Centre Declares All Limestone as Major Mineral, Ends End-Use Restrictions
The Central Government has reclassified all limestone as a major mineral, ending its earlier dual categorization based on end use. As per the Mines Ministry notification, all limestone mines will now be auctioned, ensuring transparency and uniformity. Leaseholders can use limestone for any industrial purpose. Existing minor mineral leaseholders must register with the Indian Bureau of Mines by March 2026.
Mukesh Kumar Appointed NHAI Project Director for Ranchi
Mukesh Kumar Parghania has been appointed as the new Project Director (PD) of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Ranchi. He was previously posted in Madhubani, Bihar. Former Ranchi PD Ekta Kumari has been transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir division. The NHAI headquarters has officially issued the notification regarding these transfers.
Coal India Likely to Announce Interim Dividend in 29th October Board Meeting
Coal India may announce a dividend for its shareholders in the upcoming board meeting scheduled on 29th October at its Kolkata headquarters, chaired by CMD P.M. Prasad. The board is expected to approve the company’s second interim dividend of the financial year, along with the financial results for the second quarter of FY 2024–25.
CCL CMD’s Surprise Inspection in Charhi, Orders Immediate Action
CCL CMD Nilendu Kumar Singh made a surprise visit to Hazaribagh coalfield projects in Charhi, inspecting Tapin North, Kedla and Kotare areas. He held a stern review with GM Satyajit Kumar and project officers, giving strict orders on safety, production and rule-compliant operations. He demanded immediate action on land acquisition, rehabilitation, compensation and job-related delays.
Banharadi Coal Project Displaced Committee Raises Land Dispute Issues with CO
A delegation from the Banharadi Coal Project Displaced Committee, led by District Council member Saroj Devi, met CO Sumit Kumar Jha in Chandwa to highlight major irregularities in land surveys under the project. The CO assured that a special camp would soon be held in Bari panchayat to correct land records and resolve grievances, emphasizing fair treatment for affected villagers.
Tata Motors Demerger Complete, Legacy Name Retained by Commercial Vehicle Division
Tata Motors has finalized its demerger, separating commercial and passenger vehicle divisions effective 1st October 2025. The commercial vehicle arm retains the iconic name Tata Motors Limited, while the passenger vehicle business becomes Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited. Eligible shareholders will receive one share in the new CV entity per existing share. The CV company will list separately on BSE and NSE in November.
Kolkata Firm Won Sand Mining Auction in Latehar for Rs. 8.68 Crores
The auction of eight Sand Ghats in Latehar district concluded with Kolkata-based Anusandhan Comotrade Pvt. Ltd. securing the contract for Rs. 8.68 crores, slightly above the reserve price of Rs. 8.65 crores. The company will extract sand from Latehar, Tapakhas, Tubed, Durua, Bajkum, Rajhar, and Chandwa’s Marmar and Malhan ghats. Officials expect the auction to curb illegal sand mining in the district.
NGT Ban on Sand Mining Lifted, but Jharkhand Still Faces Shortage
The NGT’s ban on sand mining in Jharkhand ended on 16th October, but sand supply remains halted as the High Court has stayed allocations due to pending PESA rules. Despite tenders in several districts, no sand ghats have been allotted yet. Meanwhile, sand mafias have become active, pushing prices up by Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000 per 100 CFT across the State.
CO and Police Inspect Mines and Crushers, Order On-Site Documents and Safety Compliance
Barhi CO Kokila Kumari and police in-charge Ranjan Paswan jointly inspected several mines and crushers in the region, including those in Chumba, Jabra, Tundahutu, Pipradih, and Salwe villages. They directed operators to keep all legal and safety documents on-site and adhere to pollution and safety norms. The CO warned that violations or missing records during the next inspection would invite strict action.
