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Thursday, August 14, 2025
TopicMinistry of Environment

Topic: Ministry of Environment

Govt wants to drill for oil, gas in forest areas, but Wildlife Institute of India wary of new tech

Months after giving ‘in-principle approval’ for oil/gas drilling, govt’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has asked for further studies after Wildlife Institute’s recommendations.

You thought only winter meant bad air in Delhi? Govt data tells a different, worrying story

Data released by environment ministry shows that National Capital Region maintains poor air quality, with AQI over 200, for at least half the time in a year.

Fines, not jail time – how Modi govt aims to make environment laws ‘tougher’

Govt last week released consultation papers seeking to decriminalise violations under 3 environment laws. Experts say criminal liability hasn't been effective in curbing violations.

Why Parliamentary panel for environment wants a new mechanism to manage human-animal conflict

A committee led by Jairam Ramesh wants changes in the Wildlife Protection Amendment Bill, 2021. It also wants a clause that allows the transport of live elephants scrapped.  

With top advisory panel’s cautious nod, govt closer to approving oil drilling in forest areas

Forest Advisory Committee gives 'in principle' approval for drilling based on Directorate General of Hydrocarbons report, but says it’s contingent on Wildlife Institute’s sanction.

Lutyens’ Delhi a jungle? Experts refuse to buy govt claim that forest cover grew by 2,261 sq km

According to experts, the Ministry’s claims of increased forest cover should not be taken at face value because of flaws in methodology in measuring forest cover & calculating increase.

These are the 7 criteria Modi govt will use for ranking states on environment clearance

Office memo issued 17 January says the system has been put in place to 'incentivise states through a star-rating system', based on efficiency & timeliness in granting clearances.

Why haven’t vacancies in states been filled? Parliament panel pulls up govt on forest fires

The panel says environment ministry hasn't responded to committee's observation on lack of human resources in forest departments, wants it to submit action taken report.

SubscriberWrites: Time to see climate change in terms of national, personal security and cause of economic crash

Currently, public awareness around climate change is quite narrow, as the reportage of natural disasters usually cover it as a matter-of-fact one-off occurrence, writes Ameya Karnad.

Ministerial panel questioning NGT mandate, but forgets the body is always on Centre’s side

The National Green Tribunal decided on 34 appeals against the Centre’s decision to grant environmental clearances in 2020 — it dismissed all except three.

On Camera

Asim Munir wants to be guardian of the Middle East. He’s fated to fail at home

Countering insurgency needs the Pakistan Army to demonstrate a political will that ties leaders at the centre with those in the borderlands. But it may not have the imagination.

Slashing GST on waste can unlock Rs 1.8 lakh crore, high tax hurting circular economy goals—CSE

Centre for Science and Environment in new report makes case for rationalising GST on waste material, saying most informal operators can’t afford high tax & it also hinders recycling.

India, US troops to undertake joint military exercise next month, first after Op Sindoor

21st edition of annual joint military exercise will be held from 1 to 16 September, aimed at sharing military tech, operational best practices & disaster relief coordination methods.

Modi’s ready to risk it all for farmers. Farm reform can answer Trump with new Green Revolution

Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.