Jharkhand Offers to Notify 250 sq km of Saranda Forest as Sanctuary, Seeks 60 sq km Exemption
The Jharkhand Government told the Supreme Court it is ready to declare 250 sq km of Saranda forest as a sanctuary, excluding 60 sq km citing dense tribal habitation. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal presented maps showing minimal habitation in the proposed area. The court, however, warned that excluding 60 sq km may affect forest contiguity and sought details of mining activity before the next hearing on 27th October.
Maoists Oppose Plan to Declare Saranda Forest as Sanctuary
Maoists have opposed the Jharkhand Government’s move to declare the Saranda forest a sanctuary. In a statement, spokesperson Ashok of the CPI (Maoist) South Zonal Committee said the decision was made without Gram Sabha consent, violating constitutional provisions. He alleged the plan aims to displace over 100 tribal villages and hand over the forest to industrialists, calling for a mass movement against it.
Tata Steel Wins WorldSteel Safety and Health Excellence Recognition 2025 for Process Safety Innovation
Tata Steel has received the WorldSteel Safety and Health Excellence Recognition 2025 for its Process Safety Management project preventing hot metal leakage through an automated Safety Instrumented System. The system safeguards molten metal transport by eliminating human error during track switching. This marks Tata Steel’s third consecutive global recognition, reaffirming its leadership in safety innovation and commitment to workplace safety excellence.
Jharkhand to Launch First Tiger Safari in Latehar to Boost Eco-Tourism
Jharkhand is set to establish its first tiger safari in Latehar district’s Putuwagarh area, near Betla National Park, to promote eco-tourism and local livelihoods. Presented before CM Hemant Soren, officials said the project will connect tourist spots like Netarhat, Betla, Kechki, and Mandal Dam, creating an eco-tourism circuit aimed at regional development and sustainable employment opportunities.
CMPDI to Identify Critical Minerals Alongside Coal Exploration
The Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) in Ranchi will now study and identify critical and rare minerals along with coal exploration. Its advanced lab will analyze elements like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths vital for modern technology and energy security. The initiative aims to reduce India’s dependence on imports and strengthen mineral self-reliance.
Jharkhand Misses Top Three in National Mining Readiness Ranking
The Union Ministry of Mines released the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) and state rankings to promote mining reforms. Despite rich mineral reserves, Jharkhand failed to secure a top-three position, highlighting gaps in technology and non-coal mineral management. Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat led Category A. The ranking assessed auction efficiency, exploration focus, and sustainable mining practices.
Preparations Begin for Jharkhand Assembly’s 25th Anniversary Celebration
Speaker Rabindranath Mahato chaired a meeting on Friday to plan Jharkhand Assembly’s 25th anniversary celebrations. The grand two-session event will feature an award ceremony and cultural programmes showcasing the state’s heritage. Distinguished guests, outstanding legislators, and achievers from sports and education will be honoured. Mahato directed officials to form committees and ensure timely preparations, calling the occasion a moment of pride for Jharkhand.
Single Special Court to Hear All Money Laundering and Corruption Cases in Jharkhand
Jharkhand has consolidated all money laundering and corruption cases under one special court headed by Additional Judicial Commissioner Yogesh Kumar. Earlier, such cases were heard in two separate courts with limited sittings, causing delays. With 46 PMLA and over 180 CBI cases pending, the new unified court will conduct daily hearings, ensuring faster disposal and greater efficiency in judicial proceedings.
ACB Issues Third Notice to Vinay Singh’s Wife in Hazaribagh Land Scam
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has sent a third notice to Snigdha Singh, wife of Vinay Singh, in connection with the Hazaribagh forest land scam. She has been asked to appear for questioning at the ACB office. Despite two previous notices, she has not appeared yet. Investigations revealed land was registered in her name through alleged collusion with officials.
Two TSPC Area Commanders Surrender in Chatra, Get Rs. 1 Lakh Reward Each
Two area commanders of the banned Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC), Kunal alias Kuldeep and Rohini Ganjhu, surrendered before Chatra police on Friday. Both carried Rs. 1 lakh rewards on their heads and received cheques under Jharkhand’s surrender and rehabilitation policy. The surrender ceremony was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in presence of senior police and BSF officials.
CBI Arrests MES Garrison Engineer in Ranchi for Disproportionate Assets
The CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch, Dhanbad, arrested Sahil Ratusaria, Garrison Engineer (GE) of Military Engineering Services, Ranchi Cantonment, for possessing assets disproportionate to his known income. He was arrested from his government residence in Namkum. Investigations revealed that between September 2023 and March 2025, Ratusaria amassed illegal movable and immovable assets far exceeding his lawful earnings of Rs. 23.11 lakh.
Administration Holds Meeting with NTPC Badam Project-Affected Villagers, Assures Transparent Action
Deputy Commissioner Shashi Prakash Singh chaired a meeting in Hazaribagh with representatives of villages displaced and affected by the NTPC Badam coal mining project. Villagers raised issues of water, health, education, and jobs. The DC assured fair compensation, rehabilitation, and transparent governance, emphasizing that “rule of law is supreme” and the administration stands firmly with the people through dialogue and accountability.
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