Jharkhand to Build State’s Biggest Mall in Ranchi
Jharkhand’s Urban Development Department has unveiled plans for the state’s largest mall alongside a modern Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Dubaliya near Ranchi ring road. The concept, prepared by Karnataka’s IDEC, will include green spaces, cultural themes, and modern facilities. The mall will feature multiplexes, restaurants, exhibition zones, and over 130 shops, while the ISBT will house 211 bus bays, dormitories, parking, and passenger amenities. The project aims to boost tourism and urban growth in nearby regions.
Jharkhand Monsoon Session Begins Today, Supplementary Budget on Agenda
The Jharkhand Assembly’s monsoon session will run from 22nd to 28th August with four working days. The Government will present the supplementary budget on the first day, with discussions scheduled for Monday. Key issues likely include panchayati raj, mining, environment protection, and cybercrime prevention. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS have been imposed around the Assembly premises during the session.
JSERC Issues Draft Rules for New Power Tariff Framework from April 2026
The Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC) has released draft regulations for a new multi-year tariff (MYT) framework effective 1st April 2026, to 31st March 2031. It aims to ensure reliable supply, improve efficiency, and increase accountability of distribution companies. The rules mandate annual performance reviews, stricter PPA approvals, and recovery efficiency of 99% for JBVNL and 99.5% for private licensees like Tata Steel, JUSCO, DVC, and SAIL-Bokaro. All previous tariff regulations from 2004–2023 will be repealed.
Asheesh Kumar Appointed Director (Business Development) at Coal India
Coal India Limited (CIL) has appointed Asheesh Kumar as its Director (Business Development) for five years or until superannuation. With over 30 years of mining experience, Kumar earlier served as OSD in the Coal Ministry and played key roles in CCL’s Ashoka Opencast Project. At the board level, he will drive diversification into coal gasification, critical minerals, and sustainability projects, while boosting international collaborations.
Closure of Tata Steel’s Vijay-II Mines Impacting Livelihood
With the lease of Tata Steel’s Vijay-II Iron Ore Mines expired, operations have come to a halt, leaving over 1500 workers jobless and threatening the livelihoods of 4000–5000 families in Saranda and Lohanchal. Around 600 trucks and dumpers financed through bank loans now stand idle. Vendors, local shops, and small businesses face collapse, raising fears of migration, rising debt, and socio-economic instability in the region.
ED Chargesheets Seven in Illegal Mining Case, Nameed Ankit Raj as Kingpin
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet against seven people, including ex-MLA Amba Prasad’s brother Ankit Raj, in an illegal sand mining and trading case. Raj is described as the mastermind, while six others are accused as associates. ED earlier seized assets worth ₹3.02 crore and details of 36 bank accounts. Raj’s mining license expired in 2019, yet illegal operations continued across rivers including the Damodar.
Truck Owners Move Jharkhand High Court Against Composite User Fee
The Lohardaga Gumla Truck Owners Association, led by president Kavaljeet Singh, has filed a PIL in Jharkhand High Court (WPC/9293/2025) challenging the state’s directive imposing a composite users’ fee of Rs. 1200 per challan on mining-related permits via the JIMS portal. The association termed the fee illegal, discriminatory for small trucks, and beyond government authority, seeking a stay. They also flagged denial of road permits to vehicles over 15 years old.
