Coal India Marks 50 Years, Output Rises from 79 to 781 Million Tonnes
As Coal India prepares to celebrate its 50th Foundation Day on 1st November, the company announced that production has risen from 79 million tonnes in 1975 to 781 million tonnes in FY 2024–25. Experts said the sector has evolved with advanced mining technology and reduced manpower. Coal India is now diversifying into solar energy, coal gasification, and critical minerals exploration.
Steel Prices Hit Five-Year Low at Rs. 47000 to 48000 Per Tonne
Domestic steel prices have dropped to a five-year low, trading between Rs. 47,000 to 48,000 per tonne due to rising imports and weak global demand. Hot Rolled Coil (HRC) prices hover around Rs. 47,150 per tonne, while TMT bars sell for Rs. 46,500 to 47,000. India imported 7.9 lakh tonnes of finished steel in September, prompting the Steel Ministry to convene an open house on 27th October to address industry concerns.
Jharkhand Emerges as Potential Hub for Critical and Rare Earth Minerals
Exploration agencies like GSI, ONGC, AMD, and JEMCL have found signs of lithium and rare earth elements in Jharkhand, marking it as a key region for India’s critical mineral hunt. Areas such as West and East Singhbhum, Koderma, and Godda show promising deposits of lithium, nickel, cobalt, and uranium. Experts say Jharkhand could soon become India’s green technology and battery manufacturing hub.
Government Partners with Private Sector to Extract Critical Minerals from E-Waste
The Government announced active collaboration with the private sector to extract critical minerals from e-waste and boost recycling capacity. It recently approved a Rs. 1,500 crore incentive scheme under the National Critical Minerals Mission to ensure supply chain stability. The scheme, open for applications since 2nd October 2025, covers e-waste, used lithium-ion batteries, and catalytic converters as eligible raw materials.
IAS Vandana Dadel’s Promotion File Cleared for ACS Rank from January 2026
The Jharkhand Government has forwarded the promotion file of senior IAS officer Vandana Dadel for elevation to the rank of Additional Chief Secretary (ACS). According to the Personnel Department, the 1996-batch officer will be promoted effective 1st January 2026. Dadel currently serves as Principal Secretary of the Home and Prison Department and also holds additional charge of Cabinet Secretariat and Vigilance.
Written Consent, Minimum Five Women Workers Must for Night Shift Employment in Jharkhand
Jharkhand Government has made it mandatory for factories to obtain written consent from women workers before assigning night shifts between 7 PM and 6 AM. At least five women must work together in such shifts, with GPS-enabled transport, CCTV, and separate sanitation facilities ensured. Employers must file digital self-certification confirming compliance. The notification emphasizes strict safety, maternity, and harassment-prevention norms.
Jharkhand Bus Owners Oppose New Motor Vehicle Rules, Warn of Statewide Agitation
The Jharkhand Bus Owners Association has opposed the draft Central Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Rules 2025, calling them unconstitutional and unjust. The group said the rule deeming challans “accepted” after 45 days violates the right to fair hearing. They demanded clarity in the appeal process and transparency in e-challans, warning of statewide protests if the Centre fails to reconsider the new provisions.
Displaced Families Angered Over CCL’s Neglect, to Stage Protest on 29th October
Fifty-two families resettled under the World Bank-supported KDH Project in 1996–97 at Birsa Nagar, Dhamdhamia, will join a protest outside CCL’s NK Area GM office on 29th October. Villagers accused CCL of neglecting them since 2023, halting CSR and maintenance works. They demanded development under CSR and DMFT funds, restoration of civic amenities, and opposed land transfers to the company.
New Officer Appointed in UCIL’s Estate Department to Curb Negligence and Improve Maintenance
Under the directive of UCIL CMD Dr. Kacham Anand Rao, continuous reforms are being implemented in the Jaduguda unit. In a major step, Ghanshyam has been appointed as Civil Supervisor in the Estate Department to address rising complaints of negligence in colony maintenance and sanitation. Earlier, officer Prabhas Ranjan was transferred to Tummalapalle. Senior officials said further restructuring is planned to ensure better upkeep.
