Heatwave sweeps parts of Jharkhand, Daltonganj hottest at 43 degrees C
RANCHI: Heatwave swept parts of Jharkhand with Daltonganj sizzling at 43 degrees Celsius, an official said on Thursday. A 'yellow' alert of heatwave was issued for Simdega, Saraikela-Kharswan, East and West Singhbhum districts till April 26, he said. Ranchi Meteorological Centre's Deputy Director Abhishek Anand said the maximum temperature is hovering around 40 degrees Celsius across the state. He said a heat wave alert has been issued for the southern region. The Santhal Pargana region is also facing a high maximum temperature, he said. Daltonganj registered the state's highest maximum temperature at 43 degrees Celsius, which was 2.2 notches above the normal, on Wednesday. It was followed by Jamshedpur and Chaibasa, recording 42.6 and 42.4 degrees Celsius, respectively. State capital Ranchi recorded 38.8 degrees Celsius. Anand said no major change in the maximum temperature is expected for at least three days. Thereafter, it may decline by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, with the likelihood of rain and hailstorm from April 27, he said.
Mortal remains of victims of Pahalgam terror attack return to their homes
The aftermath of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, has brought immense sorrow to families and communities across India. As the mortal remains of the victims were flown back to their hometowns, the grief of the loss was felt across the nation. The journey of these fallen individuals, from the places of death to their final resting places, serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the tragedy that struck innocent lives. The mortal remains of Manish Ranjan, a section officer with the Intelligence Bureau (IB), reached Ranchi on Thursday morning. Ranjan, who had travelled to Kashmir with his family for a vacation, was tragically killed in the terror attack. He had been posted in Hyderabad and was on a much-needed break. Upon arrival at Ranchi Airport, the body was solemnly received by local leaders and officials, including Babulal Marandi, the BJP president of Jharkhand. From there, his remains were taken to Jhalda in West Bengals Purulia district, his native place, where his family awaited him for his final rites. Corporal Tage Hailyang, a member of the Indian Air Force from Arunachal Pradesh, also lost his life in the attack. Hailyang had been on vacation in Kashmir with his wife when he was killed. His mortal remains were flown back to Guwahati on a special flight in the early hours of Thursday. Assams Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah was present at the Air Force base to receive the body and pay tribute to the brave soldier. Hailyangs wife, who survived the attack,accompanied his remains. From Guwahati, his body was to be transported to his native village in Lower Subansiri district for the final rites, surrounded by loved ones and the local community. The father-son duo from Gujarat, Yatish Parmar and his son Smit, had travelled to Kashmir to attend the spiritual discourse of Morari Bapu. Their journey, meant to bring peace and insight, ended in a devastating tragedy. Their mortal remains were brought back to Ahmedabad from Mumbai, where they had been flown after the attack. Gujarats Health Minister Rushikesh Patel and Minister of State for Health Harsh Sanghavi were among those who paid floral tributes at the airport. From there, the bodies were transported to Bhavnagar for the last rites, where Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is expected to attend the funeral. Suresh Kalathiya, a victim from Surat, also suffered an immense loss. Kalathiya had gone to Pahalgam with his wife and two children for a holiday, but the terror attack turned their lives upside down. Kalathiya, who had recently moved to Mumbai for work, was among those killed while his family survived the brutal assault. His mortal remains were brought back to Surat from Mumbai on Wednesday night, where they were received by Union Minister CR Paatil and other local dignitaries. Kalathiyas family, including his wife and children, also returned to Surat with the body. His final rites are set to be held in Surat, where his community and loved ones will gather to pay their respects. From Pune, the remains of victims Santosh Jagdale and Kaustubh Ganbote, two tourists who had been holidaying in Kashmir with their families, were returned to their hometowns. The bodies of both men were flown back to Pune early on Thursday morning, where Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol was present to receive them at the airport. Jagdale, who ran an interior design business, and Ganbote, a farsan entrepreneur, had travelled to Kashmir to enjoy a rare vacation away from their busy lives. The families of both men were left reeling from the loss, their last rites were held at the Vaikunth Crematorium later that morning. Ganbote and Jagdale were close friends, and Jagdale often helped with the marketing of Ganbote's products. Prashant Satapathy, a victim from Odisha, also received a tribute from the states Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who met the mortal remains at Bhubaneshwar Airport. The body was sent to Satapathys native village, where Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is expected to attend the funeral rites. The state leaders condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the grieving families, emphasizing the need for strong action against the perpetrators. The government, political leaders, and citizens alike have come together to mourn the victims. The terror attack has left a deep scar, but the nations collective response serves as a reminder of the shared grief and determination to stand against terrorism.
Jharkhand youth arrested for backing Pahalgam terrorists in social media post
The accused wrote on X in Urdu Thank you Pakistan, thank you Lashkar-e-Taiba; an FIR has been lodged against the accused under various sections ofthe Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
BHOPAL: Two Muslim men have been arrested by police in Damoh district of BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, for allegedly sharing offensive social media posts related to the Pahalgam terror attack . Damoh district police superintendent Shrutkirti Somvanshi told TNIE on Wednesday that two men were arrested from different places: Wasim Khan from Bhopal on Tuesday night, and Tanveer Qureshi from Damoh on Wednesday morning. Both men are aged between 35 and 40 years. While Tanveer is unemployed, police are probing the possibility of Wasim working for a Bhopal-headquartered regional news channel. The two men have been accused of sharing offensive social media posts which drew parallels between the killing of Indian tourists in Pahalgam and the past lynching of Muslims for not raising Hindu religious slogans. The posts came on the Damoh district police radar following specific inputs and continued social media monitoring by the cyber cell cops. Subsequently a FIR was registered against the two men by police on behalf of the state government at the Damoh Kotwali police station on Tuesday late night, under BNS Sections 353(2), 196, 299 and 3(5) which deal with statements/false information which could incite enmity between religious groups, promoting enmity between different groups, outraging religious feelings and crime with a common intent, the SP-Damoh added. The Damoh district police are now probing the prime origin of the somewhat similar social media post made by the two men on Tuesday after the Pahalgam attack, which killed 28 tourists, including an LIC branch manager from MPs Indore. Jharkhand man arrested for thanking Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Taiba for Pahalgam attack
Jharkhand man arrested for thanking Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Taiba for Pahalgam attack
RANCHI: Jharkhand police have arrested one person allegedly for thanking Pakistan and Lashkar-e-Taiba for the Pahalgam terrorist attack . The man, identified as Naushad, also appealed to Pakistan to target Hindu organisations like RSS and Bajrang Dal. The man was arrested on Wednesday from Mallah Nagar under Balidih police station area in Bokaro. On Tuesday afternoon, terrorists opened fire on a popular meadow near Pahalgam in Kashmir, killing 28 and injuring over a dozen. Most people affected were civilian tourists. Many consider this attack as one of the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike. The accused, who claims to be an Islamic Lawyer and a bold orator, posted the controversial statement on social media platform X under the name 'Quasmi'. Thank you Pakistan, thank you Lashkar-e-Taiba, may Allah bless you always, Amen, Amen. We will be happier if RSS, BJP, Bajrang Dal, and the media are targeted, he wrote. #Pahalgam #Kashmir #EarthDay #KKvPZ #Zalmi #____ (@MNQUASMIMD) April 22, 2025 Soon the post was made viral on social media following which demands were being made to take strict action against this man. According to police sources, taking a swift action a hunt for this man was started in Jharkhand and Naushad was arrested by the police on Wednesday.
Jharkhand Man Held For Praising Pahalgam Terror Attack OnSocialMedia
Accused allegedly lauded Pakistan and Lashkar-e-Taiba in post on X, say police
5 Mizoram girls among 15 selected for NCOEs from ASMITA sub-junior hockey league
New Delhi, Apr 23: Five under-16 girls from Mizoram are among the 15 hockey players selected by the Sports Authority of India to be inducted into the various National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs). Seen as the building block for womens hockey in India, the girls have been chosen after the conclusion of the 2024-25 season of the ASMITA leagues matches. The 15 selected for training at the NCOEs include three players from Haryana and two each from Jharkhand and Odisha, [] The post 5 Mizoram girls among 15 selected for NCOEs from ASMITA sub-junior hockey league appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Injured Maoist arrested while receiving treatment after Jharkhand's Bokaro encounter
RANCHI: In a significant breakthrough following Mondays deadly encounter in the Lugu Pahar region of Bokaro , security forces have arrested two Maoists, including an injured cadre who was found receiving treatment in a nearby village. The arrested include a woman Maoist, Anita, and another cadre, Dayanand, who sustained two bullet injuries during the encounter and was later traced based on a tip-off. The Monday encounter had resulted in the death of eight Maoists, including Central Committee Member Vivek, who carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head. According to police, several Maoists managed to escape, likely with bullet injuries, prompting an intensive search operation in the surrounding forest area. Anita, a resident of Dumka district in Jharkhand and the wife of hardcore Maoist Raju Manjhi, was among the group during the exchange of fire. As per police sources, Anita, who was hiding in the forests, surrendered herself out of fear of the police operation. She was later taken into custody during the ongoing search. Meanwhile, Dayanand a close associate of Arvind Yadav, one of the Maoists killed in the encounter was arrested while undergoing treatment in a nearby village. Acting on precise intelligence, security forces cordoned off the premises and found him in an injured state. On a tip-off that Dayanand was getting treatment in a nearby village, the security forces surrounded the premises where the injured person was getting treatment, said a police official. Two weapons were recovered from his possession, and he is currently being treated under police protection. During the encounter, Dayanand was hit by two bullets but managed to flee using the dense forests to reach a local settlement for medical attention. He is a resident of Jamui in Bihar. Police sources revealed that at least five to six female Maoists were present with Vivek during the encounter. Two of them, Talo Di and Ranju Manjhi, were killed instantly when the firing began. So far this year, 15 Maoists have been killed in operations across Jharkhand, five of whom were wanted. Most of these encounters have taken place in Chaibasa and Bokaro districts. According to official records, 18 Maoists were killed in 2020, followed by eight in 2021, 12 in 2022, 14 in 2023, and 11 in 2024. However, the Maoist insurgency has also claimed the lives of 20 security personnel during these years. At present, Maoist activity is limited to five districts in Jharkhand, Giridih, Gumla, Latehar, Lohardaga, and West Singhbhum. Notably, West Singhbhum remains the only district in the state that features among the 12 most Naxal-affected districts across five states in the country.
Two inter-state robbers arrested from Bihar in Mayurbhanj bank heist, Rs 15 lakh seized
BARIPADA: Mayurbhanj police arrested two inter-state robbers from Bihar in connection with a recent bank robbery in Bahalda and seized over `15 lakh in cash from their possession on Tuesday. The accused were identified as Rajeev Ranjan (52) of Sahidpur under Barh police limits in Patna and Pramod Bind of Shahobinda village under Ghasi police limits of Bihars Jahanabad. Addressing the press, SP Varun Guntupalli said the arrests were made following an investigation into a bank robbery that took place on February 20 at SBIs Bahalda branch. According to the police, five armed robbers, wearing helmets and masks, stormed the bank and looted `20 lakh at gunpoint. Initial probe revealed the robbers had escaped to Jharkhand via Badanarayani village under Tiring police limits. A knife and a pair of black goggles, believed to belong to the robbers, were recovered from the roadside near Badanarayani. During the investigation, CCTV footage from a separate robbery case at Manappuram Finance in Baripada, reported on December 27, 2023, was reviewed. It helped the police identify similarities and narrow down on the suspects. Further inquiry revealed both Rajeev and Pramod had recently been released from a jail in Jharkands Jamshedpur. Their photographs were shown to Badanarayani locals, who confirmed their presence during the February robbery. With assistance of the Patnas special task force, Rajeev and Pramod were arrested. While 12 cases have been registered against Rajeev, Pramod is an accused in two cases, the SP said.
