Latest news with #JohnBrittas
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Huge potential for oil, gas exploration in Andaman & Nicobar offshore areas: Govt
New Delhi: India has witnessed a spurt in oil and gas exploration, particularly in offshore areas, and among these, the opening up of nearly 1 million sq km of erstwhile 'No-Go' offshore areas for exploration in 2022 has opened vast new frontiers, especially in deepwater and frontier regions like the Andaman-Nicobar (AN) offshore basin, the ministry of petroleum and natural gas told Rajya Sabha on Monday. Hardeep Singh Puri, minister of petroleum and natural gas. (File Photo) Hardeep Singh Puri, minister of petroleum and natural gas, said the bold policy move to open 'No-Go' areas has facilitated unprecedented access for exploration and is a key enabler of the recent momentum in offshore activity. He was responding to questions by John Brittas, CPIM member of Parliament (MP) on 1. details of the recent claims regarding significant offshore oil and gas discoveries in the country, including near the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, specifying the location and estimated reserve found; 2. whether these claims have been independently verified; and 3. timeline and plan for their commercial exploitation to reduce country's import dependence while ensuring environmental safeguards? 'Since 2015, Exploration and Production (E&P) companies operating in India have reported 172 hydrocarbon discoveries, including 62 in offshore areas. Geologically, the A&N basin lies at the intersection of the Andaman and Nicobar Basins, part of the Bengal-Arakan sedimentary system. The tectonic setting at the boundary of the Indian and Burmese plates has created numerous stratigraphic traps conducive to hydrocarbon accumulation. The basin's geological promise is further amplified by its proximity to proven petroleum systems in Myanmar and North Sumatra,' Singh said, adding that global interest in the A&N basin has been rekindled following significant gas discoveries in South Andaman offshore Indonesia, highlighting geological continuity across this region. While geology is favourable, the real breakthrough has come from the opening up of the region and the implementation of a new exploration strategy, which includes--Aggressive seismic acquisition, Initiation of stratigraphic and exploratory drilling, and increased engagement with international players, many of whom have shown interest in partnering for exploration in the newly accessible frontier blocks, he said in a written response. 'The Government through National Oil Companies have planned to drill four offshore stratigraphic wells, including one in the Andaman- Nicobar basin. These wells are designed to test key geological concepts, validate petroleum systems, and help de-risk future exploration,' the response said. Further, ONGC and OIL have embarked on an ambitious exploration campaign in the Andaman ultra-deepwater region where they have planned to drill deepwater exploration wells reaching depths of 5,000 metres, which has never been done in the past. 'A wildcat well (ANDW-7), drilled in one of these blocks targeting carbonate plays, has provided crucial geological insights, including signs of light crude and condensate in cutting samples, heavy hydrocarbons such as C 5 neo-pentane in trip gases, and the presence of suitable reservoir facies. These findings indicate, for the first time, the existence of an active thermogenic petroleum system in the East Andaman Back Arc region, comparable to those in Myanmar and North Sumatra. While commercial accumulations are yet to be confirmed, the ongoing campaign has successfully established a working petroleum system and has laid the foundation for more focused exploration ahead,' Singh said. To ensure environmental safeguards, exploration activities can only commence after due clearance under the EIA Notification, 2006 (as amended). The EIA process involves scientific assessment, stakeholder consultation (including with local communities and fisherfolk), and clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Only upon securing these clearances, can companies begin operations, with all mandated safeguards in place, the response said. Apart from oil and gas exploration, HT has reported that the ministry of mines has auctioned 13 offshore blocks including three in Kerala for construction sand; three in Gujarat for limemud ; and seven in Great Nicobar for polymetallic nodules and crusts. HT reported on April 4 that the Union environment ministry and the department of fisheries have approved offshore mining blocks, including seven off the coast of Great Nicobar. HT has also reported that several infrastructure and tourism projects are coming up in Andaman and Nicobar. The Great Nicobar Holistic Development Project has four major components: an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICCT); an international airport; a power plant; and a township. There is also a Trunk Infrastructure Road that will cut through Great Nicobar Island. The total cost is estimated at ₹81,800 crore. The Nicobar Islands fall in the Sundaland Biodiversity Hotspot and cover the western half of the Indonesian archipelago.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh blatant misuse of law: CPI(M) MP John Brittas
