Mumbai: Orissa, which is the source of about 13% of the nation’s iron-ore exports, has ordered 50 mines to halt operations for flouting environmental rules.

Another 78 producers of other minerals such as mica and limestone will also be closed, Ashok Dalwai, Orissa’s steel and mines secretary, said on Tuesday.

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Labour intensive sectors may get industrial parks

New Delhi: The Union government has decided to set up industrial parks for more labour intensive sectors in the line of leather parks which are presently in operation.

The minister of commerce and industry Anand Sharma on Tuesday said that the ministry has received the approval of the Planning Commission and such parks will come up very shortly. Later, industry secretary Ajay Shankar said that such parks will be established for sectors such as toys, sports goods, ceramic, electronic and home appliances. The government will assist with 50% of the infrastructure cost, which excludes cost of the land, subject to the maximum of Rs40 crore per park.

— Asit Ranjan Mishra

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