high-profile politics, Wayanad's worries seemed very down to earth, discovers Shyam G Menon.

Major Ruchi, The UN Peacekeeper in Congo

Major Ruchi, The UN Peacekeeper in Congo

Rediff.com10 Mar 2023

Major Ruchi Agarwal is commander of the United Nations Female Engagement Team in the conflict-ridden Democratic Republic of Congo.

Pakistan always first in our neighbourhood policy, says China

Pakistan always first in our neighbourhood policy, says China

Rediff.com14 Apr 2022

China on Thursday told Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that it will always put its "all-weather ally" as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy as it praised his commitment to promote the USD 60 billion CPEC initiative.

The A-W Of Desi Guests At the White House Dinner

The A-W Of Desi Guests At the White House Dinner

Rediff.com24 Jun 2023

The dinner Jill Biden and her husband US President Joe Biden hosted for Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, June 22, at the White House brought together, Indians and Americans from so many firmaments.

Covid Challenge: Managing The Spending Bulge

Covid Challenge: Managing The Spending Bulge

Rediff.com5 Jan 2022

If the Centre and states are keen on spending more to meet the COVID-19 challenges in the coming year, they must bear in mind the need to raise more resources through taxes and non-tax revenues, suggests A K Bhattacharya.

Trouble brewing for India's GIFT City

Trouble brewing for India's GIFT City

Rediff.com25 Nov 2019

At the end of October, Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena handed over the deeds for the transfer of 116 hectares in Colombo Port City to China Harbour Engineering Company on a 99-year lease to build a financial centre.

'Govt wants more incentive to customers for vehicle scrapping'

'Govt wants more incentive to customers for vehicle scrapping'

Rediff.com3 Apr 2021

'Some companies have agreed to 2-3% incentive but the automakers and SIAM have to decide amongst themselves'

Lakshadweep: Parties oppose 'anti-people' reforms of Administrator

Lakshadweep: Parties oppose 'anti-people' reforms of Administrator

Rediff.com24 May 2021

Opposition parties in Lakshadweep and Kerala are up in arms against various measures initiated by the Administrator of the group of islands, terming them as 'anti-people' and have sought his recall.

Expert panel for granting environment clearance to Central Vista

Expert panel for granting environment clearance to Central Vista

Rediff.com28 Dec 2020

With the expert panel's recommendations, the project comes a step closer to getting the environment clearance (EC), to be given by the Union Environment Minister.

China's Xi calls for Asian unity against outsiders

China's Xi calls for Asian unity against outsiders

Rediff.com21 Apr 2022

'Countries around the world are like passengers aboard the same ship. For the ship to navigate the storm and sail toward a bright future, all passengers must pull together'

Hunt on for 2 men who 'shielded' Kanjhawala accused

Hunt on for 2 men who 'shielded' Kanjhawala accused

Rediff.com6 Jan 2023

Eighteen teams are working in the investigation of the case and all angles are being probed, it said.

Need to see agriculture as modern business enterprise: Eco Survey

Need to see agriculture as modern business enterprise: Eco Survey

Rediff.com29 Jan 2021

Lauding the farm sector for demonstrating resilience during the pandemic, the Economic Survey on Friday suggested the government to see farm sector as a "modern business enterprise" for which "urgent reforms" are required to enable sustainable and consistent growth. India's agricultural sector has shown its resilience amid the adversities of COVID-19 induced lockdowns, the Survey noted. The agriculture and allied activities were the sole bright spot amid the slide in GDP performance of other sectors, clocking a growth rate of 3.4 per cent at constant prices during 2020-21, it added. According to the Survey, the farm sector has got "renewed thrust" due to various measures on credit, market reforms and food processing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat announcements.

Finally, a shimmer of hope for the 'golden fibre'

Finally, a shimmer of hope for the 'golden fibre'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2022

In the early part of 1800, a 30-acre plot next to Fort Gloster on the banks of river Hooghly in Howrah district of Bengal was the nerve centre of industrial activity; it housed India's first steam-powered cotton mill, Bowreah Mills, which was set up by a British merchant and went on to become a hub of factories - a rum distillery, foundry, cotton yarn factory, an oil mill and a paper mill, et al. Spearheaded by Dwarkanath Tagore, the industrialist grandfather of Rabindranath Tagore, the commercial complex was possibly the first of its kind in the country. Close to 200 years later, after much ebb and flow of history, the hub is set for a resurgence of sorts.

UN commemorates 125th birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar

UN commemorates 125th birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar

Rediff.com14 Apr 2016

The UN celebrated the birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar with a top official describing the noted Indian social reformer as a "global icon" for marginalised people.

Govt will leave no stone unturned to make India preferred global investment destination: PM

Govt will leave no stone unturned to make India preferred global investment destination: PM

Rediff.com17 Nov 2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday pitched India as the most attractive investment destination for those looking to invest in urbanisation, mobility, innovation and sustainable solutions. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, he said India and some African nations will witness the biggest wave of urbanisation over the next two decades. The post pandemic world has to be rebuilt around people and cities will have to be made more liveable, he said adding post-Covid restart will not be possible without a reset of mindset, process and practices.

'Success of this launch is proof that Indian talent can have world class achievements'

'Success of this launch is proof that Indian talent can have world class achievements'

Rediff.com6 Dec 2022

'What we have done is a symbol of new India; that is what a small start-up can do, a few hundreds of people coming together, developing a rocket and launching to space and succeeding at the very first attempt.'

