India’s Core Sector Growth Slows to 3% in September
India’s eight core industries grew 3% year-on-year in September, down from 6.5% in August, according to official data. Weak output in refinery products, natural gas, and crude oil offset strong performance in steel and cement. During April–September FY26, core sector growth fell to 2.9% from 4.3% last year, reflecting sluggish momentum in energy-linked sectors.
India’s Coal Imports Fall Slightly to 20.58 Million Tonnes in August
India’s coal imports slipped marginally by 0.6% to 20.58 million tonnes in August, compared to 20.70 million tonnes a year earlier. During April–August FY26, total imports declined to 118.07 million tonnes from 121.18 million tonnes in the same period last year, according to data from B2B e-commerce platform mjunction services.
Centre Sets Timelines for Mining Lease Execution, Delays to Attract Penalties
The Ministry of Mines has amended the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015, introducing fixed timelines for each stage of mining lease execution under the Mineral (Auction) Second Amendment Rules, 2025. Delays by bidders or state governments will attract deductions from security deposits. A joint committee will monitor progress, ensuring accountability and faster project clearances across India’s mining sector.
Over 12,000 DMFT Projects Still Incomplete Across Jharkhand’s Mining Districts
Jharkhand’s mining-affected districts have over 12,199 unfinished projects under the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) out of 33,000 approved schemes worth Rs. 13,740 crore. Despite spending nearly Rs. 9,000 crore, several projects remain incomplete, with Chaibasa recording the highest pending works. Dhanbad received the largest DMFT fund of Rs. 3,923 crore, yet less than 55% of its projects are complete, reflecting poor implementation.
Kathaotia-Duari Rail Section Construction Delayed
Construction of the Kathaotia-Duari rail section under CCL’s Shivpur-Kathaotia project has been delayed due to villagers’ opposition over displacement. The project, scheduled for completion by September 2025, affects seven villages—three have agreed to rehabilitation, while talks continue with four. About 95% compensation has been paid. The Rs. 1,800 crore, 49-km project includes 13 bridges, with forest clearance pending for Magadh siding.
United Coal Carrier Bags Rs. 420 Crore CCL Coal Dispatch Contract
United Coal Carrier has secured a Rs. 420 crore contract from Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) to transport coal from the Magadh project to the Phulbasia railway siding over the next four to five years. The company won the tender by quoting 26% lower than the base rate. CCL GM Nripendra Nath confirmed the award, replacing three to four firms previously handling dispatch operations.
CCL Distributes Jute Bags in Ranchi to Promote Plastic-Free Living
Central Coalfields Limited’s Magadh Sanghamitra Area distributed jute bags among villagers in Fulbasiya, Ranchi, under its Special Campaign 5.0. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic and encourage eco-friendly alternatives.
Venu Srinivasan Reappointed as Lifetime Trustee of Tata Trusts Amid Internal Differences
Amid reports of internal divisions, Tata Trusts has reappointed Vice Chairman Venu Srinivasan as a lifetime trustee, following a similar move for Chairman Noel Tata earlier this year. The decision, passed unanimously on 17th October 2024, ensures no term limit for trustees. Attention now shifts to Mehli Mistry’s reappointment, whose term ends on 28th October, amid factional disagreements within the Trusts.
Tata Steel CSR Head Keshav Kumar Ranjan Passes Away Due to Heart Attack
Tata Steel CSR Head Keshav Kumar Ranjan passed away on October 20 in Jamshedpur following a heart attack. Ranjan, who earlier served as Unit Head of Tata Steel Foundation, West Bokaro Division, led several impactful CSR initiatives in education, health, women empowerment, and livelihood. Known for his compassionate leadership, his death has left colleagues and local communities deeply saddened.
SAIL Tasra Project AGM and Mining Sardar Critically Injured in Road Accident near Sindri
Two SAIL employees, AGM K.K. Rahul Kumar (53) and Mining Sardar Rajesh Kumar Sharma (52), were critically injured after their bike was hit by an unidentified vehicle near DVC More on the Jharia-Sindri road. Both were rushed from Chasnala Hospital to Bokaro General Hospital. Police recovered the damaged bike, while doctors described their condition as serious.
DC Ordered Crackdown on Illegal Mining in Chatra District
During a district mining task force meeting, Chatra DC Kirti Shri expressed displeasure over the lack of action against illegal mining in Kunda and Lawalong areas. She directed all BDOs, COs, and police officers to intensify raids and ensure 100% compliance in operating Category-1 sand ghats as per state guidelines to curb illegal mining and transportation.
Contract Workers of Sainik Mining Company Halted Work in Piparwar
Contract loader operators of Sainik Mining Company in CCL’s Piparwar area staged a protest under the banner of Janata Mazdoor Sangh (Asangathit) demanding wage hikes and restoration of CMPF benefits. Led by union leader Pratap Yadav, workers stopped coal loading operations. Following a tripartite meeting, officials assured resolution within 10 days, failing which the union warned of intensified agitation.
Janata Mazdoor Sangh Protests in Dhanbad Against New Labour Codes
Members of the Janata Mazdoor Sangh staged a protest at BCCL’s Kusunda Area Office in Dhanbad, opposing the Central Government’s four new labour codes that replace 44 existing labour laws. Union leaders said the new framework weakens workers’ rights and social security. They demanded immediate withdrawal, warning of nationwide protests and strikes if the government fails to respond.
