News for 'Sustainable Development and Energy'

India saw 23.5 lakh pollution deaths in 2019, highest in world

India saw 23.5 lakh pollution deaths in 2019, highest in world

Rediff.com18 May 2022

In India, air pollution is most severe in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (northern India), where topography and meteorology concentrate pollution from energy, mobility, industry, agriculture, and other activities, the researchers said.

Shortage of charging stations may short-circuit India's EV revolution

Shortage of charging stations may short-circuit India's EV revolution

Rediff.com4 Aug 2022

Only a few thousand chargers dot the Indian landscape, some in working condition, others not, with some held hostage to the power supply vagaries of local utilities, reports S Dinakar.

Indigenous vaccine for lumpy skin disease ready; Aadhar for animals: Modi

Indigenous vaccine for lumpy skin disease ready; Aadhar for animals: Modi

Rediff.com12 Sep 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Centre along with states is making efforts to control lumpy skin disease in cattle.

'Profiting from Pain': Covid created new billionaire every 30 hrs

'Profiting from Pain': Covid created new billionaire every 30 hrs

Rediff.com23 May 2022

Releasing a report titled 'Profiting from Pain' in Davos, the rights group further said as the cost of essential goods rises faster than it has in decades, billionaires in the food and energy sectors are increasing their fortunes by $1 billion every two days.

Full text: President's address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day 2023

Full text: President's address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day 2023

Rediff.com25 Jan 2023

Here's the full text of address to the nation by President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of the Republic Day 2023.

Old India is still sceptical about investing in start-ups

Old India is still sceptical about investing in start-ups

Rediff.com16 Aug 2019

Though startups find 17 mentions in the Budget speech of the finance minister, and have been promised tax exemptions, the reality is that only 2 per cent of the 4,648 applications received from startups for income tax exemption had been approved as of February 2019, according to an answer to a Parliament question. As India's startup space bubbles with activity - new, young players are tapping into opportunities opening up - there are local anti-portfolio stories circulating about investors missing opportunities in 'unicorns', or companies that have reached valuation of $ 1 billion, says Vandana Gombar.

US private equity firm drops out of BPCL race

US private equity firm drops out of BPCL race

Rediff.com12 Nov 2021

US private equity firm I Squared Capital is dropping out of the race to buy India's second-largest state oil firm, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) owing to a complex deal structure and lack of financial backers for the transaction, sources said. I Squared Capital through its Indian arm, Think Gas was among the three suitors that had evinced interest in buying the government's near 53 per cent shareholding in BPCL. "The company has made a decision not to participate in the financial bidding," a source with direct knowledge of the development said.

Is this what life will look like on Mars?

Is this what life will look like on Mars?

Rediff.com29 Sep 2020

In 2017, the United Arab Emirates announced its ambition to colonise Mars within the next 100 years. And taking that dream forward, architects have imagined what the Martian city might look like -- and planning to recreate it in the desert outside Dubai.

Reliance is 1st Indian co to cross $100 bn annual revenue

Reliance is 1st Indian co to cross $100 bn annual revenue

Rediff.com6 May 2022

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Ltd on Friday reported a 22.5 per cent rise in net profit for the quarter ended March on the back of bumper oil refining margins, steady growth in telecom and digital services and strong momentum in the retail business. The oil-to-retail-to-telecom conglomerate's consolidated net profit rose to Rs 16,203 crore in the quarter ended March 31, 2022 from Rs 13,227 crore, the firm said in a statement. Net profit, however, fell 12.6 per cent sequentially -- breaking a six-quarter chain of quarter-on-quarter improvement.

Air pollution reducing life expectancy in India by 5 years

Air pollution reducing life expectancy in India by 5 years

Rediff.com14 Jun 2022

The residents of Delhi stand to lose 10 years of life expectancy if the current air pollution level persists.

India needs to reinvent manufacturing: Mukesh Ambani

India needs to reinvent manufacturing: Mukesh Ambani

Rediff.com19 Oct 2020

India's most valuable company Reliance Industries was once fined for producing more than its licensed capacity, its owner and richest Indian Mukesh Ambani said on Monday as he pitched for a push to manufacturing to make the country 'Aatmanirbhar' or self-reliant.

'Modi remains deeply involved in every election the BJP contests'

'Modi remains deeply involved in every election the BJP contests'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2022

'The BJP while being in government in Gujarat continues to campaign like an Opposition party whereas the Opposition does the opposite.'

Pakistan always first in our neighbourhood policy, says China

Pakistan always first in our neighbourhood policy, says China

Rediff.com14 Apr 2022

China on Thursday told Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that it will always put its "all-weather ally" as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy as it praised his commitment to promote the USD 60 billion CPEC initiative.

Sukhwinder Sukhu takes oath as Himachal's 15th CM, Agnihotri dy CM

Sukhwinder Sukhu takes oath as Himachal's 15th CM, Agnihotri dy CM

Rediff.com11 Dec 2022

Mukesh Agnihotri, the leader of opposition in the outgoing assembly, was administered the oath as the deputy chief minister.

