News for 'Environment Ministry'

Joshimath: NTPC Not Responsible: Power Secy

Joshimath: NTPC Not Responsible: Power Secy

Rediff.com16 Jan 2023

In a letter to the chief secretary, government of Uttarakhand, Union Power Secretary Alok Kumar said the land subsidence in Joshimath was a very old issue, dating back to 1976, and the construction of the 4x130 megawatt Tapovan Vishnugad project started only in 2006 by NTPC.

Draft policy unlocks govt data for all; monetisation likely

Draft policy unlocks govt data for all; monetisation likely

Rediff.com22 Feb 2022

The government on Monday published a draft data policy for public consultation, which says all data collected, generated, and stored by every government ministry and department will be open and shareable barring certain exceptions. Also, detailed datasets that have undergone value addition could be monetised by the government. The policy document, called "Draft India Data Accessibility & Use Policy 2022", prescribes that a regulatory authority called the Indian Data Council (IDC) and an agency by the name India Data Office (IDO) will oversee framing metadata standards and enforcement, respectively.

The Battle To Save Malabar Hill

The Battle To Save Malabar Hill

Rediff.com3 Oct 2023

'If the authorities go about completing this project the way they have proposed, this is going to cause a HUGE environmental impact not only on Malabar Hill but also on the rest of the city.'

China slams India's decision to ban 54 mobile apps

China slams India's decision to ban 54 mobile apps

Rediff.com17 Feb 2022

China on Thursday criticised India's latest decision to block access to 54 more Chinese mobile apps over security and privacy concerns, saying that the move has damaged the legitimate interests of companies from China. India on Monday blocked 54 more apps with Chinese links, including Tencent Xriver, Nice Video baidu, Viva Video Editor, and gaming app Garena Free Fire Illuminate. The Chinese apps allegedly obtain various critical permissions and collect sensitive user data. The collected real-time data are being misused and transmitted to servers located in a hostile country, sources in India said, adding that the IT ministry has issued interim directions for the blocking of 54 apps.

Airlines, ground handlers told to go green

Airlines, ground handlers told to go green

Rediff.com22 Nov 2021

The civil aviation ministry has mandated airlines and ground-handling companies to phase out airport equipment older than 12 years and switch to electric or fuel-efficient variants by May 2022. While companies have welcomed the ministry's green initiative, they said that the deadline for implementation is tight. This is especially in the wake of financial challenges faced by the aviation sector during the pandemic.

India-Germany ties a model of success, says Modi, as 2 nations sign $10.5 bn green deal

India-Germany ties a model of success, says Modi, as 2 nations sign $10.5 bn green deal

Rediff.com2 May 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that the partnership between India and Germany could serve as an example of success in a complex world as the two sides inked several agreements focused on sustainable development under which India would receive USD 10.5 billion assistance by 2030 to boost the use of clean energy.

Is the Govt worried about the Himalayas?

Is the Govt worried about the Himalayas?

Rediff.com24 Feb 2022

'My belief that I could protect the Himalayas was shattered.'

Over Rs 20,000 crore lying unclaimed with LIC

Over Rs 20,000 crore lying unclaimed with LIC

Rediff.com15 Feb 2022

The amount of money lying unclaimed with the Life Insurance Corporation of India dwarfs the budgets of many ministries. There was Rs 21,539.5 crore which lay unclaimed with India's largest insurance company, according to details in the initial public offer (IPO) document it filed over the weekend. The regulatory documentation is ahead of LIC selling shares to the public through the stock exchange for the first time this financial year. This will be India's largest ever public listing.

Want democracy, statehood, 6th Schedule status: Protesting Ladakhis in Delhi

Want democracy, statehood, 6th Schedule status: Protesting Ladakhis in Delhi

Rediff.com15 Feb 2023

Environmental activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk accused the BJP of reneging on its promise of including Ladakh under the sixth schedule.

AK Antony's son quits Cong over Modi documentary

AK Antony's son quits Cong over Modi documentary

Rediff.com25 Jan 2023

Anil Antony announced his resignation via a tweet in which he said that he was getting "intolerant calls" to retract his tweet against the documentary and the "wall of hate/abuses" on Facebook over the same issue have prompted him to take the decision.

Not responsible for road project delays: Ministry

Not responsible for road project delays: Ministry

Rediff.com9 Jan 2013

After GMR Infrastructure pulled out of the Ahmedabad-Kishangarh highway project, there were reports that delays in getting green clearance was one of the reasons behind the infrastructure firm's decision.

