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Virat Kohli Sends Warm Christmas And Happy New Year Wishes To Everyone
Merry Christmas And Happy New: Talismanic India batter Virat Kohli has extended warm Christmas and New Year greetings to fans worldwide, wishing joy and prosperity for the festive season. The former India captain conveyed his message through his Instagram stories on Thursday, when the world was occupied with Christmas celebrations. Merry Christmas And Happy New Year. May this season fill your home with warmth, your heart with joy, and your life with happiness that lasts all year long. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! wrote Kohli in an Instagram post on Thursday. Kohli, who has quit Test and T20Is and now only plays 50-over cricket at the international stage, struck a match-winning 131 to guide Delhi to a four-wicket victory in their Elite Group D clash over Andhra Pradesh in the opening round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday. It was also Kohlis 58th List A hundred with his 131 coming in 101 balls and studded with 14 fours and three sixes, as Delhi chased down a challenging target of 299 in 37.4 overs. The knock also took him past 16,000 List A runs, making him only the second Indian male batter, after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, to reach that landmark. Kohli, the right-handed batter who only plays ODI format internationally, will next be in action when Delhi face Gujarat in their second round fixture at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on Friday. The second round matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which will be livestreamed on JioHotstar, are Assam vs Jammu & Kashmir and Jharkhand vs Rajasthan. This means that fans wont be able to see Kohlis batting live and will have to rely on the BCCI website scoreboard. The knock also took him past 16,000 List A runs, making him only the second Indian male batter, after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, to reach that landmark. Kohli, the right-handed batter who only plays ODI format internationally, will next be in action when Delhi face Gujarat in their second round fixture at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on Friday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score --IANS Article Source: IANS
Snubbed in Bihar, JMM looks to Assam for political expansion
RANCHI: After being denied any seat in Bihar by the Mahagathbandhan during the Assembly polls, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has begun exploring avenues in other tribal-dominated states across the country. According to party leaders, a four-member delegation will soon visit Assam to assess ground realities by holding a series of meetings with local party workers. Despite being a key coalition partner during the Bihar Assembly elections, the RJD did not concede a single seat to the JMM, while the Congress also remained silent on the issue. Subsequently, the JMM decided not to contest the Bihar polls, claiming the decision was taken in the wake of a political conspiracy by its allies RJD and Congress, which allegedly deprived it of seats under the Mahagathbandhan arrangement. JMM general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya said that a decision would be taken by the partys top leadership based on the feedback submitted by the delegation. A four-member delegation of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha will soon visit Assam to explore avenues for the upcoming Assembly polls in the state. The leaders will stay there for a few days and hold meetings with local party workers to take stock of the partys ground situation, Bhattacharya said. He added that the delegation would submit a report after returning from Assam, on the basis of which a decision would be taken. The delegation will include minister Chamra Linda, MP Vijay Hansda, and MLAs M T Raja and Bhushan Tirkey. Bhattacharya said the party is keen on contesting the Assam Assembly elections as the state has a significant tribal population. Notably, during its 13th general convention held in Ranchi in April this year, the JMM had announced plans to increase its political activism in selected seats in Assam, Odisha and West Bengal. Party leaders had also said they were planning to contest elections in Assam by organising migrants from the state. As part of its broader expansion strategy, the JMM is working to establish its presence in various parts of the country with the aim of emerging as a national party. The party is also preparing to field candidates in the West Bengal Assembly elections and strengthen its position in other states. The JMM is actively working on shedding its image as a regional party and expanding its footprint in Delhi, West Bengal, Assam and Chhattisgarh. Preparations for this expansion are already underway. Although the party has not officially confirmed the details, sources indicate that the JMM plans to open offices in several states. Following its resounding victory in Jharkhand, the party is also considering opening an office in New Delhi.
Amid migrant attack fears, police officials rescue Jharkhand worker lost in Idukki
IDUKKI: At a time when Kerala is witnessing disturbing incidents of migrant workers being attacked by mobs on mere suspicion sometimes after being labelled thieves or outsiders - one such suspicious stranger walking alone through a forest road in Idukki last week could easily have met a similar fate. He was walking alone on a deserted forest stretch clothes torn, body trembling, and a sack slung over his shoulder. To many, he looked like danger. In truth, Baran Marandi was a hungry, lost husband searching for his family, and one wrong assumption away from disappearing forever. The incident, which occurred on November 11, came to light following a phone call to the Kanjikuzhy police station from Aneesh, a KSRTC bus conductor residing in the area. He reported that an unknown man was roaming around residential pockets of Panamkutty and Pakuthipalam, triggering fear as women and children were alone at home. Based on the information, a police team comprising sub-inspectors Thajudheen and Ajith Kumar, along with senior civil police officer Sheriff P A, rushed to the area and began patrolling. During the search, a local resident informed them that a man carrying a sack on his shoulder was seen walking towards the Pambla dam area and was suspected to be mentally unstable. At the dam site, the police spotted the man, later identified as Baran Marandi, aged around 40. He appeared weak, disoriented and exhausted. The officers immediately gave him food, after which he gradually regained his senses. Speaking to TNIE, SI Thajudheen said, The security guards at the dam told us that they had seen the man wandering a day before and that a sack belonging to him was kept on the side of the road. Apart from speaking Hindi, he could not comprehend Malayalam or any other languages. We tried to communicate with him in Hindi and came to know that he came to Idukki with his wife Miri Soren and three kids one month ago to work at a cardamom plantation at Kadassikadavu in Vandanmedu, he said. Leaving them there, he went to Jharkhand. However, when returning to Idukki, he missed the vehicle he was travelling in at Pambla. Without knowing the language or anyone here, he had been wandering without food for nearly three days, he added. Police found that Baran had not eaten for days and was on the verge of collapse. The sack recovered from the roadside contained a few clothes, garments belonging to his wife and children, his childs Aadhaar card, and a handwritten phone number. Later, the police contacted the number and spoke to Sudha, the employer at the cardamom plantation. She confirmed that the husband of a Jharkhand woman working there had been missing for the past few days. As a KSRTC Kumily bus service passed through the route, the police stopped the vehicle and requested the conductor to drop Baran at Kadassikadavu. The conductor agreed and assured the officers that he would ensure Baran reached safely. Baran was later received by his relatives at Kadassikadavu. The conductor confirmed his safe arrival over the phone and forwarded a photograph of Baran reunited with his wife, bringing relief and closure to the officers who had traced him. Police officials said the team was fortunate to have located him at the dam site, as the road beyond leads deep into forest terrain. Had he walked further, survival would have been uncertain. Wandered 3 days without food According to SI Thajudheen, the worker couldnt understand any language except Hindi. We tried to communicate with him in Hindi and came to know that he came to Idukki with his wife and three kids a month ago to work at a cardamom plantation in Vandanmedu. Leaving them there, he went to Jharkhand. However, when returning to Idukki, he missed the vehicle he was travelling in at Pambla. Without knowing the language or anyone here, he had been wandering without food for nearly 3 days, he said.
No roads, no schools: Modern facilities merely a dream in Jharkhand's Budikai village
RANCHI: Modern facilities has failed to reach Budikai village in Jharkhands Khunti, even after 78 years of independence. Most affected of all amenities is education, as only a handful of students can afford to travel to the nearest school, at least 5 km away. Residents said the region was once considered a Maoist stronghold. Budikai village is home to just 35 families. The village lacks almost every basic facilityroads, schools, electricity and safe drinking waterforcing villagers to depend largely on their surrounding environment for survival. The only way to reach the village is through a roughly carved path along the mountains, built entirely by the residents themselves. Of all necessary amenities, the absence of educational facilities have been the most striking; not a single resident of Budikai has passed Class 10 exams so far. The most educated youth in the village, Bogan Nag, is a non-matriculate himself. Villagers said that there used to be a primary school in the village before, but it was merged with another school located away from the village, possibly because of low attendance. Jaura Pahan, a resident of Budikai, remarked that schooling is literally an uphill task for the children in this village. Only six children from the hamlet regularly attend the school in Ghaghra village, braving a 56 km long rocky and hilly forest trail. As many as 20-25 children remain completely out of school due to the difficult terrain and lack of transport facilities, casting a long shadow over the future of education in the village, said Pahan. Government welfare schemes fail to reach the village as officials are often reluctant to visit the inaccessible place, he added. Villagers still rely on a traditional water source (dari) dug by their ancestors. There is just one house built under the Abua Awas scheme, that too constructed with stones collected from the nearby forest, said Pahan. Extreme poverty continues to define everyday life for most families, he added. Despite these hardships, Budikai holds significant agricultural potential. Surrounded by hills, villagers cultivate paddy on terraced fields and water is abundantly available. However, the absence of information about modern farming practices, irrigation facilities and lift irrigation systems has discouraged farmers from growing vegetables or cash crops. Sagar Munda, a farmer in the village, said that with proper guidance and irrigation support, villagers could improve their livelihoods substantially. Budikai was once considered strongholds of Maoist activities, which further delayed development work in the region, said Munda. Only government support could change the course of their lives, he added.
