News

Jharkhands Anukul enjoys batting up the order

Ranchi Diary | Soren distributes 8,792 job letters to apointees

Chief Minister Hemant Soren marked one year of his governments second term by distributing 8,792 appointment letters to newly selected candidates. This focus on recruitment directly aligns with the governments promise to expand employment opportunitiesa major poll commitment. The CM noted that this anniversary would have been even more meaningful had Dishom Guru Shibu Soren been present. Remembering his recent passing, he said the veteran leader would have been happy to witness so many youths receive appointments. Now, prescription a must to purchase cough syrup The Jharkhand High Court has directed a strict crackdown on the illegal sale of cough syrup and other narcotic medicines across the state. The order was issued during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlighting widespread misuse of such drugs, particularly among schoolchildren. The court instructed the state government and all concerned authorities to ensure that no medical store or outlet sells cough syrup or narcotic drugs without a valid prescription from a doctor. The PIL, filed by Sunil Kumar Mahato, cited instances of rampant cough syrup misuse and pointed to a recent seizure of a large quantity in Dhanbad district. MS Dhonis warm gesture wins fans hearts A special gesture by former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni is winning hearts. He hosted Team India, which is currently in Ranchi for the first ODI against South Africa, scheduled for November 30, for dinner at his home in Ranchi on Thursday. Dhoni often invites national players to his residence whenever there is an international match in Ranchi, and he didnt miss the chance this time either. After the dinner, Dhoni, known for his warm hospitality, dropped Kohli back to the hotel after the meal. Kohli, who now features only in the ODI format, last played the 50-over series against Australia, where he bounced back with a half-century after enduring two ducks. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com

Encroachments put Jharkhand queen of hills at risk

RANCHI: Netarhat, long celebrated as the queen of hills in Jharkhand, is facing rapid, unchecked construction that residents and conservationists say violates SC guidelines meant to protect Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ). Much of the plateau lies next to the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, the Palamu Tiger Reserve and Betla National Park, placing it firmly within the ESZ where new commercial structures require strict environmental clearance. According to locals, a surge of illegal hotel and resort construction has triggered what they describe as an environmental, social and legal crisis. The Supreme Court has ruled that any new work inside ESZ boundaries without prior approval is illegal. Yet, several multi-storey hotels have come up in recent months around Netarhats most sensitive locations, including Sunset Point and Koel View Point. Residents say most of these new buildings lack both environmental clearance and an official no-objection certificate. In recent months, several new hotels and resorts have sprung up around the extremely sensitive areas of Sunset Point and Koel View Point. Many of the projects are being driven by outside investors, and almost all stand in direct violation of the ESZ norms, said local environmental activist Govind Pathak. He noted that the official Gazette clearly states that no hotels or resorts can be built within one kilometre of any sanctuary or national park, and that large commercial structures are generally not permissible in ESZs. Construction continues unhindered, he added. Pathak pointed out visible changes in the regions climate as a sign of ecological stress. Due to rampant construction during the last few years, the climate here has changed drastically; a place once known for its cool weather throughout the year now requires air conditioning with the onset of the summer season, he said. Illegal construction, tree felling and the steady spread of concrete structures, he added, are seen as major contributors to rising temperatures. The ESZ Gazette also prohibits new commercial hotels and resorts within one kilometre of protected forests, bars the expansion of existing hotels and permits only local residents to build houses for personal use. Pathak said he had written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren in July, urging an immediate halt to construction and an inquiry into land acquisition involving tribal plots. No action was taken in this regard, he said. He now plans to move the Jharkhand High Court. Local officials claimed that no ESZ committee meeting has been held for several years due to the absence of its Commissioner. They said construction in ESZs is regulated, not banned, but admitted that approvals depend on recommendations that have not been reviewed for a long time.

Good News for Passengers: Delhi's Shahdara station will be developed as major terminal, Namo Bharat train will also operate, check here to know details

The Shahdara Railway Station is a key transportation hub, with trains operating from here to various destinations, including Western Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and other states. Read here to more details.

Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries to get free treatment up to Rs 15 lakh in Jharkhand

RANCHI: All 64 lakh beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat Yojana will now get free treatment facilities up to Rs 15 lakh in Jharkhand. According to State Health Minister, Irfan Ansari, Rs 5 lakh will be provided under the Ayushman Bharat Yojna and additional Rs 10 lakh will be given under the Mukhyamantri Abuja swastya Suraksha Yojana. While speaking during a programme organised in Ranchi on Thursday, Ansari said that the state government will soon issue digital cards to all cardholders, making the treatment process faster and easier. All Ayushman card holders in Jharkhand will now be provided with digital cards, which will provide beneficiaries with faster and simpler procedures, transparent health services and hassle-free treatment in hospitals. The state government is also working actively towards providing health security up to Rs15 lakh, said Irfan Ansari. The minister also warned private hospitals that action will be taken if they withhold dead-bodies of the patient who pass away during treatment. Incidents of withholding dead-bodies after the death of a patient are inhuman. Any private hospital that indulges in such activities will be immediately sealed, said Ansari. Running a hospital is not just a business, but an act of service, he added. The minister said that the government is providing payments, allocations and other facilities to hospitals, but they are not showing humanity and sensitivity. The Minister further added that CT scan and MRI facilities will soon be available in all district and referral hospitals. Abua Health Card is being further strengthened so that every family gets quality medical treatment, he said. According to the minister, the state government is soon going to fix the rates for ICU, NICU and CCU, to curb arbitrary bills. This will be in accordance with the instructions of the Supreme Court and will provide great relief to poor families, he said. Expressing concern over the hospitals denying coverage of certain treatments by the card in accidental cases, the Minister directed that the card process should be further simplified so that no patient in need is turned away from the hospital without treatment.

