From individuals to corporates, TOI Ecopreneur Honours celebrates India's sustainability champions
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Time of India
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- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh begins pilot project on road repairs using steel slag waste
Advt By , ETInfra The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated a pilot project to test road repair work using a new material made from industrial steel slag waste. The initiative was launched in Mandadam village near the state secretariat on Monday, with BC Janardhan Reddy, special chief secretary for roads and buildings, inaugurating the experimental phase, The Times of India use of steel slag — a byproduct from steel manufacturing — marks a shift in the state's infrastructure approach, aligning with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's directive to explore cost-effective and sustainable methods of road pilot involves a composite mixture called Ecofix, developed using steel slag and tar. The material has been under study by experts for its potential in pothole repairs, particularly during the monsoon season. According to officials, Ecofix is being monitored to assess its effectiveness under such conditions, with future repair and construction work likely to be based on the said it is part of the Chief Minister's vision of creating 'wealth from waste'. He further explained that experts are monitoring the effectiveness of the Ecofix mixture for repairing potholes during the rainy differs from traditional tar-based repair materials in that it does not require heating and can be applied even when water is present on the road surface. Officials say this feature makes it suitable for rainy weather conditions. The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) has tested the mixture and found it to be more durable and cost-efficient than current alternatives, according to the use of industrial waste in road construction is also being viewed as a measure to reduce environmental impact, particularly pollution of land, water, and air. The state government has indicated that scaling up the use of such materials may also reduce the financial burden on public infrastructure spending.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
NSA Ajit Doval may visit Russia today while Trump fires fresh tariff threat to India for Russia oil buys
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is said to be arriving in Moscow today for a high-level visit aimed at strengthening defence and energy ties with Russia, The Times of India has reported. The visit was pre-planned but it has gained added significance as US President Donald Trump on Monday announced fresh tariff threats against India, accusing New Delhi of profiting from Russian oil while ignoring the Ukraine conflict. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded sharply and said that the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. "Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.' Trump claimed that India is purchasing 'massive amounts' of Russian crude and 'selling it on the open market for big profits.' He added, 'Because of this, I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA.' The MEA rejected the charge and pointed out that the US and EU continue to import key products from Russia, including natural gas, uranium, fertilisers, and palladium. Also Read: Live Events The MEA said India's purchases were initially supported by Washington. 'In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The US at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability.' Last week, Trump announced a 25% tariff plus penalty on India for failing to make a deal with the US and continuing its purchase of crude from Russia. Doval's visit, planned before Trump's latest statement, now becomes a key diplomatic signal. He is expected to hold talks with his Russian counterpart on expanding defence industry cooperation, including potential procurement of more S-400 missile systems and maintenance infrastructure in India , according to a report by The Economic Times. The trip marks a key moment in India's foreign policy as it balances longstanding ties with Russia while facing increasing pressure from the United States. A senior Indian official told TOI that the government will prioritise consumer interest when it comes to oil sourcing. 'We will go solely by the interest of our consumers and opt for the best option price-wise. If Russian crude works out cheaper than what we can get from other sources, why should we penalise our consumers?' the official said. Also Read: Why Trump's tariff move isn't likely to shake India's oil ties with Russia Doval's Moscow visit will be followed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is expected to travel to Russia later this month. His meetings will focus on boosting Indian exports, cooperation in the Arctic, and civil nuclear collaboration. Talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov are also on the agenda. India continues to import discounted Russian crude, helping to maintain stable domestic fuel prices. Officials noted that the trade has also enabled India to support global oil supply chains disrupted by Western sanctions. 'India's oil trade with Russia has taken place with full transparency and broad understanding with the US,' the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said in a note. 'Trump's decision to raise tariffs on India citing oil trade is not only unjustified—it ignores market realities, misrepresents trade data, and undermines a key strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific.' In May, India's crude imports from Russia declined by nearly 10% to $9.2 billion, primarily due to market fluctuations, not political intervention. Doval's agenda also includes reviewing India's participation in the resource-rich Arctic and exploring potential cooperation in high-tech sectors, ET has reported. India is scheduled to host the annual India-Russia Summit later this year, during which President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit New Delhi for the first time since 2021. The summit is likely to cover energy security, food supplies, and a formal agreement on workforce deployment in Russian industries. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed India's position last week, saying, 'India and Russia have a steady and time-tested partnership. Our bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country.' Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Time of India
TOI Ecopreneur Honours 2025: IFFCO MD Dr Udai Shanker Awasthi calls for sustainable agriculture and youth action
At the TOI Ecopreneur Honours 2025 held on Monday, Dr Udai Shanker Awasthi, Managing Director of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), emphasised the urgent need for sustainable agriculture and environmental responsibility. Speaking during his keynote address, Dr Awasthi urged India's youth and eco-entrepreneurs to lead the way in developing solutions that balance growth with environmental protection. 'The whole idea of saving the planet began when we realised that our own development was creating problems,' Dr Awasthi said. He noted that while development is necessary, it also increases the use of energy and natural resources, which causes damage to the environment. Dr Awasthi stressed that the time has come to correct this imbalance. He said that sustainable agriculture is one of the most pressing challenges for every country, including those in the Middle East, which are now also looking at eco-friendly farming methods. 'We don't need to change everything overnight. But we do need to move in the right direction. And things are slowly changing,' he said. He pointed to carbon dioxide emissions and methane from traditional chemical fertilisers, such as urea, as major contributors to environmental harm. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo He highlighted the need to switch to alternatives like nano fertilisers, which have a smaller ecological impact. Calling eco-entrepreneurs 'much needed,' Dr Awasthi said, 'The patents and innovations by eco-preneurs must be protected. Their products and the money invested in them must not go to waste.' He also shared ideas for young entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas, encouraging them to focus on long-term, sustainable development solutions. 'Profit and planet can and must co-exist': Prasad Sanyal The event opened with an address by Prasad Sanyal, Business Head of The Times of India (digital), who welcomed attendees and set the tone for the evening. He said the Ecopreneur Honours recognises those who are working quietly yet effectively in the field of sustainability. 'In today's noisy world, there are still places where people work with intent, sustainability,' Sanyal said. He pointed out that sustainability is no longer a side concern and that 'the new India is looking for meaning.' Sanyal added that the awards aim to honour individuals and organisations that have helped shape policy, promoted green growth, and taken real action against the climate crisis. 'Profit and planet can and must co-exist,' he said. He ended his speech by reminding everyone of the urgency of climate change. 'Climate crisis is today's lived reality,' Sanyal said, adding that in this context, 'recognition matters.' The TOI Ecopreneur Honours celebrates sustainability champions across India — from individuals to corporates — who are building a greener future.