NTPC Violating NGT Norms in Fly Ash Transport, Residents of Khalari Suffer
Residents of Khalari coal belt are facing severe air pollution due to unsafe fly ash transport from NTPC Tandwa. Trucks and dumpers carry overloaded ash without covers, spilling it on roads and spreading toxic white dust. Despite NGT guidelines, rules are ignored. Locals complain of respiratory problems and demand a ban on fly ash movement through KD Road.
BGR’s Work Style in Kerendari Project May Impact NTPC’s Upcoming Badam Mine
Discontent is growing among displaced villagers over BGR Mining & Infra Ltd.’s handling of NTPC’s Kerendari coal project in Hazaribagh. Locals cite poor compensation, unfulfilled CSR promises, and neglect of pollution control and health facilities. Ongoing protests and unmet commitments have strained trust, raising fears that NTPC’s upcoming Badam coal project, also assigned to BGR, may face similar resistance.
Dr. Amritanshu Prasad Appointed Chairman of ICC Jharkhand State Council
The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has appointed Dr. Amritanshu Prasad as Chairman of its Jharkhand State Council. A respected industry leader and academic, Dr. Prasad aims to strengthen policy advocacy, foster government-industry collaboration, and boost investments in mining, MSMEs, renewable energy, and education. He emphasized ICC’s commitment to driving inclusive growth.
Adani Foundation Distributes Modern Farm Tools to Empower Dhanbad Farmers
Under its CSR initiative, Adani Foundation organized a programme at Sindri to distribute modern agricultural equipment like mini tractors, grass-cutting machines, irrigation pipes, and solar dryers to local farmers. Chief guest Shailesh Ranjan from JSLPS said such efforts strengthen the rural economy and promote modern farming. Officials from JSLPS and Adani Cement Plant also attended the event.
Supreme Court Orders Tata Steel and Jharkhand Govt to Submit Replies by 4th December
The Supreme Court, hearing the Jamshedpur Nagar Nigam vs Industrial Township case, directed Tata Steel and the Jharkhand government to file their affidavits by 4th December. Expressing displeasure over delays, the bench of Justices Suryakant and Jaymalya Bagchi rejected Tata Steel’s request to postpone the hearing until after the lease agreement, stressing that no further extension will be granted.
Supreme Court to Hear Saranda Sanctuary Case on 17th October
The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing on declaring Saranda a sanctuary to 17th October. The case was earlier listed for Wednesday, during which senior advocate Kapil Sibal represented the Jharkhand Government. After hearing the state’s submission, the court granted three more days for the Government to present detailed information regarding the proposed sanctuary status.
Protests Grow Against Saranda Sanctuary Plan, Review Petition in Pipeline
Tribal groups and villagers from over 40 villages in Saranda held a protest rally in Chaibasa against the Government’s decision to declare Saranda forest a wildlife sanctuary. A memorandum was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner for the Governor, demanding reconsideration of the move. Protesters warned of a Kolhan shutdown on 25th October, while leaders plan a Supreme Court review petition.
Jharkhand High Court Seeks Pollution Control Action Reports from All DCs and SSPs
The Jharkhand High Court, led by Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar, has sought detailed reports from all district DCs and SSPs on actions taken to curb noise and air pollution. The court asked about pollution levels, awareness drives, and penalties imposed. The next hearing is on 19th November. The PIL was filed by Khushilal Mahato over rising pollution in Ramgarh.
JMM Fields Somesh Soren, BJP Bets on Babulal Soren for Ghatshila Bypoll
For the Ghatshila by-election, JMM has nominated Someshchandra Soren, son of late Education Minister Ramdas Soren, while BJP has fielded Babulal Soren, son of former Chief Minister Champai Soren. Both will file nominations on 17th October. JLKAM is yet to announce its candidate. The bypoll is on 11th November, with JMM aiming to retain its stronghold.
Babulal Marandi Alleges Illegal Mining Under Govt Protection; Congress Denies Claims
Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi accused the Jharkhand Government of shielding illegal mining and awarding contracts through “code words,” claiming profits reach top levels. He also blamed the administration for inaction over miners’ deaths in Dhanbad. Congress spokesperson Lal Kishore Nath Shahdeo dismissed the charges as baseless, asserting that CM Hemant Soren is sensitive and has ordered a high-level probe.