New Delhi, The arrest of two nuns from Kerala in Chhattisgarh's Durg is a "blatant misuse of law", CPI MP John Brittas said on Monday and demanded that they be set free. Arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh blatant misuse of law: CPI(M) MP John Brittas In a post on X, Brittas also shared a letter written by him to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, expressing deep concerns and seeking his immediate intervention in the arrest of the two Catholic nuns from Kerala Sister Vandhana Francis and Sister Preethi by the Government Railway Police from the Durg railway station on the morning of July 25, and their subsequent judicial remand under the charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion. "The arrest of Kerala nuns Sr. Vandana Francis and Sr. Preethi at Durg on baseless trafficking and conversion charges is a disgrace. This is blatant misuse of the law to target minorities. Free the nuns and stop the hate campaign against those serving society!" Brittas said in a post on X. According to media reports, the Kerala-based nuns were arrested in Chhattisgarh on charges of human trafficking and forced conversion raised by right-wing activists. In his letter to the Chhattisgarh chief minister dated July 27, Brittas said according to information received, the two nuns had travelled from Agra to Durg to receive three women and a man accompanying them. These individuals had travelled from Jharkhand with proper consent, intending to work in the convent. However, upon arrival, all six were taken into custody by GRP personnel, reportedly on false allegations of human trafficking and forced religious conversion. "According to information received, the two nuns had travelled from Agra to Durg to receive three adult girls and a man accompanying them. These individuals had travelled from Jharkhand with proper consent, intending to work in the convent. "However, upon arrival, all six were taken into custody by GRP personnel, reportedly on false allegations of human trafficking and forced religious conversion," Brittas said. The Communist Party of India leader added that reportedly, there was no indication of coercion nor any credible evidence to suggest conversion. "However, latest reports indicate that the authorities have filed an FIR, and three adults including the two nuns have now been remanded to judicial custody," he said. He called it a shocking development and said it appears to reflect "a growing trend of targeting minority communities under flimsy and communally charged allegations". "Even more alarming is the reported confiscation of their mobile phones and the absence of any formal communication with the families of the detainees," Brittas said. He also said the incident has caused "deep anguish in Kerala and across the country, given its potential implications for minority rights, and the misuse of anti-conversion provisions to criminalise lawful social or religious activity". "It is in the interest of justice, constitutional values, and the secular fabric of our democracy that this matter be addressed with the utmost urgency.... I earnestly urge your good self to immediately intervene to secure the release of Sr. Vandhana Francis and Sr. Preethi, who remain under judicial custody," he said. The Left leader also sought an "independent and impartial inquiry" into the background of the complaint, and the role played by right-wing groups in influencing police action that led to this "unwarranted" and "disturbing" development. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Railways got over 19,000 complaints for bad food in 5 yrs, fines in 3,137 cases
The Railways received over 19,000 complaints related to supply of bad quality food in trains in the last five years, according to the data submitted in the Rajya Sabha Friday. The data shows that while the number of cases has marginally reduced from 7,026 in financial year 2023-24 (FY24) to 6,645 in FY25, it is much higher than 253 complaints recorded in FY21. In a written response to the questions from CPI (M) MP John Brittas, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that prompt and appropriate punitive actions, including imposition of fines, disciplinary action, counselling, warning, etc., were taken in case any instance of adulterated/unhygienic food or passenger complaint was reported. According to the data, out of 19,427 complaints of bad quality food in trains received in the last five financial years, fines were imposed in 3,137 cases. In 9,627 cases, warnings were issued and in 4,467 cases, the vendors were 'advised suitably'. The data shows that the licence of one entity was terminated (in FY21) for supplying bad quality food to passengers. Apart from this, 2,195 complaints were found to be 'not substantiated' and resolved on board. The Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) floats tenders to select service providers for provision of onboard catering services in trains, including Vande Bharat and other long distance trains. These tenders are awarded through a competitive bidding process. Vaishnaw said that at present, contracts of clusters of trains have been awarded by IRCTC to 20 entities. He listed some of the key measures taken to improve the quality of food in trains including supply of meals from designated base kitchen, installation of CCTV cameras in base kitchens for monitoring, deployment of food safety supervisors at base kitchen, deployment of on-board IRCTC supervisors on train, regular food sampling, surprise inspections by Railway/IRCTC officials, etc. Dheeraj Mishra is a Principal correspondent with The Indian Express, Business Bureau. He covers India's two key ministries- Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. He frequently uses the Right to Information (RTI) Act for his stories, which have resulted in many impactful reports. ... Read More
