Suspended IAS officer Pooja Singhal gets bail in MGNREGA scam case

RANCHI: Suspended IAS officer Pooja Singhal, who was in jail for the last 28 months in a money laundering case linked to MGNREGA scam, was granted bail by a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Court in Ranchi on Saturday. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), after an interrogation for over 15 hours, had arrested the then mining secretary Pooja Singhal on May 11, 2022 in a money laundering case linked to alleged embezzlement of MGNREGA funds and other charges. The Special PMLA Court has granted bail to Singhal on a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh each. Besides that, she will have to submit her passport in the court. Earlier on April 29, 2024, the Supreme Court had dismissed her plea seeking bail in a money laundering matter, observing it is an extraordinary case. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta refused to interfere with the Jharkhand High Court order denying her bail. The 2000-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer was arrested on the second day of the questioning being done by the ED officials. According to ED, Rs 1.43 crore more than the known sources of her income were recovered from the bank accounts of Pooja Singhal while she was Deputy Commissioner in Khunti, Palamu and Chatra. The ED also claimed that Singhal purchased as many as 13 insurance policies by paying a premium of Rs 80.81 lakh and closed them before completion of their tenure and got Rs 84.64 lakh against it. Jharkhand: ED attaches properties worth Rs 88.77 crore belonging to suspended IAS officer Pooja Singhal The ED also informed that Singhal transferred Rs 16.57 lakh to the three bank accounts related to CA Suman Kumar. The ED is said to have gathered sufficient primary evidence to suggest that she is in close connection with CA Sunman Kumar and had financial transactions with him. Before her arrest, ED had conducted raids at several locations, including that of Pooja Singhal, in connection with a money laundering case linked to alleged embezzlement of over Rs 18 crore MGNREGA funds in Khunti district during 2008-2011. The raids were conducted at a total of 18 locations including Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, NCR as well as Ranchi, Khunti and Dhanbad in Jharkhand. Singhal, as Chatra Deputy Commissioner, had also been accused of paying Rs 6 crore in advance to the two NGOs Welfare Point and Prerna Niketan for musli farming, which, actually was never done. In addition to that, while being Deputy Commissioner in Palamu, she was charged of transferring 83 acres of forest land to a private company for mining, a matter which is related to Kathautia Coal Mines. On February 10, 2023, the top court had granted Singhal interim bail for two months to enable her to take care of her ailing daughter. Singhal has been in custody since May 11, 2022 after raids were conducted at properties linked to her in connection with the money laundering case.

Dhanbad Railway Division Leads Nation's 58 Divisions In Freight Loading

Kamal Kishore Sinha, the divisional railway manager (DRM) of Dhanbad, told reporters that the division set a new record for freight loading between April and November 2024.

19 new faces in Jharkhand Assembly

RANCHI: Only half of the old MLAs could make it to the Jharkhand Assembly this time, out of which, 19 are new faces. Out of 81 MLAs elected in 2019 Assembly polls, only 40 have made it to the Assembly this time. Out of those who could not make it to the Assembly, 29 lost the polls, four of them became MPs, while six didnt contest. Most of the new faces are from the BJP with seven MLAs, followed by the JMM with five and the Congress three. CPI (M-L), RJD and AJSU have managed to get one new face each in the Assembly. Emergence of new force Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JKLM) leader Jairam Kumar Mahto, who left an impact on several seats, also made it to the Assembly for the first time. Mahto, who floated a new party before the Lok Sabha polls this year, defeated JMM candidate Baby Devi in Dumri. The JKLM has made its strong presence felt in Northern and Southern Chotanagpur Divisions. The JKLM contested in 71 out of 81 assembly seats and caused damage to both INDIA and NDA blocs. Party candidates came second in Bermo, Gomia and Chandankiyari. Within a year, the JKLM has made an impact in rural areas, especially among Kurmi-Mahato community. The party, which contested the Assembly polls for the first time, has played an important role in downsising the NDA. Popularly known as Tiger Jairam, Jairam Mahato was born in 1995 in Maantand village of Dhanbad. Coming from a family with deep roots in statehood movement, he hogged the limelight in 2022 when he spearheaded protests against the inclusion of languages like Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Angika in state-level exams. His argument focused on promoting Jharkhandi languages and protecting local employment for the states native population. In June 2023, Mahato and other student leaders formed the Jharkhandi Bhasha Sangharsh Khatian Samiti, which pushed for policies favouring local residents. Their campaign successfully reversed the language policy in three districts and demanded the use of 1932 land records (Khatian) as the basis for determining domicile status and job eligibility. In August 2024, just three months before the polls, the EC registered the JKLM as a political party. Mahatos party has built its agenda around local pride and identity. First time MLAs 19 BJP: 7 JMM: 5 Congress: 3 CPI (ML): 1 RJD: 1 AJSU: 1 JKLM: 1

Dhanbad assembly election results 2024: Congress's Ajay Dubey, BJP's Raj Sinha among top candidates

In the upcoming 2024 Jharkhand assembly elections, BJP candidate Raj Sinha will face Congress's Ajay Dubey in Dhanbad. Sinha, a two-time incumbent, seeks to maintain BJP's stronghold against Dubey, whose last-minute nomination has fueled speculation about potential shifts in the constituency's political landscape.

No violence recorded for the first time in Jharkhand assembly polls

RANCHI: In a major achievement, for the first time after the formation of Jharkhand, Assembly polls were conducted here without any incident of Maoist violence. The second phase of polling concluded peacefully for 38 Assembly seats in Jharkhand on Wednesday with an overall voter turnout of 67.59 %. Out of the 38 seats where polling was conducted in the second phase, BJP contested 32 and AJSU contested six seats from NDA side, while JMM contested 20, Congress 12, RJD two and CPI (ML) on four seats from the INDIA bloc. According to Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dr Neha Arora, Maheshpur remained on the top with a maximum voting percentage of 79.4 per cent followed by Nala with 78.75 per cent and Sarath with 77.94 per cent. The lowest voter turnout on the other hand, was recorded at Bokaro with 50.52 per cent, Dhanbad with 52.31 per cent and Jharia with 55.23 per cent, she said. All constituencies except Bokaro, Dhanbad and Jharia recorded more than 60 per cent voter turnout, said the Additional Chief Electoral Officer. A total of 134 ballot units, 161 control units, and 377 VVPATs were replaced by 3 pm during polling, she added. Meanwhile, on the orders of the Election Commission, an FIR was registered against presiding officer Ramanand Kumar Paswan, posted at polling station number 111 of Madhupur assembly constituency, following a complaint was registered against him. Paswan was taken into custody immediately after that. A complaint was received against him for conducting votes in favour of the JMM candidate, which was confirmed through webcasting. ACEO Dr Neha Arora said that another officer was posted in his place. A total of 528 candidates are in the fray in the second phase, out of which 472 are men and 55 are women. Voting was completed at 14219 polling stations, which were monitored through webcasting from the State Election Building and the District Election Office. Jharkhand: Its infiltration vs mahila samman as 38 seats up for grabs in 2nd phase

The evolution of trade union politics in Dhanbad: From independence to present

Trade union influence looms large in Dhanbad's political landscape as candidates with strong union ties contest assembly elections. From Dhanbad to Nirsa, these candidates leverage their union networks, seeking to translate worker support into electoral success.

Mithun Chakraborty's Wallet Not Stolen, Has Been Found: BJP

The BJP on Tuesday rejected the assertion that actor-turned-politician Mithun Chakraborty's purse was stolen during a rally in Jharkhand's Dhanbad, claiming that it was misplaced and later found.

Will end coal smuggling in Dhanbad if BJP wins: Shah

RANCHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the BJP, if voted to power, will stop coal smuggling in Jharkhand and make the state the most prosperous state in the country within five years. I promise you that coal smuggling will be stopped completely in Jharkhand if BJP comes to power, Shah said at a poll rally in Jharia, a coal belt in Dhanbad district. He said Jharkhands mineral wealth holds the key to its development but its growth has been stunted under the previous governments. Factories will be set up for mineral processing and power plants for coal production, so that the youth in coal regions need not leave the state for jobs, Shah said, outlining BJPs vision for Jharkhands development. You will have to decide whether you want JMM government which makes its leaders millionaires and billionaires, or a BJP government which is making poor women lakhpati didi, Shah said. Addressing another rally in Baghmara, he alleged that the JMM-led government was behind Rs 1,000 crore MNREGA scam, Rs 300-crore land scam, Rs 1,000 crore mining scam and multi-crore liquor scam and consumed Rs 3.90 lakh crore sent by the Centre. Once the BJP is voted to power, it will ensure that if the Centre sends one rupee, 25 paise is added to it by the state government, so that Rs 1.25 reaches people, Shah said. He said Rahul Gandhi keeps making announcements which were never fulfilled. Not only I and you are saying this, but Rahul babas party president Kharge ji is saying that nothing will be fulfilled, Shah said. But Modis guarantee is set in stone. We will work to fulfil each and every guarantee, he said, adding that Rs 2100 will be transferred to the bank accounts of every woman and gas cylinders will be given at Rs 500. Shah said Soren is inviting infiltrators by laying a red carpet. We will throw out all infiltrators and ensure no new infiltrator enters the state.

