Latest news with #MoPNG
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
World Environment day 2025: Bridging tradition and technology for a sustainable future
Dr. Annapurna Boruah is a renowned academic, geoscientist, energy exploration expert, and social entrepreneur. She actively contributes to various initiatives, including the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG)'s I-HAV program, the Ministry of Education's Innovation Cell, WWICCI, AAPG, and more. Her impact on the academic field is evident through her extensive publications. Alongside her professional achievements, Dr. Annapurna is a folk dancer, trained in Sattriya classical dance, a proficient classical singer, and a state-level debater. In "Times of Terra" featured in The Times of India, Dr. Annapurna shares her insights, stories, and solutions that strive to create sustainability and equity for all. LESS ... MORE As the world observes World Environment Day on June 5, 2025, under the theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution,' it is a moment to reflect on our environmental journey—from ancient traditions to modern innovations. Traditional Wisdom: A Legacy of Environmental Stewardship India's rich cultural heritage offers profound insights into sustainable living. India's eco-friendly traditions include using leaf plates (patravali), clay pots for cooking and storing water, and cow dung as natural fuel and disinfectant. Sacred groves (devrai) preserve biodiversity, while festivals like Makar Sankranti use biodegradable kites. These age-old practices reflect a deep respect for nature and sustainable living. Traditional homes are built with mud and bamboo, naturally regulating temperature. These customs showcase sustainable living, long before modern environmentalism emerged. India's rich tapestry of environmental activism is woven with stories of communities and individuals who have stood resilient in the face of ecological challenges. In 1730, in the village of Khejarli, Rajasthan, 363 Bishnoi villagers laid down their lives to protect a grove of Khejri trees from being felled by the Maharaja's men. This selfless act, led by Amrita Devi, became a symbol of unwavering commitment to environmental conservation. In the 1970s, the Chipko movement emerged in Uttarakhand as villagers, led by women like Gaura Devi, embraced trees to prevent their felling. The movement's slogan, 'Ecology is permanent economy,' coined by Sunderlal Bahuguna, resonated globally. A 5,000-kilometer trans-Himalaya march by Bahuguna further galvanized support, leading to a 15-year ban on tree felling in the region. In 1979, 16-year-old Jadav Payeng began planting bamboo on a barren sandbar in the Brahmaputra River. Over decades, his solitary efforts transformed the area into a lush forest spanning over 300 hectares, now known as Molai Forest. Home to diverse wildlife, including elephants and rhinos, Payeng's dedication showcases the profound impact of individual action on environmental restoration. In the 1970s, the proposed construction of a hydroelectric dam threatened the pristine Silent Valley rainforest in Kerala. Activists, including poet Sugathakumari and ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, rallied against the project. Their efforts culminated in a High Court ruling halting the deforestation, preserving the valley's rich biodiversity. Initiated in 1985 by Medha Patkar, the Narmada Bachao Andolan opposed the construction of large dams on the Narmada River. The movement highlighted the displacement of indigenous communities and environmental degradation. Despite challenges, it brought global attention to the socio-environmental costs of large-scale development projects. In the 1980s and 1990s, the proposed Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand faced opposition due to concerns over seismic risks and ecological impact. Activist Sunderlal Bahuguna's fast unto death drew national attention, leading to a government assurance to review the project. While construction continued, the movement underscored the need for sustainable development practices. Philosophical traditions like the Vedic hymns in the Rigveda and Atharvaveda celebrate Earth (Bhumi) as the mother of all beings, emphasizing living in harmony with nature . Such principles resonate with modern environmental ethics, highlighting the timeless relevance of these teachings. Across the globe, various cultures have intertwined spirituality with environmental consciousness. In Taoism, concepts like 'wu wei' (non-action) and animism promote living in balance with nature. These diverse traditions collectively underscore a universal truth: sustainable living is deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual values. Despite these rich traditions, the modern world grapples with environmental degradation. Despite these rich traditions, the modern world faces serious environmental problems. For example, India generates over 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, and only about 60% of it is recycled. Cities like Delhi and Mumbai struggle with air pollution—Delhi often ranks among the world's most polluted cities. Water bodies like the Yamuna River remain heavily polluted due to industrial waste and untreated sewage. According to the World Bank, India is among the top 5 countries most affected by climate change. These issues show that despite our