Four arrested for Sonbhadra mine collapse that killed seven; SIT cites gross negligence

LUCKNOW: Four persons were arrested in connection with the stone mine collapse that claimed seven lives in Sonbhadra district of eastern Uttar Pradesh on November 15. According to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the incident, the four persons arrested on Friday included Anil Kumar, 59, Chandrashekhar, 46, Gaurav Singh, 34, and Ajay Kumar, 44. All four were entrusted with overseeing mining operations at the site. While Chandrashekhar, Gaurav Singh and Ajay Kumar belong to Sonbhadra, Anil Kumar hails from Jharkhand. Sources said the four arrested persons were hired by the private firm holding the mining contract to oversee workers safety at the site in compliance with statutory DGMS requirements. However, the four, who were working as mine managers and mine mates, were legally responsible for reporting all mining operations and safety conditions to the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). They were expected to maintain the mine in proper condition and submit regular reports certifying whether mining operations were being carried out in compliance with safety norms. According to SIT sources, all four persons arrested were booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The SIT found that excessive drilling beyond permissible limits had severely weakened the structure of the quarry, leading to the sudden collapse of a massive rock formation. Police sources said the mine manager and mine mates were found, prima facie, to have shown gross negligence. Besides ignoring mandatory safety protocols, they failed to discharge their duties. On the basis of the evidence gathered, all four were taken into custody from the site, arrested, and legal proceedings have been initiated against them, said a police officer. During interrogation, the SIT found that workers were neither given safety instructions nor were mandatory precautions followed during drilling operations a fact admitted by the accused. They also admitted that they did not inform the Director of Mine Safety about the irregularities in drilling practices and the handling of explosives at the quarry, said a police official. Sources added that labourers were forced to enter the open pit mine by the mine owner and contractors despite their unwillingness due to safety concerns.

Nitish Rana To Captain Delhi In 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, No Place For Digvesh Rathi

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Nitish Rana has been named as Delhis captain for the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while wrist-spinner Digvesh Rathi has missed out on selection for the competition slated to begin on November 26. Delhi have been placed in Elite Group D alongside Jharkhand, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Saurashtra, and Tripura, with all of their matches scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad. The team has won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy only once - in the 201718 season under the captaincy of Pradeep Sangwan. This will be the first time Rana will turn out for Delhi in the ongoing domestic season after moving on from Uttar Pradesh and not featuring in the playing eleven for the first half of the Ranji Trophy, where the side was unable to win any matches. Rana, who will also turn out for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 following his trade from Rajasthan Royals, hit scores of 134 not out, 45 not out, and 79 not out to help West Delhi Lions win the 2025 Delhi Premier League (DPL) title. Incidentally, during Qualifier 1 of DPL 2025, Rana was in an exchange of words with Rathi, which went viral online. Rathi had been one of the uncapped finds for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025 picking 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.59. But it seems that a not so bright DPL 2025 resulted in his omission from Delhis squad picked by the selection committee of Yashpal Singh, K. Bhaskar Pillai and Manu Nayar, with head coach Sarandeep Singh, CAC Chairman Vijay Dahiya and DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma being present in the meeting. Veteran pacer Ishant Sharmas selection is subject to availability, with sources telling IANS that hes recovering from an injury and was present for rehab at the BCCI CoE facility in Bengaluru. Its the same case with senior fast bowler Navdeep Saini, who is also dealing with an injury issue that limited his participation in the Ranji Trophy. While all-rounder Harshit Rana is also subject to availability, it's more to do with him being in fray for selection in Indias upcoming white-ball games three ODIs and five T20Is - against South Africa. Opener Priyansh Arya and leg-spinner Suyash Sharma will join the Delhi side after India A's campaign in the Rising Asia Cup in Doha ended in a lame semi-final defeat to Bangladesh A. Veteran pacer Ishant Sharmas selection is subject to availability, with sources telling IANS that hes recovering from an injury and was present for rehab at the BCCI CoE facility in Bengaluru. Its the same case with senior fast bowler Navdeep Saini, who is also dealing with an injury issue that limited his participation in the Ranji Trophy. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Delhi squad: Nitish Rana (captain), Priyansh Arya, Sarthak Ranjan, Ayush Badoni, Arpit Rana, Ayush Doseja, Mayank Rawat, Tejasvi (wk), Anuj Rawat (wk), Himmat Singh, Yash Dhull, Simarjeet Singh, Rahul Dagar, Yash Bhatia, Ankit Rajesh Kumar, Harsh Tyagi, Suyash Sharma, Prince Yadav, Money Grewal, Rohan Rana, Dhruv Kaushik, Aryan Rana and Vaibhav Kandpal. Article Source: IANS

Delhi Trade Fair 2025: Dates, Ticket Prices, Entry Timings, Nearest Metro & How to Book

Delhi Trade Fair 2025: Ticket Prices, Dates: Delhi's 44th India International Trade Fair has commenced at Pragati Maidan, showcasing a vast array of domestic and international exhibitors. Jharkhand is the focus state, with several others as partners. The 14-day event highlights trade, tourism, and creativity, offering business and consumer opportunities. Entry details and ticket prices are available for visitors.

Snake venom worth Rs 80 crore seized in Jharkhand; three smugglers arrested

RANCHI: A joint team of the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has seized snake venom worth approximately 80 crore in the international market. According to PTR officials, they recovered a total of 1.2 kg of snake venom, collected locally and prepared for smuggling abroad. The team also recovered 2.5 kg of pangolin scales during the operation. PTR officials stated that the operation was conducted on the basis of a tip-off received about the illegal trade of snake venom in the Palamu region. Three alleged smugglers, including a father and son, have been arrested in the case. Operation against the entire network is still on and the poison, which was collected locally, has also been recovered. We will send the recovered material to the laboratory for testing, said PTR Deputy Director Prajeshkant Jena. He, however, refused to divulge further details, citing that raids are still ongoing. The seized venom is valued at approximately 80 crore in the international market, while the pangolin scales are valued at around 20 lakh. Those arrested have been identified as Mohammad Siraj (60), a resident of Dev in Bihars Aurangabad district; his son Mohammad Miraj (36); and Raju Kumar Shaundik (50), a resident of Kauwakhoh under Hariharganj police station in Palamu. Raju runs a shop in the Hariharganj market and also sells herbs for a living. According to information provided by forest officials, they had received a tip-off that snake venom was being collected locally and sold in the international market. Based on this information, the accused were kept under surveillance for several days. First, the father-son duo was arrested from Bihar, followed by the arrest of Raju Kumar Shaundik from Hariharganj. Investigations revealed that Raju was involved in the jaggery trade as well as the smuggling of snake venom, said a local forest official requesting anonymity. The arrested persons have also admitted during interrogation that the venom was collected locally and supplied to the international market, he added. Notably, snake venom is used as a drug and is priced at up to 8 lakh per gram in the international market. Officials added that the phones of the accused have been seized and the entire network involved in the illegal trade of snake venom and pangolin scales is being investigated. The pangolin scales recovered during the raid belong to a rare mammal. These scales are used in the manufacture of medicines in China, Vietnam and several other countries, generating high demand in the international market.

Ruturaj Gaikwad To Lead Maharashtra In 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: India opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has been named Maharashtras captain for the 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy starting on November 26, said the Maharashtra Cricket Association announced on Friday. Gaikwad heads into the tournament on the back of strong form for India A in their 50-over series in Rajkot, where he amassed 210 runs, including a century. Maharashtra will play its groupstage fixtures at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and will start their campaign against Jammu and Kashmir on November 26. Apart from J&K, Maharashtra will also face off against Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Chandigarh in their Elite Group B league matches. Meanwhile, Shubham Khajuria has been named captain of the J&K team. The squad includes fast bowler Umran Malik and hardhitting batter Abdul Samad, both of whom bring valuable experience to the side whose fortunes in the Ranji Trophy have been on a high. For their white-ball games, they will have the services of their guest player leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin, who previously played for Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh. Previously, Jharkhand named wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan as their captain for the tournament, where they are slotted in Elite Group D, alongside Delhi, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Saurashtra, and Tripura in Ahmedabad. Karnataka, meanwhile, have named Mayank Agarwal as their captain, with availability of Devdutt Padikkal, Prasidh Krishna and KL Rahul depending on their selection for the ongoing multi-format series against South Africa. Previously, Jharkhand named wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan as their captain for the tournament, where they are slotted in Elite Group D, alongside Delhi, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Saurashtra, and Tripura in Ahmedabad. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jammu & Kashmir squad: Qamran Iqbal, Shubham Khajuria (c), Vivrant Sharma, Musaif Aijaz, Abdul Samad, Yawer Hassan, Kanhaiya Wadhawan (vc), Abid Mushtaq, Vanshaj Sharma, Ashwin Murugan, Yudhvir Singh, Auqib Nabi, Umran Malik, Nasir Lone, and Sunil Kumar Article Source: IANS

ED launches massive coal-smuggling crackdown with raids across Bengal, Jharkhand

The Enforcement Directorate is conducting extensive raids across West Bengal and Jharkhand. These operations target illegal coal mining and transportation. Over 100 ED officials are involved in searches at numerous locations. The agency is investigating individuals linked to the coal mafia. Significant cash seizures have been reported. These searches are part of ongoing probes into a multi-crore coal smuggling case.

Jharkhand: 7 Months on, Ramgarh Underground Fire Keeps Burning, Threatens Lives & Land in Coal Belt

What began as a forest blaze in April has turned into a slow-moving underground fire beneath a village, while district administration still investigates it.

ED raids in Jharkhand, West Bengal against coal mafia

RANCHI/KOLKATA, Nov 21: The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted a mega search operation in Jharkhand and West Bengal as part of a money laundering probe against the coal mafia in the two neighbouring states, officials said. More than 40 premises are being covered in the raids that were launched around 6 am with almost 100 officials and staff of the federal probe agency participating. Teams of central security forces provided security to the ED teams, which searched residences and offices [] The post ED raids in Jharkhand, West Bengal against coal mafia appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

ED raids over 40 locations in Jharkhand and West Bengal against coal mafia

Enforcement Directorate officials on Friday carried out searches at more than 40 locations across Jharkhand and West Bengal in connection with a money laundering probe involving the coal mafia network. The cases together point to large-scale coal pilferage, causing an estimated loss of hundreds of crores to the government. In Jharkhand, the agency is searching around 18 locations as part of its probe. In West Bengal, the EDs Kolkata unit is conducting searches at 24 premises across Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah and Kolkata. These operations pertain to several major cases of coal theft and smuggling, including those linked to Anil Goyal, Sanjay Udhyog, LB Singh and Amar Mandal. Premises associated with Narendra Kharka, Anil Goyal, Yudhistir Ghosh, Krishna Murari Kayal and others are also being searched. (This is a developing story)

ED conducts searches in Jharkhand, West Bengal amid crackdown on coal mafia

More than 40 premises in the two States are being covered as part of the action under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)

Hemant Soren govt to mark first anniversary with 8,000 teacher appointments across Jharkhand

RANCHI: Hemant Soren government will mark one year in office with one of the largest recruitment drives in the state, with the highest number of appointments being made in the education sector. According to officials, a total of 8,000 assistant teachers will be appointed across the government primary and middle schools. The event carries symbolic significance, as Chief Minister Hemant Soren had taken oath for his third term on November 28, 2024, at the same Morhabadi Grounds in a grand ceremony where the appointment letters will be distributed among successful candidates. As per the notification issued by the Cabinet Coordination Department, the Chief Minister will distribute appointment letters to successful candidates selected for positions that include Assistant Teachers, Dental Doctors, Sericulture Experts and several other posts. According to government sources, a total of 8,000 assistant teachers will be appointed across government primary and middle schools. These include successful candidates in mathematics and science, social science, and language for classes 6 to 8, they said. Out of these, Palamu district will receive the highest number of appointments, with 779 teachers getting their joining letters. These include 396 teachers for Classes 1 to 5, 81 language teachers, 37 mathematics and science teachers, and 265 social science teachers. Meanwhile, energy, home, drinking water and other departments have been instructed to ensure robust arrangements for security, power and water supply during the anniversary celebrations. The Ranchi district administration has also been directed to start special preparations for the event. Departments associated with JPSC and JSSC recruitments have also been asked to immediately complete formalities for issuing appointment letters to selected candidates. In the 2024 Assembly elections in Jharkhand, Sorens JMM-led alliance stormed to victory, securing 56 seats in the 81-member Assembly, while the BJP-led NDA managed to get 24 seats. Soren had taken oath as the 14th Chief Minister of Jharkhand in a grand ceremony, amid the presence of a galaxy of INDIA bloc leaders, held at Morhabadi Ground in Ranchi on November 28, 2024. The 49-year-old tribal leader was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar.

