Latest news with #SukhdeoBhagat
Economic Times
02-08-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
"Have we become so weak?" Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat on Trump's 25% tariff on India
Synopsis Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat has criticised PM Modi's silence on the 25% tariff imposed by the US, questioning the government's vulnerability to US interference in strategic matters. Trump's announcement of tariffs and threats of further penalties for importing Russian oil have sparked concern. The government is examining the impact and engaging with stakeholders to safeguard national interests. ANI Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat New Delhi: Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the 25 per cent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump on questioned whether the BJP government has become so vulnerable that discussions regarding strategic initiatives or oil procurement are subject to interference from US President Trump."Trump has created a state of confusion. Neither the government nor PM Modi made any statement in the House or took responsibility... Have we become so weak that even discussing strategies prompts interference from Trump?... The saddest part is when we discuss the trade balance, especially since we have about 130 billion dollars worth of trade with the US. Our position is strong on this, so there is no reason for America to dominate us... PM Modi should come forward and clarify the entire situation regarding India's decision... We are a sovereign country, but such interference contradicts the dignity of the nation," he on Wednesday made a shocking statement on his social media platform Truth Social after the announcement of 25 per cent tariffs against India and threatened an additional "penalty" for importing Russian oil."I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India; their tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world," Trump said. He later signed a fresh executive order imposing revised tariffs for 70 countries, including imposed on India's neighbouring countries are less than India's 25 per cent, except for Myanmar at 40 per cent. The new tariffs for Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Japan, and Sri Lanka are 19%, 15%, 20%, 19%, 15%, and 20%, new tariffs, outlined in a sweeping order signed on Friday (IST), will come into effect from 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on August the government told the Parliament on Thursday that it is examining the impact of the recent events and will take all necessary steps to safeguard the national interest. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal made a statement in the lower House of Parliament a day after Trump announced the tariff. He later made a similar statement in the Rajya Sabha. Goyal said the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is holding talks with exporters, industries and all stakeholders and gathering information on their assessment of this issue.
India.com
28-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Explained: Why India Can't Withdraw From Asia Cup 2025 Fixture Against Pakistan – BCCI's Hands Tied
photoDetails english 2937864 The India vs Pakistan match in Asia Cup 2025, scheduled for September 14, has sparked massive political backlash amid rising Indo-Pak tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. Despite opposition from political leaders and civil society, the BCCI confirmed India's participation, citing binding commitments made during the ACC meeting. The match, part of the T20-format tournament hosted in the UAE from September 9, could see up to three high-voltage Indo-Pak clashes. With fans eagerly awaiting the showdown, this fixture has become a focal point of sports diplomacy, national sentiment, and geopolitical debate. Updated:Jul 28, 2025, 07:00 AM IST 1. India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Clash Confirmed for September 14 1 / 11 Despite political tensions, India will face Pakistan on September 14, confirmed by the BCCI after the ACC meeting. This high-stakes match is a must-watch Sunday showdown in Group A. 2. BCCI Cannot Pull Out—Locked by Official Agreements 2 / 11 The BCCI's participation is non-negotiable as per ACC commitments. As the host nation, India cannot withdraw from the Asia Cup 2025 group stage match, even amidst escalating diplomatic unrest. 3. Tensions High After Pahalgam Terror Attack 3 / 11 The match's announcement came just months after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where 26 were killed. The backdrop of terror has turned this cricket match into a political lightning rod. 4. Opposition Leaders Slam BCCI Over 'Profit Before Patriotism' 4 / 11 Top leaders like Priyanka Chaturvedi and Sukhdeo Bhagat have publicly criticized the match, accusing BCCI of prioritizing money over national pride and undermining the sentiments of Indian armed forces. 5. BCCI Maintains Silence Amid Public Outrage 5 / 11 While criticism mounts, the BCCI has not issued any formal statement on the matter. This silence has sparked further anger across political and civilian circles, demanding transparency and accountability. 6. Asia Cup 2025: A Trial Run for T20 World Cup 2026 6 / 11 This year's T20 format Asia Cup serves as a key preparatory ground for the T20 World Cup 2026, adding more weight to every fixture, especially India vs Pakistan encounters. 7. Chances of 3 India vs Pakistan Matches in One Tournament 7 / 11 With both sides expected to reach the Super Four, fans could witness up to three Indo-Pak clashes, including a potential blockbuster final—making this Asia Cup one of the most thrilling ever. 8. Kargil Vijay Diwas Announcement Fuels Symbolic Debate 8 / 11 The Asia Cup schedule was released on Kargil Vijay Diwas, commemorating India's victory over Pakistan in 1999. This symbolic overlap has deepened the patriotic and political divide. 9. India Skipped Legends Match, Yet Will Play Pakistan Now 9 / 11 India Champions boycotted the World Championship of Legends tie vs Pakistan in England, but the national team will still play in Asia Cup 2025—raising questions about inconsistent sports diplomacy. 10. Mohammad Azharuddin Weighs In on Bilateral vs Multilateral Debate 10 / 11 Ex-captain Azharuddin said, 'No bilateral ties should mean no multilateral games either.' His stance reflects growing support for a uniform policy on Indo-Pak cricket amid ongoing tensions. 11 / 11
Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Over 1.73 lakh hectares of forest land diverted from in 10 years; 63% for mining, irrigation and roads: Centre tells Lok Sabha
The Union environment ministry approved the diversion of 1,73,984.3 hectares of forest land for non-forestry purposes between 2014-15 and 2023-24, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh stated in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The mining and quarrying sector, the hydropower energy and irrigation sector, and road projects accounted for about 63 per cent of diversion, with forest land of 40,096.17 hectares, 40,138.31 hectares, and 30,605.69 hectares diverted for the three purposes respectively. The Union minister was replying to a question from Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat, who asked whether forest clearances for infrastructure and industrial projects had increased by over 150 per cent from 2014 to 2023, citing a Centre for Science and Environment report. The minister added in his reply that forest land was allowed for non-forestry use in unavoidable circumstances with 'adequate mitigation measures including raising of compensatory afforestation and payment of net present value'. As per the minister's reply, linear infrastructure projects such as power transmission lines accounted for diversion of 17,232.69 hectares of forest land. The ministry also approved 14,968.14 hectares of forest land for defence projects. Railway projects accounted for 7,998 hectares of forest land diversion, whereas 2,644 hectares were diverted for the thermal power sector. For the 'others' category, 9,669.85 hectares of forest land were diverted and 346.84 hectares for wind power. 'The process of approvals for diversion of forest land for various non-forestry purposes under Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvarshan) Adhiniyam, 1980 is a continuous process. During the period from 2014-15 to 2023-24, the forest area measuring 173984.3 ha. has been approved to be used for various non-forestry purposes, including infrastructure and industrial projects under the provisions of Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980,' the minister stated in his reply. Under the Van Adhiniyam 1980, project proponents have to obtain approval from the ministry's forest advisory committee before using or diverting forest land for non-forestry activities. An empowered committee of the ministry's regional offices scrutinises projects in categories such as linear projects consisting of pipelines, railways, roadways and power lines. An award-winning journalist with 14 years of experience, Nikhil Ghanekar is an Assistant Editor with the National Bureau [Government] of The Indian Express in New Delhi. He primarily covers environmental policy matters which involve tracking key decisions and inner workings of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He also covers the functioning of the National Green Tribunal and writes on the impact of environmental policies on wildlife conservation, forestry issues and climate change. Nikhil joined The Indian Express in 2024. Originally from Mumbai, he has worked in publications such as Tehelka, Hindustan Times, DNA Newspaper, News18 and Indiaspend. In the past 14 years, he has written on a range of subjects such as sports, current affairs, civic issues, city centric environment news, central government policies and politics. ... Read More
The Print
21-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Over 1.73 lakh ha forest land diverted for infra projects from 2014 to 2024: Govt
The highest diversion of forest land during this period was for mining and quarrying activities, which were allowed to use 40,096.17 hectares. Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said that 1,73,984.3 hectares of forest land were approved for various non-forestry purposes between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2024, under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, now amended and renamed as Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. New Delhi, Jul 21 (PTI) Over 1.73 lakh hectares of forest land have been approved for diversion for non-forestry purposes across India from 2014 to 2024, with mining and hydropower projects emerging as the leading contributors, the environment ministry informed Parliament on Monday. These included a wide range of extractive activities that continue to remain one of the biggest drivers of forest clearance across mineral-rich regions, especially in central and eastern India. Hydropower and irrigation projects together accounted for the second-highest diversion, with 40,138.31 hectares of forest land approved for such purposes. These include large and small dams, canals, reservoirs and associated infrastructure. The information was provided in response to a question by Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat, who referred to the 2023 State of India's Environment Report by think tank Centre for Science and Environment. The report claimed that forest clearances for infrastructure and industrial projects increased by more than 150 per cent between 2014 and 2023. According to the government data, linear infrastructure projects such as road construction and power transmission lines were also among the top contributors. Forest land diverted for road development amounted to 30,605.69 hectares, while transmission lines used up 17,232.69 hectares. Defence projects involving security infrastructure and border-related development works accounted for 14,968.14 hectares of diverted forest land. The category listed as 'Others', which includes