IED blast in Jharkhands Saranda forest kills minor girl, injures two women

RANCHI: A minor girl was killed and two women were seriously injured in an alleged IED blast in the Saranda jungles of West Singhbhum on Friday evening. The incident occurred between Kolbanga and Bindikiri villages under the Jaraikela Police Station limits. West Singhbhum Superintendent of Police Amit Renu confirmed the incident. Three women had gone into the jungles to collect dried leaves and firewood, during which IED blast took place claiming the life of a young woman while two others were seriously injured, said the SP. The deceased is being identified, and the age is yet to be determined, he added. Those who were injured include Shalini Kandulna (30) and Birsi Ghanwar (35). They were immediately taken to the Manoharpur Community Health Centre, where they were given first aid and then referred to a higher centre for better treatment. Villagers also asserted that the incident occurred when the women had gone into the forest to collect firewood and dry leaves. A loud explosion was heard, prompting locals to evacuate the injured, they said. Notably, Maoists are now largely restricted to the Saranda jungles in Jharkhand, as they have been wiped out from other pockets of the state. According to an estimate, around 6065 Maoists are believed to be hiding in the Saranda region, where they have planted thousands of IEDs, posing a major challenge for security forces. The state police launched a joint operation in the Kolhan and Saranda jungles of Chaibasa in November 2022. Since November 2022, six security personnel have lost their lives and 20 others have been critically injured, besides nearly 22 civilians who have died and a dozen others critically injured in alleged IED blasts triggered by Maoists in the Chaibasa jungles. The joint operation, conducted by personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jharkhand Police, was launched following intelligence inputs about the presence of top Maoist leaders in the region, including Misir Besra, a senior CPI (Maoist) commander with a bounty of 1 crore on his head.

India's Educational Progress Reflects PM Modi's Visionary Leadership; Aimed to Make India Global Education Hub, Says Governor Haryana

To honour the invaluable contribution made by private schools in elevating the stature of education, sports and culture in the country, Chandigarh University in collaboration with Federation of Private Schools and Associations of Punjab (FAP) felicitated principals, teachers and students from over 800 schools across India during the 5th edition of the FAP National Awards 2025 held at Chandigarh University campus.   Haryana Governor, Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh, addressing the awardees during the inauguration of 2-Day FAP National Awards 2025 Ogranised by Chandigarh University Governor of Haryana, Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh, inaugurated the FAP National Awards 2025 as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by his wife Mitra Ghosh. Besides Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu who presided over the event as Guest of Honour, the other dignitaries who graced the event included Dr G Immanuel, Chairman of Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE), singer, actor and lyricist Gurnam Bhullar, Chandigarh University Vice-Chancellor, Dr Raviraja N Seetharam, Senior Managing Director Chandigarh University Deepinder Singh Sandhu and President of FAP Dr Jagjit Singh Dhuri.  On the opening day of FAP National Awards 2025, 782 schools, teachers, principals and meritorious students from 18 States & UTs were felicitated with the awards. During the inaugural ceremony, 20 awards were given for Lifetime Achievement, Academic Achievement, Pride of India- Academic Achievement and Pride of India- Sports Achievement Awards. In all, Lifetime Achievement Award was given to 50 principals and teachers, Pride of India- Academic Achievement Awards were given to 315 awards students of 105 schools and 41 schools were given awards for achievements in sports. Pride of India- Sports Achievement Awards were also given to 356 students. In the two-day award ceremony, awards will be given to teachers, students and schools from 18 States and Union Territories including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Bihar. These Awards will be given in four categories including The Best School Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Pride of School Award and The Best Student Award (Pride of India) for their futuristic vision and meritorious achievements in the domains of academic, sports, cultural and social contribution. In his inaugural address, Governor of Haryana, Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh said, “ Private sector plays a pivotal role in elevating the standard of school education in our country. Of about 14.72 lakh schools in India, there are 3.40 lakh private schools which account for 23% of the total schools. I strongly feel that an organization like FAP must come forward in ensuring the children from weaker sections of society have their fair representation in private schools as well which will further promote equity and inclusiveness in education .” “ Our progress in education also reflects the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji under whom historic reforms have strengthened India's position as a global education hub. The PM Shree scheme has modernized over 4,500 schools providing world class infrastructure and access. The National Education Policy has placed research, innovation, and knowledge at the center of learning. As a result, India's ranking in the Global Innovation Index has improved from 81 in 2014 when Prime Minister Modi ji had come to power to 39 in 2025 which is a remarkable achievement. Patent filings have grown up by 31% and India now ranks 4th globally with 1.3 million academic research publications in the last five years. The government's decision to reduce patent application fee is by 80% for institutions has accelerated this change ,” the Governor added. Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh further said, “ Moreover, the education budget has risen from Rs 79,451 Crore in 2014 to a historic figure of Rs Rs 1,28,650 Crore in 2025-26. As we honor today's achievers let us reaffirm our collective commitment to shaping a brighter more innovative and inclusive future for India's children .”   Commending the award recipients for their significant contributions in shaping the minds of the youth, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, said, “ As an educationist, I can say that whatever change that has come in the society has come because of teachers. Our visionary Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s has given the vision of a Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat by 2047. I am sure the biggest role in realizing this vision will be played by the provided educational institutions and private school teachers because it is not possible for government to do everything or even fulfil the need of quality education which is being fulfilled by the private institutions for making this vision a reality. So today India has emerged from the 11th largest economy in the world to become the fourth largest economy. Even children from the poorest of the poor backgrounds can touch the heights of progress with the power of education. Five years ago, no one had thought that private schools would get the same honor and respect as government schools. Which has been possible through these FAP Awards. ” “ Children from the poorest of backgrounds can touch the skies of progress with the power of education. Affectionate and devoted teachers play the most important role in giving strength to the flight of children. The new National Education Policy 2020 aims to make India a Global Knowledge Superpower. Our educational institutions and teachers have to contribute actively in school education, higher education and skill education to achieve this goal. I am sure our teachers will establish India as a Global Knowledge Superpower with their crucial contribution ,” he added. Dr G Immanuel, Chairman of Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE) said, “ Now around the world now there is a lot of competition happening and every school education board is trying to compete from with other board. The best practices are being transferred easily. Most of the boards are going for STEAM education now. Earlier, STEM education which means Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education was followed. Now, to this we added Art. Art is very important because Art is part of everything. In STEM education, Art is being added to make it more collaborative, more useful for everybody .” Warning against the dangers of digital information, Dr G Immanuel said, “ Learning doesn't happen and only within the school premises in the schools, colleges or universities. It happens everywhere anyway with lots of information freely flowing. Now one has to regulate this. Unless we regulate this information to decide which information should be taken in and which information should not be taken in, it may affect and cause a problem. Therefore, as educators we need to reach out to the children and have some regulatory system as unregulated information may cause a lot of havoc for everybody. Now, digital information is causing problems for everybody. There are countries and universities around the world who are going back to physical books and physical way of teaching because e-books, smart boards, they are causing lot of problems. ” In his address, President of FAP Dr Jagjit Singh Dhuri said, “ Private schools are playing a pivotal role in school education. But despite this, the contribution of private schools in India’s transformation in the education sector was ignored and the teachers at private schools were not given due recognition for the crucial role they are playing in providing quality education with utmost dedication and hard work. So, the purpose of FAP awards is to give due recognition to private schools and their teachers in society with these awards. This initiative not only recognizes the efforts of private schools who have reached the pinnacles but also encourages other schools to compete for achievements in the fields of academics, sports, cultural heritage, infrastructure and facilities .” “ We are honoured that FAP has become the only educational federation in the world to award 11001 management members, principals, teaching and non-teaching staff and students from across India with FAP National Awards between 2021 to 2025 for achievements in academic, sports and cultural domains at no financial cots to any recipient. The award for this record was presented to us today by Dr Aravind Lakshminarayanan, CEO of Nobel World Records Private Limited, during inauguration of the 5th edition of the FAP National Awards 2025 which is matter of great joy and satisfaction for us ,” he added.  About Chandigarh University Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC. www.cuchd.in