'Our rating is dependent on the medium-term outlook'

'Our rating is dependent on the medium-term outlook'

Rediff.com1 Dec 2021

'While we note the very strong cyclical recovery in the economy, we believe there is still uncertainty over medium-term prospects.'

Issues India must focus on while negotiating trade deals

Issues India must focus on while negotiating trade deals

Rediff.com17 Nov 2021

As India goes into firming up trade deals with developed nations like Australia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the regional bloc, and the European Union (EU), it will have to be well prepared to negotiate on new-generation issues, such as data protection regulation, e-commerce, and environment. India is yet to negotiate pacts with its trading partners on these evolving issues since discussions between them have until now been largely focused on tariff and non-tariff barriers and the rules of origin. "We can no longer look at trade just as trade. We have to look at it in totality of global and regional conditions.

This is the best time to invest in India: Modi

This is the best time to invest in India: Modi

Rediff.com17 Jan 2022

Citing India's commitment to deep economic reforms and ease of doing business, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Monday that this is the best time to invest in the country as policy-making is focussed on the needs for the next 25 years for a 'clean and green' as well as 'sustainable and reliable' growth period. In his special address to the World Economic Forum's online Davos Agenda 2022 summit, Modi underlined a host of reform measures undertaken by his government to stress that it has worked to reduce the administration's interference in business by deregulating many sectors and to clear the way for free trade agreements with different countries. India was once associated with "license raaj", he noted and highlighted the measures, including reduction of corporate tax to boost business and doing away with over 25,000 compliance requirements.

India to be fastest-growing economy, says Kumar Mangalam Birla

India to be fastest-growing economy, says Kumar Mangalam Birla

Rediff.com25 Jul 2022

India is poised to be the fastest-growing major economy in the world and an engine of global growth despite global headwinds, says leading industrialist and Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla. The economic activity in India has witnessed a sharp recovery to pre-pandemic levels on the back of a rapid and widespread rollout of the vaccination programme, Birla said in the latest annual report of UltraTech Cement Ltd. "A strong digital ecosystem, fiscal and monetary policy and various government schemes helped small and medium enterprises and the worst affected sections of the population to survive while reviving demand and bringing the economy back on track," said Birla while addressing UltraTech's shareholders.

PM Modi calls on Saudi King Salman, meets top ministers to deepen bilateral ties

PM Modi calls on Saudi King Salman, meets top ministers to deepen bilateral ties

Rediff.com29 Oct 2019

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Riyadh late Monday night on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia to participate in the high-profile financial summit Future Investment Initiative, dubbed "Davos in the desert", an initiative of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Why Russia Wants Ukraine

Why Russia Wants Ukraine

Rediff.com27 Feb 2022

Notwithstanding how the current impasse is solved, at some point in the future, Russia will realise that just as centuries ago it developed the paradigm of securing its heartland's safety through annexing vast buffer zones between itself and the enemy, a more modern security is possible only through friendly relations and sustainable peace, observes Shyam G Menon.

Gautam Adani seeks to clear the air on 'Mauritius funds'

Gautam Adani seeks to clear the air on 'Mauritius funds'

Rediff.com12 Jul 2021

Weeks after confusion over three Mauritius-based funds whipsawing shares of Adani group firms, billionaire Gautam Adani on Monday said that "twisted narrative" seems to imply that companies have regulatory powers over their shareholders and can compel disclosures. Shares of port-to-energy group nosedived last month after reports that accounts of three of the six Mauritius-based funds that have invested most of their money in Adani group firms had been frozen by the national share depository. The three funds owned about $6 billion of shares across the conglomerate.

'India needs $1 trillion for new infrastructure'

'India needs $1 trillion for new infrastructure'

Rediff.com28 May 2015

The Indian economy is expected to return to the pre-crisis growth trajectory of about 9 per cent in a couple of years.

Major Ruchi, The UN Peacekeeper in Congo

Major Ruchi, The UN Peacekeeper in Congo

Rediff.com10 Mar 2023

Major Ruchi Agarwal is commander of the United Nations Female Engagement Team in the conflict-ridden Democratic Republic of Congo.

In tribute to Gandhi, PM moots 'Einstein challenge' in NYT op-ed

In tribute to Gandhi, PM moots 'Einstein challenge' in NYT op-ed

Rediff.com2 Oct 2019

The op-ed ends with a call to the world to work shoulder to shoulder to end hate, violence and suffering.

Will strengthen spirit of cooperation during Europe visit: PM

Will strengthen spirit of cooperation during Europe visit: PM

Rediff.com1 May 2022

In a statement, Modi said he will be visiting Berlin on May 2 at the invitation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, following which he will travel to Copenhagen on May 3-4 at the invitation of his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen to hold bilateral engagements and also participate in the Second India-Nordic Summit.