India will start clinical trial for treating sickle cell disease among central India tribal

On the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Institute of Genomic and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) has transferred indigenous technology for developing a CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) to the Serum Institute of India Private Limited (SII). India has the second-highest number of children born with SCD globally, with an estimated 15,000 to 25,000 new cases each year, particularly among tribal communities in Central India. SII will now conduct clinical trials to develop a more cost-effective treatment for this genetic disorder. At present, CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy for SCD costs around USD 3 million (approximately Rs 26 crore), mainly due to high licensing fees. The newly developed indigenous technology, however, is expected to bring the cost down to around Rs 50 lakh. Meanwhile, IGIB has already begun the first phase of clinical trials in collaboration with multiple agencies, including the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and CSIR. We have created a pool of around 150 potential participants from cities such as Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, Raipur in Chhattisgarh, and Ranchi in Jharkhand to begin the clinical trial, said Dr Souvik Maiti, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-IGIB. We will finalise three participants from this pool for our first trial after obtaining the necessary approvals, added Maiti, the lead investigator for this flagship project. Extraction of the affected gene from bone marrow will be carried out at AIIMS Delhi, while the gene editing will take place at IGIBs dedicated centre. The extraction process is expected to take 120 days. Following the transfer of technology, SII will collaborate with IGIB to conduct the second and third phases of clinical trials, involving a larger pool of participants. IGIB noted that a similar treatment was successfully administered to three African individuals in the United States. Encouraged by this progress, Indian scientists decided to replicate the process domestically using indigenous technology. It has taken nearly six years for India to develop its own CRISPR platform. Experts believe that similar indigenisation of CRISPR technology can also be achieved in the agriculture sector. Currently, ICAR has been negotiating licensing fees with foreign agencies rather than developing its own indigenous CRISPR systems.

Health Minister Irfan Ansari to personally treat patients in OPDs across Jharkhand

RANCHI: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari will personally treat patients in the OPD. The minister, who is also an allopathy doctor, has announced that he will make regular visits to Sadar Hospitals in every district and provide OPD services to patients. According to Ansari, he does not want to be a minister only, but wants to understand the problems of patients closely by working on the ground and examining them as a doctor. Ansari said that he wants to meet patients in the OPDs to assess the actual situation in hospitals. For the first time in the country, a Health Minister will personally serve as a doctor and regularly attend outpatient treatment (OPDs). I will tour each and every district of Jharkhand and personally conduct outpatient treatment at Sadar Hospitals, said the Health Minister. His mission is to provide better healthcare to the public, he added. During his visits to Sadar Hospitals, Ansari will meet patients during his OPD sessions and will also conduct a detailed inspection of the hospital. This will include medication availability, staff shortages, sanitation, basic amenities, and the state of hospital infrastructure. Ansari said that he also plans to review the shifts, duty hours, and working styles of doctors and nurses and make appropriate changes. Transparency, accountability, and a patient-centric system are our goals, said the Health Minister. The announcement was made by the Minister while inspecting the outpatients departments (OPD) at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) on Tuesday. The Health Minister made a surprise visit to RIMS, met patients admitted to the Trauma Centre, and listened to their concerns. He learned that many patients were allegedly made to purchase their medications from outside. The Minister also issued a stern reprimand to the RIMS Director and the concerned doctors, clearly stating that negligence in patient care will not be tolerated at any level.

Why do you use machinery for political battles?

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain an appeal of the CBI seeking direction to initiate a preliminary inquiry into allegations of irregularities in appointments and promotions in Jharkhand Assembly Secretariat. Sorry, we are not inclined at this stage, said a two-judge bench of Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran. Why do you (CBI) use the machinery for your political battles? ... We have told you so many times, observed the CJI and rejected its appeal. Last November, the SC stayed the Jharkhand HC verdict of September 23, 2024, which directed the CBI to inquire into the alleged irregularities in appointments and promotions in the state Assembly. On Tuesday, senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Jharkhand Assembly Secretariat, said, It is shocking that when matters come up, the CBI appears in that court beforehand.

Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha postings case: Why use CBI for political battles, SC asks Centre?

The Supreme Court questioned the use of the CBI for political disputes while hearing a plea against a Jharkhand High Court order for a probe into Vidhan Sabha appointments. Chief Justice of India BR Gavai asked why the central agency's machinery was being utilized for political battles, noting previous similar observations.

100-plus minors, held as bonded labourers, rescued from Raipur factory

NHRC member says that the children mostly tribals from Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha were exposed to formaldehyde, a chemical known to cause cancer

Complaint filed against former DGP Anurag Gupta for alleged criminal links

RANCHI: Senior High Court Advocate Rajiv Kumar has registered a complaint former DGP Anurag Gupta alleging him of conniving with criminals to extort money from businessmen and contractors. Kumar in his complaint alleged that Anurag Gupta, in connivance with notorious Jharkhand criminal Sujit Sinha and other criminals, formed an organisation called Koylaanchal Shanti Samiti (KSS) and collected crores of rupees from coal traders, contractors, transporters, doctors, businessmen across the state. I have filed a zero FIR against former DGP Rajeev Kumar and some others for extorting money in connivance with other officials during his tenure as DG (ACB) and DGP of Jharkhand, said advocate Rajeev Kumar. Rajeev Kumar further alleged that, while holding the post of DGP, Gupta was indirectly running the biggest criminal organisation of Jharkhand, and on the behest of a criminal, he arranged for the so-called encounter of criminal Aman Sahu, who was lodged in jail. Rajiv Kumar alleged in his complaint that Anurag Gupta, while abusing his position and power, extorted crores of rupees. While serving as Director General of ACB and CID, he, with the help of some DSPs and other police officers, Mohammad Parvez Alam, Mohammad Nehal and Animesh Naithani, filed fake FIRs against his opponents. Anurag Gupta also issued notices to some government officers and engineers based on fake complaints, in which he was assisted by CID and ACB officers Amar Kumar Pandey, Ganesh Prasad Inspector, Constable Anuj Mahato, Constable Chandan Kumar, Constable Prabhat Dubey, Constable Birendra Kumar Mahato, Constable Deepak Mehta, Constable Mahadev Mahato, Constable Ranjeet Rana, Constable and others, stated the complaint. Therefore, Rajeev Kumar has requested Jharkhand police to investigate the criminal and corrupt acts of former DGP and file an FIR against him and his associates under relevant sections. This is extremely important in the interest of Jharkhand and the country, he said. Earlier on Sunday, Jharkhand BJP Chief and Leader of Opposition, Babulal Marandi, had written a letter to the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking a comprehensive probe into an alleged nexus between former Jharkhand DGP Anurag Gupta and the organised criminal syndicate led by gangster Sujit Sinha. In his letter, Marandi said that the allegationsif provenpose a direct threat to national security. Marandis letter claims that the Sinha gang allegedly procured weapons dropped by drones in Punjabs Moga district, reportedly originating from hostile neighbouring Pakistan. The gang is further alleged to have links with gangster Prince Khan, said to be associated with international criminal networks. Notably, Gupta resigned from his post on November 4 , after seven months of his retirement. Despite the fact that central government had rejected the state governments decision to give Gupta an extension even after his retirement, he continued on the post of DGP for seven long months.

Supreme Court expresses concern over cases of missing children, terms it 'serious'

NEW DELHI: Voicing serious concern over a news report that claimed that in every eight minutes, a child goes missing in the country, the Supreme Court -- while hearing a petition filed by an NGO -- on Tuesday termed it as serious issue. I have read in a newspaper that every eight minutes, a child goes missing in the country. I don't know if this is true or not. But this is a serious issue, Justice B V Nagarathna, who was heading the two-judge bench, observed orally on Tuesday. The apex court comprising Justice R Mahadevan -- besides Justice Nagarathna --made it clear during the hearing that the adoption process in the country is complicated and thereby it asked the Centre to make it simpler and to streamline the mechanism for an effective one. The adoption process is rigorous, it is bound to be flouted and people go for illegal means to have children, observed the top court. It passed these observations, after hearing a plea filed by the NGO Guria Swayam Sevi Sansthan, which had moved the SC and highlighted that unresolved cases of kidnapping or missing children besides the actions required to be taken on the basis of information available with the Khoya/Paya portal monitored by the government of India. The petition filed in the apex court stressed that five cases were registered in Uttar Pradesh last year in which minor boys and girls were kidnapped and trafficked through a network of middlemen to states like Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. During the course of the hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, senior law officer appearing for the Centre, sought six weeks time for appointing a nodal officer to handle cases of missing children. Hearing this, the Apex Court, however, refused to grant six weeks and asked the ASG to complete the process by December 9. Earlier on October 14, the bench had directed the Union government to instruct all States and Union territories to depute a nodal officer to handle cases of missing children and to provide their names and contact details for publication on the Mission Vatsalya portal operated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It had directed that whenever a complaint regarding a missing child is received on the portal, the information should be simultaneously shared with the respective nodal officers. The Apex Court had earlier asked the Centre to create a dedicated online portal under the aegis of the home ministry to trace missing children and investigate such cases.

Jharkhand farmers to get a bonus of 100 per quintal over Centre's MSP for paddy: Minister

The Jharkhand government has prepared a proposal to pay an additional bonus of 100 on the MSP fixed by the Central government, which will be approved in the cabinet meeting very soon, says State Food and Public Distribution Minister

Former ace cricketer a spoiler for RJD 1st family

LUCKNOW: Rameez Nemat, referred to by Lalu Prasads daughter Rohini Acharya during her public criticism of her brother Tejashwi Yadav and the family, has a strong connection to Uttar Pradesh. He hails from Bhangha Kalan village in Balrampur district and is the son-in-law of former MP Rizwan Zaheer. Local records show he has around 12 criminal cases registered against him, two of which were quashed, and he was jailed in a 2022 murder case. He is currently out on bail, and the court order in that case is expected on November 20. Another murder case was also registered against him in Kaushambi district, for which he was arrested in August 2024 and got bail in April 2025. Rameez is considered close to RJD leader Tejashwi and part of his core team. He has been an active manager of election campaigns and organisational work, especially social media, during the 2025 Assembly polls. After the Bihar results, the turmoil in Lalu Prasad Yadavs family has led to blame being placed on Tejashwis aides Sanjay Yadav and Rameez Nemat. Rameez studied at Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, completed his graduation in Political Science, earned an MBA from Jamia Millia Islamia, and moved into election management and digital strategy. His family has long lived in New Friends Colony, Delhi. Rameez married Zeba, daughter of Zaheer who is Niyamatullahs cousin after the 2017 UP elections and began living at Zaheers residence, which enhanced his local visibility. He was a cricketer and represented Delhi in Under-14, Under-16, and Under-19 teams before moving to Jharkhand, where he captained the Under-22 side in 200809.