Ranchi Diary | Polling: Personnel to be air-dropped at 225 booths

As the poll campaign for the first phase of elections ended on Monday, polling personnel will be air-dropped through choppers at 225 polling booths in the five districts of Jharkhand, which have been identified as sensitive by the Election Commission. The districts include West Singhbhum, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla and Garhwa. Meanwhile, 683 candidates are in the fray for 43 assembly constituencies. Of these, 334 are Independents, 87 candidates represent national parties, 32 are from Jharkhand-based parties, 42 hold tickets from recognised parties of other states, and 188 belong to unrecognised registered parties. Vote and take a discount at this zoological park Tata Steel Zoological Park (TSZP) has announced a special initiative to encourage civic participation in voting. On November 13, voting day in Jamshedpur, and the day after i.e, on November 14, TSZP will extend exclusive discounts on entry fees to voters on showing their inked fingers. The entry fee for adults will be Rs 30, while for children Rs 20. The TSZP will open at noon on November 13. According to officials, this initiative is another step towards making the park an inclusive and accessible space for everyone. Brain-operated bed for paralytic patients A team of four students of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of IIT Indian School of Mines (ISM) Dhanbad, under assistant Professor Zafar Alam, has been given an award for developing an EEG-Signal-Controlled Pneumatic Medical Bed for paralytic patients. They have developed the device for Rs 2 lakh to help paralytic/severely affected patients control their medical bed using their brains through an electroencephalography device. The device will help to ensure efficient medical governance by reducing the nursing loads for patients at health centres and hospitals. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com

PM Modi trying to prevent caste census: Rahul Gandhi

Dhanbad: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was trying to prevent the caste census in the country, adding that his party and the INDIA bloc will ensure that the process is carried out, come what may. Speaking at a public rally here in Jharkhand, the Leader of Opposition in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Rahul, Soren Show Unity Ahead of Jharkhand Polls

New Delhi/Ranchi: In a show of unity, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren welcomed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at Ranchi airport on Saturday. At an election rally in Dhanbad, Gandhi highlighted the alliance's push to lift the 50 per cent reservation cap, stressing that despite Scheduled Tribes (STs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) making up 90% of Indias population, they remain underrepresented in government institutions. Gandhi criticised the BJP-led governments economic policies, alleging that the tax structure favors the wealthy. He claimed that billionaire Gautam Adani pays similar taxes as the common people and accused the government of handing over valuable land in Mumbai's Dharavi to him. In a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi commented on Modis luxurious travels, contrasting it with the struggles of the poor amid rising prices. He promised that the alliance would redirect funds to the poor, equivalent to the debts forgiven for capitalists. At another rally in Jamshedpur, Gandhi accused Modi's policies on demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) of harming farmers and laborers, calling them weapons against the poor. He framed the political contest as a clash of ideologies, with the BJP-RSS promoting division, while the I.N.D.I.A. bloc stands for unity. Expressing confidence in the Opposition alliances chances against the NDA, Gandhi pledged to work for the welfare of the masses. Notably, he paused his speech momentarily for the Azan prayer, showing respect for the local customs.

Indian tax structure designed to loot poor: Rahul Gandhi in Jharkhand poll rally

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Centre, saying its tax structure is designed to loot the poor. Indian tax structure is to loot the poor. Adani pays taxes equivalent to you. Dharavi land, worth Rs 1 lakh-crore, is being handed over to him, Gandhi alleged while addressing a rally in Jharkhand's Dhanbad. Rahul took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging, PM Modi travels in seaplanes, goes inside the sea, but the poor and women bear the brunt of price rise. The truth today is that the youth and women in India are unhappy. Modi ji only gives big speeches; he does nothing. When inflation increases in the country, our mothers and sisters suffer the most. Narendra Modi has added GST on everything. The whole tax structure is a way to take money from the poor people of the country, Rahul said. - , - GST pic.twitter.com/yJCO6XS52W Congress (@INCIndia) November 9, 2024 GST is a system to steal from the poor. Eight percent of the poor are tribal, 15 percent are Dalits, 50 are from backward classes, and 15 percent are minorities, the Congress leader said. He also claimed that the PM ever reaches out to Dalits or tribals, but he attends weddings of industrialists' family members. We call you 'tribals', but the BJP calls you 'forest dwellers'. Tribal means the first owner of the country. Whereas Vanvasi means that you have no rights in the country. They are slowly taking away your forests from you. But we want that you have the first right on water, forest, and land; you should get its benefits, the Congress leader said. Gandhi further remarked that Scheduled Tribes (STs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) constitute 90 percent of India's population, but they are not represented in government institutions. We will give to the poor funds equivalent to debt of capitalists waived by PM Modi, said Gandhi. The Congress leader also promised to remove the 50 percent cap on reservation at any cost and argued that a caste census is a must to reveal how the country's wealth is distributed. I have clearly told Modi jiyou cannot stop the caste census. We will pass the caste census in this very Parliament and break the wall of 50% reservation... In Jharkhand, we will give 28% reservation to tribals, 12% to Dalits, and 27% to backward classes, Rahul said. Rahul also reiterated the INDIA blocs seven guarantees for Jharkhand, including food security, under which gas cylinders will be provided at Rs 450 and 7 kg of ration per person. Other guarantees include local policy based on 1932 Khatian, the Sarna Dharma Code, womens honorarium of Rs 2,500, 28% ST, 12% SC, and 27% OBC reservations, 10 lakh jobs, Rs 15 lakh health insurance, education reforms with new colleges, and increased MSP for paddy to Rs 3,200 and other crops by 50%. Elections to the 81-member Jharkhand assembly will be held on November 13 and 20, and the counting of votes will take place on November 23.

Rahul: Tax structure designed to loot poor

Baghmara (Dhanbad): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Centre, saying its tax structure is designed to loot the poor. Indian tax structure is to loot the poor. Adani pays taxes equivalent to you. Dharavi land, worth Rs 1 lakh-crore, is being handed over to him, Gandhi alleged while addressing a rally in Jharkhand's Dhanbad. He also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging, PM Modi travels in seaplanes, goes inside the sea, but the poor and women bear the brunt of price rise. Gandhi further alleged that Scheduled Tribes (STs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) constitute 90 per cent of India's population, but they are not represented in government institutions. We will give to the poor funds equivalent to debt of capitalists waived by PM Modi, said Gandhi.

Left Parties Make their Major Presence in Jharkhand

By Rabindra Nath Sinha KOLKATA: A development in the ultra-Left politics that happened on September 9 this year in Jharkhand, to be more specific in the Dhanbad coalfields, gets cemented as elections for the sixth state Assembly knock at the door and revive memories of the role that the Marxist Coordination Committees veteran leader A K Roy (Arun Kumar Roy) had played in the areas trade union movement for many years. [Not many people were aware of his full name; [] The post Left Parties Make their Major Presence in Jharkhand appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

IIT Dhanbad students celebrate Diwali in an unique way; send not just a firecracker but also a drum flying; check video here

A viral Instagram video features IIT Dhanbad students celebrating Diwali by launching a plastic dustbin with a firecracker. Another video shows a person using Alexa to ignite a small rocket, highlighting innovative Diwali celebrations. Both videos have captured significant online attention, showcasing the creativity and technological integration in festivities.

Neon, Tara, Bubble, Chhota DJ Lights: Dhanbad Market Shines With Diwalis Trendiest Decor

A sales manager from the Dhanbad market shared that this Diwali season, they are selling lights with prices ranging from Rs 45 to Rs 500 so that everyone can find something within their budget

CBI slaps bribery charges on two officers of East Central Railway in Bihar

PATNA: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday registered a case against three persons, including two railway officers of the East Central Railway, for being hands-in-glove with contractors and helping them in the award of railway contracts worth several crores. The railway officersAnurag Gaurav and Vikas Kumarhave been accused of helping director of M/s Anand Raj Infrateck Private Ltd Abhishek Singh in the award of contractor worth Rs.15 crore at Hajipur in Bihars Vaishali district. The two railway officers have been booked on the charges of hatching a conspiracy and abusing their official position to help the contractor in the award of the railway contract. They have also been accused of accepting bribe in lieu of help extended to the company. While Gaurav is posted as deputy accounts advisor (DFA), construction, Vikas is posted at Mahendru based railway office in the state capital. Gaurav, stated to be a native of Ranchi in Jharkhand, lives in Shivraj Apartment on Ashiana-Digha Road in Patna. During preliminary investigation, it came to light that M/s Anand Raj Infratech Private Ltd has its office situated at Faridpur Mor near Fatuha in Patna district but it mainly worked for M/s Chaitanya Project Consultancy Ltd located in New Delhi. Initial probe suggested that Abhishek met Anurag Gaurav at his office on October 9 and offered him a hefty sum as bribe if contract worth Rs.15 crore at Hajipur was awarded to his firm. The deal was finalised, and the contract was awarded to Abhisheks company. More names are likely to surface in the tender ghotala (scam). Further investigation is underway, a senior officer associated with the investigation said. In another case, the CBI submitted a chargesheet against five accused, including then principal income tax commissioner Santosh Kumar, in connection with an illegal gratification case. Sources in the probe agency said that the chargesheet was filed in the special CBI court in Patna. The agency had caught Santosh Kumar, principal income tax commissioner of Patna and Dhanbad, while taking Rs.10 lakh as a bribe. A case was registered against Kumar and four other individuals at the CBI police station on August 26. The other accused in the case included Gurpal Singh, Ashok Chourasia, Rajiv Kumar alias Chiku and Pranay Purbe.

CBI files charge sheet against principal commissioner of Income Tax in bribery case

New Delhi: The CBI has filed a charge sheet against a principal commissioner of Income Tax of Patna and four other people in connection with alleged bribery of Rs 10 lakh, officials said on Tuesday. The agency has booked Santosh Kumar and four middlemen and conduits on allegations that they were receiving bribes from different income tax assessees under his jurisdiction, they said. It was also alleged that there were several conduits who were working on behalf of then principal commissioner of Income Tax (Patna and Dhanbad), an official said. The CBI arrested Kumar and four of his conduits Gurpal Singh, Rajiv Kumar, Ashok Chaurasia and Pranay Purbay during the raid on August 26 when bribe of Rs 10 lakh was changing hands, they said. In its charge sheet file before the special court in Patna, the CBI said it was keeping the investigation open to probe wider conspiracy.

Congress Releases Final List For Jharkhand Assembly Polls

The Congress has released its final list of candidates for the Jharkhand Assembly elections, naming Shweta Singh from Bokaro and Ajay Dubey from Dhanbad.

Jharkhand Assembly elections: Congress names Bokaro, Dhanbad candidates

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren said that mothers and sisters in Jharkhand are getting the benefit of the Maiya Samman Yojana, and farmers loans have been waived and 200 units of free electricity have been provided.

