News for 'Union Environment'

Who Is Wing Commander Vyomika Singh?

Who Is Wing Commander Vyomika Singh?

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh's role at the press briefing for Operation Sindoor is consistent with her experience as a helicopter pilot in Jammu and Kashmir during the course of her career.

India Rolls Out Next-Gen Rice Varieties

India Rolls Out Next-Gen Rice Varieties

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The varieties will take at least 4 to 5 years to reach farmers after they complete the usual cycle of breeder, foundation and certified seeds.

Enhance civil defence measures: MHA to states, UTs amid Pak attacks

Enhance civil defence measures: MHA to states, UTs amid Pak attacks

Rediff.com9 May 2025

In the letter issued, considering the last night attacks by Pakistani forces in Jammu and Jaisalmer regions, the provision also authorises the use of local authority funds for such emergency measures, giving them precedence over other financial obligations.

Don't gag large projects, environ minister told

Don't gag large projects, environ minister told

Rediff.com23 Aug 2011

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma has protested, on behalf of the corporate sector, against the Union environment and forests ministry's 'unreasonable environment regulations' being clamped on the industrial projects.

After 6 years, CBI closes graft case against ex-minister Jayanthi Natarajan

After 6 years, CBI closes graft case against ex-minister Jayanthi Natarajan

Rediff.com28 Nov 2023

After six years of probe, the Central Bureau of Investigation filed the closure report before a special court last week as it could not find enough evidence in the case to proceed with prosecution, the officials said.

Modi 3@1: Challenges, Opportunities Ahead

Modi 3@1: Challenges, Opportunities Ahead

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

There are challenges galore before him, and it is not going to be easy. In the next four years, he has to conjure a system that changes the optics about him and the BJP both nationally and internationally so that he can ride back on his own, claim the top slot, and not have to lean on a coalition, asserts Ramesh Menon as Modi 3.0 completes a year in power.

FTA deal with India: EU firms want non-tariff barriers to go

FTA deal with India: EU firms want non-tariff barriers to go

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

European Union (EU) companies operating in India want New Delhi to streamline or remove non-tariff barriers such as Quality Control Orders (QCOs), complex Customs procedures; simplify labelling, testing, and import procedures; and facilitate cross-border digital transactions without data localisation constraints. These are results of a Business Sentiment Survey, 2025 conducted by the Federation of European Business in India (FEBI) ahead of resumption of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between both the sides scheduled to be concluded by year-end.

No fuel for 15+ year old vehicles in Delhi from April 1

No fuel for 15+ year old vehicles in Delhi from April 1

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

The Delhi government will stop providing petrol to vehicles older than 15 years at fuel stations across the city after March 31, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced. The decision is part of the government's efforts to combat air pollution in the national capital. The meeting focused on key policy decisions, including restrictions on older vehicles, mandatory anti-smog measures, and the transition to electric public transport. The government will install gadgets at petrol pumps to identify vehicles older than 15 years, and no fuel will be provided to them.

Delhi's Fuel Ban On 15-year-old Vehicles Finds No Backers

Delhi's Fuel Ban On 15-year-old Vehicles Finds No Backers

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The Delhi government has announced that vehicles older than 15 years will be denied fuel at petrol pumps starting April 1.

Hosting 2036 Olympics not empty slogan: Mandaviya

Hosting 2036 Olympics not empty slogan: Mandaviya

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

Action plan ready to prepare India for hosting 2036 Games, says Union Sports Minister.

'We pay lip service to environment protection'

'We pay lip service to environment protection'

Rediff.com5 Jul 2009

The conflict between development and environment should not cause unnecessary delays, says Union Environment and Forest Minister Jairam Ramesh.

Geopolitics, mkt volatility pose growth risks: FinMin

Geopolitics, mkt volatility pose growth risks: FinMin

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Geopolitical tensions, trade policy uncertainties, volatility in international commodity prices and financial market uncertainties pose considerable risks to India's economic growth in the coming year, the finance ministry cautioned on Wednesday. "Global trade continues to be affected by uncertainty in the policy environment... tariff-related developments in multiple countries have heightened trade-related risks, affecting investment and trade flows globally.

Pahalgam attack: Perpetrators won't be spared, says Modi

Pahalgam attack: Perpetrators won't be spared, says Modi

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

A deadly terror attack targeting tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday drew strong condemnation and outrage. 26 people, including two foreigners and two locals, were killed in the attack, which is the deadliest in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the perpetrators will not be spared and their evil agenda will never succeed. Opposition leaders demanded accountability, claiming the government's claims of normalcy in Kashmir have fallen flat.