Ranchi Diary | Desi Magur is the state fish of Jharkhand

In a move aimed at protecting local aquatic life, the Jharkhand Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has officially declared Desi Magur (Clarias magur) as the State Fish. The decision is in line with the recommendations from ICARNational Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICARNBFGR), which identified the Clarias magur as an emblematic species deserving of state recognition. Native to Jharkhands rivers, ponds, and wetlands, the hardy, air-breathing catfish is expected to help promote sustainable aquaculture. Man impersonates Soren to call Karnataka Dy CM The Chief Ministers Office in Jharkhand has filed an FIR after an unidentified man, who posed as Chief Minister Hemant Soren and called Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his wife on November 15, around 9.50 pm. The complaint, filed by CMs personal secretary Jai Prasad, states that the same number had previously been used to harass former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. The CMO has condemned the act as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the CMs image and mislead VIPs. Congress talent hunt for spokespersons in state The Jharkhand Congress is set to begin a state-wide talent hunt to recruit spokespersons at the state and regional levels. The partys National Media Talent Hunt initiative looks to find people who are committed to the partys ideals, understand the Constitution well, are politically aware, and can communicate effectively. For the exercise, the state has been divided into seven zonesPalamu, Kolhan; Deoghar-Dumka-Jamtara; Sahibganj-Godda-Pakur; Ramgarh-Chatra-Koderma-Hazaribagh; Bokaro-Dhanbad-Giridih; and South Chotanagpur. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com

Vacancies in Information Commissioner posts undermining RTI Act: Supreme Court

Observing that the vacancies in the Information Commissioner posts undermine the functioning of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Supreme Court on Monday directed Himachal Pradesh to fill all vacant posts in its State Information Commission (SIC) within two months. It also instructed Jharkhand to complete its long-pending appointment process within one month. A two-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Surya Kant and including Justice Joymalya Bagchi, was hearing a petition filed by Anjali Bhardwaj, Commodore Lokesh Batra (Retd.) and Amrita Johri. The plea was on the prolonged failure of the Union government and several states to appoint Information Commissioners. Lawyer Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioners, pointed out that the Central Information Commission (CIC) has been without a chief for more than two months and that eight of the ten sanctioned Information Commissioner posts are vacant. He submitted that the CIC currently faces a backlog of nearly 30,000 cases. Bhushan contended that several SICs are also functioning with serious shortages. Bhushan further noted that the situation in several State Information Commissions was also alarming. In Jharkhand, the SIC has been defunct for more than five years and now the commission has even stopped registering new cases. In Himachal Pradesh, the SIC has been defunct for more than four months. He highlighted that in Chhattisgarh, the SIC is functioning with a single commissioner despite pendency of nearly 35,000 appeals and complaints. Similarly, in Maharashtra, the SIC is functioning with eight commissioners. while three posts are lying vacant and the backlog of cases is nearly 1 lakh, Bhushan pointed out. In Tamil Nadu, the government has sanctioned only seven posts of commissioners even though the SIC has among the largest backlogs in the country at 41,000, he said. In Madhya Pradesh, the SIC is functioning with four commissioners. while 20,000 matters are pending, he added. In several other states also, despite large backlogs, several posts of commissioners are lying vacant. It was highlighted that governments are completely undermining peoples Right to Information by not appointing information commissioners in a timely and transparent manner, leading to buildup of large backlogs and long delays of more than one year in the disposal of appeals and complaints. The issue of ensuring transparency in the appointment process as laid down in the Anjali Bhardwaj judgment of 2019 was also highlighted. The lawyer added that since the last hearing on October 27, 2025, the Karnataka government has filled all the vacancies in the commission and the SIC is now functioning at its full strength of 11 commissioners. The counsel for the Union of India stated that the selection committee meeting will be held at the earliest and the appointment process will be completed.

2 killed, several injured after portion of abandoned mine caves in: Jharkhand MLA

A devastating incident unfolded in the Mugma region of Dhanbad as a portion of an old mine gave way, claiming the lives of two workers and injuring several others. This tragedy struck amid unauthorized mining activities. Authorities are investigating the incident and the conditions that led to this collapse, while the grieving families demand accountability and answers.

IMD issues cold wave alert for 7 districts of Jharkhand, Gumla shivers at 6.6 degrees Celsius

In Jharkhand, chilly temperatures have dropped below 10 degrees Celsius across various regions, prompting a yellow warning for seven districts, such as Garhwa and Palamu. With Gumla reporting a brisk 6.6 degrees Celsius, the frigid air is amplified by dry conditions and northwesterly winds.

An uncertain solar-powered future

In the wake of Indias rapid push towards clean energy, upcoming solar power projects along the West Bengal-Jharkhand border have stirred up protests by thousands in both States. Moyurie Somreports on those who believe itll lead to an erasure of their livelihoods and access to their primary source of nutrition fishing

Rohini Acharya blames Sanjay Yadav, Rameez for causing rift in family: Who are they?

PATNA: Senior RJD leader Rohini Acharya accused Sanjay Yadav of escalating tension in former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasads family, adding that his actions had pushed her to quit politics and severe family ties . Sanjay (41) is the political advisor of Lalu Prasads younger son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav. A post-graduate in computer science from Haryanas Mahendragarh, he had worked as a software engineer with a private company in Delhi before he came in contact with Tejashwi in 2012. According to former union minister and senior BJP leader Ram Kripal Yadav, it was his son Abhimanyu who had first introduced Sanjay Yadav to Tejashwi in Delhi. At that time, Ram Kripal Yadav was in RJD and had cordial relations with Lalu-Rabri family. Ram Kripal was also known as Lalus Hanuman. Ram Kripal later distanced himself from Lalu-Rabri family and contested election from Patliputra Lok Sabha seat on the ticket of Bharatiya Janata Party. He won election twice from the seatin 2014 and 2019but lost to Lalus daughter Misa Bharti in 2024. The association between Sanjay and Tejashwi grew quickly after 2015 assembly election. The election campaign of RJD-led Mahagathbandhan was then designed and controlled by political strategist Prashant Kishor as Nitish Kumars JD(U) was part of alliance. This resulted in formation of Mahagathbandhan government after the 2015 assembly election. However, ahead of 2020 assembly elections when Lalus health deteriorated, Sanjay was made in-charge of war room. He established his position in RJDs first family. Sanjay looked after the election campaign of Tejashwi Yadav during 2020 assembly election in which RJD emerged as single largest party with 75 seats. In 2024, he was elevated to Rajya Sabha as RJD MP. Later, he became the most influential figure in RJD after Tejashwi. Sanjay is also known for several key political interventions, including advising that RJD posters feature only Tejashwi to counter jungle raj barbs, pushing the promise of 10 lakh government jobs in 2020, and trying to broaden the partys appeal beyond its MuslimYadav base. He also urged Tejashwi to take a softer line on Nitish Kumars return to the NDA, a departure from the sharp criticism seen in 2017. Earlier, during the RJD's Bihar Adhikar Yatra this year, Rohini Acharya, without naming Sanjay Yadav, had slammed him for his alleged overreach in the party. On Saturday, she named Sanjay and Rameez for her ouster from her parents family . Rameez Nemath, according to a post retweeted by Rohini Acharya, is an associate of Sanjay Yadav. Rameez hails from Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh. He is a former first-class cricketer, who has reportedly played for Jharkhand. Rameez is also considered close to Tejashwi Yadav, who himself is a former IPL and first-class cricketer. After she faced backlash, her estranged brother Tej Pratap Yadav came out in her defence and lent his support, warning Jai Chands (traitors).

Jharkhand BJP chief Marandi seeks NIA probe into alleged links between former DGP, Sujit Sinha gang

RANCHI: Jharkhand BJP chief and Leader of the Opposition, Babulal Marandi, has written to the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking a comprehensive investigation into an alleged nexus between former Jharkhand DGP Anurag Gupta and the organised criminal syndicate led by gangster Sujit Sinha. In his letter, Marandi said that the allegations, if proven, pose a direct threat to national security. Marandis letter states that the Sinha gang has procured weapons dropped by drones in Punjabs Moga district, reportedly originating from a hostile neighbouring Pakistan. The gang is further to have links with gangster Prince Khan, who is said to be associated with international criminal networks. Notably, Gupta resigned from his post on November 4, after seven months of service following his retirement. Despite the central government rejecting the state governments decision to grant Gupta an extension, he continued in the post of DGP for seven months. Marandi further said in his letter that recent investigations following the UAPA arrest of Riya Sinha, wife of gangster Sujit Sinha, revealed suspicious digital communication between her and former DGP Anurag Gupta. The letter cites claims that chats, call logs, and other data retrieved by police point to highly questionable connections. According to the letter, interrogation inputs from gang members suggest that the criminal front organisation Koylanchal Shanti Samiti (KSS) was formed and operated at the alleged behest of Anurag Gupta. The syndicate has long been involved in organised crime, including murder, extortion from contractors, transporters, doctors, lawyers and businessmen, and illegal arms trade. It is further alleged that Gupta might have received a percentage of extortion proceeds collected from contractors, transporters and businessmen. Marandi also urged the NIA to examine claims that this alleged nexus was used to control extortion and criminal dominance in the Bharatmala Project areas in Jharkhandan infrastructure corridor of national importance. Through his letter, Marandi has also asked the NIA to investigate whether the encounter of gangster Aman Sahu may have been influenced to benefit the Sinha gang by removing rival criminal networks. Marandi further alleged that some officials in the Jharkhand Police attempted to suppress communication records between Riya Sinha and the former DGP, calling it a serious attempt to obstruct justice. Citing the alleged international arms supply chain, the suspected role of a former top police officer and the impact on law and order, Marandi claimed that the entire case must be probed by the NIA, which is authorised to investigate organised crime with cross-border implications.

Family in Jharkhand awaits return of man killed in Saudi crossfire amid bureaucratic delays

RANCHI: More than a month after 27-year-old Vijay Kumar Mahto was fatally caught in an alleged crossfire between police and criminals in Saudi Arabia on 15 October, his family is still waiting for his body to be brought home. According to Mahtos sister-in-law, the family has been living in constant distress; they have waited every day for news, and food has not been cooked in their house for the last month due to the death in the family. As per local tradition, food is not cooked in the house after a death in the family until the cremation of the body is completed. Notably, after being hit by the bullet, Vijay Kumar Mahto allegedly sent a voice note to his wife in his village, Dudhapania, under Dumri block of Giridih, informing her that he had mistakenly been hit by a bullet and that there was no chance of his survival. Vijay also sent his photograph and said in the voice message that the bullet was meant for others but had accidentally hit him. Vijay, in his voice message, could be heard crying in pain and pleading with his wife that only God could save his life as he was vomiting blood. He added that other workers who were with him had fled the spot and that he had been crying in pain for the last hour, but no one had come to his rescue. For the last month, the family members have been waiting every day for the body. Vijay Mahtos wife, Basanti Devi, has been making repeated requests to the government for the return of the body along with compensation. Even after a month of the incident, we have not received the dead body so that we can cremate it and perform the last rites. Government should take pro-active steps to ensure that the dead body reaches us as soon as possible, said Mahtos sister-in-law Malti Devi. When contacted, officials in the Migrant Control Cell said that although the process has already begun, it will take time for the body to reach India. The matter is with the Public Prosecution Office and the investigation is still on, therefore it will take some more time for the dead body to reach India. Meanwhile, a no objection certificate has been sought from the family members for the same, said Team Leader of the State Migrant Control Cell, Shikha Lakra. The body will be released only after clearance from the Saudi Arabian police, she added. As per information provided by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to the Jharkhand government, the incident took place in the Jeddah region, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India (CGI), Jeddah. The CGI informed that the death is being treated as suspicious, and Mahatos body remains in the custody of the Public Prosecution Office in Jumum, Makkah.

21-Year-Old Widow Set On Fire By Lover, His Wife In Jharkhand's Dumka

The woman was hospitalised after she was allegedly set on fire by her lover and his wife in Jharkhand's Dumka district.

Butterfly that mimics dry leaf may become Madhya Pradeshs next 'state butterfly'

pBHOPAL: A tropical Asian butterfly, famed for its extraordinary ability to camouflage itself as a dry or dead leaf, may soon be declared tiger-cheetah state Madhya Pradeshs state butterfly. The countrys tiger-cheetah-leopard-wolf and gharial state Madhya Pradesh may soon notify the Orange Oakleaf variety as its state butterfly. If the state forest departments proposal to declare Kallima inachus as the states butterfly materialises, the Orange Oakleaf will become the central Indian states official state butterfly. Confirming that a proposal has been sent recently to the state government, MPs Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF-Wildlife), Subhranjan Sen, said once the proposal is cleared, MP will join the select league of states which already have their state butterflies. The Orange Oakleaf butterfly is particularly found in the dense forests of the Satpura Mountain Range. Its declaration as the states butterfly will render momentum to focussed efforts on butterfly conservation, Sen told TNIE on Sunday. At least ten states and Union Territories in the country have granted state butterfly status to unique genres of butterflies. These states include Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Uttarakhand, which notified their state butterflies between 2016 and 2023. Once MP notifies the Orange Oakleaf as its state butterfly, it will become perhaps the first state in central India to do so. The Orange Oakleaf butterfly flies in the Himalayas at low elevations, from Jammu and Kashmir to Garhwal and Kumaon, and across West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states. It is also found in central and peninsular India, including Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It flies along the central Indian highlands to Pachmarhi and Amarkantak in the Satpura Mountain Range in Madhya Pradesh. Its wings are shaped like a leaf when in a closed position. When the wings are closed, only the cryptic underside markings are visible. The resemblance to a dried leafa masqueradeis extremely realistic and gives the genus its common names, the oakleaf or dead leaf. Butterflies occupy a key position in ecosystem stability by acting as pollinators, helping plants reproduce and being a critical part of the food web or chain also, rendering a food source for predators like birds and bats. They are also vital environmental indicators, as their sensitivity to changes in their habitat signals the overall health of an ecosystem, the PCCF-Wildlife said. Notification of a state butterfly by the forest- and wildlife-rich state will also promote focussed research on various butterflies in MP, which is already considered home to 150 to 175 butterfly varieties.

