Bird Flu outbreaks surge in India: Know its symptoms, prevention and how it spreads

Bird flu is a concern in India. The government confirmed 41 outbreaks across 10 states in 2025. Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand are among the affected states. The virus poses a threat to poultry and raises public health concerns. Certain strains can infect humans. Symptoms, spread, treatment, and prevention are important. Experts recommend avoiding contact with infected birds. Cook poultry thoroughly.

1703 Indian citizens deported from United States from January 20 to July 22; highest from Punjab, Haryana: MEA

CHANDIGARH: Between January 20 and July 22 this year, a total of 1,703 Indian citizens were deported from the United States, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed in response to a question in the Lok Sabha. The highest number of deportees was from Punjab, followed by Haryana and Gujarat. Of the total, 767 individuals returned on commercial flights from the US, while 333 were deported via US Customs and Border Protection (Military) flights. In a written reply to a question posed by MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh shared these statistics in the Lok Sabha. Among the deportees, 1,562 were men and 141 were women. The state-wise breakdown is as follows: Punjab (620), Haryana (604), Gujarat (245), Uttar Pradesh (38), Goa (26), Maharashtra (20), Delhi (20), Telangana (19), Tamil Nadu (17), Andhra Pradesh (12), Uttarakhand (12), Himachal Pradesh (10), Jammu & Kashmir (10), Kerala (8), Chandigarh (8), Madhya Pradesh (7), Rajasthan (7), West Bengal (6), Karnataka (5), Odisha (1), Bihar (1), Jharkhand (1), and six cases with the state of origin unknown. Further details on the modes of deportation revealed that 333 individuals were deported by the US Customs and Border Protection (Military) flights on February 5, 15, and 16. Another 231 were deported on charter flights by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 19, June 8, and June 25. Additionally, 300 people were deported on July 5 and 18 via Department of Homeland Security (DHS) charter flights. Seventy-two deportees arrived in India individually or in small groups, as and when their commercial flight tickets were arranged from Panama. Another 767 individuals returned from the US on commercial flights, again in small groups or individually. The Ministry stated that it remains engaged with the US authorities to ensure the humane treatment of deportees during these operations. It said concerns had been strongly registered with the US regarding the treatment of deporteesespecially the use of shackles, including on women and children. Concerns with regard to religious/cultural sensitivities, including the use of turbans and dietary preferences, have also been formally taken up with the US side. The Ministry has not received any complaint pertaining to the treatment of deportees on any flight after February 5, 2025, the reply stated. On the issue of monitoring the status of Indian students and migrants in the US facing deportation or visa-related challenges, including social media-based vetting procedures, the MEA said it had received several representations from Indian students and their families struggling to get student visa appointments. The Ministry took up the matter with the US Embassy in New Delhi as well as the US Department of State, the reply said. In response, the US side informed that additional security requirements for student visas had reduced the capacity of the US Embassy and consulates in India to process visas. However, student visa appointments are now open. For the J-1 physician category, the US side has launched a software-based solution to prioritise their appointments. Several students who had earlier reported difficulty in finding appointment slots under this category have now been able to secure appointments. The US Embassy is working to open a limited number of additional student visa appointments through the end of August in recognition of the urgent need before the start of the new academic year. A student visa fact sheet with frequently asked questions (FAQs) is also being developed to reduce uncertainty around the issue, the reply noted. The Ministry added that while visa issuance remains a sovereign prerogative of the host country, it has consistently raised with both the US Embassy in New Delhi and the US State Department in Washington, DC, the issues faced by Indian students in securing visas.

Jharkhand Man, Daughter Awarded For Rescuing Tiger That Entered Their Home

The Forest Department of the Jharkhand government on Friday felicitated a man and his daughter for their bravery in the rescue of a tiger, which entered their home.

Jharkhand's Ruling Alliance to Table Assembly Resolution Against SIR

The alliance also decided to give logical replies to the question of the opposition during the session.

Cabinet approves six major projects, including 4 for strengthening rly link

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Thursday decided to strengthen the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) with an additional outlay of Rs 2,000 crore and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) by infusing Rs 6,520 crore. Besides, Rs 11,168 crore has been sanctioned for four railway multi-tracking projects. The decisions were taken at meetings of the Cabinet and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCA) chaired by PM Narendra Modi. I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, An approval has been granted for a total infusion of Rs 6,520 crore with an additional allocation of Rs 1,920 crore for the PM Kisan Sampada Yojana. In an official release, the government said Rs 1,000 crore out of the total allocation will be used to support the set-up cost of 50 multi-product food irradiation units under the schemes Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure and 100 food testing labs. In another decision, the Union Cabinet approved aid of Rs 2,000 to the NCDC over four years in Rs 500 crore tranches, beginning from the 2025-26 fiscal year, Vaishnaw said. According to officials, the NCDC will now be able to raise Rs 20,000 crore from the open market over these four years, which will be placed for granting loans to cooperative societies to set up new projects or carry out expansion plans. The government aims to benefit 2.9 crore members of 13,288 cooperative societies in various sectors, the minister said, adding, the NCDC fund also aims to create income-generating capital assets, expected to boost employment opportunities across skill levels. Meanwhile, the CCEA has approved four railway multi-tracking projects covering 13 districts in Maharashtra, MP, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand, increasing the existing network by about 574 km at a cost Rs 11,168 crore. These projects include the Itarsi-Nagpur 4th Line, Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) - Parbhani doubling, Aluabari Road-New Jalpaiguri 3rd and 4th Line, and Dangoaposi-Jaroli 3rd and 4th Line. All these projects will be completed by 2028-29, Vaishnaw said. Streamline Operations, Alleviate Congestion Four multi-tracking projects for railways get Cabinet nod Itarsi-Nagpur 4th line Aluabari Road-New Jalpaiguri 3rd and 4th Lines Chhtrapati Sambhajinagar- Parbhani line doubling Dangoaposi-Jaroli 3rd and 4th lines Projects to generate direct employment for about 229 lakh man-days during construction Enhance connectivity to approximately 2,309 villages, with population of about 43.60 lakh

Political row erupts over Malegaon blast verdict

NEW DELHI/BHOPAL/MUMBAI/LUCKNOW : Following the acquittal of all accused in the Malegaon blast case, the BJP on Thursday accused the Congress of having concocted the theory of Hindu terror during its tenure in power, to allegedly thwart the political rise of Narendra Modi, who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat. The BJP claimed the Congress devised this narrative as part of a strategy to appease Muslim voters. The Congress can go to any extent in its vote bank politics, stated former Law Minister and senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad at a media briefing. He demanded an apology to the nation from former Congress presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Prasad demanded that those discharged from the case, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Colonel Prasad Purohit, be compensated adequately. Thakur supporters celebrate In Bhopal, supporters of Pragya Thakur danced and distributed sweets after hearing the verdict. They want a grant celebration after Thakur returns from Mumbai to her B-29, 74 Bungalows residence in a couple of days. Five kilometres away, supporters burst crackers outside the residence of former CM Uma Bharti at 6, Shyamala Hills. She turned emotional, recounting her meeting with Thakur while the latter was incarcerated. Bharti recalled, I met Pragya at the Nashik Jail, when no one went there to meet her. A Maharashtra police officer had told me that she was tortured unimaginably. I was in tears while meeting her and still remember her confirming that she had been tortured beyond imagination. She called Thakur Durga, who preferred torture in custody to succumbing under pressure. Bharti pointed out, No ordinary woman could have tolerated such extreme torture. At Nashik Jail, she told me, tell all people, that Ill prefer dying and never allow Hindus and the colour saffron to get kalankit (tarnished). Bharti said thanks to the verdict, even I stand acquitted in the court of my soul. He stated, All those who coined the term saffron terrorism should now either apologise to the Hindus or jump into the Ganga or Narmada. Maha slugfest Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis posted on X, Atankwad bhagwa na kabhi kha, na hai, na kabhi rahega (Terrorism was never saffron, is not, and will never be). Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said the verdict was delayed justice, adding that bomb blasts were frequent when the Congress was in power for which innocents were framed. He said, Shiv Sena never had any doubt that the accused were falsely framed and would get justice. Colonel Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya and seven others have had to endure immense mental and physical torture due to this allegation. The Hindu people will never forget this injustice. A Hindu can never commit anti-national acts, because patriotism is a religious act for Hindus. On Fadnaviss reaction, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said, His tweet reveals his political mindset. This is precisely why questions have been raised about the attitude of the investigative agencies. These people view terrorism through a political lens as well. People associated with the BJP and RSS, for their political interests, had even called a brave officer like martyr Hemant Karkare a traitor. Sawant reacted to Fadvanis, saying, Was it due to this political mindset that Rohini Salian ji was asked to adopt a soft stance towards the accused and to slow down the pace of the investigation? Witnesses were offered inducements. A witness like Randhir Singh was even given a ministerial position in Jharkhand. However, this verdict is not surprising, as the NIA had already given a clean chit. Former CM Prithviraj Chavan of the Congress asked, The question remains, then why no one is guilty and convicted for this crime? Then, who killed these five people who died in the bomb blast? In contrast, Congress ally Shiv Sena of Uddhav Thackeray welcomed the verdict. While Thackeray did not react, his party party MLC and leader of Opposition said, Satya Mev Jayate truth has prevailed. Both factions of the Sena appeared to be on the same side on the verdict. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said, The NIA courts verdict has erased the stigma on Hindus today. There is no doubt that the slogan Garv se kaho hum Hindu hai will now be echoed a hundred times louder. Yogi takes shot at Cong Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the Malegaon verdict was a reflection of the Congress partys anti-India, anti-justice and anti-Sanatan character. The exoneration is a living testament to the phrase Satyamev Jayate. The verdict again exposes the Congress which coined the false term, saffron terror, and defamed crores of Sanatan believers, saints, and patriots, he said. The case Trail Sept 27, 2008: An explosive device strapped to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque at Bikku chowk in Malegaon town Sept 29, 2008: An FIR was lodged at Azad Nagar police station at Malegaon Oct21 , 2008: Maharashtra Terrorist Squad (ATS) took over this case Nov 27, 2008: ATS chief Hemant Karkare was killed in a terrorist attack in Mumbai Oct 23, 2008: ATS made the first arrest in this case, namely Sadvi Pragya Singh as well as three other accused Oct 23, 2008: ATS arrested Lt Col Prasad Purohit for involvement and conspiracy Jan 20, 2009: ATS filed chargesheet and charged them under MCOCA & UAPA July 2009: The special court said that the MCOCA was not applicable in the case Aug 2009: Maha govt moved against the special court in Bombay High Court July 2010: Bombay High Court overturned the special court order and upheld the charges under MCOCA Aug 2010: Accused Pragya and Lt Colonel Purohit moved SC against the HC order Apr 13, 2011: NIA took over case and held Lokesh Sharma & Dhan Singh; total arrested 14 Apr 2015: The SC sent back the case to special court to reconsider the applicability of MCOCA Feb 2016: NIA told court that theyd sought AGs view and MCOCA was applicable May 2016: NIA filed another chargesheet in special court and asked to drop MCOCA against the accused and give a clean chit to all seven Apr 25, 2017: The Bombay High Court granted bail to Sadvi Pragya Singh but no relief to Lt Colonel Purohit Sept 21, 2017: Lt Colonel Purohit finally got the bail via the Supreme Court. Later all accused arrested in this case were granted bail Dec 27, 2017: The special court of NIA dropped the charge that the accused was a member of the terrorist organisation and raising funds for it Dec 3, 2018: The trail began with examinations of first witnesses Sept 14, 2023: Court examined 323 prosecution witnesses; 37 turned hostile July 23, 2023: The examination of defence witnesses were completed Aug 12, 2023: The special court recorded the final statement of accused Apr 19, 2025: The special court closed the trail for the judgment July 31, 2025: Special court judge LK Lahoti acquitted all seven accused

Tripartite river management project between West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand in the works: West Bengal Minister

West Bengal Minister Manas Ranjan Bhunia said the proposed project aims to control soil erosion by the Ganga in Malda, close to the Bihar and Jharkhand borders

Style Vs. Discipline? Odisha College Poster Sparks Talk On Student Conduct

Established in 1998, the college caters to over 500 students in the arts stream and runs a 100-bed hostel. Located near the Odisha-Chhattisgarh-Jharkhand border, it has been a vital academic lifeline in the region.