heritage, urgent action is needed to protect the environment today. Advancements in technology offer promising solutions to environmental issues. In the realm of transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront of reducing carbon footprints. Smart technologies, such as AI-based predictive maintenance and IoT-enabled charging infrastructure, enhance the efficiency and sustainability of EVs, making them a viable alternative to traditional vehicles . Globally, innovations like hybrid wind-solar systems and offshore floating wind turbines are revolutionizing renewable energy generation. These technologies maximize energy production while minimizing space usage, crucial for urban environments . India, too, is making strides in renewable energy. As of October 2024, the country's cumulative renewable energy capacity reached 203.18 GW, marking a 13.5% increase from the previous year. With a target of 500 GW by 2030, India is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable energy . Innovations tackling plastic pollution include biodegradable plastics made from seaweed or corn starch, plastic-eating enzymes like PETase, and upcycling waste into products. Technologies such as ocean-cleanup devices, waste-to-fuel plants, and digital recycling platforms like Recykal are transforming plastic waste management and promoting a more sustainable, cleaner environment. Several Indian startups are leading the fight against plastic pollution. Zerocircle, creates biodegradable packaging from seaweed that dissolves in soil or water. EcoKaari upcycles plastic waste into handmade bags and accessories using traditional looms, blending sustainability with livelihood creation. In Kerala, the DROP project by Munambam fishers has recovered over 22,000 kg of ocean plastic by collecting waste caught in fishing nets. Additionally, Bioyug On Wheels promotes biopolymer use through India's first mobile awareness campaign. These innovations show how creativity and community can offer real solutions to the plastic crisis. A Call to Action: Integrating Tradition with Innovation World Environment Day serves as a reminder that environmental conservation is not a modern concern but a timeless value. By integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary technology, we can forge a path toward a sustainable future. As Mahatma Gandhi aptly stated, 'Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed'. Let this principle guide our actions as we strive to protect and preserve our planet for generations to come. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Mint
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
BHEL to be nodal agency for EV charging infrastructure deployment, demand aggregation
New Delhi: Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), a public sector unit under the heavy industries ministry, is being considered to be made the nodal agency for gauging and aggregating demand for electric vehicle (EV) chargers. It will also develop an application for streamlining the EV charging infrastructure, according to a press statement by the heavy industries ministry on Wednesday. The app will allow real-time slot booking, payment integration, charger availability status and progress dashboards for tracking national deployment under the PM E-Drive scheme, the statement said. Under this scheme, the government aims to install 72,000 EV public chargers with an outlay of ₹ 2,000 crore till the end of FY26. These stations will be strategically deployed along 50 national highway corridors, and within high-traffic destinations such as metro cities, toll plazas, railway stations, airports, fuel outlets and state highways. Heavy industries minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Wednesday consulted representatives of the ministries of petroleum and natural gas (MoPNG) and road transport and highways (MoRTH) to review and accelerate the deployment of EV charging infrastructure in the country, the statement said. Kumaraswamy said, 'Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is on the path to becoming a global model for sustainable transport. The PM E-Drive scheme is a transformative initiative aimed at giving our citizens access to clean, affordable, and convenient mobility options. We are not just building infrastructure; we are building the foundation for energy security and green economic growth.' He added that collaborative federalism is integral to India's clean energy missions. 'The clean energy transition cannot succeed in silos. This meeting reflects our commitment to working as one government. Ministries, public sector enterprises, and states are all aligned to deliver results on ground. We are confident that PM E-Drive will catalyse new industries, generate green jobs, and offer seamless electric mobility to every Indian,' he said. As on 1 April, there were 26,367 EV public charging stations in the country, as per data gathered by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), stated in a Rajya Sabha disclosure dated 4 April. In the first three months of calendar year 2025, there were 1,165 new EV public charging stations deployed by the government, the disclosure showed. EV charging infrastructure is a crucial element in incentivizing green mobility in the country. A wider network of EV chargers reduced range anxiety among potential buyers. Range anxiety refers to the reluctance of buyers to