News for 'Ministry of Environment'

'Adani port project will be an environmental disaster'

'Adani port project will be an environmental disaster'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2022

'People should realise that what we are fighting for today is actually for tomorrow, for future generations.'

386 infra projects show cost overruns of Rs 4.7 lakh cr

386 infra projects show cost overruns of Rs 4.7 lakh cr

Rediff.com28 Aug 2022

As many as 386 infrastructure projects, each entailing an investment of Rs 150 crore or more, have been hit by cost overruns of more than Rs 4.7 lakh crore, as per a report. According to the ministry of statistics and programme implementation, which monitors infrastructure projects of Rs 150 crore and above, out of 1,505 projects, 386 reported cost overruns and as many as 661 projects were delayed. "Total original cost of implementation of the 1505 projects was Rs 21,21,793.23 crore and their anticipated completion cost is likely to be Rs 25,92,537.79 crore, which reflects overall cost overruns of Rs 4,70,744.56 crore (22.19% of original cost)," the ministry's latest report for July 2022 said.

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.

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.

TV channels will have to show 30-minute public interest broadcast daily

TV channels will have to show 30-minute public interest broadcast daily

Rediff.com9 Nov 2022

In a bid to pitch India as an uplinking hub, the government on Tuesday announced relaxation in guidelines for compliance for television channels and also made a 30-minute daily public interest broadcast mandatory, mainly for entertainment channels.

How to use scrapped vehicles for steel production? Scindia pitches for guidelines

How to use scrapped vehicles for steel production? Scindia pitches for guidelines

Rediff.com15 Nov 2022

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday pitched for policy guidelines to utilise scrapped vehicles as raw material for steel production, saying there are close to about one crore such vehicles in the country. Scindia, who also holds steel portfolio, said the time is not far away when the country will have to move towards green steel, and therefore, the option of iron ore and coking coal will not be available. Green steel is manufactured without using fossil fuels.

Over 15 single-use plastic items will be prohibited from Jul 1, 2022

Over 15 single-use plastic items will be prohibited from Jul 1, 2022

Rediff.com13 Aug 2021

The manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of following single-use plastic, including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, commodities shall be prohibited with effect from July 1, 2022: ear buds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene (thermocol) for decoration; plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays; wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 micron, stirrers, the notification read. The provisions will not apply to commodities made of compostable plastic, the notification said.

Adani group to invest Rs 10,700 crore to expand Lucknow airport

Adani group to invest Rs 10,700 crore to expand Lucknow airport

Rediff.com19 Dec 2022

The Adani group will invest Rs 10,700 crore into Lucknow airport's expansion so that its annual passenger handling capacity zooms from 4 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to 39 MPPA. The airport's expansion plan received clearance from the Union environment ministry on December 15. However, the plan submitted to the ministry did not mention the deadline for the expansion.

IAF to get 10 light combat choppers, Army 5 as CCS approves procurement

IAF to get 10 light combat choppers, Army 5 as CCS approves procurement

Rediff.com30 Mar 2022

The defence ministry said 10 helicopters will be for the Indian Air Force and five will be for the Indian Army.

On Art 370 anniversary, China says India, Pakistan should talk

On Art 370 anniversary, China says India, Pakistan should talk

Rediff.com5 Aug 2022

India and Pakistan should resolve their differences over the Kashmir issue peacefully through dialogue and consultation, China said on Friday on the third anniversary of the revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

'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.'

Gadkari gets tough with EV companies

Gadkari gets tough with EV companies

Rediff.com21 Apr 2022

With increasing incidents of electric two-wheelers catching fire, Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said the companies found negligent will be penalised and a recall of all defective vehicles will be ordered after receiving the report of an expert panel that has been formed to enquire into the matter. In a series of tweets, Gadkari said several mishaps involving electric two-wheelers have come to light in the last two months. "We have constituted an expert committee to enquire into these incidents and make recommendations on remedial steps.

India welcomes world leaders as G20 summit kicks off on Saturday

India welcomes world leaders as G20 summit kicks off on Saturday

Rediff.com8 Sep 2023

The silver lining for India's presidency is likely to be the support by almost all G20 countries to its proposal to include the African Union as a permanent member of the bloc that has emerged as perhaps the most influential multilateral forum after the United Nations.

South Africa promises 'secure bio-bubble' for Team India

South Africa promises 'secure bio-bubble' for Team India

Rediff.com30 Nov 2021

South Africa's foreign ministry has said that a 'full bio-secure environment' will be created for the Indian cricket team when it lands in Johannesburg for a highly-anticipated series next month

If India is to rule the waves, defence ministry must change its ways

If India is to rule the waves, defence ministry must change its ways

Rediff.com3 Apr 2018

Though the government says public and private shipyards compete on equal terms, public shipyards feast at the high table with the defence ministry, with only scraps being tossed to private shipbuilders.