Jharkhand NEET UG counselling 2025: Stray vacancy round schedule revised; check key dates here

Jharkhand's NEET UG counselling 2025 stray vacancy round has a revised schedule. The merit list and seat matrix for BDS and BHMS programs will be out on November 28, 2025. Candidates can fill choices until November 30, with provisional allotment and admissions concluding by December 6. This round aims to fill vacant All India seats.

Supreme Court seeks Rajasthan govt's response on plea challenging validity of anti-conversion law

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Rajasthan government on a plea challenging the validity of the provisions of the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2025. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notice to the state government seeking its response on the plea filed by the Peoples Union For Civil Liberties and others. The bench tagged the plea with separate pending petitions raising similar issue. Senior advocate Sanjay Parikh appeared for the petitioners. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that similar matters are pending before the apex court and this plea be tagged with them. The petitioners have sought a declaration that provisions of the Act are arbitrary, unreasonable, illegal and ultra vires the Constitution and also violative of Articles, including Article 14 (equality before law) and Article 21 (protection of life and personal liberty). On November 17, the top court sought response from the Rajasthan government and others on a separate plea challenging the validity of the Act. The apex court on November 3 had agreed to hear two separate petitions challenging the validity of several provisions of the law against illegal religious conversions that came into force in Rajasthan. In September, another bench of the apex court sought the stand of several states on separate pleas seeking a stay on their respective anti-conversion laws. The top court had then made it clear that it would consider the prayer for staying the operation of such laws once the replies were filed. The bench was then dealing with a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of anti-conversion laws enacted by several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand and Karnataka.

Two surgeries, years on hospital beds: Abhishek Reddy's incredible comeback

Despite facing career-threatening injuries and two surgeries, Abhishek Reddy's unwavering determination fueled his return to cricket. A remarkable 247 in the Ranji Trophy against Jharkhand marked his triumphant comeback, proving his enduring passion. Inspired by Sachin Tendulkar, Reddy's journey highlights resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

2 Coaches Of Passenger Train Derail In Jharkhand, Damage Overhead Pole

Two coaches of the Rampurhat-Jasidih EMU local passenger train derailed near Dumka railway station in Jharkhand on Thursday, damaging an overhead electric pole.

Two-child rule, no-dues clause to apply for Jharkhand municipal poll candidates

RANCHI: As Jharkhand prepares for its Municipal elections next year, the State Election Commission has issued detailed guidelines, stating that candidates with more than two children will be barred from contesting if their last child was born after 9 February 2013. Additionally, those having outstanding taxes, fees or rent will not be allowed to file nominations. According to a letter issued by the State Election Commission Secretary, individuals with more than two children will not be eligible to contest the municipal elections in Jharkhand. The restriction applies to those whose third or subsequent child was born after February 9, 2013, in accordance with provisions of the Jharkhand Municipal Act, 2011. However, candidates who had more than two children on or before this date, but did not have additional children later, will remain eligible for contesting the Municipal polls, stated the notification issued by the State Municipal Commission. The Commission has also clarified that adopted children and twins will be counted as children. The directive has been issued under the Jharkhand Municipal Act, 2011. For the first time, elections for all municipal bodies in the state will be held simultaneously, and the Commission has completed all preparations for the same. In a letter sent to all districts, Election Commission Secretary Radhey Shyam Prasad reiterated that individuals with more than two children will not be eligible to contest the upcoming municipal elections. It will also be mandatory for candidates contesting the polls to complete a self-declaration form and attach it to the nomination form. The Commission further directed that candidates having outstanding taxes, fees or rent will not be allowed to file their nominations for the 2026 municipal elections. While compound interest on dues before 9 February 2013 will be waived, candidates must pay the principal amount along with simple interest. All pending municipal taxes must be cleared by the 202425 financial year, stated the notification. Any discrepancy found during the self-declaration and verification process will result in the nomination being cancelled.

Jharkhand HC raps police, asks DGP to file affidavit in person on fake Maoist surrender

RANCHI: The Jharkhand High Court directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to personally file an affidavit in the case of tribal youths being forced to surrender, branding them as Maoists. 514 tribal youths from the state were allegedly coerced into a staged surrender after being falsely labelled as Maoists, and were later duped and exploited in a systematic manner under the guise of employment. Expressing strong displeasure, the court particularly objected to the fact that in such a sensitive and serious matter, the affidavit was filed by a junior officer instead of a senior police officer. The division bench, headed by Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, observed that in such cases, senior police officers should personally file affidavits to reveal the true situation and delve deeper into the matter. The public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by Jharkhand Council for Democratic Rights, alleging that the tribal youths were lured with the promise of jobs in CRPF and then forced to surrender by falsely impersonating them as Maoists. The petitioner further alleged that senior state police officers spent crores of rupees on this entire affair to receive awards from the Union Home Minister. The PIL also sought an independent inquiry into allegations. Advocate Rajeev Kumar, appearing on behalf of the petitioner, informed that out of 514 tribal youths, prepared to surrender before the police, only 107 were genuine Maoists, rest were innocent tribal youths. The court expressed serious displeasure over the filing of an affidavit by a DSP rank officer and directed the DGP to file the affidavit in person, said Kumar. During the hearing, Kumar argued that the affidavit was filed by a DSP rank officer so that the responsibility does not fall on the senior police officers. Kumar also argued that none of the former Maoists who surrendered were given any benefits provided under the state policy. Now, all those former Maoists, who have joined the mainstream, are preparing to file a petition individually, demanding the benefits provided by the state government under the surrender policy. Out of 107 only two were given jobs, while the rest are still waiting for their dues, Kumar said. 52 people had already filed petitions individually. The rest will file it soon in the High Court, he said. Hearing the plea, the High Court had asked the Centre and the State to clarify whether the allegations and whether these youths were kept at the old jail compound in Ranchi. The court had also sought an explanation on whether training under the pretext of securing jobs in the CRPF had any legal validity.