High Courts must respond quickly and accurately, just like emergency wards in hospitals: Justice Surya Kant

RANCHI: Supreme Court judge Surya Kant said that High Courts must respond to injustice with the speed and precision of a hospital emergency ward. Speaking at the Jharkhand High Courts Silver Jubilee celebrations in Ranchi, he called for a judicial system equipped to act instantly when a crisis arises, much like medical teams that cannot afford delay when their lives are at stake. According to Justice Surya Kant, the judiciary must embrace rapid, coordinated and technology-enabled responses to ensure timely justice. Justice Surya Kant believes that High Courts should envision their institutional development in the same way that a modern hospital designs its emergency services, with structures capable of responding promptly, decisively and accurately in times of crisis. Our courts must aspire to the same level of preparedness, efficiency and coordinated response, he said. Justice Surya Kant further added, Only with such foresight the judiciary continue to provide timely and effective solutions addressing every challenge with the speed and clarity that a constitutional democracy demands. These are not merely administrative considerations; they are the next step in the evolution of access to justice, he added. Surya Kant said High Courts have the power and responsibility to act as engines of social transformation. Their wide jurisdiction, constitutional authority and closeness to the people allow them to shape legal development in ways that directly touch citizens lives. High Courts are the highest principles of justice that meet the lived realities of ordinary people, making them vital institutions for legal and social reform, he said. He also highlighted that High Courts powers under Article 226 are wider than the Supreme Courts jurisdiction under Article 32; High Courts can protect fundamental rights as well as other legal rights. This broad authority, combined with their accessibility, makes High Courts essential to ensuring that legal protection is neither distant nor delayed, he said. Calling the High Courts the backbone of constitutional justice, Surya Kant said they transform abstract rights into meaningful relief that reflects local realities. Their judgments, shaped by regional context and cultural understanding, give justice a human touch and allow courts to push social change that is both inclusive and grounded in experience, he said. Referring to the achievements of the Jharkhand High Court, he described its twenty-five-year journey as one marked by resilience, innovation and a deep commitment to constitutional values. He highlighted the Court's landmark decisions protecting tribal rights, the dignity of workers, environmental resources and the principles of intergenerational equity in mineral extraction. Justice Surya Kant commended the High Court's emphasis on technological reforms, calling them essential for improving access to justice. In a separate programme, speaking at the 150th birth anniversary celebration at Ulihatu, the birthplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that Jharkhand must follow the path shown by Dharti Aba Birsa Munda, calling him the hero whose struggle and sacrifice led to the creation of the State. The Chief Minister said that many heroes sacrificed their lives for the formation of Jharkhand, and their contribution still guides the State today. He expressed that the state feels the silence and loss that a family feels after losing an elder member of the family, following the demise of Dishom Guru, Shibu Soren. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram also joined the Chief Minister at the ceremony held at the Birsa Munda Complex in Ulihati.

Jharkhand NEET PG 2025 round 1 choice filling extended as JCECEB confirms allotment on 16 November

Jharkhand NEET PG 2025: JCECEB has extended the Jharkhand NEET PG 2025 round 1 choice filling process until further notice, allowing NEET-qualified candidates more time to submit their options for MD, MS, postgraduate diploma and DNB programmes. Despite the extension, the board will release round 1 seat allotment results on November 16, with reporting scheduled from November 17 to 20. A total of 267 candidates have been declared eligible as per the final merit list for state quota PG medical admissions.

Amit Shah pays tributes to tribal icon Birsa Munda, says he was pride of nation

NEW DELHI, Nov 15: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday paid tributes to tribal icon Birsa Munda on his 150th birth anniversary, saying he was the pride of the entire country. Born in 1875 in present-day Jharkhand, Munda challenged British rule and is credited with mobilising tribals against the empire. He died in British custody at the young age of 25. His birth anniversary is celebrated as Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Dignity Day) across the country. Bhagwan Birsa [] The post Amit Shah pays tributes to tribal icon Birsa Munda, says he was pride of nation appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

31 girl students injured as school bus overturns in Jharkhand's Koderma

The accident took place on the Ranchi-Patna main road in Koderma Valley under Koderma police station limits when the school bus carrying them from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Puto, Chandwara, overturned

Digital tribal museum in Chhattisgarh sparks pride, connection among youth

RAIPUR: The countrys first digital tribal museum has begun evoking a deep sense of pride and historical connection among tribal youths, women, academicians and tourists. Indias first digital tribal museum, set up in New Raipur, the new capital city of Chhattisgarh, is generating excitement across communities. The recently inaugurated Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial & Digital Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum, opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has quickly become a major attraction. The museum features life-sized sculptures and vivid representations of tribal freedom fighters and their resistance against the British Empire. It serves as an inspiring source for tribal youth and local communities who may be unaware of their rich history. Divided into 17 immersive sections, the museum employs sound, light and digital projections to transport visitors into the world of Chhattisgarhs indigenous communities. Each display, whether showcasing village life, crafts or heroic resistance, offers a visual feast filled with colour and movement that captivates both casual tourists and serious researchers. For local villagers, these exhibits evoke a deep sense of pride and connection. Our ancestors stories of resistance against British colonialism inspire us, said Mahendra Netam, a tribal youth from the Sarguja region who now works as a bike taxi driver in Raipur. He stood in front of an exhibit depicting the 1857 tribal uprisings that swept through central India, where Adivasi leaders like Gend Singh and Veer Narayan Singh bravely fought against British oppression. In addition to documenting tribal resistance history, another section of the museum highlights the daily lives of tribal people, including their cultural practices, food, household chores and last rites. In one corner, a group of women gathered around a display showcasing the transformation of tribal households, from using fuelwood and clay stoves to adopting LPG cooking. The women observed the plaque with intrigued expressions, reflecting on their own changing lifestyles. These types of cooking vessels are still used in our village, said Sinita Goud, a young mother holding her infant, her eyes lighting up with recognition as she pointed to the gleaming bronze vessels. For many, the museum represents more than just an archive; it serves as a bridge between the past and the present. It celebrates resilience, adaptation and identity. By digitally documenting tribal history, everyday life and resistance movements, the museum ensures that the stories of Chhattisgarhs indigenous people are not only preserved but also retold in their own vibrant, proud and enduring voice. The museum was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 November. So far, over one lakh visitors have visited it since then. India is home to several museums dedicated to tribal history and culture. A prominent example is the State Tribal Museum in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, which focuses on tribal life in both Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Other significant sites include the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi (Jharkhand), dedicated to tribal freedom fighters; the Tribal Museum in Silvassa (Dadra & Nagar Haveli), showcasing local life; and the Tribal Research & Training Institute Museum in Pune, which preserves Maharashtras tribal heritage.

Three drown, one missing after car falls into dam in Jharkhand

Initial investigation suggests that the driver lost control over the car and the vehicle overturned before falling into the water body

'Glorious State': PM Modi Extends Wishes On Jharkhand Foundation Day, Hails Tribal Heritage

PM Narendra Modi greeted Jharkhand on its Foundation Day, honoring its tribal heritage and Birsa Munda, and wished for the state's continued progress and prosperity.

Bypoll double blow to NC in J&K, Congress wins Anta in BJP-ruled Raj

NEW DELHI: Ruling parties on Friday suffered defeats in four of the eight seats where Assembly bypolls were held on November 11, with the Congress bagging one seat in BJP-ruled Rajasthan and PDP handing the National Conference its first defeat in Budgam. The BJP won the Nagrota seat in J&K and Mizorams main Opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) retained Dampa seat with its candidate R Lalthangliana defeating Vanlalsailova of the Zoram Peoples Movement by 562 votes. In Nagrota, BJPs Devyani Rana defeated J&K National Panthers Party candidate Harsh Dev Singh by 24,647 votes. Opposition PDPs Aga Syed Muntazir won the Budgam bypoll, defeating NC candidate Aga Syed Mehmood by 4,478 votes. The bypoll was necessitated after CM Omar Abdullah vacated the seat and chose family bastion Ganderbal after winning from both in assembly elections last year. In Anta, Pramod Jain Bhaya of Congress defeated BJPs Morpal Suman by 15,612 votes. The bypoll was necessitated after BJP MLA Kanwar Lal Meena was disqualified following his conviction in a criminal case. AAP retained the Tarn Taran seat in Punjab, with its candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu defeating SAD nominee Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa by 12,091 votes. JMM candidate Somesh Chandra Soren beat his nearest rival Babulal Soren of BJP in Ghatshila by-election in Jharkhand by over 38,500 votes. Somesh is the son of JMM MLA Ramdas Soren, whose death necessitated the bypoll. In Odishas Nuapada, BJPs Jay Dholakia beat Ghasi Ram Majhi of the Congress by 83,748 votes. V Naveen Yadav of Congress won Jubilee Hills seat defeating BRS nominee Maganti Sunitha by 24,729 votes.

SC Nudge Speeds Up Jharkhand High Court

The High Court had come under the Supreme Courts scrutiny for delays in pronouncing judgments, particularly in criminal matters, including cases involving death sentences and life imprisonment

NC loses stronghold in J&K; Congress, BJP win two seats each in bypolls to eight Assembly constituencies

IN J&K, the PDP wrests Budgam in central Kashmir from the NC. The BJP wins Nagrota in J&K and Nuapada in Odisha. The Congress bags Anta in Rajasthan and Jubilee Hills in Telangana. Opposition Mizo National Front retains Dampa in Mizoram. The AAP retains Tarn Taran in Punjab and the JMM retains Ghatshila in Jharkhand

Ghatshila bypoll: JMMs Somesh Chandra Soren defeats BJPs Babulal Soren by 38,524 votes

RANCHI: JMM candidate Somesh Chandra Soren has won the Ghatshila Assembly by-election, securing 1,04,794 votes and defeating the BJPs Babulal Soren by a decisive margin of 38,524 votes. The result has infused fresh enthusiasm into the JMM, reaffirming the partys strength in one of its traditional bastions. Counting began at 8 a.m. on Friday at Jamshedpur Co-operative College, and Somesh Soren took the lead from the very first round, opening with a margin of 3,246 votes. He maintained his lead throughout all 20 rounds of counting, with the gap widening steadily and triggering jubilant celebrations among JMM supporters. Party workers waved flags, beat drums, lit crackers, and danced as the numbers continued to favour their candidate. Expressing his gratitude, Somesh Chandra Soren thanked voters for their overwhelming support and pledged to work with dedication for the development of Ghatshila. Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) candidate Ramdas Murmu finished third, securing 11,542 votes. The Ghatshila seat fell vacant earlier this year following the death of State Education Minister Ramdas Soren in Delhi after a prolonged illness. A traditional stronghold of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, the constituency has been won by the BJP only once, in 2014. JMM leaders attributed the victory to the steadfast support of party workers and the trust placed in them by voters. The verdict was clear from day one. The people of Ghatshila have once again shown their trust in Hemant Sorens leadership, said JMM leader Kunal Sarangi. The by-election carried both political and emotional weight for the ruling party, following the demise of former MLA Ramdas Soren, who had reclaimed the seat for the JMM in 2019 and again in 2024 with a margin of over 22,000 votes.

Jharkhand: JMM wins Ghatshila bypoll by 38,524 votes

JMM candidate Somesh Chandra Soren triumphed in the Ghatshila by-election, securing a decisive victory by 38,524 votes. This win, a tribute to his late father, MLA Ramdas Soren, strengthens the ruling alliance's position in the Jharkhand assembly. The JMM's win marks a significant moment, with Somesh Chandra Soren entering politics for the first time.