Narendra Modi Stadium Ground: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, along with Ishan Kishan and Devdutt Padikkal, smashed centuries to benefit their respective teams in Round One of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26 Season on Wednesday. It was a day on which a record 22 individual centuries were scored on the opening day of the competition. From a team perspective, Karnataka and Bengal completed mammoth successful run chases to make a big statement on Day One of Indias premier domestic mens one-day tournament. Kohli marked his return to Bengaluru with a commanding century as Delhi chased down 299 against Andhra with more than 12 overs to spare in their Elite Group D opener on Wednesday. Kohli's 58th List A hundred - 131 off 101 balls with 14 fours and three sixes - at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground overshadowed Ricky Bhui's 122 for Andhra as Delhi secured a four-wicket victory. Delhi pacer Simarjeet Singh was adjudged Player of the Match for picking 5-54. Meanwhile, in Jaipur, another former India captain, Rohit Sharma, produced a masterclass in front of over 20,000 spectators at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, smashing an unbeaten 155 off 94 balls to guide Mumbai to an eight-wicket victory over Sikkim in Elite Group C. Rohit raced to his 37th List A century in just 62 balls before adding another 50 runs off 29 deliveries, cutting and driving at will against an inexperienced Sikkim attack that had posted 236/6, as Mumbai chased down the target in 30.3 overs. In Ranchi, Bihar posted a staggering 574/6 - now the highest score in men's List A cricket - as teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed 190 off 84 balls and captain Sakibul Gani blasted an unbeaten 128 off 40 balls - the fastest by an Indian batter in men's List A cricket - to crush Arunachal Pradesh by 397 runs in a Plate Group match on Wednesday. Suryavanshi struck 16 fours and 15 sixes in his blistering knock at a strike rate of 226.19, adding 158 runs for the opening wicket with Mangal Mahrour (33) before combining with Piyush Singh (77 off 66 balls) for a 103-run second-wicket partnership. Wicketkeeper Ayush Loharuka continued the carnage with 116 off 56 balls, including hitting 11 fours and eight sixes, before Gani unleashed mayhem in the final overs by hitting 10 fours and 12 sixes to propel Bihar past the 500-mark. Bihar's bowlers then completed the rout, dismissing Arunachal Pradesh for just 177 in 42.1 overs with Akash Raj (3-29), Suraj Kashyap (3-31) and Himanshu Tiwari (2-33) sharing eight wickets between themselves. In Rajkot, Dhruv Jurel and Rinku Singh hit half-centuries as Uttar Pradesh opened their campaign with an 84-run win over Hyderabad at the Niranjan Shah Stadium. Apart from the duo, Abhishek Goswami and Aryan Juyal were among their other half-centurions. UP's spin trio - List A debutants Zeeshan Ansari (4-31) and Prashant Veer (3-47), along with Vipraj Nigam - stifled Hyderabad's chase of 325 after the UP top-order posted 324/5. Hyderabad captain Tanmay Agarwal's 53 off 43 balls threatened briefly before the lower-order collapsed, as they were bowled out for 240. Defending champions Karnataka pulled off a stunning run chase, overhauling a record target of 413 against Jharkhand with 15 balls to spare at the Narendra Modi Stadium Ground B in Ahmedabad. Player of the Match Devdutt Padikkal's brilliantly-paced 147 off 118 balls eclipsed Ishan Kishan's explosive 125 off just 39 balls - the second fastest List A century by an Indian male batter - as Karnataka romped home despite losing five wickets on the way. Captain Mayank Agarwal (54 off 34 balls) and Padikkal added 114 in the first 11.5 overs before Abhinav Manohar (56 not out) and debutant Dhruv Prabhakar (40 not out) sealed Karnatakas victory with an unbroken 88-run stand off 41 balls. Kishan had earlier clubbed 14 sixes in his whirlwind knock, helping Jharkhand amass 151 runs in the final 10 overs to post 412 for nine. Meanwhile, at the main Narendra Modi Stadium, Tamil Nadu opened their campaign with a 101-run victory over Pondicherry, with Pradosh Ranjan Paul (73) and captain N. Jagadeesan (67) laying the foundation for a total of 310/9. Bengal completed a successful chase of 383 against Vidarbha, with Abishek Porel (56 off 35 balls), captain Abhimanyu Easwaran (71), Sudip Gharami (68), and Shahbaz Ahmed (71 off 58 balls) guiding them to a stunning victory. Shubham Khajuria smashed an unbeaten 129 as Jammu and Kashmir thrashed Chandigarh by 10 wickets, with Nasir Lone taking four wickets and recent IPL auction pick Auqib Nabi claiming two. Himachal Pradesh defeated Uttarakhand by 95 runs as Akash Vasisht took three wickets, while Arzan Nagwaswalla's four-wicket haul powered Gujarat to an eight-wicket victory over Services. Saurashtra successfully chased down a 346-run target against Odisha with five wickets in hand, powered by Gajjar Sammar's unbeaten 132. Odisha's Swastik Samal had earlier smashed 212 with Biplab Samantaray contributing 100. Kerala thrashed Tripura by 145 runs after posting 348 for eight, with Baba Aparajith taking 5-15. Vignesh Puthur created List A cricket history by taking six catches as a fielder - the most ever in an innings, surpassing the previous record of five shared by 21 fielders. Punjab defeated Maharashtra by 51 runs, with Naman Dhir's 97, Anmolpreet Singh's 85, and Prabhsimran Singh's 60 laying the foundation for their big win before debutants Sukhdeep Bajwa and Krish Bhagat claimed two wickets each. Brief scores: Andhra 298/8 in 50 overs (Ricky Bhui 122; Simarjeet Singh 5-54, Prince Yadav 3-50) lost to Delhi 300/6 in 37.4 overs (Virat Kohli 131, Nitish Rana 77; Maramreddy Hemanth Reddy 2-6, Satyanarayana Raju 2-74) by four wickets Sikkim 236/7 in 50 overs (Ashish Thapa 79, Shardul Thakur 2/19) lost to Mumbai 237/2 in 30.3 overs (Rohit Sharma 155) by 8 wickets. Bihar 574/6 in 50 overs (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 190, Sakibul Gani 128 not out; Tadakamalla Mohith 2-99, Techi Neri 2-83) beat Arunachal Pradesh 177 in 42.1 overs (Kamsha Yangfo 32 not out, Techi Doria 28; Akash Raj 3-29, Suraj Kashyap 3-31) by 397 runs. Odisha 345/6 in 50 overs (Swastik Samal 212, Biplab Samantaray 100) lost to Saurashtra 347/5 in 48.5 overs (Gajjar Sammar 132 not out, Chirag Jani 86) by five wickets Services 184 in 42.2 overs (Arzan Nagwaswalla 4-34) lost to Gujarat 185/2 in 34.5 overs (Aarya Desai 77 not out) by eight wickets Haryana 267/9 in 50 overs (Himanshu Rana 126, Parth Vats 57) lost to Railways 270/4 in 43.4 overs (Ravi Singh 109 not out, Upendra Yadav 80) by six wickets Uttar Pradesh 324/5 in 50 overs (Abhishek Goswami 81, Dhruv Jurel 80) beat Hyderabad 240 all out in 43 overs (Tanmay Agarwal 53, Rahul Buddhi 47; Zeeshan Ansari 4-31) by 84 runs Jharkhand 412/9 in 50 overs (Ishan Kishan 125, Virat Singh 88; Abhilash Shetty 4/72) lost to Karnataka 413/5 in 47.3 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 147, Abhinav Manohar 56 not out) by five wickets Tamil Nadu 310/7 in 50 overs (Pradosh Ranjan Paul 73, N. Jagadeesan 67) beat Pondicherry 209 in 46.5 overs (Neyan Kangayan 60, Gurjapneet Singh 4/32) by 101 runs Punjab 347/6 in 50 overs (Naman Dhir 97, Anmolpreet Singh 85) beat Maharashtra 296/8 in 50 overs (Ramakrishna Ghosh 73, Prithvi Shaw 46) by 51 runs Tamil Nadu 310/7 in 50 overs (Pradosh Ranjan Paul 73, N. Jagadeesan 67) beat Pondicherry 209 in 46.5 overs (Neyan Kangayan 60, Gurjapneet Singh 4/32) by 101 runs Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chhattisgarh 233 in 48.5 overs (Amandeep Khare 76, Mayank Verma 64; Deepraj Gaonkar 4/35) lost to Goa 234/4 in 44.1 overs (Snehal Kauthankar 107 not out) by six wickets Article Source: IANS
Record! Karnataka script history, pull off unthinkable chase in VHT opener
Karnataka chased down a massive 413 to beat Jharkhand by five wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Ishan Kishans blistering 125 had propelled Jharkhand to 412/9, but Devdutt Padikkals brilliant 147, supported by Mayank Agarwal, Abhinav Manohar, and Dhruv Prabhakar, guided Karnataka to victory with 15 balls to spare in a record-breaking chase.
Vijay Hazare Trophy: Karnataka chase record 413 runs to defeat Jharkhand - Deccan Herald
Vijay Hazare Trophy: Karnataka chase record 413 runs to defeat Jharkhand Deccan Herald
Ishan Kishan slams 33-ball hundred, second-fastest by an Indian in List A cricket
Ishan Kishan smashed a blistering 33-ball century for Jharkhand against Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His explosive 125 off 39 balls, featuring 14 sixes, propelled Jharkhand to a massive 412-9. This remarkable innings marks the second-fastest Indian century in List A cricket, bolstering Kishan's case for the upcoming New Zealand ODI series.
Ishan Kishans 33-ball century at No.6 sends clear message to BCCI selectors
Ishan Kishan smashed a blistering 33-ball century against Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, registering the second-fastest List A hundred by an Indian. The Jharkhand captain finished with 125 off 39 balls, continuing his red-hot domestic form and strengthening his case for a sustained return to Indias limited-overs squads.
Bihar Captain Sakibul Gani Becomes Fastest Indian Batter To Score List A Century
Vijay Hazare Trophy: Bihar captain Sakibul Gani became the fastest Indian to score a List A century in just 32 balls in the Plate Group opener against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy at JSCA Oval Ground on Wednesday. Gani finished not out with 128 off 40 balls, just ahead of Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who on the same day scored a 33-ball century against Karnataka in the same tournament. Gani's record-breaking century included 10 fours and 12 sixes. The top two fastest List A centuries by Indians have all been recorded on the same day at two different venues, Ahmedabad and Ranchi, on the opening day of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-25. The world record for the fastest century in List A cricket belongs to Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk. The former Delhi Capitals player reached the 100-run mark in just 29 balls for South Australia against Tasmania in Adelaide on October 8, 2023. Teen prodigy Suryavanshi led the charge of Bihar's batting with an impressive 190 off 84 deliveries, whereas Ayush Loharuka scored a 56-ball 116, as captain Gani contributed another hundred to round out the assault. Suryavanshis performance made him the youngest centurion in List A cricket. After electing to bat first, Bihar went on to post the highest List A total of 574 for six, surpassing the previous record of 506 for 2 set by Tamil Nadu against Arunachal Pradesh in the same competition in 2022. The Bihar innings included 49 fours and 38 sixes. Fastest centuries by Indians in List A cricket Sakibul Gani 32 balls, Bihar vs Arunachal Pradesh, December 24, 2025 Ishan Kishan 33 balls, Jharkhand vs Karnataka, December 24, 2025 Anmolpreet Singh 35 balls, Punjab vs Arunachal Pradesh, December 21, 2024 Ishan Kishan 33 balls, Jharkhand vs Karnataka, December 24, 2025 Also Read: Live Cricket Score Yusuf Pathan 40 balls, Baroda vs Maharashtra, February 16, 2010 Article Source: IANS
Ishan Kishan Becomes Second-fastest Indian To Smash Century In List A History
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting, smashing a 33-ball century against Karnataka in a Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. The innings ranks as the second-fastest hundred by an Indian in List A cricket, falling just one ball short of the national record set earlier the same day by Bihar skipper Sakibul Gani, who reached the milestone in 32 deliveries against Arunachal Pradesh. Kishans latest feat adds to an extraordinary run of form for the left-hander. Only days ago, he was a surprise inclusion in Indias squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, shortly after captaining Jharkhand to their first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph. During the SMAT campaign, Kishan topped the charts with 517 runs and played a decisive role in the final against Haryana, where he struck a blistering century. His hundred came off just 45 balls, making him only the second player to score a ton in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final and registering as the third-fastest century in a mens T20 final. With five centuries in the tournament, he now shares the record for most hundreds in SMAT history with Abhishek Sharma. Kishans explosive credentials are well established at the international level, too. He holds the record for the fastest double century in One-Day Internationals, reaching the landmark in just 126 balls against Bangladesh in 2022. The Vijay Hazare Trophy witnessed several breathtaking performances on Wednesday. It all started with youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi grabbing headlines with his 36-ball century for Bihar, which he later converted into an 84-ball 190 before his knock came to an end. What followed next in the same innings was Ganis record-breaking ton and Ayush Loharukas 56-ball 116 as Bihar finished with a massive 574 runs on the scoreboard against Arunachal Pradesh. Kishans explosive credentials are well established at the international level, too. He holds the record for the fastest double century in One-Day Internationals, reaching the landmark in just 126 balls against Bangladesh in 2022. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Courtesy of Kishans recent performances in the domestic arena, he has earned a recall to the international setup, having been named in Indias T20I squad for the five-game series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup in February 2026. Article Source: IANS
Behind the News: Department of Posts transmits a priceless Thanjavur art from Bengaluru to Ayodhya jharkhandstatenews.com
Amid HC scrutiny, Soren cabinet okays rules for Scheduled Areas
RANCHI: Under continued pressure from the Jharkhand High Court over delay in Implementation of the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), the state Cabinet on Tuesday cleared the Panchayat Provisions (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Jharkhand Rules, 2025finally putting in place a long-awaited legal framework vital for grassroots governance in tribal areas. In all, the cabinet okayed a total of 39 proposals. The approval of the Jharkhand PESA rules comes amid ongoing proceedings before the High Court, where the states failure to notify rules under PESA has been described as a systemic violation of tribal rights. Hemant Soren government had repeatedly been informing the court that PESA rules were under finalisation. The decision assumes significance as the HC has stalled the auction of sand ghats in Scheduled Areas and warned the state government of contempt proceedings for continuing mineral-related decisions without operationalising PESA, a constitutional mandate for tribal self-governance. Earlier during the hearings, the HC held that Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas cannot be bypassed in matters relating to natural resources, including sand mining. Acting on this principle, the court stayed the auction of sand ghats in SC Areas, holding that without enforceable PESA rules, such auctions lack legal foundation. While sand mining triggered immediate judicial intervention, Cabinets approval of PESA Rules has broader implications for governance in tribal regions. This will benefit tribal communities by allowing them to govern their villages according to their traditions without any external interference.
Kohli and Rohit in focus as Indian crickets creme de la creme take guard for the Hazare Trophy
The former skippers will turn up for Delhi and Mumbai respectively from the opening round itself; defending champion Karnataka finds itself in the group of death (Group A) alongside SMAT winner Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and fellow five-time winner Tamil Nadu
Jharkhand vs Karnataka, free match prediction 24 December 2025 - TheTopBookies
Jharkhand vs Karnataka, free match prediction 24 December 2025 TheTopBookies
Hot oil poured on woman for resisting molestation
In Giridih, Jharkhand, a woman was severely injured after two men allegedly poured hot oil on her when she resisted their molestation attempt at her shop. One accused, Uday Choudhary, has been arrested, while efforts are underway to apprehend the second suspect, Manish Choudhary. An FIR has been lodged regarding the incident.
'Dead' man returns, Chhattisgarh murder case on 4 collapses
A murder investigation in Chhattisgarh took a strange turn when the victim, believed dead and buried for 61 days, reappeared after working in Jharkhand. His family had reported him missing, and four acquaintances were arrested for his alleged murder based on a charred body and confessions.
Doctor carries out tubectomy under mobile phone flashlight in Jharkhand's Hazaribag
A viral video shows a tubectomy surgery continuing under mobile phone light at a Jharkhand government health center after a power outage. The administration has ordered an investigation and plans action against the community health worker who recorded and shared the footage.