Air pollution levels across north India are significantly higher than national average: Report

CHANDIGARH: The air pollution levels across North India are significantly higher than the national average as per the latest report released by Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), an independent research organisation. The report stated that Delhi, along with Punjab, Assam and Tripura, was identified as a year-round pollution hotspot failing to meet PM 2.5 standard even during the monsoons. On the other hand, the southern states recorded the lowest values. The report titled, Beyond City Limits: A Satellite-Based PM-2.5 Assessment Across Indias Airsheds, States and Districts, stated that all the 23 districts of Punjab, 22 of Haryana and 12 of Himachal Pradesh exceeded the annual National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 40 ug/m3 for PM 2.5 concentration last year. During summer, winter and post-monsoon periods, PM 2.5 concentrations exceeded the NAAQS limits in these states. During the monsoon, 15 out of 23 districts in Punjab, 5 out of 22 in Haryana and 2 out of 12 districts in Himachal Pradesh exceeded the air quality limit. It read, Delhi recorded the highest pollution levels with an annual mean PM 2.5 concentration of 101 g/m, 2.5 times the Indian standard and 20 times the World Health Organisation (WHO). The pollution crisis extends across northern India, with the average PM 2.5 concentrations in all states in these regions, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). This concentration of pollution aligns with their location in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The eastern and northeastern states showed similarly concerning levels, with PM 2.5 average concentrations in Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh all above the NAAQS. Among western states, the mean concentrations in Rajasthan and Gujarat exceeded the annual national standard, it added. While the southern states presented the lowest PM 2.5 values, Puducherry recorded the lowest concentration at 25 g/m, followed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Sikkim, Telangana, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. The report stated that Delhi consistently ranks as the most polluted city across all seasons, highlighting the capital's year-round air quality crisis. While Chandigarh appears in the top five during three seasons (winter, summer, and post-monsoon), West Bengal also ranks among the worst across the winter and post-monsoon seasons. Punjab and Haryana emerged as major air-pollution concerns, with Punjab during the monsoon and post-monsoon periods and Haryana during the summer and post-monsoon periods. The northeastern states present an unexpected pollution hotspot, with Assam and Tripura featuring in the top five in three seasons (winter, summer, and monsoon). Overall, 60 per cent of districts (447 out of 749) exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for annual PM 2.5. None of the districts met the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline of less than 5 g/m. The most polluted districts are heavily concentrated in a few states, highlighting regional clustering of severe air quality issues. Delhi (11 districts) and Assam (11 districts) alone account for nearly half of the top 50, followed by Bihar (7) and Haryana (7). Other notable contributors include Uttar Pradesh (4), Tripura (3), Rajasthan (2), West Bengal (2), and single districts from Chandigarh, Meghalaya and Nagaland, it reads. It further added, Several states are in universal non-compliance, where all monitored districts exceed the NAAQS. These include Delhi, Assam, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Jammu and Kashmir. Several other states show a large majority of districts breaching the norm, such as Bihar (37 of 38), West Bengal (22 of 23), Gujarat (32 of 33), Nagaland (11 of 12), Rajasthan (30 of 33), and Jharkhand (21 of 24). A second group shows mixed performance, where some districts meet the standard but many continue to exceed it. This includes Uttar Pradesh (49 of 75 districts exceeding), Odisha (22 of 30), Madhya Pradesh (27 of 52), and Maharashtra (14 of 36). In the Northeast, Arunachal Pradesh (12 exceed, 13 comply) and Manipur (five exceed, 11 comply) also fall in this transitional category. At the other end of the spectrum, several states have the majority of their districts below NAAQS, such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Sikkim, Goa, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. These contrasting patterns highlight the continued dominance of northern and eastern states in Indias PM 2.5 pollution hotspots, while southern and coastal regions remain relatively cleaner. The report stated that the states should develop district-level air quality action plans, guided by satellite data to identify hotspots, prioritise high-exposure populations, and allocate mitigation resources efficiently. The satellite-derived PM 2.5 data should be formally integrated into NCAP for spatially comprehensive assessment and performance tracking. Also, establishing protocols for validation, periodic updates, and public dissemination of satellite-based estimates will strengthen transparency and enable real-time decision-making in areas lacking ground monitors.

Rubber tapper from Jharkhand killed in wild elephant attack at Nilambur in Kerala

He was returning along with his co-workers after the days work when the elephant charged at them from behind

JAC Class 10, 12 date sheet 2026 released: Check complete timetable for Jharkhand Board exam here

The Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) has announced the Class 10 and 12 examination dates for 2026. Matriculation exams will commence on February 3rd and conclude on February 17th, while Intermediate exams are scheduled from February 3rd to February 23rd. Students can download the official date sheet from the JAC website.

Jharkhand migrants denied five months' wages in Cameroon, seek urgent government intervention

RANCHI: Five migrant workers from Hazaribagh and Giridih districts of Jharkhand are stranded in Cameroon after not being paid their wages for the past five months. In a video message sent to their families, the workers said they have run out of money and are facing serious difficulties in managing accommodation and food. In the video, the stranded workers described their plight and appealed for their immediate repatriation to India. Speaking to TNIE , one of the migrants said that despite repeated requests, they have been denied their wages by the company they were working for. We have been running from pillar to post to get our hard-earned money. We contacted the company management, they said that the outsource company will pay your wages, and when we asked the outsource company for it, they said that they dont have the money to pay us, asking us to stop the work, said Sunil Mahto, one of the migrants stranded in Cameroon. According to Mahto, after the outsourcing company asked them to stop working on 19 November, they have been sitting idle in a foreign country and struggling for food and accommodation. Mahto said they reached Cameroon in MarchApril for livelihood opportunities but have been denied their wages, which he described as very painful. They had been working for Kalpataru Project International Limited and were hired by the outsourcing firm, Shubhra Engineering Services and Sales Limited, based in Kerala. We were told in India that we will be working from the company, but after reaching there, we found that we have been hired by the outsource company. When we demanded an agreement letter in India, we were told that it will be provided to us only after reaching the site, said Mahto. He added that officials of the outsourcing company are now not picking up their phone calls. Mahto said they were hired to lay power transmission lines in the central African country. When contacted, officials in the State Migrant Control Room said they have sought documents of the five migrants and are taking up the issue with the Indian Embassy in Cameroon to arrange for their safe return. The stranded migrant workers have been identified as Sunil Mahato, Sukar Mahato, Chandrashekhar Kumar and Deelo Mahato, all residents of Bishnugarh (Unchaghana) in Hazaribagh, and Dilchand Mahato, a resident of Dumri in Giridih district. Earlier, as many as 48 workers from Giridih, Bokaro and Hazaribagh districts were stranded in Tunisia for six months under extremely difficult conditions. In a video message on 30 October, those workers had sought help from the Indian government for their safe return. They were finally brought home after government intervention.