Jharkhand Bypoll: Somesh Soren Leads

In his political debut, Somesh Chandra Soren of JMM outpaces BJPs Babulal Soren in high-stakes Ghatshila by-election

Jharkhands anti-Maoist offensive nears end after 25 years with heavy security force losses

RANCHI: Security forces in Jharkhand have paid a heavy price in the 25-year-long fight against Maoists, with 555 personnel, 147 from central forces and 408 from state forces, killed during this period. Civilian casualties were even higher, with 1,925 deaths, peaking at 175 in 2007. Despite these losses, the state is now nearing the final phase of its anti-Maoist operations. A total of 999 Maoists have been killed so far, including 235 eliminated in 1,343 gunbattles with security forces. The remaining deaths occurred due to internal clashes or mob killings. The maximum number of encounters took place in 2009, while 2008 saw the highest number of Maoists, 46, killed by security forces during 102 encounters. Since the states creation, 6,300 Maoist-related incidents have been recorded, with 2009 witnessing the highest number at 512. Maoists carried out 102 direct attacks on police between 2001 and 2025, with the most in 2001, 2003 and 2006. A total of 314 Maoists, including top leaders with bounties up to Rs 25 lakh, surrendered, while 10,769 were arrested. Notably, in the first 10 years of the states formation, no Maoist was killed. Maoists also caused significant damage to railways and government property in the early 2000s. Between 2001 and 2005, railway property was damaged 180 times, while 190 government buildings and more than 300 mobile towers were destroyed, though such incidents declined after 2012. Maoist influence is now largely confined to the Saranda jungles, where a few cadres remain and have planted thousands of IEDs. A joint operation launched in November 2022 in Kolhan and Saranda targeted top leaders, including Misir Besra, a senior CPI(Maoist) commander who carries a Rs 1 crore bounty. According to official data, 14 Maoists were killed in 2020, six in 2021, 11 in 2022, nine in 2023, and nine in 2024. Around 20 security personnel were martyred during these years. The year 2025 has been particularly successful, with 32 Maoists killed so far. In the past four years, Maoists have been pushed out of strongholds such as Budha Pahar, Lugu Pahar, Parasnath Hills, and Bulbul. The Home Ministry now categorises only Chaibasa as highly Naxal-affected, with Latehar, Gumla and Lohardaga marked as mild or semi-affected. Districts covered under the Security-Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme have reduced sharply from 22 in 2016 to just 4 in 2025.

Assembly bypolls: Congress widens lead in Jubilee Hills; BJP dominates Nuapada in early bypoll trends

Early trends from bypolls across seven states on Friday pointed to tight contests, heavy security deployment and brisk counting across multiple Assembly seats. Jubilee Hills bypoll Over in Telanganas Jubilee Hills, after completion of four rounds of counting, Congress candidate Naveen Kumar Yadav is leading by 9,147 votes over BRS Maganti Sunitha. With 48.49% turnout, counting is spread across 10 rounds, while BJPs Lankala Deepak Reddy trails far behind. Nuapada bypoll In Nuapada, counting began under a three-tier security arrangement. After completion of 4 out of 26 rounds, BJP candidate Jay Dholakia has secured 18,903 votes, extending his lead to a massive 12,815 votes. Congress candidate Ghasi Ram Majhi is currently in second position with 6,088 votes, closely followed by BJDs Snehangini Chhuria, who has polled 5,320 votes so far. The high-stakes bypoll recorded an impressive 83.45% turnout, the highest among all eight seats that went to polls on November 11. The bypoll was necessitated by the death of BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia. Nagrota bypoll In Jammus Nagrota, the BJP appeared to gain early momentum with Devyani Rana moving ahead of NCs Shamim Begum and JKNPPs Harsh Dev Singh. The seat, which recorded over 75% turnout, went to polls following the death of former MLA Devender Singh Rana, Devyanis father. Counting is underway at Government Polytechnic College under tight security. Tarn Taran bypoll In Punjabs Tarn Taran, the Shiromani Akali Dal registered an early advantage, with its nominee Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa leading AAPs Harmeet Singh Sandhu by 374 votes after three rounds. The constituency saw 60.95% polling and went to bypolls following the death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal. Counting is underway at the International College of Nursing, Piddi. Ghatshila bypoll The Ghatshila contest in Jharkhand unfolded with JMMs Somesh Chandra Soren seizing a lead of 2,164 votes over JLKMs Ramdas Murmu after the first round. The tribal belt seat recorded 74.63% turnout and fell vacant after the death of JMM MLA Ramdas Soren. Twenty rounds of counting are scheduled. Anta bypoll In Rajasthans Anta, the Congress gained the upper hand early on, as its candidate Pramod Jain Bhaya moved 614 votes ahead of Independent candidate Naresh Meena after two rounds. The seat polled 80.21% and has 15 contenders, with counting planned over 20 rounds. Dampa bypoll Meanwhile in Mizorams Dampa, counting opened at 8 am with postal ballots being tallied first. The constituency, which saw a strong 83.07% turnout, is witnessing a five-way contest involving ZPM, MNF, Congress, BJP and PC candidates. Five rounds of counting are scheduled. (With inputs from PTI, Express News Service)

Congress widens lead in Jubilee Hills; BJP dominates Nuapada in early bypoll trends

Early trends from bypolls across seven states on Friday pointed to tight contests, heavy security deployment and brisk counting across multiple Assembly seats. Jubilee Hills bypoll Over in Telanganas Jubilee Hills, after completion of four rounds of counting, Congress candidate Naveen Kumar Yadav is leading by 9,147 votes over BRS Maganti Sunitha. With 48.49% turnout, counting is spread across 10 rounds, while BJPs Lankala Deepak Reddy trails far behind. Nuapada bypoll In Nuapada, counting began under a three-tier security arrangement. After completion of 4 out of 26 rounds, BJP candidate Jay Dholakia has secured 18,903 votes, extending his lead to a massive 12,815 votes. Congress candidate Ghasi Ram Majhi is currently in second position with 6,088 votes, closely followed by BJDs Snehangini Chhuria, who has polled 5,320 votes so far. The high-stakes bypoll recorded an impressive 83.45% turnout, the highest among all eight seats that went to polls on November 11. The bypoll was necessitated by the death of BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia. Nagrota bypoll In Jammus Nagrota, the BJP appeared to gain early momentum with Devyani Rana moving ahead of NCs Shamim Begum and JKNPPs Harsh Dev Singh. The seat, which recorded over 75% turnout, went to polls following the death of former MLA Devender Singh Rana, Devyanis father. Counting is underway at Government Polytechnic College under tight security. Tarn Taran bypoll In Punjabs Tarn Taran, the Shiromani Akali Dal registered an early advantage, with its nominee Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa leading AAPs Harmeet Singh Sandhu by 374 votes after three rounds. The constituency saw 60.95% polling and went to bypolls following the death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal. Counting is underway at the International College of Nursing, Piddi. Ghatshila bypoll The Ghatshila contest in Jharkhand unfolded with JMMs Somesh Chandra Soren seizing a lead of 2,164 votes over JLKMs Ramdas Murmu after the first round. The tribal belt seat recorded 74.63% turnout and fell vacant after the death of JMM MLA Ramdas Soren. Twenty rounds of counting are scheduled. Anta bypoll In Rajasthans Anta, the Congress gained the upper hand early on, as its candidate Pramod Jain Bhaya moved 614 votes ahead of Independent candidate Naresh Meena after two rounds. The seat polled 80.21% and has 15 contenders, with counting planned over 20 rounds. Dampa bypoll Meanwhile in Mizorams Dampa, counting opened at 8 am with postal ballots being tallied first. The constituency, which saw a strong 83.07% turnout, is witnessing a five-way contest involving ZPM, MNF, Congress, BJP and PC candidates. Five rounds of counting are scheduled. (With inputs from PTI, Express News Service)

Jharkhand to get 166 projects worth Rs 5,992 crore on 25th foundation day

RANCHI: The Jharkhand government is set to celebrate the states silver jubilee foundation day on November 15 with a massive development push, launching and laying foundation stones for 166 projects worth Rs 5,992 crore. Chief Minister Hemant Soren will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for major infrastructure works, including degree colleges, hospitals, sports complexes, hostels, and roads, during a grand event at Morhabadi Ground in Ranchi. According to official sources, the highest number of projects66, amounting to Rs 2,396 crore will focus on road construction. This will be followed by 24 projects each under the Water Resources Department (Rs 2,082 crore) and the Urban Development Department (Rs 887 crore). Additionally, 21 projects worth Rs 61 crore will be taken up under the School Education and Literacy Department, while 17 projects worth Rs 412 crore are earmarked for Higher and Technical Education. The two-day State Foundation Day Festival on November 15 and 16 at Morhabadi Ground will feature a series of cultural and historical showcases, including a special exhibition commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and a tribute to Dishom Guru Shibu Soren, chronicling Jharkhands journey and struggles. An immersive zone will present short films and informational exhibits celebrating the states achievements. The states 25th foundation celebrations kicked off earlier this week with vibrant public participation. Chief Minister Hemant Soren and MLA Kalpana Soren jointly flagged off the Run for Jharkhand event from Morhabadi Ground and launched a state-wide awareness drive from the Chief Ministers residence. The campaign, spearheaded by the Department of Information and Public Relations, will see a fleet of publicity vans touring districts, blocks, and villages to showcase Jharkhands progress, welfare schemes, and cultural milestones over the past 25 years. Addressing participants at Bapu Vatika, Soren hailed the moment as a tribute to Jharkhands collective spirit. I salute all those whose sacrifices and vision gave us Jharkhand. As we step into the 25th year of our journey, this is a moment of pride and resolve to move forward with renewed determination, he said. The inaugural celebrations also featured cultural performances by folk dancers and musicians, including a popular Santali band from Dumka, reflecting the states rich tribal and cultural heritage.

Assembly Bypoll Result 2025 Live: Check who is winning by-elections of Jubilee Hills, Budgam, Nagrota, Anta, Ghatshila, Tarn Taran, nuapada

Counting is underway for assembly bypolls across eight constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Telangana, Odisha, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Mizoram. The results are expected to shape internal and external political dynamics as parties gear up for upcoming state and local elections, with local issues and candidate selection proving crucial.

Belagavi police bust international VoIP scam targeting US citizens

BELAGAVI: In a major breakthrough, Belagavi police on Thursday busted an international online fraud racket that had duped hundreds of US citizens over the past seven months. The well-organised call centre, operating secretly from Kumar Hall, off Bauxite Road in Belagavi city, was running a sophisticated Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) scam to siphon off money from unsuspecting Americans. Police Commissioner Bhushan Borse revealed the operators had collected sensitive information, including bank details and residential addresses of several US citizens. Using advanced software and fake identities, the accused lured victims into sharing financial data before extorting money through intimidation and deceit. Acting on intelligence inputs, a special police team raided the call centre at midnight Wednesday, seized 37 laptops and 37 mobile phones, and arrested 33 individuals on the spot. All the accused hailed from Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, with one suspect reportedly from Nepal. During preliminary interrogation, police found the gang used 11 pre-written scripts to cheat clients, tailoring each to manipulate or threaten them. They would inform a US resident that he had placed an order for an expensive gadget, such as an iPhone. The victim would deny it, and be directed to another number which was actually controlled by the fraudsters. Once connected, the scammers gained access to key personal and banking details, said Commissioner Borse. Some members impersonated officials of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), convincing victims that their phone numbers and email accounts had been hacked or misused elsewhere. The victims, believing the narrative, often revealed sensitive data or made panic payments. The racket employed multiple digital camouflage techniques and Urban VPN to hide their IP addresses, and VoIP technology to make and receive calls that appeared to originate from foreign locations, though operating from Belagavi. The group also used sophisticated software to manage real-time communication, Borse said. Most of the international calls were handled by operators from Gujarat and West Bengal. Two more suspects are expected to be arrested soon. The seized laptops and phones will undergo forensic imaging and analysis to trace the money trail and identify victims, police said. Preliminary findings show the call centre employees were paid Rs 18,000 to Rs 45,000 per month, besides incentives and performance bonuses. Borse said multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have been invoked and investigations are on to determine the extent of the scam and whether international collaborators were involved.