Rudy, Uma Bharti resign ahead of likely cabinet reshuffle

Rudy, Uma Bharti resign ahead of likely cabinet reshuffle

Rediff.com1 Sep 2017

The reshuffle may take place before Modi departs for China to attend the BRICS summit.

Use of 10% ethanol-blended petrol saved over Rs 41,000 crore

Use of 10% ethanol-blended petrol saved over Rs 41,000 crore

Rediff.com8 Jun 2022

Use of 10 per cent ethanol-blended petrol has led to a saving of over Rs 41,000 crore in the foreign exchange for the country, minister of state for environment, forest and climate change Ashwini Kumar Choubey said on Wednesday. Speaking at an online event of auto industry body SIAM on sustainable mobility, the minister said the government is working in multiple ways to encourage sustainable mobility. "India recently achieved 10 per cent ethanol blending target 5 months in advance, saving over Rs 41,000 crore worth of fuel imports for the nation," Choubey noted.

IAF to formally induct indigenously-built light combat chopper on Monday

IAF to formally induct indigenously-built light combat chopper on Monday

Rediff.com2 Oct 2022

It will be inducted into the IAF inventory at a ceremony in Jodhpur in presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and chief of air staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.

G-7 must support India's efforts in combating climate change: Modi

G-7 must support India's efforts in combating climate change: Modi

Rediff.com27 Jun 2022

Asserting that India's dedication to climate commitments is evident from its performance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hoped that rich countries of G-7 will support India's efforts in combating climate change and invited them to tap the huge market for clean energy technologies emerging in the country. In his remarks at the session on 'Investing in a better Future: Climate, Energy, Health' at G7 Summit, Modi highlighted India's track record and said it has achieved the target of 40 per cent energy-capacity from non-fossil sources nine years before time. "The target of 10 per cent ethanol-blending in petrol has been achieved 5 months before time.

The irony of green levies by courts

The irony of green levies by courts

Rediff.com17 Nov 2015

The Supreme Court imposed a green tax on trucks destined for other states but wanting to take a shorter route through Delhi.

Goa may resume iron mining in two months after green nod

Goa may resume iron mining in two months after green nod

Rediff.com18 Mar 2015

Goa may resume iron mining in two months after green nod.

Ministries asked to give inputs for Modi's first I-Day speech

Ministries asked to give inputs for Modi's first I-Day speech

Rediff.com28 Jul 2014

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his maiden Independence Day address, various ministries have been asked to furnish by this month end details of programmes in different sectors which could form part of his speech, possibly in the form of announcements.

'Before punishing people for not standing for national anthem, inform them about it'

'Before punishing people for not standing for national anthem, inform them about it'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2017

Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu said it was surprising to know that on these national aspects, the Central Public Information Officers of all high offices simply passed it on to the others "without application of mind".

The Many Portfolios Of Yogi Adityanath

The Many Portfolios Of Yogi Adityanath

Rediff.com4 Apr 2022

In his second term in office, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has retained 34 portfolios.

Exports record flat growth; trade deficit widens in Nov

Exports record flat growth; trade deficit widens in Nov

Rediff.com15 Dec 2022

India's exports recorded a flat growth of 0.59 per cent to $31.99 billion in November, even as trade deficit widened to $23.89 billion during the month, according to the data released by the government on Thursday. Exports stood at $31.8 billion in November last year. Imports rose by 5.37 per cent to $55.88 billion in November as compared to $53.03 billion in the corresponding month a year ago, the data showed. During April-November 2022, exports rose by 11 per cent to $295.26 billion as against $265.77 billion in the same month last year.

When Santa Wore A Red Sari

When Santa Wore A Red Sari

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

The Budget oration of the finance minister and the confidence with which she delivered it, along with the measures and the recent upsurge in the economy would all contribute to unleashing the storied 'animal spirits' and help the economy run on the growth path quite smoothly. Or so the government hopes, notes Shreekant Sambrani.

Modi lands in Bali for G20 summit, no word on meet with Xi

Modi lands in Bali for G20 summit, no word on meet with Xi

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bali on Monday for the G20 Summit and bilateral meetings on its sidelines with key leaders attending this annual conference of the world's major economies.

Govt brings ordinance to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR

Govt brings ordinance to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR

Rediff.com29 Oct 2020

Violation of the provisions entails a punishment of a jail term up to five years or with fine up to Rs 1 crore or with both, the ordinance released by the Ministry of Law and Justice on Thursday said.

How can you catch monkeypox? Govt lists dos and don'ts

How can you catch monkeypox? Govt lists dos and don'ts

Rediff.com3 Aug 2022

It underlined that anyone can catch the virus if they have had prolonged or repeated contact with an infected individual.