Elephant deaths in Jharkhand's Chaibasa raise concern as officials probe unexplained pattern

RANCHI: A series of mysterious elephant deaths in the Chaibasa forest range of West Singhbhum district has raised concern among forest officials, with three wild tuskers found dead within two weeks without any external injuries. On Tuesday, the body of another male elephant was recovered in the Sosopi forest. According to officials, the elephant bore no external injuries and its tusks were intact. Notably, this is the third such elephant death in less than a fortnight in the Chaibasa Forest Division without any apparent cause. Earlier, two elephants were found dead about 10 days ago near Jogidaru and Kudohatu. Chaibasa Divisional Forest Officer Aditya Narayan confirmed the series of deaths. Yes, an elephant was found dead in the forests of Chaibasa and we are trying to find out the reasons behind its death. Since there is no sign of any external injury and its tusks are intact, poaching cannot be the reason behind it, said the DFO. Forensic experts have been roped in to determine the actual cause of death, and any conclusion can be drawn only after the reports are obtained, he added. Regional Chief Conservator of Forests of the Kolhan Division, Smita Pankaj, described the deaths as a mystery. Officials are trying to establish the exact cause of these deaths, she said. Incidentally, several elephants have died in Chaibasa due to different reasons in recent years. Some were killed in IED blasts, some died due to electrocution, while many were mowed down by speeding trains. Earlier, at least four elephants were killed in separate IED blasts in the Saranda forest within three months; three of them died during treatment, while another was found dead in the jungle. According to an estimate, around 6065 Maoists are believed to be hiding in the Saranda jungles, where they have planted thousands of IEDs. This has become a challenge for security forces and poses a potential threat to wildlife as well. In July this year, a wild elephant was found dead under suspicious circumstances in the Serengasia valley of Chaibasa. Locals claimed the elephant died of electrocution. Earlier, as many as five elephants died of electrocution together after coming in contact with a 33,000-volt overhead wire in the jungles of Musabani under Ghatsila sub-division of East Singhbhum district in November 2023. Two wild elephants also died due to electrocution in the region on November 1 and November 2, 2023. In July 2019, an adult tusker died after coming in contact with an 11,000-volt overhead transmission line at Khalarisai village in the Kharswan forest division of Jharkhand. Earlier, two tuskers died of electrocution in 201718 and 201819 each. In 201617, two elephants died after a speeding train ran over them while they were crossing the railway line.

Jharkhand: AAI team conducts pre-feasibility study for Sahibganj airport, cargo hub

A six-member Airports Authority of India (AAI) team conducted a pre-feasibility study for a proposed domestic airport and cargo hub in Jharkhand's Sahibganj district. The team inspected 484.30 acres of identified land and will submit their report to seniors and the state government within two months.

Jharkhand Man Slams Wife To Ground, Killing Her In Drunken Altercation

As the argument escalated, Upendra started hitting Shilpi, and suddenly lifted her and slammed her on the ground with force, they said.

HIV after transfusions: Jharkhand shock puts blood safety on trial

Six kids with thalassaemia in the state recently contracted HIV during blood transfusion, exposing systemic lapses in screening. Experts demand better testing, stronger regulation and blood safety laws to protect vulnerable patients

Drunk Jharkhand Man Slammed Wife To Death After She Too Came Home Drunk

A 22-year-old woman was killed in Jharkhand's Palamu district after her husband allegedly lifted her and slammed her to the ground during a drunken brawl, police said.

Delhi worst in PM2.5 pollution; 447 districts breach national air quality norm: Report

Delhi recorded the highest PM2.5 pollution levels in India, with an annual average concentration of 101 micrograms per cubic metre, 2.5 times the national limit and 20 times the WHO guideline, according to a new satellite-based assessment by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Chandigarh logged the second-highest PM2.5 level at 70 micrograms per cubic metre between March 2024 and February 2025, followed by Haryana (63) and Tripura (62). Several other states, including Assam (60), Bihar (59), West Bengal (57), Punjab (56), Meghalaya (53) and Nagaland (52), also surpassed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 40 micrograms per cubic metre. Overall, 447 of 749 districts, about 60 per cent breached the annual PM2.5 limit. Pollution was highly concentrated in specific regions, with Delhi and Assam each contributing 11 of the 50 most polluted districts. Bihar and Haryana followed, with seven each. Other states in the top tier included Uttar Pradesh (4), Tripura (3), Rajasthan (2) and West Bengal (2). In several regions, every monitored district exceeded national norms, including Delhi, Assam, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Jammu & Kashmir. Many others had an overwhelming majority of districts above the threshold, such as Bihar (37 of 38), West Bengal (22 of 23), Gujarat (32 of 33), Nagaland (11 of 12), Rajasthan (30 of 33) and Jharkhand (21 of 24). Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep were excluded due to insufficient monitoring data. (With inputs from PTI)

ACB files fresh FIR against jailed Jharkhand IAS officer Vinay Chaubey, kin in DA case

RANCHI: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a fresh FIR against IAS officer Vinay Chaubey and seven others, including his relatives and close associate Vinay Singh, over allegations of large-scale corruption, fraudulent transactions and amassing disproportionate assets through a network of family members and associates. Apart from Chaubey, the FIR names his wife Swapna Sanchita, friend and key investor in alleged illegal assets Vinay Singh, Singhs wife Sanchita Singh, Chaubeys brother-in-law Shipij Trivedi, sister-in-law Priyanka Trivedi and his father-in-law S.N. Trivedi. Both Chaubey and Vinay Singh are currently lodged in jail in connection with separate liquor and land scam cases. According to officials, the ACB probe found that Chaubeys income and assets far exceed his known sources of income. While his legitimate earnings amount to Rs 2.20 crore, investigators detected deposits totalling Rs 3.47 crore across accounts operated by him and those held by his relatives and associates indicating unexplained assets worth Rs 1.27 crore, nearly 53% higher than his legal income. Investigators say Chaubey created an elaborate financial network using the bank accounts of his wife, brother-in-law, father-in-law, friend and friends wife. Funds were allegedly routed through cash deposits, RTGS transfers, loan payments, real estate deals and private company transactions to conceal their origin. Vinay Singh is suspected to have acted as the receiver and operator of these illegal proceeds, with multiple suspicious transactions flagged in his accounts. His wife too is alleged to have played an active role in the laundering network. The probe also indicates that Chaubey routinely used the bank accounts of Shipij Trivedi, Priyanka Trivedi and S.N. Trivedi to mask his illicit earnings. ACB investigators claim they have found evidence of financial irregularities during every posting held by Chaubey including a land scam in Hazaribagh and a liquor scam in Ranchi with more cases now under scrutiny. Following the FIR, ACB teams have begun detailed tracing of bank account records, digital data, mobile phone trails, property documents and all financial transactions linked to Chaubey, Vinay Singh and the other accused.