Maoist Tension Peaks on Telangana-Chhattisgarh Border
Seven other senior Maoist cadres were also neutralised in the operation, with several weapons, including INSAS rifles, seized from the site. Even before the dust settled in Jharkhand, another encounter unfolded in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh on Monday, resulting in the deaths of two Maoists.
Riot-Hit Tea Stall Owner to Leave West Bengal
Mr Saha added, I was born and brought up at Dhulian but had to change my mind to shift with my family somewhere else despite being a son of the soil. My income has stopped. I will try to open a shop in Jharkhand to survive at least in peace.
Moon Beverages eyes IPO as it pumps Rs 4,000 crore into expansion
Moon Beverages, a prominent Coca-Cola bottler in India, is contemplating an IPO to fuel its ambitious growth plans, aiming to double its revenue in the next three to four years. Backed by the MMG Group, the company is expanding production capacity with new plants and acquisitions, including recent operations in Jharkhand.
ED raids 15 locations across Jharkhand, Bihar in connection with Bokaro forest land scam
RANCHI: In a major crackdown, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches in multiple locations across Jharkhand and Bihar on April 22 in connection with the Bokaro forest land scam. ED conducted raids at locations, including the Bokaro Forest Department office, CO office and Hariom Tower located in Lalpur, Kanke and Hatia in Ranchi. Searches were also carried out at the residential and official locations of businessmen Vimal Agarwal and Puneet Agarwal, including their construction firm, Rajveer Construction in Ranchi. Both individuals are associated with Baba Baidyanath Medical Trust and were previously targeted in a GST raid on September 26, 2023. As per the information, the ED launched an early morning raid across 15 locations in Jharkhand and Bihar as part of its ongoing probe into a major money laundering case linked to illegal acquisition of forest land in Bokaro district of Jharkhand. Simultaneously, ED officials also conducted raids at the offices of Manmohan Construction, the Forest Department, the Deputy Commissioner, and the Zonal Registration Office in Bokaro. Residences of several landowners, including Izhar Hussain, Rehmat Hussain, Akhtar Hussain, and others, were also searched. These searches are part of the agencys broader investigation into the purchase and sale of a disputed 74.38-acre plot of land. It is alleged that the land mafia handed over the land to a private company in connivance with the administrative officials. Individuals associated with Umayush Multicom Private Limited, which bought the land, are also being investigated. The land in question is currently embroiled in a legal dispute. The Forest Department claims it is classified as protected forest land, while the buyers argue that their ancestors legally purchased the plot during a government auction in 1933 under British rule. Due to contradictory claims made by the state government and the Forest Department in the High Court and Supreme Court, two Indian Forest Service officers have been held guilty of contempt of court Investigation revealed that in the year 2013, the forest department plot of Chas police station area was registered as old fallow land. Followingly, a case was filed and the investigation began. At the same time, considering the seriousness of the forest land scam, the CID has also started an investigation on the instructions of Jharkhand DGP Anurag Gupta.
Heatwave conditions likely over Central, Northern and Eastern India for next five days
NEW DELHI: Heatwave conditions are likely to return to Central and Northern India over the next five days after a brief break due to the arrival of the western disturbance. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted heatwave conditions from April 21 to 25 in Central India, including Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh. Heatwave conditions are expected from April 22 to 26 in southern Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, southern Haryana, and Punjab. During this period, Gangetic West Bengal, western Rajasthan, Bihar, and Jharkhand will also experience heatwave-like conditions. Additionally, Bihar is likely to experience warm nights, and hot and humid conditions are expected to persist in the southern regions of India. As a result, Northwest India will see a gradual increase in maximum temperatures by 2-3 degrees Celsius over the next six days, while Central India and Gujarat are expected to experience a rise of about 2 degrees Celsius over the next three days. Moreover, East India is anticipated to undergo a gradual increase in maximum temperatures of 4-6 degrees Celsius over the next four days. Contrary to this, IMD predicted that a heavy to very heavy rainfall spell would likely continue over Northeast India until 26 April. The IMD observed maximum temperatures in the range of 40 to 44 degrees Celsius at most places in Central, Northern and Eastern India. The regions also experienced a maximum temperature rise by 1-3 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the highest maximum temperature of 44.6 degrees Celsius was reported at Chandrapur (Vidarbha) on April 20. In its agromet advisories, the IMD advised Kerala and Northeastern states to make provisions to drain out excess water from standing crop and vegetable fields in view of the prediction of heavy rains. Due to the higher possibility of hailstorms in Himachal Pradesh, IMD has advised the use of hail nets and hail caps to prevent mechanical damage in vegetables fields and orchards. However, in view of the heatwaves and higher temperatures in Central and Northern India, IMD advised light and frequent irrigation to standing crops, vegetables, and orchards in the evenings to protect them from the adverse effects.
Munger SPs Killer, A Naxalite With 85 Cases, Shot Dead In Jharkhand Encounter
Security forces killed eight Naxalites, including Arvind Yadav, in Bokaro, Jharkhand. Yadav, a CPI Maoist with 85 cases and a Rs 3 lakh bounty
JSSC JPSTAACCE Answer Key 2024 - Tentative Answer Key Released
Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) has Released Tentative Answer Key & Objections for JPSTAACCE 2023.
JSSC Final Answer Key 2025 Out jssc.jharkhand.gov.in Download Sahayak Acharya Answer Key Here
JSSC Sahayak Acharya Answer Key 2025: JSSC Answer Key 2025 for the Sahayak Acharya has been released by Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission On the Official website, the candidates can Download JSSC Sahayak Acharya Answer Key 2025 PDF, Question Paper With Answers.
Nitishwar Kumar Among 7 IAS Officers Empanelled As AS, AS Equivalents
JAMMU, Apr 22: Nitishwar Kumar, former Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, is among seven IAS officers who have been empanelled for holding posts of Additional Secretary (AS) or its equivalent at the Centre by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Kumar is a 1996 batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Other officers empanelled include Anju Sharma (Gujarat, 1991), Aniruddhe Mukerjee (Madhya Pradesh, 1993), Sunil Kumar Barnwal (Jharkhand, 1997), Manish Bhardwaj (Gujarat, 1997), Shantanu [] The post Nitishwar Kumar Among 7 IAS Officers Empanelled As AS, AS Equivalents appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
TheCriminal Investigation Department Jharkhand has released an official notification for the recruitment of 01 Technical Officer posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official Criminal Investigation Department Jharkhand website. The last date to submit the application form is 06-05-2025.
ED raids 16 locations in Bihar, Jharkhand in connection with 117 acre land scam
Ranchi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out searches at 16 locations across Jharkhand and Bihar in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to a massive land scam involving 117 acres of forest land in Bokaro. The raids began early in the morning and were spread across Ranchi, Bokaro, and Ramgarh in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
100 more Kalika Kendras to come up in Karnataka to teach Kannada
BENGALURU: After teaching basic Kannada to 2,000 non-Kannadigas in 30 Kalika Kendras (learning centres) in places like the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) and Reserve Bank of India in Bengaluru, the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) is all set to open 100 such centres across Karnataka. In Bengaluru alone, 40 more centres will come up by the end of December. Kannada Development Authority Chairman Purushotham Bilimale said that one centre will come up in an Urdu-dominated locality in Kalaburagi in coordination with Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner. The focus is on conversational Kannada. Thirty-eight hours of classes will be held in three months to teach basic Kannada, Bilimale said, adding that the idea is not to take up literary Kannada works but just basic Kannada with a local touch. KDA has a budget of Rs 2 crore for the promotion of Kannada and has 75 trained teachers who taught in 30 centres in Bengaluru last year. Earlier, some Kannada outfits had an issue with Kannada Development Authority spending money to teach Kannada to non-Kannadigas under the programme. So, KDA is also open to associations coming forward to fund the teaching of the state language. Recently, an association approached KDA to teach Kannada to 500 people from Jharkhand. They will only pay for three months of teaching, Bilimale said. The focus of Kannada Development Authority is mainly Bengaluru City owing to the heavy influx of migrants from other states. In KGF taluk in Kolar district, there is a demand to set up a Kalika Kendra for the Tamil-speaking population. We will set it up soon, he added.
ED raids in Jharkhand, Bihar Bokaro forest land case
About 16 locations in the two neighbouring States are being searched
In a major victory against Naxalism, security forces in Jharkhand's Bokaro district neutralized eight Naxals, including a top leader carrying a 1 crore bounty. This operation marks the first time a Central Committee Member-ranked Naxal leader has been eliminated in Jharkhand.
Jharkhand Job Fair Update 2025: Opportunities for Job Seekers
The Jharkhand Job Fair 2025 is set to take place on April 22, 2025, in Gumla, providing a platform for job seekers from 10th to 12th grades. With 75 positions available, this event aims to connect unemployed youth with private sector employers. Candidates are encouraged to register online and prepare necessary documents for interviews. This fair represents a significant opportunity for local youth to secure employment in various sectors. Don't miss out on this chance to advance your career!
Coal India shares in focus after signing Rs 16,500-cr power project deal in Jharkhand
Coal India and Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) are partnering to establish a coal-based power plant in Jharkhand with an investment of 16,500 crore. The project involves adding two 800 MW units to DVC's existing Chandrapura Thermal Power Station. This expansion will be a joint venture with equal equity stakes.
Army on buying spree, inks Rs 85K cr deals for arms procurement in 24-25
NEW DELHI: The Indian Army has worked out major procurement deals with an expenditure of Rs 85,000 crore for 2024-2025, with a thrust on self-reliance. 26 capital procurement contracts totalling Rs 85,000 crore have been finalised in the capital budget, with only three sourced from foreign vendors, an Army source said. On the utilisation of the budget under the capital head, Army utilised Rs 35,000 crore. 95% of this expenditure was allocated to domestic sources, reinforcing the Make-in-India initiative, source said. According to planners in the Army, money spent on procurements from the indigenous sources adds to the growth of the economy and employment generation. Indian Armys historic Rs 85,000 crore procurement spree marks a decisive push for self-reliance, dramatically transforming Indias military capabilities into a future-ready force, a defence official said. Armys domestic procurement and indigenous defence production are not only strengthening operational preparedness but also acting as a powerful economic stimulus, driving job creation, investment, and industrial growth, the official said. The move, as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat, is expanding Indias indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. It is expected to stimulate economic growth, boost GDP, and create thousands of skilled jobs, the official said. The total allocation towards the defence was Rs 6,21,541 crore for 2024-25. The Union Budget made a provision of Rs 6, 81,210.27 crore for 2025-26 for the defence ministry. The allocation for defence capital expenditure for 2024-25 is Rs 1.72 lakh crore. The capital budget is spent on adding new weapons, systems and equipment. In the current geopolitical scenario where the world is witnessing a changing paradigm of modern warfare, Indian armed forces need to be equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and have to be transformed into a technologically advanced combat-ready force. Keeping this in view, Rs 1,80,000 crore has been allocated on capital outlay of the defence forces. This allocation is 4.65% higher than the budgetary estimate (BE) of 2024-25, the MoD said. Plans to hold Defence Expo in Ranchi Indias next edition of the DefExpo is to be held in Ranchi, Jharkhand, if things go as planned. The international 5-day DefExpo is likely to be held in Ranchi, which happens to be the Lok Sabha constituency of Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, said a source.