DGP Headquarters Upholds ADG Priya Dubey’s Objection on Women Constable Postings
The DGP Headquarters, led by Prashant Singh, has accepted ADG JAP Priya Dubey’s objections to the posting of 244 women constables as clerks in various police stations. The review found the order issued by DIG Personnel on September 25 inconsistent with existing rules and previous DGP directives. It was also noted that IRB forces could be deputed by the Centre anytime.
Rs. 30 Crore Utilization Certificates Missing in Swachh Bharat Mission, Probe Ordered
A major irregularity surfaced in Jharkhand’s Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) Phase-II, where utilization certificates for nearly Rs. 30 crore remain unsubmitted since 2017–19. The Water and Sanitation Department has filed cases against rural committees and SHGs. Minister Yogendra Prasad ordered a swift probe and strict action, expressing concern over slow toilet construction and stalled central funding due to missing records.
ACB Arrests Panchayati Raj Deputy Director in Hazaribagh Forest Land Scam
The Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested Shailesh Kumar, Panchayati Raj Deputy Director and former CO of Hazaribagh, for his alleged role in the forest land scam. Evidence showed irregularities in land mutation approvals. He was sent to judicial custody after court hearing. ACB will also question accused Vinay Singh’s wife and may take Singh on remand for further probe.
Chas Iron Trader Arrested in Rs. 200 Crore GST Scam, Rs. 50 Lakh Seized During Raid
The DGGI team arrested Chas-based iron trader Prateek Kalbalia in a Rs. 200 crore GST fraud case. A raid at his Manasrovar Apartment residence recovered Rs. 50 lakh cash, fake invoices, and documents. Kalbalia allegedly created shell companies and falsely claimed Rs. 44 crore Input Tax Credit. After medical examination, he was produced in court and sent to Ghaghidih jail for 14 days.
Maoists Blow Up Road with Landmine Blast in Saranda Region
Maoists carried out a landmine blast on the Kudlibad–Kariya road under Chotanagra police station in Saranda, West Singhbhum, late on the night of 14th–15th October. The powerful explosion destroyed a major portion of the road, leaving a deep crater. Reports also suggest that the rebels set fire to a BSNL mobile tower in Kudlibad village.
Birhor Girl Dies in Hazaribagh Due to Lack of Medical Care
Thirteen-year-old Sarawati Kumari, a Birhor student from Yamuniyatari village in Chauparan, died due to lack of proper treatment. Suffering from fever for three days, she was treated by a local healer and her condition worsened. She died while being taken to Hazaribagh Medical College. DC Shashi Prakash Singh has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
Tougher Rules Ahead for Solar and Wind Firms to Maintain Grid Stability
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has released a draft order proposing strict rules for solar and wind energy companies to ensure grid stability. From April 2026, firms must supply power exactly as scheduled or face fines and revenue cuts. By 2031, uniform rules will apply to all power producers. Reports suggest renewable plants may see revenue drops up to 48%.
Elephant Population in Jharkhand Falls 68% in 8 Years, Says DNA-Based Census
Jharkhand’s wild elephant population has plummeted to 217 from 679 in 2017, a 68% drop in eight years, according to India’s first DNA-based elephant census by the Wildlife Institute of India. Experts blame mining, road and rail expansion, and forest degradation for habitat loss. Many elephants have migrated to neighbouring states due to food scarcity and disturbance.
Indian Railways to Allow Ticket Rescheduling Without Cancellation Charges
Indian Railways will soon launch a feature enabling passengers to reschedule confirmed tickets via the IRCTC portal without paying cancellation fees. Travellers can modify their journey date or train by paying only the fare difference, subject to availability. The move replaces the current costly cancellation system and aligns Indian Railways with global standards for flexible, passenger-friendly travel services.
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