Jharkhand minister faces flak over lock up BLOs call, EC seeks report

BJP flags threats to officials conducting SIR in West Bengal, Jharkhand

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi stated that Jharkhand Minister allegedly said that any booth-level officer of the Election Commission who comes to gather information from people should be taken hostage

Jharkhand Minister's Lock Up Poll Officials During SIR Comment Sparks Row

A minister of the Congress in Jharkhand, Irfan Ansari, has sparked a massive row asking people to lock up the electoral officers when they visit homes as part of the voter list revision exercise

Another BLO found dead under suspicious circumstances at her residence in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: A 26-year-old BLO and Surat Municipal Corporation technical assistant, Dinkal Shingodawala, was found unconscious in her bathroom and later declared dead at a private hospital. With a gas geyser inside the bathroom, police officials indicated the possibility of gas inhalation or suffocation as the cause of death. However, BLO workload-related deaths statewide spark concerns. Off the cuff: During SIR exercise, BLOs find some blank columns hide painful memories Dinkal, who lived with her family in Olpad taluka, was serving as a technical assistant in Surat Municipal Corporations Varachha zone while also managing the additional responsibility of Booth Level Officer (BLO) for the ongoing SIR exercise. Frantic attempts were made to save her after she collapsed in her bathroom. Her family rushed her to a private hospital in Surat, but despite immediate treatment, the young officer succumbed within minutes, raising chilling questions over whether her death was just accidental. Lock BLOs inside your house, don't let them delete names from voter list: Jharkhand minister on SIR The administrative side projected a picture of a dedicated and exceptionally fast-working officer. Deputy Collector Neha Savani, defending the work conditions, said, BLO Dinkals work report was very good. She completed AIR tasks very quickly and had already achieved 45% of her assigned work. Her statements underline a critical contradiction, while officers insist there was no undue pressure. The tally of sudden BLO deaths is rising, with earlier cases involving suicides and heart attack-linked deaths among teachers. Police have registered a case of accidental death and sent the body for postmortem, a report that will determine whether this was a tragic household mishap or a preventable loss linked to systemic strain. Hasty SIR implementation reminiscent of demonetisation and Covid lockdown, says Congress on BLO deaths

SIR row: ECI to appoint observers to keep watch on section of BLOs in West Bengal after alleged negligence

KOLKATA: Rattled by complaints of alleged negligence in supervising the filling up of enumeration forms during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in the state has decided to engage electoral roll observers (ERO) to prevent manipulations in the exercise. Sources said senior government officers will be appointed as EROs to keep watch on a section of booth level officers (BLOs) who are the backbone of the ongoing SIR process in the state. The CEO office took the unheard-of move after issuing show-cause notices to seven BLOs in Kolkatas Beliaghata constituency over alleged lapses in the digitisation of SIR enumeration forms. According to the sources, the complaint pertains to incomplete or incorrect digitisation of voter data collected during the ongoing revision exercise. The BLOs have been asked to explain why the assigned work was not carried out properly. Disciplinary action may follow if their responses are found inadequate. The Election Commission is currently conducting the second phase of the SIR exercise across 12 states and Union Territories including West Bengal, which goes to the polls early next year. The revision process began on 4 November and will continue until 4 December. The draft electoral rolls are scheduled to be published on 9 December, while the final rolls will be released on 7 February. Earlier this month, the opposition BJP had written a letter to the CEO, alleging appointment of BLOs affiliated to the ruling Trinamool Congress in Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district. Lock BLOs inside your house, don't let them delete names from voter list: Jharkhand minister on SIR The party alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress' activists or their spouses have been appointed as BLOs to give the party electoral benefits in the 2026 assembly polls in the state. Despite drawing attention of respective district magistrates as well district electoral officers (DEOs) the improper appointment of BLOs continues. In most cases the incumbent BLO is directly a TMC activist/worker or linked through his/her spouse, stated a complaint lodged by the BJP with the Election Commission of India (ECI). With the enumeration phase of the SIR just days away, complaints regarding the wrong appointment of BLOs continue, which will vitiate the process. Since West Bengal will be poll-bound in a few months, there will not be any chance to correct the wrong done by the BLOs who clearly have a party affiliation, the BJP claimed. On the other hand, BLOs belonging to a newly-floated platform BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee backed by the Trinamool Congress staged a march on Monday afternoon in the city protesting what it describes as excessive workload and systemic lapses in the exercise. The march, which started from Sealdah area around 12.30 pm, reached the CEO office at BBD Bag around 2 pm and staged a protest demanding extension of the deadline for digitisation of enumeration forms. The agitating BLOs alleged that the national poll body is working as a BJP agent. Two BLOs have died by suicide triggered by SIR-related work pressure and another succumbed to a cerebral attack since 9 November in the state. Hours after BLO Rinku Tarafdar, a 53-year-old para teacher of a local school in Krishnagar in Nadia district, died by suicide on Thursday, chief minister Mamata Banerjee lashed out at the Election Commission of India (ECI), asking how many more BLOs must die under the SIR drive. Struggling to counter Opposition attack, BJP launches SIR training for cadre

Lock BLOs inside your house, don't let them delete names from voter list: Jharkhand minister on SIR

RANCHI: Addressing a gathering at Seva Ke Adhikar Saptah programme in Jamtara on Sunday, Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari advised people to lock the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) inside if they visit their homes for Survey of Intensive Revision (SIR). Ansari also alleged that the BJP is conspiring to brand people as infiltrators and eliminate their names from the voter list under the guise of SIR. If anybody (BLO) comes to remove your name (SIR) from the voter list, lock them inside your house.....I will come and open the lock. Never allow them at any cost to remove your name from the voter list, said Irfan Ansari. According to Ansari, SIR is being misused to remove voters from electoral rolls, further claiming that around 65 lakh names were removed from the voters list in Bihar under the same process, resulting in an estimated loss of nearly 80 assembly seats for the Mahagathbandhan. Ansari said that this move not only deprived thousands of citizens of their voting rights but also cast doubts on their citizenship. He warned that the BJP is now planning to implement similar tactics in West Bengal and then in Jharkhand. Addressing the gathering, Dr Ansari said that several documents are now required to be submitted for inclusion in the electoral roll, which many people may not be able to provide. Therefore, he said, SIR increases the risk of exclusion of valid voters from the electoral roll. Ansari cleared that the issue does not concern only Muslims but also affects tribal communities, Dalits, backward classes and all weaker sections of society. He cited the example of Bihar and urged public representatives to remain alert. Reacting strongly, BJP termed Ansaris remarks as misleading and an attempt to remain in the headlines. The party said that the minister is making baseless claims without proper understanding of SIR. The party said that BLOs are government employees who work under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner and should not be linked to any political party.