Our march to eliminate Naxalism continues: Shah
NEW DELHI: After security forces eliminated eight Maoist operatives in an encounter in Jharkhands Bokaro, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday hailed the operation as a success and reiterated the governments commitment to eliminating Naxal insurgency. In a post on X, Shah said, Our march to eliminate Naxalism continues unabated. Today, security forces achieved another significant success in the ongoing operation to uproot Naxalism. In an encounter at Ligu Hills in Bokaro, 8 Maoists were neutralised, including a top-level naxal leader, Vivek, who carried a reward of Rs 1 crore, and two other notorious Naxalites. The operation continues. Applaud our security forces. The troops of 209 Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) along with state police conducted the operation in which eight Naxals were killed, officials said. Meanwhile, later in the day, Shah chaired a high-level meeting in the presence of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to review implementation of the new criminal laws in the state and also discussed measures to eradicate Naxalism and the status of developmental initiatives undertaken in the Bastar region. According to officials, special strategies were discussed for a permanent solution to the Maoist problem, with the Chief Minister apprising the meeting that in state-wide anti-insurgency operations in recent months, many wanted Maoist leaders have been killed, arrested or forced into surrender. Efforts like Niyad Nelanar Yojana, Bastar Olympics, Women Security Center, and development of tourism infrastructure in tribal areas have had a significant impact in connecting youth to the mainstream, officials said. HM reviews anti-Naxal operations Shah chaired a high-level meeting in the presence of Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai to review the measures to eradicate Maoist insurgency and the status of developmental initiatives undertaken in the Bastar region.
State-run Coal India Ltd and Damodar Valley Corporation have joined forces to establish a 1,600 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power plant in Jharkhand, with an investment of 16,500 crore. The project will expand the existing 500 MW Chandrapura Thermal Power Station. The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to form a joint venture with equal shareholding.
Naxal with Rs 1 cr reward among eight killed in Jharkhand
Security forces in Jharkhand's Bokaro district achieved a significant victory against the banned CPI (Maoist), neutralizing eight Naxals in a fierce encounter, including key leader Prayag Manjhi alias Vivek. The joint operation by CRPF and Jharkhand Police in Lugu Hills resulted in the recovery of a substantial weapons cache.
Jharkhand: Seven villagers booked for socially boycotting murder accused
RANCHI: An FIR has been lodged against seven people in Tarvan village in Jharkhand's Koderma for allegedly socially boycotting a murder accused in order to convey a strong message to the society, despite the fact that they were granted bail by the court. The village Panchayat in Tarvan village on March 23, had decided to punish the three accused persons and issued an order to boycott them socially. The story, Murder Accused out on bail face social boycott , was carried prominently by The New Indian Express in its March 26 edition. In her FIR, Yashoda Devi, one of the accused persons in the dual-murder case, alleged that the village leadership denied their family the access to public places, including temples and schools in the village. The village Panchayat has also boycotted them socially for a period of 25 years, she alleged. Our children are prevented from attending school, and we're unable to live with dignity. The situation is affecting our mental health severely, prompting us to commit suicide, stated the complaint filed by Yashoda Devi. Not only that, the villagers on April 13, have also issued a dictat to drive them away from the village, she added. The seven accused persons named in the FIR lodged on April 16 at Jainagar Police Staton include, Jainagar Pramukh Anju Devi, Kakarcholi Mukhiya Raj Kumar Yadav, besides Indradev Yadav, Ramashish Yadav, Ramashankar Yadav, Brahmdev Yadav, and Jagannath Yadav. Mukhiya, Rajkumar Yadav, however, said that the decision was taken unanimously by the village Panchayat to boycott them so that a strong message could be conveyed to the society and such incidents does not get repeated again in future. The FIR has been filed to divert their attention from the case, he said. Since the fourth accused is still at large, the accused persons have lodged the FIR only to implicate us in the case in order to divert our attention from actual issue. Since the fourth accused person is still absconding, they want the police and the villagers to divert their attention from the case, said Rajkumar Yadav. He was present there merely as a spectator, not as a decision-maker; the allegations against him are baseless, he added. Notably, Dilip Yadav, his wife Yashoda Devi and their son Rajesh Yadav from Tarva village are accused of killing Suman Devi and her eight-year-old son Prem Kumar in a property-related dispute in August last year. Suman's father Tipan Mahto had lodged an FIR against the family last August. According to villagers, Dilip Yadav had three sons and his first son died of illness. His second son Upendra Yadav married Suman Devi in 2015 and had 2 sons and a daughter from her. In 2021, Upendra died in a suspicious fire. After the death of the middle son, Dilip Yadav, his younger son and his wife, all three started harassing Upendra Yadav's wife Suman Devi every day. According to the villagers, the entire dispute is related to property. After Upendra's death, Dilip Yadav and his wife did not want Suman Devi and her child to get a share in their ancestral property. According to Mukhiya, Rajesh threw his nephew (Upendra Yadav and Suman Devi's younger son) on the road outside the house in a family dispute on August 27, 2024, due to which he died. After this, Rajesh himself told the people around that the bodies of his sister-in-law Suman Devi and his younger son were lying in a well far from the house. He wanted to cremate both of them secretly and appealed to the people around for cooperation, but people opposed it and informed the police, which led to their arrests. Meanwhile, officer in-charge of Jainagar police station Bablu Kumar Singh informed that they have launched an investigation to determine the extent of involvement of the accused persons named in the FIR in the alleged social boycott and will proceed with appropriate legal action based on their findings.
Our march to eliminate Naxalism continues unabated: Shah
NEW DELHI: In the wake of killing of eight Naxals by security forces in Jharkhand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday asserted that his governments commitment to eliminate Naxalism continues unabated. Eight Naxals, including a top rung central committee member of the extremists carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head, were []
Govts commitment to eliminate Naxalism continues unabated: Amit Shah
New Delhi, Apr 21: In the wake of killing of eight Naxals by security forces in Jharkhand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday asserted that his governments commitment to eliminate Naxalism continues unabated. Eight Naxals, including a top rung central committee member of the extremists carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his [] The post Govts commitment to eliminate Naxalism continues unabated: Amit Shah appeared first on Northlines .
Eight Naxals including one with bounty of Rs 1 cr killed in Jharkhand encounter
Ranchi, Apr 21: Eight Naxals, including a top rung central committee member of the extremists carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head, were killed in an encounter with CoBRA commandos of the CRPF and police in Bokaro district of Jharkhand on Monday, officials said. The exchange of fire started around 5.30 am in Lugu Hills of Lalpania area of the district, they said. The troops of 209 Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) along with state police [] The post Eight Naxals including one with bounty of Rs 1 cr killed in Jharkhand encounter appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Our march to eliminate Naxalism continues unabated: Amit Shah
In a significant victory against Naxalism, security forces in Jharkhand neutralized eight Naxals, including a top central committee member carrying a 1 crore bounty. Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the operation in Lugu Hills, Bokaro, emphasizing the government's unwavering commitment to eradicating Naxalism.
Our March To Eliminate Naxalism Continues Unabated: HM Amit Shah
New Delhi, Apr 21: In the wake of killing of eight Naxals by security forces in Jharkhand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday asserted that his governments commitment to eliminate Naxalism continues unabated. Eight Naxals, including a top rung central committee member of the extremists carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head, were killed in an encounter with CoBRA commandos of the CRPF and police in Bokaro district of Jharkhand. Our march to eliminate Naxalism continues [] The post Our March To Eliminate Naxalism Continues Unabated: HM Amit Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
JAC 10th result 2025 expected to release soon: Check steps to download and other key details here
The Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) is expected to release the Class 10 board exam results for 2025 soon at jacresults.com. Held from February 11 to March 9, the exams saw widespread participation across the state. With the evaluation process nearly complete, students are advised to stay alert for updates and follow official steps to access their results.
NEW DELHI : Hitting out at BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for his Muslim commissioner barb, former chief election commissioner S Y Quraishi on Monday said he believes in an idea of India where an individual is defined by his contributions, and asserted that for some, religious identities are a staple to forward their hateful politics. Quraishi asserted that India has, is and will always stand up and fight for its constitutional institutions and principles. I served on the constitutional post of Election Commissioner to the best of my ability and had a long and fulfilling career in the IAS. I believe in an idea of India where an individual is defined by his or her talents and contributions and not by their religious identities, Quraishi told PTI. But I guess, for some, religious identities are a staple to forward their hateful politics. India has, is and will always stand up and fight for its constitutional institutions and principles, he said. We are alleged of encroaching upon parliamentary and executive functions: SC Meanwhile, IAS K Mahesh, who is the honourary president of Delhi Administration Officers Academic Forum, backed Quraishi and said he was a phenomenon as both the election commissioner and the chief election commissioner. He held these great assignments with aplomb and distinction and greatly enriched the institution of the Election Commission by introducing a series of reforms. For example, he established a voters' education division, expenditure control division and he also founded the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management, Mahesh said. Quraishi has held other assignments as a member of the Haryana cadre with great distinction and India is proud to have an IAS officer like him, he said. This has been acknowledged by Dr Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who has the best pedigree in India being the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and C Rajagopalachari (first Indian governor general) from his father's and mother's side respectively. Mr.Gopalkrishna Gandhi said of Dr. Quraishi that he was 'one of the most remarkable CECs that we have ever had or are likely to have', Mahesh recalled. After causing an uproar with his remarks against the Chief Justice of India, BJP MP Dubey on Sunday had fired a salvo at Quraishi, saying he was not an election commissioner but a Muslim commissioner, after the latter criticised the Waqf (Amendment) Act as a sinister and evil plan of the government to grab Muslim lands. Quraishi was the Chief Election Commissioner of India from July 2010 to June 2012. Dubey's religion barb at the former CEC came a day after his vitriolic attack on the Supreme Court and Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, blaming him for eligious wars in India, forced the BJP to reject his criticism and distance itself from the controversial remarks. Quraishi had said on X on April 17, Wakf Act is undoubtedly a blatantly sinister evil plan of the govt to grab Muslim lands. I'm sure SC will call it out. Misinformation by the mischievous propaganda machine has done its job well. Reacting to it, Dubey said, You were not an election commissioner, you were a Muslim commissioner. The maximum number of Bangladeshi infiltrators were made voters in Santhal Pargana in Jharkhand during your tenure. Prophet Muhammad's Islam came to India in 712. This land (Waqf) before that belonged to Hindus or tribals, Jains or Buddhists associated with that faith, he said. Dubey said his village Vikramshila was burnt down by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1189 and that the Vikramshila University gave the world its first vice chancellor in Atish Dipankar. He added, Unite this country, read history. Pakistan was created by dividing it. There will be no partition now. Dubey is a fourth-term Lok Sabha MP from Godda in Jharkhand.
6 Maoists killed in Jharkhand encounter
The exchange of fire, which started around 5.30 am in Lugu Hills of the Lalpania area of the district, is still going on, officials said.
6 Naxals killed in Jharkhand encounter
The exchange of fire, which started around 5.30 am in Lugu Hills of the Lalpania area of the district, is still going on, officials said.
Eight Naxals were killed in Bokaro district of Jharkhand
The troops of 209 Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) conducted the operation in which eight Naxals were killed and an AK series rifle, three INSAS rifles, a self-loading rifle (SLR), eight country-made guns and a pistol were seized, the officials said
6 Maoists Killed In Encounter With Security Forces In Jharkhand
Six maoists were killed in an encounter with CoBRA commandos of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police in Bokaro district of Jharkhand on Monday morning, officials said.
Eight Naxals killed in Jharkhand encounter
RANCHI: Eight Naxals were killed in an encounter with CoBRA commandos of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police in Bokaro district of Jharkhand on Monday morning, officials said. The exchange of fire, which started around 5.30 am in Lugu Hills of the Lalpania area of the district, is still going on, they said. The troops of 209 Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) conducted the operation in which eight Naxals were killed and an AK series rifle, three INSAS rifles, a self-loading rifle (SLR), eight country-made guns and a pistol were seized, the officials said. No injuries have been reported among the security personnel, they said. The CoBRA is the special jungle warfare unit of the CRPF.
