News for 'ministry of environment'

How Coal India is chasing the monsoon to reduce coal supply disruptions

How Coal India is chasing the monsoon to reduce coal supply disruptions

Rediff.com14 Aug 2022

Way before the rains arrived at Talwandi Sabo Power plant in Punjab, the one check the coal ministry was carrying out was the availability of coal stock with the generator. Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL), the 1,980-Mw thermal power plant of Sterlite Energy, part of the Vedanta Group, which supplies about 15 per cent of Punjab's power, is one of the most difficult locations to manage coal supplies. It is nearly 1,700 km from the mines of Mahanadi Coalfields in Odisha, the longest coal route in India and possibly the trickiest as it cuts through the traffic heavy rail lines between Delhi and eastern India.

Rise above politics, consider shifting Kuno cheetahs to Raj, SC tells Centre

Rise above politics, consider shifting Kuno cheetahs to Raj, SC tells Centre

Rediff.com18 May 2023

A bench of justices BR Gavai and Sanjay Karol told the Centre that from reports of experts and articles, it appears that KNP does not seem to be sufficient for such large number of cheetahs and the Union government may consider shifting them to other sanctuaries.

Want democracy, statehood, 6th Schedule status: Protesting Ladakhis in Delhi

Want democracy, statehood, 6th Schedule status: Protesting Ladakhis in Delhi

Rediff.com15 Feb 2023

Environmental activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk accused the BJP of reneging on its promise of including Ladakh under the sixth schedule.

Modi lands in Bali for G20 summit, no word on meet with Xi

Modi lands in Bali for G20 summit, no word on meet with Xi

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bali on Monday for the G20 Summit and bilateral meetings on its sidelines with key leaders attending this annual conference of the world's major economies.

Green Tribunal concerned over water use in IPL

Green Tribunal concerned over water use in IPL

Rediff.com16 Apr 2021

The National Green Tribunal has directed the Ministry of Jal Shakti to hold a meeting within a month to consider the issue of regulating extraction of ground water for maintenance of play grounds.

Modi Cabinet reshuffle: Who got what

Modi Cabinet reshuffle: Who got what

Rediff.com8 Jul 2021

Fifteen Cabinet ministers and 28 Ministers of State were sworn-in by President Ram Nath Kovind at a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday evening.

Exports record flat growth; trade deficit widens in Nov

Exports record flat growth; trade deficit widens in Nov

Rediff.com15 Dec 2022

India's exports recorded a flat growth of 0.59 per cent to $31.99 billion in November, even as trade deficit widened to $23.89 billion during the month, according to the data released by the government on Thursday. Exports stood at $31.8 billion in November last year. Imports rose by 5.37 per cent to $55.88 billion in November as compared to $53.03 billion in the corresponding month a year ago, the data showed. During April-November 2022, exports rose by 11 per cent to $295.26 billion as against $265.77 billion in the same month last year.

SJM warns govt over 'dangerous' GM mustard

SJM warns govt over 'dangerous' GM mustard

Rediff.com28 Oct 2022

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) on Friday opposed a regulatory body's recommendation for environmental release of genetically modified mustard, calling it "dangerous" and urged the Centre to ensure that the crop's seed is not allowed to be planted "now or ever". In a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, the RSS-affiliated organisation accused the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) of functioning in an "irresponsible fashion" and said the claims made in support of genetically modified (GM) mustard were "completely untrue, unsubstantiated and wrongly projected". "Swadeshi Jagran Manch has all along been opposing this dangerous and unneeded GM mustard being brought in through the backdoor as a public sector genetically modified organism (GMO)," organisation co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said in the letter.

Rajasthan to begin e-auction to mine sandstone for Ram temple

Rajasthan to begin e-auction to mine sandstone for Ram temple

Rediff.com14 Jun 2021

The Rajasthan government will soon begin an online auction of a special pink sandstone variety, much sought after by builders including those constructing the Ram temple in Ayodhya, found in the Bansi Paharpur area of Bharatpur.

In RS govt poohpoohs concerns over lack of nuclear safety

In RS govt poohpoohs concerns over lack of nuclear safety

Rediff.com4 Aug 2022

Union minister Jitendra Singh assured the members of the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that there is better nuclear safety in India as compared to many other countries and there are enough safeguards in the Indian nuclear plants.

When Santa Wore A Red Sari

When Santa Wore A Red Sari

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

The Budget oration of the finance minister and the confidence with which she delivered it, along with the measures and the recent upsurge in the economy would all contribute to unleashing the storied 'animal spirits' and help the economy run on the growth path quite smoothly. Or so the government hopes, notes Shreekant Sambrani.