Mukesh Ambani bats for bridging the digital divide

Mukesh Ambani bats for bridging the digital divide

Rediff.com21 Jun 2021

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani on Monday pressed for bridging the digital divide "both among nations and within nations", saying connectivity and communications have become the fundamental rights of every person. Also, there is a need to bring back the economies around the globe. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, he said it is difficult to imagine what India would have been without the 4G telecom network during the pandemic. "The digital divide must be bridged, both among nations and within nations.

Modi to present India's climate action plan at COP26 summit

Modi to present India's climate action plan at COP26 summit

Rediff.com31 Oct 2021

During his three-day UK visit until Tuesday, Modi is listed to address the COP26 summit with a national statement about India's climate action plan in the afternoon session on Monday, ahead of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

PE major Advent snaps up Eureka Forbes for Rs 4,400 cr

PE major Advent snaps up Eureka Forbes for Rs 4,400 cr

Rediff.com20 Sep 2021

After a long wait, the Shapoorji Pallonji Group has closed the sale process of its consumer durables business under the Eureka Forbes label by picking the American private equity fund Advent International's Rs 4,400-crore offer for a 72 per cent stake. The sale process, which began in November 2019, will help the over 156-year-old SP Group pair the debt pile and sharpen the focus on the flagship construction and engineering business under Afcons. The valuation of Rs 4,400 crore for a 72.56 per cent stake is is at an enterprise level and subject to closing adjustments and also includes an open offer for the remaining stake after the demerger and listing of Eureka Forbes, the SP group said in a statement on Sunday.

Modi calls for 'repair and prepare' as India emerges from pandemic

Modi calls for 'repair and prepare' as India emerges from pandemic

Rediff.com16 Jun 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called for focus on 'repair and prepare' as the nation emerges out of a devastating pandemic. "Over the past year, we have witnessed a lot of disruption in different sectors. Much of it is still there. Yet, disruption does not have to mean despair," he said at VivaTech Summit. "Instead, we must keep the focus on the twin foundations of repair and prepare," he said referring to the need to augment healthcare infrastructure in the country as well as prop up the economy.

Modiji, A Sure Shot Way To Win 2024

Modiji, A Sure Shot Way To Win 2024

Rediff.com12 May 2022

Ramesh Menon, the veteran journalist suggests Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi what he should do if he wants to win 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The longest pedestrian bridge is now open and it's frightening

The longest pedestrian bridge is now open and it's frightening

Rediff.com11 May 2021

What's the last best place for the world's longest pedestrian bridge? If your answer is suspended 500 feet over a river gorge, you may have a new post-Covid bucket list destination. Check out '516 Arouca' -- so called because it's 516 metres long and is in the town of Arouca, an hour south of Porto in Portugal - connecting the Aguieiras Waterfall and the Paiva Gorge.

Nuke deal: Indian hero who defeated the Americans

Nuke deal: Indian hero who defeated the Americans

Rediff.com8 Jan 2020

'Dr Singh, visibly relieved, said, 'Yesterday night I couldn't sleep. I stayed awake, praying throughout. You have saved the country'.' A fascinating excerpt from former atomic energy chief Dr Anil Kakodkar's memoir Fire And Fury: Transforming India's Strategic Identity.

Egypt's strategic partnership for India, highest award for Modi

Egypt's strategic partnership for India, highest award for Modi

Rediff.com25 Jun 2023

El-Sisi welcomed Modi, who is on a two-day state visit to Egypt, at the Presidential Palace where the two leaders were closeted for one-on-one meeting after which the two sides signed a memorandum of understandng.

India, Germany made for each other: Modi

India, Germany made for each other: Modi

Rediff.com30 May 2017

Modi also made a call for European Union unity and said India would play a positive role in enhancing that through Germany.

Sensex, Nifty log 3rd straight gains; bank stocks show the way

Sensex, Nifty log 3rd straight gains; bank stocks show the way

Rediff.com13 Mar 2019

Sustained foreign fund inflows and strengthening rupee are among the main reasons behind the market rally.

Won't conduct any inquiry against Pachauri: UN

Won't conduct any inquiry against Pachauri: UN

Rediff.com25 Feb 2015

The UN made it clear that it will not conduct any inquiry into accusations of sexual harassment against R K Pachauri

'A very long time since India experienced such high inflation'

'A very long time since India experienced such high inflation'

Rediff.com20 Jun 2022

Inflation trajectory, domestically as also globally, is what will shape the economy, and therefore the market, over the next couple of quarters.'

Is Tourism Destroying Goa?

Is Tourism Destroying Goa?

Rediff.com24 Feb 2023

Poor governance and mediocre short-sighted politics are destroying the paradise that Goa was as its environment, water table, culture and way of life is drastically threatened by tourism and migration, points out Ramesh Menon.

The A-W Of Desi Guests At the White House Dinner

The A-W Of Desi Guests At the White House Dinner

Rediff.com24 Jun 2023

The dinner Jill Biden and her husband US President Joe Biden hosted for Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, June 22, at the White House brought together, Indians and Americans from so many firmaments.