ENVIRONMENTAL
Plastic industry among leading contributors to economy, provides huge job opportunities: Govt
The Global Conclave on Plastic Recycling and Sustainability in New Delhi highlighted the importance of the plastic industry in the economy. With a focus on environmental impact and solutions, stakeholders discussed the need for collaboration across sectors. Government regulations, such as the Plastic Waste Management Rules, aim to tackle plastic pollution. The Indian industry is actively working towards improving plastic circularity and meeting regulatory requirements. The event showcased the growth of India's plastic recycling industry and efforts to manage plastic waste effectively through cooperation.
MSMEs are on sustainability path but profitability focus can make the move faster
MSMEs contribute a big part to India’s manufacturing output and hence, it becomes critical they adopt energy-efficient technologies to reduce operational costs.
SCO fosters regional stability & multilateral coop: Kazakhstan
The SCO Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, represents a significant event for over 3 billion people. Kazakhstan, as a founding member, prioritizes the SCO's development within its balanced foreign policy. Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko emphasized the summit's role in mutual respect and consensus-building. Under Kazakhstan's presidency, over 150 events focused on energy, digitalization, and environmental protection. President Tokayev's "World Unity for Just Peace and Harmony" initiative highlights Kazakhstan's influence. Kazakhstan's strategic location, rich resources, and strong economic growth make it a key player in global diplomacy and trade.
Indian Army propels towards zero-emission by introducing 113 electric buses
The Indian Army has acquired 113 electric buses for troop transportation, aligning with the government's green initiatives. These 40-seater buses, with a range of 250 kilometers, are meant for plains and semi-hilly areas and are in the trial stage. This procurement supports India's zero-carbon emissions directive and highlights the military's commitment to eco-friendly solutions. The initiative reflects India's leadership in sustainable practices and innovation, encouraging other sectors to follow. The Indian Armed Forces are now blending national security with environmental stewardship for a greener future.
Coal Ministry seeks view on draft coal, lignite mining plan norms
In a groundbreaking move, draft guidelines propose transitioning to advanced technologies for sustainable coal mining, focusing on land restoration and mechanized mining over manual methods. The industry is poised for a transformative shift towards more efficient and environmentally friendly practices.
Delhi experienced hottest recorded weather in 2024, record-breaking rain in a single day: CJI
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud expressed happiness to know that new court buildings will focus on heat island mitigation and reduce environmental footprint, as it said that Delhi experienced the hottest recorded weather and record breaking rain in a single day in 2024.
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Warehouse operators take shine to solar power, rework logistics
The move towards renewable energy is not just a response to global environmental concerns but also a strategic business decision for many warehouse operators seeking to reduce operational costs and enhance sustainability.
Retrofitting of inter-city diesel buses can generate over 50,000 jobs
Dr. Charan Singh and Davinder Sandhu emphasize the economic and environmental benefits of retrofitting. It offers a pragmatic solution for sustainable urban transport, driving economic revitalization and environmental improvements. Retrofitting leverages existing infrastructure while transitioning towards cleaner mobility, showcasing tangible progress in achieving sustainability goals.
‘It is beyond belief we’re still subsidising the cause of the climate crisis — we need greater subsidies for renewables over fossil fuels now’
"I think the CBAM, to the extent that it does result in significant revenue from tariffs, should recycle some of those funds in lump sum forms to help countries clean up their production processes and adapt to climate change," says Cameron Hepburn, Battcock Professor of Environmental Economics at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, Oxford University.
Landmark Supreme Court ruling could spur more climate cases in India: Report
Citing the case of Citing the case of M K Ranjitsinh and Others vs. Union of India, the report by the London School of Economics' Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment said that climate cases in the Global South are increasing and gaining more attention. M K Ranjitsinh and Others vs. Union of India, the report by the London School of Economics' Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment said that climate cases in the Global South are increasing and gaining more attention.
Can cyber-attacks on the US stop its drinking water supplies?
In recent times, the US has been attacked by Iran, Russia and China based hackers who have targeted various water utility projects. This has exposed the country’s outdated infrastructure and has shown a lackadaisical approach in dealing with cyber-crimes that threaten its critical IT infrastructure.
Flying to Europe? This major airline is latest to introduce an environmental cost surcharge
Lufthansa has introduced an environmental charge on fares, aligning with EU regulations to reduce emissions. Surcharge of up to 72 euros to be applied on flights, offsetting costs of sustainable aviation fuel.
Nervous investors tear up ESG playbooks in election supercycle
In 2024, global elections spark an anti-green trend affecting ESG investments. Marine Le Pen and Trump's influence reshape the environmental landscape. Utility stocks gain prominence amidst shifting policies and investor sentiments.
Industry pitches for tax reduction, rationalisation of duty structure in Budget
During a pre-budget meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, industry representatives urged for reduced indirect taxes and rationalized duty structures. FIEO's Ashwani Kumar requested extending the Interest Equalisation Scheme for five years. Reliance Industries sought a review of tariffs on Chinese imports, and Nasscom pushed for easing transfer pricing rules.