Herd of jumbos stray into Jamui, forest department launches safe return plan

In an unexpected turn of events, a group of around 20 elephants wandered into the fields of Jamui district, Bihar, after leaving the Giridih forest in Jharkhand.

Female elephant dies of electrocution in Jharkhand

RANCHI: In a tragic accident, a female elephant died of electrocution after coming into contact with a high-tension wire while returning to the forest in Jharkhands Garhwa. According to villagers, as the herd of elephants started moving towards the forest, the female elephant leading the herd suddenly collided with an 11,000-volt tower, causing the elephant to come in contact with the live wire. Forest officials also confirmed that prima facie, it appears that the elephant died of elocution. However, the exact cause of death will only be ascertained after the post-mortem report is received, they said. According to villagers, the herd of elephants was seen in the village early in the morning. The elephant died after being electrocuted after coming in contact with high-tension wire early in the morning on Sunday on the Karimati-Chapkali Road, in Garhwa, said a villager requesting anonymity. When the villagers spotted the dead elephant, they informed the forest officials, he added. Later, the team of forest officials started investigations. Earlier, as many as five elephants had died of electrocution together after coming in contact with a 33000-volt overhead wire in the jungles of Musabani under Ghatsila sub-division of East Singhbhum district in November 2023. Two wild elephants allegedly died due to electrocution in the region on November 1 and November 2, 2023. In July 2019, an adult tusker had died after coming in contact with a 11000-volt overhead transmission line at Khalarisai village in Kharswan forest division of Jharkhand. Two tuskers died of electrocution in 2017-18 and 2018-19 each in the region.

Over 5,000 Congress workers from Jharkhand to take part in Delhi rally against 'vote chori'

They would also hold a demonstration against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in various States, say Jharkhand Congress president

Couple, two children found dead at home in Jharkhand's Dumka

DUMKA: A man, his wife and their two children were found dead at a house in Jharkhand's Dumka district on Sunday morning, police said. The incident occurred at Bardahi village in Hansdiha police station area. The deceased have been identified as Virendra Manjhi (30), his wife Aarti Kumari (26), their daughter Ruhi Kumari (4), and son Viraj Kumar (2). SP Pitambar Singh Kherwar told PTI that the investigation has pointed to a dispute between the man and his wife over certain issues. His wife had returned to the couple's home on Friday, after staying at her parents place for seven months. Their daughter had been unwell for a long time, too, and was undergoing treatment, Kherwar said. The family was also facing severe financial difficulties, the SP said. On Saturday night, an argument between the couple escalated to such an extent that the man allegedly strangled his wife and both children to death before hanging himself, the officer said. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has been called to the scene. An FIR will be lodged based on statements from other family members, he said. The bodies of the woman and two children were found inside the house, while the man was found dead near their home, said Tarachand, officer in-charge of Hansdiha police station. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination to Phulo-Jhano Medical College and Hospital, Dumka.

Man Allegedly Kills Wife, Two Children Before Ending Life In Jharkhands Dumka

A couple and their two children were found dead in Bardahi village, Dumka. Police suspect murder suicide after a family argument and illness of the man.

ED recovers Rs 14 crore during raids at 44 locations in Jharkhand, West Bengal over coal scam

RANCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized cash and jewellery worth over Rs 14 crore during extensive raids carried out across Jharkhand and West Bengal on November 21, as part of a probe into an alleged illegal coal mining and smuggling network operating across the two states. According to an official statement, the searches were conducted under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and targeted individuals and entities suspected of participating in a longstanding coal theft, transportation, and sale racket. Officials also recovered several property deeds linked to the alleged syndicate, documents related to land dealings, digital devices, and books of accounts belonging to companies reportedly controlled by the accused. In Jharkhand, raids were carried out at 20 locations in Dhanbad and Dumka, covering premises associated with Lal Bahadur Singh, Anil Goyal, Sanjay Khemka, Amar Mondal, and others. In West Bengal, ED teams searched 24 locations across Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah, and Kolkata, including residences, offices, illegal toll booths, and coke plants tied to individuals such as Narendra Kharka, Krishna Murari Kayal, Yudhishthir Ghosh, Raj Kishore Yadav, Lokesh Singh, Chinmay Mondal, and Nirad Baran Mondal. More than 100 ED officers, supported by CRPF personnel, were involved in the coordinated operation. The crackdown follows multiple FIRs registered by police in both states, which allege that a wide network has been moving coal from Jharkhand into West Bengal using forged or invalid documents. Diaries, registers, seized documents, and digital data, according to ED officials, have corroborated claims of a large illegal supply chain and hinted at the involvement of local authorities. Register entries detailing illegal cash collections and beneficiary lists were also recovered, offering investigators key insights into the financial flow of the suspected racket. The ED said the syndicate was particularly active in border districts and generated huge proceeds of crime. The agency noted that scrutiny of the seized material is ongoing and further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.

Jharkhand: Family of four found dead in Dumka district; probe underway

A horrifying tragedy unfolded in Jharkhands Dumka, where a man, his wife and their two young children were found dead. Police suspect the man strangled his family before hanging himself

Illegal cough syrup trade: UP Police book 12 medical store owners

An FIR has been filed against twelve medical store owners and two individuals in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. They are accused of running a large illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrup. Over 37 lakh bottles worth Rs 57 crore were allegedly sold using forged documents. The syrup was smuggled to Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coal Smuggling Case: ED Raids Multiple Locations In Bengal, Jharkhand; Cash, Gold Seized

ED raided 25 sites in West Bengal and Jharkhand, recovering Rs 1 crore cash and gold linked to a coal smuggling case involving BCCL. CBI and ED are conducting parallel probe.

