News for 'Environment Ministry'

Forget Rs 200 crore, Adanis can only be fined Rs 1 lakh now

Forget Rs 200 crore, Adanis can only be fined Rs 1 lakh now

Rediff.com7 Jul 2016

In its final order, the environment ministry had concluded that the upfront payment of Rs 200 crore as Environment Restoration Fund for violations and damage done was not permitted under the Environment Protection Act. Consequent to this order, the penalty that could be imposed on any confirmation of violation in the future is a maximum of Rs 1 lakh.

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.

Rajnath briefs Austin on F-16 concerns, US greets India on Vikrant

Rajnath briefs Austin on F-16 concerns, US greets India on Vikrant

Rediff.com14 Sep 2022

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday conveyed to US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin India's concerns over Washington's decision to provide sustenance package for Pakistan's F-16 fighter jet fleet.

Zoos across India on 'highest' alert after tiger in US gets COVID-19

Zoos across India on 'highest' alert after tiger in US gets COVID-19

Rediff.com7 Apr 2020

The female tiger, named Nadia, is believed to be the first known case of an animal infected with COVID-19 in the US. It is suspected that she contracted the virus from a caretaker who was asymptomatic at that time.

'Fuel retailing for the pvt sector in India is unsustainable'

'Fuel retailing for the pvt sector in India is unsustainable'

Rediff.com23 May 2022

RBML - the joint venture of Reliance Industries Ltd and supermajor BP - has told the government that fuel retailing for the private sector in India has become unsustainable after market-controlling public sector firms frequently froze petrol and diesel prices at rates way below the cost, sources said. Despite a surge in oil prices, state-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) first froze petrol and diesel rates for a record 137 days beginning early November 2021 when five states including Uttar Pradesh went to the polls, and last month again went into a hiatus that is now 47 days old. "They (Reliance BP Mobility Ltd) has written to the petroleum ministry over the fuel pricing issue," a highly placed source in the government, who didn't want to be quoted, told reporters.

Will start work on Mekedatu: Yediyurappa brushes aside TN's objections

Will start work on Mekedatu: Yediyurappa brushes aside TN's objections

Rediff.com13 Jul 2021

"I don't want to discuss Tamil Nadu or any other state. We have got every right and we are going to start the work," Yediyurappa said in response to a question on Tamil Nadu's objection to the Mekedatu project.

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.

Budget 2023 likely to steer clear of populist measures

Budget 2023 likely to steer clear of populist measures

Rediff.com30 Jan 2023

Ahead of the 2023-24 Union Budget, the thinking at the top level of the central government is clear: Gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6-6.5 per cent is a comfortable enough target for FY24 and the focus should be on fiscal consolidation to ensure that the sovereign cost of borrowing does not become prohibitively expensive in a high-interest rate environment, according to people in the know. Those aware of deliberations between the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the Ministry of Finance said while the Budget would look to strike a balance between infrastructure investment and welfare schemes, it is unlikely to be populist, though it will be the last full-year Budget before the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Incidentally, 6-6.5 per cent GDP growth is what the upcoming 2022-23 Economic Survey is expected to project for FY24.

Nepal's PM Deuba sacks 4 ministers a week after ally JSP quits coalition

Nepal's PM Deuba sacks 4 ministers a week after ally JSP quits coalition

Rediff.com14 Oct 2022

The JSP has made an electoral alliance with main opposition Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist headed by K P Sharma Oli.

HC asks TN to allow Assam team to inspect Joymala, other elephants

HC asks TN to allow Assam team to inspect Joymala, other elephants

Rediff.com16 Sep 2022

The Gauhati high court on Friday directed the Tamil Nadu government to give permission and security to a delegation from Assam while inspecting the elephants taken from Guwahati to temples of the southern state.

Gotabaya blames Covid for Lanka's economic woes

Gotabaya blames Covid for Lanka's economic woes

Rediff.com16 Jul 2022

Rajapaksa said he took the best steps like trying to form an all-party government to counter the economic meltdown.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

'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".

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.