Paris Olympics 2024: Team USA bringing its own AC units amid heat wave concerns
Paris Olympics 2024 organizers had planned to build the Olympic village in such a manner that the athletes' accommodations will be constructed without any air-conditioning units. However, a few countries, including Team USA are planning to carry their own air-conditioning units to avoid being victims of possible summer heat waves.
As many as 458 infra projects hit by cost overrun of Rs 5.71 lakh cr in May
In May this year, 458 infrastructure projects in India, each with an investment of Rs 150 crore or more, experienced a cost overrun totaling more than Rs 5.71 lakh crore, according to an official report. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), which oversees infrastructure projects worth Rs 150 crore and above, highlighted that out of 1,817 monitored projects, 458 faced cost overruns and 831 projects were delayed.
Counter-questions for the asking
India's growing population, coupled with higher disposable incomes and consumption, has already begun to devastate our carefully constructed cocoons without our realising it. Competitive manufacturing (leveraging economies of scale, procurement, branding and digitalisation) may be enticing more people to consume more (double effect), accelerating planet-stripping.
India-France-Australia trilateral identifies new proposals to expand Indo-Pacific partnership
The Indian side was led by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Europe West) and Paramita Tripathi, Joint Secretary (Oceania and Indo-Pacific), while the French side was led by Benoît Guidée, Director (Asia and Oceania), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Australian side was led by Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asia Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Ozone layer at risk from Elon Musk's Starlink satellites? New study shows
With 6,000 of the 8,100 objects currently in low Earth orbit belonging to Starlink, the environmental impact of these satellites is raising concerns among scientists. The findings reveal that the reentry of satellites in 2022 resulted in a 29.5% increase in atmospheric aluminum above natural levels, injecting approximately 17 metric tons of aluminum oxides into the mesosphere.
Proposed Rs 72,000-cr 'Mega Infra Project' in Great Nicobar poses grave threat to tribals, should be reviewed: Congress
The Congress has called for a halt to a proposed Rs 72,000-crore infrastructure project in Great Nicobar Island, citing grave threats to tribal communities and the ecosystem. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted concerns over forest land diversion, inadequate consultations, and violations of legal and constitutional provisions safeguarding indigenous groups. He demanded immediate suspension of clearances and impartial review by parliamentary committees.
Cleaning up Delhi's air requires uncomfortable decisions involving rich people: Sunita Narain
Cleaning Delhi’s air demands tough decisions, not just targeting farmers for stubble burning but addressing major urban sources like transport and industry, says environmentalist Sunita Narain. In a PTI interaction, Narain highlighted that despite governmental measures, erratic weather and insufficient action continue to worsen pollution. She urges aggressive steps, including bringing natural gas under GST to reduce reliance on coal and expanding public transport, essential for significant improvement in air quality.
ArcelorMittal rejects report on violating pollution rules in Bosnia
ArcelorMittal on Friday rejected as inaccurate a report by a group of investigative media that accused the global steel giant of operating its Bosnian steelworks despite non-compliance with ecological standards. NGOs accuse ArcelorMittal of using the Olympics to try to restore its ecological image. rus/ljv/imm
448 infrastructure projects hit by cost overrun of Rs 5.55 lakh crore in April
The total original cost of implementation of the 1,838 projects was Rs 27,64,246.50 crore, and their anticipated completion cost is likely to be Rs 33,19,601.84 crore, which reflects an overall cost overrun of over Rs 5,55,355.34 (20.09 per cent of original cost), the ministry's latest report for April 2024 showed.
Climate change: Cos need some big changes on compliances
World Environment Day holds significance for companies amidst climate change. India Inc's environmental compliance record shows room for improvement. Only 122 of the top 1,000 companies disclosed conducting EIAs in their FY23 reports sourced from Prime Database.
India, US, 12 others likely to ink pact today to meet climate financing goal
India, the US, and a dozen other nations are poised to sign a Clean Economy Agreement under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, aimed at meeting climate objectives through collaborative financing. The agreement, to be signed at a Singapore meet, focuses on improving market conditions and reducing barriers for low-carbon projects. While the pact is in its final stages of approval, experts caution against allowing imports of genetically modified seeds and foods under the guise of food security.
Dutch may pay as much as €3 billion to clean up Tata Steel plant
The Netherlands is considering contributing up to €3 billion for the eco-friendly renovation of Tata Steel Ltd.'s IJmuiden factory, addressing severe health and environmental issues. The Dutch parliament approved subsidies for the renovation. Tata Steel, a major employer, has faced criticism for emissions linked to health problems. Discussions with Tata Steel are ongoing, with the subsidy amount yet to be confirmed.
Tackling plastic pollution: A call to action for India
Plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, causing devastating consequences for the environment. From clogging waterways to threatening marine life, the pervasive presence of plastic waste demands immediate action.
Cairn Oil & Gas targets net zero by 2030
Cairn Oil & Gas, part of Vedanta Group, aims to achieve net zero by 2030 through renewable energy initiatives like sourcing 70 MW of renewable energy and installing solar rooftops in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Moreover, the group also aims to achieve net zero by tree planting.
Electric vehicle (EV) insurance: Coverage for battery replacement, roadside assistance top insurance add-ons, finds survey
Premium is the top consideration while picking insurance, claims a recent ICICI Lombard survey on electric vehicles.
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