Modi Announced GST 2.0 as Diwali Gift
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, announced major GST reforms termed “GST 2.0.” The existing four tax slabs will be reduced to two, 5% and 18%. Prices of essentials like dry fruits, medicines, and daily-use goods under 12% GST will fall by 7%, while items like cement, ACs, TVs, and refrigerators under 28% GST will become up to 10% cheaper.
Ex-Jharkhand Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan Nominated as NDA’s Vice-Presidential Candidate
The NDA nominated Maharashtra Governor and former Jharkhand Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan as its Vice-Presidential candidate. Known as the “Modi of Tamil Nadu,” he earlier won Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat in 1998 and 1999. His political journey also witnessed the 1998 Coimbatore blasts targeting BJP leader L. K. Advani’s rally, a tragedy that claimed 58 lives.
Nitish Kumar Announced Special Package for Entrepreneurs to Boost Industries in Bihar
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced a special package for entrepreneurs setting up industries in the state. Industrial units generating more jobs will receive free land, capital subsidy, interest subsidy, and double GST incentives. Land disputes for industrial use will be resolved, and land will be made available across districts. Benefits will apply within six months.
Supreme Court Agreed to Hear Pleas Against Jharkhand DGP’s Appointment
Hearning in the Supreme Court is scheduled today on the petitions challenging Jharkhand DGP Anurag Gupta’s appointment, including one filed by Opposition Leader Babulal Marandi. Gupta, due to retire on 30th April at 60 years, received an extension after state government sought Centre’s approval. A bench led by CJI B. R. Gavai will hear the matter today.
Jharkhand Chamber Launched Statewide Swadeshi Drive from 27th August
The Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) announced a Swadeshi campaign from 27th August, urging traders to sell only Indian-made goods. Inspired by PM Modi’s Independence Day call, the Chamber will distribute “Only Swadeshi Goods Sold Here” stickers. Minister Sanjay Seth appealed to traders to prioritize Indian products, highlighting India’s progress towards self-reliance.
Illegal Coal Sale Had Reduced Demand, Companies Faced 30% Dip in Sales
Coal companies in Jharkhand suffered a sharp fall in demand during August 2025, with road sales dropping by 20–30% compared to last year. Officials blamed rising illegal coal sales flowing into Banaras markets and hard coke units. CCL’s dispatch fell from 90,000 to 60,000 tonnes daily, while many e-auctions saw no buyers. Companies now face financial strain and production slowdown.
Commissioner Ordered Probe into MSME Coal Supply Halt
Coal supply to MSME units in Ranchi has remained suspended for nearly two-and-a-half years. At a review meeting chaired by Commissioner Anjani Kumar Mishra, officials were directed to submit detailed reports from JSMDC, CCL and the Industry Department. All MSME units have been asked for GST, FSA, I-T returns and usage records before a final report is prepared.
Royalty and DMFT Revenues Fallen, Coal-Rich States Faced Loss
Coal-rich states suffered revenue loss in July 2025 as production and dispatch targets of Coal India fell short. Royalty collection dipped by 1.73%, DMFT receipts by 4.62% and GST compensation cess by 2.48%. Against the 59.49 MT target, only 46.44 MT coal was produced, while dispatch declined to 54.25 MT, showing negative growth.
Tata Steel to Expanded Public Facilities Beyond Lease Area in Jamshedpur
On Independence Day, Tata Steel Vice President D. B. Sundara Ramam announced expansion of public facilities coverage from 86 to nearly 125 settlements in Jamshedpur, increasing the service area from 45 sq. km. to 65 sq. km. The company assured better sanitation, waste management, and road connectivity, while continuing discussions with the Jharkhand Government over lease renewal.
Tata Steel VP Said Trump’s Tariffs Did Not Affect Domestic Business
Tata Steel Vice-President D. B. Sundara Ramam clarified that recent US trade tariffs imposed under Donald Trump would not impact the company’s domestic business. However, higher tariffs on European goods may affect Tata Steel’s European operations. He added that the company is focused on cost efficiency, productivity, and extending civic amenities like sanitation, waste management, and connectivity beyond its lease area.
Lease Expired at Vijay-2 Iron Ore Mine
The lease of Tata Steel’s Vijay-2 Iron Ore Mine in Saranda forest, West Singhbhum, expired on 17th August, triggering deep economic uncertainty. Over 1,500 direct workers and 4,000–5,000 dependents face livelihood loss, while vehicle owners fear bank seizures. Local businesses, schools and markets risk collapse. Villagers warned rising unemployment may fuel migration, smuggling and crime unless lease renewal is expedited.
Vijay-2 Mine Lease Had Expired, Fear of Economic Crisis in Saranda
The lease of Tata Steel’s Vijay-2 Iron Ore Mine in Saranda expired on 17th August, creating uncertainty for over 1,500 direct workers and 4,000–5,000 indirect earners including transporters, vendors and local businesses. With 600 trucks and many small firms tied to the mine, villagers fear unemployment may fuel migration, crime and illegal logging. Tata Steel urged swift lease renewal.