shift to zero-emission electric vehicles due to the limited range they cover in a single full charge. Mint reported earlier on 1 May that the government was planning to revise the costs of setting up EV public charging stations under the PM E-drive scheme, as the cost of raw material as well as components had fluctuated over the last two years. The government has also aimed to set up EV public charging stations on national highways to incentivize public transportation between cities and allow the introduction of electric trucks in key logistical ecosystems. Under the PM E-Drive scheme, nearly 40% of the total ₹ 10,900 crore outlay was allocated towards incentivising electric buses in public transportation. Also, ₹ 500 crore was allocated towards incentivizing electric trucks. Under the scheme, manufacturers have to sell electric vehicles to buyers at a subsidized price. The government then reimburses the manufacturers. Previous schemes, such as the two iterations of FAME schemes also had a similar operation model. FAME stands for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric (and Hybrid) vehicles. The two iterations of the FAME schemes ran continuously for a decade from FY15 to FY24.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India poised to drive global economic growth: MoS, MoPNG Suresh Gopi at PPAC Foundation Day
New Delhi: India stands at a defining point in its energy transition, being the third largest consumer of energy, while home to nearly 18 per cent of the global population, the country is poised to be the driver for global energy growth , Minister of State (MoS), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Suresh Gopi Said. "This, coupled with the global imperative to address climate change, presents both a challenge and an opportunity. India, the fifth largest economy in the world with a GDP exceeding $3.7 trillion, is on a path to become a $5 trillion economy," he said, speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 24th PPAC Foundation Day here. The minister said India is the fastest growing major economy and energy plays a vital enabling role in this growth across all sectors. He added that the oil and gas sector alone contributes nearly 15 per cent to the Gross Value Added (GVA) of India's core industries and is crucial for employment, investment and fiscal stability. Other personalities who attended the inaugural session included Kamini Ratan Chauhan, Additional Secretary & Financial Adviser, MoPNG and Varsha Sinha, Secretary, Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB). The day long event hosted a Panel discussion on the topic "Energy Security in the Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047" where speakers included Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi; Abhay Bakre, Mission Director, National Green Hydrogen Mission; Prabh Das, MD & CEO, HMEL; and Ritu Mathur, Director, TERI. "The country is today trying to avoid carbon use keeping in view the target of Net Zero by 2070, but we must remember that India needs to adopt more and more renewables also for its own energy security imperative," said Bakre, speaking at the discussion. The discussion was followed by an Executive Dialogue where Anuj Jain, Sr Director, KBR Tech and Rajesh Agarwal, ED, CHT participated as speakers. In another Executive Dialogue, Saurabh Diddi, Director, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) shared his views on "Carbon Markets in India". Another key highlight of the event was a panel discussion on "Pioneering the Future of Sustainable Energy with Biofuels and Hydrogen " where speakers included Sangeeta Kasture, Sci. Gr 'G', MNRE; Deepak Srivastava, Dir (BR), MoPNG; Alok Sharma, Dir R&D, IOCL; and Satinder Pal Singh, MD-India, Lanzatech. "An inter-ministerial committee has been set up which is looking into the roadmap for biofuels beyond 2025. It will not just cover Ethanol but other biofuels too," Srivastava informed the audience. The event's agenda also covered the topic "Financing Mechanisms for Energy Transition" with Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, IREDA; Rajasree Ray, Economic Advisor, MoEFCC; and Pravina Rai, MD & CEO, MCX engaging as key speakers in a discussion. "India's renewable energy industry has recorded historic growth in the past ten years. This has been made possible by a passionate, committed and disciplined approach of the Government of India," Das said. The event also hosted a mega Panel Discussion on the topic "Future-Ready Oil & Gas Industry: Challenges & Opportunities on the Road to 2047". The participants included Arun Kumar Singh, CMD, ONGC; A S Sahney, Chairman, IOCL; Vikas Kaushal, Chairman & Managing Director, HPCL; Ranjit Rath, Chairman & Managing Director, Oil India Limited (OIL); Harish Mehta, CEO & MD, Jio-bp; and Prasad K Panicker, Chairman, Nayara Energy. Participating in the discussion, the leaders of the industry said the global oil demand is flattening and the world is sitting on a 9 million barrels per day of oil surplus. ONGC Chairman Singh said the global oil growth was under 1 million barrels per day last year with downward corrections every month. The event closed with a speech by Pallavi Jain Govil, Director General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) who urged all the oil and gas industry stakeholders to come together and work for a secure energy future for the nation.
