Akhilesh-Tikait meeting puts farmers at Centre of ‘PDA’ politics in Uttar Pradesh

New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to implement a star-rating system for vehicles across India to reduce air pollution and related health hazards.

A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran observed that the issue fell within the domain of the government and declined to interfere in the matter.

“Since the matter falls in the domain of the State, we are not inclined to interfere; however, the petitioner can make a representation to the Union of India, which will be considered on its own merits,” the CJI Gavai-led Bench ordered.

The petition, filed by Dr Sanjay Kulshrestha, who appeared in person, argued that a vehicle star-rating system, similar to those adopted in several developed countries, would empower consumers to make environmentally responsible choices and help curb vehicular pollution.

“Today, even in India, energy-based star rating exists for refrigerators, ACs, then why not have such for automobiles. This is despite that AC & fridge are used inside the house while automobiles are on the road and adversely affect the health of others. Our luxury shouldn’t create problems to others,” stated the PIL, adding that this star rating would encourage consumers for an environment-friendly car.

It highlighted that in India, air pollution caused 2.1 million deaths in 2021, and of these, 60 per cent were attributed to PM2.5 – primarily emitted from vehicular exhaust.

Citing a study published in The Lancet Regional Health journal, the plea stated that data reveal high levels of PM2.5 air pollution claim approximately 33,000 lives each year in major Indian cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.

–IANS

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Dehradun, March 21 (IANS) Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, on Saturday, led discussions on proposals across sectors such as roads, drinking water supply, defence, irrigation and infrastructure near protected areas at the 90th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife, an official said.

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife is a statutory body constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and advises the Union government on matters related to conservation and protection of wildlife and forests, the official said in a statement.

“During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Forest Survey of India (FSI) and Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) for strengthening the use of geospatial technologies, remote sensing and AI/machine learning-based tools in forest fire management, wildlife conservation and decision support systems,” an official of the Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change said.

The Committee also reviewed progress on the decisions taken in the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife and noted the status of key national initiatives relating to species recovery, habitat management and institutional strengthening.

Union Minister Yadav, who chaired the committee meeting, also deliberated on the issues of environmental flows in the Chambal for sustaining riverine species such as dolphins, gharials and other aquatic fauna, particularly during lean seasons.

The Committee also discussed conservation of grasslands and rangelands, highlighting their importance for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, dryland resilience and pastoral livelihoods.

“It was observed that these ecosystems remain under-recognised in planning frameworks and require ecosystem-specific restoration approaches, improved mapping, and integration with national commitments such as Land Degradation Neutrality,” the statement said.

The issue of dependence of nomadic and pastoral communities on Protected Areas was also deliberated.

The Committee noted the ecological and livelihood linkages of pastoral systems and emphasised the need for balanced approaches for conservation goals while considering traditional practices and socio-economic dependencies.

“During the meeting, conservation status of wild water buffalo was discussed, and the committee recommended a comprehensive conservation action plan for wild water buffalo,” the statement added.

–IANS

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New Delhi, June 22 (IANS) A political controversy erupted on Monday after severe traffic congestion in Bengaluru allegedly caused difficulties for some NEET UG re-test candidates trying to reach their examination centres on time. The BJP accused the government in Karnataka of prioritising political rallies over students’ interests, while Congress leaders expressed regret over the hardships faced by candidates and their families.

The controversy follows reports that a Congress rally in Bengaluru led to traffic snarls across parts of the city, resulting in panic among students and parents rushing to examination centres. According to reports, at least three students missed the examination altogether due to delays caused by the traffic congestion.

Reacting to it, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi criticised the Congress, alleging that the party had failed to safeguard students’ interests.

“As we learned through media reports, several candidates were unable to appear for the examination because of a rally organised by the Karnataka Congress president. On the other hand, Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, visited Kota just 48 hours before the examination and attempted to divert students’ attention,” Trivedi said.

He further questioned the Karnataka government’s planning, stating that authorities were aware of the examination schedule and could have managed traffic arrangements accordingly.

“They knew the timing of the examination and could have planned better or altered the schedule of the rally. One thing is clear from this incident: for the Congress, politics is important, while students’ interests come much lower on the priority list. Parents of NEET aspirants are demanding answers directly from Rahul Gandhi. This is not merely a question from a few affected families; it is a question from the nation, and he cannot avoid responding to it,” he added.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge defended the state government’s handling of the situation and pointed out that Bengaluru’s traffic challenges were well-known.

“Bengaluru has always faced mobility issues. That is a known fact. We had issued a detailed traffic advisory in advance. There was also a dedicated helpline for assistance. Thousands of students appeared for the examination successfully. Yes, even one student missing the exam is unfortunate, and we are sympathetic. However, can the government be held responsible if a student carries the wrong hall ticket or takes the wrong route? If anyone wants to play politics over this issue, we are prepared for that as well,” Kharge said.

He pointed out that NEET guidelines clearly specify that examination centre gates open at 11 A.M. and candidates must report well before the prescribed deadline.

“The standard operating procedures are very clear. Candidates are informed well in advance that they must reach the examination centre at least two-and-a-half hours before the exam.”

Senior Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad also expressed regret over the difficulties faced by students but rejected allegations that the Congress rally was solely responsible.

“I have seen media reports suggesting that some students faced hardship before reaching their examination centres. If any of our children have suffered because of this, I deeply regret it. However, a very large number of students appeared for the examination. In Karnataka and Kalaburagi alone, more than a thousand students were absent. Similar situations occurred in Mangaluru, where there was no Congress programme. According to reports, only a few students were directly affected by this issue,” he said.

Hariprasad further argued that the BJP was attempting to politicise the matter while ignoring broader concerns related to the NEET examination system.

“The Centre conducts NEET through the concerned ministry and should ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place. Questions must also be asked about repeated allegations of question paper leaks and the distress faced by students. They have a habit of blaming everything on Congress, right from the days of Nehru. Thankfully, they are not blaming Nehru for this as well,” he remarked.

The incident occurred during the NEET UG re-test conducted across the country, with around 22 lakh candidates appearing for the examination more than a month after the original test was cancelled amid allegations of a paper leak.

The examination began at 2 P.M., with candidates required to report at least two-and-a-half-hours earlier. As traffic congestion intensified in several parts of Bengaluru, anxious parents and students were seen attempting to navigate packed roads. Some parents rode two-wheelers on footpaths in desperate attempts to ensure that their children reached examination centres before the reporting deadline.

–IANS

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