News for 'Forest and Environment'

Orangutans found in Odisha forest: Hunt on for black SUV

Orangutans found in Odisha forest: Hunt on for black SUV

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Odisha Police's STF and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are investigating the rescue of five baby orangutans in Balasore, suspecting an international wildlife trafficking network. The probe focuses on a black SUV seen near the rescue site and potential routes from West Bengal, with officials believing the animals were trafficked from Southeast Asia. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called for stringent action against those involved.

Elephants vs Rajdhani Express: Alert forest officials avert tragedy in Assam

Elephants vs Rajdhani Express: Alert forest officials avert tragedy in Assam

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A major tragedy was averted in Assam's Hojai district on Wednesday when forest personnel alerted the Rajdhani Express after spotting a large herd of elephants crossing a railway track, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Environment ministry removes three senior officials in surprise rejig

Environment ministry removes three senior officials in surprise rejig

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Environment Ministry has removed its private secretary and two additional private secretaries through three separate orders issued on July 3. While one was removed on "administrative grounds" and another "prematurely repatriated," the appointment of the third was terminated, with no specific reasons publicly stated for these significant personnel changes.

The First Lady Boss Of India's Elite Commando Force

The First Lady Boss Of India's Elite Commando Force

Rediff.com6 days ago

Sanjukta Parashar, an IPS officer with a formidable background in counter-insurgency, has made history by becoming the first woman inspector general of the CRPF's elite CoBRA force.

Arunachal Pradesh Unveils New Leafless Orchid Species

Arunachal Pradesh Unveils New Leafless Orchid Species

Rediff.com1 days ago

Scientists have discovered a rare leafless orchid species, Gastrodia keyiensis, in a remote gorge along the Keyi River in Arunachal Pradesh. This elusive orchid, which lacks leaves and chlorophyll, relies on soil fungi for nutrients and was found at an altitude of around 1,000 metres. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh and the need for conservation.

Despite 11 pending court cases, Environment Min panel clears coal mining project

Despite 11 pending court cases, Environment Min panel clears coal mining project

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Environment Ministry's expert appraisal committee (EAC) has cleared the expansion of the Magadh opencast coal mine in Jharkhand, operated by Central Coalfields Limited, despite pending court cases regarding alleged encroachment of forest land.

How Shimla Cricket League Combats Drug Abuse And Boosts Environment

How Shimla Cricket League Combats Drug Abuse And Boosts Environment

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

A rural-level cricket competition in Shimla's Jubbal subdivision is using sports to raise awareness about drug abuse and environmental protection. The 'Shaan-e-Bushahr' Mandhol Premiere League-4, featuring over 80 teams, encourages participants to plant saplings and monitor their growth, building on previous successful tree-planting initiatives.

The Men And Women Who Protect Our Freedom

The Men And Women Who Protect Our Freedom

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

On India's 80th Independence Day, a photo feature by Pravin Talan and Rupali Talan offers a compelling look into the challenging lives and rigorous training of India's armed and security forces, from the snow-capped mountains of Kashmir to the dense forests of Gadchiroli.

Shrinking Forests Fuel Deadly Elephant Encounters in Assam

Shrinking Forests Fuel Deadly Elephant Encounters in Assam

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The incidents resulted in 1,468 human deaths and 337 injuries, making it one of the country's gravest wildlife-related crises.

How Delhi's Forests Are Quietly Combating Climate Change

How Delhi's Forests Are Quietly Combating Climate Change

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Researchers have discovered that Delhi's urban forests are significant carbon sinks, storing substantial amounts of carbon in trees and soil, with the potential to generate revenue through carbon credits. The study highlights the importance of preserving and expanding these forests to combat climate change.

World Elephant Day: Haathi Mere Saathi

World Elephant Day: Haathi Mere Saathi

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

India has over 22,000 wild elephants. May their tribe increase.

West Bengal BJP Promises Investors A Fearless Environment

West Bengal BJP Promises Investors A Fearless Environment

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya advocated a new land policy to facilitate large-scale industrialisation and assured investors of a 'fearless' environment in the state.

