The Supreme Court today granted approval for Tata Steel's prospecting licence for mining in Bailadila block in Chhattisgarh for its steel plant at Naxal-infested Dantewada district in the state. A special forest Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishanan while granting approval for prospecting licence to Tata said the company should approach Director General, Forest for clearance.

New Delhi: A high-powered committee set up by the Planning Commission has said that people's discontent and failure of the system has led to the growth of Naxalism.

Planning Commission-Appointed Experts Call For Dumping Salwa Judum Admitting that Naxalism was a

The list of world's richest is never complete today without some Indians among the top. Forbes released yet another list on March 6, 2008 which saw India's Anil Ambani as the biggest wealth creator. As many as four Indians made it to top ten positions in the billionaire club as against just one, Lakshmi Mittal, a year ago. The other three were Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani and realty baron KP Singh.

It began as an idea that had more to do with filling up the coffers of state governments than tackling the actual concerns of climate change. Coal-rich states, which are witnessing private power producers line up for a piece of action, began flexing their muscles by demanding an environmental cess on power exported outside the state.

Indira Gandhi National Tribal University is being established at Amarkantak. The state government has provided 21 acre land for this university. Foundation stone of the university would be laid by Human Resources Minister Arjun Singh on April 19. Those who would be specially present on the occasion include Commercial Tax Minister Babulal Gaur, Tribal Welfare Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, Leader of the Opposition in Vidhan Sabha, Ms Jamuna Devi and MP Dalpat Singh Paraste. Famous Gandhian philosopher, Dr SN Subbarao would preside over the function.

Wet Runs: There are 32 ongoing water projects with private sector participation, as also 22 hydro power projects with private participation. Some 20 states are undertaking water sector reforms.
Farm Woe: Net irrigated area in India is 55 mn ha against a net crop area of 142 mn ha.

Fast Dwindling: Forest cover has gone down by 1,409 sq km between 2003 and 2005.