Be clinical in diagnosis and surgery, not in practice: President to budding doctors

RANCHI: President Draupadi Murmu, during the first convocation of AIIMS-Deoghar, advised the budding doctors to be completely clinical in their diagnosis and surgery, but they should not be clinical in their behavior. President in her address, said that doctors are the living form of God on earth, and millions of people have expectations from them. The President arrived in Ranchi on Thursday afternoon as part of her two-day visit to Jharkhand, to attend the convocation programmes of AIIMS Deoghar and IIT Dhanbad. You should be completely clinical in diagnosis and surgery, but do not be clinical in practice, said the President. Becoming a good doctor is a big deal, but becoming a good human being is an even bigger deal, she added. Give advice with cordiality, she added. We believe in God, we believe in Baba Baidyanath, but it does not have hands and legs. You are a representative of God; therefore, you are a living God, said the President. The President also expressed hope that culture and excellence is being started with this convocation. She also congratulated the students who received degrees and who performed excellently. The President expressed happiness over the fact that there are more girls who received medals in the convocation. She said that the number of boys and girls in AIIMS Deoghar has become almost equal. The President told the students that an admission in AIIMS and getting education is a guarantee that they become a skilled doctor. You have to become a good doctor. A good doctor should also have the ability of sensitive communication, she said. We have also seen such doctors, the patients and their families start feeling better merely after meeting them, she added. You can bring light into the lives of countless people. You can also play a role in building the society by making good use of the place that nature and circumstances and your skill and hard work have given you in the society, said the President. She added that she would like them to contribute in primary medical treatment as well. The President, on the second day of her visit, will attend the 45th convocation ceremony of IIT- ISM (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad.

JAC Para Teacher Aaklan Result 2024: Assistant teacher result declared on jac.jharkhand.gov.in; check here

The Jharkhand Academic Council, Ranchi, has announced the Assistant Teacher (Para Teacher) Assessment Examination 2024 result on its official website. This exam was conducted to fill 26,001 vacancies for Intermediate and Graduate teachers. Candidates can now check their results online by logging in with their credentials at jac.jharkhand.gov.in. Successful candidates will proceed to document verification as part of the recruitment process. Further notifications including the answer key are awaited.

Gujarat ATS arrests Al Qaeda 'operative' from Bengaluru

Gujarat ATS arrested Shama Parveen from Bengaluru, a key AQIS campaigner with a large social media following. Parveen, originally from Jharkhand, allegedly spread propaganda promoting violent jihad and Ghazwa-e-Hind by uploading incendiary material, including speeches by AQIS leaders and videos of Maulana Abdul Aziz. This arrest follows the apprehension of four other AQIS operatives earlier in July.

Jharkhand BJP leader accuses forced conversions at prayer meet

Jharkhand Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gunjan Yadav, along with his Hindutva followers, raided a Christian family on Sunday, July 27, alleging they were conducting forced religious conversions. Twelve people have been detained with regards to the incident. Police also seized the Bibles and several other books as recorded evidence. According to reports, a prayer 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 .

Ambulance strike cripples health services in Jharkhand; woman delivers baby at hospital gate in Ranchi

RANCHI: Health services in Jharkhand have been crippled as the drivers and co-drivers associated with the 108 ambulance service have gone on an indefinite strike from Tuesday, demanding salary and other basic facilities. Due to the unavailability of an ambulance, a pregnant woman had to be taken to Sadar Hospital in an e-rickshaw. She gave birth to a baby girl at the hospital's emergency gate, as she arrived in critical state. The woman, who was suffering from labour pain, was taken to the hospital by her family in an e-rickshaw (toto). By the time she reached the hospital premises, her condition had become extremely critical. Sensing the seriousness of the situation, supervisor Ajit Kumar and trolley man Sumit Khes, posted at the main gate, immediately tried to take the woman to the labour room. The nursing staff on duty was also called immediately. However, the labour pain had increased to such an extent that it was not possible to take the woman into the hospital. Therefore, the delivery process was started at the emergency gate itself by making a temporary enclosure on the stairs. The nurses showed promptness and helped the woman deliver the baby. After that, the mother was shifted to the labour room and then to the ward, said a local doctor requesting anonymity. According to the hospital management, the condition of both the mother and the newborn baby is currently stable and healthy. Notably, hundreds of ambulance workers across the state are on strike, alleging that the company has not been paying salaries for the last six months. Apart from this, regular maintenance of ambulances has not been done, and appointment letters have not been given to the employees. According to the workers, they had given a written notice of the strike to the Health Department and the Deputy Commissioner of the district 14 days ago, but no one paid attention to their problems, and, ultimately, they were forced to protest. Primary demands of the workers include regular salary payments, vehicle maintenance, formal appointment letters, and insurance and other social security facilities for the employees. A warning has been given to continue the strike until proper action is taken on these demands. Notably, State BJP president and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi had also written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, urging him to take the demands of the ambulance workers seriously. He has asked the CM to ensure that the genuine demands of the workers are fulfilled and that health facilities across the state are not affected.

Gujarat ATS nabs Jharkhand woman from Bengaluru for allegedly spearheading AQIS

AHMEDABAD: As a part of the ongoing anti-terror operation, the Gujarat ATS on July 30 arrested a 33-year-old Jharkhand-native woman from Bengaluru for her alleged role in bolstering Al Qaeda's influence in India. The accused, Shama Parveen, is believed to have been integral to AQISs social media propaganda machinery. The ATS collaborated with Bengaluru police to identify and locate Parveen. A joint team conducted a raid at Parveens residence in Manorayanapalya locality and arrested her. Parveen is a degree holder and has been living in Bengaluru for three years with her brother, who is a software engineer. ATS DIG Sunil Joshi said, During the remand interrogation of the four previously arrested terrorists, the name of the female suspect surfaced. Our investigation revealed her links to Pakistan, following which we launched a deeper probe. It was also found that she was in contact with Mohammad Faiq from Delhi. We began investigating the account named Stranger Nation-2 and soon identified several related Facebook pages. The Instagram account by the same name was particularly popular. As we traced its origin, the name of Shama Parveen emerged as the individual behind it, said DIG Sunil Joshi. The Instagram account strangers_nation02 and Facebook pages Strangers of The Nation and Strangers of The Nation 2, operated by Shama Parveen, were found circulating jihadi slogans issued by Maulana Asim Umar, leader of the banned terrorist group Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). These posts glorified armed rebellion, propagated Ghazwa-e-hind, and promoted myth-based violence and terrorist acts against the Indian government, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) stated. In addition to this, the social media platforms were used to broadcast radical sermons of Al-Qaedas key ideologue, Imam Anwar al-Awlaki, aiming to incite Indian Muslim youth into launching attacks under false and inflammatory narratives. A video of Maulana Abdul Aziz of Lahores Lal Masjid was also shared, openly urging Muslims to forcibly topple the Indian government and spread hatred nationwide, the ATS further added. Based on this material evidence, Shama Parveen, daughter of Shimlu Ansari, was arrested from Bangalore on 29 July 2025 under transit remand and brought to the ATS office for legal proceedings. During the forensic examination of her phone, several other suspicious social media and email accounts were uncovered, including signs of contact with foreign individuals and entities. A deeper investigation is currently underway, the statement read. Of the four terrorists arrested by Gujarat ATS on July 23, two hailed from Ahmedabad and Modasa, while the other two were from Delhi and Noida. They were actively promoting the ideology of AQIS, the South Asian wing of Al-Qaeda and their activities included spreading extremist propaganda through social media platforms and suspicious encrypted applications.

BTS of Film Shoot Falsely Viral as Girl Raped and Murdered in Jharkhand

This clip is from a film shoot of the Assamese movie, Lujeg, starring artist Aimoni Kaman.

Gujarat ATS arrests alleged Al Qaeda operative in Bengaluru

AHMEDABAD: As part of the ongoing anti-terror operation, the Gujarat ATS on Wednesday arrested a 33-year-old Jharkhand-native woman from Bengaluru for her alleged role in bolstering Al Qaeda's influence in India. The accused, Shama Parveen, is believed to have been integral to AQISs social media propaganda machinery. The ATS collaborated with Bengaluru police to identify and locate Parveen. A joint team conducted a raid at Parveens residence in Manorayanapalya locality and arrested her. Parveen is a graduate degree holder and had been living in Bengaluru for three years with her brother, who is a software engineer. Sources said that the Gujarat ATS, while interrogating four previously arrested Al Qaeda operatives , were informed of Parveen's link to the terror organisation. Parveen allegedly shared extremist videos linked to Al Qaeda operatives on social media platforms, especially Instagram. Acting swiftly, the joint team raided her home and seized multiple digital devices from her home, now under forensic examination. Following her arrest, Parveen was produced before a local magistrate and granted a transit warrant for her transfer to Gujarat, where she will face further questioning and legal action under anti-terror laws. This high-profile arrest has reignited concerns about growing terror footprints in Karnataka. It follows last years National Investigation Agency (NIA) capture of Aziz Ahamad a Hizb-ut-Tahrir suspect from Bengaluru airport, pointing to a pattern of sleeper cell activity in the region. In the wake of the arrest, security has been ramped up across Bengaluru, with intelligence agencies remaining on high alert to thwart any potential retaliatory or connected moves by extremist elements.

President Droupadi Murmu to visit Jharkhand on July 31; to attend AIIMS and IIT-ISM convocations

RANCHI: President Droupadi Murmu will be on a two-day visit to Jharkhand on 31 July and 1 August. On the first day, she will grace the maiden convocation ceremony of AIIMS Deoghar as the chief guest. On the second day, she is scheduled to attend the 45th convocation ceremony of IIT-ISM (Indian Institute of Technology Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad. According to information received by the state government from Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President will also offer prayers at the Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar on 1 August before participating in the AIIMS convocation. Authorities are working closely to ensure smooth arrangements for her arrival and engagements. Governor Santosh Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren are also expected to be present at the events. In anticipation of the Presidents visit, Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan has declared the Dhanbad airstrip area a no-flying zone for 32 hours from 10 am on 31 July to 6 pm on 1 August. The flying of drones, hot air balloons, and paragliders will remain suspended during this period. President Murmu will be in Dhanbad for approximately an hour to attend the convocation of IIT-ISM. Meanwhile, all senior officers have been directed to remain on duty, with their leave cancelled for two days. Revised traffic regulations will be in effect in the city on Thursday and Friday. The entry of large vehicles will be prohibited between 8 am and 10 pm on Thursday, and between 6 am and 10 am on Friday. The President will attend the AIIMS Deoghar convocation on Thursday, then travel to Ranchi in the evening, where she will stay overnight at Raj Bhavan. She will depart for Dhanbad on Friday morning to attend the IIT-ISM convocation. Notably, President Murmu shares a close bond with Jharkhand, having previously served as the Governor of the state. Her visit has generated widespread enthusiasm among the people, who regard her as a symbol of pride and inspiration.

Gujarat ATS arrests woman suspected of links to terror module from Bengaluru

The suspect, identified as Shama Parveen, a native of Jharkhand, was staying at a rented accommodation in Hebbal.

HC seeks DGP affidavit on beef ban in Jharkhand

RANCHI: The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday sought an affidavit from the DGP, stating in detail all the measures taken towards banning the sale of prohibited meat in the state. The division court of Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad directed the DGP to file the affidavit himself. Advocate Shubham Kataruka, on behalf of the petitioner, told the court that the Ranchi SSP had filed an affidavit in the light of the earlier HC order, where he stated that an FIR will be registered against those transporting banned meat. The SSP, in his affidavit, denied that banned meat is being sold openly or is being marketed in Doranda or Lower Bazaar area in Ranchi. Even today, banned meat is being sold indiscriminately in Ranchis Qureshi Mohalla, Azad Basti, etc. No action is being taken against them, petitioners counsel informed the high court.

Nitish announces Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for Kanwariyas from Bihar killed in J'khand accident

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conveyed his sorrow regarding the tragic deaths of Kanwariyas in a road accident in Deoghar, Jharkhand.

School Assembly Headlines for July 30: Top national, international, sports and business updates

School Assembly Headlines for July 30: Delhi-NCR faces intense rainfall with warnings extending to August 3, while a tragic bus-truck collision in Jharkhand claims six Kanwariya lives. Tensions ease on the Thailand-Cambodia border as commanders uphold a ceasefire. In sports, Gautam Gambhir clashes with groundstaff, and Nat Sciver-Brunt replaces Smriti Mandhana as the top women's ODI batter.

'Driver Fell Asleep...': Locals Recall Bus Crash That Killed 18 Kanwariyas In Deoghar

A bus carrying Kanwar Yatra pilgrims crashed into a gas cylinder truck and roadside bricks near Jamunia Chowk, Bihar-Jharkhand border, killing 18

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey claims 18 Kanwariyas killed in Deoghar bus accident, offers condolences

A tragic bus accident occurred in Deoghar, Jharkhand, during the Kanwar Yatra. The incident involved a collision between a bus carrying devotees and a truck. Several lives were lost, and many individuals sustained injuries. BJP leader Nishikant Dubey and Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed their condolences.

Jharkhand: 18 kanwariyas killed in bus-truck collision in Deoghar

The accident site, located in Mohanpur block of Deoghar, lies along the banks of the north-flowing Jamuniya River, near a renowned Shiva-Parvati temple.