Ghatsila Bypoll Election Result 2025 LIVE: Leading, Winner, MLA

Live election result update of Ghatsila Assembly bypoll for Jharkhand state Assembly / Vidhan Sabha.

Notify Saranda as sanctuary in 3 months, SC tells Jharkhand

PK faces moment of reckoning as Jan Suraaj awaits its first real test

Election strategist Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party faces a tough challenge in Bihar assembly elections, with exit polls predicting minimal seats against Kishor's ambitious 150-seat target. This mirrors his previous role in the 2019 Jharkhand elections, where JD(U) drew a blank despite his significant involvement.

Over 10K Maoists held, 235 killed, 324 surrendered in 25 years: Jharkhand police

Ranchi: As many as 10,769 Maoists have been arrested, 235 killed, and 324 have surrendered before security forces across Jharkhand since 2001 till September this year, a senior police officer said on Thursday. Police also seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition during this period. As many as 1,471 firearms, including 710 weapons looted 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 protects 314 sq. km of pristine sal forest in Jharkhands Saranda

Home to tribal communities and endangered wildlife, Saranda forest division also accounts for 26% of Indias iron ore reserves; State initially sought smaller sanctuary, but later clarified there are no mines in the extended area

From Cricket To Politics, 5 Facts About Tejashwi Yadav

Years before he entered politics, Tejashwi Yadav, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, was a budding cricketer who plied his trade for Jharkhand in domestic cricket and Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

SC bans mining activities within one km radius of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries

The top court also directed the Jharkhand government to notify the Saranda region as a wildlife sanctuary

Supreme Court bans mining activities within one km radius of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday banned mining activities within an area of one km from national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, noting that such activities will be hazardous to the wildlife . A bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran was considering pleas on issues related to the notification of areas under Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary (SWL) and the Sasangdaburu Conservation Reserve (SCR) as a conservation reserve in Jharkhand. It has been the consistent view of this court that mining activities within one km of the protected area will be hazardous to the wildlife. Though in the case of Goa Foundation, the said directions were issued with respect to the State of Goa, we find that such directions need to be issued on a pan-India basis, the bench said. We direct that mining within national parks and wildlife sanctuaries and within an area of one km from boundary of such national park or wildlife sanctuary shall not be permissible, the bench said. The top court also directed the Jharkhand government to notify the region as a wildlife sanctuary. It clarified that the rights of the tribals and forest dwellers in the region should be protected as per the Forest Rights Act and asked the state government to widely publicise it. Earlier, the bench had asked the Jharkhand government to take a decision to declare the ecologically-rich Saranda region as a reserve forest. The matter pertained to a long-pending proposal to notify the Saranda and Sasangdaburu forest areas in West Singhbhum district as a wildlife sanctuary and conservation reserve, respectively. The state government, in its affidavit, had earlier said it proposed to notify an area of 57,519.41 hectares, as against the original proposal of 31,468.25 hectares, as wildlife sanctuary.

SC Asks HCs To Create Dashboard On Websites Giving Details Of Verdicts Delivered

New Delhi, Nov 12: To enhance transparency and accountability, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed all the high courts in the country to create a dashboard on their websites giving details of judgements reserved after January 31, verdicts pronounced, and the date of uploading on their platforms. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, which has taken a critical view of several high courts, including the Jharkhand High Court, not delivering verdicts in both criminal and civil cases [] The post SC Asks HCs To Create Dashboard On Websites Giving Details Of Verdicts Delivered appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Winter session of Jharkhand assembly from December 5 to 11

Jharkhand's winter assembly session is scheduled from December 5 to 11. The state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, approved eighteen proposals. These include declaring 'clarias magur' as the state fish and establishing STEM labs in CM Schools of Excellence. Approval was also given for Hotel Baidyanath Vihar's development and new criminal laws.

Two JJMP commanders surrender under Jharkhand's 'Nai Disha' Maoist rehab program

RANCHI: Two commanders belonging to the banned Maoist outfit Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP) surrendered before Jharkhand police on Wednesday, under the governments rehabilitation policy -- Nai Disha. Surrendered Maoists include sub-zonal commander Brajesh Yadav alias Rakesh and area commander Awadhesh Lohara alias Rohit. Brajesh Yadav, a resident of Kathokatwa village in the Bishunpur police station area of Gumla, had a bounty of Rs 5 lakh on his head. Awadhesh Lohara on the other hand, is a resident of Banduwa village in the Herhangj police station area of Latehar. The surrendered Maoist, Brajesh Yadav, was also handed a check of Rs 5 lakh immediately after he surrendered before the police. Their family members were also present during the surrender. According to Latehar Superintendent of Police Kumar Gaurav, the surrendered Maoists will be provided all benefits to them under the surrender policy of the state government. Both of them have surrendered under the Nai Disha policy of the state government and all the benefits under this initiative are being extended to their families, said the SP. Yadav, who carried a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh, was wanted in 10 criminal cases, while Lohra faced five pending cases in different police stations, he added. The SP further added that the JJMP organization in the district is on the verge of collapse, with only four to five members remaining, who are on the run. He also urged them to surrender as well. Describing the development as a significant breakthrough, Palamu Range Inspector General (IG) Shailendra Kumar Sinha said, This surrender is a result of the combined efforts of the police and local communities. It marks a crucial step toward restoring peace in the region. The IG stated on this occasion that significant changes have taken place in Latehar district and the police are consistently getting success in their mission. A total of 21 Maoists have surrendered before the police so far this year across Jharkhand. Police officials believe the move highlights the growing impact of the states surrender and rehabilitation policy, which aims to reintegrate extremists into the mainstream and curb Maoist influence across Jharkhand.

Jharkhand government revokes suspension of IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan

RANCHI: In a major relief to IAS Chhavi Ranjan, Jharkhand government has revoked his suspension effectively from October 14, the day he was released from jail after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in a money laundering case linked to land scam. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on May 4, 2023, and had been in judicial custody for more than 29 months. The action was taken following his application to the state government requesting to revoke his suspension. With this, Ranjan may get a posting to any department soon. The Supreme Court granted him bail with certain conditions. The Supreme Court granted conditional bail to Chhavi Ranjan on October 10 in a money laundering case linked to land scam. While granting bail to Chhavi Ranjan, the Supreme Court had put conditions that he shall not attempt to influence witnesses related to the case and will not leave Jharkhand without the trial court's permission during the bail period. The Supreme Court has also stipulated that Chhavi Ranjan will appear in person on every trial date. Chhavi Ranjan, a 2011 batch IAS officer, has served as the Deputy Commissioner of Ranchi and was posted at the Department of social welfare, when he was arrested by the ED. The case in which he has been granted bail involves the fraudulent purchase and sale of land located in Bariatu under the Bargai circle in Ranchi, which was under the possession of the Army. Ranjan was Deputy Commissioner of Ranchi from July 15, 2020 to July 11, 2022. Notably, before his arresting, the Enforcement Directorate had conducted raids on 21 locations linked to Chhavi Ranjan spread across Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal and had unearthed a huge land scam by a gang of scamsters having expertise in preparing fake documents, falsifying and forging original documents in Ranchi. Ranjan was the Deputy Commissioner of Ranchi when stone mining lease was allegedly granted to Chief Minister Hemant Soren for stone mining at Angara in the outskirts of Ranchi. Apart from former Deputy Commissioner and IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan, the ED has also named prominent businessman Vishnu Agrawal, revenue sub-inspector of Bargai circle Bhanu Pratap Prasad, Pradeep Bagchi, land dealers Afsar Ali, Imtiaz Khan, Talha Khan, Faiyaz Khan, Mohammad Saddam, Amit Agrawal, and Dilip Ghosh as accused in the case.

Maoist with 5 lakh reward on head surrenders in Jharkhands Latehar

The two were identified as sub-zonal commander Brajesh Yadav of Gumla district and area commander Awdhesh Lohra alias Rohit Lohra of Latehar district

Maoist with Rs 5 lakh bounty surrender in Jharkhand

Jharkhand: Two Maoists a sub-zonal commander carrying a bounty of Rs 5 lakh, and an area commander from the Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP) surrendered before the police in Jharkhands Latehar district on Wednesday, police officials said. The two were identified as sub-zonal commander Brajesh Yadav alias Rakesh Ji of Gumla district and 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 .

Bypolls: Polling highest in Mizoram, lowest in Telangana

NEW DELHI: Barring few seats, brisk polling was recorded in the by-elections to eight Assembly seats held amid tight security arrangements across seven states on Tuesday, with Dampa in Mizoram having the highest voter turnout of 82.34%. The bypolls took place in Budgam and Nagrota constituencies in J&K, Ghatshila in Jharkhand, Tarn Taran in Punjab, Dampa in Mizoram, Anta in Rajasthan, Jubilee Hills in Telangana and Nuapada (Odisha). While Dampa seat in Mizoram registered an 82.34% votes, Anta in Rajasthan witnessed 79.32% voter turnout, Nagrota in J&K recorded 74.82% turnout and Ghatshila seat in Jharkhand registered 73.88%. However, voter participation was lower in Punjab with 60.95% (till 5 pm) in Tarn Taran, Budgam(J&K) recorded 50.01% and in Telanganas Jubilee Hills registered a turnout of 48.47%. Brisk polling was recorded in the by-election to Mizorams Dama Assembly seat with 82.34% voting registered till 5 pm. The constituency has 20,790 registered voters, mostly from Mizo, Chakma and Bru communities. Voting for the Anta Assembly by-election in Rajasthans Baran district concluded peacefully, with a voter turnout of 79.32%, according to Election Commission (EC) data. A total of 15 candidates were in the fray and 268 polling stations were set up for 2,27,563 voters. Braving winter chill, 50.01% voters turned out vote in Budgam in central Kashmir. The scene was no different in Nagrota Assembly constituency in Jammu, where voter participation was even higher at 74.82%. A total of 1,26,025 voters were eligible to cast their votes in 173 polling stations. Voting for Ghatshila in Jharkhand concluded with a 73.88% turnout. Meanwhile, over 60.95% voters exercised their franchise for the Tarn Taran Assembly. Polling for Telanganas Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election saw a turnover of 48.47%. And over 75.37% of the 2.53 lakh voters exercised their franchise in the Nuapada bypoll.

Ghatshila bypoll concludes peacefully with 73.88% voter turnout

RANCHI: Voting for Ghatshila by-election concluded peacefully, with an impressive 73.88% voter turnout till 5 PM. According to Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar, no untoward incidents was reported during voting at 300 polling booths . The final figure is likely to touch the 76.48% turnout recorded during the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly Election, which marks a strong civic response reflecting heightened political engagement in the constituency. Voting percentage till 5:00 PM was recorded as 73.88%. Final data will be updated after the close-up poll, end-of-poll and scrutiny, said the Chief Electoral Officer. Counting of votes is scheduled for November 14, he added. According to the Chief Electoral Officer, two FIRs were filed on Tuesday for misconduct and violation of model code of conduct. One of them involved a violation of the secrecy of voting on the social media post, while the other one was related to carrying cash on the polling day. Kumar informed that two cases were filed earlier also, making a total of four cases registered during the Ghatshila by-poll. The first case was filed for roaming with licensed weapons during the election period, while the second one involved posting of objectionable messages on social media using AI. The by-election witnessed a three-cornered contest with major political parties like BJP, JMM and Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) fielding their candidates, besides several independents and smaller party representatives. The bye-election, being held for the Scheduled Tribe-reserved seat, has turned into a prestige contest between two Sorens JMMs Somesh Soren and BJPs Babulal Soren making it a duel loaded with legacy, sentiment, and strategy. BJP has fielded Babulal Soren, son of former Chief Minister Champai Soren, while the JMM has shown its confidence over Somesh Soren, son of the late MLA and former Education Minister Ramdas Soren, as its candidate for the by-election. JLKM on the other hand, has reposed faith in Ramdas Murmu, who had finished third in the 2024 Assembly poll from the seat, bagging only 8092 votes, as its candidate. Notably, the Ghatshila constituency had fallen vacant this year after the death of State Education Minister Ramdas Soren in Delhi following a prolong illness. The constituency, which has remained a traditional fortress of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha was won only once by BJP in the year 2014. BJP State President and Leader of the Opposition, Babulal Marandi, however, claimed that the NDA candidate is set for a big victory in the Ghatshila by-election 2025. Addressing a press conference at the partys state headquarters, Marandi said that the increased voter turnout clearly reflects growing discontent with the Hemant Soren-led government in Jharkhand. Ghatshila by-poll result will surprise many, said Marandi. JMM on the other hand, said that BJP's claim in Ghatshila is a result of frustration, as people voted on development and trust. People of Ghatshila have rejected false promises, communal politics and those spreading confusion and have approved the policies of development, public trust and Hemant government, said JMM General Secretary and Spokesperson Vinod Pandey.