'China didn't inform, Nepal toll could rise unbelievably'

'China didn't inform, Nepal toll could rise unbelievably'

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Nepal's former Forest and Environment Minister Madhav Prasad Chaulagain has expressed concern over the lack of timely information exchange with China ahead of the devastating floods, stating that the disaster's scale could lead to an 'unbelievable' rise in the death toll.

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that Odisha's forest and environment department sidestepped central guidelines, procuring and customising Mahindra Thar SUVs worth 17 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for forest protection, despite the funds being earmarked for 'preparedness and capacity building'.

Parbati Barua: Queen Of The Elephants

Parbati Barua: Queen Of The Elephants

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

On World Elephant Day, the story of Parbati Barua deserves to be remembered.

'There Will Be No Water In The Rivers!'

'There Will Be No Water In The Rivers!'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'All the glaciers will disappear!'

'No state can block elephants': SC orders nationwide corridor survey

'No state can block elephants': SC orders nationwide corridor survey

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC) to conduct a nationwide survey to check if any state has constructed obstacles or created blockades in elephant corridors, saying it was unacceptable.

Manchester City's new head coach Maresca faces a monumental EPL challenge

Manchester City's new head coach Maresca faces a monumental EPL challenge

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Manchester City enter a challenging post-Guardiola era, with Enzo Maresca tasked with preserving their dominance, managing squad changes and meeting immense expectations in a fiercely competitive Premier League.

'China Should Have Alerted Nepal'

'China Should Have Alerted Nepal'

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

'The trigger for the flood was definitely natural, but the damage that it caused was human-made.'

Vijay's Fans Celebrate Jana Nayagan With Biryani Party

Vijay's Fans Celebrate Jana Nayagan With Biryani Party

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Vijay's Jana Nayagan releases in theatres, and fans just can't keep calm!

SC quashes power to grant retrospective green nod, leaves window open

SC quashes power to grant retrospective green nod, leaves window open

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has quashed the 2021 Office Memorandum allowing retrospective environmental clearances, reinforcing the importance of prior environmental approval for projects but held that the judgment will apply prospectively, thus saving projects that got retrospective ECs from demolition and other punitive measures.

Miscreants set afire forest created by 'Forest Man of India' in Assam

Miscreants set afire forest created by 'Forest Man of India' in Assam

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

A man-made forest created by Padma Shri awardee Jadav Payeng, known as 'Forest Man of India', was substantially damaged after miscreants set it on fire. An investigation has been ordered.

Hydel projects to add 14,000 Mw by '32-33, CEA reckons

Hydel projects to add 14,000 Mw by '32-33, CEA reckons

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The focus is now on accelerating PSP development through faster approvals, better-quality detailed project reports (DPRs), simplified clearances, and early excavation permissions. Speaking at a recent event, Prasad said hydropower and PSPs would be central to supporting India's renewable energy expansion by providing the reliable and flexible capacity needed to balance rising solar and wind generation. "A huge amount of variability is getting introduced into the grid.

India's Nuclear Mission Gains Major Momentum

India's Nuclear Mission Gains Major Momentum

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The government introduced the SHANTI Act, 2025, to support the mission and open the sector to private participation.

Wild Animal Attacks in Odisha: Over 500 Fatalities in Three Years

Wild Animal Attacks in Odisha: Over 500 Fatalities in Three Years

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Over the past three years, Odisha has witnessed a surge in human-animal conflict, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries due to attacks by wild animals, including elephants. The state government is grappling with the increasing crisis, with specific forest divisions reporting higher numbers of deaths and injuries.

Did Mohan Bhagwat Sync With Gen Z?

Did Mohan Bhagwat Sync With Gen Z?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

All's well with the State; it's the citizens who have to really buck up, was the sum and substance of Mohan Bhagwat's message to Gen Z.

How Mizoram's NHM Boosts India's Biodiversity Conservation Efforts

How Mizoram's NHM Boosts India's Biodiversity Conservation Efforts

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Environment Ministry has designated the Natural History Museum (NHM) in Mizoram as India's 21st designated repository, significantly enhancing the country's biodiversity conservation and scientific infrastructure, particularly within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.