Yunus to stay on as Bangladesh interim chief, says adviser

Yunus to stay on as Bangladesh interim chief, says adviser

Rediff.com24 May 2025

The chief adviser's decision to stay in office came two days after he told student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders that he was mulling resignation as he felt "the situation is such that he cannot work", citing difficulties in working amid the failure of political parties to find common ground for change.

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

At the end of the day, for many worldwide, the ongoing mutual attacks between Israel and Iran would seem a contest devoid of any moral high ground and only a bout between two ordinary adversaries, one that nevertheless risks spinning out of control into a larger conflagration, notes Shyam G Menon.

Kerala: The Puzzled Book Of Questions

Kerala: The Puzzled Book Of Questions

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Can a culture survive as a way of life, even as the language and writing at its core, alter with time? Can we be rational and Malayalee or do we have to necessarily be religious and proudly cultural to be Malayalee? asks Shyam G Menon.

Amid row over Aurangzeb's tomb, Shah says...

Amid row over Aurangzeb's tomb, Shah says...

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Shah said Shivaji Maharaj defeated "Mughal shahi" (rule of Mughals).

India eyes trade pact push as US pauses reciprocal tariffs for 3 months

India eyes trade pact push as US pauses reciprocal tariffs for 3 months

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

With US President Donald Trump "temporarily suspending" country-specific reciprocal tariffs until July 9, India sees the three-month window as an opportunity to renew its push for a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the US and expedite finalisation of the first tranche of the trade deal.

'Nagrik Devo Bhava': Modi's message to bureaucrats

'Nagrik Devo Bhava': Modi's message to bureaucrats

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Citing evolving needs and aspirations of the citizens, he said that the civil service must adapt to contemporary challenges to remain relevant.

Why India's medical device makers are moving to Vietnam, Malaysia

Why India's medical device makers are moving to Vietnam, Malaysia

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

A large number of medical device-manufacturing units have been forced to move to Vietnam and Malaysia due to delays, inconsistent timelines, and a lack of transparency in licensing processes, according to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare.

Modi launches India's first vertical lift sea bridge in TN, Stalin opts out

Modi launches India's first vertical lift sea bridge in TN, Stalin opts out

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Pamban sea bridge, providing rail link between Rameswaram island and the mainland and flagged off the new Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) train service. The bridge is India's first vertical sea-lift bridge, spanning 2.08 kilometers, and includes a 72.5-meter-long vertical lift span that can be raised up to 17 meters, allowing the smooth passage of large ships while ensuring seamless train operations. Built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore, the bridge features stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade paint, and fully welded joints, enhancing durability while reducing maintenance requirements. The bridge is a remarkable blend of tradition and technology.

Petition filed in NGT seeking safe disposal of carbide waste

Petition filed in NGT seeking safe disposal of carbide waste

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

A petition has been filed in the National Green Tribunal's Bhopal bench, seeking an assurance from the Madhya Pradesh government that the Union Carbide waste disposal in Pithampur won't harm people in nearby areas. The petition, filed by a Jabalpur-based social organisation, has urged the NGT to direct the state's chief secretary to declare on oath about the safety of people in Pithampur in Dhar district where the waste has been transported for disposal. The petition also seeks direction to the MP government to publish a specific report regarding the disposal of this waste to allay public concerns.

Utility vehicle demand drives PV sales to record high at over 43 lakh units in FY25: SIAM

Utility vehicle demand drives PV sales to record high at over 43 lakh units in FY25: SIAM

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Passenger vehicle dispatches in India from factories to dealers rose to record levels at over 43 lakh units in FY25, with utility vehicles accounting for 65 per cent of the total sales in the segment, industry body SIAM said on Tuesday. Passenger vehicle (PV) dispatches rose to 43,01,848 units in the last fiscal year, marking a 2 per cent increase compared to 42,18,750 units in FY 2023-24.

Some improvement in India-China ties from Oct last year: Jaishankar

Some improvement in India-China ties from Oct last year: Jaishankar

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

He said that the two nations will have issues in the foreseeable future. However, there are ways of addressing those issues and what happened in 2020 was not the way to address those issues.

Pak PM Sharif seeks talks with India, but backs Kashmiris for...

Pak PM Sharif seeks talks with India, but backs Kashmiris for...

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country wants to resolve all issues, including Kashmir, with India through talks. He reiterated his "unwavering " support for the Kashmiri people during a speech in Muzaffarabad on the occasion of "Kashmir Solidarity Day. "

Modi goes on lion safari on World Wildlife Day

Modi goes on lion safari on World Wildlife Day

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Modi had a night halt at Sinh Sadan, a forest guest house managed by the state forest department, in Sasan after his arrival from Somnath where he offered prayers at the Lord Shiv temple, the first among 12 jyotirlingas, on Sunday evening.

