News for 'Director of Ministry of Environment'

India Lost 30 Tigers In 2 Months

India Lost 30 Tigers In 2 Months

Rediff.com1 Mar 2023

This is the highest number of tiger deaths in three years.

10 Indians stuck, 1 missing in quake-hit Turkey: Govt

10 Indians stuck, 1 missing in quake-hit Turkey: Govt

Rediff.com8 Feb 2023

India has already sent relief materials to Turkiye in four military transport aircraft.

Kerala elephant may have eaten cracker-filled fruit by accident: MoEF

Kerala elephant may have eaten cracker-filled fruit by accident: MoEF

Rediff.com8 Jun 2020

Primary investigation into the death of the pregnant elephant in Kerala has found that it may have accidentally consumed a cracker-stuffed fruit, the environment ministry said on Monday. The ministry also noted that many a time, locals resort to the illegal act of planting explosive-filled fruits to repel wild boars from entering plantation farms.

Don't make shifting cheetahs a prestige issue, SC tells Centre

Don't make shifting cheetahs a prestige issue, SC tells Centre

Rediff.com20 Jul 2023

The death of 40 per cent of cheetahs translocated from South Africa and Namibia to the Kuno National Park (KNP) in less than one year doesn't present a "good picture", the Supreme Court said on Thursday, and asked the Centre to not make it a prestige issue and explore the possibility of shifting the animals to different sanctuaries.

FMCG companies' stand against paper straws fizzles out

FMCG companies' stand against paper straws fizzles out

Rediff.com12 May 2022

The six billion plastic straws sold with every small tetra pack of juice, milk, lassi, coffee and other drinks can be replaced by paper straws to protect the environment but it will have to be done in phases. That was the message of the presentation made by FMCG companies using small tetra packs last week by their body, the Action Alliance for Recycling Beverage Cartons. The association told the Environment Ministry that companies need 18 months from the ministry's deadline of July 1 - when the ban on the use of single plastics for straws, plates and spoons comes into effect - to make the transition.

PMLA case: ED summons Maharashtra minister Parab for questioning on Wednesday

PMLA case: ED summons Maharashtra minister Parab for questioning on Wednesday

Rediff.com15 Jun 2022

The federal agency wants to question and record Parab's statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, they said.

Foxconn Deal: Karnataka Labour Laws In Focus, Tamil Nadu May Follow

Foxconn Deal: Karnataka Labour Laws In Focus, Tamil Nadu May Follow

Rediff.com31 Mar 2023

Allowing 12-hour shifts for all and night-time work for women was meant to benefit software firms, but is said to have clinched Foxconn's Rs 80 billion investment.

Amid tragedy, ministry mulls '777 days in Himalayas'

Amid tragedy, ministry mulls '777 days in Himalayas'

Rediff.com26 Jun 2013

Even as the Uttarakhand floods are being referred to as man-made disasters, experts say such disasters are waiting to happen at places like Ooty and Munnar.

Shiv Sena's Anil Parab latest Maharashtra minister to face ED's money laundering probe

Shiv Sena's Anil Parab latest Maharashtra minister to face ED's money laundering probe

Rediff.com26 May 2022

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday raided multiple locations in Maharashtra as part of a money laundering probe against state transport minister Anil Parab and others linked to alleged irregularities in a land deal in coastal Dapoli area of Ratnagiri district and other charges, officials said.

'Hamas is not stupid'

'Hamas is not stupid'

Rediff.com25 Oct 2023

'The Israeli government is saying, "OK, leave northern Gaza, because we're going to fight Hamas there".' 'But Hamas is not stupid. They are going to put militants in southern Gaza too. And then what's Israel going to do?' 'At some point are they going to say, 'Leave southern Gaza too because we want to fight Hamas there? Go across the border to Egypt"'? 'That's what people are worried about. Because they fear that once they cross the border into Egypt there will be no coming back.'

US condemns terrorists who seek to infiltrate across LoC

US condemns terrorists who seek to infiltrate across LoC

Rediff.com5 Mar 2021

Condemning the terrorists who seek to infiltrate across the Line of Control, the United States on Thursday called on all parties to reduce tensions along the LoC by returning to the 2003 ceasefire commitments.

Rise above politics, consider shifting Kuno cheetahs to Raj, SC tells Centre

Rise above politics, consider shifting Kuno cheetahs to Raj, SC tells Centre

Rediff.com18 May 2023

A bench of justices BR Gavai and Sanjay Karol told the Centre that from reports of experts and articles, it appears that KNP does not seem to be sufficient for such large number of cheetahs and the Union government may consider shifting them to other sanctuaries.

How govt plans to ease the process of coal mining

How govt plans to ease the process of coal mining

Rediff.com26 Aug 2020

Centre plans to acquire land and then give it on lease to miners.