miscellaneous or unclassified uses not covered in standard categories, accounted for 9,669.85 hectares. Railway projects were sanctioned 7,998.65 hectares of forest land, making it another significant sector of diversion, particularly for expansion and electrification works. Projects involving the conversion of forest villages into revenue villages, a longstanding demand under the Forest Rights Act and other policies, used 3,250 hectares of land. Thermal power projects were approved on 2,644.02 hectares of forest land, while rehabilitation and resettlement schemes received clearance on 1,580.55 hectares. Projects related to drinking water supply, including pipeline networks and treatment plants, accounted for 1,282.21 hectares. Optical fibre cable laying, which generally involves underground or shallow surface work along road or railway alignments, led to the diversion of 437.63 hectares. Pipeline projects were approved on 543.57 hectares, while industry-related clearances, including those for industrial estates or standalone units, covered 405.82 hectares. Wind power installations accounted for 346.84 hectares, and village electrification initiatives used 551.13 hectares of forest land. Dispensaries and hospitals were allocated 113.31 hectares, and educational institutions, including schools and colleges, were constructed on 83.46 hectares of forest land. Substations took up 76.14 ha of forest land, solar power 1.57 ha, encroachments regularised under certain policies 9.63 ha, and communication posts 6.54 ha. A marginal amount of land (0.11 ha) was approved for rainwater harvesting structures, and 0.59 hectares was used for telecommunication lines. The minister said the process of forest land diversion is continuous and permitted only in 'unavoidable circumstances' with adequate mitigation measures. PTI GVS RHL This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Govt claims 1.73 lakh hectares forest land diverted for infra projects from 2014 to 2024
Over the past decade, India has diverted 1.73 lakh hectares of forest land for non-forestry purposes, primarily driven by mining, quarrying, hydropower, and irrigation projects. Linear infrastructure projects like road construction and power transmission lines also significantly contributed to this diversion. The government maintains that such diversions occur only under unavoidable circumstances, with necessary mitigation measures in place. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Over 1.73 lakh hectares of forest land have been approved for diversion for non-forestry purposes across India from 2014 to 2024, with mining and hydropower projects emerging as the leading contributors, the environment ministry informed Parliament on to a question in the Lok Sabha , Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said that 1,73,984.3 hectares of forest land were approved for various non-forestry purposes between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2024, under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, now amended and renamed as Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, highest diversion of forest land during this period was for mining and quarrying activities, which were allowed to use 40,096.17 included a wide range of extractive activities that continue to remain one of the biggest drivers of forest clearance across mineral-rich regions, especially in central and eastern and irrigation projects together accounted for the second-highest diversion, with 40,138.31 hectares of forest land approved for such purposes. These include large and small dams, canals, reservoirs and associated to the government data, linear infrastructure projects such as road construction and power transmission lines were also among the top land diverted for road development amounted to 30,605.69 hectares, while transmission lines used up 17,232.69 information was provided in response to a question by Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat, who referred to the 2023 State of India's Environment Report by think tank Centre for Science and report claimed that forest clearances for infrastructure and industrial projects increased by more than 150 per cent between 2014 and projects involving security infrastructure and border-related development works accounted for 14,968.14 hectares of diverted forest category listed as "Others", which includes miscellaneous or unclassified uses not covered in standard categories, accounted for 9,669.85 hectares. Railway projects were sanctioned 7,998.65 hectares of forest land, making it another significant sector of diversion, particularly for expansion and electrification involving the conversion of forest villages into revenue villages, a longstanding demand under the Forest Rights Act and other policies, used 3,250 hectares of power projects were approved on 2,644.02 hectares of forest land, while rehabilitation and resettlement schemes received clearance on 1,580.55 related to drinking water supply, including pipeline networks and treatment plants, accounted for 1,282.21 fibre cable laying, which generally involves underground or shallow surface work along road or railway alignments, led to the diversion of 437.63 projects were approved on 543.57 hectares, while industry-related clearances, including those for industrial estates or standalone units, covered 405.82 power installations accounted for 346.84 hectares, and village electrification initiatives used 551.13 hectares of forest and hospitals were allocated 113.31 hectares, and educational institutions, including schools and colleges, were constructed on 83.46 hectares of forest took up 76.14 ha of forest land, solar power 1.57 ha, encroachments regularised under certain policies 9.63 ha, and communication posts 6.54 ha.A marginal amount of land (0.11 ha) was approved for rainwater harvesting structures, and 0.59 hectares was used for telecommunication minister said the process of forest land diversion is continuous and permitted only in "unavoidable circumstances" with adequate mitigation measures.