Heavy rain lashes Delhi, IMD warns of intense showers across India till August 4

NEW DELHI: Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms affected several regions of Delhi, providing a respite from the prevailing humid weather conditions on Tuesday morning. IMD predicts heavy rainfall across India until August 4. Northwest India, including East Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, is expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall on July 29, with heavy showers in Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana. West India, including Konkan and Gujarat, will see isolated heavy rain on July 29 and light to moderate showers for 6-7 days. Northeast India, including Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, is expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. East and Central India, including Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, will experience isolated heavy rain and thunderstorms. South Peninsular India, including Kerala and Coastal Karnataka, is expected to experience heavy rain on July 29-30, accompanied by strong winds (40-50 kmph). Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are likely across most regions for the next week. Meanwhile, Air India has issued a travel advisory warning passengers of potential disruptions to flight operations to and from Delhi on Tuesday morning due to gusty winds and rain. The airline urged travellers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to allow extra time for their journey. Gusty wind and rain may impact flight operations to and from Delhi this morning. Please check your flight status before heading to the airport and allow extra time for your journey, Air India posted on X. According to IMD, it is forecasted that there will be fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Northwest, Northeast, and Eastern India during the next few days. Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall is also likely over Central and Peninsular India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over East Rajasthan on Wednesday (i.e July 30). Heavy rainfall is also very likely at isolated locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Jharkhand, Kerala, Mahe, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, and West Rajasthan on Wednesday. On July 30, Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) are very likely at isolated places in Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad, as well as Jharkhand. Additionally, thunderstorms with lightning are expected at isolated locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Vidarbha. Strong surface winds are anticipated at isolated places in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep. Squally winds with speeds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are likely along and off the coasts of Somalia, Yemen, south Oman, westcentral and eastcentral Arabian Sea, southwest Arabian Sea, and southern parts of the north Arabian Sea. Squally weather with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, is expected over parts of the east-central Arabian Sea, along and off the Konkan, Goa, and Karnataka coasts. Similar conditions with winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are forecast along and off Gujarat and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea.

Five Kanwariyas killed, 23 injured in bus-truck collision in Jharkhand

The accident occurred near the Jamuniya forest under the Mohanpur Police Station limits around 4.30 am when the bus collided with the vehicle

5 Kanwariyas Dead, 23 Hurt in Jharkhand Road Accident

The accident occurred near the Jamuniya forest under the Mohanpur Police Station limits around 4.30 am when the bus collided with the vehicle, an officer said.

5 Kanwariyas Killed, 23 Injured in Bus-truck Collision in Jharkhand

The accident occurred near the Jamuniya forest under the Mohanpur Police Station limits around 4.30 am when the bus collided with the vehicle, an officer said.

18 Kanwariyas killed in bus-truck collision in Jharkhand

A collision between a bus carrying Kanwariyas and a truck loaded with gas cylinders in Jharkhand's Deoghar district resulted in the death of five pilgrims and injuries to 23 others.

Five Kanwariyas killed in road accident in Jharkhands Deoghar, several injured

RANCHI: At least five Kanwariyas were killed and several injured in a road accident in Jharkhands Deoghar on Tuesday, a police officer said. The incident took place when a bus carrying Kanwariyas collided with a vehicle transporting gas cylinders near Jamuniya forest under Mohanpur police station limits around 4.30 am, the officer added. At least five persons were killed and many injured when a 32-seater bus carrying Kanwariyas collided with a truck transporting gas cylinders near Jamuniya forest in Mohanpur police station in Deoghar, Inspector General (Dumka Zone) Shailendra Kumar Sinha told PTI. Casualties may increase as the condition of many of the injured are serious, an officer said. He said the district administration has been alerted and the injured were being rushed to nearby hospitals and primary health centres.

Ranchi diary | State set to get second Sainik school: Chief secy

In light of increasing demand and high student enrollment at the existing sainik school in tilaiya, the Jharkhand government has decided to establish a second such school in the state. a decision to this effect was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief secretary alka tiwari. the school education Department has been instructed to begin the groundwork for the same. Currently, the state has only one sainik school tilaiya located in Koderma, which has an enrollment of 875 students, making in the largest in terms of student strength among all sainik schools in the country. High-tech buses on roads in Ranchi soon Ranchi is set to become the second city in india after nagpur to operate advanced flash-charging electric double-decker buses. Costing over Rs 1.25 crore each, these state-of-the-art buses will run at a speed of 120 kmph and get charged within 15 seconds. Once charged, they can cover a distance of up to 40 km. the initiative was confirmed following a meeting between Union Minister for Road transport and Highways nitin Gadkari and Ranchi Mp and Minister of state for Defence sanjay seth in new Delhi. Gadkari also sanctioned Rs 6,500 crore for the Ranchi outer ring road project and approved the DpR for the new bus service. Hospital in state capital leads in health scheme Sadar Hospital in Ranchi has been recognized as the leading facility in the country for successful implementation of ayushman BharatCM Jan Arogya Yojana. So far, it has provided free treatment to more than two lakh Ayushman card holders, covering a range of services from common ailment to extremely complex surgeries and super specialty treatments. The achievement is noteworthy given all the major medical colleges and government hospitals across the country are providing services under this scheme. Besides, it has also secured fourth place in the rankings among medical colleges and other government institutions. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com

4 Girl Students In Hospital. They Were Made To Do 200 Sit-Ups For Being Late

Four students were admitted to a hospital in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum on Monday as they collapsed after allegedly being made to do 200 sit-ups for reaching school late, according to their families.

Drunk Man Threatens To Kill Union Minister Sanjay Seth Over Call, Held

A man was arrested in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district for allegedly sending a threat message to Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, police said on Monday.

Man arrested for making life threats to Union MoS for Defence Sanjay Seth over calls and a text message

RANCHI: The person who threatened to kill Union Minister of State for Defence and BJP MP Sanjay Seth has been arrested. The accused, identified as Nityanand Pal, has been arrested from Hirapur in Dhanbad district of Jharkhand. The Jharkhand Police Headquarters has also confirmed his arrest. He was arrested on July 27 by a team formed based on the instructions of DIG cum Ranchi SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha. According to police sources, Pal was arrested based on evidence found with the help of the technical team of Jharkhand police. After the arrest, Pal is being taken to Ranchi. The accused had threatened to kill the Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, over the phone, supposedly in a drunken state. The caller, in his threat call, had told Sanjay Seth that he had killed many people, and now it is his turn. The Union Minister of State for Defence received the calls when he was in Kashmir on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. He was called five times on his phone, threatening that he would be killed. After calling Seth over his mobile phone, the accused also sent a message, which read, You will be shot. Seth informed the police at Ranchi and Delhi immediately after receiving the call. As soon as the information was received, Ranchi Police initiated action and a team was formed under the leadership of DIG cum SSP Chandan Sinha. The team took swift action and arrested the accused who had threatened Seth that he would be killed. Senior officials in the Ranchi Police also asserted that the accused has been arrested. Why did he threaten the Minister of State for Defence on the phone. What was his intention? It will be known only after the interrogation, he said.

Shux space return spurs curiosity in science: PM

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed astronaut Shubhanshu Shuklas recent return from space, calling it a moment of national pride that has ignited new enthusiasm for science among young Indians. In the 124th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Modi said Shuklas safe landing sparked a wave of happiness across the country, especially among children now inspired to dream of careers in space science. Little children now saywe too will go to space, we too will land on the moon, he said. Citing the growing momentum in Indias space sector, the PM noted that the number of space-related start-ups in the country has surged from fewer than 50 to over 200 in just five years. Modi also highlighted the impact of Indias recent space missions, particularly Chandrayaan-3, in fuelling scientific curiosity. He mentioned the INSPIRE-MANAK initiative, which promotes grassroots innovation among schoolchildren, reporting that participation has doubled post-Chandrayaan. Turning to Indias achievements in science, he lauded Indian students for their performance at international Olympiads in chemistry and mathematics. Modi also spotlighted the UNESCO recognition of 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites. He urged citizens to visit historic forts like Shivneri, Pratapgarh, and Salher to connect with Indias legacy of courage and sacrifice. He also paid tribute to freedom fighter Khudiram Bose and reflected on Augusts significance as a month of revolution, marked by the anniversary of Lokmanya Tilaks death, the Quit India Movement, and National Handloom Day. The PM shared success stories from across the country, such as Maharashtras Kavita Dhawale and tribal women in Odisha benefiting from handloom sector support. In Tamil Nadu, Mani Maran has revived palm leaf manuscript reading, preserving ancient Indian knowledge systems. Meanwhile, in Odishas Kandhamal, folk music is being used to raise awareness about forest fires. Modi also praised Assams Kaziranga National Park for using tech-enabled bird census methods to map biodiversity, and Gumla district in Jharkhand for adopting fish farming under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Celebrating Indias success at the World Police and Fire Gameswith nearly 600 medalsModi said the 2029 edition would be hosted in India. He also discussed the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, which aims to empower rural athletes and boost sports start-ups. New National Sports Policy to empower rural athletes Celebrating Indias success at the World Police and Fire Gameswith nearly 600 medalsModi said the 2029 edition would be hosted in India. He also discussed the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, which aims to empower rural athletes and boost sports start-ups. He also praised Assams Kaziranga National Park for using tech-enabled bird census methods to map biodiversity.

PM Modi hails astronaut Shuklas return, praises Indias space, innovation surge

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed astronaut Shubhanshu Shuklas recent return from space, calling it a moment of national pride that has ignited new enthusiasm for science among young Indians. In the 124th episode of Mann Ki Baat , Modi said Shuklas safe landing sparked a wave of happiness across the country, especially among children now inspired to dream of careers in space science. Little children now say, we too will go to space, we too will land on the moon, he said. Citing the growing momentum in Indias space sector, the Prime Minister noted that the number of space-related start-ups in the country has surged from fewer than 50 to over 200 in just five years. Modi also highlighted the impact of Indias recent space missions, particularly Chandrayaan-3, in fuelling scientific curiosity. He mentioned the INSPIRE-MANAK initiative, which promotes grassroots innovation among schoolchildren, reporting that participation has doubled post-Chandrayaan. Turning to Indias achievements in science, he lauded Indian students for their performance at international Olympiads in chemistry and mathematics. Modi also spotlighted the UNESCO recognition of 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites. He urged citizens to visit historic forts like Shivneri, Pratapgarh, and Salher to connect with Indias legacy of courage and sacrifice. He also paid tribute to freedom fighter Khudiram Bose and reflected on Augusts significance as a month of revolution, marked by the anniversary of Lokmanya Tilaks death, the Quit India Movement, and National Handloom Day. The Prime Minister shared success stories from across the country, such as Maharashtras Kavita Dhawale and tribal women in Odisha benefiting from handloom sector support. In Tamil Nadu, Mani Maran has revived palm leaf manuscript reading, preserving ancient Indian knowledge systems. Meanwhile, in Odishas Kandhamal, folk music is being used to raise awareness about forest fires. Modi also praised Assams Kaziranga National Park for using tech-enabled bird census methods to map biodiversity, and Gumla district in Jharkhand for adopting fish farming under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Celebrating Indias success at the World Police and Fire Gameswith nearly 600 medalsModi said the 2029 edition would be hosted in India. He also discussed the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, which aims to empower rural athletes and boost sports start-ups. On cleanliness, Modi highlighted the Swachh Bharat Missions continuing success, with over 15 crore people participating in this years survey. Swachh Bharat is proof that collective resolve can make the impossible possible, he said.

PM Modi highlights Gumla youth's remarkable shift from extremism to fish farming in 'Mann Ki Baat'

RANCHI: In the 124th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotlighted the inspiring transformation of a youth from Jharkhands Maoist-affected Gumla district, who left behind a life of extremism to embrace fish farming and inspire hundreds to do the same. The Prime Ministers remarks referred to Om Prakash Sahu, whose journey from a red rebel to a blue warrior was earlier reported by The Morning Standard in its July 6 edition. The PM praised Sahu for rejecting violence and becoming a catalyst for social change and employment in his village. Sometimes the brightest light emerges from where there is the most darkness. The best example of this is Gumla district of Jharkhand, where there was a time when this area was known for Maoist violence. The villages of Basia block were becoming deserted people were living in the shadow of fear, there was no possibility of employment, lands were lying vacant and the youth were migrating... But then, quietly and with a lot of patience, a change began, said PM Modi. A youth named Om Prakash Sahu ji left the path of violence and started fish farming. Then he inspired many friends like him to do the same his efforts had an impact those who earlier held guns are now holding fishing nets, added PM Modi. He noted that Sahus beginning was not easy. There were protests and life threats, but he did not lose courage. When Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) was introduced, he got new strength, received training from the government, and within no time, the blue revolution started in Gumla, the Prime Minister added. According to PM Modi, more than 150 families in the Basia block of Gumla are now engaged in fish farming, many of whom were allegedly once associated with Maoist organisations. Now, they are living a dignified life in their own village, creating employment for others, he said. The PM praised Sahu for rejecting violence and becoming a catalyst for social change and employment in his village. The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, also posted on X, citing PM Modis address: When the last person in society gets an opportunity, he becomes the biggest carrier of change. It added that, These 'Blue Warriors' of Gumla have now become strong pillars of self-reliant India. This is not just a story of development, but a story of hope, courage and building a new India. A visibly elated Om Prakash Sahu said that being mentioned in the Prime Ministers address was not only inspiring for him but also for his friends and family. Recalling his journey, Sahu said, There was danger at every step when I left the organisation. Several attempts were made to kill me, but I survived each of them and fought on, with a group of 1820 people. Even about 810 of my supporters were killed by the Maoists. I did not lose hope and moved on with my stone crusher business. Sahu explained that the government banned stone crushing in 2017, leaving him unemployed. During this period, his friend Jyoti Lakra, already a fish farmer, allegedly encouraged him to take up fish farming. Now, more than 150 ex-Maoists are directly or indirectly engaged with me in fish farming, said Sahu. Locals affirmed that he risked his life to bring peace to the region and played a crucial role in driving out Maoists. The training given by the fisheries department proved to be a turning point in my life, he added. In 2024, Sahu received assistance under PMMSY for six ponds with advanced Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) technology, which marked a new chapter in his life.