SAIL Refractories Workshop Organized on Modernisation and Expansion
A workshop was organised at SRU IFFCO, Ranchi Road, on 17th August to discuss modernisation and expansion of SAIL Refractories Units. Senior officials emphasised improving production through new product development, raw material security and expert inputs. Discussions also covered CSR projects, HR planning, Indian Oil MoU for natural gas firing, and strategies for enhanced production and dispatch across units.
Tasra Project Land Was Approved for Transfer to SAIL
OSD Surendra Singh Shekhawat confirmed in Sindri that 304 acres of Domgarh land will be transferred to SAIL’s Tasra Project by year-end. The Fertilizer Ministry accepted the Steel Ministry’s request, clearing the way for handover. Residents opposing eviction were assured of alternate housing, though their lease rights were cancelled. The announcement ended uncertainty over the project’s future.
Steel Ministry Denied Formation of NJCS, Legal Validity Questioned
The Steel Ministry clarified that it never formed the National Joint Committee for Steel (NJCS), raising doubts on the legality of its agreements. Bokaro Steel Employees Union (BAKS) questioned how a committee without legal basis functioned since 1971 and why the ministry approved its deals. The case is now before the Delhi High Court for final clarity.
Jharkhand Suffered Rs. 6000 Crore Loss Due to Sikidiri Project Neglect
Jharkhand Urja Vikas Shramik Sangh President Ajay Rai alleged that negligence of the state’s only operational Sikidiri hydroelectric project cost the state nearly Rs. 6000 crore. Despite full water storage, the plant remains shut, forcing costly power purchases from outside. He blamed corruption and red tape, demanding CM Hemant Soren’s intervention, a high-level inquiry, and immediate plant revival.
FIR Lodged Against Ex-Minister’s Aides in NTPC Mine Clash
The NTPC Chatti Bariatu coal mine dispute in Barkagaon, Hazaribagh, took a new turn as police arrested five bouncers of former minister Yogendra Saw for assaulting mine workers and drivers. An FIR was registered, and Saw is now being sought as the alleged mastermind. Earlier, eight of his supporters were also jailed. Tension remains high between NTPC and locals.
Ex-MLA Amba Prasad Alleged Threat Over Illegal Mining Expose
Former MLA Amba Prasad lodged a complaint at Keredari police station accusing Ritwik Company of illegal mining and threats from BJP MP CM Ramesh’s brother. She submitted a pen drive with recorded calls as evidence. Alleging police-administration support to the company, she urged the CM for strict action, asserting her fight was for Jharkhand’s mineral wealth, not personal interest.
Police Crackdown in Barkagaon Triggered Panic, Several Arrested
A police raid in Barkagaon subdivision of Hazaribagh created panic in coal mining areas. Following clashes at NTPC’s Badam coal block compensation camp, police arrested five bouncers linked to ex-minister Yogendra Saw. Earlier, eight supporters were also jailed. Authorities said 95 accused were named, with 15 days given for bail before further arrests. Law and order remains tense.
Farmers United Against Land Fraud in Magadh-Amrapali Coal Project
A mass meeting of raiyats linked to the Magadh-Sanghmitra Amrapali coal project in Tandwa, Chatra, ended with villagers strongly protesting against alleged land fraud. Locals accused CCL officials and middlemen of illegally issuing land receipts for hundreds of acres. The villagers resolved to form a committee to fight for their rights and expose those protecting fraudulent practices.
ED Seized Rs. 3.02 Crore Property of Ex-MLA Amba Prasad’s Brother
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized assets worth Rs. 3.02 crore from Ankit Raj, brother of former MLA Amba Prasad, accusing him of buying properties through illegal sand mining profits. Investigations linked 16 FIRs against the family involving extortion, land grabbing, and mineral trade. Despite the expiry of Sonpur Ghat mining lease in 2019, Ankit continued illegal sand mining from Damodar river.
Ex-Minister Yogendra Sao’s Protest Continued, Firing Reported in Closed Coal Mine
Former minister Yogendra Sao’s sit-in protest entered its 15th day, drawing heavy crowds at the closed Chatti-Bariatu coal mine in Chatra. On Friday night, unknown miscreants allegedly fired three rounds in the abandoned mine, though police denied it. Sao and supporters also entered Ritwik Company’s office premises, raising tensions. Administration is under pressure to act amid growing unrest.
Protest of Yogendra Saw Continued, Firing Reported in Closed Mine
Former Jharkhand minister Yogendra Saw’s protest at Jhummri Tand entered its 15th day, with increasing crowds backing him. On 14th August night, unknown miscreants allegedly fired three rounds at a closed coal mine, though police denied confirmation. Saw stormed into Ritwik Company’s office with supporters, threatened lockout, and warned staff. Mining and transport activities remain halted since 12th August.
Seven Members of Rahul Dubey Gang Were Arrested with Arms in Latehar
Police in Latehar arrested seven members of the Rahul Dubey gang during a raid in the forest near Chamatua bypass road, based on a tip-off. The arrested criminals hail from Latehar, Palamu, and Bihar, and were allegedly planning a crime. Arms were recovered from their possession. SDPO Vinod Rawani confirmed the arrests and ongoing interrogation.