Pakistan unhappy with Indian action, repeats call for joint probe into BrahMos misfire

Pakistan unhappy with Indian action, repeats call for joint probe into BrahMos misfire

Rediff.com25 Aug 2022

Pakistan has rejected India's action over the March 9 accidental firing of a supersonic BrahMos missile that landed in its territory as "totally unsatisfactory, deficient and inadequate" and reiterated its demand for a joint probe into the incident.

India's tour of South Africa on as of now: BCCI

India's tour of South Africa on as of now: BCCI

Rediff.com30 Nov 2021

BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal on Tuesday said India's tour of South Africa remains on schedule provided the situation doesn't aggravate in the rainbow nation after a new COVID-19 variant was detected there.

Highways within 100 km of borders won't need green nod: Govt

Highways within 100 km of borders won't need green nod: Govt

Rediff.com19 Jul 2022

The notification issued by the Union Environment Ministry also exempts projects pertaining to the expansion of terminal buildings at airports (without an increase in the existing area of the airport) from seeking green nod.

Goa CM distributes portfolios, retains home, finance

Goa CM distributes portfolios, retains home, finance

Rediff.com3 Apr 2022

Vishwajit Rane, who had unsuccessfully lobbied for the CM's post, has been given crucial Health and Town and Country Planning Portfolios along with Urban Development, Women and Child, and Forest departments.

Govt 'willing to translate' draft EIA in 22 languages

Govt 'willing to translate' draft EIA in 22 languages

Rediff.com27 Aug 2021

The Centre on Friday told the Delhi High Court that it was willing to translate and publish the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) in all the 22 vernacular languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

Single planning authority for Mumbai to be set up soon: Aaditya Thackeray

Single planning authority for Mumbai to be set up soon: Aaditya Thackeray

Rediff.com13 May 2022

Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday said the process of setting up a single planning authority for Mumbai is underway.

How We Can Have A Credible NIRF Ranking

How We Can Have A Credible NIRF Ranking

Rediff.com6 Apr 2023

Whenever there is an evaluation scheme, it is human tendency to score as high as possible. None would like to highlight their shortcomings, and everyone likes to highlight their positives. This is what is happening in this context of rankings as well, points out Profesor N Ravichandran.

Cheetahs to make a comeback in India in August

Cheetahs to make a comeback in India in August

Rediff.com7 Jun 2022

India is all set to introduce cheetahs from South Africa in a wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh by August as part of attempts to rehabilitate the species that had become extinct from the country.

Centre introduces new law to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR

Centre introduces new law to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR

Rediff.com30 Oct 2020

Violation of the provisions entails a punishment of a jail term of up to five years or with fine up to Rs one crore or with both.

Centre concerned over Covid positivity rate spike amid H3N2 cases

Centre concerned over Covid positivity rate spike amid H3N2 cases

Rediff.com11 Mar 2023

The states were requested to take a stock of hospital preparedness such as availability of drugs and medical oxygen, vaccination coverage against COVID-19 and influenza.

After curbing import of toys, India to turn tap off for Chinese fans, smart meters

After curbing import of toys, India to turn tap off for Chinese fans, smart meters

Rediff.com3 Dec 2022

We are looking at bringing quality control orders for mass production items such as smart meters and ceiling fans. This will benefit our own industry and consumers, a government official said.

Cheetahs to be moved to bigger enclosure in Kuno park soon

Cheetahs to be moved to bigger enclosure in Kuno park soon

Rediff.com1 Nov 2022

The eight cheetahs flown to Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park (KNP) from Namibia in mid-September will be moved to an acclimatisation enclosure this month before being released into the wild, a member of the Centre's task force on the big cats has said.

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.

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.

Modi arrives in Germany to attend G7 summit; leaders' focus likely on Ukraine

Modi arrives in Germany to attend G7 summit; leaders' focus likely on Ukraine

Rediff.com26 Jun 2022

Prime Minister Modi is attending the G7 summit, to be held on June 26 and 27, following an invitation by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Central Vista: Green nod to 'Executive Enclave' that will house new PMO

Central Vista: Green nod to 'Executive Enclave' that will house new PMO

Rediff.com2 Sep 2022

The Delhi State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has granted environmental clearance to the proposal for the construction of the 'Executive Enclave' which will house the new Prime Minister's Office and Cabinet Secretariat.

Elephant tramples 16 people to death in 12 days in Jharkhand, 4 on Tuesday alone

Elephant tramples 16 people to death in 12 days in Jharkhand, 4 on Tuesday alone

Rediff.com21 Feb 2023

Sixteen people in five Jharkhand districts have been killed by a tusker in the past 12 days, with four in a single block of Ranchi district on Tuesday, forest officials said.

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.

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.

487 trees to make way for Central Vista's executive enclave housing PMO

487 trees to make way for Central Vista's executive enclave housing PMO

Rediff.com13 Apr 2022

The executive enclave will house the new Prime Minister's Office, Cabinet Secretariat, India House and the National Security Council Secretariat.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.