GREAT NICOBAR
UNESCO adds three Indian sites to Tentative List, from Andaman volcanoes to Chhattisgarh’s Sirpur: What makes them significant?
UNESCO has added three Indian properties to its World Heritage Tentative List: the Karst-mud-volcano Complex of Baratang, the Andaman Subduction Volcanoes and the Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape. Located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Chhattisgarh, the sites represent India’s geological diversity and archaeological heritage. Tentative-list inclusion is a preliminary step, not final World Heritage recognition.
From rocks to riches: India’s unfinished critical minerals story
India's manufacturing industry is significantly affected by its heavy reliance on imported critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. The recent supply disruptions from China have highlighted weaknesses in India's domestic capacity for refining these minerals. Efforts to enhance mineral processing and create integrated production facilities are underway to reduce import dependence.
The Andaman Islands could be India's next big trade trump card
India is focusing on strengthening the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' strategic maritime role for regional trade. The upcoming Andaman Dialogue 2027 will emphasize maritime infrastructure and economic cooperation among countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the islands as an economic bridge, particularly for trade and logistics efforts. Enhanced cooperation between regional ports and industries is also proposed to bolster maritime security.
India’s bid to keep carbon cash home as Europe adds a new trade cost
India’s exporters face new carbon costs under the EU’s CBAM, which took effect in January 2026. For carbon-intensive industries such as steel and aluminium, this could pressure export competitiveness, prompting India to build a domestic carbon market and invest in cleaner technologies.
Dinesh Sharma takes oath as lieutenant governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Dinesh Sharma took the oath as the 14th Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Calcutta High Court Chief Justice administered the oath of office and secrecy to Sharma. Sharma previously served as Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and mayor of Lucknow. His portfolios included higher education and science and technology in the UP government. Admiral DK Joshi (retd) was Sharma's predecessor, serving since October 2017.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands to go nuclear? BARC plans small reactors amid China’s growing Indian Ocean presence
India is exploring Small Modular Reactors for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as BARC scientists inspect potential sites across all three districts from September 4 to 8. The proposal comes amid major infrastructure plans, including the Great Nicobar transhipment terminal, airport and deep-water ports. The islands’ strategic location, INS Baaz and growing defence infrastructure add significance to the proposed energy expansion.
No end to march of grave ecological folly in Great Nicobar: Cong slams govt
Amid environmental concerns, the Congress party is vocally opposing the Modi administration's Great Nicobar project. They deem it an ecological disaster waiting to happen and advocate for its cancellation. The party underlines that the abandonment of recent data center proposals illustrates the pressing need to prioritize genuine community and ecological interests over what they perceive as commercial exploitation.
Andaman admin seeks firms to explore feasibility of AI data centre in Great Nicobar
The Andaman and Nicobar administration seeks private companies for green AI data centres. Companies can explore feasibility for facilities in Great Nicobar or Little Andaman. This initiative aims to develop sustainable digital infrastructure leveraging island advantages. The administration issued an Expression of Interest for potential private sector involvement. Interested entities must submit proposals within forty-five days of publication.
On Edge: The Great Nicobar project faces a great engineering question
India plans a major infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island. This development aims to boost maritime trade and reduce foreign port reliance. However, the island's location in Seismic Zone V presents considerable geological risks. Engineers are developing innovative solutions to address seismic activity and land subsidence. The project's success hinges on adapting infrastructure to the island's volatile geology.
Great Nicobar project 'commercial enterprise', not strategic: Jairam Ramesh to Rajnath Singh
Jairam Ramesh challenges the perceived strategic value of the Great Nicobar Islands development, asserting that its primary nature is commercial rather than military. He believes that the strategic justifications are mere fabrications aimed at downplaying significant environmental ramifications. The ambitious project envisions a transshipment port accompanied by a township, yet it faces serious backlash over threats to irreplaceable biodiversity.
Government looks to start work on Great Nicobar Project from 2028, says Sonowal
The government plans to commence the ambitious Great Nicobar Project by 2028, aiming to establish a strategic maritime and economic hub. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal assured that ecological balance, including protecting leatherback sea turtles and coral zones, will be maintained. This comes despite opposition from the Congress, which has raised concerns about environmental impact and alleged benefits for a single businessman.
Rahul Gandhi opposes Great Nicobar project because he dislikes India's strategic rise: Bharatiya Janata Party
The Bharatiya Janata Party has responded to Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the Great Nicobar development project. Party spokesperson Tuhin Sinha stated the project's vision dates back to the 1970s. He highlighted the project's immense commercial and geostrategic importance due to its proximity to the Strait of Malacca. Sinha assured that ecological and tribal concerns are being addressed in phases for future settlements.
Great Nicobar project commercial enterprise; ecological havoc assured: Congress' Jairam Ramesh
Jairam Ramesh, a senior Congress leader, has strongly criticized the Great Nicobar Island Project. He labels it a commercial venture that will cause significant ecological damage and threaten the region's unique biodiversity. Ramesh argues that the environmental impact assessments conducted are insufficient and not based on comprehensive primary data.
'Insult to science, make a mockery of EIA process': Jairam Ramesh on Great Nicobar project
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has written to the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupinder Yadav over escalating his criticism of the Great Nicobar Island Development Project, and alleging that environmental clearances were based on "grossly inadequate" studies and that key reports were being kept away from public scrutiny.
Great Nicobar project concerns must be debated in parliamentary forum; govt rattled by Rahul Gandhi's visit: Congress
The Congress party has detailed serious concerns regarding the Great Nicobar project. They highlight ecological damage, tribal rights violations, lack of transparency, and security issues. The party asserts these critical matters require a parliamentary debate. The government's recent press note is seen as a damage control measure following Rahul Gandhi's visit.
Ex-military officers defend Great Nicobar push, reject Rahul Gandhi’s concerns
Retired military officials are backing the Great Nicobar Project. They counter allegations of land grabbing and corruption, highlighting its crucial role in India's maritime security and economic development. The project aims to boost surveillance and reduce reliance on foreign ports. Environmental and tribal concerns are being addressed through sustainable solutions and government policies.
Great Nicobar Project: NGT upholds clearance amidst environmental concerns
The National Green Tribunal has approved the Great Nicobar project. This decision faces criticism for relying on studies from government bodies that granted clearance. Vague conditions for environmental protection were accepted. The tribunal also did not make a High-Powered Committee report public citing confidentiality. Strategic development is important, but environmental laws must be followed.
NGT green signal for Nicobar Port; notes safeguards
In a significant decision, the National Green Tribunal has green-lighted the ambitious Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project. After thorough inspection, the tribunal determined that the environmental clearances come with robust protective measures. It underlined the project's vital role in regional development.
Great Nicobar may soon get an international container terminal
The main vision for developing the island aims "to capture the locational advantage of being on international sea route and develop Great Nicobar as a sustainable, green, global hotspot for business, trade and leisure", according to a document from the Pollution Control Committee of the union territory.
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