BJP MPs barb on former CEC sparks fresh row
NEW DELHI: After making a defamatory statement against the Supreme Court, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey launched a fresh attack on Sunday, this time against former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) SY Quraishi, referring to him as a Muslim Commissioner. While the BJP distanced itself from Dubeys objectionable remark on the top court, the party remained silent on his subsequent comments about the former CEC. The BJP leader referred to him not as an election commissioner but as a Muslim commissioner. His remarks followed Quraishis criticism of the Waqf Act, in which he described it as governments sinister and evil plan to grab Muslim lands in a post on his X handle. Quraishi, who previously served as the CEC of India, frequently comments on contemporary issues. In his post dated April 17, Quraishi wrote: Waqf Act is undoubtedly a blatantly sinister evil plan of the govt to grab Muslim lands. Im sure SC will call it out. Misinformation by the mischievous propaganda machine has done its job well. However, Dubey chose to respond only on Sunday. Tagging Quraishis post, he wrote: You were not an election commissioner, you were a Muslim commissioner. The maximum numbers of Bangladeshi infiltrators were made voters in Santhal Pargana in Jharkhand during your tenure.
Lost baby jumbo falls into well in Jharkhand, rescued
RANCHI: A baby elephant that fell into a well in Jharkhands Latehar district was rescued by forest officials after over five hours of hard work, forest officials said. Ranger Nandkumar Mahato said, The elephant fell into the nearly dry well while roaming around in Hebna village in search of food. It was rescued by the forest department late on Saturday night by digging a way of about 50 feet long from the base of the well through a JCB machine. The elephant was not hurt and it went safely towards the forests, he said. Locals said the elephant was separated from its herd and roaming around in the forests of Balumath and Chandwa. After the elephant, trapped in the well, started shouting for help, villagers gathered near the well and informed forest officials, said a villager. Latehar DFO Pravesh Aggarwal said that after getting the information, a team of forest officials was immediately sent to the spot. The team made a path through JCB and took the baby elephant out of the well safely, said the DFO. Separated from herd Locals said the elephant was separated from its herd and roaming around in the forests of Balumath and Chandwa.
Jharkhand natives held in Lucknow for cyber fraud through stolen phones
Empty gun game leaves student critical in Dehradun, friend held after police bust fake suicide story
DEHRADUN: A perilous game of death played by two second-year BSc (Agriculture) students from a Dehradun professional college has left one student critically injured after he was shot in the head while handling a pistol believed to be empty. The student remains in serious condition in the hospital. The injured student has been identified as Shashishekhar, originally from Jharkhand, while the friend who fired the shot is Shashiranjan, from Bihar. Both are roommates and students at the same institution. According to police, the incident occurred in the Kotra Santaur area of Premnagar. Following the shooting, a group including Shashiranjan initially attempted to mislead the police, fabricating a story that the shooting was a case of attempted suicide stemming from a failed love affair. They also allegedly tried to hide the weapon. SSP Ajay Singh told by TNIE , However, inconsistencies in the students' statements raised red flags for the police. A thorough probe, including scrutiny of call detail records and CCTV footage, further cast doubt on the initial narrative, prompting a deeper investigation. Initial reports attempted to portray this as a suicide attempt, but discrepancies in statements and technical evidence led us to believe otherwise, stated a police official involved in the investigation. Our sustained questioning eventually broke through the fabricated story. Under intense interrogation, Shashiranjan reportedly confessed to the truth. He revealed that he and Shashishekhar were playing a dangerous game, pointing the pistol at each other and pulling the trigger, convinced the weapon was empty. Shashiranjan admitted during interrogation that during the game, he had cocked the pistol and removed the magazine, not realizing a round was still chambered. When he pulled the trigger, the fatal shot was fired, striking Shashishekhar in the head. Panicked, he hid the pistol and the shell casing before concocting the suicide story with others. However, police investigators checking call records and CCTV found Shashiranjan hadn't left the room. The victim's breakup was also months earlier. The pistol's removed magazine further contradicted the narrative. There were significant discrepancies, a police source stated. Confronted with evidence Friday, Shashiranjan confessed, revealing the true events of Wednesday, abandoning the fabricated suicide plot. Based on a complaint filed by Shashishekhar's family, police have registered a case against Shashiranjan under charges including attempt to murder. He was arrested on Saturday. The condition of Shashishekhar remains critical.
Opposition turns up heat on BJP after it distances itself from MPs criticism of SC
Opposition parties led by the Congress stepped up their criticism of the BJP on Sunday after the ruling party distanced itself from controversial remarks made by its MPs Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma against the Supreme Court (SC) and the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Earlier on Saturday, Dubeyone of the more vocal BJP members in the Lok Sabhalaunched a scathing attack on the Supreme Court, claiming that the Parliament and state assemblies should be shut if the apex court had to make the laws. He also took a swipe at CJI Sanjiv Khanna, alleging that the judge was responsible for civil wars in the country. Sharma, a former deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, was also critical of the top court, saying no one could direct Parliament or the president. The BJP disassociated itself from Dubey and Sharma's criticism of SC, with party president JP Nadda calling the comments their personal views. The BJP has nothing to do with the comments of MPs Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma on the judiciary and the Chief Justice. These are their personal comments, but the BJP neither agrees with them nor does it ever support such remarks. The BJP absolutely rejects them, he wrote on X. Nadda also affirmed the ruling party's respect for the judiciary as an inseparable part of democracy. He said he had directed both the leaders and other members of the party not to make such comments. However, the Congress on Sunday described the BJP disassociating itself from its MPs' remarks as damage control and asserted that the minimum action against them should be their expulsion from the party. The opposition party also asked why no action had been taken against the two MPs and why no showcause notices were issued to them. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the distancing of the outgoing BJP president from the atrocious remarks made by the two MPs on the CJI carried little meaning. These MPs are repeat offenders when it comes to hate speech and are very often used by G2 to attack communities, institutions, and individuals. The outgoing BJP president's clarification is nothing but damage control, Ramesh wrote on X. It will fool nobody. This is Entire Political Science reflecting itself as Entire Political Hypocrisy, he said. But the outgoing BJP president is totally silent on equally unacceptable remarks on the judiciary that are continually made by one of its very distinguished appointees to a high constitutional position, Ramesh said and asked what he had to say about those remarks and if the BJP subscribed to them. The former Union minister further asked, If the continued silence of the prime minister on these repeated attacks on the Indian Constitution is not tacitly supportive of them, why has no action been taken against these two MPs? Has Nadda ji issued showcause notices to these two MPs? Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said on X, I have my doubt regarding the statement of BJP President Shri JP Nadda ji. The BJP ecosystem, especially those who are close to Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, are hell-bent on tarnishing the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India. They are unhappy with the direction of the Court in recent decisions related to Tamil Nadu and the Waqf Amendment Act, he claimed. The RSS-BJP want to turn India into North Korea-Iraq, Gogoi alleged. Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera also slammed the BJP over the remarks of its two MPs. Nothing will happen by just distancing from the statement. What Nishikant Dubey said is a direct attack on the Constitution. This has not happened for the first time. You would have also seen the comment of the Vice President. These statements would not have come without the silent nod of PM Modi, Khera told PTI Videos. These are happening on his instructions, if it is not happening, then they should act. Whether a showcause notice was issued? If it was, they should make it public. We understand what is happening, he added. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday slammed Dubeys remarks, noting that whatever he said reflects the thinking of the BJP. While addressing the media in Prayagraj, the Kannauj MP blamed the BJP for creating divisions in society, be it in the name of religion or caste. The truth is that if anyone is creating rifts between religions, then it is the BJP. Creating a divide in society in the name of religion and caste is a very well-planned programme of the BJP, and they spend funds on it. Whatever was said is the thinking of the BJP, Yadav said. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also came down heavily on Dubey over his remarks, asserting that such statements undermine the dignity of the judiciary and warrant contempt proceedings. Speaking to reporters, Yadav said, Such comments should not be made on the Court, and if someone makes such comments, contempt proceedings should be initiated. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi strongly criticised Dubey's remarks, alleging that BJP members have become so radicalised that they are now threatening the judiciary with a religious war. He further mocked the BJP, saying, You people (BJP) are tube lights... threatening the court in such a way. Do you even know what Article 142 is? It was framed by BR Ambedkar, referencing the constitutional provision that empowers the SC to deliver complete justice in any matter before it. AAP's Saurabh Bharadwaj also hit out at the BJP MP, accusing him of undermining SC's authority and alleging that Dubey's remarks reflect the 'BJP's ideology' of disregarding court verdicts, unlike Muslims who accepted the Ayodhya judgement despite it going against them. The Highest Court gave the judgement on the Ayodhya issue, and everyone accepted it; even Muslims accepted that. What Nishikant Dubey is saying shows that Muslims are ready to accept the Supreme Court's judgement even when the judgement was against them, but people like Nishikant Dubey justify the ideology of the BJP that they are ready to go against the Supreme Court, Bharadwaj told ANI . Criticising Dubey, JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey said that the dictatorship in the country has reached such a level where a parliamentarian is now seen challenging the courts. The dictatorship in the nation has reached such a level that now a member of parliament is challenging the court... Are these people more learned than the judges? Will they do anything in the darkness of the majority, and will the courts stay silent?... When the courts give decisions in their favour, they say that the judiciary is the third pillar of democracy, Pandey told ANI . He also termed the remarks unfortunate and urged the court to take action against the BJP MP from Jharkhand.
Not election commissioner, but Muslim commissioner, Nishikant Dubey criticizes former CEC Quraishi
New Delhi: BJP Lok Sabha member Nishikant Dubey has launched a scathing attack on the former Chief Election Commissioner of India, S.Y. Quraishi, saying that he was not an election commissioner, but a Muslim commissioner. Dubey cited the case of Jharkhands Santhalpargana, where the maximum number of Bangladeshi infiltrators were made voters during his tenure. []
Hemant Soren takes charge of JMM, succeeds father Shibu Soren
Hemant Soren has officially succeeded his father, Shibu Soren, as president of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) after a recent election victory. This generational shift, formalized at the party's convention in Ranchi, marks Hemant's rise after serving as executive president since 2015.
'World of creators and their economy is going through a fundamental change': Ashwini Vaishnaw
NEW DELHI: With the advent of technology, world of creators and their economy is going through a fundamental change, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Saturday. The old model is giving way to the new model, he said. He also said that gone are the days when a big studio was needed for creating content, and today, a creator from a remote village in Jharkhand or Kerala can create good-quality content and get millions of views. The minister was interacting with the media outlets ahead of the maiden World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) scheduled in Mumbai from May 1 to 4. The interaction was attended by about 20 national-level media houses and regional news media. The minister said that the shape of the media world is changing, and the change creates both opportunities and challenges. He further stressed the collective need as a country to respond to the new model. Vaishnaw also noted that the creator's economy is growing exponentially. Our visionary Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the work of the creators and their contribution in the economy by promoting Indias soft power globally. WAVES seeks to evolve itself as a global platform for media and entertainment, just as Davos serves as a global platform for economic policies, he added. About one lakh participants have registered for WAVES 2025. The top innovators will be honoured with Awards, celebrating their contributions to the evolving global media and entertainment landscape. WAVES is emerging as a global connector between creators, buyers, and markets for scalable creative solutions. Through WAVES, buyers and sellers are getting a platform, where creators can offer their content & firms can source quality creative work, the minister further stated. The heads of various media organisations attended the session and lauded the Government for conceptualising a novel concept in the form of WAVES to bring policy makers, creators, industry stalwarts, tech giants and start-ups in the media and entertainment sector on one platform. The secretary of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Sanjay Jaju, welcomed all the participants and dignitaries, highlighting the significance of collective dialogue in shaping the future of the media landscape. He emphasised the ministrys commitment to engaging with stakeholders across platforms and appreciated the active participation of media organisations in the lead-up to WAVES 2025.