RBI sees 'sequential pickup in economic activity'

RBI sees 'sequential pickup in economic activity'

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

High frequency indicators, like vehicles sales, air traffic, steel consumption and GST E-way bills, point towards a sequential pickup in momentum of economic activity during the second half of the fiscal 2024-25 and sustain moving forward, RBI Bulletin said on Wednesday. However, a strong dollar, driven by US economic resilience and trade policy pivots, could exacerbate capital outflows from emerging economies, push risk premiums higher, and intensify external vulnerabilities, said an article on 'State of the Economy' published in RBI's February bulletin.

J-K assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack

J-K assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Monday expressing shock and anguish over the Pahalgam terrorist attack and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress.

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

'Our politicians solely depend on bureaucrats who are unaccountable and follow their own agenda.' 'Our politicians would dare not dream of establishing a DOGE,' argues Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

'Depleted' Maoists calls for ceasefire but with conditions

'Depleted' Maoists calls for ceasefire but with conditions

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma has reiterated the state government's willingness to engage in unconditional peace talks with Naxalites, following a statement by the Maoist group outlining preconditions for a ceasefire. Sharma, who holds the home portfolio, stated that the government has already made its stance on unconditional talks clear and has implemented a surrender and rehabilitation policy for Naxal cadres. He criticized the Maoists' demands as unreasonable and emphasized the importance of ending violence and joining the national mainstream. Sharma also called on the Naxalites to send a representative if they are serious about peace talks, but ruled out the formation of a separate committee for negotiations. The Maoist statement, released in Telugu, highlighted the group's concerns regarding intensified counter-insurgency operations and alleged human rights violations. They appealed for a positive atmosphere for peace talks, calling for a halt to anti-Naxal operations and the establishment of new security camps.

Remember Smart Cities? What Happened?

Remember Smart Cities? What Happened?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Among the cities that have fully implemented their projects are Agra, Varanasi, Madurai, Coimbatore, Udaipur, Pune, Surat, and Vadodara

Vijay To Farmers: 'I Will Stand By You'

Vijay To Farmers: 'I Will Stand By You'

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

'I felt this is the right place to start my (political) journey.'

Modi pat for Sitharaman: 'People's Budget, force multiplier'

Modi pat for Sitharaman: 'People's Budget, force multiplier'

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the Union Budget as a "people's budget" that fulfills the dreams of every Indian and said that it is a "force-multiplier" that will boost consumption, investment and growth. He highlighted a host of measures for different sectors, including welfare initiatives for gig workers, tax relief for the middle class, and support for the manufacturing sector.

New Income Tax Bill: What YOU Must KNOW

New Income Tax Bill: What YOU Must KNOW

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Implications for capital gains, wealth taxes, and investment strategies require careful consideration, notes Anil Rego, founder and CEO, RightHorizons.

'Don't want this toxic waste in our area'

'Don't want this toxic waste in our area'

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

Residents of Tarpura village near Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, are protesting against the incineration of 337 tons of toxic waste from the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy at a local facility. They fear the process will be hazardous to health and the environment, despite government assurances. The protest comes after the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered the transfer of the waste to Pithampur within four weeks. The incident has raised concerns about the potential contamination of soil, underground water, and water sources in the area. The administration has deployed a large police force and held meetings with local residents to address their concerns.

Budget proposes social security scheme for gig workers

Budget proposes social security scheme for gig workers

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said the government will arrange identity cards and registration on the e-Shram portal to assist 1 crore gig workers. Presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, the finance minister also said a scheme for the socio-economic upliftment of urban workers will be implemented.

Trade unions assail Centre on Clemenceau

Trade unions assail Centre on Clemenceau

Rediff.com16 Feb 2006

Mahadevan, who said that trade unions had dropped their plans to hold a protest during Chirac's upcoming visit, also accused Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of ignoring anti-Clemenceau pleas.

1 lakh trees to be felled for Kanwar route: UP govt tells NGT

1 lakh trees to be felled for Kanwar route: UP govt tells NGT

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

The National Green Tribunal has been informed by the Uttar Pradesh government's environment department that over 1.12 lakh trees will be felled in the protected forest area in the state to make way for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra route.

AI-Enabled Glasses Will Help Visually Impaired

AI-Enabled Glasses Will Help Visually Impaired

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

'Integrated with sensors, cameras, Nvidia Jetson processors, LiDAR technology and AI model computation, the glasses provide a real-time interpretation of the environment and the individual's surroundings.'

A Budget that balances prudence with growth: Birla

A Budget that balances prudence with growth: Birla

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Budget 2025-26 delivers a carefully calibrated strategy-stimulating demand and investment while keeping fiscal discipline intact. In an environment marked by global trade disruptions, and a softening in urban consumption, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has taken a measured approach.