Cyclone 'Dana' to make landfall tonight; Odisha, Bengal brace for heavy rainfall | UPDATES

The severe cyclonic storm 'Dana' is expected to make landfall between the Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha early on Friday with wind speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour (kmph). Several coastal districts across Odisha and Southern West Bengal will be impacted by heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to the Indian Metrological Department (IMD). The cyclone will also bring heavy rainfall to parts of Jharkhand. TOP DEVELOPMENTS 1. (Odisha) Impact Zones : Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore categorised as high-risk zones with wind speeds up to 120 kmph; potential tidal surge up to 2 meters predicted. Extremely heavy rainfall expected in Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Jajpur; light to moderate rain expected other parts of Odisha, with significant rainfall beginning October 23 evening. Odisha government targets relocating 10 lakh people from coastal areas; around 3-4 evacuated by Wednesday evening, with the rest to be moved by Thursday. All marine activities prohibited, including fishing, until the cyclone passes; all fishermen safely returned by Tuesday. 2. (Bengal) Impact Zones : Heavy to very heavy rainfall forecasted in multiple districts, with isolated areas facing extremely heavy rainfall (over 21 cm). Coastal districts, including South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, and Howrah, are at high risk due to expected strong winds (100-110 kmph) and tidal surges. North 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Hooghly, and Nadia are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with localised flooding possible in low-lying areas. Kolkata airport to suspend flight operations for 15 hours from 6 pm on Thursday in view of the possible impact of cyclone. 3. (Jharkhand) Impact Zones Southern and eastern districts, including East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Saraikela-Kharsawan, are likely to be most affected by heavy rainfall and strong winds. Areas near rivers in East Singhbhum and Dumka could face localised flooding due to the expected downpour. Winds of 60-70 kmph, along with heavy rainfall, may impact districts like Ranchi, Bokaro, and Dhanbad, leading to possible infrastructure damage and waterlogging ODISHA With Odisha at the eye of the storm, the state government is racing against time to execute a massive evacuation plan aimed at relocating about 10 lakh people in several coastal districts to safety. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said more than 30 percent of the targeted 10 lakh people have been evacuated to safe places by Wednesday evening in view of cyclone Dana that barrels towards the state's coastal region, threatening to impact nearly half of its population. The remaining people will be brought to safety by 11 am on Thursday, he said. While asserting that the state is fully prepared to face the calamity, Majhi assured the people that they are in safe hands. Do not panic and stay safe. You (people) are in safe hands, he said, adding that all arrangements have been made for the people at the cyclone shelters. The IMD said that cyclone Dana is likely to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port early Friday. The distance between Dhamara in Bhadrak district and Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district is around 70 km. It said that the landfall process will start from the night of October 24 and will continue till the morning of October 25. The maximum speed during the landfall process is likely to be around 120 kmph, IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said and added that landfall is mostly a slow process, which usually takes around 5-6 hours. Therefore, heavy rainfall, wind and storm surge will reach the peak during the landfall time, which is between October 24 night and October 25 morning, he added. It is very likely to move northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal by early morning of October 24 and cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island close to Bhitarkanika and Dhamara (Odisha) during mid-night of October 24 to morning of October 25 as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph, the IMD said. Stating that Odisha is likely to face a multi-hazard situation when cyclone Dana makes landfall, Mohapatra said apart from heavy to very heavy rainfall and in places with extremely heavy rainfall and high velocity wind, the state is likely to encounter a tidal surge of up to 2 meters. IMD scientist Umashankar Das at the Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, warned that low-lying areas in Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore districts are likely to be inundated and recommended that the government evacuate residents from these regions. According to IMD sources, wind velocity in the districts of Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore would be 100110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph, along with extremely heavy rainfall and tidal surge during the landfall, which will take around four to five hours. The IMD has warned of uprooting of trees, breaking of tree branches, damage to kutcha houses, electric poles and other infrastructure. Meanwhile, the state government has categorised the vulnerable districts. While Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore are in high-risk zones, where wind velocity would remain at 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph, Mayurbhanj would be in the second category, where wind speeds would be at 80-90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph. Similarly, the districts of Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Jajpur come under category three, where wind speeds would be at 60-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph. The districts of Puri, Khurda (comprising Bhubaneswar), Dhenkanal and Keonjhar come under category four, where wind speeds will be at 60-70 kmph, gusting to 80 kmph. To ensure the safety of the people, the state government has deployed 288 rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and Fire Services. Districts that are also likely to be impacted include Angul, Nayagarh, Boudh, Ganjam, Deogarh and Sambalpur. The IMD also cautioned that Cyclone Dana would bring significant rainfall to the state, predicting light to moderate rain at most locations, with heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) in isolated areas over Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, and Khordha starting in the evening of October 23. On October 24 and 25, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in several places, with isolated areas receiving extremely heavy rainfall (over 21 cm) in districts including Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Jajpur, it added. The IMD has prohibited all marine activities, including fishing, in the Bay of Bengal until the cyclone has passed. All fishermen returned to the coast by Tuesday evening, said Pujari. Meanwhile, parts of Kendrapara and Bhadrak districts in Odisha experienced rain and adverse weather conditions on Wednesday afternoon, with the IMD saying that the outer bands of Cyclone Dana has begun to affect the eastern coastline. With the cyclone approaching fast towards the state's coast, several activities, including the functioning of the Orissa High Court, Biju Patnaik International Airport, ports at Paradip and Dhamara, all educational institutions, and others remain suspended in the wake of the impending calamity. WEST BENGAL The coastal districts of Bengal are experiencing moderate to heavy rain and gusty winds since the early hours of Thursday, while Kolkata woke up to an overcast sky and intermittent showers. Advising fishermen not to venture into the sea, the Met Department said gale wind with speeds reaching 90-100 kmph and gusting to 110 kmph is prevailing over the northwest Bay of Bengal. It warned that the wind speed over the area is likely to increase gradually to 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph till Friday morning, and decrease thereafter. The bulletin warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy downpour in isolated places in the south Bengal districts of North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Kolkata, Howrah and Hooghly districts on Thursday and Friday. Public transportation to and from Kolkata's suburbs may get affected from the evening, as Eastern and South Eastern railways cancelled a large number of trains on Thursday and Friday in view of the cyclone. More than 170 express and passenger trains running through South Eastern Railway (SER) jurisdiction have been cancelled, an official said. The trains cancelled were scheduled to depart from their originating stations between October 23 and October 27, he said. Besides, the Eastern Railway (ER) will not operate any EMU local train from Sealdah station on its south and Hasnabad sections from 8 pm on Thursday till 10 am on Friday, the official said. The ER also cancelled 68 suburban trains on the Howrah division on Friday morning, he said. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said it is on high alert and has mobilised vessels and aircraft to respond swiftly to any contingency over the Bay of Bengal. Meanwhile, the NDRF said it has deployed several teams across south Bengal to tackle any emergency situation. Ferry services in the Sunderbans area spread over North and South 24 Parganas districts and also across the Hooghly River in Kolkata and adjoining areas will remain cancelled in view of the impending inclement weather, officials said. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has also opened a control room at its headquarters and cancelled the leaves of all essential staff. JHARKHAND Parts of Jharkhand could experience heavy to very heavy rainfall from Thursday night under the influence of cyclonic storm 'Dana', a Met Department official said. An 'orange' alert has been issued in the Kolhan region (West Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharswan, and East Singhbhum districts) for Friday, he said. This category of alert indicates heavy rainfall ranging from 115 mm to 204 mm in 24 hours, the official said. Apart from heavy rain, the region might also experience thunderstorms and gusty winds with speeds of up to 60 kmph, Ranchi Meteorological Centre in-charge Abhishek Anand said. Six teams of the NDRF have been deployed in Jamshedpur and Chaibasa, while two teams were kept on standby in Ranchi to deal with any emergency situation, another official said. Several parts of central Jharkhand, including Ranchi, Khunti, Lohardaga, Gumla and Ramgarh, may also experience heavy rainfall on Friday, Anand said. Light to moderate rainfall is likely in many parts of the state on Thursday, with forecast of heavy rainfall in the Kolhan division, under the influence of the cyclonic system, he said. The inclement weather is also likely to impact political activities underway for the upcoming assembly polls in Jharkhand, scheduled to be held in two phases -- November 13 and November 20 -- with the counting of votes on November 23.