Jharkhand: Boiling oil poured on woman for resisting sexual harassment; one arrested
RANCHI: Two youths poured boiling oil on a woman for allegedly resisting sexual harassment late Sunday evening in Jharkhand's Giridh. According to police, one accused has been arrested, while the other is still on the run. As per information received, the woman runs a shop selling fritters to support her family. The accused persons, Uday Chaudhary and Manish Chaudhary, had gone to her shop on Sunday evening. At that moment, the power went out. Both accused took advantage of the situation and attempted to molest the shopkeeper. When the woman tried to stop them from harassing her, the accused picked up a pan of scalding hot oil from the stove and threw it at her. The woman screamed out of pain as she was burned by the hot oil. Hearing her screams, local villagers rushed to the spot and immediately took her to Sadar Hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment. According to doctors, the woman's hands and feet have been severely burned and is under constant medical supervision. According to villagers, the womans family depends entirely on the income from the stall. They alleged that the two accused youths have a history of misbehaviour. Both the accused persons come from influential families, due to which people were afraid to confront them earlier. But this time, they crossed all limits. Strict action must be taken against such elements, said a villager requesting anonymity. The villagers are extending all possible support for the womans treatment, they said. The police on the other hand have assured to take strict action will be taken against he accused persons. We have registered a case against the accused persons and arrested one of them, Uday Chaudhary, while the hunt is still on for another accused person, Manish Chaudhary. He will also be arrested soon, said the officer-in charge of Mufassil police station, Shyam Kishore Mahto.
Jharkhand's new campaign to showcase success stories of girls who stood up against child marriage
RANCHI: Jharkhands Social Welfare Directorate is set to launch a a first-of-its-kind campaign to curb child marriage by sharing real-life stories of girls who stood up against the practice. The campaign will showcase the success stories of girls who protested against the outdated practice and persuaded their families to not go through with their marriages, while also discussing the challenges they faced throughout their struggle for autonomy. Through these stories, young girls will be sensitised to the demerits of child marriage and informed about the laws prohibiting it. Officials informed that the campaign will highlight the provisions under the law against the practice of child marriage as well as schemes run by Women and Child Welfare Department, to empower young girls. For this initiative, the Directorate has identified ten such girls who successfully resisted child marriage, continued their education and have since gone on to build successful lives. The representatives include, Damini Sabar (East Singhbhum), Jaimati (Lohardaga), Rupa Kumari (Gumla), Karuna Kumari (Ramgarh), Uma (Jamtara), Chhaya Kumari ( Koderma), Manisha Kumari (Giridih), Milan Sabar (East Singhbhum), Radha Pandey (Koderma) and Chandana (Dhanbad). The campaign will be run in all the 45 sub-divisions of 24 districts of Jharkhand with a special focus on the pockets from where most of the child marriage cases come from, said an official in Social Welfare Department, requesting anonymity. All the officials in the sub-division level will be involved in this campaign to make it a success, she added. Not only government officials but the traditional heads like Manki-Munda and gram Pradhan along with the religious heads of all religion will also be involved so that more and more people get connected with this campaign, said the official. The campaign will be run under the ongoing programme Child Marriage Free Jharkhand, under which the young girls will also be made aware about the ongoing programmes being run for them by the state government.
VHT: After India's T20 WC squad entry, Kishan named Jharkhand's captain
Ishan Kishan has been named captain of Jharkhand for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26, starting this Wednesday. Fresh from leading Jharkhand to their maiden SMAT title with 517 runs, Kishan will also keep wickets. His strong domestic form has earned him a recall to Indias T20 World Cup 2026 squad as a backup wicketkeeper.
Ishan Kishan Named Captain As Jharkhand Announce Squad For Vijay Hazare Trophy
Jharkhand Squad For Vijay Hazare: India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been named captain of Jharkhand for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite (VHT) 2025/26, the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) confirmed. The domestic 50-over tournament begins on December 24, with Jharkhand set to open their campaign against Karnataka in Ahmedabad. The squad announced for the season features a mix of experience and youth, including Kumar Kushagra, Anukul Roy, Robin Minz, Abhinav Sharan and Virat Singh, as Jharkhand look to build on recent success in white-ball cricket. Kishans appointment follows a standout Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26 season, where he led Jharkhand to their maiden SMAT title. The wicketkeeper-batter was in outstanding form throughout the tournament, amassing 517 runs from 10 innings at an average of 57.44, with two hundreds and two half-centuries to his name. His defining moment came in the final against Haryana, where he struck a commanding 101 to guide his side to the championship. That run of performances has also earned Kishan a recall to the Indian squad for the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026. He has been included as the teams second-choice wicketkeeper-batter, behind Sanju Samson, marking a return to the national setup on the back of sustained domestic excellence. Kishans appointment follows a standout Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26 season, where he led Jharkhand to their maiden SMAT title. The wicketkeeper-batter was in outstanding form throughout the tournament, amassing 517 runs from 10 innings at an average of 57.44, with two hundreds and two half-centuries to his name. His defining moment came in the final against Haryana, where he struck a commanding 101 to guide his side to the championship. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jharkhand Squad For Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26: Ishan Kishan (WK & captain), Virat Singh, Utkarsh Singh, Kumar Kushagra (WK & vice-captain), Robin Minz, Anukul Roy, Sharandeep Singh, Shikhar Mohan, Pankaj Kumar (WK), Bala Krishna, Md Kounain Quraishi, Shubh Sharma, Amit Kumar, Manishi, Abhinav Sharan, Sushant Mishra, Vikash Singh, Saurabh Shekhar, Rajandeep Singh, Shubham Singh. Article Source: IANS
BTech student of OP Jindal University dies by suicide in Chhattisgarhs Raigarh
RAIPUR: A 20 year old engineering student of O P Jindal University in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district allegedly died by suicide in her hostel room on Saturday late night. The deceased has been identified as Princy Kumari, 20, a native of Jamshedpur in Jharkhand who was pursuing her second year B.Tech Computer Science. Speaking to TNIE, Raigarh ASP Akash Markam said the incident came to light after the hostel warden found her body hanging from a ceiling fan. The body was sent for post-mortem examination, and the autopsy report is awaited. The body was later handed over to the family. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway. Markam said the exact circumstances leading to the suicide are yet to be ascertained. We are examining the contents of the suicide note recovered from her room, and statements of hostel staff, university officials and others are being recorded, he said. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
Jharkhand: Toddler Dies After Consuming Cough Syrup, Probe Ordered
The family of the victim, identified as Ragini Kumar, had purchased a cough syrup from a private medical store in their locality.
RANCHI: The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Sunday distanced itself from the remarks of Health Minister Irfan Ansari , who offered a job to the female Muslim doctor who was allegedly assaulted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a public event in Patna last week. JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey said that there is no provision empowering the minister to offer a job with a salary of Rs 3 lakh per month. I dont think a minister can provide a Rs 3 lakh job to anyone. However, the issue that is being suppressed should be discussed, the JMM spokesperson said, stressing that the minister's statement was personal. The party was responding to Ansari's remarks, inviting the female doctor to Jharkhand and offering her a job with a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh. I have invited the woman doctor to Jharkhand and offered her a job with a Rs 3 lakh monthly salary, a flat, a desired posting and full security, the minister said in Jamtara on Saturday. The minister was responding to the December 15 incident in Patna, where Nitish Kumar pulled the veil (naqab) off the face of a newly-recruited AYUSH doctor while she was receiving her letter of appointment. He accused Nitish Kumar of attempting to demean the hijab (veil) and the Muslim community through the act. Without naming anyone, Ansari also contrasted the incident with Jharkhand's governance. This is Jharkhand. Governance here is sensitive, inclusive and rooted in respect for human dignity, the minister said. Nusrat Parveen, a doctor hailing from Kolkata, was among ten Ayush doctors who had turned up at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Secretariat on December 15 to receive their letters of appointment. When Parveen's turn came, the 75-year-old CM pointed towards her veil and exclaimed 'what is this' before pulling it down and exposing her face. The incident has drawn widespread criticism , with many accusing Nitish Kumar of disrespecting Muslim traditions, allegedly in line with the RSS agenda. Meanwhile, former BJP minister C P Singh alleged a possible connection between the woman doctor and the Al-Falah University in Haryana, which has come under scanner in connection with the alleged white collar terror module. Singh demanded an NIA inquiry into the episode and said Ansari was not the health minister for one community alone. People from this particular community want to establish Ghazwa-e-Hind. Therefore, the NIA should investigate whether Nusrat Parveen has any connection to Al-Falah University, the BJP leader alleged. 'She can go to hell': BJP Minister Giriraj Singh defends Nitish Kumar over hijab removal incident involving Muslim doctor
DC Edit | PM Signalling SIR Bid For NRC By Backdoor?
Its not that Mr Modi is expressing his concerns on the infiltration issue and its impact on the local demography for the first time. His single most important campaign theme in Jharkhand earlier this year was also the threat posed to the local demography by the presence of infiltrators
Movement of a herd of elephants has been noticed near rail tracks between Chakradharpur (Jharkhand's Singhbhum)-Jharsuguda (Odisha) section of the division, especially Bandamuna during night
Two workers die after wall of opencast coal mine collapses in Jharkhand
Tragedy struck Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, as two coal workers lost their lives when a mine wall collapsed onto a truck. The incident occurred late Saturday night in the Urimari Police Station area. Both bodies were recovered Sunday morning.
NUPPL commences mining operations at Pachwara South coal block in Jharkhand
Pachwara South Coal Block, with an approved capacity of 9.0 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA)and extractable coal reserve of 264.84 million tonnes,was allottedfor meeting fuel requirements of NUPPLs Ghatampur Thermal Power Station, says NLCIL
Two workers trapped after wall of opencast coal mine collapses in Jharkhand
Tragedy struck Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, as a mine wall collapsed on a truck. Two workers are trapped. The incident occurred late Saturday night at a Central Coalfield Limited mine. Rescue efforts are ongoing. Darkness, fog, and a protest hampered initial rescue operations. Another worker was rescued and hospitalized. Coal extraction activities have been halted.
Bihar hijab row: Woman doctor yet to join work
Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari offers the doctor a government job with a monthly salary of 3 lakh and a posting of her choice
Jharkhand minister offers job, flat to Bihar doctor after niqab row
Ranchi: Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari on Saturday said he has offered a job with Rs 3 lakh monthly salary, a government flat and desired posting to a woman doctor from Bihar following the niqab controversy during distribution of appointment letters. Ansari alleged that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar tried to demean niqab and 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 Minister offers job, flat to Bihar doctor after hijab row
I have invited the woman doctor to Jharkhand and offered her a job with a 3 lakh monthly salary, a flat, a desired posting, and full security, says Jharkhand Health Minister
Jharkhand minister offers job, flat to Bihar doctor after naqab row
RANCHI: Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari on Saturday said he has offered a job with Rs 3 lakh monthly salary, a government flat and desired posting to a woman doctor from Bihar following the naqab controversy during distribution of appointment letters. Ansari alleged that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar tried to demean naqab and the Muslim community by removing the veil of a woman. I have invited the woman doctor to Jharkhand and offered her a job with Rs 3 lakh monthly salary, a flat, desired posting and full security, he told reporters in Jamtara. The way a doctor and a woman was humiliated and treated with indecency by pulling her naqab is not merely an attack on one individual but a direct assault on human dignity, honour and the Constitution itself, he said. The incident, a video clip of which has been circulated widely and sparked a major political row, took place on Monday at the chief minister's secretariat in Patna when Ayush doctors had gathered to receive their letters of appointment. When the woman came up for her letter, Kumar saw her naqab, said what is this?, and then removed the veil. Meanwhile, a social worker filed a police complaint against Kumar over the incident, an officer said on Saturday. Mohammad Murtaza Alam, along with some villagers, submitted the complaint with Itki police station on Thursday, he said. Manish Kumar, officer-in-charge of Itki police station, told PTI that the complaint was filed on the basis of a video purportedly showing Kumar pulling off the naqab of the woman doctor.
Imd Weather Forecast: Uttar Pradesh is bracing for continued severe weather as the IMD has issued a red alert for dense fog and cold day conditions. Visibility has plummeted in many districts, with cold northerly winds and atmospheric conditions contributing to the chill.
