Rajya Sabha Cleared Indian Ports Bill Amid Opposition Uproar
The Rajya Sabha passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025 by voice vote, after its earlier passage in the Lok Sabha. The bill aims to strengthen port laws, promote integrated development, improve trade, and ensure efficient use of India’s coastline. Opposition protests over Bihar’s voter list revision led to disruptions and walkout, but the bill was passed smoothly.
Gold Deposits Found in Six Odisha Districts, Auction Plans Underway
The Geological Survey of India confirmed gold reserves in Deogarh, Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Keonjhar, Angul, and Koraput districts of Odisha, estimating over 20 metric tonnes. Exploration is also ongoing in Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri, Sambalpur, and Boudh. The first gold block at Ads-Rampalli, Deogarh, will be auctioned soon, with silver, copper, nickel, and graphite also found. Successful mining could boost Odisha’s revenue and jobs.
SC Turned Down Contempt Pleas on Jharkhand DGP Appointment
The Supreme Court refused to hear contempt petitions against Jharkhand DGP Anurag Gupta’s appointment, saying contempt powers cannot be used to settle political scores. Chief Justice BR Gavai advised petitioners to approach the Central Administrative Tribunal. The bench stressed that PILs were meant to help disadvantaged groups, not for contesting promotions or political rivalries.
Jharkhand HC Ordered Probe into Illegal Mining in Hazaribagh
The Jharkhand High Court directed Hazaribagh authorities to inspect alleged illegal mining sites after a PIL highlighted unlawful excavation. A bench led by Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan asked the DC, SP, and DMO to conduct day-and-night inspections and submit a report. The state confirmed earlier raids had seized tractors and JCBs. The case will be heard again on September 1.
Hemant Soren Took Additional Charge of Education and Registration
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has assumed additional charge of the school education, literacy, and registration departments after the death of minister Ramdas Soren on 15th August. A Government notification confirmed the portfolio changes. Ramdas Soren, injured in a fall earlier this month, passed away in Delhi. His last rites were performed in Jamshedpur amid huge public presence.
Bokaro Airport Likely to Start Soon, Key Meeting on 20th August
Bokaro’s long-pending airport dream is close to reality as AAI will hold a high-level meeting on 20th August under Regional Director Nivedita Dubey. Officials from AAI, BSL, and district administration will address remaining hurdles including safety, lighting, ambulance, and clearance issues. Authorities aim to operationalise the airport by November, boosting trade, industry, education, and healthcare for the region.
National ST Commission to Probe Surya Hansda Encounter Case
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) will investigate the encounter of Surya Hansda in Lalmatia forests by Godda police. The decision follows a letter from Rajya Sabha MP Deepak Prakash. Notices have been issued to the DGP, DC, SP, and Chief Secretary, seeking reports within three days. The move has raised hopes for Hansda’s family.
HEC Supply Workers’ Stir Reached Decisive Stage on 49th Day
The strike by HEC supply workers opposing outsourcing reached a turning point on its 49th day as management agreed to 8 of their 12 demands. Talks at HEC headquarters were positive, with remaining issues to be resolved in the final round on 20th August in presence of Khijri MLA Rajesh Kachhap. A formal agreement will be signed thereafter.
444 Sand Ghats in Jharkhand to be Auctioned Under New Rules
The Jharkhand government will soon auction 444 sand ghats through e-auction under the newly notified Jharkhand Sand Mining Rules 2025. Rights earlier held by JSMDC are now with the Mines Department. Districts have received model tender documents, with Ranchi preparing tenders for 19 ghats by early September. Successful bidders must follow royalty, DMFT, GST payments, and strict environmental conditions.
DVC Clarified Land Acquisition and Jobs in Lok Sabha Reply
Responding to MP Chandraprakash Choudhary’s query in Lok Sabha, DVC said land was acquired under the 1894 Act, offering displaced villagers land or cash compensation. Surveys, khatiyan, and maps were issued, and online processes for land transfer are underway. DVC assured jobs for locals and displaced persons as per 2016 and 2024 memos, along with training and livelihood programs.
Probe Found Forest Clearance Violations in Pakri-Barwadih Coal Project
A joint inquiry by Hazaribagh forest divisions revealed NTPC’s Pakri-Barwadih coal project violated forest clearance norms. Coal, meant to be moved by conveyor to Banadag siding for wildlife safety, was transported by road, breaching Condition No. 9. Reports also flagged irregular coal dispatch using three-wheelers and cars, inflated transit permits, and possible illegal sales. Despite findings, no strict action followed.
HC Bench to Hear PIL on Panem Coal’s Illegal Mining in Pakur
The Jharkhand High Court directed that the PIL on Panem Coal’s alleged illegal mining in Pakur will continue before the bench of Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad. Earlier referred to the Chief Justice, it is now listed for hearing on 21st September. The petition highlights irregularities since 2015, with the state admitting violations but failing to act against the company.
CCL Launched Vigilance Awareness Campaign-2025
Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) launched its Vigilance Awareness Campaign-2025, running from 18 August to 17 November. CMD Nilendu Kumar Singh urged employees to adopt transparency and accountability as work culture. The drive will focus on quick grievance resolution, asset management, and digital initiatives. Outreach activities include tree plantations, health camps, workshops, and awareness programs. Employees also took the “Satyashta Ka Pledge.”
Villagers Stopped NTPC Officials in Gerenja Over Land Dispute
In Gerenja, Balumath block, villagers on 18th August, stopped NTPC representatives from entering without Gram Sabha’s permission, leading to tension. Locals accused the company of trying to acquire land cheaply through agents and opposed giving land for mining. Villagers alleged officials even issued threats. After strong resistance, company personnel were forced to leave the village.
Protesters Blocked Hazaribagh-Barkagaon Road Over NTPC Cut-Off Date Issue
Members of Yuva Visthapit Sangharsh Samiti blocked the Barkagaon-Hazaribagh main road at 13 Mile, protesting NTPC Pakri-Barwadih coal project’s 2016 cut-off date. Hundreds of villagers, including women, stopped coal and official vehicles, demanding rehabilitation benefits as per current displacement timelines. The blockade was lifted after SDM Baidyanath Kamti assured talks on August 19 at the Collectorate in presence of officials.
Bauxite Truck Operations in Gumla Set to Resume After Talks
Bauxite transportation in Gumla will restart on 19th August after being stalled for over two weeks. The breakthrough came in a meeting chaired by former MP Dhiraj Prasad Sahu with DC Prerna Dixit, SP Harish Bin Jama, Hindalco officials, and truck owners. An agreement was reached to resume operations of nearly 1500 trucks, ensuring smooth supply once again.
Firing on Coal Vehicle Near Piparwar Railway Crossing, Aman Sahu Gang Suspected
Two masked bike-borne criminals opened fire on a coal-laden dumper near Bahera railway crossing in Piparwar, creating panic. The driver narrowly escaped as bullets shattered the vehicle’s glass. A pamphlet in the name of Aman Sahu gang was recovered along with a cartridge. Police launched raids, sealed border areas, and are probing whether criminals or extremists were behind the attack.
PIL Planned in Jharkhand HC to Restrict Daytime Coal Truck Movement
In a meeting at Balumath High School, locals led by Pappu Yadav and deputy mukhiya Sandeep Oraon planned to file a PIL in Jharkhand High Court. The demand is to stop daytime movement of hundreds of trucks from Tubed coal mines on NH-10, citing frequent accidents, pollution, and traffic jams. Residents said court intervention is the last option.