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Over 2,800 killed in elephant attacks in India from 2019 to 2023: Govt
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) More than 2,800 people lost their lives in elephant attacks in India from 2019 to 2023, with Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal among the worst-affected states, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Friday. According to data shared by Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh in response to a question by CPI(M) MP John Brittas, between 2019-20 and 2023-24, a total of 2,869 people were killed in elephant attacks. Odisha reported the highest deaths in the country at 624, followed by Jharkhand (474), West Bengal (436), Assam (383) and Chhattisgarh (303), according to the data. The annual toll from elephant attacks has been rising steadily, increasing from 595 in 2019-20 to 629 in 2023-24. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka recorded 256 and 160 human deaths due to elephant attacks, respectively, over the five years. In contrast, tiger attacks claimed the lives of 378 people between 2020 and 2024. Maharashtra reported the highest number of deaths during this period at 218, followed by Uttar Pradesh (61) and Madhya Pradesh (32). As many as 110 deaths were reported from tiger attacks in 2022, most of them from Maharashtra (82). The number declined slightly to 85 in 2023 and 73 in 2024. The minister also said that the environment ministry does not compile data on livestock and crop losses caused by wild animals at the national level. On the question of declaring animals as vermin under Section 62 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Singh said the environment ministry had declared rhesus macaque monkeys as vermin in Himachal Pradesh for one year through a gazette notification dated April 23, 2020. Asked whether the Centre would consider amending the Act to empower states to declare animals as vermin within their jurisdictions, the minister said, 'There is no proposal to amend the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as on date." He added that following the 2022 amendment, Section 11 of the Act empowers the State Chief Wildlife Warden to manage human-wildlife conflict situations. PTI GVS RHL view comments First Published: July 25, 2025, 16:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
22-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
ASHAs envisaged to be community health volunteers, says health ministry
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday said that the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are envisaged to be community health volunteers and the support for them is primarily the responsibility of State and Union Territory governments. The health ministry said the primary responsibility of strengthening public healthcare system, including support for ASHA workers lies with the respective State and Union Territories. (Representational image) The ministry was responding to a question raised by John Brittas of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The ministry said that central financial and technical assistance is provided based on Programme Implementation Plans submitted by the states, within the limits of available resources. The ministry also noted that ASHAs currently receive a fixed monthly incentive of ₹3,500, revised from ₹2,000 in March 2025 during the 9th meeting of the Mission Steering Group. They are also eligible for additional performance-based payments and team-based incentives of up to ₹1,000 per month under the Ayushman Arogya Mandir initiative. Non-monetary entitlements include uniforms, identity cards, cycles, mobile phones, drug kits, and access to rest rooms. ASHAs who have served for at least 10 years are eligible for a one-time recognition amount of ₹50,000, revised from ₹20,000 in March 2025, along with a formal certificate. The Ministry further stated that ASHAs are covered under centrally funded insurance schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Beema Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Beema Yojana. Pension benefits of ₹3,000 per month after the age of 60 are available through the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan Dhan Yojana, with contributions shared equally by the government and the beneficiaries. Health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year is also provided under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. In response to a specific reference to Kerala's 'highest' monthly honorarium of ₹7,000 plus incentives and the state's demand to reclassify ASHAs as 'health workers', the Ministry did not indicate any plans to change the current policy. It stated that the incentive structure is revised periodically in line with programme requirements.