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

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

ED raids in Jharkhand, West Bengal against coal mafia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why do you use machinery for political battles?

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

Jharkhand to introduce AI-based elephant alert system along Chhattisgarh border

RANCHI: Jharkhand is all set to introduce an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Elephant Alert System in regions bordering Chhattisgarh. According to officials, states first AI-based camera hooter system will be installed near Rajabasa village under the Chakulia Range of Jamshedpur Forest Division as a pilot project. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Saba Alam Ansari informed that it will be Jharkhands first such AI-powered hooter system designed to detect elephants entering a particular area automatically and alert the villages by sounding the hooter. As soon as an elephant enters the visibility rage of the AI-based cameras, the hooter will sound automatically, alerting villagers to protect their families, and livestock, said the DFO. This will be first such project in Jharkhand on the lines of Chhattisgarh, he added. The DFO further added that the entire system is solar-powered and can be monitored in real time through a laptop or mobile app, even during power cuts. As of now, five cameras will be installed covering the village from all sides, he said. Looking at the success of this project, it will be expanded to other elephant prone areas, including Ghatshila, Potka and Bodam ranges, said the DFO. The AI-based hooter system will not only reduce damage to the life and property but also mark a major step toward ensuring peaceful human-elephant coexistence in Jharkhand, he added. Besides alerting the villagers, the forest department teams will also receive an alert message to remain cautious. The system will also allow authorised forest officials to control it remotely. These AI-based cameras will sound the hooter by only if an elephant or a herd of elephants comes into its visibility range and will ignore if any other animal or human being crosses by it, said Ansari. According to sources in forest department, the hooter system will sound alerts in two phases; firstly, when elephants are four kilometres away, the siren will sound for 20 seconds and secondly, when they reach within the range of two kilometres, a louder siren will sound for 40 seconds, so that the villagers to go to a safer place. Notably, Chakulia Forest Range, under Kolhan region of Jharkhand, is an elephant prone zone, having more than 15-20 elephants at a time which sometimes goes to 35-40 after the influx of elephants from neighbouring West Bengal. The region witnesses frequent man-animal conflicts resulting to significant loss of life. Due to frequent wandering of elephants, Chakradharpur (CKP) Division under South Eastern Railways is also to installed an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Elephant Intrusion Detection System (EIDS) soon to protect elephants being mowed down by the speeding trains. This system detects the presence of elephants around the rail tracks and inform the loco pilots on time. The Intrusion Detection System, for which a successful trail was completed recently along the Barabamboo-Chakradharpur-Lotapahar section, detects the presence of elephants around the rail track and informs the loco pilots on time so that they can slow down the speeding train. This system will operate through fiber optics and sensors. This step will prove to be very crucial in Kolhan region, where a large number of elephants cross railway tracks on regular basis and many of them are hit be trains and get killed.

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

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

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

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

Complaint filed against former DGP Anurag Gupta for alleged criminal links

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

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

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

Former ace cricketer a spoiler for RJD 1st family

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

Ranchi Diary | Desi Magur is the state fish of Jharkhand

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

Vacancies in Information Commissioner posts undermining RTI Act: Supreme Court

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

JMM to review alliance with Congress, RJD in Jharkhand following Bihar Assembly elections

RANCHI: Days after Mahagathbandhans rout in Bihar Assembly polls, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is now mulling to review of the alliance with Congress and RJD in Jharkhand. The RJD and Congress did not coordinate with the JMM during the Bihar Assembly elections; both parties underestimated the JMM, said JMM General Secretary Vinod Pandey. Notably, despite being a key coalition partner in the Bihar Assembly elections, the RJD did not concede a single seat to the JMM, and Congress remained silent on the issue, too. JMM drops out of Bihar polls; blames 'political conspiracy' by Congress-RJD for decision Later, JMM decided not to contest the assembly elections in Bihar, claiming that the decision was taken in the wake of a political conspiracy by its allies RJD and Congress, which deprived it of seats. Initially, JMM was willing to contest on 16 seats, but later the party said that it would contest on 12 seats, close to the polls, they were ready to settle for merely six seats, but it was denied by the Congress and RJD. Notably, Bihar Assembly elections have sent ripples through Jharkhands political landscape, prompting Congress and the RJD to act swiftly to manage potential fallout within the states ruling coalition. In the present scenario, JMM has five ministers, including Chief Minister Hemant Soren, while one JMM seat remains vacant due to the demise of Ramdas Soren. Congress, on the other hand, has four ministers, and RJD has one minister -- Sanjay Prasad Yadav. The 81-member Jharkhand Assembly requires 41 seats for a majority. The ruling coalition currently comprises JMM with 34 seats, Congress 16, RJD 4, and CPI(M-L) 2, totalling 56 seats, 15 above the majority mark. Even without RJD, the government would retain 52 seats, comfortably above the majority mark. However, analysts caution that any move against Congress could trigger instability.

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

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

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

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

An uncertain solar-powered future

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jharkhand celebrates 150th birthday of freedom fighter Birsa Munda

The extraordinary struggle that Bhagwan Birsa Munda waged at a young age for the protection of the motherland and tribal identity is a source of inspiration for all. Heartfelt greetings to all countrymen on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the governor posted on X

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jharkhand Youth Dies By Suicide

A diary recovered from the spot contained brief notes addressed to his family, including sorry, goodbye, and a request for forgiveness

SC Nudge Speeds Up Jharkhand High Court

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

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

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

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

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

Jharkhand: JMM wins Ghatshila bypoll by 38,524 votes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jharkhand: JMMs Somesh Soren leads by 2,164 votes in Ghatshila

Ranchi: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate Somesh Chandra Soren was leading by 2,164 votes over his nearest rival Ramdas Murmu of the JLKM in the by-election to the Ghatshila assembly seat in Jharkhands East Singhbhum district on Friday, officials said. After the first round of counting, the JMM candidate secured 5,450 votes, while the JLKM Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

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

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

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

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

Belagavi police bust international VoIP scam targeting US citizens

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

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

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

Notify Saranda as sanctuary in 3 months, SC tells Jharkhand

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

Ranchi: As many as 10,769 Maoists have been arrested, 235 killed, and 324 have surrendered before security forces across Jharkhand since 2001 till September this year, a senior police officer said on Thursday. Police also seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition during this period. As many as 1,471 firearms, including 710 weapons looted Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Supreme Court protects 314 sq. km of pristine sal forest in Jharkhands Saranda

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

Supreme Court protects 314 sq.km. of pristine sal forest in Jharkhands Saranda

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