Cyclone Dana Effect: 198 Trains Cancelled on Oct 23, 24, 25

BHUBANESWAR: Due to the impending landfall of Cyclone Dana on October 24-25, 2024, a total of 198 trains95 up and 103 down trainshave been canceled for October 23, 24, and 25. The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has issued a bulletin outlining the cancellations, which include major trains such as the Howrah-Secunderabad Express, Shalimar-Puri Super Fast Express, New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Express, Howrah-Bhubaneswar Express, and many others. These cancellations affect various trains traveling to and from major hubs like Secunderabad, Bhubaneswar, Chennai Central, and Howrah. The full list of cancelled trains provides details on specific routes and dates for both up and down directions. This disruption is a preventive measure to ensure the safety of passengers and railway infrastructure during the cyclones landfall. Passengers are advised to check for further updates and make alternative travel arrangements accordingly. Here is the detailed list of cancelled trains: Down Trains 1. Train No. 17016: Secunderabad to Bhubaneswar 23.10.2024 2. Train No. 12840: Chennai Central to Howrah 23.10.2024 3. Train No. 12868: Puducherry to Howrah 23.10.2024 4. Train No. 22826: Chennai Central to Shalimar 23.10.2024 5. Train No. 12897: Puducherry to Bhubaneswar 23.10.2024 6. Train No. 18464: SBC to Bhubaneswar 23.10.2024 7. Train No. 08442: Brahmapur to Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 8. Train No. 20842: Visakhapatnam to Bhubaneswar (VB) 24.10.2024 9. Train No. 22874: Visakhapatnam to Digha 24.10.2024 10. Train No. 18118: Gunupur to Rourkela 24.10.2024 11. Train No. 11019: CSURATM to Bhubaneswar 23.10.2024 12. Train No. 22820: Visakhapatnam to Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 13. Train No. 08532: Visakhapatnam to Brahmapur 24.10.2024 14. Train No. 12509: Bangalore to Guwahati 23.10.2024 15. Train No. 12842: Chennai Central to Howrah 24.10.2024 16. Train No. 22808: Chennai Central to Santragachhi 24.10.2024 17. Train No. 15227: Bangalore to Muzaffarpur 24.10.2024 18. Train No. 18046: Hyderabad to Howrah 23.10.2024 19. Train No. 20838: Junagarh Road to Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 20. Train No. 22503: Kanyakumari to Dibrugarh 23.10.2024 21. Train No. 22973: Gandhidham to Puri 23.10.2024 22. Train No. 20807: Visakhapatnam to ASR 25.10.2024 23. Train No. 18448: Jagdalpur to Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 24. Train No. 08534: Palasa to Cuttack 24.10.2024 25. Train No. 08422: Gunupur to Cuttack 25.10.2024 26. Train No. 06095: Tambaram to Santragachhi 24.10.2024 27. Train No. 12246: Bangalore to Howrah 24.10.2024 28. Train No. 12704: Secunderabad to Howrah 23.10.2024 29. Train No. 08444: Palasa to Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 30. Train No. 22888: Bangalore to Howrah 23.10.2024 31. Train No. 03429: Secunderabad to Malda Town 23.10.2024 32. Train No. 12864: Yesvantpur to Howrah 23.10.2024 33. Train No. 18418: Gunupur to Puri 24.10.2024 34. Train No. 06087: Tirunelveli to Shalimar 23.10.2024 35. Train No. 08412: Bhubaneswar to Baleswar 24.10.2024 36. Train No. 02832: Bhubaneswar to Dhanbad 24.10.2024 37. Train No. 12074: Bhubaneswar to Howrah 25.10.2024 38. Train No. 12893: Bhubaneswar to Sonepur 25.10.2024 39. Train No. 22823: Bhubaneswar to New Delhi Rajdhani 25.10.2024 40. Train No. 08441: Bhubaneswar to Brahmapur 24.10.2024 41. Train No. 09059: Surat to Brahmapur 23.10.2024 42. Train No. 18419: Puri to Jayanagar 24.10.2024 43. Train No. 18304: Puri to Sambalpur 24.10.2024 44. Train No. 12892: Puri to Bangiriposi 24.10.2024 45. Train No. 08428: Puri to Angul 24.10.2024 46. Train No. 08414: Puri to Talcher 24.10.2024 47. Train No. 12843: Puri to Ahmedabad 24.10.2024 48. Train No. 08423: Puri to Daspalla 24.10.2024 49. Train No. 17479: Puri to TPTY 24.10.2024 50. Train No. 18425: Puri to Durg 24.10.2024 51. Train No. 22202: Puri to Sealdah 24.10.2024 52. Train No. 18421: Puro to Sonepur 24.10.2024 53. Train No. 12838: Puri to Howrah 24.10.2024 54. Train No. 18452: Puri to Hatia 24.10.2024 55. Train No. 18477: Puri to Rishikesh 24.10.2024 56. Train No. 12801: Puri to New Delhi 24.10.2024 57. Train No. 12896: Puri to Shalimar 24.10.2024 58. Train No. 18410: Puri to Shalimar 24.10.2024 59. Train No. 20823: Puri to Ajmer 24.10.2024 60. Train No. 08404: Puri to Khurda Road 24.10.2024 61. Train No. 18126: Puri to Rourkela 25.10.2024 62. Train No. 08475: Puri to Nizamuddin 25.10.2024 63. Train No. 20836 (VB): Puri to Rourkela 25.10.2024 64. Train No. 12278: Puri to Howrah 25.10.2024 65. Train No. 18416/18414: Puri to Barbil-Paradeep 25.10.2024 66. Train No. 08432: Puri to Cuttack 25.10.2024 67. Train No. 12822: Puri to Shalimar 25.10.2024 68. Train No. 12875: Puri to Anand Vihar 25.10.2024 69. Train No. 08410: Puri to Khurda Road 25.10.2024 70. Train No. 18417: Puri to Gunupur 25.10.2024 71. Train No. 18022: Khurda Road to Kharagpur 24.10.2024 72. Train No. 08456: Khurda Road to Kendujhargarh 24.10.2024 73. Train No. 08454: Cuttack to Bhadrak 25.10.2024 74. Train No. 08438: Cuttack to Bhadrak 25.10.2024 75. Train No. 18038: Jajpur Keonjhar Road to Kharagpur 25.10.2024 76. Train No. 08462: Paradeep to Cuttack 25.10.2024 77. Train No. 08406: Paradeep to Kendujhargarh 25.10.2024 78. Train No. 08408: Paradeep to Cuttack 25.10.2024 79. Train No. 08446: Paradeep to Cuttack 24.10.2024 80. Train No. 18044: Bhadrak to Howrah 25.10.2024 81. Train No. 08032: Bhadrak to Baleswar 25.10.2024 82. Train No. 08064: Bhadrak to Kharagpur 24.10.2024 83. Train No. 08522: Visakhapatnam to Gunupur 24.10.2024 84. Train No. 07470: Visakhapatnam to Palasa 24.10.2024 85. Train No. 12074: Bhubaneswar to Howrah 24.10.2024 86. Train No. 12822: Puri to Shalimar 24.10.2024 87. Train No. 12844: Ahmedabad to Puri 26.10.2024 88. Train No. 18424: Daspalla to Bhubaneswar 25.10.2024 89. Train No. 12278: Puri to Howrah 24.10.2024 90. Train No. 18418: Gunupur to Puri 25.10.2024 91. Train No. 08522: Visakhapatnam to Gunupur 25.10.2024 92. Train No. 18526: Visakhapatnam to Brahmapur 24.10.2024 93. Train No. 20836 (VB): Puri to Rourkela 24.10.2024 94. Train No. 22896 (VB): PURI to KOAA 25.10.24 95. Train No. 08012: DSPL to BBS 25.10.24 96. Train No. 03229: PURI to PNBE 25.10.24 97. Train No. 03102: RMM to BBS 25.10.24 98. Train No. 08416: BAM to TATA 24.10.24 & 25.10.24 99. Train No. 20892 (VB): PURI to HWH 25.10.24 100. Train No. 22840: PURI to VZM 24.10.24 & 25.10.24 101. Train No. 08442: BAM to BBS 25.10.24 102. Train No. 20895: BBS to ROU 24.10.24 103. Train No. 08430: PURI to JER 24.10.24 & 25.10.24 UP Trains 1. 12703: Howrah-Secunderabad 24.10.2024 2. 12821: Shalimar-Puri 24.10.2024 3. 12552: Kamakhya-Bangalore 23.10.2024 4. 22824: New Delhi-Bhubaneswar 23.10.2024 5. 22603: Kharagpur-Villupuram 24.10.2024 6. 12073: Howrah-Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 7. 18045: Shalimar-Hyderabad 24.10.2024 8. 12277: Howrah-Puri 24.10.2024 9. 22851: Santragachhi-Mangalore 24.10.2024 10. 12841: Shalimar-Chennai Central 24.10.2024 11. 12663: Howrah-Tiruchchirappalli 24.10.2024 12. 03230: Patna-Puri 24.10.2024 13. 18478: Rishikesh-Puri 23.10.2024 14. 18409: Shalimar-Puri 24.10.2024 15. 12881: Shalimar-Puri 24.10.2024 16. 12802: New Delhi-Puri 23.10.2024 17. 08011: Bhanjapur-Puri 24.10.2024 18. 12837: Howrah-Puri 24.10.2024 19. 12863: Howrah-Bangalore 24.10.2024 20. 18047: Shalimar-Vasco Da Gama 24.10.2024 21. 12839: Howrah-Chennai Central 24.10.2024 22. 22644: Patna-Ernakulam 24.10.2024 23. 06090: Santragachhi-Chennai Central 24.10.2024 24. 03101: Kolkata-Puri 23.10.2024 25. 12514: Silchar-Secunderabad 23.10.2024 26. 08555: Bhadrak-Daspalla 25.10.2024 27. 22504: Dibrugarh-Kanyakumari 23.10.2024 28. 08415: Jaleswar-Puri 25.10.2024 29. 12891: Bangiriposi-Puri 25.10.2024 30. 18021: Kharagpur-Khurda Road 25.10.2024 31. 12816: Anand Vihar-Puri 24.10.2024 32. 22895 (VB): Howrah-Puri 25.10.2024 33. 18043: Howrah-Bhadrak 24.10.2024 34. 08031: Baleswar-Bhadrak 24.10.2024 35. 08063: Kharagpur-Bhadrak 24.10.2024 36. 08453: Bhadrak-Cuttack 24.10.2024 37. 08437: Bhadrak-Cuttack 24.10.2024 38. 18037: Kharagpur-Jajpur Keonjhar Road 24.10.2024 39. 18303: Sambalpur-Puri 24.10.2024 40. 22839: Rourkela-Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 41. 18125: Rourkela-Puri 24.10.2024 42. 20835 (VB): Rourkela-Puri 24.10.2024 43. 20832: Sambalpur-Shalimar 24.10.2024 44. 18451: Hatia-Puri 24.10.2024 45. 18117: Rourkela-Gunupur 24.10.2024 46. 22865: Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai)-Puri 24.10.2024 47. 18426: Durg-Puri 24.10.2024 48. 02831: Dhanbad-Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 49. 08427: Angul-Puri 25.10.2024 50. 08413: Talcher-Puri 25.10.2024 51. 18415: Barbil-Puri 24.10.2024 52. 20891 (VB): Tata-Brahmapur 24.10.2024 53. 08455: Kendujhargarh-Khurda Road 25.10.2024 54. 08405: Kendujhargarh-Paradeep 24.10.2024 55. 18413: Paradeep-Puri 24.10.2024 56. 08533: Cuttack-Palasa 24.10.2024 57. 08431: Cuttack-Puri 24.10.2024 58. 08421: Cuttack-Gunupur 24.10.2024 59. 08461: Cuttack-Paradeep 24.10.2024 60. 08407: Cuttack-Paradeep 24.10.2024 61. 18423: Bhubaneswar-Daspalla 24.10.2024 62. 09060: Brahmapur-Surat 24.10.2024 63. 08521: Gunupur-Visakhapatnam 24.10.2024 64. 07471: Palasa-Visakhapatnam 24.10.2024 65. 22873: Digha-Visakhapatnam 25.10.2024 66. 22819: Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam 25.10.2024 67. 08531: Brahmapur-Visakhapatnam 25.10.2024 68. 20837: Bhubaneswar-Junagarh Road 24.10.2024 69. 18447: Bhubaneswar-Jagadalpur 24.10.2024 70. 18417: Puri-Gunupur 24.10.2024 71. 18420: Jayanagar-Puri 26.10.2024 72. 08424: Daspalla-Puri 25.10.2024 73. 18422: Sonepur-Puri 25.10.2024 74. 12895: Shalimar-Puri 25.10.2024 75. 20824: Ajmer-Puri 29.10.2024 76. 08476: Nizamuddin-Puri 26.10.2024 77. 12277: Howrah-Puri 25.10.2024 78. 20835 (VB): Rourkela-Puri 24.10.2024 79. 12821: Shalimar-Puri 25.10.2024 80. 18021: Kharagpur-Khurda Road 24.10.2024 81. 12073: Howrah-Bhubaneswar 25.10.2024 82. 12894: Sonepur-Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 83. 20831: Shalimar-Sambalpur 25.10.2024 84. 08521: Gunupur-Visakhapatnam 25.10.2024 85. 18525: Brahmapur-Visakhapatnam 25.10.2024 86. Train No. 20841 (VB): BBS to VSKP 25.10.24 87. Train No. 08411: BLS to BBS 25.10.24 88. Train No. 08443: BBS to PSA 24.10.24 89. Train No. 08441: BBS to BAM 24.10.24 & 25.10.24 90. Train No. 17015: BBS to SC 25.10.24 91. Train No. 18463: BBS to SBC 25.10.24 92. Train No. 22974: PURI to LIMB 26.10.24 93. Train No. 20896: BBS to RMM 25.10.24 94. Train No. 20835 (VB): ROU to PURI 25.10.24 95. Train No. 08429: BBS to DSPL 24.10.24 & 25.10.24