Nashik: 20 electric scooters of Jitendra EV loaded in container catch fire

Nashik: 20 electric scooters of Jitendra EV loaded in container catch fire

Rediff.com12 Apr 2022

In light of the recent incidents involving scooters from prominent electric mobility brands bursting into flames, the subject of electric vehicle (EV) safety has come under the spotlight. As many as 20 electric scooters of Nashik-based Jitendra EV Tech caught fire after being loaded on a transport container. While no one has been reported injured, the company said it is conducting an investigation to find the 'root cause' of the fire.

Encroaching on others' rights, HC tells Jains seeking ban on meat ads

Encroaching on others' rights, HC tells Jains seeking ban on meat ads

Rediff.com26 Sep 2022

The Bombay high court on Monday asked three Jain religious charitable trusts and a city resident practising Jainism why they were seeking to encroach on the rights of others by appealing for restrictions or ban on advertisements for meat and meat products in print and electronic media.

Bhupendra Patel takes oath as Gujarat CM, allots portfolios

Bhupendra Patel takes oath as Gujarat CM, allots portfolios

Rediff.com13 Dec 2022

Patel was administered the oath as the 18th chief minister by Governor Acharya Devvrat at a function held at the Helipad Ground near the new Secretariat.

Modi to discuss 'key issues' with G20 leaders in Bali

Modi to discuss 'key issues' with G20 leaders in Bali

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

In a statement ahead of his visit to the Indonesian city for the G20 leaders' summit, Modi said he will also highlight India's achievements and its 'unwavering commitment' to collectively address key global issues.

8 Asiatic lions in Hyderabad zoo test Covid positive

8 Asiatic lions in Hyderabad zoo test Covid positive

Rediff.com4 May 2021

8 Asiatic lions in the zoo in have tested positive for COVID-19 after their saliva samples were thoroughly examined by CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad, Rakesh Mishra, advisor of the premier research institute said.

Will L'affaire Adani Affect Modi's Image?

Will L'affaire Adani Affect Modi's Image?

Rediff.com21 Feb 2023

Gautam Adani's alleged proximity to Narendra Modi may dent the latter's self-styled image of incorruptibility, points out Kanika Datta.

Air pollution spreads Covid faster, govt officials tell Parl panel

Air pollution spreads Covid faster, govt officials tell Parl panel

Rediff.com6 Nov 2020

Air pollution may lead to a faster spread of Covid-19 infection as it causes coughing and sneezing, government officials told a parliamentary panel on Friday, according to sources.

Shiv Sena's Anil Parab latest Maharashtra minister to face ED's money laundering probe

Shiv Sena's Anil Parab latest Maharashtra minister to face ED's money laundering probe

Rediff.com26 May 2022

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday raided multiple locations in Maharashtra as part of a money laundering probe against state transport minister Anil Parab and others linked to alleged irregularities in a land deal in coastal Dapoli area of Ratnagiri district and other charges, officials said.

With eyes on China, India, Japan agree to bolster defence ties

With eyes on China, India, Japan agree to bolster defence ties

Rediff.com8 Sep 2022

India and Japan on Thursday agreed to enhance military exercises and defence cooperation as the two countries emphasised that the bilateral special strategic and global partnership plays a crucial role in ensuring a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific, amidst China's aggressive behaviour in the region.

'Dissatisfied' Pak seeks joint probe into missile firing incident

'Dissatisfied' Pak seeks joint probe into missile firing incident

Rediff.com12 Mar 2022

Pakistan on Saturday said it was not satisfied with India's 'simplistic explanation' on the 'accidental firing' of a missile that landed in Pakistan's Punjab province and demanded a joint probe to accurately establish the facts surrounding the incident.

'Absolutely unacceptable': US condemns attack on Indian consulate

'Absolutely unacceptable': US condemns attack on Indian consulate

Rediff.com21 Mar 2023

Raising pro-Khalistan slogans, the protesters on Sunday broke open the makeshift security barriers raised by the city police and installed two so-called Khalistan flags inside the Consulate premises. Two consulate personnel soon removed these flags.

Himanta inducts 2 cabinet ministers, rejigs several seniors' portfolios

Himanta inducts 2 cabinet ministers, rejigs several seniors' portfolios

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

The expansion was the first by Sarma since he assumed chief ministership of the state about 13 months ago.

Biren Singh leads BJP to victory in Manipur

Biren Singh leads BJP to victory in Manipur

Rediff.com10 Mar 2022

The former footballer who later became editor of a vernacular daily Naharolgi Thoudang, has managed to strike a chord with the youth, promoting entrepreneurship through programmes such as 'Start-Up Manipur' as an alternative for young people who were being attracted to insurgency.

The Battle To Save Malabar Hill

The Battle To Save Malabar Hill

Rediff.com3 Oct 2023

'If the authorities go about completing this project the way they have proposed, this is going to cause a HUGE environmental impact not only on Malabar Hill but also on the rest of the city.'