Kolkata police arrest four persons for duping businessman through 'fake bank website'

KOLKATA: The Kolkata Police on July 27 arrested four persons for duping a businessman of lakhs of rupees faking the website of a private bank. The four accused, namely, Mohammad Arif Khan (26), Raja Hati (28), Mohammad Ahsan Ali (21) and Vikas Kumar (24) are associated with a Jamtara Gang in Jharkhand, police said. Of them, while three are residents of Kolkata, Vikas is originally a resident of Dumka, Jharkhand. The police have also come to know that the accused persons used to buy expensive electronic equipment with the fraudulent money and sell it in Kolkata. On July 18, Sandeep Kumar Agarwal, a young businessman of the Garden Reach area in Kolkata, filed a complaint with the Garden Reach police station. In his complaint, Agarwal alleged that he was cheated of Rs 1,18,410 by an online fraud on July 11. Agarwal alleged that the accused had opened a fake website of Axis Bank. There was also a helpline number provided to help customers. According to the police, Agarwal called that number. The person on the other side of the phone claimed to be the manager of a private bank. Following it, the accused also sent a link to Agarwals WhatsApp. He was asked to click on the link and file a complaint. It is alleged that as soon as he clicked on the link, his mobile was hacked, and after that, Rs 1,18,410 was siphoned from his account through several transactions. After receiving the complaint, the police launched an investigation. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was also formed. It has found that in addition to Kolkata, the group of accused is also active in Jamtara. The police conducted searches in different places in the city on July 26. During the search, 39 mobiles, eight power banks, three sealed watches, a tab, two sealed Bluetooth speakers, a sealed headphone, a scooty and cash worth Rs 2.5 lakh were seized from them. According to police sources, the value of the seized items is between Rs 15 and 17 lakhs. The arrested persons were produced in a court on July 27. The court has ordered of their police custody till August 2.

From guns to gills: PM hails transformation of ex-Naxalites into fish farmers in Jharkhand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the transformation of former Naxalites in Jharkhand's Gumla district, who embraced fish farming, during his Mann Ki Baat address. He highlighted individuals like Om Prakash Sahu, Jyothi Lakra and Ishwar Gop, who abandoned violence for aquaculture, leading to economic empowerment and the removal of Gumla from the list of Naxal-affected areas.

Jharkhand High Court delivers verdicts pending for years within a week after death row convicts moves SC

On July 14, the top court agreed to examine the plea of the convicts and sought a response from the State government and the High Court within a week

Seven Maoists killed in encounters with security forces in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR/RANCHI: Seven Maoists were killed in separate encounters with security forces in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh on Saturday. At least four Maoist cadres were killed in an exchange of fire in the southwestern region of strife-torn Bijapur district, about 400 km south of Raipur, the Bastar police said on Saturday. An encounter ensued between a team of security forces and the Maoists in the evening hours. The gunbattle continues intermittently in the forested terrain. Based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of Maoists in the given location of Bijapur district, troops launched a search operation. A gunfight broke out in the evening. So far, four bodies of Maoist have been recovered along with the INSAS assault rifle, self-loading rifle and other weapons besides explosive materials and items of daily use from the encounter scene, said P Sundarraj, IGP, Bastar range. As the search operation remains underway, details were not shared owing to the safety concerns of the personnel engaged in the anti-Maoist campaign on the ground. In the last 18 months, as many as 425 Maoist cadres have been killed in various encounters in the Bastar Range. Bijapur, among the seven Maoist-affected districts in Bastar zone, is cited as an epicentre of the left-wing extremist group in south Chhattisgarh. Meanwhile, three Naxalites were killed in a gunfight with forces in Jharkhands Gumla district on Saturday, police said. Intelligence inputs were received that members of Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad, a splinter group of CPI (Maoist), had gathered in Ghaghra police station area, they said. Acting on this tip-off, the operation was carried out by the Jharkhand Jaguar and Gumla Police, they added. Several rounds of bullets were fired from both sides. An AK-47 and two INSAS rifles were recovered from the spot. One of the deceased was identified as Dilip Lohra, 32, of Belagada in Ghaghra. The identification of the other two deceased is still underway, Gumlas SP Haris Bin Zaman said.

7 Maoists shot dead: 3 in Jharkhand, 4 in Chhattisgarh

In separate encounters on Saturday, security forces neutralized Maoist threats in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Three members of the banned JJMP splinter group were killed in Gumla, Jharkhand, following a planned security operation. Simultaneously, in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, at least four Maoists were killed during an ongoing encounter, with weapons and explosives recovered from the site.

Jharkhand renames Atal Mohalla Clinic after Mother Teresa, BJP calls move political appeasement

The Jharkhand cabinet's decision to rename the Atal Mohalla Clinic as the Mother Teresa Advance Health Clinic has ignited a political controversy. The BJP criticizes the move as an insult to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and accuses the ruling JMM-led alliance of trying to appease Christian voters. JMM defends the renaming, emphasizing Mother Teresa's dedication to serving the poor.

13-year-old dies by suicide in Jharkhand, school teacher held for 'harassing' her

LATEHAR: A 13-year-old girl was found dead in her residence in Jharkhand's Latehar district, police said on Saturday. The family members alleged that the class 8 student killed herself after being harassed by a teacher in her school. The accused was arrested on Saturday, a senior officer said. The girl was found dead in her home under the Sadar police station limits on Friday night, he said. Latehar Police Station in-charge Surendra Kumar Mahto said, Based on the complaint of the family members, the accused teacher was arrested on Saturday. An investigation is underway. Earlier in the day, locals staged a protest on the campus of the government middle school, demanding the arrest of the accused teacher. (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.)

Naxalites killed in encounters: 4 eliminated in Chhattisgarh; 3 in Jharkhand

In Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, security personnel killed four Naxalites during an encounter on Saturday. Earlier that day, in Jharkhand's Gumla district, security forces engaged with members of the Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP), resulting in the death of three Naxalites. Authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle and two INSAS rifles from the scene following the exchange of fire.

New weather system triggers heavy rains in Rajasthan; Dausa witness 158 mm rainfall

JAIPUR: Several regions in Rajasthan experienced heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours due to the influence of a new weather system, the Meteorological Department said on Saturday. Heavy to very heavy rains are likely to persist in many areas across the state in the coming days, the weather office said in its forecast. A depression formed over eastern India, centred around Jharkhand and its surrounding regions on Saturday, is expected to move forward within the next 24 hours. As a result of this weather system, some places in eastern Rajasthan recorded heavy to very heavy rainfall recently, with Dausa experiencing the highest rainfall of 158 mm. There is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rain in parts of the Kota and Udaipur divisions, while heavy rain is likely in the Ajmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Bharatpur divisions on Saturday. From July 27 to 28, some areas in southeastern and eastern Rajasthan are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with this pattern continuing in eastern Rajasthan on July 29 and 30. Additionally, the Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions are likely to see an increase in rainfall activities over the next four to five days, including moderate to heavy rain in some areas.

Three Maoists killed in gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand

All those killed belonged to JJMP, a splinter group of CPI(Maoist)

Over 14K Anganwadi cum crche approved in the country, highest in Chhattisgarh: Minister

NEW DELHI: A total of 14,599 Anganwadi cum Crches (AWCCs) have been approved by the Centre, the Lok Sabha was informed on Friday. In a written reply, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Devi, said these AWCCs will ensure full-day childcare support for children, thereby ensuring their well-being in a safe and secure environment. The Anganwadi cum Crche initiative aims to increase womens workforce participation in the economy. The maximum number of AWCCs set up so far are in Chhattisgarh (1,500), Meghalaya (1,238), Telangana (1,033), Jharkhand (1,024), Odisha (1,000), Manipur (702), and Tamil Nadu (600). The minister said that Anganwadi centres are the world's largest childcare institutions, dedicated to providing essential care and support to children, ensuring delivery of childcare services up to the last mile. In a first-of-its-kind approach, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has extended childcare services through the Anganwadi cum Crche (AWCC) initiative. The objective of the Palna Scheme is to provide quality crche facilities in a safe and secure environment for children (aged 6 months to 6 years), along with nutritional support, healthcare, cognitive development, growth monitoring, and immunization. Crche facilities under Palna are provided to all mothers, irrespective of their employment status. During the 15th Finance Cycle, i.e., up to FY 202526, a total of 17,000 Anganwadi cum Crches (AWCCs) are envisioned for establishment under the Palna Scheme. Proposals for the establishment of AWCCs are received from the respective state governments/UT administrations, who also contribute their corresponding share for the implementation of the scheme. Till date, a total of 14,599 AWCCs have been approved by the Ministry as per proposals received from various States/UTs, Devi said.

From delivery boy to civil servant: Jharkhand youth fulfils dream after years of struggle

RANCHI: Rajesh Rajak, who had once worked as a delivery boy to raise funds for his studies, has finally cleared the Jharkhand Civil Services Exam it in his second attempt. According to Rajesh, who has secured Rank 271 in the Jharkhand Civil Services Exam, declared early in the morning on Friday, he also had to work in private school to complete his graduation after his father expired just after he passed class 12 exams. Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) has finally declared the result of the much-awaited Civil Services Examination 2023, where a total of 342 candidates has been declared successful for various administrative posts, with Ashish Akshat securing the first position. Recalling his days of struggle, Rajesh informed that after the death of his father in 2017, he had lost all hope but continued his studies and completed graduation from Hazaribagh. Since, the financial condition of my family is not so good, I had to take up a job of a school teacher at a private school to complete my graduation. After completing my graduation, the world was hit by COVID-19, said Rajesh Rajak. This proved to be a turning point in his life, he added. During the lockdown, I moved to Ranchi and started working as a delivery boy to support my family, but somewhere there was in mind that I have to do something in my life, before it gets wasted, said Rajesh. The lodge, where I was staying, was full of students preparing for one or the other examination, which kept the urge of studying alive in his heart, he added. But, as soon as the advertisement of the JPSC was out, he left the job of delivery boy and started preparing for the examination with all dedication and cleared prelims in his first attempt, but lagged in the Mains for a very small margin. It gave a boost to my confidence and my family members as well, who promised to support me if I wanted to go for another attempt. Then I appeared for the 11-13th JPSC and secured Rank 271, said Rajesh. When asked, despite from being a very humble background, what inspired him to take up the Civil Services Examination, Rajesh said that during his childhood one person in the adjacent village, where he lives, had cleared JPSC and got Police Services; the respect he was given after qualifying the examination really impressed him and he had made up his mind that one day he will also earn the same respect. Talking about his future plans, Rajesh said that he will definitely try to give another try for better rank if he gets time from his job. Presently he has been given Jail Services. Elated with her sons success, Janki Devi, who works as a cook at a nearby government school, said that it is due to her son's hard work that he has secured a rank in JPSC. I am really proud of my son that, without the support of his father, he as succeeded in getting a rank in JPSC. It is all gods grace, my son has finally got a job, said Janki Devi. This is a proud moment not only for us, but for the entire village and society, she added. Rajesh had already cleared the JSSC-CGL exam, but it is pending in the court.