Jharkhand Assembly Election: Kalpana Soren 'dares' BJP to support Sarna code, 27% quota for OBCs

Addressing an election rally in Tundi in Dhanbad district, she said the people of Jharkhand will no longer fall for the false promises of the BJP

Drillx, Drub & SAM8 Latest Single She's Blessing Featuring Punjabi Artist Be Baak

Renowned music producer duo Drub & SAM8, known for their innovative remixes and chart- topping original tracks, have released their latest single, Shes Blessing, featuring Punjab artist BE BAAK. Following a stellar year of groundbreaking releases and accumulating over 15 million streams on Spotify, Drub & SAM8 continue to dominate the global and Indian music scenes with their distinctive sound. Shes Blessing is a romantic Punjabi track that blends traditional melodies with modern production, capturing the universal emotions of love. Drub & SAM8 are celebrated for their heartfelt compositions, and this new single continues their tradition of creating music that resonates deeply with audiences. BE BAAKs soulful vocals elevate the track, adding depth and authenticity to the duos fresh and engaging perspective on love. Speaking about the track Drub says Shes Blessing is a song close to our hearts. The idea was to create a modern Punjabi track with uplifting vibes. Collaborating with Be Baak felt natural as we both connected over the concept instantly. The process was smooth, and everything came together perfectly. We're really proud of the final outcome and excited to share it with everyone!. Hailing from Dhanbad, Jharkhand, and Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Drub & SAM8s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The duo started with zero monthly listeners and quickly skyrocketed to over 600K across streaming platforms. Their genre-bending remixes and originals have earned them recognition from major labels such as T-Series, Sony Music, Saregama, and more. Their tracks, including popular hits like Tu Hi Hai, Jaan Le, Saari Saari Raat, and Saawan Barsa De, have become fan favourites, with some remixes reaching 10 million streams. Drub & SAM8s unique sound has also secured spots on prestigious Spotify and JioSaavn playlists like 'Latest Love Tunes,' 'Remix Station,' 'Lofi Vibe Hindi,' and 'Dumdaar Hits.' Shes Blessing is set to become another milestone in the duos illustrious career. Teaming up with BE BAAK, the track weaves together the soulful traditions of Punjabi music with contemporary beats, creating a sound that speaks directly to the heart. Shes Blessing is pure magic a blend of soulful vibes and heartfelt romance. Its a song that will make you fall in love all over again! says Akshat, reflecting on the emotional essence of the track. Global Recognition and Future Aspirations Drub & SAM8s journey from regional talent to global phenomenon is marked by their dedication to pushing musical boundaries. With collaborations across major labels including Times Music, Ultra Music, Icon Music and Ishtar Music, their tracks have consistently topped streaming charts and garnered widespread acclaim. The release of Shes Blessing is part of their ambitious plan for 2024, with no signs of slowing down as they continue to redefine genres and inspire future artists. The duos unmatched commitment to their craft and their ability to seamlessly fuse traditional and contemporary elements make them a force to be reckoned with in the global music industry.

ED searches premises linked government officials, lawyer in Ranchi and Dhanbad in land scam, extortion case

The ED search follows a land dealers police complaint accusing a lawyer of cheating 6 crore, which he took from three government officials on the promise of managing ED in a land scam case registered against them. The lawyer accused the dealer and the government officials of kidnapping him.

ED raids multiple locations in Jharkhand in case related to land scam; huge amount of cash recovered

RANCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted raids on more than half a dozen locations of 3 Circle Officers (CO), District Transport Officer (DTO), a lawyer, a land broker and others in a case related to a land scam. The locations where raids are being conducted include the residences of the Dhanbad District Transport Officer (DTO), Ranchi Circle Officer (CO), a lawyer, and others in connection with land scams and extortion cases. ED sources claimed that the raids were based on an FIR, related to transactions of money in the name of managing a land scam case, lodged at the Pandra police station in Ranchi. A huge amount of cash has also been recovered from the residence of DTO Diwakar Prasad Dwivedi from his Dev Vihar Apartment in Dhanbad, they informed. In addition to that, the raids are also being conducted at the residences of Jai Kumar Ram, Prabhat Bhushan, Sanjeev Pandey, and Ravi in Ranchi. Notably, Dhanbad DTO, along with Kanke and Namkum CO in Ranchi, is accused of brokering a deal worth Rs 5.71 crore to influence the ongoing investigation being conducted by ED into the land scam. The deal was said to be meant to ensure that their names would not appear in the EDs charge sheet. Earlier on October 6, land broker Sanjeev Kumar Pandey filed a complaint at Ranchis Pandra police station, accusing lawyer Sujit Kumar of cheating him out of Rs 12 lakh in the name of helping him avoid legal consequences in the ED investigation. Pandey in his complaint also alleged that Kumar promised to have his and his associates names removed from the charge sheet, but his name still appeared in the charge sheet despite the payment made by him. After his name appeared in the ED charge sheet, Pandey requested Sujit Kumar to return his money back against which, he issued 54 cheques and handed over his car as a guarantee, besides signing an agreement. Despite all these exercises, tensions escalated between the two which resulted in filing a complaint against the lawyer. The lawyer, on the other hand, filed a kidnapping case against Sanjeev Pandey, alleging that Pandey and his associates kidnapped him and extorted Rs 12 lakh before releasing him.

Ranchi Diary: Residential schools for labourers children

Congress begins Jan Samvad Abhiyan To counter BJPs Parivartan Yatra, Jharkhand Congress, a part of the ruling coalition (with JMM and RJD), started Jan Samvad Abhiyan on Friday in Ranchi and Bokaro. Partys senior leaders have been entrusted for all the five divisions of the state Kolhan, Santhal Pargana, North Chhotanagpur, South Chhotanagpur and Palamu. The Jan Samvad Abhiyan, which aims to listen to both grievances and suggestions of the common masses, would be held in several phases. In the first phase, 33 assembly constituencies will be covered, wherein senior party leaders will camp in the divisions and hold meeting with general masses. Residential schools for labourers children With an intention to provide free education to the children of labourers, the state government plans to establish labour residential schools in all 24 districts of Jharkhand. The initiative was revealed by CM Hemant Soren recently during the Jharkhand Skill Conclave held in Dhanbad. He said the training programs initiated by the Labour Department have empowered states youth with skills that makes them eligible for jobs in multinational companies. Highlighting his governments efforts, he expressed his dedication to ensure jobs to the skilled youth. Lone NCP legislator joins BJP amid opposition Despite opposition from the BJP cadres, lone NCP legislator from Hussainabad, Kamlesh Singh, joined BJP on Friday. He took party membership in presence of BJPs election co-in-charge Hemant Biswa Sarma at the state party headquarters in Ranchi. There was continuous opposition by local BJP leaders of Hussainabad, from where Kamlesh Singh belongs to, before his joining the party. The seven Mandal presidents had demanded earlier that Kamlesh should not be inducted into the BJP. They alleged that in the last five years, he had sent many BJP workers to jail in Hussainabad assembly constituency by implicating them in false cases. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com

'Nothing Matters More': Chasing His Dream, Atul Finally Boards Train to Reach IIT-Dhanbad After SC Order On His Admission

Upon the SC verdict, Atul received a letter from the institute to join the batch and reach campus by October 7.

Uttar Pradesh government will provide financial support to Dalit student admitted to IIT Dhanbad

The UP government pledges financial support for Atul Kumar, an SC student from Muzaffarnagar, who got into IIT Dhanbad. The state will cover his full tuition and other expenses to ensure financial issues do not hinder his education. The decision follows a Supreme Court order for IIT to reconsider his admission.

UP govt to bear expenses of education of Dalit student Atul Kumar, who lost seat in IIT Dhanbad over Rs 17k fees

The Uttar Pradesh government has extended its support to Atul Kumar, a Dalit student from Muzaffarnagar, who secured admission to IIT Dhanbad, official sources said here on Wednesday.