Jharkhand tribal family carries infant's body in plastic bag as hospital fails to provide transport
RANCHI: Family members were forced to carry their dead four-month-old child in a plastic bag as the hospital failed to provide transportation facilities. Dimba Chatomba, a resident of Baljori village under Noamundi block, had brought his sick child to Sadar Hospital at Chaibasa on Thursday. The child's condition worsened, and the child died during treatment on Friday. After the child's death, the family members had requested the hospital management to provide a vehicle to take the body back to their village. The family reportedly waited for hours for a vehicle, but no arrangements were made. According to family members, the hospital administration neither made any alternative arrangements nor was it considerate towards the family. Broken by administrative insensitivity and the negligence of the healthcare system, the family was forced to carry the child's body in a plastic bag and take a bus back to Baljori village. Dimba had only 100 rupees in his pocket. Out of desperation, he bought a plastic bag for 20 rupees from a nearby shop and placed his four-month-old son's body inside it. With the remaining money, Dimba had to pay for the bus fare from Chaibasa to Noamundi and travelled with his sons body in the bag, said an attendant of a patient requesting anonymity. From Noamundi, Dimba will have to walk to his village Bada Baljori, the attendant added. Hospital administration, however, said that they were trying to arrange a vehicle and asked them to wait for a few more hours, but they left the hospital with the deceased child in a bag. We don't provide ambulances for transporting dead bodies. There is a separate hearse service for it, and we have only one such vehicle in the district. We asked the child's family to wait for two more hours as the hearse was at Manoharpur at that time, but they didn't agree and left for home with the body in a bag, said Chaibasa Civil Surgeon Dr Bharti Minj. According to the Civil Surgeon, the four-month-old child had breathing problem. The doctors had suggested taking the child to a higher center, but the father disagreed. The child eventually succumbed to the illness. Since the mother of the child was not there, we had inserted a tube for feeding. The child was brought in on Thursday evening and died at 1:15 pm on Friday, said the Civil Surgeon. Health Minister Irfan Ansari has assured to conduct an inquiry into the matter and see that action is taken against anyone found responsible. If something like this has really happened to a tribal family, an inquiry will be conducted and action will be taken against those responsible for it, said Ansari.
Jharkhand elephant attack claims another life in Ramgarh; toll crosses 1,270 in 18 years
RANCHI: In yet another incident of man-animal conflict in Jharkhand, 35-year-old man, Loknath Munda, was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Karma Sugiya Khira Beda area of Ramgarh on Friday. This is the fifth such death in the last three days in Ramgarh itself, as four people were trampled to death by the herd of elephants in Ghatto OP area on Thursday. Those who lost their lives on Thursday, include Amit Rajwar (33), Amul Mahto (35), Parvati Devi (40) and Savitri Devi (45). According to officials, a herd of 42 elephants, divided into 6-7 separate groups, is active in this area, which is on a rampage, causing loss of life and property in the area. Ramgarh DFO Nitish Kumar informed that Hamar Haathi app provides information about the location of elephants within a radius of approximately 10 kilometers. He also appealed to people to move to a safe place if they receive information about elephants being in the area and to refrain from disturbing the elephants or taking photos or videos of them. Notably, as per official data, more than 1270 people were killed in the last 18 years due to elephant attacks across Jharkhand. Not only have humans lost their lives, but more than 150 elephants have also been killed due to electrocution, train accidents or IED blasts during these years. According to data provided by the forest department, 474 people died in elephant attacks between 2019 and 2024. This includes 87 deaths in 2023, 96 in 2022, and the highest number, 133, in 2021. More than 16 deaths have already been reported in elephant attacks so far in 2025. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Wildlife, Paritosh Upadhyay, said that during the last three months alone, elephants have killed more than a dozen people. The only way to prevent human-elephant conflict is to somehow guide the elephants deeper into the forests, he said. A special team from the forest department has been deployed to safely guide the elephants deep into the forests, said Upadhyay. The cooperation of villagers is also being sought in this regard, he added. Wildlife experts said that human settlements have encroached right up to the edge of the forests, as a result, elephants venture into the villages and damage crops when they can't find food in the forests. The elephants only attack villagers when they try to chase them away. Looking at the trend of elephant-related human deaths, it becomes clear that elephants only kill people after being provoked or treated in a way they perceive as threatening, said a wildlife expert, requesting anonymity. It has also been observed that the wild elephants cause maximum damage only in the new areas which they have visited for the first time, he added. Wildlife experts also said that proper awareness is required among the people in the elephant prone areas. Due to lack of knowledge, people unnecessarily disturb the elephants by throwing stones at them or taking selfies with them, which irritates them, prompting them to attack the human population, they said. Looking at the problem, more than 17 elephant corridors have been notified in Jharkhand. In addition to that, a permission has also been sought from the Government of India to install radio collars on each of the female elephants leading the herds to make it easier to track them and guide the straying elephants back to the herd.
Ranchi Diary | Jharkhand lifts Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
The Jharkhand cricket team, led by Ishan Kishan, has created history by lifting Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. It defeated Haryana by 69 runs to win the prestigious domestic T-20 tournament for the first time. Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday met the team members, who made history by winning the Trophy. Soren congratulated all the players, support staff and the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) on the historic win. Soren said that by winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali T-20 cricket tournament, Jharkhand has created a new record in domestic cricket. This is an achievement and a moment of pride for the entire state. Vulture conservation centre in state Jharkhand is set to get its first Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre, marking a significant step towards protecting its countrys rapidly declining vulture population. Located at Muta, about 36 km from Ranchi, the facility, is expected to become operational soon, offering renewed hope for the critically endangered species. According to officials, the state government has approved a proposal by the forest department to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), which will provide technical expertise for running the centre. The project was originally sanctioned by the Centre in 2009 with the objective of reviving the vulture population in the state. Soren to visit Australia to study rehab practices Chief Minister Hemant Soren is planning a visit to Australia to study post-mining rehabilitation practices, with special emphasis on tribal regions. The proposed visit follows an official invitation from the Australian Ambassador, who recently met Soren at his residence. During his visit, the Chief Minister will focus on the living conditions of indigenous communities displaced by mining activities and closely examine Australias rehabilitation frameworks in mining-affected areas. He is also expected to study initiatives aimed at the socio-economic uplift of indigenous populations, including welfare programmes and empowerment measures. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com
Jharkhand College Students Forced To Kiss At Gunpoint, Blackmailed for Money
Two college students in Jharkhand's Koderma district were assaulted, forced to kiss at gunpoint and then blackmailed for money with threats of making their videos viral.
Migrant worker lynched to death in Kerala over false theft charge, autopsy reveals over 80 injuries
A 31-year-old migrant worker from Chhattisgarh died after being brutally assaulted by a group of local residents near Walayar in Palakkad district, allegedly on suspicion of theft. The deceased was identified as Ramnarayan Bhayar (31), a native of Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh, who had been residing in Kanjikode. Police said the incident occurred at Attappallam East on Wednesday (December 17) evening, when a group of persons allegedly attacked Bhayar with the intention of causing grievous harm. He sustained multiple injuries in the assault and was taken to the Palakkad District Government Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries later that night. Local residents claimed the incident occurred around 3 pm after Bhayar allegedly entered multiple houses in the area in an attempt to commit burglary. They said he was injured during an altercation and was taken to hospital by the police around 4.30 pm. Police on Friday said five persons have been arrested in connection with the incident. The arrests were formally recorded late Thursday night and all the accused were booked for murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. They were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody. Police initially stated that Bhayar hailed from Jharkhand, but later clarified that he was a native of Chhattisgarh. A relative of the deceased told reporters that Bhayar had arrived in Kerala only four days ago in search of work and was planning to return home after failing to find suitable employment. He was new to the area, did not know the routes and got lost. That is how he landed at the place where the incident occurred, the relative said, adding that Bhayar had no criminal record and is survived by two children aged eight and 10. Bihar man lynched over religious identity in Nawada; four arrested, police probe underway According to police, Bhayar was attacked on allegations that he was involved in a theft at Kizhakeattappallam near Walayar. As per the FIR, the incident occurred before 7.40 pm. Police said a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events. According to a report by Onmanorama , the autopsy revealed that Bhayar was brutally assaulted with a stick and had sustained more than 80 injuries from head to toe. The post-mortem report confirmed that he died due to severe assault and excessive bleeding caused by head injuries, and also noted internal bleeding. The report said Bhayar, who was intoxicated at the time, had not committed any theft. Following the assault, he collapsed after vomiting blood and was allegedly abandoned on the roadside for nearly four hours before being taken to hospital by the police. Onmanorama further reported that after visuals of the brutal assault surfaced, police took around 10 people into custody, following which the arrests of five accused were formally recorded. Taking suo motu cognisance of the incident, the State Human Rights Commission ordered a probe and directed the Palakkad district police chief to submit a report within three weeks. The killing has revived memories of the 2018 lynching of Madhu, a tribal youth from the Kadukumanna settlement in Attappady, who was beaten to death by a mob after being accused of theft. Disturbing visuals of that assault had triggered nationwide outrage, and 13 of the 14 accused were later sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 1 lakh each.
Ishan Kishan 2.0: Calm, spiritual and matured cricketer eyes journey into future
Ishan Kishan led Jharkhand to their first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. He emerged as the tournament's top scorer with 517 runs. Kishan now finds peace in reading the Bhagavad Gita. This spiritual practice has brought him maturity and a calmer approach to his game. The Jharkhand team received a Rs 2 crore reward for their historic win.
How SMAT winner Ishan Kishan found calm amid chaos through the Bhagavad Gita
Ishan Kishan's career has seen dramatic highs and lows, culminating in a period of reflection and a renewed focus on his game. Inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, he found inner peace and a disciplined approach, leading Jharkhand to a maiden T20 title. This transformation marks a significant turning point, as he aims to reclaim his place in the Indian team.
Parents in India devastated as children with thalassemia test HIV positive
The five cases in Madhya Pradesh state come weeks after a similar incident was reported in Jharkhand state.
Zero visibility across north India as IMD sounds red alert for Delhi
A thick blanket of dense fog covered large parts of north India on Friday morning, severely impacting the visibility. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi, warning of major disruptions to road, rail and air traffic. Satellite imagery showed widespread fog over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, northeast Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Visibility dropped to zero metres at several locations, including Agra, Bareilly, Saharanpur and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh; Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bathinda and Adampur in Punjab; Safdarjung in Delhi; Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh; Bhagalpur in Bihar; and Daltonganj in Jharkhand. The IMD cautioned that extremely poor visibility could impact airport operations and cause delays on highways and railway routes. An orange alert was issued for multiple districts in Uttar Pradesh, parts of Uttarakhand, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, and several districts in Punjab, including Amritsar, Patiala and Sangrur. Meteorologists warned of hazardous driving conditions and an increased risk of road accidents, along with the possibility of power line tripping in affected regions. Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel, use fog lights, and stay updated on transport advisories. According to IMD definitions, very dense fog occurs when visibility ranges between 0 and 50 metres, while dense fog refers to visibility between 51 and 200 metres. As North India chokes, there can be no hiding 'behind the smokescreen of farm fires anymore' In Delhi, early morning visibility remained poor due to dense fog mixed with smog. Delhis air quality remained alarming, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 382, placing it in the very poor category and close to severe. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed that 14 monitoring stations reported severe air quality, while the remaining recorded very poor levels. Vivek Vihar registered the worst AQI at 434. The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has forecast that air quality will stay very poor until Saturday and may deteriorate to severe on Sunday. Meanwhile, stricter pollution control measures came into effect in the national capital on Thursday. The entry of non-Delhi private vehicles below BS-VI emission standards has been banned, and the No PUC, No Fuel rule is being enforced. Fuel stations are denying fuel to vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control certificates, with checks supported by automatic number plate reader cameras, voice alerts and police deployment. 'More headline and image management': Unreliable data mask just how bad India's air quality crisis is
IMD Weather update: Delhi has been put on a yellow alert by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) today. The IMD has predicted partly cloudy sky with moderate to shallow fog in the national capital. Very dense fog is likely to prevail in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha, the IMD said.
Goas Justice Sonaktipped to be CJ of Jharkhand HC
NT Reporter Panaji Goas Justice Mahesh S Sonak, a senior judge of the Bombay High Court, has been recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium to be the next Chief Justice of the JharkhandHigh Court. The Supreme Court Collegium on Thursday recommended the appointment of five High Court judges as Chief Justices of different High Courts [] The post Goas Justice Sonaktipped to be CJ of Jharkhand HC appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Elephant movement disrupts rail traffic in Jharkhand, several trains cancelled
RANCHI: In the wake of frequent movement of wild elephants along forest-fringed sections under the Chakaradharpur Railway Division in Jharkhand, multiple trains have been cancelled on the up and down line. According to officials, herds of jumbos have been frequently spotted near and across tracks on the NaugaonRourkela, ChakradharpurRourkela and RourkelaJharsuguda sections, falling within identified elephant corridor zones. To avoid any potential mishap, these trains will remain cancelled on December 18 and 19, they said. The trains which have been cancelled include Rourkela MEMU, HatiaJharsuguda MEMU, RourkelaJharsuguda MEMU and the BadampaharBangriposi passenger, affecting both onward and return journeys. Railway authorities said that elephant activity in these sections has increased over the past few days, creating operational risks. Due to frequent movement of elephants, trains running during the night get late due to which there is congestion, leading to the delay of long-distance trains during the day time. To avoid congestion during the day time, most of the trains plying during the night have been cancelled, said senior divisional commercial manager Aditya Choudhary. The situation is being monitored closely in coordination with the Forest Department and the Railway Protection Force, he said, adding that services will be restored once it stabilizes. Elephant herd kills four in a day as villagers panic in Jharkhands Ramgarh Choudhary, however, said that long-distance trains on the Howrah-Mumbai route will run at moderate speed with proper track clearance and thorough surveillance by dedicated teams. In addition, pilots have been directed to follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) while moving on sections frequented by elephants, he said. Earlier, on October 31 and November 1, the Chakradharpur railway halted 12 long-distance trains on the up and down line for hours to give safe passage to 22 elephants, which were moving in separate herds, between Bisra and D Cabin section on the Jharkhand-Odisha border. Meanwhile, due to thick fog and poor visibility, flight operations at Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi have also been hit badly. Keeping safety norms in mind, airport authorities have cancelled several flights, while many others are operating with significant delays. Airport officials said runway visibility dropped below the prescribed limits during the morning hours, disrupting flight movements. Flight services are expected to gradually return to normal once weather conditions improve. The cancelled flights include IndiGo 6E 7674 / 7235 (Kolkata Ranchi Kolkata), IndiGo 6E 7561 / 7562 (Kolkata Ranchi Kolkata) and Air India Express IX 1046 / 1047 (Delhi Ranchi Delhi).
