News for 'environmental protection'

SC fines man with Rs 4.54 cr for cutting over 400 trees

SC fines man with Rs 4.54 cr for cutting over 400 trees

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan made the observation while rejecting the plea of a man who had chopped down 454 trees in the protected Taj Trapezium Zone.

Tracking air: As Delhi AQI worsens, experts call for long-term solutions

Tracking air: As Delhi AQI worsens, experts call for long-term solutions

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

Air quality index (AQI) soared past 350 level in parts of Delhi on Thursday and experts cautioned that as weather turns colder it may breach the 400-mark ceiling and enter the 'severe' zone soon, notwithstanding the incidents of stubble burnings which have nosedived from 17,529 in 2020 to 4,262 this year.

Ozone pollution poses major threat to India's staple foods

Ozone pollution poses major threat to India's staple foods

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

A new study by IIT-Kharagpur warns that ozone pollution could significantly reduce agricultural yields in India, particularly impacting wheat, rice, and maize production. The study, published in the journal 'Environmental Research', highlights the vulnerability of major food crops to rising surface ozone levels, especially in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Central India. The researchers call for effective emission reduction strategies to mitigate these risks and ensure global food security.

China defends Brahmaputra dam, says project won't affect riparian states

China defends Brahmaputra dam, says project won't affect riparian states

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

China has defended its plan to build the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, assuring that the project will not affect riparian states and safety issues have been addressed through decades of studies. The dam, estimated to cost USD 137 billion, has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh, but Chinese authorities maintain that the project has been thoroughly studied and safeguards are in place. The dam is part of China's efforts to develop clean energy and respond to climate change.

28L diyas to illuminate Ayodhya in first deepotsav after consecration

28L diyas to illuminate Ayodhya in first deepotsav after consecration

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

The government aims to better its last year's Guinness World Record by lighting 25 lakh diyas on the banks of Saryu river.

Brics likely to focus on closer energy partnerships among members

Brics likely to focus on closer energy partnerships among members

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

The 16th Brics Summit beginning Tuesday in Kazan, Russia, is expected to see more focus on creating a sharper energy policy for Brics that ensures closer partnership among members in both energy security and energy transition, official sources said. The same is expected to be a part of the Kazan declaration, currently being negotiated, they added.

Lifestyle for environment likely to become national mission

Lifestyle for environment likely to become national mission

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Currently, the NAPCC has eight active missions across sectors like water, energy, and agriculture, aimed at addressing climate change.

CPM takes god's path to fight climate change in Kerala

CPM takes god's path to fight climate change in Kerala

Rediff.com7 Jun 2023

vIn its effort to tackle the impacts of climate change in Kerala, the Communist Party of India-Marxist-led government has launched an ambitious project to improve the green cover of over 3,000 temples being managed by five devaswom boards under its control.

Over 30 flamingos killed as Emirates flight hits them in Mumbai

Over 30 flamingos killed as Emirates flight hits them in Mumbai

Rediff.com21 May 2024

So far, carcasses of 32 flamingos have been recovered from Ghatkopar area, the police said.

Reimagining environmental governance won't be easy

Reimagining environmental governance won't be easy

Rediff.com30 May 2019

Successive governments focused on altering the clearance processes but largely gave a pass to the second, and essential, element of environmental regulations for monitoring pollution levels and how industries followed conditions laid down for clearances.

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The visitor returns not just with the jewel-like beauty of the country imprinted on the mind, the body rejuvenated by hot stone massages, but also with the captivating stories and myths that are built into every important structure -- whether a tourist magnet or an off-the-beaten track spot.

SC slams NGO for opposing Jayakwadi Dam solar project

SC slams NGO for opposing Jayakwadi Dam solar project

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition filed by an NGO challenging the construction of a renewable energy project at the Jayakwadi Dam in Maharashtra. The court criticized the NGO for opposing the project, stating that it would be detrimental to the country's progress if every project was resisted. The court also raised questions about the NGO's bona fides and funding, suggesting that it may have been influenced by a company that lost the tender for the project. The project, a floating solar power plant, was approved by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. The NGT had previously dismissed the NGO's plea, stating that it could not find any law prohibiting such activities in the eco-sensitive zone. The Supreme Court upheld the NGT's decision, finding no grounds to interfere.