UN consultant among 4 Indians killed in Ethiopia plane crash

UN consultant among 4 Indians killed in Ethiopia plane crash

Rediff.com11 Mar 2019

Shikha Garg was on her way to attend a United Nations Environment Programme meeting.

Pak, India can resolve Kashmir issue through dialogue: Imran

Pak, India can resolve Kashmir issue through dialogue: Imran

Rediff.com26 Feb 2021

India has said that the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility.

Philippines in talks with India to procure advanced light helicopters

Philippines in talks with India to procure advanced light helicopters

Rediff.com17 Jul 2022

The Southeast Asian nation has been focusing on modernising its military in the face of myriad security challenges as well as decades-long territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

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

Ahead of Diwali, Delhi government again bans firecrackers till January 1

Ahead of Diwali, Delhi government again bans firecrackers till January 1

Rediff.com7 Sep 2022

There will be a blanket ban on the production, sale and use of all types of firecrackers in the national capital, including on Diwali, till January 1, 2023, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Wednesday.

Prakash Javadekar tests positive for COVID-19

Prakash Javadekar tests positive for COVID-19

Rediff.com16 Apr 2021

Several top political leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, have also tested positive for COVID-19 recently.

No extension in AGM deadline beyond June 30, 2022

No extension in AGM deadline beyond June 30, 2022

Rediff.com10 Dec 2021

The ministry of corporate affairs has clarified that companies whose annual general meetings are due in 2021 have to conduct them within the specified time limit and video conferencing is allowed till June 30,2022. MCA has said that its circular should not be construed as conferring any extension of time for holding annual general meetings by the companies under the Companies Act, 2013. "Companies which have not adhered to the timelines shall be liable to legal action under the appropriate provisions of the Act," MCA said. In September, MCA had allowed a two-month extension to the deadline for companies to hold their annual general meeting for the financial year ending March 31, 2021.

SC raises ceiling for iron ore mining in 3 K'taka districts including Ballari

SC raises ceiling for iron ore mining in 3 K'taka districts including Ballari

Rediff.com26 Aug 2022

The apex court raised the ceiling limit of iron ore mining from 28 MMT to 35 MMT for Ballari district, and from 7 MMT to 15 MMT for Chitradurga and Tumkur districts.

Modi's dream: Of drones and technology

Modi's dream: Of drones and technology

Rediff.com27 May 2022

There was an environment of "indifference" towards the use of technology in governance before 2014 due to which the poor and the middle class suffered the most, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday. He asserted the current government has ensured last-mile delivery of services with the help of technology, including drones. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating India's biggest drone festival in Delhi, he said, "At a time when we are celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, it is my dream that everyone in India should have a smartphone in his or her hand, every farm should have a drone and every house should have prosperity." The enthusiasm being seen in India about drone technology is amazing and indicates possibilities of an emerging sector of employment generation, the prime minister said.

SC allows double lane for Chardham over security concerns

SC allows double lane for Chardham over security concerns

Rediff.com14 Dec 2021

The strategic 900-km-long Chardham project worth Rs 12,000 crore aims to provide all-weather connectivity to four holy towns -- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath -- in Uttarakhand.

Construction activities banned, more curbs as Delhi's air quality worsens

Construction activities banned, more curbs as Delhi's air quality worsens

Rediff.com29 Oct 2022

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi stood at 398 at 11 am, worsening from 357 at 4 pm on Friday. It was 354 on Thursday, 271 on Wednesday, 302 on Tuesday and 312 on Monday (Diwali).

Gotabaya quits, new Lanka Prez within 7 days: Speaker

Gotabaya quits, new Lanka Prez within 7 days: Speaker

Rediff.com15 Jul 2022

The 73-year-old leader on Thursday emailed his resignation letter to the Speaker soon after he was allowed by Singapore to enter the city-state on a "private visit".

483 infra projects show cost overruns of Rs 4.43 lakh cr

483 infra projects show cost overruns of Rs 4.43 lakh cr

Rediff.com22 Aug 2021

As many as 483 infrastructure projects, each worth Rs 150 crore or more, have been hit by cost overruns totalling more than Rs 4.43 lakh crore, according to a report. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation monitors infrastructure projects worth Rs 150 crore and above. Of the 1,781 such projects, 483 reported cost overruns and 504 were delayed.

'If Darshan Solanki had got some support at IIT...'

'If Darshan Solanki had got some support at IIT...'

Rediff.com15 Feb 2023

'In IIT, most faculty members have a bias against SC/ST students.' 'SC/ST and OBC students have no idea whom to approach for support.'

China's Military Upgrade A Cause Of Concern

China's Military Upgrade A Cause Of Concern

Rediff.com28 Mar 2023

The further expansion and upgrade of the Chinese military does not augur well for India, which continues to confront an increasingly belligerent China on its borders, notes former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.