Ishan Kishan delivered a sensational performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, blasting 10 sixes en route to a 49-ball century as Jharkhand registered a dominant 69-run victory over Haryana to clinch their maiden SMAT title in emphatic fashion.
SC Collegium recommends appointment of Chief Justices of five State High Courts
NEW DELHI: In a significant development, the Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting held on December 18, 2025, has recommended the elevation and appointment of five Judges as Chief Justices to five State High Courts across the country. The SC Collegium said Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta (Allahabad High Court) has been recommended to be the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court. Justice Revati P. Mohite Dere (Bombay High Court) has also been recommended to be the Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court. Similarly, Justice MS Sonak (Bombay High Court) has been recommended to be the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. Justice A Muhamed Mustaque (Kerala High Court) has been recommended to be the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court. Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo (Orissa High Court) has been recommended to be theChief Justice of Patna High Court. The decision to recommend the Judges' names wastaken by the SC Collegium, which was headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant. This was the second major decision taken by CJI Kant after taking charge on November 24 from CJI B R Gavai (now retired).After theSCCollegium's recommendations, the Centre will deliberate upon names, decide and send its final proposal to the SC Collegium for final decision. TheSCCollegiumis an apex body, headed by the CJI, who decides, recommends and transfers judges to various State High Courts depending upon the expertise, know-how, etc.
Jharkhand's first medical university to come up in Ranchi: Health Minister Irfan Ansari
RANCHI: Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari on Thursday said the state is all set to get its first medical university, with land identified for the proposed institution in Ranchi's Brambe locality. We hope the foundation of the university will be laid by the end of January next year, Ansari said while distributing appointment letters to 66 health officials, including 33 medical officers and 33 specialist doctors. He assured that manpower in the health sector would be increased and more recruitment would be carried out next year. Even after 25 years of Jharkhand's creation, there is no medical university in the state, which has led to a shortage of faculty and doctors. We have been working to improve the health sector system, the minister said. He said four medical colleges would be established in the state in the coming years. The minister added that he recently met Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav and requested him for an ayurvedic college in the state. The Union minister has asked us to send a proposal in this regard, Ansari said. Later, talking to reporters, Ansari said a building of the panchayati raj institution at Brambe, which previously functioned as the Central University of Jharkhand, has been selected for temporary operations of the medical university. The matter has already be discussed with the governor, and the medical university is expected to commence functioning within the next 67 months, Ansari said. The Brambe-based institution, which is spread over 67 acres, has 45 large and small buildings, including academic blocks, hostels and an auditorium, a health official said.
JAC 8th, 9th, and 11th Exams 2026 dates released, registration begins today
Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) has released the 2026 exam dates for 8th, 9th, and 11th grades. Registration for 11th-grade exams starts on December 18, 2025, and continues until January 2, with a late fee window from January 3 to 9. 9th-grade registration begins shortly. Exams will use OMR sheets, with 9th-grade at Matriculation centres and 11th-grade at Intermediate centres. The 8th-grade exam is expected in the second week of March, after Holi. Schools are coordinating submissions.
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 Final: Who won the BCCI's premier T20 tournament? Check full list here
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 Final: Haryana and Jharkhand are facing each other in the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, marking their first-ever appearance in the championship match. Before this final, the elite tournament has been played 18 times. Here is a list of full list of SMAT trophy winners.
Five arrested, weapons seized in Nalanda
In a bold move, law enforcement in Nalanda district has successfully disrupted a major interstate arms trafficking operation, apprehending five suspects hailing from Jharkhand. During this significant raid, authorities seized 153 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, five homemade firearms, and an SUV. Notably, one of the arrested individuals is reportedly on the radar of the National Investigation Agency.
CRICKET | A maiden title beckons finalists Haryana and Jharkhand
SYED MUSHTAQ ALI TROPHY | The captains, Kishan and Ankit, have led from the front with consistent batting; dew will be a major factor, making the toss all the more crucial
Two women among five trampled to death by wild elephants in Jharkhand
RAMGARH/RANCHI: Five people, including two women, were trampled to death by wild elephants in separate incidents in Jharkhand over the past 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday. In Ramgarh district, three people died at Sirka forest area, while a 36-year-old person was killed at Jidu village in Ranchi's Angara, on Tuesday night, they said. Some of the deceased are yet to be identified. Two quick response teams (QRTs) and forest guards are tracking the movement of elephant herds in the area, said Nitish Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer, Ramgarh. On Tuesday afternoon, Amit Kumar Rajwar (32), was trampled to death in Ramgarh when he approached a herd of eight wild elephants to capture a video and take selfies, Kumar said. As many as 42 jumbos, divided in herds, are roaming the forests along the border areas of Ramgarh and Bokaro districts, he said. Gautam Kumar Rajwar, officer-in-charge of Angara police station, said a person named Sanicharwa Munda died during the course of treatment, while two injured, including a woman, are being treated in hospital.
SMAT: Haryana stuns Hyderabad, takes on Jharkhand in final
Tiger pugmarks found in Jharkhand's PTR on day-one of tiger census
RANCHI: Tiger pugmarks found on the very first day of the tiger census have lent significant weight to forest officials claims about the presence of big cats in the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR). The census began across Jharkhand on December 15. According to officials, it is being carried out across 31 territorial forest divisions and five protected wildlife divisions in the state, including major conservation areas such as the Palamu Tiger Reserve and the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary. The exercise is part of a nationwide wildlife enumeration programme conducted once every four years to generate accurate and scientifically validated data on animal populations. PTR Deputy Director Prajesh Kant Jena confirmed the finding of tiger pugmarks in the reserve. Tiger pugmarks and their scat have been found at several places in the PTR on the very first day of the tiger census which started on Monday, Jena said. With this, the active presence of tigers in the area has been confirmed, he added. According to Jena, the pugmarks and other signs collected till December 22 will undergo scientific verification and documentation. The process will cover all ranges and beat areas in a phased manner and will also include camera trapping and data analysis. Besides tiger pugmarks, significant evidence of the presence of leopards and wolves has also been found, the Deputy Director said. The primary objective of the programme is to collect scientific and reliable data on the presence, activities and habitat of tigers, as well as other major carnivores and large herbivores. All activities will be conducted smoothly and in a timely manner, in accordance with the All-India Tiger Estimation (AITI) 2026 guidelines. Jena also said that 110 forest guards, 300 trackers and 25 volunteers are participating in the exercise. All teams have been deployed across various ranges and beats of the Palamu Tiger Reserve, where they are carrying out track searches, sign surveys and primary data recording. Notably, this is the first time in Jharkhand that volunteers from different universities studying botany and zoology have been deployed for the tiger census. According to forest officials, apart from creating a young workforce, the initiative will help raise awareness about comprehensive tiger estimation and conservation. This is also the first time in the state that tiger censuses are being conducted outside the Palamu Tiger Reserve, in forest ranges such as Ranchi, Dumka and Hazaribagh. Officials confirmed that the exercise combines traditional field-based methods with modern technology, including camera traps and a specially designed ecological mobile application for real-time data collection across the states forested landscapes. According to the 2006 census, Jharkhand had 10 tigers, a number that fell to three in 2014. The latest report places the total number of big cats in the state at six. Beginning with 22 tigers in 1972, the Palamu Tiger Reserve saw its peak in 1995, when it had 71 big cats. The decline that followed left only three tigers in 2014. In the 2018 tiger census, the number of tigers in the Palamu Tiger Reserve was reported as zero.
Pregnant tribal woman and her unborn child die due to lack of road facility in Jharkhands Gumla
RANCHI: In a heart-wrenching incident in Jharkhands Gumla, a pregnant tribal woman, Sukri Kumari and her child in the womb, lost their lives due to a lack of road service on Sunday. Since the ambulance could not reach the village, she was carried by her family members for over a kilometre from her home in Jhalakapat to Karasilli village on a carrying yoke through the hilly terrain. After reaching Karasilli, the woman got a Mamta Vahan in which she was taken to the Ghaghra Community Health Centre. Giving her initial treatment, the doctors immediately referred her to Gumla Sadar Hospital as her condition was critical. Amidst the struggle for treatment, due to a lack of basic facilities, Sukri Kumari died just after reaching Sadar Hospital. Gumla Civil Surgeon, Dr Shambhu Nath Chaudhary, asserted that Sukri Kumari lost her life due to delayed access to medical assistance. Unable to find an ambulance, tribal man in Jharkhand sets off for home carrying his ailing wife Had she had to give medical assistance at the CHC a few hours before, maybe her life could have been saved. The terrain from her village, located on the hills, is really very difficult, where the Mamta Vahan can't reach, said the Civil Surgeon. After reaching the CHC, all the medical facilities were provided to her on time, he added. According to the Civil Surgeon, the cause of death of the woman in medical terms was pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorder, but the real cause of death is delayed medical access. At 2:39 am, a call was received by the local Sahiya Didi, and at 2:44 am, the call was received by the call centre. At 3:15 am, Mamta Vahan reached at the spot. But it took several hours for the woman to reach Mamta Vahan, waiting for her at Karasilli, about a kilometre from her village, said the Civil Surgeon. The Civil Surgeon also informed that Sukir Kumari had returned from Himachal Pradesh, where she had gone to secure money. It has delayed the registration process. She was merely 17 years old, and it was her first pregnancy, he said. According to villagers, Jhalakapat village still lacks a proper road even after 78 years of independence. The situation worsens considerably during the rainy season, they said. Due to the absence of a road, basic amenities such as education and healthcare, and employment opportunities are practically inaccessible to the villagers. Notably, Jhalakapat village under Dirgaon Panchayat is a Maoist-affected location in an extremely remote area. Villagers claimed that they have been demanding a road for several years, but have received only empty promises. In the village, predominantly inhabited by tribal communities, development schemes have remained only on paper. Even the children have to travel several kilometres to pursue education. In 2025, reaching the hospital for the sick is a perilous task for Jharkhands Gumla villagers. Pregnant woman dies after falling from operation theatre table in Jharkhand hospital
CM to open labour conclave on December 19
Labour Ministers of Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and Telangana will take part in the conclave, says V. Sivankutty.
cough-syrup-trafficking-racket-in-up-had-700-fake-firms-generating-billions-of-rupees-ed-says
The Enforcement Directorate raided more than 25 locations in UP, Gujarat, and Jharkhand over 40 hours, over a large illicit money laundering cough syrup racket. Officials found that over 700 fake firms were set up in the name of 220 operators. The firms were found to be generating billions of rupees. In the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), 67 people were named as accused in the case. It was found to be the states largest codeine-based cough syrup diversion and trafficking racket. Factories, warehouses, and residences linked to the accused were raided. The firms existed only on paper, and many of their authorised individuals were also only found on documents. ED sources said that more of the key links in the firms were being exposed, which will lead to more evidence. The body is also moving to seize assets from the masterminds behind the racket, Subham Jaiswal, Alok singh, another man who is a close associate of a former MP, and Amit Tata managed to get away last year eve after the STF conducted an investigation. ED sources said that large cash transactions were found in the bank accounts of Subham Jaiswal and the other two names. Subhams father, Bhola Prasad Jaiswal, is also a person of interest in the case. Some of the firms involved in the transactions were in Ranchi and Ahmedabad. In Uttar Pradesh, locations in Lucknow, Saharanpur, Varanasi, and Ghaziabad. The EDs ECIR enables the agency to summon suspects, freeze bank accounts, seize evidence, and attack properties acquired through illicit proceeds. The report was based on 24 FIRs registered over the past year by UP police, STF and FSDA across districts. Subham Jaiswal, who is the alleged mastermind behind the racket, was issued a notice to appear before the ED on December 8. More summons are expected as the financial probe expands.