If Supreme Court makes the laws, Parliament building should be shut down: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey
The MP from Jharkhand added to the war of words raging over the apex courts pronouncements on separation of powers
Shutdown Parliament if SC makes laws, says BJP MP Dubey; Congress slams attack on judiciary
Seasoned BJP parliamentarian Nishikant Dubey, one of the more vocal party MPs in the Lok Sabha, took aim at the Supreme Court on Saturday, saying Parliament building should be closed down if the apex court has to make the laws. Dubey made the cryptic post on X in Hindi without elaborating. His comment came amid the ongoing hearing in the court over several pleas challenging the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which was passed by Parliament in the first week of this month. The central government has agreed not to implement some of its contentious provisions till the next date of hearing after the court raised questions over them. The apex court's recent decision to set a timeline for the President of India to take a decision on the bills sent to her has also triggered a debate, with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar voicing strong disapproval of the judgement. On the other hand, opposition parties have lauded the court's direction to the President as well as the proceedings in the apex court in the Waqf (Amendment) Act matter. Kanoon yadi Supreme Court hi banayega to Sansad Bhavan bund kar dena chahiye, the BJP MP said in post in Hindi on X. Dubey, an MP from Godda in Jharkhand, is often in the vanguard of the BJP's political attacks on its rivals in the Lok Sabha and in articulating the ruling party's stand on various issues. Reacting to the statement, Congress MP Manickam Tagore said, This is a defamatory statement against the Supreme Court. Nishikant Dubey is a person who continuously demolishes all other institutions. Now, he has attacked the Supreme Court. I hope that the Supreme Court judges will take this into notice as he is not speaking in Parliament but outside it. His attack on the Supreme Court is not acceptable (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
Census a game-changer in Karnataka politics: HM Revanna
BENGALURU: Karnataka State Guarantees Panel chairman and Backward Class Legislators Forum convenor HM Revanna said that the long-awaited caste census will shake the very foundations of Karnatakas political landscape. This is a historic moment, Revanna stated, signaling a seismic shift in power dynamics. Backward Classes who have long cried foul over underrepresentation can finally look forward to real, tangible change more seats, more say, and more strength in both the Assembly and Parliament, he said, pointing out that states like Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand enjoy more than 50 per cent reservation. Why not Karnataka, he asked, adding that the members of the Backward Classes number 52 per cent, but are presently getting only 32 per cent reservation. Revanna recalled his days as an MLA from Magadi in 1989 and 1994. Back then, my own Kuruba community barely numbered 2,500 in the constituency but now, caste identity has emerged as a powerful political force. Its not just relevant its dominant. Revanna has not won an Assembly election since then and the last one he contested in May 2023, he lost to JDS HD Kumaraswamy, in Channapatna. Kurubas, the largest of the Backward communities and who are about 7.8 per cent, are not small; they are present right from Chamarajnagar to Bidar, and in some constituencies like Badami, their numbers are fairly large. The other influential Backward community is the Gangamathasta (fisherman community), who are also equally large, and the other big Backward community are the Edigas. They are all a deciding factor in about 110-120 constituencies in Karnataka, explained analysts. Responding to criticism from some communities, claiming that the caste census is unscientific, Revanna said, First read the report before judging. Enumerators reached 98 per cent of rural households and over 80 per cent in urban areas. These were government employees mainly teachers not some shady operators with an agenda.
BJPs Jharkhand chief Babulal Marandi asks in what capacity MLA Kalpana Soren is part of the delegation in place of the Industry Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav, an RJD leader
Jharkhand minority minister sparks fresh controversy with statements on anti-Waqf Act protests
RANCHI: Jharkhand Minority Affairs Minister Hafizul Hasan has once again landed into controversy after BJP leaders alleged that his statement, allegedly referring to the anti-Waqf Act protests, is inciting Muslims to unleash violence in Jharkhand and across the country. The latest controversy stems from a statement made by the minister, where he stated that Muslims will be forced to hit the streets if they are continuously disturbed. In a video clip released by the leader of the Opposition Babilal Marandi on Thursday, Hafizul Hasan can be seen stating that Muslims are trying to remain patient. If you seek to keep disturbing, then they will take to the streets. There will be violence, the country will be in chaos, the minister is heard saying. JMM minister Hafizul Hasan is crossing all limits and inciting Muslims to unleash violence in Jharkhand and across the country. A person attempting to spread unrest in the state has no right to hold a constitutional position. By allowing this person with a jihadi mentality to sit in the cabinet, what message does @HemantSorenJMM want to convey to the public? Babilal Marandi wrote, sharing the video. @jharkhandpolice should take cognizance of the matter and register a case against Hafizul Hasan under the National Security Act, ensuring appropriate action, he added. Hafizul Hasan's purported video surfaced days after another statement by him had irked the BJP leaders of the state. While speaking to a news channel on Monday, Hafizul Hasan had said, For me, Sharia is more important. We keep the Quran in our chest and the Constitution in our hands... Muslims walk with the Quran in their chest, and the Constitution in their hands. Okay! so we will first hold the Sharia and then the Constitution. The BJP strongly condemned the ministers remarks and accused Chief Minister Hemant Soren-led party of being a destroyer of the Constitution. In a post on X, senior BJP leader Shahzad Poonawalla alleged, Hafizul Hassan is a serial offender. Last week, he said that he puts Sharia first, then the Constitution. Now, he is saying the Muslims will get disturbed, come on the streets and resort to violence because of the Waqf Act. He is justifying the violence happening across the country over this. I just want to ask Rahul Gandhi, Jharkhand CM and other leaders of INDI Alliance, who claims to be the protector of the Constitution that whether this is Samvidhan ka samman, Mohabbat ki Dukan or they are votebank ke liye nafrat ke bhaijaan (Respect for the Constitution, Shop of Love' and you are 'Bhaijaan of hatred for vote bank'), said Shahzad Poonawalla. It indicates clearly that the violence which erupted in the name of Waqf and the anti-Hindu state-sponsored violence which took place recently, is targeted, spontaneous and not sponsored, organised, organic, and have the hands of the leaders of INDI-Alliance, he added.
'Muslims Showing Patience...': Jharkhand Minister Warns Of 'Violence' Amid Waqf Protests, BJP Reacts
Earlier, the JMM leader had sparked another political row by saying that Shariat comes first for a Muslim and then the Constitution of the country.
Champai Soren demands delisting of tribals from reservation facility who convert to other religion
BOKARO: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren demanded that adivasis who convert to other religions be delisted from the reservation facility. He also said that adivasi women who marry outside the tribal community be delisted from the reservation facility. Addressing the 'Sarhul/Baha' get-together function organised at Balidih Jahergarh in Bokaro district on Thursday, Soren strongly pitched against reservation facilities being granted to adivasis who convert to other religions or adivasi women marrying outside the tribal community. The existence of adivasis would be wiped out if delisting of such tribals would not happen soon, Soren, who paid obeisance at 'Jahergarh' (tribals place of worship) claimed while calling upon the adivasi community to wake up. No one in the community would be left to offer prayer at our Jahersthan, Sarna sthal and Deshawali (all holy place of worship), if we do not wake up now from slumber, Soren said in a statement here. Expressing concern over the prevailing situation in Santal Paragana, the former CM said the adivasi community was bearing the brunt from two sides. While on one hand, the reserved seats are being grabbed by tribals who convert to other religions, Bangladeshi infiltrators are not only grabbing our land but also damaging our social fabric by marrying tribal women, he claimed. Later these infiltrators encroach upon the reservation granted by the constitution through the back door by fielding the same tribal women in local body elections, Soren alleged emphasising the need to stop such practices. Recalling the move of great tribal leader Karthik Oraon, who had tabled a Delisting Bill in Parliament in 1967, which was later referred to a parliamentary committee, he said the committee had also acknowledged that delisting was necessary to preserve the existence of the tribal community. Soren alleged that Congress had delisted the Sarna religion code in 1961. He called upon the youths to gear up for 'Ulgulan' (revolution).
Jharkhand HC raps CBI over delay in trials of MPs, MLAs
RANCHI: Expressing concern over the prolonged delays in the hearing of criminal cases registered against Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the state, the Jharkhand High Court on Thursday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a status report. During the proceedings, the Court also observed that the CBI does not appear to be serious about the timely disposal of pending cases involving public representatives. The case will be heard next on June 17. The hearing was held on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed on the basis of suo motu cognizance taken by the High Court regarding the speedy trial of cases filed against MPs and MLAs. Amicus Curiae Advocate Manoj Tandon pointed out that the current situation suggests it could take many years to complete the trials. In many criminal cases related to MPs and MLAs, it takes five to six years to frame charges even after the chargesheet has been filed by the CBI, indicating a lack of intent on the agencys part to complete the trial expeditiously. My concern is that there has been a delay in the hearing of the cases related to MPs and MLAs, and there should be a speedy trial, said Amicus Curiae Advocate Manoj Tandon. He further stated that the CBI, despite being a premier investigative agency, has been unsuccessful in ensuring the timely appearance of witnesses and in expediting the trial process. The CBI, however, informed the Court that it would study the order sheets of these cases and provide an explanation regarding the causes of the delay in completing the trials. We have taken two weeks time to verify the cases, find out the reasons behind the delay, and submit a detailed report on June 17, said CBI advocate Prashant Pallav. As per the current status, 12 criminal cases involving MPs and MLAs are pending in Jharkhandnine in the Ranchi Civil Court and three in the Dhanbad Court.
Hot weather to return in Odisha as rainfall activity subsides next week: IMD
BHUBANESWAR : Rainfall activity is expected to subside and hot weather may make a comeback in Odisha as day temperatures are likely to rise by 2 degree Celsius to 3 degree C from next week, said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday. Currently, parts of the state are experiencing rainfall under the influence of an east-west trough running from east Madhya Pradesh to south Assam across north Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal and Bangladesh, and another trough from Sikkim to north Odisha across West Bengal and Jharkhand. Director of Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre Manorama Mohanty said, Thunderstorm and lightning activity are likely to occur in parts of the state till Monday. However, the rainfall activity will reduce from Tuesday onwards as the prevailing weather systems will weaken. The regional met office has forecast dry weather across the state from next week. Director of SOAs Centre for Environment and Climate (CEC) Sarat Sahu said the flow of dry and hot northwesterly and southwesterly winds towards Odisha may cause clear sky conditions from Sunday, resulting in rise of both day and night temperatures. The day temperature is expected to remain over 43 degrees C in interior districts from Monday onwards. Parts of coastal and adjoining districts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Jajpur are likely to experience norwester rains till the end of the month but this will not lead to significant decline in daytime temperatures, he added. In the last 24 hours, the day temperature was below normal by about 6 degree C at a few places in interior districts and below normal by 3 degree C to 4 degree C at many places in coastal districts. The weather conditions remained pleasant in the last two weeks due to the rainfall activity. About 28 districts recorded large excess rainfall between April 10 and 16, the met office said.