Bihar exit polls: Looking back at past predictions across states; how close were they to actual results?

As Bihar's Assembly elections conclude, attention shifts to exit polls, with a history of mixed accuracy in recent major elections. Past predictions for Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, Jharkhand, and the Lok Sabha have shown significant deviations from final results, raising questions about their reliability for the upcoming Bihar verdict.

Jharkhand NEET PG counselling 2025 round 1 final merit list released: Check steps to download and other details here

Jharkhand Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board has released the final state merit list for Jharkhand NEET PG Counselling 2025 Round 1. A total of 267 candidates are eligible for admission to postgraduate medical courses. Registration and choice filling will take place from November 11 to 14, 2025. Seat allotment results are expected on November 16, 2025.

Ghatsila Assembly bypoll: 34.32% turnout till 11 a.m.; both JMM, BJP term it prestige battle

Polling for the Ghatsila Assembly by-election in Jharkhand started on November 11, 2025, with a 34.32% turnout by 11 a.m., as JMM and BJP compete for the seat following MLA Ramdas Sorens death

Cold wave warning for Delhi, other states of north India, predicts IMD

NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast cold wave conditions to continue its grip over Northern, Eastern, and Central India during the next few days. According to the Met department, the minimum temperatures in Northwest India are expected to drop by 2-3Celsius in the coming days. Cold to severe cold wave conditions are likely to persist in isolated areas of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, East and West Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, Jharkhand, and Odisha over the next three-four days, it added. As per the weatherman, cold wave occurs when the minimum temperature at a particular weather station drops significantly below normalspecifically by 4.5-6.4C or moreand when the absolute temperature reaches or falls below certain thresholds (such as 10C in the plains or 0C in the hills). Currently, cold wave and severe cold wave conditions have al ready been reported in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, with cold wave conditions affecting isolated pockets of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh since November 9. The IMD has observed that minimum temperatures range from 7-10C in various regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, northern Haryana, Uttarakhand, East Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh. In these areas, minimum temperatures have dropped below normal by 5.1C or more, creating potential health hazards. Additionally, temperatures in Telangana are expected to fall by 3-4C for two-three days, with no significant changes afterward. The IMD has warned that the sudden decline in minimum temperatures could increase the likelihood of various illnesses. Do not ignore shivering; it is the first sign that the body is losing heat. Get indoors, read a health advisory issued by the weather office. In its Agromet advisory, the IMD recommended light and frequent irrigation for standing crops in the evening to protect them from low temperature stresses or cold injuries. Shivering Minimum temperatures in northwest India set to drop by 2-3C Cold to severe cold wave conditions likely to persist in isolated areas of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, UP, MP, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Odisha over the next 3-4 days Minimum temperatures range from 7-10C in states including J&K, Ladakh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, northern Haryana, Uttarakhand and others Agromet advisory: Light and frequent irrigation recommended for standing crops in the evening

Voting begins for by-elections to eight Assembly seats across six States, one Union Territory

By-elections are being held in Jammu and Kashmirs Budgam and Nagrota, Rajasthans Anta, Jharkhands Ghatshila, Telanganas Jubilee Hills, Punjabs Tarn Taran, Mizorams Dampa, and Odishas Nuapada constituencies

Bihar polls: ECI says 80% of security personnel drawn from Central armed police forces

NEW DELHI: Countering RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadavs allegation over the disproportionate deployment of forces and observers in poll-bound Bihar from BJP-ruled states, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday said nearly 80 percent of the police forces are drawn from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). A senior ECI official said, Only about 20 percent of the police forces are deployed from the State Armed Police forces, which are drawn proportionately from different states as per availability. State forces have been taken from 24 states, including Jharkhand, Telangana, Kerala, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka. Even observers have been drawn and deployed proportionately from all states irrespective of the ruling party in the respective state, the official said, adding that CCTVs have been functioning at all strong rooms and wherever any malfunctioning has come to notice, it has been promptly rectified. On the issue of voters turnout ratio in terms of male and female, the ECI official said, the overall gender ratio with regard to voters turnout is generally given at the time of final turnout and we still have one round of voting is left.

Cold wave to persist across North, East, and Central India for next four days: IMD

NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the continuation of cold wave conditions across northern, eastern, and central India for the next four days. Minimum temperatures in northwest India are expected to drop by 23C in the coming days. According to the IMD, cold to severe cold wave conditions are likely to persist in isolated areas of west Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, east and west Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, Jharkhand, and Odisha over the next three to four days. A cold wave, as defined by the IMD, occurs when the minimum temperature at a particular weather station drops significantly below normalspecifically by 4.5C to 6.4C or moreand when the absolute temperature reaches or falls below certain thresholds (10C in the plains or 0C in the hills). Currently, cold wave and severe cold wave conditions have already been reported in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, while isolated pockets of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh have also been affected since November 9. The IMD has observed that minimum temperatures are ranging between 7C and 10C in various regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, northern Haryana, Uttarakhand, east Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh. In these areas, temperatures have dropped below normal by 5.1C or more, creating potential health hazards. The department predicts that minimum temperatures in northwest India will remain below normal by 23C over the next four to five days. Additionally, temperatures in Telangana are expected to fall by 34C for two to three days, with no significant changes thereafter. The IMD has warned that the sudden decline in minimum temperatures could increase the likelihood of illnesses such as flu, stuffy nose, and nosebleeds, which can worsen with prolonged exposure to cold. The health advisory cautions, Do not ignore shivering; it is the first sign that the body is losing heat. Get indoors. In its agromet advisory, the IMD has recommended light and frequent irrigation for standing crops in the evening to protect them from low-temperature stress or cold injury in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand.

Woman allegedly sets pet dog on husband after jewelry dispute in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh

RANCHI: A woman allegedly set her pet dog on her husband at her parental home following a dispute over wearing jewelry. Rohit Jain, an accountant with Triveni Sainik Coal Mines in Hazaribagh, was married to Rupa Agrawal on January 24 this year. The incident took place at Krishnapuri Colony in Hazaribagh. According to police reports, Rohit Jain had gone to his wifes parental home to meet some guests on Friday and stayed there overnight. The next morning, during breakfast, Rohit advised his wife, Rupa, to wear artificial jewelry instead of real gold. This suggestion led to a heated argument between the couple. Rohit alleged that a few days after their marriage, his wife and in-laws began torturing him both mentally and physically. During the argument, Rupa allegedly provoked her pet German Shepherd to attack him. As soon as the dog received her command, it pounced on Rohit, leaving him severely injured. After considerable effort, other family members managed to free Rohit from the dogs grip. He was immediately admitted to a private hospital, where his condition is said to be critical. Doctors confirmed that he had suffered several deep wounds, which are currently being treated. Rohit has also expressed fear that his in-laws may attempt similar attacks in the future, claiming that he has been receiving constant threats that they will not spare him at any cost. The victim has requested police protection and strict action against those involved. Following the incident, questions have been raised about the role of Rupa and her family members. Meanwhile, the police have registered a complaint based on the medical report and Rohit Jains statement. Officer-in-charge of Lohsingna Police Station, Nishant Kerketta, confirmed that a case has been registered. He said the police team has inspected the spot and gathered evidence. It would be inappropriate to jump to any conclusions without a proper investigation. Both parties are being thoroughly questioned to uncover the full details of the matter, said the officer-in-charge.

All eyes on Bihar women voters as final phase campaigning winds up

NEW DELHI/PATNA : CAMPAIGNING for the second and final phase of the Bihar Assembly elections concluded on Sunday evening, capping nearly a month of intense canvassing and clamorous exchanges between the ruling NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan. Polling will take place on November 11 across 122 constituencies in 20 districts, marking the decisive round of a high-stakes contest. The first phase on November 6 saw a record voter turnout of 65.08 percent, the highest in the states history, with women outnumbering men at poll booths. The turnout of women voters in this phase may well decide whether, as many put it, Rajnitik badlav ki hawa chali ya nahi (if a political wind of change has blown). Among key seats going to polls in this phase are Chakai, from where JD(U) minister Sumit Kumar Singh is seeking re-election, BJP MLA Shreyasi Singhs Jamui, JD(U) minister Leshi Singhs Dhamdaha, and BJP minister Neeraj Kumar Singhs Chhatapur. In the second and final phase of Bihar Assembly elections, all eyes are on women voters 1.74 crore of them out of 3.70 crore total electorsare expected to play a crucial role in shaping the outcome. Women voters have certainly become a segment that could determine the fortunes of both the ruling NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan (MGB), said Ravi K Sinha, a Patna-based political analyst. Both alliances have aggressively courted women voters. Nitish Kumar has leaned on elfare schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, under which `10,000 was directly credited to over two crore women to promote financial independence. During his 71 rallies, the chief minister framed his campaign around womens empowerment and safety, contrasting his record with the Jungle Raj years under the RJD. Tejashwi Yadavs campaigns sought to link womens vote with the twin concerns of unemployment and rising prices.Women account for nearly 47% of Bihars electorate. According to Election Commission figures, 1,302 candidates, including 136 women, are contesting the final phase, which covers 19 constituencies reserved for Scheduled Castes and two for Scheduled Tribes. Sashastra Seema Bal forces have been roped it to tighten security in districts bordering Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand untill polling ends. Eleven ministers are in the fray in the final phase, including Bijendra Prasad Yadav (Supaul) and Prem Kumar (Gaya Town), each seeking a ninth consecutive term. Other prominent contestants include Renu Devi, Nitish Mishra, Leshi Singh, and Mohammad Zama Khan.

PhysicsWallah remains bullish on online edu; bets big on offline expansion: Co-founder Alakh Pandey

NEW DELHI, Nov 9 : Edtech unicorn PhysicsWallah, which remains bullish on the online medium of education, is also betting big on its offline expansion by opening new learning centres in cities where demand is high, its co-founder and CEO Alakh Pandey said. The company plans to set up centres in several new locations, including Muzaffarpur (Bihar), Dhanbad (Jharkhand), Akola and Latur (Maharashtra), Rajkot (Gujarat), Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), Bhatinda (Punjab), Jorhat (Assam), and Chennai (Tamil Nadu), according to the draft [] The post PhysicsWallah remains bullish on online edu; bets big on offline expansion: Co-founder Alakh Pandey appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Jharkhand DGP Gupta takes VRS amid Centre-State tussle

Jharkhand DGP Anurag Gupta has taken voluntary retirement. This follows a long-standing dispute between the Centre and the state government. Gupta's tenure was marked by controversy and legal challenges. The state had amended rules to extend his term. The Centre had objected to this. Tadasha Mishra is now the acting DGP, the first woman to hold the position.

12,000 litres of 'adulterated' petrol seized in Jharkhand's Godda district

The seizure was made after police received secret information that two tankers, carrying adulterated flammable substances, were being transported to Bihar through Godda, they said.

Huge cache of arms, ammunition found after gunbattle with Maoists

RANCHI: A huge cache of arms, ammunition and detonators was recovered after a gunfight between the security forces and Maoists in Saranda jungles of West Singhbhum in Jharkhand, police said on Friday. The seized items include two SLRs, one .303 rifle, 245 live cartridges, three magazines, six gelatin packets weighing over 16 kg, and 13 IEDs fitted with detonators. Ten electric and five non-electric detonators, five radio sets, and two interceptors, among others, were also recovered, a police department statement said. The encounter, which lasted for nearly 45 minutes, erupted when a joint team of police and 209 CoBRA Battalion was carrying out an anti-Maoist operation on Thursday evening, and the Naxalites fired at them. The Maoists managed to flee taking advantage of the hilly terrain and thick forest cover. The seizure of such a large cache of arms and explosives indicates that the Maoists were planning major subversive activities. Intensive search and combing operations are continuing to eliminate their network, said a senior police officer. According to the police, 60-65 Maoists are hiding in Saranda jungles, where they have planted thousands of IEDs, which has become a challenge for the security forces. Subversive activities The seizure of such a large cache of arms and explosives indicates that the Maoists were planning major subversive activities. Intensive search and combing operations are continuing to eliminate their network, said a senior police officer.