145 bank accounts held by 10 companies serve as mule accounts to park, rotate cyber crime money

BHOPAL: Around 145 bank accounts held by ten companies registered in India are under scanner for allegedly being used by fraudsters to park and rotate money generated from investment frauds, cybercrimes and digital arrest. Ongoing investigations into a major forex trade investment fraud racket (having international links), which was busted by the Madhya Pradesh Polices Special Task Force (MPSTF) a few months back, led the sleuths to identify 145 bank accounts across the country. The accounts were being held and operated by at least ten companies registered in different parts of India. Transactions worth a whopping Rs 3200 crore were detected in those 145 accounts over the last eight-nine months, out of which around Rs 180 crore have been frozen/put on hold, as that sum is related to forex trade investment fraud case being probed by the MPSTF. Continued investigations into the 145 accounts led to another startling revelation at least 14 of those accounts had been used by cyber-fraudsters to park the proceeds of their crime in the same accounts. The alleged cyber-crimes whose proceeds parked in 14 out of the 145 bank accounts (under MPSTFs scanner) have come to light following 262 complaints made by cyber, job and investment fraud victims to police establishments of different states as well as the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs over the last few months. Seven FIRs have already been registered in multiple states, among them Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Assam. According to Special DG (MPSTF) Pankaj Srivastava, The 262 complaints with various state police agencies and the MHAs I4C pertain to cybercrimes involving around Rs 68 crore, out of which a significant sum was parked and routed through the bank accounts held by the ten companies registered in India, two of which are on our scanner in connection with forex trade investment fraud racket case. A Navi Mumbai-based woman who lost Rs 1.88 crore following digital arrest in November 2024, is among cyber, job and investment fraud victims, whose hard-earned money was parked in bank accounts which are among the 145 bank accounts held and operated by ten companies. Already probing our primary case which pertains to the BotBro-enabled forex investment trading fraud, our teams have also started now reaching out to the cyber, investment, job and loan fraud victims. Weve already reached out to around 48 victims in different states, who were among those who made the 262 complaints with I4C and state police forces, a senior MPSTF officer said. Out of the 262 complaints received particularly by MHAs I4C, maximum 91 pertain to investment frauds, 75 are related to share market investment/trading, 37 UPI fraud complaints, 11 are job fraud complaints, while six pertain to digital arrests. As part of the continued probe into the major BotBro-Meta 5 Trading app-enabled forex trade investment fraud, which was busted by the MPSTF following an FIR after a Rs 20.18 lakh fraud complaint by an Indore-based young businessman a few months back, the MPSTF teams are already in multiple cities of UP, Haryana and Odisha. These teams are particularly probing into the businesses of two of the ten companies whose accounts were largely used by the rackets kingpin Nawab Khan alias Lavish Chaudhary (originally hailing from western UP, but possibly operating from the Middle East) and large network of fraudsters to make people from MP and other states invest huge sums in forex trading with the promise of returns spanning between 72% to 90%. Two of the main companies in whose accounts the forex trade rackets players asked investors to invest sums to get benefits of the BoTBro and Meta 5 Trading App-based forex trading, have their corporate offices on a single floor in Noida and related offices in Haryana and Odisha, a source privy to the ongoing probe said. Aware of the fact that fraudulent designs have been exposed following the MP police action, the forex trade investment fraud rackets operatives are now using social media platforms to tell their investors about switching over to alternative platforms like Bot Alpha.

Over 200 Day Care Cancer Centres To Be Set Up Soon Across States

New Delhi, July 25: In a move aimed to strengthen cancer care infrastructure, more than 200 Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) have been approved for establishment across the country for 202526, the Government told Lok Sabha today. Based on the data provided, Uttar Pradesh will lead the country with the highest number of cancer centres, followed by Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Jharkhand. These centres will primarily be set up in district hospitals, subject to the availability of space and requisite [] The post Over 200 Day Care Cancer Centres To Be Set Up Soon Across States appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

JPSC Civil Services Final Results Announced for 2025

The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) has officially released the final results for the Combined Civil Services Exam 2023-24. This recruitment process aimed to fill 342 positions, with applications accepted from February 1 to February 29, 2024. The mains examination took place from June 22 to June 24, 2024. Candidates who participated in the exam can now download their results. Key dates, application fees, age limits, and educational qualifications are also outlined in the announcement. For those interested in government jobs, this is a significant opportunity to check the results and understand the recruitment process.

Three days after collapse, search begins for trapped workers in illegal mine in Jharkhands Dhanbad

RANCHI: After a delay of three days, a joint team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Mines Rescue Wing of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has finally launched a rescue operation to locate workers allegedly trapped inside a closed underground mine in Block-2, Baghmara, Dhanbad, since 22 July. The operation involves a 35-member NDRF team and 15 personnel from the BCCL rescue wing. While the NDRF conducted an initial survey of the area on Thursday morning, active rescue work commenced in the evening after receiving clearance from the district administration. The efforts continued until 11:30 PM and resumed again on Friday at 11:30 AM. Senior officials including Block-2 General Manager G.C. Saha, NDRF Assistant Commandant Santosh Kumar, Inspector Ravishankar, Circle Officer, and the Officer-in-Charge of Baghmara Police Station, Ajit Kumar, are overseeing the operation. According to Ajit Kumar, the operation was initiated following demands from local Member of Parliament Chandra Prakash Choudhary, who identified three suspected locations where individuals may be trapped. Rescue work has begun at the first site and will continue at the remaining two. Illegal mine collapse in Dhanbads Jamunia area; nine feared trapped, officials remain silent The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday, when the roof of a closed underground mine collapsed during illegal mining activity. Several workers, believed to be hired by a coal theft syndicate, are feared to be trapped under the debris. The collapse occurred near the Jamunia River at Kesargarha, under the jurisdiction of Baghmara Police Station, where at least nine people are suspected to be buried. Locals claimed that around 15 workers were inside the mine at the time of the collapse, which occurred when carbonaceous rocksupported only by weak pillarsgave way with a loud crash. Although BCCL authorities and the Dhanbad police initially dismissed the reports as rumours, Giridih MP Chandra Prakash Choudhary and Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy visited the site and insisted that multiple individuals were trapped. The MP staged a sit-in protest at Baghmara Police Station and submitted a formal complaint demanding immediate rescue efforts. The protest was called off only after Baghmara SDPO Purushotam Singh assured the leaders that a rescue operation would be launched without further delay.

JPSC declares civil services 2023 results: Ashish Akshat Tops, 342 candidates selected amid delay and protests

RANCHI: Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) has finally declared the result of the much-awaited Civil Services Examination 2023. A total of 342 candidates have been selected for various administrative posts, out of which Ashish Akshat has secured the first position. Abhay Kumar stood second, and Ravi Ranjan Kumar stood third. Names like Gautam Gaurav, Shweta, Rahul Kumar Vishwakarma, Robin Kumar, Sandeep Prakash, Swati Keshari and Rajiv Ranjan are also included in the top-10 position. The result is available on the commission's website, jpsc.gov.in. The successful candidates will be posted various administrative, police, finance, labor, excise, planning and social security service departments of the state. According to the commission, the selection has been done completely in accordance with the merit, marks and reservation rules. This is not just the result of an exam, but a success achieved after delay, agitation and struggle, which has brought relief and satisfaction to thousands of competitors. The commission has described the selection process as per the merit and reservation rules. Notably, the candidates had to take to the streets several times demanding that JPSC declare the results. Questions were also raised on the functioning of the commission regarding the continuous delay and ambiguity in the process from the main examination to the interview and then the final result. Organized protest started during the main examination of JPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 itself. The candidates had clearly expressed displeasure over the transparency in evaluation, the process of checking the answer sheets, the correctness of the answer key and the time limit of the results. Agitation, siege, memorandum and social media campaigns were carried out in many districts including Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Dhanbad, Garhwa in this regard. Only after constant pressure and intervention from public representatives, the commission slowly moved the process forward. A total of 864 candidates who passed the JPSC Mains exam had been called for interview, out of which, 342 candidates were named in the final list of successful candidates. The advertisement for JPSC Civil Services Examination was released on 27 January 2024. The preliminary examination was held on 17 March. 7011 candidates were successful in the result released on 22 April.

JPSC Civil Services Final Result 2023 declared at jpsc.gov.in: check steps to download, toppers list, and more

Jharkhand Public Service Commission announced the Civil Services Examination 2023 results. Ashish Akshat topped the merit list. Abhay Kumar and Ravi Ranjan Kumar secured second and third positions. A total of 342 candidates cleared the examination. Candidates can check results on jpsc.gov.in. Selections were based on merit and interview performance. Selected officers will undergo training programs.

66 Naxalites surrender in five Chhattisgarh districts; 49 carry total reward of Rs 2. 27 crore

BASTAR: A total of 66 Naxalites, including 49 carrying a cumulative reward of Rs 2. 27 crore, surrendered in five districts of Chhattisgarh's Bastar division on Thursday, police officials said. While 25 cadres surrendered in Bijapur, 15 laid down arms in Dantewada, 13 in Kanker, eight in Narayanpur and five in Sukma, they said, adding 27 were women. The ultras surrendered before senior police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF) and Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel citing disappointment with the hollow Maoist ideology, atrocities committed by Naxalites on innocent tribals and growing internal differences within the banned outfit, an official said. They also claimed to be impressed by 'Niyad Nellanar' (your good village) scheme of the state government, aimed at facilitating development works in remote villages, new surrender and rehabilitation policy of the state government and Poona Margham (Rehabilitation for Social Reintegration), a rehabilitation initiative launched by Bastar Range police, he added. Of the 25 who surrendered in Bijapur, 23 carried a collective bounty of Rs 1.15 crore. They include Ramanna Irpa (37), Odisha state committee member and special zonal committee member of Maoists who carried a reward of Rs 25 lakh, and his wife Rame Kalmu (30), a platoon party committee member (PPCM) who carried bounty of Rs 8 lakh, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav said. Sukku Kalmu (38), Bablu Madvi (30), Kosi Madkam (28) and Reena Vanjam (28), who were active in crucial positions in different formations of Maoists among other surrendered cadres, carried bounty of Rs 8 lakh each, Yadav added. In Dantewada, five of the 15 surrendered cadres carried total reward of Rs 17 lakh, Dantewada Additional Superintendent of Police Udit Pushkar said. Jharkhand: 17 Maoists killed, 197 arrested till June 2025 in major crackdown on insurgency Budhram alias Lalu Kuhram, a divisional committee member, his wife Kamli alias Moti Potawi, carrying rewards of Rs 8 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, respectively, are among the 15 surrendered ultras, the additional SP said. With this surrender, 1020 Naxalites, including 254 carrying rewards, have so far quit violence in the district under the 'Lon Varratu' (term coined in local Gondi dialect which means return to your home/village) campaign launched in June 2020, he said. In Kanker, the 13 surrendered Naxalites carried a collective bounty of Rs 62 lakh, Superintendent of Police Indira Kalyan Elesela said. The eight who laid down arms in Narayanpur had total reward of Rs 33 lakh on their heads, local SP Robinson Guria said. Of these, Vatti Ganga alias Mukesh (44), the Maoists' north bureau technical team in charge, carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh on his head, Guria said. The surrendered Naxalites were provided assistance of Rs 50,000 each and will be further rehabilitated as per the state government's policy, these officials said.

Jharkhand renames Atal Mohalla Clinics after Mother Teresa amid political backlash

RANCHI: Atal Mohalla Clinics in Jharkhand will now be known as Mother Teresa Advanced Health Clinics. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday. A total of 21 proposals were approved in the meeting, including the introduction of a uniform framework for state universities through new legislation. Notably, Atal Mohalla Clinics in Jharkhand are a network of primary healthcare facilities established to provide free and comprehensive healthcare services to urban slum areas. These clinics aim to bridge the gap in healthcare access and reduce the burden on larger hospitals by offering basic medical services, including treatment for common ailments, free medicines, and basic lab tests. According to Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel, these Atal Mohalla Clinics have now been renamed as Mother Teresa Advanced Health Clinics in Jharkhand. The Jharkhand Cabinet gave its approval to change the name of Atal Mohalla Clinic, being operated under the ongoing scheme under the State Plan, to Mother Teresa Advanced Health Clinic, said the Cabinet Secretary. Dadel also informed that approval was given to provide a special ex-gratia grant and government jobs, on compassionate grounds, to the family members of central paramilitary force personnel belonging to Jharkhand in case they lose their lives during a Maoist attack or while guarding the borders. In another significant move, the Cabinet approved the Jharkhand University Bill, 2025, which seeks to establish a common set of rules for all state universities. The Cabinet also cleared the proposal for setting up a State University Commission to regulate and monitor higher education in the state. The Jharkhand Cabinet also allowed a notional pay increment for employees retiring on June 30 or December 31, as per the Government of Indias Office Memorandum dated 20 May, 2025, replacing the previous resolution dated 16 March, 2024. The BJP, however, has strongly opposed the Jharkhand Cabinets decision. BJP state spokesperson Ajay Sah called it a symbol of petty mentality and distorted political thinking. Whenever there is any positive initiative towards development in Jharkhand, the JMM government tries to turn it into negative controversies, he said. Schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Atal Mohalla Clinic are the result of the revolutionary thinking of the BJP, which empowered the health rights of the poor and the common people. But the Hemant government is insulting and distorting these schemes for its political agenda, said Sah. Atal Bihari Vajpayee has been the creator of the state of Jharkhand, and his name is associated with the memories of the people of Jharkhand; removing Atal ji's name and fulfilling political objectives is an insult not only to a Bharat Ratna but to the soul of the entire Jharkhand, he added.

Dhanbad mine mishap: NDRF awaits location for rescue op

An NDRF team is deployed to rescue miners allegedly trapped in an abandoned coal mine in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, but operations are delayed as the exact location remains unidentified. Officials claim no signs of an incident have been found, while local residents and politicians allege a mine collapse during illegal mining activities.

IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Jharkhand over next 2 days

For Friday, it issued an 'orange' alert (be prepared), predicting very heavy rainfall in three districts, and 'yellow' alert (be aware), forecasting heavy rainfall in 17 districts

Last Chance to Register for Jharkhand Trained Madhyamik Acharya Exam 2025

The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission is about to close the registration for the Jharkhand Trained Madhyamik Acharya Combined Competitive Examination 2025. Candidates have until July 27, 2025, to apply for one of the 1,373 available positions. The application process includes a nominal fee, with specific rates for SC/ST candidates. Detailed instructions on how to apply and access the official notification are provided. Don't miss this opportunity to advance your career in education with the JSSC.