How Manmohan Singh safeguarded environment and tribal rights

How Manmohan Singh safeguarded environment and tribal rights

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Under his leadership, India launched the National Action Plan on Climate Change, passed the landmark Forest Rights Act to protect the rights of tribal communities and established the National Green Tribunal to safeguard the environment through swift legal action.

'I Expect More Disasters To Happen'

'I Expect More Disasters To Happen'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

'Even one accident can cause problems for the entire coastal system.'

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.

The Menace Of Illegal Constructions

The Menace Of Illegal Constructions

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

As we brace for unprecedented rates of urbanisation, it is crucial to ensure that illegal constructions and unauthorised land use are curbed, asserts Amit Kapoor.

Environmental governance model: No green signal

Environmental governance model: No green signal

Rediff.com18 Dec 2009

Even though Nepa, composed entirely of specialists, is envisaged as a statutory body free of the control of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, critics say this will not bring about a fundamental change in the way projects are assessed and cleared.

Weddings, Winter Can Damage Your Skin

Weddings, Winter Can Damage Your Skin

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

Over-exfoliating can irritate your skin and lead to dryness. During winter months, limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, depending on your skin type, advises Dinyar Workingboxwala, celebrity aesthetician and co-founder of the beauty products brand, BiE.

5 High-Demand Jobs In 2025

5 High-Demand Jobs In 2025

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

In 2025, India's tech job market is thriving, with tech professionals seeing a 9.5% salary increase and roles like AI/ML architects earning up to Rs 95 lakh annually.

Why are tigers in Maharashtra dying?

Why are tigers in Maharashtra dying?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

'The true measure of Project Tiger's success is not just rising tiger numbers, but our ability to ensure harmonious human-wildlife coexistence'

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.

IIT Madras director's cow urine remark sparks row; apology demanded

IIT Madras director's cow urine remark sparks row; apology demanded

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

The director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, V Kamakoti, has sparked controversy after making a remark about the "medicinal value" of cow urine, or "gomutra." Kamakoti, while speaking at an event celebrating Maatu Pongal (a festival dedicated to cows and bulls), cited an anecdote about a sanyasi who was cured of a fever by consuming gomutra. He also claimed that gomutra has "anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties." The remark has been widely condemned by rationalist organizations, political leaders, and medical professionals who have criticized Kamakoti's statements as "pseudoscience" and "regressive." The controversy highlights the ongoing debate in India around traditional beliefs and scientific evidence.

Best Business Ideas Under Rs 1 Crore

Best Business Ideas Under Rs 1 Crore

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

India's e-commerce market alone is projected to reach $200 billion by 2026, making it a prime industry for ambitious entrepreneurs, explains rediffGURU Harsh Bharwani.

'Trump Has Been Threatening India'

'Trump Has Been Threatening India'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

'Many of these issues will be resolved within 6 months because the US economy has started unravelling.'

Govt defends Great Nicobar project amid criticism, cites national interest

Govt defends Great Nicobar project amid criticism, cites national interest

Rediff.com26 Aug 2024

The central government's Great Nicobar development project, proposed around an unprecedented transhipment port, will be executed to keep environmental impact minimal, and is essential as it is of national importance, the government has said amid calls to abort the controversial project due to ecological concerns, the Centre said in an official statement.

Maharashtra assembly okays bill making it easy to cut trees

Maharashtra assembly okays bill making it easy to cut trees

Rediff.com28 Jul 2023

The Maharashtra legislative assembly on Friday passed a bill empowering local tree authorities to allow the felling of all types of trees without referring matters to the State Tree Authority.