JSSC Special Assistant Teacher recruitment 2025: Apply online for 3,451 posts before January 13
JSSC Special Assistant Teacher recruitment 2025: The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) has opened applications for 3,451 Special Assistant Teacher posts under JIGTSEATCCE-2025. The recruitment includes 2,399 Intermediate Trained and 1,052 Graduate Trained positions. Candidates must meet educational qualifications, age limits, and register with the Rehabilitation Council of India. Applications are open online until January 13, 2026, via the official website https://jssc.jharkhand.gov.in. Selection will be through a written examination, and salary ranges from Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 92,300.
Man trampled to death by elephants in Jharkhands Latehar district
A 21-year-old man was killed after being trampled by a herd of elephants in Jharkhands Latehar district while he stepped out of his house at night. The incident occurred at Bhaisadon village under Balumath Police Station limits on Sunday night when Aryan Lohra went outside his home to relieve himself, he said
Survey finds LGBTQIA+ youth face highest discrimination at home and school
A recent survey of over 900 LGBTQ+ individuals by a Kolkata-based organisation, Bridge, which works for the rights of the community across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal, reported that most bullying happens between the ages of 12 and 15 years
Jharkhand: 2 CRPF personnel injured in IED blast in Saranda forest
Michaelraj S, IG Operations and Jharkhand police spokesperson said that the personnel belonged to the CoBRA unit of the CRPF. Here are more details on this.
SMAT | Ton-up Jaiswal powers Mumbai past Haryana, keeps remote chances alive
Hyderabad makes it two out of two to consolidate top spot; Hemanths hundred helps Andhra eliminate Punjab; Jharkhand edges MP by one run
Jharkhand to use ballot papers for municipal elections for first time
RANCHI: For the first time, municipal elections in Jharkhand will be conducted using ballot papers instead of EVMs. Since their introduction in 2013, EVMs have been used in the states municipal elections. The State Election Commission cited insufficient availability of EVMs as the reason for the switch. Jharkhand does not have the required number of machines and depends on other states, which have expressed their inability to provide them. Additionally, the company that manufactures EVMs has requested at least a year to produce new machines for the state. Given the current situation, the commission has decided to conduct municipal elections using ballot papers, said State Election Commission Secretary Radheshyam Prasad, adding that preparations are in full swing. Different coloured ballot papers will be used for different positions. One colour will be for the chairpersons post, while another will be for ward members. Voters will receive two ballot papers and cast their votes in separate ballot boxes. Sources said the ballot papers will be printed in pink and white. Prasad confirmed that a sufficient number of ballot boxes are available, with the required quantity assessed based on the number of polling stations in each district. Painting and repair work of old boxes has also begun to ensure smooth polling. The commission has decided to print the ballot papers in Ranchi this time, instead of Kolkata, to save time and resources and ensure better security arrangements.
Cold wave grips Jharkhand; mercury dips below 10C in nine districts
Cold wave conditions prevailed across Jharkhand with nine districts recording minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, Ranchi being the coldest at 6.1C, the IMD said. Ranchi recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 6.1 degrees Celsius, followed by Gumla (7.1) and Khunti (7.5), the IMD`s weather bulletin stated
Paddy procurement with 60 lakh quintals target to commence from Dec 15 in Jharkhand
On December 15, Jharkhand will launch its paddy procurement season, aiming to acquire 60 lakh quintals at a rate of Rs 2,450 per quintal. In a show of support for local farmers, an additional bonus of Rs 81 per quintal will also be provided.
CBI chargesheets four Chinese behind Rs 1,000-cr cyber crime racket; 111 shell companies unmasked
NEW DELHI: The CBI has filed a chargesheet against 17 people, including four Chinese nationals, and 58 companies for their alleged roles in a transnational cyber fraud network that siphoned off over Rs 1,000 crore through a sprawling web of shell entities and digital scams, officials said on Sunday. After busting the racket in October, investigators unravelled a single, tightly coordinated syndicate that relied on an elaborate digital and financial infrastructure to run a range of frauds. These included misleading loan applications, fake investment schemes, Ponzi and multi-level marketing models, bogus part-time job offers and fraudulent online gaming platforms. According to the probe agency's final report, the group layered the flow of illicit funds through 111 shell companies, routing about Rs 1,000 crore via mule accounts. One account received more than Rs 152 crore in a short span. The shell companies, the CBI said, were incorporated using dummy directors, forged or misleading documents, fake addresses and false statements of business objectives. These shell entities were used to open bank accounts and merchant accounts with various payment gateways, enabling rapid layering and diversion of proceeds of crime, a CBI spokesperson said in a statement. Investigators traced the origins of the scam to 2020, when the country was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. The shell companies were allegedly incorporated at the direction of four Chinese handlers -- Zou Yi, Huan Liu, Weijian Liu, and Guanhua Wang. Their Indian associates procured identity documents from unsuspecting individuals, which were then used to establish the network of shell companies and mule accounts to launder proceeds from the scams and obscure the money trail. CBI, FBI dismantles transnational cyber crime network in Noida, six arrested The investigation exposed communication links and operational control that, the agency said, nailed the role of Chinese masterminds running the fraud network from abroad. Significantly, a UPI ID linked to the bank accounts of two Indian accused was found to be active in a foreign location as late as August 2025, conclusively establishing continued foreign control and real-time operational oversight of the fraud infrastructure from outside India, the CBI statement said. The probe found that the racketeers employed a highly layered, technology-driven modus operandi, using Google advertisements, bulk SMS campaigns, SIM-box-based messaging systems, cloud infrastructure, fintech platforms and multiple mule bank accounts. Each stage of the operation -- from luring victims to collection and movement of funds -- was deliberately structured to conceal the identities of the actual controllers and evade detection by law enforcement agencies, the spokesperson said. The chargesheet names 17 individuals, including the four Chinese nationals, and 58 companies. The investigation was launched on the inputs from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, which flagged large-scale cheating of citizens through online investment and employment schemes, resulting in the arrest of three individuals in October. Though initially appearing as isolated complaints, detailed analysis by CBI revealed striking similarities in applications used, fund-flow patterns, payment gateways and digital footprints, pointing towards a common organised conspiracy, the agency said. Following the October arrests, the CBI conducted searches at 27 locations across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand and Haryana, seizing digital devices, documents and financial records that were later subjected to detailed forensic examination.
Queer children face maximum discrimination, bullying at homes, schools: Survey
A recent survey of over 900 LGBTQ+ individuals by a Kolkata-based organisation, 'Bridge', which works for the rights of the community across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal, reported that most bullying happens between the ages of 12 and 15 years
SIR issue: Congress steps up vote chor, gaddi chhod campaign with Ramlila Maidan rally today
The Congress party is set to hold a major rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on December 14, protesting alleged vote chori and the SIR issue. This event, a significant step in their campaign against the BJP-led government, will see participation from leaders and workers across several states, including Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
Rural women better employed than urban: Study
BENGALURU: Karnatakas rural women are better employed in comparison to those in urban areas and men in both areas proportionately, said a report from the Reserve Bank of India. The report, Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2024-25, released on Friday, said the unemployment rate of women in rural areas was nine per 1,000 in 202324 and 13 in 202223. The unemployment ratio of men in the same periods were 25 and 17, respectively. The overall unemployment rate in Karnatakas rural area was recorded as 19 during 202324, and 15 during 202223. This is lower than the national average of 25 and 24, respectively. In the case of urban areas, the unemployment rate of women during 202324 was 44 and during 202223, it was 51. The RBI report also noted that the urban male unemployment rate in 202324 fiscal was 41 and in 202223, it was 38. The overall unemployment rate in urban areas in 202324 and in 202223 it was 42. The all India unemployment rate in 202324 was 51 and in 202223, it was 54. A finance expert in the state government said, There is unemployment in Karnataka. But compared to other states and India, it is less. The rise in rural womens employment rate is a positive indication, but worrisome when the urban statistics are noted. The overall rural unemployment rates in Goa, Madhya Pradesh and even Jharkhand are even lower. Karnataka also ranked fourth in the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) size. The report said Karnatakas GSDP (at current prices) for the year 202425 was Rs 28,83,903.23 crore. In 202324, it was Rs 25,57,241.35 crore. The state ranks second in the overall GSDP growth with 12.8% for the fiscal 202425, after Tamil Nadu (16%). Uttar Pradesh is slightly behind Karnataka with 12.7%, and Maharashtra trails with 11.7%. The GSDP growth rate of Gujarat is recorded as 10.2%. An official in the finance department, seeking anonymity, said, while other states fared better under the overall urban employment category, Karnatakas population should also be accounted for. The reason for the drop in male employment in rural areas also needs to be studied, the official said. FKCCI chairperson Uma Reddy said womens employment in rural areas increased because of the agricultural sector and self employment. The rural entrepreneurship training programmes also appear to be beneficial. In the case of urban areas, a larger push for the women workforce is needed to control the attrition rate. Reddy said the overall unemployment rate of the state is worrying. The report is only till 202324. But an analysis of 202425 and 202526 is needed for a clearer picture. The reasons cannot be fully ascertained yet, but some indicators include technological interventions, drop in investments and the tariff issue, she said.
Man Posing As IAS Officer Who Drove In Beacon-Fitted Cars And Hired Gunmen, Arrested
Lalit Kishor posed as IAS officer Gaurav Kumar in Gorakhpur, running a fake racket with Abhishek Kumar and Parmanand Gupta, extorting crores across UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and MP.
'Digital progress uneven across states': Report
India's digital progress is uneven. Some states are building world-class digital systems, while others fall behind. Delhi leads with a high digitalisation score. Jharkhand ranks last. This disparity risks India's ambitious Digital Bharat goals. Ensuring weaker states catch up is crucial for India to become a global digital powerhouse.
Injured Tusker From Jharkhand Triggers Panic In Odisha
Nilgiri Ranger officials confirmed that the animal was mobile and capable of rejoining its herd once stabilised. A veterinary team is expected to assess the injury and initiate treatment.
FSDA writes to UP district magistrates to invoke Gangster Act in illegal cough syrup case
LUCKNOW: While government agencies are conducting raids and cracking the whip on those allegedly involved in illegal diversion of codeine-based cough syrup and trafficking of narcotic-category medicines, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has shot of letters to 31 district magistrates (DMs) across Uttar Pradesh to book the alleged syndicate operators under the UP Gangsters Act. The FSDA has told the DMs to initiate action under the laws provisions that include seizure of properties disproportionate to the known source of income. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids in a palatial bungalow worth crores, owned by dismissed police constable Alok Kumar Singh in Lucknow on Friday. Alok Kumar Singh, who was arrested in connection with the cough syrup scam, is currently languishing in jail. The ED raided 25 locations simultaneously across six cities in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Gujarat on Friday morning in connection with a major illegal network dealing in codeine-based cough syrup, officials said. The size of Alok Kumar Singhs bungalow and its overt opulence were there to take everyone in awe. Meanwhile, the development regarding the letters written by FSDA to the DMs has come three days after the Uttar Pradesh government formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Inspector General of Police, Law & Order, LR Kumar, to investigate the case. The UP Police and FSDA authorities have carried out raids in 332 firms across 52 districts in UP, during the past two months, lodging FIRs against 133 of them across 31 districts. UP forms SIT to crack Rs 425-crore codeine cough syrup smuggling racket According to FSDA Secretary and Commissioner Roshan Jacob, the department conducted months of intensive investigation spanning Jharkhand, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh and collected evidence, including the business links of Uttar Pradeshs super stockists and wholesalers with those states, before launching the raids two months ago. Jacob has also written to district magistrates to initiate action against the jailed operators under the Gangsters Act. As per the FSDA commissioner, CM Yogi had issued directives for stringent action against the culprits ensuring that no diversion takes place from Uttar Pradesh to any other state or country. He (CM) instructed officials not to trouble small traders during enforcement but ensure firm action against super stockists and wholesalers involved in illicit activities, Jacob said. According to officials, for the first time, cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for illegal diversion of codeine-based cough syrup. Earlier, such violations were dealt with only through licence cancellations. Informed sources reveal that while probing the records of 332 drug-selling establishments, it was found that many of them did not actually exist and were functioning only as billing points with no purchase or sale records. Many others lacked proper storage arrangements. Out of the 332 firms, 133 were found to be involved in the organised illegal diversion of these medicines for non-medical use. It was discovered that the diverted stock was being routed primarily through state capital Lucknow, Kanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Bahraich to Nepal, and from Varanasi and Ghaziabad to Bangladesh. Cases of trafficking of codeine-based cough syrup for drug abuse have been identified in cities including Varanasi, Jaunpur, Kanpur Nagar, Ghazipur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Lucknow, Bahraich, Bijnor, Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Sitapur, Sonbhadra, Balrampur, Raebareli, Sant Kabir Nagar, Hardoi, Bhadohi, Amethi, Shravasti, Siddharthnagar, Unnao, Basti, Ambedkarnagar, Azamgarh, Saharanpur, Bareilly, Sultanpur, Chandauli, Mirzapur, Banda, and Kaushambi, officials said.