BCCL Transfers 11 GMs, Including 8 Area Heads
BCCL has transferred 11 General Managers, including eight Area GMs, as part of a major administrative reshuffle seen as a strict management move. The transfers follow internal reviews and production targets pressure. Katraas GM Raj Kumar, whose area recently witnessed a fatal accident killing six contract workers, was shifted to Quality Control. Several GMs were reassigned across Lodna, Kusunda, and other areas.
Only 34% of Jharkhand’s Rs. 91,742 Crore Plan Budget Spent in Six Months
Halfway into FY 2025-26, Jharkhand has utilized only Rs. 31,284 crore (34%) of its Rs. 91,742 crore plan budget. While Rural Works, Housing, and Disaster Management spent over 50%, 13 departments, including Panchayati Raj, Mines, and Aviation, used less than 10%. Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore has directed faster spending, warning departments to accelerate utilization before year-end.
Ghatsila Bypoll: Election Symbols Allotted, 13 Candidates in Fray
In the Ghatsila Assembly by-election, independent candidate Vikram Kisku withdrew his nomination on the final day, leaving 13 candidates, 12 men and one woman in the contest. Election symbols were allotted to all contenders. BJP’s Babulal Soren will face JMM’s Somesh Chandra Soren and others in the 11th November poll. Earlier, 17 nominations were filed, of which three were rejected.
Babulal Marandi Alleges Widespread DMFT Fund Scam
BJP leader Babulal Marandi alleged that the DMFT fund scam extends beyond Bokaro to Koderma and Dhanbad, accusing IAS officers of colluding with contractors to misuse “skill development” funds. He demanded a high-level probe and suspension of ongoing tenders. The Congress countered, asserting that the Hemant Soren government has ensured transparency through online monitoring, social audits, and welfare-focused fund utilization.
MLA Ordered Inquiry After Workers’ Complaints
Khijri MLA Rajesh Kacchap has taken cognizance of serious irregularities at Sikidiri’s solar power plant. His representative, Shravan Kumar Munda, inspected the site and found broken panels, no fencing, unpaid workers, and safety lapses. The Maharashtra-based agency, Navya Technology Renewable Pvt. Ltd., operates the project. A meeting with its director, Bala Kishore, will be organized soon.
Chandrasekhar Das Appointed West Singhbhum District INTUC President
Former Congress district president Chandrasekhar Das has been appointed as the new West Singhbhum District INTUC President by Jharkhand INTUC State President Rakeshwar Pandey. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Chaibasa attended by several party members. Praising Das’s leadership and commitment to workers’ rights, Pandey expressed confidence that his return will strengthen the organization.
ED Charged Eight More in Jharkhand Tender Scam Linked to Ex-Minister Alamgir Alam
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed its fourth supplementary prosecution complaint, naming eight additional accused in the Jharkhand tender scam linked to former minister Alamgir Alam. The total accused now stand at 22. The ED alleges large-scale money laundering in the Rural Works Department, involving contractors and aides. Earlier raids had recovered over ₹35 crore in cash, including Rs. 30 crore from Alam’s OSD’s aide.
ACB Issues Notices to Two IAS Officers in Rs. 38 Crore Liquor Scam Case
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has summoned senior IAS officers Manoj Kumar and Mukesh Kumar for questioning in the Rs. 38 crore liquor scam in Jharkhand. Both officers earlier served as Excise Secretaries and are now posted in different departments. The ACB will interrogate them on several key points to uncover the full extent of the scam and identify those responsible.
Vinay Singh’s Wife Skips ACB Summons for Third Time
In the Hazaribagh forest land scam case, automobile businessman Vinay Singh’s wife, Snigdha Singh, failed to appear before the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) despite a third summons. The ACB is now preparing to seek an arrest warrant from the special court in Ranchi. Vinay Singh, currently in jail, and suspended IAS officer Vinay Kumar Chaubey are also accused in the case.
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Also Read: 24th October – Industrial and Political Headlines of Jharkhand