Child labour rescues in Delhi jump 51% in 2025; most trafficked from poor states

Delhi faces a troubling surge in child labour. Rescues increased by 51% compared to last year. Police rescued 202 children between January and May. Traffickers lure children from states like Jharkhand and Bihar. They force them into exploitative work. Poverty and demand for cheap labour are major causes. Authorities are intensifying action against offenders.

Youth crushed to death by wild elephant in Jharkhand while trying to take photos

RANCHI: A youth was crushed to death by a wild elephant in Koderma after he slipped and fell while trying to take photographs of the animal. The youth, identified as Saddam Ansari (29), was first taken to Sadar Hospital in Koderma, from where, he was referred to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi, but was declared dead by the doctors. Notably, wild elephants have created havoc in the villages under Domchanch police station on Tuesday night as well, due to which, the villagers are in panic. According to locals, while taking photographs, Saddam went too close to the wild elephant which proved to be fatal for him. Saddam went very close to the elephant with an intention to click good photographs, during which he lost his balance and fell on the ground. Angered with looking Saddam too close to it, the wild elephant picked him from its trunk and knocked him down on the ground several times before finally crushing him to death, said an eyewitness, requesting anonymity. The incident took place near Beladih village under Markaccho Block, he added. Locals informed that a herd of elephants, roaming near Chopnadih since last night, are on a rampage, damaging the standing crops in the region. After getting the information about wild elephants near the village, Saddam also went out with his two friends to take pictures of the elephant. After looking them very close to it, the elephant started chasing them. His other two friends succeeded in running away, but Saddam's slipped and fell on the ground, said the villager, requesting anonymity. The elephant picked him up with its trunk and knocked him on the ground several times and then crushed him under its feet, he added. The wild tuskers roaming in Garhwa, besides damaging several properties and crops has killed three people within the last week of June. A man sleeping in his house was killed after a lone tusker, separated from its herd, demolished a wall of the building which buried the man. Notably, the conflict between humans and elephants in Jharkhand has become a major challenge for the government as a total of 1251 people lost their lives in elephant attacks in the last 16 years (during 2008 and 2024), while 202 elephant deaths have also been recorded in the same period. According to data available with the forest department, out of the total of 24 districts, 20 districts have elephants, due to which, on an average 80 people are killed while over 150 suffer injuries in man-elephant conflict every year in Jharkhand. Experts believe that due to rampant cutting of forests, elephants and other animals are entering the village and creating damages to life and properties. Meanwhile, Jharkhand Forest Department is all set to launch Elephant Route Predictor app prepared on the lines of weather forecast, through which, the possible route of elephants could be known in advance. The app has been prepared on the basis of the research studies of the legacy data about the movement of elephants in a particular corridor. According to officials, this web-based application has been programmed to think the way elephant thinks before making a choice about its migration route.

JCECEB BSc Nursing ANM GNM Admit Card 2025 Out Download Online @ jceceb.jharkhand.gov.in Check JCECEB Exam Date

JCECEB BSc Nursing ANM GNM Admit Card 2025 - BSc Nursing, ANM and GNM Entrance Competitive Exam Admit Card 2025 released on 22-07-2025 by the Jharkhand Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (JCECEB) Authority and all the registered students who had submitted their JCECEB JCECEB BSc Nursing ANM GNM Application Forms successfully will receive their Admit Card/Hall Ticket which can be downloaded from the official website. The JCECEB BSc Nursing ANM GNM Admit Card 2025 is an important document to be brought by the candidate when appearing for the Examination. For more details and information related to the JCECEB BSc Nursing ANM GNM Admit Card 2025, read this article.

JCECEB Para Medical Entrance Exam 2025 Answer Key OUT at jceceb.jharkhand.gov.in Download PDF

JCECEB Para Medical Entrance Exam 2025 Answer Key Released: The Jharkhand Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (JCECEB) published the JCECEB Para Medical Entrance Exam 2025 answer key on July 22, 2025. Candidates can now access it through the official website jceceb.jharkhand.gov.in. Check regularly for the latest updates on the JCECEB Para Medical Entrance Exam 2025 answer key and other important announcements.

Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan sworn in as Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court

The name of Justice Chauhan, the second senior-most judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium on May 26

Grave of the fireflies: India's iconic insects face extinction amid 76% drop in numbers

DEHRADUN: The twinkling fireflies, once a staple of 80s Bollywood films and children's bedtime stories, are now facing an existential crisis. A recent nationwide census of fireflies, conducted by two scientists in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), has revealed a drastic and concerning 76 percent decline in their numbers across the country within just one year, pushing these enchanting insects to the brink of extinction. The grim reality came to light following a pioneering nationwide firefly census initiated by Senior Professor Dr Virendra Prasad Uniyal and Dr Nidhi Rana of Graphic Era University in Dehradun. The relentless march of materialism and the resultant light pollution have been identified as the primary culprits behind this alarming disappearance, Dr Uniyal told The New Indian Express . He emphasized that the artificial glow emanating from expanding urban centres is proving fatal for these nocturnal creatures. Utilizing special QR codes and links, the researchers engaged 232 participants from 22 states, including Uttarakhand, Kerala, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Punjab, Jharkhand, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh, in this citizen science initiative. According to Dr Uniyal, the findings are stark. This time, only 6,139 fireflies were recorded, Dr Uniyal stated, highlighting a significant drop from previous observations. He further explained, This is a very low number compared to last year, when approximately 26,000 fireflies were found across 20 states. This constant artificial illumination, he explained, fundamentally disrupts their natural cycles and, critically, their ability to find mates. For fireflies, which rely on their distinctive bioluminescent signals for reproduction, this environmental interference is proving to be a fatally disruptive force. The existence of these beautiful creatures, which once illuminated our dark nights, is now severely threatened, stated Dr Uniyal, commenting on the alarming findings. What we once only spoke of in stories is now rapidly becoming a distant memory. Dr Uniyal further emphasized the urgency of the situation. This rapid decline, especially the 76 per cent drop in just one year, is a stark warning for our ecosystem. Nature's beautiful glow is fading, and we must understand the implications of this loss. The study's revelations have ignited fresh concerns among environmentalists about the impact of unchecked development on biodiversity. Sadly, a continuous decline in firefly numbers is being observed today. The main reasons for this include the destruction of habitats, excessive use of artificial night light, increasing use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers in agricultural areas, and pollution of water sources, he said. Dr Uniyal attributed the alarming reduction primarily to human-induced environmental changes. Excessive artificial night lighting, from our villages to our sprawling metropolitan areas, is having the most devastating impact on the fireflies' delicate life cycle, he explained, emphasizing how constant illumination disrupts their natural ability to communicate and reproduce. He further explained that these combined factors are severely disrupting the natural life cycle of fireflies and critically endangering their populations.

Jharkhand: Elderly woman accused of witchcraft stripped, slashed and tonsured; one arrested

RANCHI: An elderly woman was stripped and parts of her body slashed with a blade after being thrashed by a group of people accusing her of practicing witchcraft in Hazaribagh. The mob not only tortured her, but also forcefully tonsured the woman's head at Pretshila at Gayaji. Interestingly, all seven accused are her relatives. The incident happened in Jabariya village under Barhi police station in Hazaribagh at around 10 pm on Friday (July 18), and lasted till 3 am on Saturday (July 19). The victim filed a complaint in this regard at Barhi police station on July 20. After the matter came into light, the police arrested one accused and sent him to jail on Monday. According to the complaint filed by the victim at Barhi police station, seven people from the same village entered her house on Friday night and stripped her, accusing her of practising witchcraft. After stripping her, the woman was thrashed badly and various parts of her body were cut with a blade, letting blood ooze out, stated the FIR. The accused drained the woman's blood, allegedly to perform a ritual, the FIR further said. According to the woman, the accused demanded a sum of Rs 80,000, and took Rs 20,000 from her. After torturing her, the accused brought the wounded woman to Barhi market and left her there on Saturday night. The woman managed to walk back to her home shortly after. The next day, the woman went to the police station with her son, and filed a complaint against the accused persons. According to police, investigations are on, keeping in mind all aspects into consideration. One of the accused persons, Shambhu Yadav, has been arrested and sent to jail, while the search is still on for the other accused persons, said officer in-charge of Barhi Police Station Aabhas Kumar. No accused will be spared, he added.

Jharkhand: 14 IEDs, Grenades Recovered During Anti-Naxal Operation

The explosives were destroyed on the spot through a controlled blast, as per SOP

Madhya Pradesh bags Rs 11,119 crore investment from CM Mohan Yadavs UAE-Spain tour

BHOPAL: The week-long tour by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav to the United Arab Emirates and Spain recently, has opened enormous opportunities for the central Indian state across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, tourism, films, textiles, sports, data analytics and artificial intelligence. Not only have investment proposals worth over Rs 11,000 crores come Madhya Pradeshs way, but multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) too have been inked with a long-term vision. On July 16, an MoU was signed with the Spanish Film Commission to promote film co-production that would creatively and commercially benefit both MP and Spain. The pact will encourage Spanish film-makers to explore shooting locations in the scenic MP. While showcasing the states scenic and versatile locations along with the states proactive film policies, making it an ideal destination for international productions, the MP CM invited Spanish filmmakers to conduct location scouting visits to the state. The discussions also covered potential alignment between the film policies of India and Spain, and ways to simplify the co-production process. Both sides explored the possibility of organizing joint film festivals, workshops, and cultural events to deepen bilateral cultural exchange. He also emphasised the need for collaboration in skill development and technical training in areas such as post-production, VFX, and scriptwriting. Discussions also included launching short-term courses and exchange programs in partnership with leading Spanish film institutions. The idea of hosting a Madhya Pradesh Film Showcase in Spain was also proposed, aimed at presenting the state's creative strengths and filming locations to the global industry. During his tour to Barcelona, MP inked a significant strategic agreement with global technology company Submer Technologies SL in the field of digital and technological advancement. The MoU was signed between the Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation and Submer. The agreement focuses on investment, technical collaboration, and the development of sustainable digital infrastructure. Under this agreement, a strategic collaboration has been established to jointly develop next-generation AI-ready data center capacity of up to 1 gigawatt in Madhya Pradesh. The agreement focuses on advanced liquid-cooling technologies such as immersion cooling and direct-to-chip solutions. The objective is to significantly reduce energy consumption, water usage, and environmental impact. This collaboration aligns with global efficiency standards for data center operations. Compared to traditional methods, this technology delivers up to 45% energy savings and up to 90% water conservation. Submer will invest in construction, research and development (R&D), and technical areas in the state, while the Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation will finalize suitable land, basic infrastructure, policy support, and government formalities for the project. The purpose of this partnership is not only to enhance the states technical capacity in the digital domain but also to encourage skill development, innovation, and local employment generation. Youth in the state will receive training and job opportunities in cutting-edge digital technologies. The MP CM, during his Madrid trip, visited the headquarters of world famous Spanish professional club football league La Liga and proposed establishment of football excellence centers, sports infrastructure upgrades and Spanish coaching-based youth training programs in Madhya Pradesh under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Meanwhile, during the Barcelona tour, Siddharth Tiwari, co-founder of Sportsfun TV SL, explored possibilities to develop football in Madhya Pradesh through talent scouting, training camps and the establishment of academies. Tiwari mentioned that his company is already working with the Government of Jharkhand in this direction and is keen to initiate similar efforts in MP. The week-long Dubai, Madrid and Barcelona tour resulted in investment proposals worth Rs 11,119 crore, which once actualized are likely to create 14,208 jobs. The biggest chunk of investment was proposed in Madrid by Kempolis Oy (AmGreen & Greenko) in the Advanced Biofuels and SAF Projects sector, which is likely to create 5000 jobs. Earlier, during the meetings in Dubai, the BNW Developers proposed Rs 2750 crore investment in the Infrastructure sector that is likely to create 3,575 jobs.

