National
SC allows Essel to restart mining at two places in Odisha
New Delhi, Feb 15 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday permitted Essel Mining and Industries to restart mining activities in two of its three mines in Odisha saying that mining in the third can start only with the consent of the state government.
The bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta permitted Essel Mining and Industries — a part of the Aditya Birla Group of industries — to restart mining activities in two mines as the court was told that it has deposited a penalty Rs 1,717 crore determined by the state government.
While the top court gave its nod for mining in the Jilling and Koira mines, Essel will have to get the Odisha government’s approval for starting mining activities in Kasia.
Permitting Essel Mining and Industries to recommence the mining activities, the court, however, declined the plea by counsel Prashant Bhushan that the forest clearance given to the company be re-looked as he referred to Birla Sahara papers alleging irregularities in the grant of the green nod by the Environment and Forest Ministry.
Refusing the plea by counsel Prashant Bushan, the bench said that it cannot expand the scope of the hearing.
The top court by its August 2, 2017, order had directed the Odisha government to recover the cost of excess production from the defaulting miners.
The apex court called for the recovery of 100 per cent compensation from the defaulting companies compared to 30 per cent as was recommended by the court appointed central empowered committee (CEC).
The top court by its August 2, 2017 order had asked the mining companies involved in violation of forest and environmental clearances to deposit by December 31, 2017 the fine to be determined by the state government.
The top court had said that the amount to be raised as fine would be utilized for the benefit of tribals in the affected districts and for area development work.
By its August 2 judgment, the top court had asked the Central government to have a fresh look at its decade-old National Mineral Policy, 2008 particularly with regard to conservation and mineral development.
The court had also asked the Centre to complete the exercise by December 31, 2017.
–IANS
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National
Foodman Vishal Singh Honored for Hunger Free World Mission in Bangkok
Lucknow: Vishal Singh, a renowned social worker from Lucknow, also known as Foodman, has once again made India proud. He was honored by the Happy Hands Gloves Cooperative Limited Company in Korathai, Thailand, for his work with the Hunger Free World Mission.
The Hunger Free World Mission’s meeting was held in Korathai, Thailand, under Vishal Singh’s leadership. Representatives from several countries, including Mr. Raja Dwivedi (Managing Director of Happy Hands Gloves Limited), Thailand Coordinator Mr. Raja Mishra, and member Mr. Varun Singh, attended the event.
Under Vishal Singh’s leadership, the attendees took a pledge to work together toward creating a hunger-free world.
Speaking on the occasion, Vishal Singh explained that the main goal of the Hunger Free World Mission is social participation. He said the mission is not just about feeding people but also about meeting other basic needs of those who are struggling. The mission focuses on helping families of terminally ill patients in hospitals by providing food and shelter. It also works to fulfill essential needs like education, jobs, and care for the elderly.
For the last 16 years, the Vijay Sri Foundation has been providing free services, benefiting thousands of people. Vishal Singh highlighted that the mission aims to gain global recognition like other organizations such as WHO, WWF, and Red Cross, which work for social causes.
During this meeting, Vishal Singh was appointed as the Chairman of the Hunger Free World Mission by representatives from various countries. They also discussed holding regular meetings in different countries to push the mission forward.
Business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has also supported this humanitarian mission, vowing to promote the idea of “Seva Parmo Dharma” (Service is the highest duty) worldwide. Vishal Singh praised him, stating that people like Dr .Abhishek Verma inspire others to work for the betterment of society.
Recently, Romania’s Ambassador, Mr . Daniela Sezonov Ţane, invited Vishal Singh to the Romanian Embassy in Delhi, where they discussed the mission in detail. Impressed by his humanitarian work, she honored Vishal Singh and invited him to Romania to take the mission forward .
Food man Vishal Singh has been serving the people of India for the past 16 years. Through the Vijay Sri Foundation, he provides free meals to cancer patients & their families ,shelter, and education for women & children along with running free old-age homes in Lucknow.
In addition to his humanitarian work, Vishal Singh also addresses issues like crime and corruption through his role as Chairman of Seva Path Media and Managing Director of Vijay Sri Foundation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vishal Singh and his team worked tirelessly to provide food and help to the needy, including starving children, elderly citizens, and pregnant women. Despite contracting the virus himself, he continued to assist others after his recovery. He even created a life-saving oxygen regulator using household items, which was praised by doctors both in India and abroad.
In his address at the meeting, Vishal Singh spoke about his mission to create a hunger-free world. He pointed out that India’s large population, along with issues like unemployment and poverty, has caused the country to fall on the Hunger Index. He urged people to contribute just one handful of grains daily to help create a hunger-free world.
He concluded by saying that through social participation, we can empower the people around us, meet their basic needs, and work together to build a stronger, more prosperous, and developed society.