Jharkhand CM Slams BJP, Urges Support for JMM Candidate in Ghatsila

Soren attacked the BJP for claiming to be the largest organisation, accusing it of historically oppressing underprivileged communities, Adivasis, Dalits, and farmers.

Maoists, Security Forces Clash in Jharkhand Forest

The incident took place when a joint team of CRPF, Jharkhand Jaguar and district armed police was carrying out an anti-Maoist operation

Vidarbha bring in left-arm spinner Farde for Ranji clash vs Odisha

Nagpur, Nov 6: Defending champions Vidarbha on Thursday replaced Akshay Karnewar with left-arm spinner Gaurav Farde for their fourth round Ranji Trophy clash against Odisha. Vidarbha drew their last away match against Tamil Nadu in which Yash Rathod struck 133, and they are placed second behind Jharkhand in Elite Group A points table with 13 []

Tadasha Mishra appointed new DGP of Jharkhand

RANCHI: Putting an end to all speculations, Tadasha Mishra, a 1994-batch IPS officer of the Jharkhand cadre, has been appointed as the acting Director General of Police (DGP) of Jharkhand. The Home, Prisons, and Disaster Management Department issued an official notification on Thursday. Two senior IPS officers of the 1992 batch, Anil Palta and Prashant Singh, along with 1993-batch IPS officer M. S. Bhatia, were also in the race for the top post. Tadasha Mishra is currently serving as the Special Secretary in the Home, Prisons, and Disaster Management Department of Jharkhand Police. The notification follows the resignation of former DGP Anurag Gupta, whose resignation, submitted two days ago was accepted by the Jharkhand government. Notably, Anurag Guptas appointment as DGP had been surrounded by controversies from the start. The controversy intensified when he was retained as DGP even after his retirement by the Hemant Soren government. The central government had rejected the state governments decision to extend Anurag Guptas tenure beyond his retirement and issued a letter to Chief Minister Hemant Soren stating that retaining Gupta as DGP past his retirement date was incorrect. Despite this, Gupta continued as Jharkhand DGP for seven months. Recently, Mishra was transferred from the post of Additional Director General (ADG) of Railways and appointed as Special Secretary in the Home, Prisons, and Disaster Management Department. She is due to retire in December 2025.

Two officials suspended as video of VIP treatment of inmates in Ranchi jail goes viral; BJP demands probe

RANCHI: Assistant Jailor Devnath Ram and Jamadar Vinod Kumar Yadav were suspended with immediate effect after a video of high-profile inmates partying at Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi went viral on social media. One of the inmates has been identified as Vidhu Gupta, an accused in the liquor scam case, while the other is Vicky Bhalotia, an accused in the GST scam. The viral video is said to be from the special hall located within the jail premises and was reportedly shot a few months ago. Both high-profile inmates can be seen dancing in shorts and T-shirts to the tune of a Haryanvi song. Meanwhile, State BJP President and Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has demanded a judicial probe into the alleged illegal facilities and luxury arrangements being provided to influential prisoners in Jharkhand jails. Marandi has urged the Jharkhand High Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter and order a judicial inquiry led by a sitting judge into the dirty games inside state jails and the role of senior officials. He said only a court-monitored probe can expose the truth and restore public faith in the system. Reacting sharply to the video, Marandi said the footage was not from a liquor shop or dance bar but from Ranchis Hotwar Central Jail, where leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Hemant Soren have been incarcerated in corruption cases. Marandi alleged that separate rules exist for influential inmates who use their money and political connections to obtain various comforts behind bars. Special wards, he claimed, have been constructed for these VIP inmates, where an entry fee and monthly expenses are charged to maintain their luxurious lifestyle. Some high-profile prisoners, under the protection of the Hemant Soren government, are running a complete system of luxury and indulgence inside Jharkhand jails, said Marandi. He added that this is possible only through the connivance of jail officials and staff who allow such activities in violation of the Jail Manual in exchange for money. Marandi said that despite several warnings to the government about these illegal practices, no action was taken. Instead, an officer named Robert Nishant Besra, who tried to stop such activities and refused to provide special hospitality to VIP inmates, was transferred. Referring to the viral video incident, Marandi said that the suspension of two employees was merely a formality. He also expressed surprise over the reinstatement of Dinesh Verma, a jailer who was suspended just twenty days earlier from Hazaribagh Jail for granting undue facilities to prisoner Vinay Singh. Verma, Marandi said, has now been appointed in charge of Birsa Munda Central Jail, which he described as a reward posting. Marandi also questioned the role of the Jail Inspector General (IG), asking what magic wand allowed such a quick reinstatement. He asserted that these activities cannot take place without the permission or involvement of senior officers and held the Jail IG directly responsible.

Mumbai driver accused of making fake call-girl Instagram account of woman

Mumbai: A driver attached to a ride-sharing platform has been booked for allegedly creating a fake Instagram account of a woman and labelling her a call girl after she refused to pay toll during a trip, police said on Thursday. Accused Vinay Kumar Yadav, a resident of Jharkhand, also shared the personal details of the 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 .

Jharkhand BJP to issue 'arop patra' to reveal 'true face' of Hemant Soren government 2.0

RANCHI: Jharkhand BJP has announced the preparation of an 'Arop Patra' to reveal the 'true face' of the Hemant Soren government 2.0, just as it completes one year in office. BJP State President and Leader of the Opposition, Babulal Marandi, has formed a seven-member committee, which will compile the government's failures and present it before the people. Announcing the committee, State Executive President and MP Aditya Sahu said that the people of Jharkhand are fed up by Soren government's breach of promises, corruption and deteriorating law and order. Through this charge sheet, BJP will expose the true picture of the government's one-year tenure and reveal how its promises of development, employment, and good governance remained unfulfilled, he said. According to BJP, corruption is rampant in the state; there is imbalance in planning and policies while the law and order is steadily deteriorating. The party alleged that the government has forgotten its promises made to the people and is engrossed in the pleasures of power. The committee includes party's Chief Whip in the Assembly, Naveen Jaiswal, State Vice President and former Minister Bhanu Pratap Shahi, former Leader of the Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri, State Media In-charge Shivpujan Pathak, Co-Media In-charge Yogendra Pratap Singh, former MP and spokesperson Geeta Koda and Editor of Antyodaya, Ravinath Kishore. Meanwhile, talking to the media persons in Ghatshila, Marandi launched a scathing attack on the Hemant Soren government saying that this government has not moved Jharkhand forward even a single step forward in the last six years, but has instead pushed it back by 25 years. This government is completely anti-tribal, anti-development and anti-people, he said. Marandi further stated that this government is an 'abua government' only for names sake; in reality, it is a 'thug government' that has defrauded the youth and tribal people of Jharkhand.

JSSC Vacancy 2025: Notification out for 737 home guard posts; check eligibility, how to apply and more

The Jharkhand Home Guard Department has released a total of 737 vacancies for rural and urban home guard posts. The application for the required posts will start November 18, 2025 and continue till December 21, 2025.

Husband, Wife Fight Each Other To Death In Jharkhand: Police

Sanjay Singh, the Jan Suraaj Party candidate from Bihar's Munger Assembly seat, joined the BJP on Wednesday, on the eve of the first phase of assembly elections, officials said.

Husband, wife fight each other to death in Jharkhand's Deoghar: Police

In a tragic turn of events in Deoghar, Jharkhand, a married couple, Ravi and Lovely Sharma, have been discovered lifeless in their home, aftermath of a fierce altercation. Police are probing the matter, believing that simmering marital issues led to their fatal clash. Both individuals bear wounds from a sharp instrument, with a knife found at the crime scene.

Jharkhand DGP Anurag Gupta steps down amid ongoing legal and political row

RANCHI: Finally, after seven months of his retirement, DGP Anurag Gupta reportedly resigned from his post on Tuesday. Though the announcement is yet to be made officially, sources in the Jharkhand Police Headquarters have confirmed his resignation. Sources also indicated that his resignation has been accepted. Notably, Anurag Guptas appointment as DGP had remained surrounded by controversies right from the beginning. The controversy intensified after he was retained as DGP even after his retirement by the Hemant Soren government. The central government had rejected the state governments decision to extend Anurag Guptas tenure beyond his retirement. It had also issued a letter to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, stating that the decision to retain Anurag Gupta as DGP beyond his retirement date was incorrect. Anurag Gupta was appointed DGP on February 3 following a state government notification, which stated that his tenure would be in accordance with Rule 10(1) of the Selection and Appointment Rules 2025 of Director General and Inspector General of Police, Jharkhand (Chief of Police Force). However, according to the central government, he officially retired on April 30, 2025. Earlier, Gupta had assumed charge as in-charge DGP of Jharkhand on July 26, 2024, but was removed from the post by the Election Commission of India during the Jharkhand Assembly elections. Following the elections, he was reinstated as in-charge DGP on November 28, 2024, after the Hemant Soren government returned to power with a thumping majority. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, filed a PIL terming Anurag Guptas appointment as unconstitutional and a violation of Supreme Court directives. Marandi, in his PIL, accused the state government of violating constitutional norms and misusing the police administration for political purposes. He pointed out that the Supreme Court had clearly stated that DGP appointments must follow the UPSC process unless the state enacts a new law. However, instead of passing an Act, the state government framed a rule in 2025 and attempted to implement it retrospectively. The Leader of Opposition also questioned how such a rule could come into effect without proper legislation and criticized officials for allowing what he called an illegal process. Earlier, describing Gupta as the most controversial IPS officer in Jharkhand, Marandi had demanded the cancellation of his appointment and a thorough inquiry into his tenure. He also accused the state government of contempt of court, citing the Supreme Courts 2006 ruling in the Prakash Singh case, which mandated that the DGP must be selected from a panel recommended by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Marandi further alleged that the Hemant Soren government ignored the UPSC process and appointed Gupta, whose name was not on the recommended list. According to the Supreme Courts directive, the state government is required to appoint the DGP from a panel of the three senior-most officers recommended by the UPSC. Furthermore, the appointed officer must serve a minimum tenure of two years, irrespective of the date of retirement. The petition contends that by ignoring this mandate, the government not only violated Supreme Court guidelines but also sought to install a contentious officer in a key position. Marandi has also urged the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court to take suo motu cognizance of the matter and order a CBI probe.

Ranchi Diary | Land registration fee for Olympians exempted

Jharkhand government has exempted registration fee for the pieces of land allotted to Olympian hockey players Salima Tete and Nikki Pradhan in Ranchi. The state housing board had allotted 3,750 sq ft plots to them at Harmu Residential Colony. CM Hemant Soren had in January handed over the papers for the plots in Ranchi to the Olympians. They were honoured by the Soren government for bringing glory to the state and the country. Fulfilling a long-standing promise, the state recognised the contributions of the two players and made their dream of owning a home in Ranchi a reality. HC refuses to release ministers passport The Calcutta High Court has refused to release Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansaris passport after the West Bengal government contended that he may not return to India. Ansaris passport has been deposited with the court since September 25, 2024 though he was granted conditional bail in case of Rs 50 lakh cash seizure. Ansari had moved the Calcutta HC to seek temporary release of his passport from November 1 to 15 so that he could attend the World Travel Market event in London from November 4 to 6. He had even attached the Jharkhand governments approval for the visit. Blood donation camp on states silver jubilee A statewide blood donation camp will be launched from November 12 to 28 to mark the silver jubilee of the Jharkhand Foundation Day. The state government has directed officials to create awareness in both urban and rural areas to ensure success of the campaign. Blood donation must be transformed into a mass movement. Social media and local publicity channels should be used to the maximum extent, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said. All the blood centres have been directed to update data on e-RaktKosh portal to fill the staffing gap at the earliest. Jharkhand was founded by the Bihar Reorganisation Act on November 15, 2000. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com