India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
SHILLONG, April 7: Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla has called for a "livelihood-oriented" approach to coal mining in Meghalaya, urging the government to establish clear regulations that protect both the environment and the communities dependent on the sector. Responding to the recent public rally held by the Jaintia Coal Miners and Dealers Association, Shylla stated that the high turnout reflects the urgency of the issue. He noted that coal remains the economic backbone for many households in the region and that stakeholders are waiting for administrative clarity. The MLA clarified that the demand is for a regulated framework rather than illegal mining. He stressed the need for clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to allow activities within a legal ambit. Shylla expressed reservations regarding the feasibility of large-scale open-cast or "scientific mining" in the state. He cited geological constraints, such as narrow coal seams, and the high cost of extensive excavation as major hurdles. He suggested exploring alternative tunnel-based mining methods equipped with modern safeguards. He explained that traditional practices could be made sustainable by implementing safety protocols and filtering water discharged from mines to prevent the contamination of local streams. Addressing the term 'rat-hole mining', Shylla argued that the focus should remain on safety and adherence to environmental guidelines rather than the label attached to the method. The MLA also pointed out that existing policy requirements, specifically the need for 100 hectares of contiguous land, are impractical for most miners in East Jaintia Hills. "A requirement of 100 hectares or more is not practical for most people. Even then, the cost of extraction through open-cast methods could outweigh the returns, given the small thickness of coal seams," he observed. Cautioning against a blanket ban, Shylla said that stopping mining altogether serves neither the people nor the state's revenue interests. Regarding ongoing illegal mining and subsequent crackdowns, the MLA remarked that many are compelled to engage in such activities due to a lack of alternative livelihoods. He reiterated that while he does not support illegal practices, providing clear SOPs and legal avenues would ensure that people work within the system.
NEW DELHI: State-owned Coal India Limited (CIL) recorded a 34% year-on-year growth in environmentally friendly coal transportation in FY 2025, moving 102.5 million tonnes (MT) through 20 First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects linked to the Indian Railways network. In comparison, 76.5 MT was transported in FY 2024 through 17 such projects. In the current financial year, up to the end of May, CIL registered a 36.7% increase in coal dispatch via FMC projects, compared to 15 MT during the same period last year. CIL, India's largest coal miner, also plans to commission 19 additional FMC projects w ...Read More >
Berhampur (Odisha), Jun 6 (PTI) Environmental activist Medha Patkar on Saturday appealed to the people of Odisha for protection of Rushikulya river. The government planned to construct a dam in the river Pipalapnaka under Sorada block in the district. While participating in the Save Rushikulya river movement in Ganjam district, she said, "Rivers may be small or big, but they are our mother. We have to protect the rivers from attacks." She attended a meeting were organised by the Rushikulya Banchao Kriyaanusthan Committee (RBKC) and the Centre for Climate Justice, spearheading the agitation a ...Read More >
Guwahati, June 28 (UNI) Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, on Saturday reaffirmed the Centre's "unwavering support" for accelerating mineral and coal development across India's eight North‑Eastern states. Speaking on the second day on the second North‑East Mining Ministers' Conclave here, Reddy said robust mining infrastructure, quicker project clearances and eco‑friendly practices are crucial to realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision. "Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim are our Ashta Lakshmi," the ...Read More >
Jowai, June 30: The West Jaiñtia Boxing Association (WJBA), in collaboration with the Meghalaya Boxing Association (MBA), has announced district-level boxing selection trials aimed at identifying top boxing talent from the region to represent Meghalaya in the upcoming 39th National Games, scheduled to be hosted by the state in 2027. The selection trials will be held on July 24, 2025, and will take place at two venues on the same day. Trials for West Jaiñtia Hills will begin at 9:00 AM at Bishop House, Lumbihsyntu, Mihmyntdu, while boxers from East Jaiñtia Hills will compete at 3:00 PM at the ...Read More >
Mumbai: In a move aimed at curbing illegal sand transportation, Maharashtra's Revenue Minister, ChandraShekhar Bawankule, informed the State Assembly that sand transportation across the state would now be allowed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This decision is part of a broader effort to reduce accidents caused by illegal sand mining and improve transparency in sand transportation. Bawankule was replying on the issue raised by Congress MLA Nana Patole in the state assembly "Currently, sand excavation is permitted only from 6 AM to 6 PM. However, sand stored during the day couldn't be transpo ...Read More >
Jaipur: Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) filed a chargesheet Wednesday against Jaikrishn Patel, who represents the Bagidora constituency in Banswara district, and three others. They were arrested on May 4 in a first-of-its-kind 'cash-for-no-query' scandal in the state. ACB has kept the investigation pending against Rohitash Meena, the personal assistant of the MLA, as he is on the run since the trap in which the legislator was allegedly caught accepting a bribe of Rs 20 lakh in the parking lot of the MLA quarters near the state assembly building.ACB prosecutor Shalini Gautam said the cha ...Read More >
Hit by economic slowdown and poor infrastructure, industrialists from Jharkhand's key industrial districts -- East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela-Kharsawan -- are looking to the newly formed state government for revival and support. The industrial zones of Adityapur, Gamharia, Kandra, and Chandil have been grappling with inadequate infrastructure, including poorly maintained roads, lack of bridges, erratic water supply, and unreliable power. Entrepreneurs in these regions hope the new administration will address these issues and work toward improving the state's industrial ecosystem ...Read More >