Pinarayi lone non-BJP CM not targeted by ED, says Muraleedharan
The Congress leader points out that politicians such as former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren were tortured by the ED
Mr. Hasan, who courted controversy on April 14 for his alleged Shariat over Constitution remark, however, later claimed his comment was misconstrued by the media and asserted that both Shariat and Constitution were equally important for him
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren to lead Europe tour from April 18 to attract FDI; promote green tech
RANCHI: The delegation, which is scheduled to travel to Europe under the leadership of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has been given political clearance from the Central Government and will be leaving from Ranchi for Sweden and Spain on April 18. According to officials in the Industry Department, entrepreneurs from both countries would be invited for industrial investment in Jharkhand. The tour aims to attract investors through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), while promoting technology in the sectors of mining, steel, and electric vehicles, as well as identifying partnerships in green technology. Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his wife Kalpana Soren along with the Chief Secretary and secretaries of some selected departments, will be on a visit to Europe from April 19 to 27. The delegation is also expected to explore investment opportunities for industrial areas in Adityapur, Bokaro, and Santhal Pargana, in addition to learning best practices in mine reclamation and clean energy initiatives. These efforts aim to present attractive prospects to European investors. Officials said that Jharkhand has a range of mineral reserves; Jamshedpur has a lot of potential in the field of the automobile industry and food processing. Entrepreneurs will also be attracted to invest in the field of EV, wind and solar energy, they said. Government sources said that the objective of the tour is to attract investment in the state, exploring possibilities related to green energy, smart cities, technology and industrial development, besides learning from innovation, skill development and infrastructure of both countries. The itinerary covers visits to Madrid, Barcelona, and Gothenburg, and includes structured one-on-one meetings with prospective investors and business leaders. According to officials, the high-level delegation headed by CM Soren will reach Madrid on April 19 and will have one-on-one meeting with representatives of major companies on April 21. The delegation will also visit the National Renewable Energy Centre, where research is being done on solar energy, they said. Later, on April 22, the delegation will meet representatives of companies from the mining sector and the steel sector in Madrid. Then on April 23, the delegation will meet representatives of the Agriculture Ministry in Barcelona. On April 25, a meeting will be held with companies working on clean energy at in Gothenburg, Sweden. On 26 April, a one-to-one meeting will be held with entrepreneurs, and the CM will return with the delegation on April 27. Rs 3.5 crore plus GST will be allocated to an event management company based in Pune to organise the tour successfully. An additional Rs 25 lakh will be spent on incidental, daily and other miscellaneous expenses. In total, Rs 3.75 crore plus GST will be spent on the tour. Earlier in 2017, the then Chief Minister Raghubar Das visited Japan and the Czech Republic along with a high-level delegation to woo investors. During the visit, Das and his team participated in a three-day engineering fair in the Czech Republic. In Japan, the delegation held road shows at Tokyo and Osaka.
Jharkhand High Court District Judge Admit Card 2025 OUT jharkhandhighcourt.nic.in
High Court of Jharkhand has officially released the Jharkhand High Court District Judge Admit Card 2025. Candidates who have applied for the District Judge Exam can now download their admit card from the official website jharkhandhighcourt.nic.in.
14 held by Chhattisgarh police for betting via Mahadev app
Of the 14 arrested, six hail from Chhattisgarh, three from Jharkhand, two from Madhya Pradesh and one each from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Raipur Range Inspector General of Police Amresh Mishra
The Jharkhand Academic Council is expected to release the Class 10 board exam results for 2025 soon, following the completion of evaluations. This years exams were held from February 11 to March 9. As students await their results, past pass percentages over seven years reflect significant academic growth, pandemic-era shifts, and post-COVID stabilisation.
RANCHI: In a significant breakthrough, security forces on Tuesday demolished 11 underground bunkers allegedly used by top Maoist leader Misir Besra, who carries a bounty of Rs 1 crore, and defused seven powerful Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the dense Saranda forests of Chaibasa. According to police, the bunkers had been specially built to accommodate Besra and his squad. Proper arrangements were made for the stay of top Maoist leader, Misir Besra and his squad, a police official said. The size of the bunkers varied, measuring 25x35 feet, 20x25 feet and 15x20 feet, indicating large-scale logistical planning. Additionally, six Maoist dumps were found at the site. Among the items recovered were a printer, two batteries, cartridges, a lathe machine, 18 pipes, 15 metres of wire and several other articles of day-to-day use. During extensive search operations in and around the forest villages of Luiya and Bakrabera under Tonto police station, security forces recovered seven IEDs. Five of them were found on Monday and the remaining two on Tuesday. One of the IEDs weighed 15 kg, other two of 10 kg and the remaining two of 5 and two of 4 kg each. From the security point of view, they were defused on the spot by the bomb disposal squad, stated a press communiqu by the police headquarters. Earlier, on Thursday, security forces had demolished five more underground Maoist bunkers in the Kalpaburu jungles under Jaraikela police station in Chaibasa. It is believed that members of the CPI (Maoist) used those hideouts after carrying out subversive activities. Prior to that, on 5 April, as many as 16 bunkers used by Maoist insurgents were located and destroyed by the forces. According to the Superintendent of Police, Chaibasa, each bunker could accommodate 40 to 50 Maoist operatives, highlighting the extensive insurgent presence in the region. The operation is part of a sustained crackdown on Maoist activities aimed at dismantling their logistical bases and thwarting potential attacks. Police remain on high alert and continue to monitor the area for any further movement of senior Maoist leaders. At present, Maoist influence in Jharkhand is largely confined to the Saranda jungles, having been eliminated from most other parts of the state. Police estimates suggest around 85 to 90 Maoists are hiding in the Saranda region, which is heavily planted with IEDs, posing a significant challenge to security forces. A joint operation in the Kolhan and Saranda jungles of Chaibasa was launched in November 2022, based on intelligence inputs about the presence of senior Maoist leaders, including Misir Besra. The operation is being carried out by personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Jharkhand Police.
Will become voice of every poor in Jharkhand: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren on his election as JMM Chief
Chief Minister and JMM president Hemant Soren vows to be the voice of Jharkhands poor, deprived, and youth, lays out robust social justice agenda
CM Hemant Soren says will become voice of every poor in Jharkhand after his election as JMM chief
RANCHI: A day after being elected as the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) president, a post which was held by his father Shibu Soren, Chief Minister Hemant Soren took a vow to become the voice of every poor, deprived and youth of the state. Rajya Sabha MP Shibu Soren had been the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha's chief for the past 38 years, while his son Hemant served the party as its executive president since 2015. It is a proud moment for me to get the opportunity to take forward the ideologies under which our mentor respected Shibu Soren ji had laid the foundation of JMM. I humbly accept this responsibility and take a pledge that I will become the voice of every village, every poor, every deprived and every youth of Jharkhand, Hemnat Soren said in a post on X. (JMM) , , , , pic.twitter.com/awxYul2bzJ Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) April 16, 2025 Hemant Soren was elected to the president's post on Tuesday during the JMM's 13th central convention in which his father was made the founding patron of the party. He said, Today, when I am assuming the responsibility of the post of president of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), many emotions are flowing in my mind. This is not an ordinary post, but it is a representation of the dreams, struggles and aspirations of the people of Jharkhand. The history of JMM is full of struggles, but its resolve is unwavering, he said. Today again, we have to unite and fight for the identity, development and justice of Jharkhand. It is my promise to all the workers, leaders and people of Jharkhand - I will never let your trust break, the Jharkhand CM said. During the two-day central convention which concluded on Tuesday, Hemant Soren laid out a robust social justice agenda for the JMM, signalling the party's intent to expand its influence beyond the state and declaring that feudal forces would no longer be allowed to exploit the state. Speaking at the party's 13th Central Convention chaired by Shibu Soren, his son indicated that the party is ready to redefine its national role, buoyed by its strong performance in the 2024 assembly elections in the state. The 'Abua Sarkar' (own JMM government) was formed because of the collective will of tribals, Dalits and other marginalised communities who rejected the BJP's double-engine government in the 2019 Assembly polls. This government belongs to the people. The feudal forces faced a crushing defeat at the hands of people here and now JMM, which emerged as a powerful force, will not allow them to plunder Jharkhand anymore, he had said. He asserted that during his previous regime, the BJP hatched a number of conspiracies to uproot his democratically elected government but the the JMM government withstood constant political pressure and is committed to accord top priority to the welfare of its people. Reflecting on the state's political journey since its formation in 2000, Soren accused previous governments of implementing policies that led to continued exploitation of tribals and farmers and said the party, which expanded its base to several states, will continue to grow.
5 girls from Simdega named in national hockey team
RANCHI: In a first, five players hailing from Jharkhands Simdega district, including Captain Salima Tete, have made it to the Indian Womens Hockey team. But thats not all; in another first, two sisters from Jharkhand, Salima Tete and Mahima Tete, will be playing alongside each other in the national team. The team will be led by Salima Tete, the formidable midfielder who has been named Captain, while her younger sister, Mahima, also a midfielder, has earned her debut place in the squad, sparking jubilations across the state and Simdega in particular. Her selection marks a significant representation from a region known for its grassroots hockey talent. The Tete sisters will be joined in the forward line by Beauty Dungdung and Deepika Soreng, also hailing from Simdega. In addition, Anjana Dungdung, another Simdega girl, has been named among the standby players for the tournament, further highlighting the districts strong contribution to Indian womens hockey. According to Hockey Simdega president Manoj Konbegi, there is hockey in the soil of Simdega; he attributed the achievement to exposure to hockey since childhood in regular tournaments providing the required training and expreience to hone their talent. Konbegi said since most of these girls come from very poor backgrounds, few have access to proper nutrients from their daily meal of maad-bhaat (water-soaked rice); many started taking milk only after getting into the residential hockey centers in the district. Despite all odds, this is the first time as many as five players from Simdega have been given place in Indian Hockey Womens team in the upcoming international tournament in Australia between April 26 and May 4, said Konbegi. Notably, Salima Tetes talent was recognised for the first time by Manoj Konbegi, the organiser of the Lathakhaman hockey tournament and erstwhile secretary of Hockey Simdega. Salima won Best Player during the tournament. When I saw her playing at the village tournament in 2011, I spoke to her father, urging him to send her to the hockey centre to hone her skills, but he did not pay heed, Konbegi recalls. Interestingly, Salima Tete, who once practiced with bamboo sticks in her childhood, has become the first woman hockey player from Jharkhand to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award for her exceptional contributions to the sport. Salimas journey in hockey has been one of resilience, as she overcame poverty and social constraints to achieve her present seat of success.
Hemant Soren Elected Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Central President
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was on Tuesday elected as the central president of the ruling JMM, while his father Shibu Soren was made the founding patron of the party, a JMM leader said.
Shibu Soren appoints son and Jharkhand CM Hemant JMM chief; BJP criticises family politics
My father established the party as a regional movement, and now it is my responsibility to take it to the national level, says Hemant Soren
CM Hemant Soren replaces Shibu Soren as JMM President
RANCHI: Chief Minister Hemant Soren replaced Shibu Soren as JMM President. The decision was taken at the 13th convention of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) being held in Ranchi on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a new post Founding Patron has been created by amending the partys constitution for Shibu Soren. The party also abolished the post of Executive Presidenta role previously held by Hemant Soren. In place of the executive president, a new post of Founding Patron has been created for Shibu Soren. Hemant Soren was given the responsibility of executive president during the Jamshedpur convention in 2015 and held it for almost 10 years. Under his leadership, the party won two Assembly elections. Earlier, Nalin Soren proposed the name of Shibu Soren for the newly created post of founder patron of JMM, seconded by Stephen Marandi, which was approved unanimously by the party leaders and workers. After this, Shibu Soren was officially elected as the founder patron of the party. Later, Hemant Soren's name was proposed as the president of JMM. Shibu Soren announced the name of Hemant Soren as the central president of JMM. With this, JMM is ushering in a new era under the leadership of Hemant Soren. Formed in 1972, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha began as a tribal rights movement under the leadership of Shibu Soren. Originally a grassroots platform advocating for the creation of a separate tribal state, the party was instrumental in the formation of Jharkhand in 2000 after decades of struggle and sacrifice. Now, with assembly elections round the corners in the neighbouring states, the JMM appears ready to broaden its reach and redefine its identity on the national stage. After the formation of JMM in 1972, Vinod Bihari Mahto was made the first president of JMM, holding the post till 1984. Later in 1984, when the political circumstances changed, Shibu Soren appointed Nirmal Mahto as the president of JMM. Later, Shibu Soren was given the responsibility and had been serving as the party president since 1987, playing a key role in shaping the direction of the party. Shibu Soren remained party president for about 38 long years. JMM, under Shibu Sorens leadership, intensified the movement for a separate state, giving voice to the aspirations of the people of Jharkhand. The partys symbol, bow and arrow, became a powerful emblem of identity, pride, and rights for the people of the region. From forests and hills to fields, villages, towns, and cities, the party expanded its reach. Starting in the 1980s, JMM also made its mark in electoral politics and gradually gained a foothold in the parliamentary system. According to party leaders, in his new role as Founding Patron, Shibu Soren will continue to guide the party as a mentor.