IIT-ISM Dhanbad to Host Two-Day National Mining Fest from 25th Oct
IIT-ISM Dhanbad will organize its annual national techno-mining fest KHANAN’25 on 25th and 26th October, featuring competitions, workshops, and expert sessions. Hosted by the Department of Mining Engineering and SME Student Chapter, the event will bring students and industry professionals together to explore innovations in mining technology, robotics, and automation, promoting skill development and research excellence.
IPS Ashutosh Singh Appointed as New SP in CBI
The Central Government has approved the appointment of 2012-batch IPS officer Ashutosh Singh of the Chhattisgarh cadre as Superintendent of Police (SP) in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). According to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) order issued on Tuesday, Singh will serve for five years or until further notice. The state government has been directed to relieve him within three weeks.
Jharkhand Secretariat to Open Only Once Between 22nd to 28th October
The Jharkhand Secretariat and associated directorates will remain closed for seven days from 22nd to 28th October, opening only on 24th October (Friday). Offices will reopen on 29th October after holidays for Govardhan Puja, Chitragupt Puja, and Chhath festival. Attendance remained thin on 21st October as many employees had already taken extended festive leave following Diwali.
119 Under Secretaries to Receive Third MACP Benefit in Jharkhand Secretariat
The Jharkhand Government has approved the Third MACP (Modified Assured Career Progression) benefit for 119 Under Secretaries serving in various departments of the state secretariat. Officials who have completed 30 years of service will be upgraded to the Rs. 15,600 to 39,100 pay scale with Rs. 7,600 grade pay. The Personnel Department has directed all secretaries to send approval proposals with required documents.
Seventeen Candidates File Nominations for Ghatsila By-Election
A total of 17 candidates have filed 30 nomination papers for the Ghatsila (ST) Assembly by-election in Jharkhand. The main contest is expected between BJP’s Babulal Soren, son of ex-CM Champai Soren, and JMM’s Somesh Chandra Soren, son of late minister Ramdas Soren. Polling will be on 11th November.
Deputy Mayor to Be Elected Indirectly in Jharkhand Civic Polls, No Reservation for the Post
In the upcoming Jharkhand municipal elections, Deputy Mayors will no longer be directly elected by citizens but chosen by elected councillors. The State Government has amended the Jharkhand Municipal Act, ending direct elections and removing reservation for the post. Meanwhile, OBCs (BC-1 and BC-2) will get reservation in mayoral and chairperson seats based on population under the new triple test formula.
Hemant Soren to Review Alliance Equation in Jharkhand After Bihar Poll Strain
Following tensions within the Mahagathbandhan during the Bihar Assembly elections, Jharkhand CM and JMM chief Hemant Soren has indicated a serious review of the alliance in Jharkhand. Party leaders accused RJD and Congress of sidelining JMM in Bihar. Political observers say Soren’s post-poll assessment could reshape coalition dynamics, marking a turning point in Jharkhand’s alliance politics.
Finance Minister Orders Suspension of State Tax Officer for Defying Departmental Orders
Jharkhand Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore has ordered disciplinary action and suspension of Pushpalata Kumari, State Tax Assistant Commissioner, for ignoring departmental transfer orders. Despite being recalled from Jamshedpur Treasury in July 2023, she continued in the post for five years. The minister termed the act as gross indiscipline and warned that such behaviour will not be tolerated under the current Government.
Jharkhand Police to Implement Eight Key Recommendations from DGP-IG Conference 2024
The Jharkhand Police Headquarters has directed all district SPs to implement eight major recommendations from the DGP-IG Conference 2024. These include involving students in traffic management, organizing police station visits for schoolchildren, anti-narcotics awareness drives in colleges, AI-based monitoring of student activities, regular Anti-Narcotics Task Force meetings, and community engagement to curb illegal activities across districts.
Jharkhand Faces Acute Officer Shortage as 79 Officials Remain Without Posting
Despite a severe shortage of officers, Jharkhand has left 79 officials without posting, disrupting administrative work. Around 40 Jharkhand Administrative Service officers and 39 newly promoted DSPs have been awaiting assignments for months. Many report attendance in departments but have no duties. Several IAS officers were recently posted as DDCs, leaving state service officers idle despite receiving salaries.
Former Agriculture Director to Appear in Court on 14th November in Rs. 46 Crore Scam
Sixteen years after the Rs. 46.10 crore agriculture scam surfaced in Jharkhand, former Agriculture Director Nistar Minz has been directed to appear before the special ACB court on 14th November for framing of charges. The 2009 FIR accused two former agriculture ministers and several officials of irregularities in seed procurement, misuse of public funds, and awarding contracts without tenders.
CID Files Chargesheet Against Puneet Agarwal and Two Others in Bokaro Forest Land Scam
The CID has filed a chargesheet against Rajbir Construction director Puneet Kumar Agarwal and brothers Izhar and Akhtar Hussain in the Bokaro forest land scam involving illegal sale of 95.65 acres of government land in Tetulia. The accused allegedly forged documents to sell the land worth Rs. 23 crore for Rs. 10.3 crore. The court will hear the case on 30th October.
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Also Read: 21st October – Industrial and Political Headlines of Jharkhand