Bihar EOU busts international cyber fraud gang, kingpin held

PATNA: The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police on Monday busted a cyber fraud gang with alleged foreign links. Kingpin Harshit Kumar and five others from Supaul and Vaishali districts were arrested, and multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, and electronic devices used in the scam were seized. The operation led by a DSP rank officer began on Saturday morning and concluded late on Sunday. ADG, EOU, Naiyyar Hasnain Khan said that the gang led by Harshit was in touch with fraudsters operating from several countries, including Vietnam, China, Germany and Cambodia and duped people. The 21-year-old gangs leader had set up altogether eight mobile phone set boxes purportedly procured from China and Vietnam in his house located at Gauspur in Supaul district. He has set up a parallel telephone exchange with the help of these set boxes. The VOIP calls were easily converted into local calls by fraudsters to contact gullible people in Indian states, ADG, EOU, said. The cyber scam centres located in countries such as Thailand and Cambodia converted VOIP calls into local calls to contact the victims in India through various social media platforms. Preliminary investigation revealed that more than 10,000 fraud calls were made per day with the help of these set boxes. The parallel telephone exchange has duped countrys telecommunication ministry of huge exchequer. We are trying to estimate the loss of revenue to the Government of India by a fake telephone exchange, ADG, EOU, said. During investigation, it came to light that Harshit contacted a cybercriminal, Sumit Shah, a resident of Pakur in Jharkhand, to procure 1000 SIMs in March this year. Sumit used to obtain SIMs from Sultan, who supplied 400 SIMs to the former. Both Harshit and Sultan met each other near Hajipur in Vaishali district on several occasions. Revealing the modus operandi of the gang to obtain SIMSs, ADG, EOU said that Sultan used to organise camps in rural areas and collected their documents in the name of providing them benefits of several government welfare schemes. Unsuspecting of any foul play, people in rural areas provided him documents, which were later used to get SIMs issued from telecommunication service provider companies. The gang has spread its network in states and Union Territories, including Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Delhi and Odisha. Police have collected evidence of its links with cybercriminals operating in UAE, Cambodia, Thailand, Hongkong, China, Vietnam, UK and Germany. Police have collected evidence of huge transaction of money in bank accounts of the members of the gang. The gangs kingpin Harshit has his crypto currency account, which is under scrutiny of the investigating agency. The details of bank accounts of arrested members of the gang have also been collected by police for further investigation. Reports said that residents of Harshits native village were taken aback when they came to know about his cyber fraud. He used to boast among residents that he earned a huge money by spending in share markets. His bank accounts have cash deposits worth over Rs.6 crore, unofficial sources claimed. He was also associated with a ruling party as well.

Huge cache of explosives recovered in joint security operation on Jharkhand district borders

RANCHI: In a significant achievement, the security forces have recovered a huge cache of explosives during a joint search operation being done on the borders of Toklo police station of West Singhbhum and Kuchai police station of Saraikela-Kharsawan districts of Jharkhand on Sunday evening. According to police, the search operation was being conducted on the basis of a tip-off received by the police department that huge cache of ammunitions has been hidden in the jungles to target the security forces. According to the police, a joint team of Jharkhand Police, Jharkhand Jaguar and 60th Battalion of CRPF was formed and a search operation was launched in the region. The team recovered 14 IEDs from the forested hilly area, each of them weighing nearly 2 kgs. Apart from this, handmade grenades, ammonium nitrate powder, firecracker powder and steel containers have also been recovered, stated an official communique from the state police headquarters. All the IEDs were diffused and explosives were destroyed on the spot by the bomb disposal squad due to security reasons, it said. Notably, Maoists are now restricted only to Saranda jungles in Jharkhand as they have been whipped out from other pockets of the state. According to an estimate, around 85 - 90 Maoists are supposed to be hiding in Saranda jungles, where they have planted thousands of IEDs, which has become a challenge for the security forces. Despite the fact that Maoists have planted IEDs in the entire area, forces are advancing slowly into the jungles with full determination and have established several temporary security camps in their core areas. The state police have launched a joint operation in Kolhan jungles in November 2022 after a tip-off that some of the senior Maoist leaders, including Misir Besra and Patiram Majhi alias Anal Da, are hiding in that forest stretch, which is said to be strategically important.

JPSC Recruitment 2025 for Assistant Public Prosecutor: Apply Now

The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) has announced the recruitment for 160 Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) positions. The online application process is open from June 29 to July 21, 2025. Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, including a degree in law (LLB) and age limits ranging from 22 to 40 years, depending on the category. The application fee varies based on the candidate's category. Interested individuals are encouraged to review the detailed notification and apply through the official JPSC website. Stay informed about the selection process, which includes a preliminary exam, mains exam, interview, and document verification.

Jharkhand High Court delivers split verdict on death sentence given to 2 Maoists in murder of six policemen

Though both Constables Lebenius Marandi and Dhanraj Maraiya were witnesses to the occurrence, they had not seen the convicts participating in the mayhem, Justice Mukhopadhyay observed

Jharkhand HC delivers split verdict on death sentence given to two Maoists in murder of six policemen

RANCHI: A division bench of the Jharkhand High Court delivered a split verdict while hearing appeals against the death sentence given to two Maoists for the 2013 attack on a police team, in which six personnel, including Pakur SP Amarjit Balihar, were killed. Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay was in favour of acquitting the convicts, while Justice Sanjay Prasad upheld the death sentence. The HC was hearing a criminal appeal filed by Pravir Murmu alias 'Pravir Da' and Santan Baskey alias 'Tala Da'. The trial in the case was conducted at the Dumka sessions court, which gave a death sentence to the convicts on September 26, 2018. Thereafter, the convicts filed their respective appeals before the HC. The division bench of the HC delivered a 197-page judgement on July 17. The police team, led by SP Balihar, was attacked by Maoists on July 2, 2013. The Maoists opened fire on two police vehicles, claiming the lives of six personnel -- Rajiv Kumar Sharma, Manoj Hembram, Chandan Kumar Thapa, Ashok Kumar Srivastava, Santosh Kumar Mandal and Balihar. Constables Lebenius Marandi and Dhanraj Maraiya, who were part of the team, had survived the carnage. Marandi and Maraiya gave statements as eyewitnesses and claimed that they heard the names of Pravir and Tala being called out by the attackers. The prosecution examined 31 witnesses, including the two eyewitnesses. While delivering his judgment, Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay held that the statements of the eyewitnesses were not reliable. They had deposed that they had become unconscious after the attack and therefore could not have heard the names of the appellants, he noted. Though both Marandi and Maraiya were witnesses to the occurrence, they had not seen the convicts participating in the mayhem, he observed. Justice Mukhopadhyay set aside the order of conviction and the death sentence given in the case. Justice Prasad took a divergent view and held that the eyewitnesses had identified Pravir and Tala in court to be present at the place of occurrence. He further held that the gruesome murder of an IPS officer along with his team during the discharge of their official duty does not evoke any sympathy. Affirming the death sentence, Justice Prasad directed the state government to provide a compensation of Rs 2 crore to the kin of the deceased SP, and give a job in the rank of DSP or deputy collector to his son or daughter. Also, a compensation of Rs 50 lakh each should be provided to the family members of the five policemen who died in the incident, he directed, asking the state government to also give class IV jobs to them on compassionate grounds. The case is expected to be taken up by the HC's chief justice for further legal procedures.

'Miscreants infiltrating kanwar groups to defame them,' alleges UP CM as video of attack on CRPF jawan goes viral

MEERUT: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said some people are trying to defame the kanwar yatra on social media and urged every 'kanwar sangh' to expose the malcontents. We have to keep in mind that where there is enthusiasm and excitement, where there is faith and devotion, some elements are constantly trying to disturb that enthusiasm and to defame this devotion and faith, Adityanath said at an event here. Social media is replete with videos showing apparent kanwar yatris, wearing the saffron associated with them, creating ruckus on roads, ransacking hotels, damaging vehicles, and beating civilians. Adityanath claimed these are miscreants who infiltrate kanwar groups and bring them bad names. Unmask them, keep them away from you at all costs. Do not allow them to enter your circle. Immediately inform the administration about this, he said. Adityanath said there is administration to take legal action if any such miscreant desecrates the kanwar, and urged people not to take into their hands. During the entire period, many troublemakers have resorted to defame this holy pilgrimage. We have CCTV footage of all of them. We are going to paste their posters after this (kanwar yatra) is over. We are going to take very strict action against them, he said. Adityanath alleged that before 2017, the year he came to power, the governments in UP did not allow these holy pilgrimages to happen and created obstacles in their path. But, today there are governments that respect your devotion. So it is our responsibility to take it forward with the same sacred sentiment, he said. He also urged the kanwariyas to join in cleanliness programmes, and strive to not let any river, intersection, or road become dirty. On Friday too, Adityanath had said that efforts were being made to defame kanwar pilgrims and they are being termed errorists and rioters. Three kanwariyas were arrested for allegedly assaulting a CRPF jawan following an argument over train tickets at the Mirzapur railway station here, an official said on Sunday. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan was going to catch the Brahmaputra Express, while the kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva) also wanted to buy tickets for the same train for going to Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand. An argument broke out between them over purchasing the tickets. Meanwhile, Adityanath showered flowers on the kanwariyas from a stage built near Dulhera Chowki in Meerut's Modipuram area. Rajya Sabha MP Laxmikant Bajpai and UP's Minister of State Somendra Tomar shared the stage with him. Three kanwariyas held for assaulting CRPF jawan at Mirzapur railway station after ticket dispute

Jharkhand Health ministers son inspects hospitals in Ranchi, triggers political storm

RANCHI: A video showing Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansaris son allegedly inspecting the government-run Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi has triggered a political storm in the state, with the BJP hitting out at the Hemant Soren-led dispensation. In the 36-second video, which went viral on social media on Saturday, the ministers son Krish Ansari can allegedly be heard asking patients and their attendants, If you have any problem, please tell us, I will talk directly (to the minister), sparking controversy across Jharkhand. Krish did not stop there, he also allegedly visited a private hospital in Dhurwa, Paras Hospital, where he termed a patients bill as invalid, saying, These charges are invalid. Interestingly, after inspecting the hospitals along with his friends, Krish uploaded the video on social media. In the video posted on the social media account of the minister's son, several people are seen accompanying him. One of them can be heard asking the patients in the hospital ward, If you have any problem, please tell him (Krish). The ministers son has come the elder son has come. Krish was also seen allegedly questioning doctors and hospital staff inside the wards. The video reel was later deleted by the ministers son from his social media account. However, the health minister dismissed the episode as cheap politics by the opposition and accused his rivals of unnecessarily dragging his son into the issue. Despite the video going viral, neither the health department nor the government hospital concerned issued any clarification, with officials expressing ignorance about the incident. When the controversy broke out, the minister issued a press release stating that his son Krish had neither gone to inspect any hospital nor intended to indulge in politics. He accused the opposition of misrepresenting facts and unnecessarily dragging his sons name into the matter. He had only gone to RIMS to inquire about the health of his teachers ailing father, said the minister. The health minister also dismissed the criticism over his sons hospital visit, stating that it was a humanitarian act and there was nothing wrong with offering help. He emphasised that his son did not harm anyone and instead showed kindness, which should be appreciated. Ansari further alleged that the BJP was politicising the matter unnecessarily and argued that helping others should be praised, not condemned. Jharkhand ke reel mantri ke putra bhi ab sarkari hospitalon ka reel banne mein lage hain (Jharkhands reel ministers son is now also busy making reels by inspecting govt hospitals), BJP spokesperson Ajay Sah wrote on X.

Did Not Crush Farmers: Jharkhand Minister On BJP Attack Over Son's Reel

Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari has drawn fire from the Opposition BJP over a video of his 19-year-old son Krish allegedly inspecting a top government hospital in Ranchi. The minister has denied that his son was inspecting the hospital

Row Over Jharkhand Minister's Son 'Inspecting' Hospital, 'Making Reel'

A political row erupted in Jharkhand on Sunday after a video of Health Minister and Congress leader Irfan Ansari's son's visit to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi for a purported inspection surfaced on social media.

Three kanwariyas held for assaulting CRPF jawan at Mirzapur railway station after ticket dispute

MIRZAPUR: Three kanwariyas were arrested for allegedly assaulting a CRPF jawan following an argument over purchasing tickets at the Mirzapur railway station here, an official said on Sunday. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan was going to catch the Brahmaputra Express, while the kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva) also wanted to buy tickets for the same train for going to Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand. An argument broke out between them over purchasing the tickets. Government Railway Police (GRP) Inspector Raghavendra said the GRP jawans deployed on the spot tried to control the situation. More force was sent from the police station and the CRPF jawan was rescued. The GRP registered a case against the kanwariyas under sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 352 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the BNS and the Railway Act. Later, the kanwariyas were released on bail, the GRP said.

INDIA bloc to corner Centre over Operation Sindoor, Bihar SIR , Trumps ceasefire claim

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament, leaders of 24 Opposition parties came together on Saturday evening and vowed to corner the NDA government on a number of key issues, including the recent Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, the special intensive revision (SIR) of Bihar electoral rolls and US President Donald Trumps repeated claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The virtual meeting was attended by several senior leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, parliamentary party leader Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thakarey, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, J&K CM Omar Abdullah and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Ram Gopal Yadav (SP), Tiruchi Siva (DMK) M A Baby of CPI(M), D Raja (CPI), and CPI(ML)s Dipankar Bhattacharya. Briefing reporters, Congress deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari said though several issues came up in the course of the meeting, the bloc has unanimously decided to focus on eight key issues. The leaders expressed grave concern over the governments failure in bringing the terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack to justice and its silence on repeated claims made by US President Donald Trump in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, Tiwari said. The leaders also deliberated on the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar that threatens the voting rights of people, he said. There is an undeclared Emergency that has been imposed and voting rights are being snatched away. Tiwari said the opposition parties would expect the Prime Minister to be present in Parliament and respond to the issues raised in the House, asserting that, Parliament is more important than travelling abroad. Several parties raised the issue of atrocities against SC, ST, women and minorities, inflation, farmers distress and the delimitation excercise. According to sources, Rahul Gandhi spoke about the Pahalgam attack and Modi governments foreign policy failure.

Video Of Jharkhand Minister's Son Inspecting Hospital Goes Viral; Draws BJP Criticism

The video sparked a political row, with opposition parties questioning the authority under which such a visit was carried out.