China to deny loans to polluters

China to deny loans to polluters

Rediff.com5 Jul 2007

China will deny bank loans to companies violating environmental rules under a 'green credit policy' in an effort to tackle worsening pollution, the state media reported on Thursday.

Indian city most polluted in the world

Indian city most polluted in the world

Rediff.com18 Jan 2013

Let's take a look at some of the most polluted cities in the world's biggest economies.

Gas chamber: Delhi chokes at 'alarming' AQI of 428

Gas chamber: Delhi chokes at 'alarming' AQI of 428

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

'The pollution has increased. We are facing breathing problems and irritation in the eyes'

'Wayanad Is A Man-Made Tragedy'

'Wayanad Is A Man-Made Tragedy'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2024

'It was specifically mentioned in the Gadgil Committee report that this particular area where the colossal landside happened now should be in the Environmentally Sensitive Area under Zone 1.' 'Zone 1 is the most important and ecologically sensitive area, and that it has to be protected entirely.' 'At least 90% of the Wayanad disaster is man-made.'

FIFA set to announce hosts for 2030, 2034 World Cups

FIFA set to announce hosts for 2030, 2034 World Cups

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

FIFA is set to confirm the hosts of the 2030 and 2034 men's World Cups on Wednesday, with a three-continent, six-nation bid led by Morocco, Spain and Portugal to be awarded the former and the latter going to Saudi Arabia.

Lab Or Natural? What Diamond Would You Prefer?

Lab Or Natural? What Diamond Would You Prefer?

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

Suddenly, the legendary advertising line -- a diamond is forever -- is losing its shine.

Forest rights activist Alok Shukla gets 'Green Nobel'

Forest rights activist Alok Shukla gets 'Green Nobel'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2024

Forest and tribal rights activist Alok Shukla will on Friday receive the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize -- 2024 for successfully leading a community campaign that saved 4.45 lakh acres of biodiversity-rich forests from 21 planned coal mines in Chhattisgarh.

Real estate could be exempted from central environmental rules

Real estate could be exempted from central environmental rules

Rediff.com13 Jul 2016

Urban ministry changes rule before public consultation by environment ministry

Reach out to Muslims without expecting votes: Modi to BJP

Reach out to Muslims without expecting votes: Modi to BJP

Rediff.com17 Jan 2023

In his valedictory address at the two-day National Executive meeting of the BJP in the national capital on Tuesday, Modi spoke about areas where the party needs to be strengthened ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Will budget for agri research get a big boost this year?

Will budget for agri research get a big boost this year?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Several leading scientists, academicians, and agriculturalists have called for raising government support for research and development to make Indian agriculture future-ready.

How To Protect Yourself From Poor AQI

How To Protect Yourself From Poor AQI

Rediff.com26 Dec 2022

Breathing polluted air for long periods of time can cause more serious problems. Avoid exercising outdoors on bad air days, suggests Dr Varun Gupta.

Halt illegal mining in Aravallis, act against officials: SC

Halt illegal mining in Aravallis, act against officials: SC

Rediff.com2 May 2024

A bench of Justices BR Gavai and Abhay S Oka said the governments must ensure that action is taken against erring officials.

Trump's 'America First' agenda may lead to higher tariffs

Trump's 'America First' agenda may lead to higher tariffs

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

With Donald Trump all set to become US president, Indian exporters may face high customs duties for goods like automobiles, textiles and pharmaceuticals if the new US administration decides to pursue the 'America First' agenda, opined trade experts. Experts also said that Trump could also tighten H-1B visa rules, impacting costs and growth for Indian IT firms. Over 80 per cent of India's IT export earnings come from the US, making it vulnerable to changes in visa policies.

What's Driving Surge in Breast Cancer?

What's Driving Surge in Breast Cancer?

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

Late-stage diagnosis is a major issue, with over 75 per cent of cases being detected at advanced stages (50 per cent at Stage 3 and 25 per cent at Stage 4). This significantly reduces survival rates.