Parliament Passed Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill 2025
Parliament cleared the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2025, modernising India’s mining laws. The Bill allows leaseholders to add critical minerals like Lithium, Nickel, and Cobalt without extra charges, while royalties remain for others. It renames the National Mineral Exploration Trust as the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust, raising royalty contributions to 3% for exploration and mine development in India and abroad.
Opposition Named Ex-SC Judge B Sudarshan Reddy as VP Candidate
The INDIA alliance has nominated former Supreme Court judge B Sudarshan Reddy as its Vice-Presidential candidate to contest against NDA’s CP Radhakrishnan. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge announced the decision after a meeting at his residence, praising Reddy’s judicial career as HC judge, Guwahati CJ, and SC judge. Kharge called him a defender of the poor, Constitution, and fundamental rights.
Suspended IAS Officer Vinay Choubey Granted Bail in Liquor Scam
Suspended IAS officer Vinay Kumar Choubey, arrested in May for a Rs. 38-crore liquor scam, was granted default bail by a Ranchi court after ACB failed to file a charge sheet within 92 days. Bail was given under Section 187(2) of BNSS with strict conditions. However, he remains in jail due to a separate land case in Hazaribagh.
Jharkhand IPS Officer Kuldeep Dwivedi Appointed CBI Joint Director
Jharkhand cadre IPS officer Kuldeep Dwivedi (2005 batch) has been appointed as Joint Director in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Currently serving as DIG, he will hold the post till 17th January 2026, or completion of his deputation. Alongside him, Assam-Meghalaya cadre officer C. Venkat Subba Reddy (2007 batch) has also been elevated as Joint Director till October 2029.
Tata Steel Got Relief as Orissa HC Stayed Rs. 1902 Crore Demand
The Orissa High Court granted Tata Steel major relief by staying a Rs. 1902.72 crore demand notice over alleged short dispatch from Sukinda Chromite Block. The interim order, issued on 14th August, bars coercive action until the next hearing on 2nd September. The company confirmed receipt of the order and assured full cooperation in proceedings.
Jharkhand CSR Conclave to Begin on 22nd August, Governor to Inaugurate
The Jharkhand CSR Conclave will be held on 22–23 August at Hotel Radisson Blu, Ranchi, jointly organized by Mission Blue Foundation, I3 Foundation, and PHD Chamber of Commerce. The theme is “CSR for Sustainable Growth: Bridging Impact and Innovation.” Focus areas include tribal development, startups, health, education, and culture. Over 250 delegates, corporates, NGOs, and universities will participate. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar will inaugurate the event.
Bokaro Thermal Plant Faces Shutdown Risk Amid Ongoing Ash Transport Protest
The DVC Bokaro Thermal Power Plant’s ash transport work remained halted for the 35th day due to protests by displaced locals and associations. With the ash pond nearly full, the plant may face closure within 25 days if the agitation continues. Project head warned that without resuming transport, power supply, logistics, and livelihoods will be severely affected.
SAIL to Build Coal Washery for Tasra Project in Sindri
SAIL will set up a 3.5 MTPA coal washery at the FCI Sindri campus for its Tasra coal project, which will produce 4 MTPA coal annually. Land acquisition of 61 acres are complete, and boundary wall construction has begun. The washery will be built by MDO KTMPL within 18 months. Officials said the project will reduce dependence on imported coal.
Interviews for New Bokaro Steel Plant Head Scheduled on Aug 22
The PESB will conduct online interviews on 22nd August to select the next Director Incharge of Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), a key unit of SAIL. Seven senior executives are shortlisted, with results expected the same evening. Current chief Birendra Kumar Tiwari retires on 31 August, and interim charge may go to Alok Kumar Verma of Rourkela Steel Plant.
Ritwik Management Denied Allegations Over Viral Audio Clip
Ritwik Company management rejected former MLA Amba Prasad’s allegation regarding a viral 10-second audio clip of Executive Director C.M. Rajesh. They claimed the full conversation lasted 3–4 minutes and only a selective part was circulated. Company coordinators Ravi Sinha and Santosh Singh accused Amba Prasad, former minister Yogendra Sao, and Sumit Kumar Sao of misleading people and staging protests for personal gain.
Villagers Forced Officials to Cancel Public Hearing on Stone Mines in Chatra
In Chatra’s Karamahi village, thousands of villagers protested during a public hearing on proposed stone mines, compelling officials to retreat and cancel proceedings. The district administration had approved three mines, but locals raised concerns over groundwater depletion, farmland loss, and pollution-related health risks. Villagers declared they would never allow mining, even vowing to sacrifice their lives to protect the area.
Coal Smugglers Attacked CCL Team in Ramgarh, Freed Two Trucks
In Ramgarh, coal smugglers attacked a CCL raid team during a late-night operation near Lah Tungri jungle. The mafia, riding in a black Thar, smashed vehicle windows and freed two coal-laden Hyva trucks, while three remain stranded. A huge illegal coal stock was also seized. CCL has lodged a complaint, with suspicions of police collusion.
Firing at Outsourcing Firm’s Camp Office in Urimari, Threat Note Recovered
Two bike-borne criminals opened fire at the camp office of outsourcing firm PSME, working in CCL’s Sayal project near Urimari, late Monday night. They left behind a threat note before fleeing. Police, including SDPO Gaurav Goswami, reached the spot and launched raids to nab the culprits. Suspected to be Rahul Dubey gang’s act, the incident has left employees in panic.