Hemant Soren appointed JMM chief, father Shibu now 'founder patron'
Hemant Soren has been elected as the new president of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), succeeding his father Shibu Soren, who now holds the title of 'Founder Patron'. This decision was made during the party's 13th 'Mahaadhiveshan'. The JMM, a key member of the Congress-led INDIA bloc, leads the ruling coalition in Jharkhand.
Poppy cultivation on over 27,000 acres destroyed, 1,062 arrested in Jharkhand in FY'25: Official
In Jharkhand, authorities destroyed illegal poppy cultivation across 27,015 acres in the financial year 2024-25, leading to 1,062 arrests, marking a six-fold increase in crop destruction compared to the previous year. Chief Secretary Alka Tiwary has directed officials to monitor drug production, distribution, and consumption, while also cracking down on pharmacies selling narcotic medicines and syrups.
Poppy cultivation on over 27,000 acres destroyed, 1,062 arrested in Jharkhand in FY'25: Official
In Jharkhand, authorities destroyed illegal poppy cultivation across 27,015 acres in the financial year 2024-25, leading to 1,062 arrests, marking a six-fold increase in crop destruction compared to the previous year. Chief Secretary Alka Tiwary has directed officials to monitor drug production, distribution, and consumption, while also cracking down on pharmacies selling narcotic medicines and syrups.
Shariah Comes Before Constitution: Jharkhand Minister Hafizul Hasans Statement On Ambedkar Jayanti
On 14th April, Jharkhands Minority Welfare Minister Hafizul Hasan stirred major political unrest on Dr BR Ambedkars birth anniversary. In an interview, Hasan said, For me, Shariah is greater. We carry the Quran in our hearts and the Constitution in our hands. Muslims walk with the Quran in their hearts and the Constitution in their Continue reading Shariah Comes Before Constitution: Jharkhand Minister Hafizul Hasans Statement On Ambedkar Jayanti The post Shariah Comes Before Constitution: Jharkhand Minister Hafizul Hasans Statement On Ambedkar Jayanti appeared first on OurVoice | WeRIndia - Analysis & Opinion .
Campaign against Maoists to be intensified in Jharkhands Chaibasa
RANCHI: A day after Chief Minister Hemant Soren declared that the battle against the red rebels is in its final phase, DGP Anurag Gupta on Monday emphasised the need for intensified operations and enhanced coordination among various security forces to eliminate the residual Maoist presence in the state. The DGP, while holding a comprehensive review meeting in Chaibasa to assess and strategize the ongoing anti-Naxal operations, highlighted that 95 per cent of Jharkhands Naxal problem has been addressed, with the remaining challenges concentrated in the West Singhbhum region. The review focused on ground realities, operational strategies, and the areas geographical complexities. Discussions also covered the morale of the forces, infrastructure strengthening, and the implementation of effective guidelines to ensure the success of the operations. During the meeting, Chaibasa SP Ashutosh Shekhar provided detailed information about the progress of the operation and the geographical layout of the area. The DGP encouraged the CRPF and police personnel involved in the operation and urged them to carry out the mission more effectively. This meeting underscores the states commitment to achieving a Naxal-free Jharkhand, with concerted efforts aimed at restoring peace and fostering development in the affected regions. Notably, several Maoist commanders remain confined with their squads in the Saranda forests of Chaibasa and have planted thousands of IEDs to prevent security forces from entering the jungles. As a result, regular incidents of blasts are occurring during operations. Since November 2022, six security personnel have lost their lives, while 20 others have been critically injured. Additionally, nearly 22 civilians have died, and around a dozen more have been critically injured in IED blasts triggered by Maoists in the jungles of Chaibasa. According to the Chaibasa SP, despite the Maoists having planted IEDs throughout the area, security forces are advancing slowly into the jungles with full determination and have established several temporary security camps in the core Maoist areas. The state police launched a joint operation in the Kolhan jungles in November 2022 following a tip-off that some senior Maoist leaders, including Misir Besra and Patiram Majhi alias Anal Da, were hiding in that forest stretch, which is considered strategically important.
It's A Way Of Saying: Jharkhand Minister Clarifies Sharia First Remark
Jharkhand Minister Hafizul Hassan on Monday clarified his controversial remark about Shariat first, then Constitution, saying it was a misinterpretation and out of context.
JMM rejects Waqf Bill, backs nationwide caste census at 13th General Convention in Ranchi
RANCHI: During the 13th General Convention in Ranchi, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) strongly opposed the recently implemented Waqf Amendment Act and reiterated its long-standing demand for a nationwide caste census. The two-day Central Convention started on Monday, April 14th at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar courtyard in Ranchi. Led by JMM Executive President and Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the party resolved to protect the rights of the poor and tribal society of the state. Meanwhile, a 108-page organizational report of the party was also tabled during the convention. Senior party MLA Stephen Marandi presented a comprehensive political proposal that addressed several key issues concerning social justice, minority rights, and employment policy. Marandi emphasised that JMM supports the conduct of a caste-based census not only within Jharkhand but across the entire country, viewing it as essential for equitable policy-making. In its proposal, the party also registered opposition to the present framework of delimitation, calling for a more inclusive and representative process. Regarding the Waqf Amendment Act, Marandi clarified that the party considers the amendment a direct infringement on the rights of minorities and a violation of the secular spirit enshrined in the Constitution. Expressing opposition against the Waqf Amendment Act, it was said that it is violating the rights of minorities. Land is a state subject, but the Center did not consult the state before the Waqf Amendment, and hence, an atmosphere of terror is being created in the name of religion and caste, they said. It was also said that the Act should not be implemented in Jharkhand. It was also announced during the convention that JMM will now increase its political activism in some selected seats of Assam, Odisha and West Bengal as well. There is a plan to contest elections in Assam by organizing the migrants of the state. The proposal also included a demand for granting 27 per cent reservation to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), reflecting the party's commitment to affirmative action. Marandi further stated that JMM is in favour of implementing the employment policy with 1932 as the cut-off year for determining local status, which has been a point of contention and advocacy in the state. The proposal also included a demand for 75 per cent reservation for local youth in private sector jobs, aiming to ensure better employment opportunities for residents of the state. Additionally, the party raised the long-pending issue of officially recognising the Sarna Religion Code in Parliament, a demand significant to tribal communities who follow indigenous faiths.
States cannot refuse to implement Waqf Amendment Act, says BJP
New Delhi: States cannot refuse to implement the Waqf Amendment Act, the BJP asserted on Monday, April 14, citing constitutional provisions, and slammed the Congress and other INDIA bloc constituents over their continued opposition to the law. The assertions came after Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLA and state minister Hafizul Hassan reportedly said that, to 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 .
RANCHI: Amid the celebrations of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary, Minority Affairs Minister Hafizul Hasans statement that Sharia is above the constitution has sparked a row among the political circles in Jharkhand. Leader of Opposition, Babulal Marandi, made a scathing attack on the Minister, demanding his immediate dismissal from the cabinet over his controversial remarks prioritising Sharia law above the Indian Constitution. Notably, talking to a News Channel, Jharkhand's Minority Welfare Minister Hafizul Hasan said, For me, Sharia is more important. We keep the Quran in our chest and the Constitution in our hands... Muslims walk with the Quran in their chest, and the Constitution in their hands. Okay! So we will first hold the Sharia and then the Constitution. Jharkhand BJP also opposed his statement by posting on X, saying, The doors of Pakistan and Bangladesh are open for those who have Sharia in their hearts. India will run only on the constitution of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and will remain supreme, it said. @RahulGandhi @HemantSorenJMM pic.twitter.com/9jLhQNgCHY Babulal Marandi (@yourBabulal) April 14, 2025 Expressing his anguish, Marandi said that such a statement was made on the birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. This is not just an anti-constitutional remarkit is an anti-national act, declared Marandi. A state minister holding a constitutional post has insulted both the Constitution and Baba Saheb Ambedkar, which cannot be pardoned, he added. According to Marandi, at the time of elections, Hafizul Hasan folded his hands and asked for votes from the poor, Dalits and tribals, and now he is trying to implement an Islamic agenda. Marandi accused the INDI alliance of indulging in vote-bank politics at the cost of national values. They want to run this country not by the Constitution, but by Sharia law, alleged Marandi, further adding that incidents of stone-pelting and communal tension during Hindu festivals are the result of the states appeasement-driven governance. Marandi said that this is the real character of the INDIA bloc, which has been revealed through the words of Hafizul Hasan. He also asked the Congress Party and JMM to tell whether the party agrees or disagrees with the statement of Hafizul Hasan. If Hafizul Hasan is not dismissed from the cabinet, then it will be considered that the people of the INDI alliance agree with the statement of Minister Hafizul Hasan. And they only pretend to follow the Constitution, said Marnadi. He also clarified that the issue will be taken to the people across Jharkhand, launching statewide protests and campaigns. Meanwhile, JMM sidelined itself from the statement made by its Minister calling it as his personal statement. Whatever Minister Hafizul Hasan has said is his personal statement, said JMM General Secretary and Spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya.
We are also covering: 5 Reasons Why NIA Got 26/11 Plotter Tahawwur Ranas Custody, Jharkhand Minister Hafizul Ansari's Remark Draws Fire From BJP, and Salman Khan Gets Another Death Threat.
The BJP strongly criticized Jharkhand minister Hafizul Hassan for his a Muslim keeps the Quran in his heart and the Constitution in his hand remarks, deeming them an insult to Indian democracy. Speaking on the ongoing Waqf protests Hassan had said that Muslims hold the Quran in their hearts and the Constitution in their hands. The BJP accused the INDIA bloc of harboring individuals who prioritize religious law. Hassan had alleged the Centre is targeting Muslims and warns of potential unrest.
Religious procession 'pelted with stones' in Jharkhand village
Security has been heightened at Jhurjhuri village following the incident
Insider Track | 3 IPS officers key in Rana extradition
Besides deft diplomatic manoeuvrings, two Jharkhand cadre IPS officers played critical roles in the extradition of 26/11 mastermind Tahawwur Rana from the United States, carrying out the operation without a glitch. Ashish Batra, an IPS officer of the 1997 batch and an Inspector General (IG) in the NIA, led the Indian team to whom the Americans handed over Rana. Jaya Roy, also from the Jharkhand cadre of 2011, assisted Batra. Jaya is a Deputy Inspector General and the NIAs Senior Public Relations Officer. Many in the NIA believe her presence gave the Indian team strength at the legal and media management levels. Prabhat Kumar, an IPS from the 2019 batch of Chattisgarh cadre, also played a critical role. He took the custody of Rana in the US and coordinated the entire security drill from Delhi Airport to Tihar Jail. 24-batch officers head to Manipur Ethnic violence-hit Manipur has received the highest-ever number of allocations of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers. The Centre has deputed 16 2024 batch officers, recently inducted into service, to the state. Many in the North Block believe the governments move is an attempt to stabilise the situation in the troubled state. The step aims to strengthen the administrative machinery and improve policing and intelligence coordination in Manipur, which has experienced intermittent violence for the past two years. Enduring bonds, lasting memories Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, paid his first official visit to India on April 8-9. The Crown Prince presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a symbolic gift: a replica of the bisht (a traditional embroidered cloak worn over the kandura) his grandfather, His Highness Sheikh Rashid, wore. The gesture reflects the deep-rooted and historic ties between the UAE and India, spanning generations of political friendship. In a further tribute to shared history, the Crown Prince also gifted an original newspaper featuring coverage of a pivotal event from August 1984. It highlighted the heroic role played by his father, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, then UAE Minister of Defence and now the Ruler of Dubai, in the rescue operation of Indian Airlines Flight 421. On August 24, 1984, seven members of the banned All India Sikh Students Federation hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 421, a Boeing 737-2A8, carrying 74 passengers. En route from Delhi to Srinagar, the plane was diverted first to Lahore, then to Karachi, and finally to Dubai. In Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed successfully negotiated the safe release of all passengers and secured the peaceful surrender of the hijackers to UAE authoritiesan act hailed as key in the UAE-India cooperation. Chandigarh DGP appointed DIG BSF In an unprecedented move, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently transferred Chandigarhs officiating Director General of Police (DGP), Surendra Singh Yadav. The 1997 batch IPS officer of the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories) cadre has gone to the Border Security Force (BSF) as a Deputy Inspector General (DIG). Yadavs reassignment is considered a demotion in rank. It reflects the Centres dominance in postings and appointments of IPS officers. Officials in the MHA are of the view that with the appointment of Yadav, the Centre has sent a message to other IPS officers in different states at the Additional Director General (ADG) or Inspector General (IG) rank and are still not empanelled at the central level. The exercise requires 360-degree vigilance clearance. Within the police hierarchy, a DIG is significantly junior compared to a DGP.