Terre des hommes (Tdh) India , a child rights organisation that has deepened its understanding of how climate change affects children by actively listening to young people in the Sundarbans region and in Jharkhand, organised Children and Climate 2025 on 11th December 2025, at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Insights from these communities helped Tdh recognise the direct link between environmental stress and the fulfilment of children’s rights. The event convened donors, researchers, practitioners, youth speakers, and policymakers for an in-depth dialogue on how climate change is rapidly emerging as one of the most urgent child-rights challenges of our time. Children and Climate 2025 conference organised by Terre des hommes (India) In India, the impact of climate change is accelerating, with over 85% of districts exposed to recurring extreme climate events such as heatwaves, floods, and cyclones. These shocks directly affect children’s nutrition, education, protection, mental health, and long-term development. At the Children and Climate conference , participants explored these intersections through an integrated, child-sensitive lens. Discussions focused on designing climate programmes that strengthen social protection systems, embed child-sensitive health responses, and support families facing climate-induced migration. Manavi Bhardwaj from India Climate Collaborative, Sarbjit Singh Sahota from UNICEF India, Harini Kannan from J-Pal, Pragya Vats from IPE Global, and Dr. Sudeshna Chatterjee from WRI were some of the panelists. The event also amplified community voices, highlighting how local experiences must inform larger climate-resilience frameworks. The conference structure drew from the project cycle management approach , enabling a step-by-step examination of how child-centred climate interventions should be planned, financed, implemented, and evaluated. Panel discussions and breakout sessions encouraged funders, practitioners, and researchers to collectively identify gaps, share evidence, propose innovative financing models, and understand the practical challenges of mainstreaming climate considerations into existing child-focused programmes. Anindit Roy Chowdhury , Multi-country Director (India & Nepal), Terre des hommes , said, “Children are not merely victims of the climate crisis, they are essential actors in shaping resilient and inclusive futures. Yet the systems meant to support them still respond in fragments. Climate risks intersect with health, protection, and migration in a child’s life, and our solutions must reflect that. Through this convening, we aim to strengthen the collective resolve to design truly integrated programmes that prioritise children’s rights, safety, and well-being”. Children and Climate 2025 reinforced the need for multi-sectoral partnerships and sustained cooperation across development, climate, and social systems. Tdh India reaffirmed its commitment to advancing integrated solutions that safeguard children in India’s most climate-vulnerable contexts, and to collaborating with stakeholders to shape a more inclusive, resilient future for every child. About Terre des hommes (Tdh) India Terre des hommes (Tdh) India is a leading child-rights organisation working to strengthen health, protection and resilience systems for vulnerable children, youth and communities across high-risk geographies. With a deep focus on digital innovation, climate-resilient child protection, safe mobility and maternal and child health, Tdh collaborates closely with government departments, frontline workers, and community institutions to drive long-term structural change. Since 2016, Tdh India has reached more than 500,000 children, families, and community members , advancing safer childhoods, stronger systems, and equitable access to care and opportunity.
ED raids Jharkhand-based traders residence over alleged money laundering through coal trade
RANCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday raided the official and residential premises of Dhanbad-based coal trader Manoj Agrawal at Bhelatand and Dhansar. The action is said to be part of an investigation into alleged money laundering through illegal coal trade. According to local sources, the ED teams arrived at both locations simultaneously at around 7 am and cordoned off the premises before they entered the residence and started the search. On November 21, ED teams from Kolkata had conducted similar raids at the residences and offices of five coal traders and transporters in the district. This action reportedly is based on documents and financial activity obtained during a major raid conducted at approximately 18 locations in Dhanbad last month. The ED team has been conducting searches for the last several hours and action is expected to continue further. Last month, the ED simultaneously raided the premises of Dev Prabha Company, which handles outsourcing work for BCCL, its owner, LB Singh, his brother Kumbh Nath Singh and several other locations in Jharkhand. During the raid on November 21, the ED team had recovered cash worth Rs 2.2 crore and seized over 120 land-related documents from Jharkhand. The ED had also seized cash and jewellery during the raid from the locations of the coal mafia. According to information, EDs investigation is being conducted into the matters related to black coal trade, irregular contracts and illegal financial transactions. The ED, during the raids conducted at 44 locations in Jharkhand and West Bengal on November 21, had recovered cash and jewellery worth over Rs 14 crore, along with a substantial amount of incriminating evidence. According to the ED, the action, carried out under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, was linked to a sprawling illegal coal mining, theft, transportation and sale racket that has allegedly been operating across the two states for years. Officials also found various property deeds tied to the coal syndicate, agreements related to land transactions, digital devices and books of accounts belonging to entities allegedly controlled by the accused. According to the ED, raids were conducted at 20 locations spread across Dhanbad and Dumka in Jharkhand. These locations are linked to individuals, including Lal Bahadur Singh, Anil Goyal, Sanjay Khemka, Amar Mondal, and several others associated with their companies and entities. Whereas in West Bengal, ED teams searched 24 premises at Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah, and Kolkata, which included residences, offices, illegal toll booths, and coke plants reportedly connected to Narendra Kharka, Krishna Murari Kayal, Yudhishthir Ghosh, Raj Kishore Yadav, Lokesh Singh, Chinmay Mondal, Nirad Baran Mondal, and others. The crackdown stems from multiple FIRs filed by West Bengal and Jharkhand Police regarding an organised coal smuggling racket operating between the two states. The FIRs suggest that a vast network has been transporting coal from Jharkhand into West Bengal using forged or invalid documents. Seized documents, diaries, registers, and digital data have reportedly corroborated allegations of large-scale illegal supply chains and the involvement of local authorities. According to the ED, the syndicate was highly active in border districts, generating huge proceeds of crime. Several registers detailing illegal cash collections and beneficiary lists have also been recovered, offering deep insights into the financial trail of the smuggling network, it said. The investigation is still on and more developments are expected as scrutiny of seized materials progresses.
NIA raids ISIS suspect's house in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh
The NIA officials remained tight-lipped about the content of the laptop and other documents seized from the residence of the suspect
Multiple Locations Raided Across UP, Gujarat, Jharkhand In Rs 1,000 Crore Cough Syrup Racket
The prime accused, Shubham Jaiswal, is currently absconding and believed to be in Dubai. His father, Bhola Prasad, has been arrested.
The Enforcement Directorate has launched a massive crackdown across Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Gujarat, raiding 25 locations linked to a sprawling codeine-based cough syrup diversion and trafficking racket. This financial investigation, triggered by multiple FIRs, aims to unravel a complex network of illegal manufacturing, forged documentation, and money laundering generating crores.
Cough syrup trafficking racket: ED raids 25 locations in UP, Jharkhand, Gujarat; ECIR filed against 67 accused The Times of India
ED raids in multiple states in UP illegal cough syrup case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday raided multiple locations across several states as part of a money-laundering investigation into an alleged illegal cough syrup trafficking racket in Uttar Pradesh, officials said. The searches, which began around 7:30 am, are being conducted at 25 premises in Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaunpur and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Ranchi (Jharkhand) and Ahmedabad (Gujarat). The ED has registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to probe the illegal manufacturing, trade and transportation of codeine-based cough syrups (CBCS), including suspected cross-border smuggling into Bangladesh. Locations linked to the absconding main accused, Shubham Jaiswal, and his alleged associates Alok Singh and Amit Singh, along with certain cough syrup manufacturers and Chartered Accountant Vishnu Aggarwal, are being searched, the officials said. The agencys action is based on around 30 FIRs registered by Uttar Pradesh Police after the state government took cognisance of widespread misuse and illegal circulation of CBCS. The estimated proceeds of crime in the case amount to about Rs 1,000 crore, according to ED officials. Shubham Jaiswal is believed to have fled to Dubai, while his father has been arrested by Uttar Pradesh Police. A total of 32 people have been taken into custody so far, and the state police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
Ranchi Diary | New SOP to tackle stray dog menace in state
Amid the debate over stray dogs, the Jharkhand government has drawn up an action plan to tackle the canine problem and released a standard operating procedure (SOP) to guide its implementation. Urban local bodies have been instructed to sterilise and vaccinate 70% of stray dogs within their jurisdictions. The SOP also makes it mandatory for pet owners to register their dogs with municipal or panchayat bodies. The cost of treatment in the event of a bite by a pet dog must be borne by its owner, who will also be responsible for legal liabilities arising from the incident. Rare bird sighted at Udhwa sanctuary Birdwatchers are excited over sighting of a rare bird at Udhwa bird sanctuary in Sahibganj. The migratory bird, Pallass Gull, has been spotted there after a long time. The last recorded sighting of this species was in 2015. Its return after nearly a decade is considered a positive sign for the biodiversity of Udhwa Lake. This species breeds in colonies in marshes and on islands from southern Russia to Mongolia. It is a migratory bird, wintering in the eastern Mediterranean, Arabia, and India. This gull nests on the ground and lays two to four eggs. According to officials, sighting of the Pallass Gull indicates that the lakes habitat is safe, favourable and attractive for migratory birds. Panel formed to revive lost glory of Ranchi The Jharkhand HC, expressing concern over the deteriorating condition of Ranchi city, has directed the government and departments concerned to take steps to revive its lost glory. Hearing a PIL seeking development of the capital and restoration of its lost glory, the HC stated that all stakeholders should be brought together on a platform to address the problems of the city. The court has constituted a committee headed by the states advocate general Rajiv Ranjan. The next hearing will be held on December 12. The PIL was filed by Jharkhand High Court Advocates Association exposing the deteriorating condition of the capital and seeking immediate action. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com
Impostor posing as IAS officer for three years arrested in Gorakhpur
LUCKNOW: A high-profile impostor, posing as an IAS officer for nearly three years, was arrested in Gorakhpur on Tuesday. Accused Gaurav Kumar Singh alias Lalit Kishor, 27, was nabbed after a probe exposed a massive fraud racket spanning several states, fake identities, luxury cars and promises of lucrative government jobs and contracts. As per police sources, Gaurav Kumar Singh was living as a 2022-batch IAS officer, meticulously maintaining a lifestyle equipped with a white Innova with red-blue beacon lights, a 15-member entourage trained to create an atmosphere of officialdom best suited to the profession. Moreover, he used to spend Rs 5 lakh per month just to sustain the pretence. Gaurav Kumar is accused of allegedly cheating dozens across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh promising government jobs, tenders, and official contracts in lieu of hefty amounts running into crores. Police, on Wednesday, also arrested his two aides Parmanand Gupta and Abhishek Kumar, both natives of Bihar. Gorakhpur SP, Abhinav Tyagi who led the probe, said that investigations gained momentum after a merchant Mukund Madhav from Mokama in Bihar was detained at Gorakhpur Railway Station with Rs 99.09 lakh in cash when the neighbouring state was having assembly polls. Police believed that it was the amount meant to bribe Gaurav Kumar in exchange of a government appointment. Though the deal later fell apart and the money was returned to Mukund Madhav, the seizure triggered deeper inquiry ultimately exposing Gauravs network. Following the discovery, Gaurav attempted to evade arrest: he fled Gorakhpur to a rented home in Lucknows Aashiana area to avoid a police raid. But a tip-off later led officers back to Gorakhpur, where they arrested him when he returned to meet an associate. According to police sources, Gaurav Kumar hails from Mehasoul village in Sitamarhi district of Bihar. He completed post-graduation in Mathematics in 2019 with aspirations to become a DIOS in the education department. He spent nearly three years preparing for civil-service exams. In 2022 he opened a coaching centre, Aditya-50, to train students for competitive exams. But that same year, he allegedly defrauded a student, collecting Rs 2 lakh for a promised job that never materialised prompting an FIR, said Tyagi. As his civil-service hopes dashed after failure to crack the competition, Gaurav went underground for a year and resurfaced claiming to have cleared the 2022 IAS batch, assuming the identity of an IAS officer. He quickly built a parallel life: with help from his brother-in-law Abhishek Kumar trained in software he created forged identity documents and later leveraged AI tools to generate convincing official papers, tender documents, inspection reports, and even fabricated media clippings showing him seated in a DMs chair, said the police sources. Investigators say the fraudulent network expanded rapidly across four states. Gaurav reportedly took money from over 40 people, promising government contracts or jobs. During investigation, police seized two mobile phones belonging to Gaurav. Chats revealed he maintained romantic relationships with four women, three of whom under the impression he was an IAS officer claimed to be pregnant. He was also married to a woman from Bihar. None of these women were aware of his real identity. Gauravs racket started unravelling when a contractor, defrauded of millions, filed complaints in Bihar. Similar grievances surfaced in Gorakhpur. Intelligence agencies and local police began monitoring Gauravs movements for months. Eventually, surveillance and tip-offs converged to place him back in Gorakhpur where he was finally arrested. Authorities recovered several forged documents, luxury cars, and bank records. During interrogation, Gaurav reportedly claimed that once the backlash from cheated contractors grew strong, he fled to Lucknow, but later returned thinking the heat had subsided.