Municipal schools declare holiday on Saturday as Delhi is blanketed by smog

Municipal schools declare holiday on Saturday as Delhi is blanketed by smog

Rediff.com4 Nov 2016

The national capital is facing the worst smog in 17 years, the Centre for Science and Environment had said on Thursday.

How Coal India is chasing the monsoon to reduce coal supply disruptions

How Coal India is chasing the monsoon to reduce coal supply disruptions

Rediff.com14 Aug 2022

Way before the rains arrived at Talwandi Sabo Power plant in Punjab, the one check the coal ministry was carrying out was the availability of coal stock with the generator. Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL), the 1,980-Mw thermal power plant of Sterlite Energy, part of the Vedanta Group, which supplies about 15 per cent of Punjab's power, is one of the most difficult locations to manage coal supplies. It is nearly 1,700 km from the mines of Mahanadi Coalfields in Odisha, the longest coal route in India and possibly the trickiest as it cuts through the traffic heavy rail lines between Delhi and eastern India.

SJM warns govt over 'dangerous' GM mustard

SJM warns govt over 'dangerous' GM mustard

Rediff.com28 Oct 2022

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) on Friday opposed a regulatory body's recommendation for environmental release of genetically modified mustard, calling it "dangerous" and urged the Centre to ensure that the crop's seed is not allowed to be planted "now or ever". In a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, the RSS-affiliated organisation accused the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) of functioning in an "irresponsible fashion" and said the claims made in support of genetically modified (GM) mustard were "completely untrue, unsubstantiated and wrongly projected". "Swadeshi Jagran Manch has all along been opposing this dangerous and unneeded GM mustard being brought in through the backdoor as a public sector genetically modified organism (GMO)," organisation co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said in the letter.

Will L'affaire Adani Affect Modi's Image?

Will L'affaire Adani Affect Modi's Image?

Rediff.com21 Feb 2023

Gautam Adani's alleged proximity to Narendra Modi may dent the latter's self-styled image of incorruptibility, points out Kanika Datta.

'Absolutely unacceptable': US condemns attack on Indian consulate

'Absolutely unacceptable': US condemns attack on Indian consulate

Rediff.com21 Mar 2023

Raising pro-Khalistan slogans, the protesters on Sunday broke open the makeshift security barriers raised by the city police and installed two so-called Khalistan flags inside the Consulate premises. Two consulate personnel soon removed these flags.

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.

Bhupendra Patel takes oath as Gujarat CM, allots portfolios

Bhupendra Patel takes oath as Gujarat CM, allots portfolios

Rediff.com13 Dec 2022

Patel was administered the oath as the 18th chief minister by Governor Acharya Devvrat at a function held at the Helipad Ground near the new Secretariat.

In RS govt poohpoohs concerns over lack of nuclear safety

In RS govt poohpoohs concerns over lack of nuclear safety

Rediff.com4 Aug 2022

Union minister Jitendra Singh assured the members of the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that there is better nuclear safety in India as compared to many other countries and there are enough safeguards in the Indian nuclear plants.

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.

Modi to discuss 'key issues' with G20 leaders in Bali

Modi to discuss 'key issues' with G20 leaders in Bali

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

In a statement ahead of his visit to the Indonesian city for the G20 leaders' summit, Modi said he will also highlight India's achievements and its 'unwavering commitment' to collectively address key global issues.

Encroaching on others' rights, HC tells Jains seeking ban on meat ads

Encroaching on others' rights, HC tells Jains seeking ban on meat ads

Rediff.com26 Sep 2022

The Bombay high court on Monday asked three Jain religious charitable trusts and a city resident practising Jainism why they were seeking to encroach on the rights of others by appealing for restrictions or ban on advertisements for meat and meat products in print and electronic media.

Cattle slaughter rules is not a prestige issue, open to suggestions: Government

Cattle slaughter rules is not a prestige issue, open to suggestions: Government

Rediff.com4 Jun 2017

Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said the intention behind the notification was not to harm any particular group.

DMK MPs quit NDA ministry

DMK MPs quit NDA ministry

Rediff.com21 Dec 2003

The party had quit the NDA citing differences with the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit.

Now, PM's nod must before suspending IAS officers

Now, PM's nod must before suspending IAS officers

Rediff.com30 Dec 2015

Indian Administrative Service officers working under the central government cannot be suspended without the nod of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a move aimed at allowing bureaucrats to take decisions without any fear of political backlash.

China's Military Upgrade A Cause Of Concern

China's Military Upgrade A Cause Of Concern

Rediff.com28 Mar 2023

The further expansion and upgrade of the Chinese military does not augur well for India, which continues to confront an increasingly belligerent China on its borders, notes former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.