Battle against Maoists in its last phase, says Soren
RANCHI: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren said on Sunday that the battle against the Maoists is in its last phase in the state. After paying floral tributes to the jawan of Jharkhand Jaguar who died during an anti-Maoist operation in Saranda jungles of Chaibasa, Soren told reporters, The jawans sacrifice will not go in vain and the operation against Maoists will achieve its final objective. The jawan was killed and a Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) head constable seriously injured in an IED blast triggered by Maoists in the heavily forested border area between the Chotanagra and Jaraikela police stations in West Singhbhum on Saturday. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar also paid floral tributes to the mortal remains of slain jawan Sunil Dhan at Jaguar headquarters. Left-wing extremism was a big problem for the country, but due to the continuous action of security forces, the elimination of the threat now reached its final stage. Many of our soldiers have been martyred in the operation against the extremists, but their martyrdom will not go in vain, Soren said. A handful of rebels, who are left, are trying to carry out such incidents in desperation, but they wont be successful. The operation against the Naxalites is continuously becoming stronger and the Maoists are now counting their last breaths, he added. Governor Gangwar said, The state government is continuously working to minimise Naxal incidents. The government will take care of the martyrs family.. Several Maoist commanders are active with their squads in the Saranda forests of Chaibasa and have planted thousands of IEDs to prevent security forces from entering the jungles, due to which incidents of blasts are taking place during operations. Since November 2022, six security personnel have lost their lives while 20 others were critically injured. Nearly 22 civilians were critically injured in IED blasts triggered by Maoists in the jungles of Chaibasa, police said. According to Chaibasa SP, though Maoists have planted IEDs in the entire area, forces are advancing slowly into the jungles with determination and have established several temporary security camps in their core areas. The police have launched a joint operation in Kolhan jungles in November 2022 after a tip-off that some Maoist leaders, including Misir Besra and Patiram Majhi alias Anal Da, are hiding in the forest stretch. IEDs planted to prevent forces from entering jungles Several Maoist commanders are active with their squads in the Saranda forests of Chaibasa and have planted thousands of IEDs to prevent security forces from entering the jungles, due to which incidents of blasts are taking place during operations. Since November 2022, six security personnel have lost their lives while 20 were critically injured
Death threat to NIA judge, jail break warning demanding release of Maoist leaders in Ranchi
RANCHI: The judge of the NIA (National Investigation Agency) Court in Ranchi has received a death threat and has also been warned of a jail break to free the top Maoist leaders Prashant Bose and Sheela Marandi. An FIR has been registered against four accused persons at Kotwali Police Station in Ranchi in this regard on Friday. According to the FIR, the letters sent via speed post to the Ranchi Civil Court target an NIA court judge with a clear warning of an attack within a month and a coordinated jail-break to free Maoist leaders Prashant Bose and Sheela Marandi. Officer-in-charge of Kotwali police station, Adikant Mahato, informed that as soon as he got the information, he reached the court, where he found two envelopes sent by speed post. Different names were written in both the letters, but the motive was the same - murder of the judge and jail break. It has been written in the letter that the shooters have already been paid the money to make an attack on the judge. In addition to that, it is also mentioned in the letter that all preparations have already been made to get Prashant Bose and Sheela Marandi get out of jail, said the officer-in-charge. A mobile number is also given in the letter, he added. The officer-in-charge further informed that the police have made Arun Kumar, Anamika Enterprises Pvt. Ltd, Saket Tirkey and an unknown person as accused persons in the FIR lodged at Kotwali Police Station. When the mobile number given in the letter was investigated, it turned out to be registered in the name of Arun Kumar, an officer of Jharkhand Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (JCECEB), he said. Mahto said that the entire matter is being investigated seriously. It is yet to be determined whether these names are genuine actors in the plot or have been falsely implicated to mislead authorities, he said. Meanwhile, the security of the court premises and the concerned judge has been tightened, and police and security agencies have been put on alert mode. Bose, widely known as Kishan Da, is a central figure in the CPI (Maoist) structure, arrested in late 2021. His wife, Sheela Marandi, too, has remained on the radar of multiple security agencies. Kishan Da is one of the senior-most Maoist leaders and was the chief of the Maoist Communist Centre of India (MCCI) before it merged with the CPI-ML (Peoples War) to form the CPI (Maoist) in 2004. He was one of the ideologues, who oversaw the reunification of the revolutionary forces, that led to formation of the most-dreaded Maoist outfit CPI (Maoist). Kishan Das wife Sheela Marandi, another senior most leader of the Maoist party and the only women member in the decision-making Central Committee (CC) of the CPI (Maoist) was also arrested along with him.
126 lightning deaths recorded in East, Central India between April 10-12
NEW DELHI: At least 126 deaths due to lightning have been recorded in Central and Eastern India, mostly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, over the past two days. The region received thunderstorms and lightning on April 10-11. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that continued extreme weather conditions, along with strong winds and hailstorms will prevail in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and eastern India for the next few days. An advisory has been issued urging the public to take precautions. According to the State Disaster Management Authority of Bihar, at least 82 people lost their lives in the state as a result of thunderstorms and lightning between April 10 and 11. Meanwhile, officials from the Uttar Pradesh State Disaster Management reported that at least 23 people were killed across various districts, particularly near the Nepal border. Chhattisgarh report six followed by Jharkhand five and Odisha four. Nepal has also confirmed that at least eight people have died from lightning. Central Indian states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh, along with Eastern States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha, are among the most lightning-vulnerable regions. Tribals and lower strata of the society are the most vulnerable. Their housing patterns and reliance on the land contribute to their vulnerability. However, these death could be preventable as the IMD has issued a warning for thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall and lightning across eastern and central regions of the country, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In contrast, western regions like Gujarat are expected to experience heatwaves. An IMD scientist noted that on April 9, thundercloud formations developed over Haryana, Uttarakhand, and adjacent areas, moving toward eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, bringing with them lightning. Lightning, thunderstorms kill 61 in Bihar; CM Nitish Kumar announces Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia Lightning is caused by two main factors: moisture and heat. The weather conditions over the past week have created a conducive environment to lightning incidents. Dry conditions resulting from extreme heat last week, combined with the influx of moisture due to a western disturbance and cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan and Punjab, have intensified thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning, explained Debashish Jena, a weather scientist and research scholar at G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttarakhand. Col. Sanjay Srivastava, the Convener of the Lightning Resilient India Campaign and also chairman of Climate Resilience Observing System Promotion Council (CROPC), stated that casualties from lightning strikes are entirely preventable and criticized state governments for not implementing adequate measures to minimize these deaths. CROPC document lightning related casualty and damage. Recently, states like Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have reduced lightning-related fatalities by nearly 70% within a relatively short timeframe, Srivastava noted. He also explained that the IMD had issued early warnings to disaster management authorities in each district about the potential for lightning events. However, district magistrates, who serve as the chairpersons of the District Disaster Management Authority, seldom engage in public awareness campaigns. These campaigns are crucial for informing people about safety measures, such as avoiding open fields and not seeking shelter under trees during storms, Srivastava added. According to the Lightning Detection Network of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), lightning strikes in India increased by 53% between 2019 and 2023. In some states, the rise exceeds 300%. Lightning incidents include both inter-cloud (IC) and cloud-to-ground (CG) events, which have surged from 13.8 million in 2019-20 to 20 million in 2022-23. Scientists are particularly concerned about the rise in CG lightning strikes, as these incidents primarily result in damage to human lives and property. Our data shows that CG lightning strikes rose from 5.16 million to 7.26 million in the past three years, which is a major concern, stated Srivastava. Experts believe that the increase in lightning is a stark indication of climate change. Global warming has intensified the heat, leading to a rise in sea surface temperatures and the melting of ice in the Himalayas and other mountains worldwide, which results in increased moisture in the atmosphere,said Dr.Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology at the India Meteorological Department. Additionally, the region encompassing the central river basins of the Ganges, Sone, and Mahanadi, as well as the mountain ranges of Vindhyachal, Satpura, Kaimur, and Vidarbha, is particularly prone to lightning strikes, leading to significant casualties. Over the past two decades, 75% of fatalities occurred in just eight states, primarily located in these high-risk areas. Madhya Pradesh leads in casualties, followed by Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
INTERVIEW| Rs 10L cr investment to rewire highways; Northeast roads to match US standards: Gadkari
NEW DELHI: The Centre is planning to invest Rs 10 lakh crore over the next two years to strengthen highways across the country, with special focus on the Northeast, where roads will rival those in the US, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said. In an interview to PTI, he said the Centre is working to transform the country's infrastructure drastically in the next two years so that it matches the best in the world. We plan to take up projects worth Rs 10 lakh crore in the next two years to strengthen highways across the country, with special emphasis on enhancing infrastructure in the Northeast and the border areas. In the coming two years, highways in the Northeast will be on a par with US roads, Gadkari said. There is an urgent need to augment the road infrastructure in the Northeast given its difficult terrain and proximity to borders, he said. It is our endeavour to transform the country's infrastructure drastically so that it matches with the best in the world, he said, maintaining that works are underway in all states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Delhi. Gadkari said 784 highway projects are going to be implemented in the eastern states at an estimated cost of Rs 3,73,484 crore, covering 21,355 km. Among them are projects of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), the transport minister said. We currently have projects worth Rs 57,696 crore in Assam, and about Rs 90,000 crore in Bihar. We're also undertaking projects worth over Rs 42,000 crore in West Bengal, about Rs 53,000 crore in Jharkhand, and around Rs 58,000 crore in Odisha, Gadkari said. In the Northeast, except Assam, we are undertaking projects worth about Rs 1 lakh crore this year itself, he said. Gadkari said a mass rapid transport pilot project is underway in Nagpur at a cost of Rs 170 crore. The project involves a 135-seater bus that will run on non-polluting energy sources and is expected to be highly cost-effective. If successful, it will be replicated on important routes across the country, including the Delhi-Jaipur stretch, under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, he said. The minister said the length of the National Highway network has expanded significantly, growing from 91,287 km in March 2014 to 1,46,204 km at present, with a significant improvement in standards. The proportion of national highways below two lanes has dropped sharply -- from 30 percent to just 9 per cent of the total network, he said. In 2024-25, NHAI constructed 5,614 km of national highways, surpassing its target of 5,150 km.
