News for 'Environment Ministry'

Maldives ministers held for 'performing black magic' on Muizzu

Maldives ministers held for 'performing black magic' on Muizzu

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

Maldives police have arrested two serving ministers for allegedly performing black magic on President Mohamed Muizzu, local media reported on Thursday.

Exports fall 2.17% in May; trade deficit narrows

Exports fall 2.17% in May; trade deficit narrows

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

After registering a positive growth for two months, India's exports slipped into negative territory again, contracting 2.17 per cent year-on-year to $38.73 billion in May due to a fall in global petroleum prices, while trade deficit narrowed at $21.88 billion during the month.

No Dhaka-Beijing-Islamabad alliance: Bangladesh on trilateral meet in China

No Dhaka-Beijing-Islamabad alliance: Bangladesh on trilateral meet in China

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

It was a meeting at the official level, not at the political level, Hossain said, adding that there was no element of formation of any alliance.

HAL head responds after IAF chief flags Tejas delivery delay

HAL head responds after IAF chief flags Tejas delivery delay

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

The slippage in the delivery schedule for the LCA Mk-1A variant of the jet had become a major issue with Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh raising the matter publicly.

'The Problem With Quick Fixes Is...'

'The Problem With Quick Fixes Is...'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

'...they always address problems superficially, never tackling root causes.' 'Currently, the policy response will focus on immediate relief -- getting people to safety, providing facilities, clearing debris.' 'This is necessary, but once immediate relief operations end, everything returns to 'normal' without addressing underlying vulnerabilities.'

Govt holds safety review after Air India crash, flight disruptions

Govt holds safety review after Air India crash, flight disruptions

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The ministry also said it remains committed to full transparency relating to the ongoing investigation and will follow all mandated protocols and norms in the larger interest of the highest standards of passenger Safety and convenience.

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'I am not an aspiration-oriented politician.' 'This is the time to redefine politics.' 'Politics of power is not real politics.'

'Mental Health Is Not Unique To Pilots'

'Mental Health Is Not Unique To Pilots'

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

'AAIB preliminary report was more detailed than most people were expecting.'

India's exports to US up 16.9%, imports dip 5.76% in May

India's exports to US up 16.9%, imports dip 5.76% in May

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

India's merchandise exports to the US rose by 16.93 per cent to $8.83 billion in May, while imports dipped by 5.76 per cent to $3.62 billion during the month, according to the commerce ministry data. During April-May, the country's exports to the US increased by 21.78 per cent to $17.25 billion, while imports rose by 25.8 per cent to $8.87 billion, the data showed.

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The Bharat Mata controversy in Kerala shows how political and symbolic fights between the state and the Centre have taken attention away from education, throwing the state's oldest university into confusion and disorder, observes Shyam G Menon.

Steel recycle mandate for automakers on the anvil

Steel recycle mandate for automakers on the anvil

Rediff.com11 Sep 2024

The environment ministry is likely to soon issue regulations that will mandate automakers to recycle a specified percentage of steel from old vehicles, starting from the next financial year, according to people familiar with the matter. "We recently held a meeting with members of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam). "The final regulations are likely to be issued in the next 10 days," a government source informed.

India, France ink Rs 63,000 cr deal for 26 Rafale M fighters

India, France ink Rs 63,000 cr deal for 26 Rafale M fighters

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

The sealing of the mega deal came three weeks after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the procurement.

Yamuna first: HC refuses to stop Majnu Ka Tila refugee camp demolition

Yamuna first: HC refuses to stop Majnu Ka Tila refugee camp demolition

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

The court observed that protection of the floodplains aimed to secure the fundamental human right to a clean and healthy environment for Delhi residents and future generations.

Uncertainty could hit pvt sector capital formation: FinMin economic review

Uncertainty could hit pvt sector capital formation: FinMin economic review

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The prospect of protracted uncertainties in the global economic landscape not only pose a risk for India's growth outlook in 2025-26, but are also likely to dent the private sector's capital raising and investment plans, the finance ministry averred on Tuesday, cautioning the country's corporates that the era of 'easy pickings' was over.

Kerala police book owner, crew of sunken MSC Elsa 3 for rash navigation

Kerala police book owner, crew of sunken MSC Elsa 3 for rash navigation

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

It further said that the owners, master and crew of the vessel handled the ship in a negligent manner despite being aware of the dangerous cargo it was carrying.