UP govt to bear entire fee of Dalit student in IIT Dhanbad

The Uttar Pradesh government will fund Dalit student Atul Kumar's entire education at IIT Dhanbad through a scholarship after the intervention of the Supreme Court and the state's Chief Minister. Atul, the son of a daily wage laborer, had faced admission issues due to unpaid fees.

DC Edit | SC helps pursuit of excellence

In an unprecedented manner, the Supreme Court has invoked its extraordinary powers to admit Atul Kumar, a youth from poor economic background, to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Dhanbad. The issue in question was whether a candidate who failed to deposit the requisite fee by deadline be shown leniency and allowed admission into the coveted education institution. The three-judge Supreme Court led by Chief Justice of India, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, felt that the talent of a boy cannot be allowed to be wasted and ordered the IIT Dhanbad to create a supernumerary seat for the petitioner. The judgment ends the ordeal of the son of a daily wage worker who had to crowdsource his IIT fee of Rs 17,500 from his entire village only to miss the deadline by a whisker. Apart from his talent that made him crack the JEE, and his marginalised background, the factor that went in favour of the petitioner was his sheer determination to fight the entrenched bureaucratic system that knows nothing else but rules. This fight also displays his love for knowledge, which is the crucial ingredient for the success of any nation. Notwithstanding the instant case, there are multitudes of instances across the length and breadth of the country where the dreams of similarly talented students get trampled by the bureaucratic rules or for the want of money. It is, therefore, high time that the government devotes its attention to the issue and offers pre-sanctioned loans to all students who secure admission to institutions of academic excellence. If a candidate has financial wherewithal, he would not avail it. However, those students like Atul Kumar would not have to compromise their self-respect by seeking crowdfunding. The default loan scheme would do true justice to the extraordinarily talented students, who could form the bedrock of the countrys future. The country must express its gratitude to Atul Kumar for highlighting this issue and wish him all the best in his pursuit of academic excellence.

UP: Titora village celebrates as SC orders IIT to admit dalit student

Muzaffarnagar: Celebrations erupted in Titora village of this district after the Supreme Court on Monday came to the rescue of a Dalit youth from the village, who had lost his seat in IIT Dhanbad after missing the deadline to deposit a fee. Using its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the apex court Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Supreme Court asks IIT Dhanbad to admit Dalit youth

The Supreme Court ordered IIT Dhanbad to readmit a Dalit student who missed his admission deadline by minutes due to financial constraints. The student's father, a daily wager, struggled to quickly secure a loan for the 17,500 fee. A supernumerary post will be created for the student.

Supreme Court opens IIT door for student who could not pay fees on time

Atul Kumar missed admission to IIT Dhanbad as he could not pay 17,500 on time before the portal closed. The SC noted that Mr. Kumar had struggled against the odds to achieve his dream to study at an IIT and exercised its extraordinary power under Article 142 to give him admission.

SC asks IIT to grant admission to youth who missed fee submission deadline

The Supreme Court on Monday came to the rescue of a Dalit youth, who had lost his seat in IIT Dhanbad after missing the deadline to deposit a fee, by asking the institute to admit him to the BTech course. We cannot allow such a young talented boy to go away. He cannot be left in lurch, a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said. The top court used its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution in asking the IIT Dhanbad to admit Atul Kumar into its Electrical Engineering BTech course. We are of the view that a talented student like the petitioner who belongs to a marginalised group who did all to secure admission should not be left out... we direct that candidate is granted admission to IIT Dhanbad and let him be in the same batch to which he would have been granted admission if the fees would have been paid, the bench said in the order. Article 142 of the Constitution empowers the top court to pass any order in th

Big relief for UP boy who lost IIT seat over Rs 17000 fees, here's what SC said

The top court used its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution in asking the IIT Dhanbad to admit Atul Kumar.

SC uses special power, asks IIT to admit Dalit youth

The Supreme Court on Monday came to the rescue of a Dalit youth, who had lost his seat in IIT Dhanbad after missing the deadline to deposit a fee, by asking the institute to admit him to the BTech course.

All The Best: Supreme Court To Dalit Student After Ordering IIT Admission

Rs 17,500. That's the fee that a Dalit student had to pay to secure his admission into the prestigious IIT Dhanbad. The UP student had four days to submit the fee. The student's father, a daily wage labourer,tried all he could, but missed the mark.

SC asks IIT Dhanbad to grant admission to Dalit youth who lost seat for not depositing fees

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday came to the rescue of a Dalit youth, who had lost his seat in IIT Dhanbad after missing the deadline to deposit a fee, by asking the institute to admit him to the BTech course. We cannot allow such a young talented boy to go away. He cannot be left in lurch, a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said. The top court used its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution in asking the IIT Dhanbad to admit Atul Kumar into its Electrical Engineering BTech course. We are of the view that a talented student like the petitioner who belongs to a marginalised group who did all to secure admission should not be left out...we direct that candidate is granted admission to IIT Dhanbad and let him be in the same batch to which he would have been granted admission if the fees would have been paid, the bench said in the order. Article 142 of the Constitution empowers the top court to pass any order in the interest of justice. The parents of Atul Kumar, 18, failed to deposit Rs 17,500 as the acceptance fee by June 24, the deadline for depositing the requisite fees for blocking the seat. The parents of the youth also approached the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, Jharkhand Legal Services Authority and the Madras High Court to save the hard-earned seat. Kumar, the son of a daily wager, hails from a below poverty line (BPL) family living at Titora village in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes also expressed its inability to help him. As he had taken JEE at a centre in Jharkhand, the youth had also moved the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority which suggested him to approach the Madras High Court as it was IIT Madras that had conducted the exam. The high court had asked him to approach the top court.

SC directs IIT Dhanbad to grant admission to Dalit youth who lost seat after missing fees deadline

The Supreme Court has directed IIT Dhanbad to grant admission to a Dalit youth who lost his seat after missing the fee deposit deadline. The court intervened after the youth's family, facing financial difficulties, failed to pay the acceptance fee on time. The youth had cleared JEE Advanced in his last attempt.

RVNL Declared Lowest Bidder For Rs 180-Crore Work Order From East Central Railway

The order involves modification works to meet 3,000 MT loading target for up and down line of Garwa Road -Mahadiya section of Dhanbad division.

Fissures in NDA Ahead of Jharkhand Elections, Chirag to Go Solo

New Delhi, Ranchi: Ahead of the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections, signs of division are appearing within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) president Chirag Paswan announced that his party is considering contesting the elections, either in alliance with the BJP or independently. Discussions on all options are currently underway. Paswans remarks came just a day after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is co-in-charge of the BJPs election strategy for Jharkhand, confirmed that the BJP would contest the polls in alliance with the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) party and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)]. The LJP (Ram Vilas) is a part of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. Speaking to the media at Ranchi's Birsa Munda airport on his way to Dhanbad, Paswan said, The LJP state unit is considering all options, including contesting the polls in alliance or alone. He emphasised that the party has a strong base in Jharkhand, adding, My father worked here when Jharkhand was part of unified Bihar, and we have built a strong following in the state. Meanwhile, Sarma stated on Saturday that BJP has already finalised seat-sharing arrangements for 99 per cent of the seats with its allies AJSU and JD(U), and the remaining few seats will be settled soon. A formal announcement on the alliance is expected after 'Pitri Paksha,' which concludes on October 2. There is speculation that BJP may allot three to four seats to JD(U), although the JD(U) is reportedly seeking a higher number. JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad expressed optimism, saying, We expect to secure a respectable number of seats and will contest the elections as part of the NDA. The JD(U) is looking to regain its foothold in Jharkhand after failing to win any seats in the last two Assembly elections. The party had contested 40 seats in 2019 and 45 seats in 2014, without success. Elections to the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly are expected to take place between November and December this year.

May forge alliance or go solo in Jharkhand polls: BJP ally Chirag Paswan

Union minister Chirag Paswan on Sunday said his party, LJP (Ram Vilas), would contest the assembly elections in Jharkhand, and all options were being explored, including forging an alliance or going solo, for it. Paswan's statement came a day after Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is the BJP's election co-in-charge for Jharkhand, said his party would contest the polls in alliance with the AJSU Party and JD(U). The LJP state unit is discussing all options, including contesting the polls in alliance or alone, Paswan told reporters at the Ranchi airport on the way to Dhanbad where he addressed a rally. LJP (Ram Vilas), which is a part of the BJP-led NDA, has a strong base in Jharkhand, he said. When I was born, Jharkhand was a part of Bihar. This had been my father's workplace. The party has developed a strong mass base in the state. In such a situation, it has been decided that the party will contest the upcoming assembly polls, he added. Speaking to the press in Dhanbad, Paswa

LJP to contest J'khand polls, in alliance or alone: Chirag Paswan

Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan on Sunday said his party would contest Jharkhand assembly polls and discussion was underway for all options including contesting the election in alliance or alone. Paswan's statement came a day after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also BJP's election co-incharge for Jharkhand polls, said the saffron party would contest the assembly polls in alliance with AJSU Party and Janata Dal (United). LJP (Ram Vilas) is a part of the BJP-led NDA government in the Centre. The LJP state unit is discussing all options including contesting the polls in alliance or alone..., Paswan, the Union Food Processing Industries minister told reporters at Ranchi's Birsa Munda Airport. Paswan will address a public meeting in Dhanbad on Sunday. LJP (Ram Vilas) had a strong mass base in Jharkhand, he said. When I was born, Jharkhand was in a unified Bihar. This had been a workplace for my father. The party has ...