NIA raids house in Hazaribagh over suspected terror links
RANCHI: Amid the investigation into the explosion near Red Fort in Delhi, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday raided the residence of a suspected terrorist, Shahnawaz Alam. The raids were conducted by a joint team of NIA and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), in Ansar Nagar, under the Pelawal police station area in Hazaribagh. According to sources, this action was taken based on information provided by a doctor who was previously arrested by the NIA. This operation is being conducted as part of an investigation into the network linked to suspected terrorist Shahnawaz Alam , who was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in October 2023. The team is reportedly questioning people inside the house. Besides NIA and ATS, additional police forces have been deployed in the area. Officials refrained from sharing any information, looking at the sensitive nature of the operation. Meanwhile, the NIA team has recovered a printing machine from the house. The NIA believes that some kind of documents, posters or objectionable material were being printed there. Shahnawaz Alam, originally hailing from Hazaribagh, was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in October 2023. Investigators suspect that his network may have tentacles in Jharkhand, making Thursdays raid strategically significant. Investigators are also revisiting the background of Shahnawaz, who had earlier been jailed in 2019 for robbery and theft. After securing bail in December 2020, he allegedly came into contact with ISIS handlers, eventually becoming a crucial figure in the Pune module case. Officials suspect that individuals associated with Shahnawaz may still be active in Jharkhand. Reportedly, Shahnawaz Alam alias Safiuzzama had received terrorist training in the forests of Pune. Based on fresh intelligence received in this case, the NIA team has raided his residences in Hazaribagh.
Rare migratory bird spotted in Jharkhands Sahibganj Sanctuary
Sahibganj: A rare migratory bird, Pallass Gull, also called the Great Black-headed Gull, has been sighted in Udhwa Bird Sanctuary in Jharkhands Sahibganj district after nearly a decade, officials said on Thursday. The bird was noticed on Wednesday evening, the official said. A juvenile Pallass Gull (biological name Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus) was noticed by bird watchers 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 .
CRPF Trooper Shoots Himself Dead in Srinagar
SRINAGAR: A CRPF trooper died on Wednesday late night after shooting himself with his service rifle during naka duty at Karpura Brane in the Nishat area of Srinagar outskirts. He was affiliated with 54 Battalion, posted in Brein Nishat. The deceased was identified as Sujeet Kumar from Jharkhand. Police said proceedings have been initiated and []
Coal Remains India's Energy Backbone, House Committee Report Reaffirms 1.5 Bn Tonne Target For 2030
Odisha is expected to produce 494 MT by 2030, followed by Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra by 2030
Caught in the cyber cobweb: How TN women are fighting the deepfake battle
August 21, 2025, started like any other day for Rajathi Kamalakannan until a familiar face popped up on her phone while scrolling. An AI-generated morphed picture of hers with her contact details was circulated on Facebook. I was shocked, says Rajathi, who operates a food business, Rajis Kitchen in Dindigul, and runs a popular YouTube channel, RK Family Vlogs. When she checked this profile, it had 16K followers. Photos of several other women were misused similarly, says the 35-year-old. What followed was a nightmare that consumed three months of Rajathis life. I received more than a hundred calls from old friends, distant relatives, all enquiring about it. Many blamed me for having an indecent photo on Facebook. Having to respond to each one of them was really painful, she says. Rajathi was determined to fight the case. She filed a complaint against Facebook, seeking the removal of the AI-generated image. In an email, Facebook refused to take action. The response read, Well remove photos and videos reported through this channel if it infringes or violates your privacy. Unfortunately, based on the information you provided, we were unable to determine how the reported content infringes or violates your privacy. We recommend reaching out to the owner of this content to resolve this issue (sic). The email infuriated Rajathi. Along with her husband, she went to the Dindigul cybercrime office and filed a complaint on August 25. She recounts at least 10 visits to the police station, even on her husbands birthday, giving statements and signing documents. The accused was eventually arrested on November 14, but Rajathi is yet to get full closure. I couldnt work for a week due to the fear of being shamed, she says. But the larger question that she pondered was why was she targeted. On the other hand, her business continued, and the popularity of the YouTube channel rose. Her online presence remained essential to her livelihood, even as it made her prone to abuse. Such people get involved in crime since they think no one will complain, she says, asserting, You [perpetrator] hid your face while doing this. I will not hide mine while seeking justice. There is growing awareness around such crimes against women across Tamil Nadu, who realise that their faces from cooking videos, travel photos, business profiles, and even passport-size images are being weaponised by strangers. While some of them find the courage to speak out, many remain silent due to a wide range of social factors. Systemic issue Tamil Nadu recorded 1.75 lakh reported cybercrimes last year alone, with financial scams exceeding `1,600 crore, according to retired director general of police (DGP) C Sylendra Babu. The sheer scale of the loss reveals how the tentacles of crime have found new ways to evade police action despite the presence of cybercrime police stations in each of the 38 districts. If you put together crimes like chain snatching, motorcycle theft, robbery, murder for gain, these cannot cross `100 crore. But in cybercrime, money is lost just like that. A small percentage of these are women paying money due to harassment. With an overwhelming number of complaints, we cant cope, he states. He also observes that a vast majority of women never come forward. They change their number or block the caller, but the damage is already done. They live in perpetual fear of who will receive the photo or video next? The methods have evolved beyond photo-morphing. The retired DGP describes a new pattern where criminals target women with fake romantic or professional contacts, then use AI to create explicit content when the women refuse to engage. They access the victims contact lists and send sample images to relatives, demanding anywhere from `10 lakh-`20 lakh from women earning `30,000-`40,000 monthly. Women silently pay, but how long can they keep paying? he asks. Such crimes have links across the world, and it makes the job difficult for the police. Gangs operating from Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand lure women through apps disguised as dating platforms. Indian scam hubs operate from Jamtara in Jharkhand, Mathura in UP, and Neem at the Rajasthan-UP-MP border, Sylendra Babu notes. Its a new generation of organised crime with no borders. Easy access Priyanshu Raikar, a security researcher who has been tracking AI-generated abuse, believes that the tools for carrying out such crimes have become more accessible. Some widely available open-source image models that come with safeguards can be easily bypassed, he says. Girithar Ram Ravindran, a cybersecurity specialist, seconds the opinion. Most of these suspects do not have a strong technical background. If access becomes difficult, they will give up, he says. Comparing the models available, Priyanshu is shocked by the manner in which Chinese models manipulate images. The shadows, skin texture, background details, everything is convincing. The people in the images dont even exist in real life, he states. While the technology is getting better, the infrastructure for abuse online is already laid out. You have click farms, fake followers and bots run from China. With one click, they can send you 1,000 likes; with one phone, they can manage 10,000 profiles. Now imagine this infrastructure combined with powerful AI models, he explains. On Reddit, Priyanshu even found numerous forums dedicated to AI-generated explicit content, including deepfakes of celebrities being sold commercially. Some people in India are already producing non-consensual content and selling it, he says. The crisis has gone to an extent where high-profile celebrities like actor Rashmika Mandanna and dancer Anita Ratnam had to move court to protect their digital identity. Battles beyond deepfakes AI-generated images represent only one facet of a broader crisis of image-based abuse. Swetha Shankar, executive director of programmes at the International Foundation for Crime Prevention & Victim Care (PCVC), works with survivors of various forms of digital violence and sees patterns that extend far beyond deepfakes. A lot of abuse happens when intimate pictures shared during a relationship are used against the person after a breakup, Swetha says. PCVC works with the cyber cell and uses a resource called Stop NCII (Stop Non-Consensual Intimate Image sharing), a website that partners with large platforms like Meta and even Pornhub. When someone uploads an image there, the site creates a digital ID for it. If anyone tries to upload the same image anywhere else, it automatically gets flagged. We help survivors create this digital ID so they can track and prevent their images from being re-uploaded. The fear extends beyond the immediate violation. A lot of survivors are terrified that their parents or husbands will come to know. For married women whose ex-boyfriends are threatening them, there is fear that their marriages will end. Younger women who have moved away for work, are petrified that the police will involve their parents. They worry that if families find out, their mobility and freedom will be cut off, they may be taken back home, forced to marry, and even have their phones taken away, she says, adding They constantly check messages because theyre scared something might be leaked. It affects them very deeply. Police responses can compound the problem. Even when a woman is above 18, the police say things like, Call your parents, Are you married? This makes women even more worried that approaching the police will lead to further control, she adds. For minors, the situation is even more complex. Its hard for them to say theyre in an abusive relationship when being in a relationship itself is a taboo, Swetha says. The pattern of abuse is also consistent. In many of the cases we work with, intimate images are used to blackmail individuals. There is a lot of assault, and the person feels helpless because they are scared the images will be leaked. It gets held over them repeatedly, Swetha adds. Never-ending trauma Priyanshu shares the story of a minor girl whose Instagram account was hijacked by a gang. They demanded `50,000, and when she couldnt pay, the man forced her to send a nude video. Once she sent it, he leaked it anyway, then asked for more money, he says, adding that the case exposes the relationship between financial blackmail and sexual exploitation. For content creators and entrepreneurs, the threat creates a chilling effect. Many are afraid to maintain the online presence their livelihoods require. Once the content spreads, tracking it becomes nearly impossible. Girithar describes how metadata, the digital fingerprints attached to photos, gets erased when images are shared. When sent through WhatsApp or shared multiple times, metadata gets stripped away. Once it spreads through thousands of groups, connecting the dots becomes very hard, he says. Priyanshu adds that investigators rely on open-source intelligence tools to track where the content first appeared, but many platforms lack robust traceability. People download leaked or generated videos from one platform, then re-upload them across many others. For each view and engagement, they get paid. Thats their business model. For women like Rajathi, the intensity of the crisis has a huge impact. Girithar warns, Keep accounts private unless necessary. But even from a private account, photos give enough data for criminals to create fake images or videos. Priyanshu is more practical about the reality: Once you post anything online, you lose control over it. Its your image, but if someone downloads and shares it, you cant really do much. The courage to fight The Facebook profile that violated Rajathi's privacy remains active, with its last post dated November, and is still accessible despite her repeated complaints and the accused's arrest. Meta's own Oversight Board has noted that the platform often fails to remove AI-generated explicit images unless cases receive significant media attention, leaving ordinary victims to hunt down and report every instance themselves. Having gone through the ordeal, Rajathi says women should not suffer in silence, and points out how screenshots, URLs, and other evidence of such abuse could help their case. She also sought faster police action. Response time shouldnt be too late. Women need supportive and swift systems so that they dont lose courage halfway, she says. Priyanshu suggests large-scale awareness campaigns. Every household seems to have at least one creator or influencer now. We need the media, lawmakers and police to join together for nationwide education, in schools, colleges, and communities. While Sylendra Babu believes social media poses a threat to privacy, and that laws alone cannot help prevent these crimes, Swetha notes that gender-based violence has always adapted to whatever tools are available. Long before AI, controlling devices was already a part of domestic violence, monitoring phones, knowing passwords, controlling mobility, and isolating women. Technology is just another tool. The deeper issue is how we view women and how we normalise abuse. We often elevate the idea of family over the safety and well-being of women. The legal labyrinth Current laws provide some recourse but lack teeth, specifically for AI-generated abuse. Sylendra Babu suggested that a separate clause for AI-enabled offences can be added to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita due to the gaps in the existing laws. Priyanshu demands that authorities constitute a specific, standalone offence. From here, it will only get worse if we dont, he says. The IT Act 2000 contains relevant sections, particularly Section 67 with subsections for sexually explicit content and child protection, with potential punishments of 5-7 years. But Girithar notes these provisions were written before AI: These open-source models must have stricter guardrails or should be banned. Updated IT rules from 2021-22 require large platforms to appoint officers responsible for handling takedown requests under the Indian law. Priyanshu says success stories remain exceptions, as most survivors have a difficult and uncertain path to justice. If you or someone you know is affected by deepfake abuse, file a complaint at the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or call 1930. Tamil Nadu has cybercrime police stations in all 38 districts. (The author is a Laadli Media Fellow. The opinions and views expressed are those of the author. Laadli and UNFPA do not necessarily endorse the views.)