'Auto industry has resilience to tackle rare earth issue'

'Auto industry has resilience to tackle rare earth issue'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

'The government is actively engaging with EU to ensure that concerns of Indian companies and hard-to-abate sectors are adequately addressed under CBAM'

Flash Flood Threat Grows with Monsoon Changes

Flash Flood Threat Grows with Monsoon Changes

Rediff.com30 May 2025

The frequency of short-duration, heavy rainfall events over central India and long-duration heavy rainfall events over the north-western coasts of the country has risen considerably in the last few decades.

Enhance civil defence measures: MHA to states, UTs amid Pak attacks

Enhance civil defence measures: MHA to states, UTs amid Pak attacks

Rediff.com9 May 2025

In the letter issued, considering the last night attacks by Pakistani forces in Jammu and Jaisalmer regions, the provision also authorises the use of local authority funds for such emergency measures, giving them precedence over other financial obligations.

'Biggest Problem Industrialists Face Is From Politicians'

'Biggest Problem Industrialists Face Is From Politicians'

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

'If you don't fulfil whatever they ask, you are in trouble.'

'I Expect More Disasters To Happen'

'I Expect More Disasters To Happen'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

'Even one accident can cause problems for the entire coastal system.'

5 crashes, zero action: Kedarnath's air safety crisis deepens

5 crashes, zero action: Kedarnath's air safety crisis deepens

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

The recent helicopter crash near Kedarnath, in which seven lives were lost, has proven yet again that aviation regulatory authorities have not learnt lessons from similar air mishaps in the challenging Kedar valley and have done little to improve flying conditions.

750 pilgrims selected for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

750 pilgrims selected for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

Rediff.com21 May 2025

A total of 750 pilgrims have been selected through a computerised draw for the upcoming Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in Tibet, marking the resumption of the pilgrimage after a five-year gap. The Yatra's resumption is seen as an attempt to normalize India-China relations, which were strained by the eastern Ladakh border standoff. The pilgrimage will begin in June and continue until August, with pilgrims traveling in five batches via the Lipulekh route and ten batches via the Nathu La route. The selection process was deemed "fair, computer-generated, random, gender-balanced" by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which organized the pilgrimage.

Geopolitics, mkt volatility pose growth risks: FinMin

Geopolitics, mkt volatility pose growth risks: FinMin

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Geopolitical tensions, trade policy uncertainties, volatility in international commodity prices and financial market uncertainties pose considerable risks to India's economic growth in the coming year, the finance ministry cautioned on Wednesday. "Global trade continues to be affected by uncertainty in the policy environment... tariff-related developments in multiple countries have heightened trade-related risks, affecting investment and trade flows globally.

Modi 3@1: Challenges, Opportunities Ahead

Modi 3@1: Challenges, Opportunities Ahead

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

There are challenges galore before him, and it is not going to be easy. In the next four years, he has to conjure a system that changes the optics about him and the BJP both nationally and internationally so that he can ride back on his own, claim the top slot, and not have to lean on a coalition, asserts Ramesh Menon as Modi 3.0 completes a year in power.

SC slams NGO for opposing Jayakwadi Dam solar project

SC slams NGO for opposing Jayakwadi Dam solar project

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition filed by an NGO challenging the construction of a renewable energy project at the Jayakwadi Dam in Maharashtra. The court criticized the NGO for opposing the project, stating that it would be detrimental to the country's progress if every project was resisted. The court also raised questions about the NGO's bona fides and funding, suggesting that it may have been influenced by a company that lost the tender for the project. The project, a floating solar power plant, was approved by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. The NGT had previously dismissed the NGO's plea, stating that it could not find any law prohibiting such activities in the eco-sensitive zone. The Supreme Court upheld the NGT's decision, finding no grounds to interfere.

'Illegal Gambling Sites Are National Security Threat'

'Illegal Gambling Sites Are National Security Threat'

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'Illegal gambling operators are systematically exploiting India's advertising and payment infrastructure, siphoning off crores of rupees from outside the country.'