Goods train derails near Bokaro; 15 trains diverted

RANCHI: Two wagons of a goods train derailed near Tupkadih station in Jharkhand's Bokaro affecting movement of trains, an official said on Thursday. Fifteen trains have been diverted on the route. Two wagons of a goods trains carrying steel consignment derailed near Tupkadih station in Bokaro district last night at about 9 pm. We have diverted 15 trains including 14 express trains, Sumit Narula, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Adra division of South Eastern Railway, told PTI. The goods train was carrying steel consignment from Bokaro Steel Plant and overturned on the main line between Tupkadih and Bokaro stations. The incident occurred near the northern cabin yard of Tupkadih station and affected train movement on the Bokaro-Gomo section. One of the impacted lines has been rectified while work is underway to restore the other line to ensure smooth traffic, Narula said. Meanwhile, South East Railways in a bulletin said that the train got derailed at TKB yard over point no 102, blocking up and down both lines. The trains which were affected included Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express, Ranchi-Bhagalpur Vananchal Express, Hatia-Patna-Ranchi-Kamakhya, Ranchi-Lokmanya Tilak Express and Ranchi-Dhanbad intercity. Several trains remained stranded causing inconvenience to passengers. Meanwhile, railways has ordered an inquiry into the derailment.

SC assures help to student who lost IIT seat for not depositing fees

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has assured help to a poor Dalit youth, who lost his hard-earned seat in IIT Dhanbad after he narrowly missed the deadline to deposit Rs 17,500 as acceptance fee after clearing the prestigious exam in his last attempt. We will help you as far as possible. But what were you Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

SC assures help to poor Dalit youth who lost IIT seat for not depositing fees

The Supreme Court has assured assistance to Atul Kumar, a poor Dalit youth who lost his IIT Dhanbad seat after missing the fee deposit deadline. Kumar's family struggled to arrange Rs 17,500 in time. The court has issued notices to relevant authorities to address the issue.

Infiltration threat to J'khand, Mamata govt not providing land to secure B'desh border: BJP leader Suvendu

BOKARO: Asserting that Bangladeshi infiltrators are a major concern for Jharkhand, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of not providing land to the BSF for fencing work due to her appeasement politics. Adhikari, the leader of opposition in the West Bengal assembly, arrived in Jharkhand earlier in the day to take part in the BJP's 'Parivartan Yatra' in Dhanbad district. There are 72 places in West Bengal, where the Mamata Banerjee government did not provide land to the Border Security Force (BSF) to complete fencing along the international boundary with Bangladesh. The Ministry of Home Affairs had urged her to provide land, but she didn't give plots only for vote bank and appeasement politics, Adhikari told reporters in Bokaro. He claimed that the Bangladeshi infiltrators were entering West Bengal through the unfenced areas and their population has risen to 35 per cent in the state. To protect Jharkhand and West Bengal from Bangladeshi infiltrators, a double engine government is required. The infiltrators are posing a big threat to Hindu society and tribals in Jharkhand, Adhikari said. The term 'double engine' is used by BJP leaders to refer to the party being in power at the Centre as well as in a state. J'khand CM terms BJP's proposed women-centric scheme as 'election jumla' Adhikari cautioned that if the INDIA bloc returns to power in Jharkhand, there would be a hreat to nationalism, Hindu culture, tribal and original inhabitants of the state. He claimed that the people of Jharkhand would vote for the BJP for development of the state. There are around 90 lakh Bengali-speaking people in Jharkhand and 90 per cent of them would cast their vote on the BJP's symbol of lotus, he asserted. Later, addressing the 'Parivartan Yatra' in Dhanbad, Adhikari said the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand failed to fulfill its promises made during the 2019 assembly polls. All promises such as providing five lakh jobs, Rs 72,000 to every poor family, Rs 2,000 cooking cost to women remained unfulfilled, the BJP leader claimed. Appealing to people to strengthen the BJP in every booth, he said a new era of development and prosperity can dawn upon Jharkhand if the saffron party is voted to power. With an eye on the assembly elections due later this year, the opposition BJP in Jharkhand has been carrying out 'Parivartan' processions since September 20 to reach out to people and expose the failures of the JMM-led government in the state. People of Bengal will pray for Mamata Banerjee's removal during Durga Puja: BJP leader

Distance Education Student Challenges Action of Bar Council

Hyderabad: Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy of the Telangana High Court reserved judgment in a writ plea challenging the Telangana State Bar Council for not enrolling a law graduate as an advocate. The judge was dealing with a writ plea filed by Kevin Sukirthy who alleged that the respondent was not enrolling him on the ground that he completed his Intermediate through distance education, more specifically under Rules 5(a) and 5(b) of Legal Education Rules, 2008. The petitioner argued that despite securing admission to a three-year LLB programme through the TSLawcet 2017, his qualifications were not questioned by the State Bar Council earlier. The petitioner argued that the Bar Council's decision to question his eligibility for enrolment at this stage, after he had successfully completed his LLB, was unjustified. Standing counsel appearing for the State Bar Council justified the rejection of the application on the ground that the petitioner did not satisfy the requirements of the Bar Council Rules which grant enrolment only if the applicants complete their immediately preceding course before LLB in the regular mode. Counsel further pointed out the petitioner completed his intermediate through distance education and simultaneously completed his LLB in the same year. Standing counsel argued that therefore the petitioner cannot be said to be meeting the eligibility criteria for enrolment into the Bar Council. Counsel further pointed out the judgment of M. Naveen Kumar vs The State of Telangana given by a division bench of the Telangana High Court wherein the rejection of the application of admission of a candidate into the state law universities was upheld by the court on the ground that as the intermediate course of the petitioner was through distance education and the pre-condition of completing a regular course before the LLB was not fulfilled. It was also stressed that the Legal Education Rules require the immediately preceding course (degree or intermediate) to be obtained through regular education, not distance learning. The judge after hearing both the parties, reserved his judgment. 2. HC suspends order of commercial court for non-reasoned order A two-judge panel of the Telangana High Court suspended an interim order on alleged trademark mark violations against Open Financial Technologies Private Limited. The panel comprising Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya and Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka admitted an appeal filed by Wegofin Digital Solutions Private Limited, which had suffered an order of injunction in the hands of the commercial court at Ranga Reddy. The controversy related to the alleged violation of the trademark of the plaintiff. It was the case of the plaintiff that the appellant had replicated its website in toto and was therefore in violation of its intellectual property rights. Senior counsel K. Vivek Reddy pointed out that the content insofar as there were similarities was generic in nature. There was no copying of any exclusive or unique facets as claimed by the plaintiffs. He also argued that the order of the commercial court would have to be set aside on the simple ground that it was not supported by any reason as required under the law. The panel found that the impugned order did not contain any reasons. Speaking for the bench, Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya pointed out that the provisions of the Civil Procedure Code required giving reasons while granting an ex parte ad interim injunction. It is an integral part of public policy that an order of the court must be supported by reasons. It would otherwise be in violation of the principles of natural justice, the panel reasoned. The panel recorded that the injunction restraining the appellant from using the design on its website or at any fest was not supported by reason and accordingly suspended the injunction. 3. Narayanpet temple contempt case closed Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court closed a contempt case against the commissioner of endowments pertaining to the misappropriation of funds of Sri Sadguru Loka Masand Maharaj Temple in Narayanpet. The judge was dealing with a contempt case filed by B. Somnath Rathod, who alleged that the respondent authorities failed to comply with the directions passed by the judge earlier in a writ plea preferred by the petitioner. Earlier, the judge directed the respondent to consider the representations of the petitioner alleging misappropriation of temple funds by G. Srinivasa Raju, then assistant commissioner of endowments, and the executive officers of the temple and pass appropriate orders within six weeks. The petitioner alleged that despite directions, the respondent failed to comply with the directions passed by the judge. During the hearing, the government pleader for the respondent authorities informed the judge that the petitioners representation was considered and disposed of, in compliance with the directions passed by the judge in the writ plea. Taking into consideration the compliance of the respondent authorities, the judge closed the contempt. 4. Displacement for mining excavation questioned Justice C. V. Bhaskar Reddy of the Telangana High Court accepted a writ plea challenging the attempt of the state revenue department, commissioner of rehabilitation and resettlement and six others to displace and take away land of around 71 daily wage/casual laborers in Mayabazaar village, Dhanbad panchayat, Bhadradri Kothagudem district, for digging a coal mine without providing them any compensation. The judge heard a writ plea filed by Thatti Narsimha Rao and 38 others, who contended that the respondent authorities instead of providing the compensation, were forcibly allotting a mere 100 sq. yards of house plot to the petitioners and threatening them with dire consequences upon requesting compensation towards their land. The case of the petitioners was that they were an affected family under Section 3(m) for rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) for availing the compensation benefits under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (Act) and were entitled to avail compensation towards the acquisition of their land. The court, upon hearing the petitioners, directed the respondent authorities to consider the representation of the petitioners and extend the benefits of R&R compensation to the eligible beneficiaries under the Act.

Bangladeshi nationals major threat to Jharkhand; Mamata Banerjee government not providing land to secure border: Suvendu Adhikari

Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, arrived in Jharkhand to take part in the BJP's 'Parivartan Yatra' in Dhanbad district

Mamata govt not providing land to secure B'desh border, alleges Suvendu

Asserting that Bangladeshi infiltrators are a major concern for Jharkhand, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday accused Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal which shares a border with the neighbouring country, of not providing land to BSF for fencing work due to her appeasement politics. Adhikari, the leader of opposition in the West Bengal assembly, arrived in Jharkhand earlier in the day to take part in the BJP's 'Parivartan Yatra' in Dhanbad district. There are 72 places in West Bengal where the Mamata Banerjee government did not provide land to the Border Security Force (BSF) to complete fencing along the international boundary with Bangladesh. The Ministry of Home Affairs had urged Mamata Banerjee to provide land but she didn't give plots only for vote bank and appeasement politics, Adhikari told reporters in Bokaro. He claimed that the Bangladeshi infiltrators were entering West Bengal through the unfenced areas and their population rose to 35 per cent in

ONGC gets director to spearhead new energy, petrochem business & strategy

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has got a new director to spearhead its new energy, petrochemicals and corporate strategy as part of a board revamp aimed at breathing fresh life into the state-controlled behemoth. Arunangshu Sarkar has been appointed as Director for strategy and corporate affairs, ONGC said in a stock exchange filing. Before the elevation, Sarkar, a petroleum engineer from the Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, was Group General Manager (Production) at ONGC. He had previously worked as General Manager (Strategy & Corporate Planning), ONGC Videsh Ltd - the overseas investment arm of ONGC. Two years back, the board of ONGC was reorganised. Besides creating the new post of Director (Strategy & Corporate Affairs), the post of Director (Production) was created after merging Director (Onshore), who is in charge of all oil and gas fields located on land, and Director (Offshore) who looks after all offshore assets, such as the prime Mumbai High fields. In ...