Xi offers to cooperate with India for COVID-19 vaccine

Xi offers to cooperate with India for COVID-19 vaccine

Rediff.com17 Nov 2020

So far the coronavirus, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has infected more than 54 million people around the world and killed over 1.3 million others.

'Time to play hardball with China'

'Time to play hardball with China'

Rediff.com14 Dec 2022

'Unless India ups the ante, Beijing will continue to believe its transgressions are cost free and will feel encouraged to do more of the same.'

Over 15 single-use plastic items will be prohibited from Jul 1, 2022

Over 15 single-use plastic items will be prohibited from Jul 1, 2022

Rediff.com13 Aug 2021

The manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of following single-use plastic, including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, commodities shall be prohibited with effect from July 1, 2022: ear buds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene (thermocol) for decoration; plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays; wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 micron, stirrers, the notification read. The provisions will not apply to commodities made of compostable plastic, the notification said.

Kerala tops Niti Aayog's Health Index list, UP last

Kerala tops Niti Aayog's Health Index list, UP last

Rediff.com25 Jun 2019

Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are at second and third spot, whereas Uttar Pradesh and Bihar remained at the bottom.

New farm laws a major boost for FPOs

New farm laws a major boost for FPOs

Rediff.com22 Oct 2020

The reforms will help FPOs procure directly from farmers, something that they have been pressing for long.

'We should pay more attention to China'

'We should pay more attention to China'

Rediff.com18 May 2022

'Our competitiveness with China is very important.' 'If the exchange rate depreciates, it is good for us because it helps in our competitiveness.'

What you will see at the Republic Day 2023 parade

What you will see at the Republic Day 2023 parade

Rediff.com25 Jan 2023

The Republic Day parade, which will begin at around 1030 am, will be a unique mix of the country's military prowess and cultural diversity, depicting the country's growing indigenous capabilities, Nari Shakti and emergence of a 'New India'.

India, France sign 17 agreements during PM Modi's visit

India, France sign 17 agreements during PM Modi's visit

Rediff.com11 Apr 2015

India and France on Friday signed 17 agreements, including on the stalled nuclear project in Jaitapur in Maharashtra, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with French President Francois Hollande.

Wheat export: Madhya Pradesh is ahead of Punjab, Haryana

Wheat export: Madhya Pradesh is ahead of Punjab, Haryana

Rediff.com25 Apr 2022

The surge in wheat export from India owing to the Ukraine crisis has once again demonstrated how farmers in states that have flexible marketing frameworks and low taxes benefit more from an emerging situation. The bulk of the wheat exported from India, trade and industry sources say, is being sourced at rates significantly higher than the state-mandated price of Rs 2,015 per quintal in Madhya Pradesh (MP), Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Gujarat - states which have low mandi taxes compared to Punjab and Haryana. This is not only benefiting farmers there but could also lead to significant savings for the states in procurement costs in the months to come.

The faces from Gujarat in new Modi Cabinet

The faces from Gujarat in new Modi Cabinet

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

Influential Patel community leader Parshottam Rupala, minister in the first Narendra Modi government Mansukh Mandaviya and three-time MP Darshana Jardosh, all from Gujarat, were among those inducted in the Union cabinet on Wednesday.

Of all farmers' demands, legalising MSP is tricky and highly complicated

Of all farmers' demands, legalising MSP is tricky and highly complicated

Rediff.com6 Dec 2021

Among the key demands of agitating farmers has been a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP). The protest reached a crescendo when thousands of farmers from Punjab and elsewhere marched towards Delhi late last year and decided to block the main entry points once they were denied entry. The Centre, on its part, held 11 rounds of discussions with the protesters and even offered to amend some of the provisions without much success. With now one of their chief demands met, farmers have now moved on to force the government to concede on MSP.

6.4 magnitude quake strikes Assam, 10 more follow

6.4 magnitude quake strikes Assam, 10 more follow

Rediff.com28 Apr 2021

The epicenter of the quake was Sonitpur and the quake occurred at 7.51 am at a depth of 17 kilometres, it said.

2022: 5 Skills To CHANGE Your Career

2022: 5 Skills To CHANGE Your Career

Rediff.com18 Nov 2021

Industry leaders are predicting hybrid cloud to be the next biggest trend in cloud computing.

Modi releases Namibian cheetahs in MP's Kuno National Park

Modi releases Namibian cheetahs in MP's Kuno National Park

Rediff.com17 Sep 2022

Seven decades after they became extinct in India, eight Cheetahs arrived in the country from Namibia by a special flight on Saturday morning and were released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park (KNP).

Will Formula E revive Indian motorsport?

Will Formula E revive Indian motorsport?

Rediff.com10 Jul 2022

The inaugural Formula E race in Hyderabad is scheduled for February 11 next year, joining the likes of New York, London and Rome on the calendar.

Lessons from Uttarakhand: When 'development' is destruction

Lessons from Uttarakhand: When 'development' is destruction

Rediff.com28 Jun 2013

To avert another Uttarakhand-type catastrophe, we must change course. We should stop pandering to the Indian elite's insatiable appetite for electricity, which is driving reckless dam construction, says Praful Bidwai

How India can NEUTRALISE Enemy Drones

How India can NEUTRALISE Enemy Drones

Rediff.com23 Jul 2021

'An armed helicopter equipped with counter-drone systems will provide the airborne counter-drone capability and flexibility needed to protect India's critical assets.'