Blame game erupts after three elephants killed by train on West Bengal-Jharkhand border

RANCHI: The death of three wild elephants, struck by a speeding Janshatabdi Express near Bastola railway station in West Bengal close to the Jharkhand border, has sparked a blame game between the Indian Railways and the Forest Department. A herd of seven elephants was crossing the track when the train on the Kharagpur-Tatanagar railway section early in the morning on Saturday, rammed the three elephants, killing them on the spot, while four others got stuck near the ones who died. The elephants supposedly came from the Jhargram forest in West Bengal's Kharagpur. The collision occurred on the busy Kharagpur-Tatanagar section, a corridor often used by wild elephants migrating across forested landscapes in Bengal and neighbouring Jharkhand. This incident is not a one-off, as several cases have been reported from many states where elephants died while crossing railway tracks. Though, Railways is deeply concerned about this tragic loss of wildlife and expresses its sincere sympathy, it refused to take any responsibility for the incident. We have noted with concern certain statements made by the Forest Department alleging that prior information about elephant movement in the area had been communicated to the Railways, but not acted upon. The above version is not factually correct and misleading. No official communication was given by Forest Authorities either in writing or telephonically to the concerned railway authorities about the movement of elephant herds, stated an official communique from the Indian Railways. There is a general WhatsApp group in which one message was posted at late night, at 10.56 PM, about the movement of elephants, but it is not expected to read each and every message of a general WhatsApp group by all the members of the group in real time basis and that also near midnight, it added. The statement further added that, since the matter was of such a grave nature, the concerned forest officials should have ensured confirmed communication with railway in writing or telephonically instead of merely posting a message in a general WhatsApp group without any follow up action. Due to laxity in proper communication on the part of forest officials, this unfortunate incident took place resulting in loss of precious wild lives and further created disturbance to train operations for more than 5 hours on Howrah-Mumbai main line, stated the official communique, further adding, We remain committed to ensuring the safety of wildlife and work in close coordination with the Forest Department to strengthen mitigation measures further. The Indian Railways further ensured that steps are being initiated to review and enhance protective measures in light of this incident. The reaction came from Railways after a senior official from the forest department squarely blamed the railways for the incident involving casualties of three elephants, calling it a result of complete carelessness on the part of railway authorities. According to a forest department official, the railways were alerted around 11 pm on Thursday about a herd of elephants spotted near the tracks. Despite the warning, train speed was not reduced, the official said, alleging negligence in following safety protocols. The department further claims that similar warnings have been issued repeatedly during previous coordination meetings, but no concrete action has been taken by railway authorities. Notably, the Dalma-Kharagpur-Tatanagar belt has witnessed multiple fatalities in the past. In August 2018, two adult elephants and a calf were fatally struck by the Gyaneswari Express while crossing tracks near Gidhni station, roughly 180 kilometers from Kolkata.

Jharkhand to get Asias largest super specialty hospital soon: Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari

RANCHI: Ranchi will soon be home to 'RIMS-2' (Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences - 2), Asias largest state-of-the-art super specialty hospital. The upcoming 2,600-bed facility will offer multi-super specialty services under one roof, positioning Jharkhand as a leading destination for advanced healthcare and medical tourism in India. Notably, Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari, along with Additional Chief Secretary of Health Department, Ajay Kumar Singh, recently visited Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, Delhi and studied the medical, management and research capabilities there in detail. RIMS-2 will be developed on the lines of Amrita model. Some of the key features of RIMS-2 will be a state-of-the-art integrated super specialty hospital with a capacity of 2600 beds, all super specialty services like cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, orthopedics will be available. A state-of-the-art research center and telemedicine unit will also be arranged, along with complete treatment and teaching facilities to patients in a single campus. According to Health Minister, This is not just a hospital, but a transformative step to take the medical system of Jharkhand to the global stage. This project will be implemented at a rapid pace under the leadership of Chief Minister Hemant Soren. We are bringing the dreams of the Chief Minister to the ground, said the Health Minister. The work that could not be done in the last 20 years is now being made a reality in Jharkhand, he said, further adding that, In the coming time, RIMS-2 will become a new standard of healthcare for the entire country. Referring to the financial structure of the project, Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh said that financial assistance of Rs 1000 crore will be received from the Asian Development Bank, while the remaining amount will be spent from the state plan head. After the completion of this project, Jharkhand will become the major healthcare hub and medical tourism destination not only of eastern India but of the entire country, said Additional Chief Secretary. This will prove to be a new ray of hope not only for the people of Jharkhand but also for the patients of the entire country, he added. The announcement was made after a high-level meeting of concerned departments, headed by Health Minister Irfan Ansari. Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Avinash Kumar, Secretary of Building Construction Department Arwa Rajkamal and Secretary of Road Construction Department Sunil Kumar were present in this important meeting.

Waive 13,300 cr. dues for CRPF deployment for anti-Maoist operations in Jharkhand: Soren to Shah

If the State is forced to pay such a huge amount, it will adversely impact development schemes in Jharkhand, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren said in a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Monsoon rains 9 pc above normal but northeast, south India reel under shortfall

NEW DELHI, July 18: India has received nine per cent more rainfall than normal so far this monsoon season, but the rain has not been evenly spread across the country. While some states like Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Ladakh received much more rain than usual, several others, especially in the northeast and southern parts, are facing []

Migrant worker from Jharkhand killed in Niger terror attack

Former top ED official who arrested Hemant Soren, Arvind Kejriwal, resigns from IRS

NEW DELHI: Kapil Raj, a former ED officer who supervised the arrests of two chief ministers under the anti-money laundering law, has resigned from government service after serving for about 16 years. An order issued by the Ministry of Finance on Thursday said the President of India was pleased to accept his resignation from the Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Indirect Taxes) with effect from July 17. The 45-year-old officer belonged to the 2009 batch of the IRS. He was involved in the arrest of Hemant Soren (Jharkhand) and Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi). Sources close to the officer spoke to PTI and attributed personal reasons for his resignation from government service where he had about 15 more years to serve, given the age of superannuation is 60. Raj served in the ED for about eight years and recently completed his deputation in the federal anti-money laundering agency. He was posted as an Additional Commissioner in the GST Intelligence wing in Delhi till he resigned. The officer supervised the arrest of Jharkhand Chief Minister Soren in January last year at Ranchi in an alleged land scam case. The JMM leader met the governor at Raj Bhavan and resigned from his post before being taken into custody by the ED. Raj was present during this meeting, soon after which his team took him into custody. Few months later in March 2024, the officer reached the Flag Staff Road residence of the then Delhi chief minister Kejriwal following ED searches at his government bungalow. Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 and Raj was present while the arrest memo was prepared and served on the AAP supremo. The officer used to prepare and vet questionnaires for these high-profile political arrestees and he was known to visit search locations many a times to closely monitor the investigation and boost the morale of his teams, a senior ED officer said. Raj, a B.Tech (Electronics) graduate, headed the Ranchi zone of the ED as its joint director. He also supervised some high-profile investigations of the agency that were undertaken by the headquarters investigation unit (HIU) that probes politically sensitive and complex cases. While being posted in Mumbai as a deputy director of the ED, the officer also investigated money laundering cases against diamantaire duo Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi apart from DHFL and Iqbal Mirchi cases. Raj hails from a middle class family based in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, the official said.

Rain showers North and West, but South and Northeast India face a dry spell despite 9% monsoon surge

India has experienced 9% above-average rainfall this monsoon, though unevenly distributed, leading to floods in some states while others await adequate rain. Jharkhand and Rajasthan saw significantly higher rainfall, while several states experienced normal levels. Despite this, floods have impacted regions like Assam, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka, with Himachal Pradesh suffering the most casualties.

Jharkhand HC slams government over delay in local body elections; summons Chief Secretary on July 25

RANCHI: Expressing strong displeasure over the state governments approach towards holding the urban local body elections in the state, the Jharkhand High Court on Friday directed the Chief Secretary to appear it in person during the next hearing. The court by Justice Ananda Sen, in strong words, stated that the state government is bypassing judicial orders and strangling the rule of law in the state. The court was hearing a contempt petition, filed by outgoing municipal councilor Roshni Khalkho, over the delay in holding the urban local body elections in the state. The court has fixed the date of July 25, 2025 for the next hearing. Notably, the Jharkhand HC, while hearing a writ petition on January 4, 2024 had directed the State Election Commission to announce dates for conducting Municipal Elections within three weeks, but the urban local body elections are still pending. Therefore, the contempt petition was filed by Roshni Khalkho in the Jharkhand High Court. Elections in 34 urban local bodies of the state are pending since May 14, 2023. The state government has repeatedly been citing the process of triple test for the delay in urban body elections, but the process has not been completed yet. Earlier, Roshni Khalkho and others had also filed a petition in the High Court against the government for not holding the elections even after the completion of the tenure of the local urban bodies. Notably, elections in 34 municipal bodies of the state are pending since May 14, 2020. In such a situation, instead of public representatives, the administration of Municipal bodies is being looked after by the Municipal Commissioner, Additional Municipal Commissioner or their officials.

MP Roats demand for Bhil Pradesh reignites tribal assertion, triggers constitutional debate in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: The political temperature in Rajasthan has risen sharply after Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) MP Rajkumar Roat raised the demand for a separate Bhil Pradesh. Rajkumar Roat, MP from Banswara-Dungarpur and leader of the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), recently released a controversial map demanding Bhil Pradesh. Following this, there was a political upheaval. BJP leader Rajendra Rathore, MP Mannalal Rawat, and State Minister Babulal Kharari levelled serious allegations like treason and sedition against Rajkumar Roat. In response, Roat accused Rathore of insulting tribal aspirations and misrepresenting constitutional norms. On Thursday, a massive rally and cultural conference was held at Mangarh Dham in Banswara as part of the Bhil Pradesh Sandesh Yatra, where BAP founder and Lok Sabha MP Rajkumar Roat reignited the long-standing demand for a separate Bhil Pradesh. Addressing a crowd of thousands, Roat called for the creation of a new tribal state by combining over 40 tribal-dominated districts across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Ahead of the event, Roat had already stirred political controversy by releasing a proposed Bhil Pradesh map on social media, an act that many see as a direct challenge to constitutional procedure. Roat frequently cites a historic episode from 1913, when over 1,500 tribal people were allegedly killed at Mangarh under British rule while demanding tribal rights under the leadership of social reformer Govind Guru. That incident is commemorated every year, and Thursdays rally marked yet another powerful remembrance of the sacrificethis time with a renewed political message. This years yatra, an annual event, was organised on an unprecedented scale, signalling BAPs intention to push the demand more aggressively, both on ground and in Parliament. The demand has sparked intense political reactions. Former Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan, BJPs Rajendra Rathore, condemned the call for Bhil Pradesh as treason, accusing Roat of promoting divisive politics. The statement triggered a sharp exchange between the two leaders on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Senior BJP leader Rajendra Rathore argued that the Bhil Pradesh demand violates the Constitution and national unity. Rathore directly questioned Roat's release of the proposed Bhil Pradesh map: Is it appropriate to consider yourself above the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the Constitution by releasing a state map without following the legislative or constitutional process? How can you bypass Parliament in such a serious matter? Rathore emphasised, Any slogan or campaign that seeks to divide the country or challenge its unity should not be accepted under any circumstances. Unfortunately, some people are promoting misleading and divisive narratives like Bhil Pradesh, ignoring constitutional spirit and national interest. He referenced the formation of Telangana in 2014 as a constitutionally sound example, backed by extensive debate and consensus. The Bhils are one of India's largest tribal communities, primarily found in western and central India. They form a significant population in parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the supporters of Bhil Pradesh argue that the cultural identity, dialects, traditions, and socio-economic conditions of the tribal-dominated areas are vastly different from the rest of their respective states, warranting the need for a separate state. Though the idea has been around for decades, it has largely remained on the margins of mainstream politics. However, the recent rise of the Bharat Adivasi Party and Rajkumar Roats vocal advocacy have given new momentum to the issue. In a sharp rebuttal, Rajkumar Roat reminded Rathore of his own legislative experience: You have always been known for your grasp of parliamentary procedure. I did not expect such an irresponsible statement from a politician of your stature. Roat took further strong objection to the term treason, saying, By using such language, you have insulted former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayeewho created Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhandas well as your own colleague Nandlal Meenas father, who once advocated for Bhil Pradesh. Roat cited constitutional grounds for his demand: Our Constitution clearly provides for the formation of new states. Bhil Pradesh satisfies multiple criteriacultural and linguistic homogeneity, geographic contiguity, lack of equitable resource distribution, and underdevelopment. Concluding his response, Roat urged Rathore to revisit the Indian Constitution and the history of state formation: Such fact-less and baseless statements are unbecoming of a seasoned parliamentarian. I urge you to study the constitutional provisions on state reorganisation before making misleading public comments. Bhil Pradesh is not a demand raised on emotion aloneit is our right, our truth, and our constitutional resolution, Roat said. With both constitutional debates and tribal identity politics now in motion, the future of this demand will depend on how national parties, the judiciary, and civil society respond to the intensifying conversation.