PM Modi Virtually Flags Off Six Vande Bharat Trains to Boost Connectivity in Eastern India

New Delhi: On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated six new Vande Bharat Express trains aimed at enhancing connectivity across Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. The ceremony, originally planned to take place in person from Tatanagar, had to be conducted virtually due to poor weather conditions and low visibility, which prevented the PMs helicopter from taking off. Despite the weather setback, the event proceeded successfully, with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar present at Tatanagar station to mark the occasion. The newly launched trains will operate on important routes, including Tatanagar-Patna, Brahmapur-Tatanagar, Rourkela-Howrah, Deoghar-Varanasi, Bhagalpur-Howrah, and Gaya-Howrah. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the Vande Bharat trains will offer significantly faster connectivity, benefitting a wide range of commuters, including regular passengers, professionals, students, and business travelers. One of the key highlights of these new trains is their potential to boost religious tourism by providing quicker and more efficient travel to major pilgrimage sites such as Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, and Kalighat and Belur Math in Kolkata. In addition to facilitating tourism, these trains are expected to have a significant positive impact on various industries. The coal and mining sectors in Dhanbad, the jute industry in Kolkata, and the iron and steel industries in Durgapur are poised to benefit from improved connectivity, fostering economic growth in the region. The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express trains reflects the government's ongoing efforts to modernize India's rail network and provide state-of-the-art transport services. These trains, known for their speed and efficiency, are part of a larger plan to revolutionize travel across India, offering enhanced comfort and reduced travel time for passengers while bolstering regional development. Prashant Kishor Promises to Scrap Bihar's Liquor Ban Within an Hour if Elected Cultural Festival in Himachal Falsely Depicted as Anti-Muslim Violence, Video Rajasthan Chief Minister Returns from High-Profile Japan-South Korea Trip, Prepares for December Investment Summit

21 Cities Under NCAP Cut PM10 Pollution by Over 40 pc Since 2017-18, Shows CPCB Data

New Delhi: Ninety-five of the 131 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme have shown an improvement in air quality, with 21 reducing PM10 pollution by more than 40 per cent compared to 2017-18 levels, CPCB data shows.The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) also said that only 18 of the 131 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities adhered to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM10, set at 60 micrograms per cubic metre. The 21 cities and urban agglomerations that achieved more than 40 per cent reduction in PM10 pollution are Varanasi, Dhanbad, Byrnihat, Bareilly, Firozabad, Dehradun, Tuticorin, Nalagarh, Moradabad, Khurja, Trichy, Kohima, Lucknow, Kanpur, Kadapa, Sivasagar, Sunder Nagar, Agra, Greater Mumbai, Rishikesh and Parwanoo. Fourteen cities, -- Ahmedabad, Ghaziabad, Rajkot, Jalandhar, Raebareli, Amritsar, Kolkata, Jammu, Silchar, Vijayawada, Naya Nangal, Dimapur, Baddi and Jodhpur -- reduced PM10 pollution by 30-40 per cent, compared to 2017-18 levels. Khanna, Durgapur, Kurnool, Dera Baba Nanak, Vadodara, Allahabad, Asansol, Hyderabad, Gorakhpur, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Akola, Ananthapur, Durg Bhilainagar, Surat and Noida recorded a 20-30 per cent reduction in PM10 levels during the same period, the data showed. A 10-20 per cent reduction in PM10 pollution was recorded in 21 cities -- Delhi, Howrah, Thane, Latur, Nellore, Gajraula, Alwar, Chittur, Kala Amb, Mandi Gobindgarh, Amravati, Patiala, Jaipur, Ongole, Chandrapur, Nashik, Jhansi, Sangli, Kota, Devanagere and Rajahmundry. India launched the NCAP in 2019 with a target to reduce particulate pollution by 20-30 per cent by 2024, using 2017 as the base year. The target was later revised to a 40 per cent reduction by 2026, using 2019-20 as the base year. In practice, only PM10 concentration is being considered for performance assessment. Surat was on Saturday ranked as the top major city in India for air quality improvements, followed by Jabalpur and Agra. The Union environment ministry presented the National Clean Air City Awards during the Swachh Vayu Survekshan - 2024, held at a national workshop celebrating the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in Jaipur. While Surat, Jabalpur and Agra secured the top three positions among cities with populations of more than 10 lakh, Firozabad (Uttar Pradesh), Amravati (Maharashtra) and Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) were recognised as the best among cities with populations between three and 10 lakh. Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), Nalgonda (Telangana) and Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh) topped the list among cities with populations under three lakh. Swachh Vayu Survekshan is an initiative by the environment ministry to rank cities based on the implementation of activities approved under the city action plan and air quality in cities covered under NCAP. These cities were awarded for significant improvements in air quality through various best practices to reduce air pollution. Key activities included paving roads, promoting mechanical sweeping, bioremediation of legacy waste, solid waste management, converting reclaimed land from dump sites into green spaces, greenbelt development, intelligent traffic management systems, and Miyawaki afforestation.

21 cities under NCAP cut PM10 pollution by over 40% since 2017-18: CPCB

Ninety-five of the 131 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme have shown an improvement in air quality, with 21 reducing PM10 pollution by more than 40 per cent compared to 2017-18 levels, CPCB data shows. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) also said that only 18 of the 131 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities adhered to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM10, set at 60 micrograms per cubic metre. The 21 cities and urban agglomerations that achieved more than 40 per cent reduction in PM10 pollution are Varanasi, Dhanbad, Byrnihat, Bareilly, Firozabad, Dehradun, Tuticorin, Nalagarh, Moradabad, Khurja, Trichy, Kohima, Lucknow, Kanpur, Kadapa, Sivasagar, Sunder Nagar, Agra, Greater Mumbai, Rishikesh and Parwanoo. Fourteen cities, -- Ahmedabad, Ghaziabad, Rajkot, Jalandhar, Raebareli, Amritsar, Kolkata, Jammu, Silchar, Vijayawada, Naya Nangal, Dimapur, Baddi and Jodhpur -- reduced PM10 pollution by 30-40 per cent, compared to 2017-18 ...

Enforcement Directorate attaches property worth 1.6 crore of an official for misusing National Rural Health Mission funds in Dhanbad

The ED had earlier carried out six searches and one survey in the case and incriminating evidence were seized

CBI Arrests Principal Commissioner Of Income Tax In Rs 10 Lakh Bribery Case

NEW DELHI, Aug 27: The CBI on Tuesday arrested the principal commissioner of the Income Tax (Patna and Dhanbad) Department and four others over alleged bribery of Rs 10 lakh from different tax assessees, officials said. Follow The Daily Excelsior Channel On WhatsApp Principal Commissioner of Income Tax Santosh Kumar was arrested along with four private individuals Gurpal Singh, Rajiv Kumar, Ashok Chaurasia and Pranay during an alleged exchange of illegal gratification of Rs 10 lakh, they said. The [] The post CBI Arrests Principal Commissioner Of Income Tax In Rs 10 Lakh Bribery Case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Kisan express splits into two halfway through its journey en route Dhanbad, passengers recall the 'chaos'

On Sunday morning, a Dhanbad-bound express train split, detaching eight coaches near Raipur Village and causing public distress among passengers, including police exam candidates. Officials cited a technical glitch and reconnected the train within a few hours. No injuries occurred, and government buses were arranged to ensure timely arrival at exams.

Coaches of Dhanbad-bound train uncouple in U.P., none hurt

The coupling of the Firozpur-Dhanbad train was fixed and the train left for its destination

Dhanbad-Bound Kisan Express Splits Into Two Parts in UP's Bijnor; 13 Coaches Left Behind

The incident, which took place due to a coupling break, near Chakrajmal in Bijnor at around 4 a.m., caused panic among the passengers onboard, particularly those seated in the detached coaches.

Major accident averted! Few coaches of Satlej Express get detached from engine in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor (VIDEO)

A few bogies of Dhanbad bound Ganga Satlej Express got detached from the main wagon due to technical snag in Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, police sources said here.

BJP spreads poison in society in name of religion, love jihad, flood jihad: Hemant Soren

RANCHI: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday accused the BJP of spreading poison' in society under the pretext of religion, caste, love jihad, and flood jihad. He also claimed that there is a conspiracy underway to undermine the reservations for Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The chief minister made these remarks while addressing a government function in Hazaribag, where he transferred the first instalment of Rs 1,000 to the accounts of women beneficiaries under the Jharkhand Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana (JMMSY) scheme. A total of Rs 139.40 crore was transferred to the accounts of 13.94 lakh beneficiaries of seven districts - Hazaribag, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Giridih, Koderma, Ramgarh and Chatra - on the occasion. Making a scathing attack on the BJP, Soren said, BJP imports leaders from Assam, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, as its leaders here are not able to handle Jharkhand. These leaders are spreading poison in the society in the name of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christianity, forward and backwards. Hitting out at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma without taking his name, Soren said, Recently a BJP CM named the flood that his state was facing, as 'flood jihad'. Interestingly, they are now finding Hindu-Muslim, forward, backwards, tribal and Dalit even in water. Wide protest from media bodies against CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for targeting scribe's religious identity Sometimes, they say love jihad, Shiksha (education) jihad and now flood jihad. Beware of such people, Soren said. The CM further alleged that a conspiracy is going on to snatch the reservation of tribals and Dalits. A Bharat bandh call was given on Wednesday in protest against this, he said. In a much-planned manner, the government (central) is preparing to usurp the rights of tribal, Dalits, OBCs and minority people in the country, Soren alleged. He further alleged that the previous double-engine government did not do anything for the social security of the people. Jharkhand is one of the backward states. Society security should have been the utmost priority after the formation of the state. But our opposition remained focused on the security of businessmen without paying any attention to social security, he said. He said that his government is committed to the development of the state and claimed that he would take Jharkhand at par with the development of Delhi and Mumbai in his next tenure.