Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav (FIle) Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Thursday released the biennial India State of the Forest Report, which assesses the countryâs forest and tree resources. But not satisfied with a two-year assessment, the minister has decided that he will now set up an internal study group in the ministry. This group will not only analyse the findings of the report more comprehensively, but will also formulate plans on how community participation in forest conservation can be enhanced.
Start-up Challenge
PARSHOTTAM RUPALA, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, on Thursday inaugurated the âFisheries Start-up Grand Challengeâ, which is aimed at promoting entrepreneurs in fisheries and aquaculture sector and also to promote innovative start-up ideas. The challenge will remain open for 45 days for entries. According to the ministry, the shortlisted start-ups will get a cash grant of Rs 2 lakh each. In the final round, a grant of up to Rs 20 lakh (general category) and Rs 30 lakh (SC/ST/Women) will be given to the winners for transforming their ideas into effective pilots, the ministry said.
The Nudge
AS PART of the âAzadi ka Amrit Mahotsavâ series of events, the Ayush Ministry will organise a âSurya Namaskarâ programme on Friday, which is expected to have around 75 lakh participants across the country. In this regard, the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Thursday wrote to vice-chancellors of all universities, principals of colleges and directors of higher education institutes, requesting them to take part in the initiative. Incidentally, in December, the UGC had issued a circular to higher education institutes, requesting them to have their students perform Surya Namaskar. That circular had drawn criticism from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which claimed that Islam forbade such a form of âsun worshipâ.
- The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards.