Top education ministry officials shifted amid nationwide protests

Top education ministry officials shifted amid nationwide protests

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Indian education ministry has undergone a significant reshuffle of top officials, including the removal of higher education secretary Vineet Joshi, amidst widespread controversies surrounding NEET-UG paper leaks and CBSE digital evaluation glitches, with the opposition demanding the resignation of Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

SC forms high-powered committee to review Centre's Aravalli report

SC forms high-powered committee to review Centre's Aravalli report

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has established a high-powered committee, chaired by Kanchan Devi, Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), to independently review the Centre's report on the definition and delineation of the Aravalli hill range, aiming to resolve 'critical ambiguities' in its findings.

New Butterfly Species Honours Zubeen Garg

New Butterfly Species Honours Zubeen Garg

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

A newly discovered butterfly species in Arunachal Pradesh has been named Euthalia zubeengargi, in honour of Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg.

Kaziranga Turtle Conservation Milestone

Kaziranga Turtle Conservation Milestone

Rediff.com16 May 2026

India's first satellite-tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle released in Kaziranga.

Great Nicobar project is not about defence but real estate: Rahul

Great Nicobar project is not about defence but real estate: Rahul

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said the government's argument that the Great Nicobar Island Project is about defence and a trans-shipment port is a "lie", and alleged that it is actually about benefiting one businessman so that he can build hotels and casinos on India's most irreplaceable ecological land.

'Dr Gadgil Understood Environment's Impact On Mankind's Future'

'Dr Gadgil Understood Environment's Impact On Mankind's Future'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

'His report created a lot of negative reaction in Kerala and in a way, he was crucified for writing such a report.' 'I asked him, "Don't you feel frustrated?"' 'His reply was, "Have you read Bhagavad Gita Chapter2"?' 'He particularly mentioned verse 47, where Sri Krishna tells Arjuna, "Your duty is to work without thinking of the fruits you get".' "He said, "similarly, my duty was to do what best I could do without hoping for any rewards".'

Northern Army Commander Reviews Rajouri Anti-Terror Operation

Northern Army Commander Reviews Rajouri Anti-Terror Operation

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma reviewed the ongoing anti-terrorist operation 'Sheruwali' in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on operational dynamics and inter-agency synergy.

Maneka Gandhi vs Jains: Peacock feather remarks spark row; complaints filed

Maneka Gandhi vs Jains: Peacock feather remarks spark row; complaints filed

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

A row has erupted over former Union minister Maneka Gandhi's appeal to the Jain community to stop using 'picchis' (sacred broom) made of peacock feathers, claiming that their demand fuels illegal wildlife trade.

Assam Gibbon Makes Historic Railway Crossing

Assam Gibbon Makes Historic Railway Crossing

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Endangered hoolock gibbon uses bridge over railway line in Jorhat sanctuary.

Stir erupts against Karnataka's AI city

Stir erupts against Karnataka's AI city

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

About 45 km from the tech hub of Bengaluru, the Karnataka government is planning a mega artificial intelligence (AI)-powered city with a budget of more than Rs 18,000 crore. To be spread over 9,000 acres, the project aims to follow the theme "Work, live, play" with technology as its core. At the centre of it are, however, thousands of farmers who are protesting against land acquisition by the government.

When Airports Had A Soul And Became Our Memory

When Airports Had A Soul And Became Our Memory

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Some places are etched into our memories - and even when they are replaced by grander, gleaming structures, they can never be replaced or rebuilt. We try to hold on to them as hard as we can.

Woman tourist from TN killed during elephants' fight at Karnataka camp

Woman tourist from TN killed during elephants' fight at Karnataka camp

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A woman was killed at the Dubare elephant camp in Karnataka after being caught under an elephant during a fight between two trained elephants. The Karnataka government has ordered a probe and new safety measures.

Supreme Court: Aravalli Definition Panel Must Consult Experts, Public

Supreme Court: Aravalli Definition Panel Must Consult Experts, Public

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court has emphasised that the expert committee tasked with defining the Aravalli hills and ranges must consult domain experts and other stakeholders to ensure public input is heard.