NSE in firefighting mode to minimise reputational harm after Sebi's order

NSE in firefighting mode to minimise reputational harm after Sebi's order

Rediff.com28 Feb 2022

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has got into firefighting mode to control the reputational damage caused by the Securities and Exchange Board of India's (Sebi's) order against its former managing director and chief executive officer Chitra Ramkrishna and others. According to sources, the exchange's management over the past one week has met several key stakeholders, including officials in the finance ministry and Sebi, major shareholders, and trading members, trying to distance itself from the controversy. The exchange plans to hold more meetings in the coming week to ensure that trading volumes and confidence in the bourse don't get impacted, they added.

Himanta inducts 2 cabinet ministers, rejigs several seniors' portfolios

Himanta inducts 2 cabinet ministers, rejigs several seniors' portfolios

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

The expansion was the first by Sarma since he assumed chief ministership of the state about 13 months ago.

'GM Mustard Must Be Uprooted And Burnt'

'GM Mustard Must Be Uprooted And Burnt'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2022

'Why should our government opt for unproven technology that has been rejected by most countries across the globe?' 'Being dependent on any other nation to supply you seed for your good crops is another form of slavery.'

The Importance of Smriti Irani

The Importance of Smriti Irani

Rediff.com19 Jul 2021

Being made a member of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs makes her an important player in BJP politics, observes Rashme Sehgal.

Farm fires from Punjab choke Delhi, AAP blames Centre

Farm fires from Punjab choke Delhi, AAP blames Centre

Rediff.com3 Nov 2022

The increase in stubble burning has kicked off a political slugfest, with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday saying that there had been a 19 per cent rise in farm fires over 2021 in Punjab and that the Aam Aadmi Party had turned the national capital into a gas chamber.

Construction activities banned, more curbs as Delhi's air quality worsens

Construction activities banned, more curbs as Delhi's air quality worsens

Rediff.com29 Oct 2022

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi stood at 398 at 11 am, worsening from 357 at 4 pm on Friday. It was 354 on Thursday, 271 on Wednesday, 302 on Tuesday and 312 on Monday (Diwali).

'If Darshan Solanki had got some support at IIT...'

'If Darshan Solanki had got some support at IIT...'

Rediff.com15 Feb 2023

'In IIT, most faculty members have a bias against SC/ST students.' 'SC/ST and OBC students have no idea whom to approach for support.'

SC suggests Project Tiger-like plan to save great Indian bustard from extinction

SC suggests Project Tiger-like plan to save great Indian bustard from extinction

Rediff.com30 Nov 2022

Coming to the rescue of the critically endangered great Indian bustard (GIB), the Supreme Court on Wednesday mooted the idea of launching 'Project GIB' on the lines of 'Project Tiger', which was started in 1973 to save the big cats, and sought the government's view on the proposal.

Tejas beats China's JF-17 to emerge as Malaysia's top choice

Tejas beats China's JF-17 to emerge as Malaysia's top choice

Rediff.com3 Jul 2022

It is learnt that the Chinese JF-17 was cheaper but could not match the technical parameters of the Tejas Mk-IA variant and the offer of maintenance of the Su-30 fleet as proposed by India.

India's tryst with coal and clean energy is coming unstuck

India's tryst with coal and clean energy is coming unstuck

Rediff.com17 May 2022

India's jugalbandhi with coal and clean energy is coming unstuck, neither achieving adequate renewable generation nor ensuring sufficient coal-fired power in the quest to become a $5-trillion economy. Six months have elapsed since Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ambitious climate agenda for India at COP26 at Glasgow. The net zero emissions target by 2070 is a distant one, but there are nearer-term plans to meet 50 per cent of energy demand with renewables by 2030 by increasing capacity to 450 Gw. A cursory look at the balance sheet of India's climate progress since November reveals ponderous progress towards meeting the renewables target even as the country is scrambling to expand coal-fired generation in the face of a power crisis.

Modi to release 8 Namibian cheetahs into MP park on his birthday

Modi to release 8 Namibian cheetahs into MP park on his birthday

Rediff.com14 Sep 2022

The large carnivore got completely wiped out from India due to their use for coursing, sport hunting, over-hunting and habitat loss.

Indian legal system a hurdle for aircraft lessors: Air India to govt

Indian legal system a hurdle for aircraft lessors: Air India to govt

Rediff.com12 Dec 2022

Tata Group-owned Air India has informed the Centre that aircraft lessors wish to set up their special purpose vehicles (SPVs) outside India since they aren't enthused about the Indian 'legal structure' and are loath to take risks. Indian airlines have a combined fleet of about 700 planes; over 85 per cent are on lease. A majority of lessors are based in Ireland due to its attractive tax policy, light-touch regulations, and swift legal system.

Plastic straws cause FMCG firms indigestion

Plastic straws cause FMCG firms indigestion

Rediff.com27 Jun 2022

The industry may account for just 0.05 per cent of the total volume of single-use plastics in the country. And the product it uses is just one among the 22 - including spoons, forks, plates, knives and trays - that will be banned across the country from July 1 by government order. Yet, it is the plastic straw that is at the centre of public focus as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies make a last-ditch effort to get the government to extend the deadline.