Navi Mumbai faces environment hurdle

Navi Mumbai faces environment hurdle

Rediff.com21 Apr 2008

The Rs 4,675-crore Navi Mumbai airport project, which is being developed by CIDCO, may be delayed by a few months in the wake of serious objections being raised by the environment ministry. The project that has Cabinet clearance and approval from the International Civil Aviation Organisation will now be taken to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for final clearance since the environment ministry has raised issues relating to the site.

Cyberattacks Surge After Operation Sindoor, But India Mounts Strong Defence

Cyberattacks Surge After Operation Sindoor, But India Mounts Strong Defence

Rediff.com22 May 2025

For the first time, the Data Security Council of India assembled a joint task force to source threat intelligence at the origin and ensure coordinated action across the cybersecurity spectrum.

India ends transshipment pact with Bangladesh after Yunus remark

India ends transshipment pact with Bangladesh after Yunus remark

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

India has exempted Bangladeshi exports to Nepal and Bhutan as such trade facilitation is mandatory for landlocked countries under the framework of provisions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Pak gets $1 bn as second tranche from IMF; budget under scanner

Pak gets $1 bn as second tranche from IMF; budget under scanner

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The disbursement of the second tranche comes on a day when the International Monetary Fund is holding virtual discussions on Pakistan's upcoming budget, as the visit of its mission to Islamabad was delayed due to security concerns in the region.

Inflation cools to 6-year low of 3.16% in April

Inflation cools to 6-year low of 3.16% in April

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Retail inflation eased to a nearly six-year low of 3.16 per cent in April mainly due to subdued prices of vegetables, fruits, pulses, and other protein-rich items, creating enough room for the Reserve Bank to go for another round of rate cut in the June monetary policy review. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation was 3.34 per cent in March and 4.83 per cent in April 2024. It was 3.15 per cent in July 2019.

Inspired by Modi's..., says President of Slovakia

Inspired by Modi's..., says President of Slovakia

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The Slovak Republic's President, Peter Pellegrini, has expressed interest in adopting a tree-planting initiative similar to India's "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam," launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The inspiration came during a meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, who was on a two-day state visit to Slovakia. During a tree-planting ceremony in Nitra, Murmu highlighted Modi's initiative to plant trees in the name of mothers. Pellegrini was impressed and suggested that Slovakia could consider a similar program. The initiative, launched on World Environment Day last year, encourages people to plant a tree in their mother's name as a symbolic gesture of love and respect.

Finetune environment policy: Anand Sharma

Finetune environment policy: Anand Sharma

Rediff.com22 Aug 2011

The immediate trigger is the environment ministry's latest policy of asking corporates to mandatorily commit five per cent of project investments in environment protection measures.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi comes from a family of military officers

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi comes from a family of military officers

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Being a 'fauji' kid, Sofiya Qureshi grew up listening to tales of valour and sacrifice of the army shared by her grandfather, who was a soldier.

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, India's 52nd chief justice and its first Buddhist one, has played a key role in shaping the judicial landscape, penning about 300 verdicts, including landmark rulings on constitutional issues, liberty, and perhaps most important against the executive's 'bulldozer justice'.

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.

No fuel for 15+ year old vehicles in Delhi from April 1

No fuel for 15+ year old vehicles in Delhi from April 1

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

The Delhi government will stop providing petrol to vehicles older than 15 years at fuel stations across the city after March 31, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced. The decision is part of the government's efforts to combat air pollution in the national capital. The meeting focused on key policy decisions, including restrictions on older vehicles, mandatory anti-smog measures, and the transition to electric public transport. The government will install gadgets at petrol pumps to identify vehicles older than 15 years, and no fuel will be provided to them.

Trump Diktat Threatens Oil PSUs Dividends In Venezuela

Trump Diktat Threatens Oil PSUs Dividends In Venezuela

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

ONGC's overseas arm applied for a sanctions waiver to access $500 million dividend from two Venezuelan projects.

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Donald Trump is catering to the basest fears and prejudice of unenlightened Americans -- yes, there are those too, in sizeable enough numbers to elect one of their own as president. That would most certainly not Make America Great Again, asserts Shreekant Sambrani.

'Nagrik Devo Bhava': Modi's message to bureaucrats

'Nagrik Devo Bhava': Modi's message to bureaucrats

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Citing evolving needs and aspirations of the citizens, he said that the civil service must adapt to contemporary challenges to remain relevant.