India's rising medical devices imports hurt small and medium units

India's rising medical devices imports hurt small and medium units

Rediff.com19 Jul 2022

India's medical devices imports surged 41 per cent to touch Rs 63,200 crore in 2021-22, led by a 48 per cent year-on-year (YoY) jump in imports from China to Rs 13,538 crore, the commerce ministry data analysed by the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) has showed. Local industry players say this has led to several small and medium units to shut shop. Rakesh Vaid of Usha Fabs, a garments exporter, had started making N95 masks in his Gurgaon factory during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Put Covid norm violators on flights in no-fly list: HC

Put Covid norm violators on flights in no-fly list: HC

Rediff.com3 Jun 2022

The Delhi high court on Friday called for strict action against those found violating masking and hand hygiene norms at airports and in aircraft, observing that the Covid-19 pandemic has not abated and keeps rearing its ugly head.

Delhi University VC suspended over 'dereliction of duty'

Delhi University VC suspended over 'dereliction of duty'

Rediff.com28 Oct 2020

Tyagi is possibly the first Delhi University VC to face suspension. University officials said such an action had not been taken against any VC in at least three decades.

CONFIRMED: Illegal sand mining in Gautam Budh Nagar

CONFIRMED: Illegal sand mining in Gautam Budh Nagar

Rediff.com9 Aug 2013

A highly placed source in the know of content of the draft report prepared by the three-member panel told PTI that the ministry team has secured evidence to establish the fact that illegal sand mining is happening in the Uttar Pradesh district.

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.

SpiceHealth, AAI in blame game over Covid fiasco at Amritsar airport

SpiceHealth, AAI in blame game over Covid fiasco at Amritsar airport

Rediff.com13 Mar 2022

SpiceHealth had on January 6 and January 7 tested 469 passengers who arrived on two charter flights from Italian capital Rome and found 298 of them to be COVID-19-positive.

BJP instigated people to burst firecrackers: Gopal Rai

BJP instigated people to burst firecrackers: Gopal Rai

Rediff.com5 Nov 2021

He alleged that the BJP made people burst firecrackers on Diwali.

After 2 years, India to resume regular international flights from Sunday

After 2 years, India to resume regular international flights from Sunday

Rediff.com26 Mar 2022

Scheduled international passenger flights have remained suspended since March 23, 2020 in the wake of the pandemic and they will now restart from Sunday.

India inks 'biggest' Make-In-India defence deal For Tejas

India inks 'biggest' Make-In-India defence deal For Tejas

Rediff.com3 Feb 2021

According to Madhavan, the delivery of the Tejas LCA to the IAF under the Rs 48,000-crore deal will begin from March 2024 and around 16 aircraft will be rolled out annually till the completion of the total supply of 83 jets.

Shakti-2016: Indo, French forces take on terrorists in Bikaner

Shakti-2016: Indo, French forces take on terrorists in Bikaner

Rediff.com12 Jan 2016

Rediff.com takes a look at the joint operation Shakti that focused on physical fitness, tactical drills, techniques and procedure.

Want to be a professional drone pilot?

Want to be a professional drone pilot?

Rediff.com27 Aug 2020

There's a need to train 40,000 pilots over the next year-and-a-half.

Modi govt reshuffles top secretaries; Ajay Bhalla to be new home secy

Modi govt reshuffles top secretaries; Ajay Bhalla to be new home secy

Rediff.com24 Jul 2019

The appointments committee of the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared Bhalla's appointment as OSD in the ministry with immediate effect.

Bird flu: The Rs 90,000 cr poultry industry is in a fix

Bird flu: The Rs 90,000 cr poultry industry is in a fix

Rediff.com22 Jul 2021

The death of a 11-year-old boy due to 'bird-flu', even before the devastating effects of the second Covid wave have waned, has alarmed the medical fraternity though they assert that human-to-human transmission of H5N1 virus is extremely rare. The event has also put the Rs 90,000 crore domestic poultry industry which was seeing some uptick in demand after months of low sales last year into a spot of bother, as any curb on sale or production of eggs or chicken could have a devastating impact on its revenues. It is estimated that around 60 million people are directly impacted by the poultry sector in India. H5N1 virus, also commonly known as bird flu, is known to spread from chickens but other birds such as ducks and crow are also carriers of the virus.

Omicron to soon replace Delta as dominant global variant: Experts

Omicron to soon replace Delta as dominant global variant: Experts

Rediff.com30 Dec 2021

Experts in Singapore, which is seeing a surge in Omicron cases, have warned that the new and supposedly more contagious variant is likely to replace Delta over the coming weeks as the dominant global variant, with the virus being fitter and having a reproductive advantage.