New Delhi: India's coal sector has registered a 5.88 per cent increase in production to 830.66 million tonnes (MT) during April 2024 to January 2025 of the current financial year, from 784.51 MT recorded during the same period of 2023-24, according to a Coal Ministry statement issued on Monday. The total coal production during January 2025 has reached 104.43 MT, reflecting a 4.38 per cent increase over 100.05 MT recorded during the corresponding period of the previous year. The contribution from captive, commercial, and other entities for January 2025 has also been particularly strong, with ...Read More >
HYDERABAD: Union minister for coal and mines G. Kishan Reddy, accompanied by students from various government schools in Telangana, who achieved top ranks in the 10th class public examinations, planted saplings at his official residence in Delhi as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative of 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' and asked them to don the role as new age environment warriors and work hard to save earth from plastic pollution. He also gave them tips on environmental protection. ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 5 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in the presence of leaders of Central Asian countries, touched upon various business opportunities and complementarities between these respective economies on Thursday. Jaishankar suggested a few areas where India and Central Asian countries should collaborate to improve their economies. Jaishankar noted that India's trade and economic ties with Central Asia have actually shown a very strong positive trend over the last decade. However, he has also said that the trade figures do not reflect the full potential. Given th ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has urged the India-Central Asia Business Council to recommend a roadmap for further deepening of India-Central Asia ties in trade, economic and investment. Addressing the Business Council meeting in the national capital, EAM Jaishankar highlighted three broad objectives for strengthening the economic partnership -- deepen existing cooperation, diversify the trade basket and introduce sustainability and predictability in economic interactions. "One, is to deepen the existing cooperation both in terms of volume a ...Read More >
Hyderabad, July 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) The condition of former Telangana Chief Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who was admitted to a private hospital here on July 3, remained stable. K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) is suffering from fever and has high blood sugar. His daughter and BRS MLC K. Kavitha visited the hospital on Friday. A team of doctors at Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, was examining the 71-year-old. Doctors advised admission after KCR complained of general weakness. Preliminary investigations revealed high blood sugar and low sodium levels. Acc ...Read More >
Guwahati, Jan 31 (PTI) The Gauhati High Court has issued notices to the Assam government and its various departments over rampant rat-hole coal mining and asked them to furnish what steps they have taken to stop the unlawful activity. Taking suo motu cognizance of the Dima Hasao coal mining tragedy, the high court registered a public interest litigation on Monday and issued notices the next day to seven government departments, including the office of the chief secretary. "The court has taken note of various reports which suggest that around more than 200 rat-hole mines are in operation in Um ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a move towards achieving end-to-end digitalisation of the coal exploration value chain, the government on Tuesday said it is set to launch the Exploration Module on the Single Window Clearance System web portal. To be launched through Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) by Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy on July 4, this module will allow allottees to submit their exploration proposals online, which will then be processed and approved by the ministry through the integrated system. The module covers the entire process of Explorat ...Read More >
: The Uttar Pradesh government is now using modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and satellites, to stop illegal mining and the illegal transport of minerals in the state. Officials said that more than 21,477 vehicles involved in illegal transport have been blacklisted. To monitor mining vehicles, the state has set up 57 smart check gates with help from the transport department. These gates use AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technology, along with Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) sensors, to detect overloaded vehicles and stop them. The directorate of geology and mining i ...Read More >
DHARMAPURI: For the third time in the past two months, a wild leopard wandered into a private farmland near Valaithottam village near Palacode and hunted chicken raised by a local farmer. Locals are increasingly distressed and urged the forest department to take steps to relocate the leopard. Over the past few months, there have been several reports of leopard sightings in forest areas near Palacode, particularly in Valaithottam village, near the forest's fringe. There have been two instances when the leopard attacked farmlands, taking away a domestic dog and a chicken. On Saturday, the leop ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 3 (ANI): Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024 to expand the definition of mineral oils and include petroleum and natural gas passed in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The bill was introduced by Union petroleum and natural gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri for consideration and passing. The Bill will regulate the exploration and extraction of natural gas and petroleum. The amended bill expands the definition of mineral oils to include petroleum and natural gas in it. Also Read | Pune: Doctors Perform Rare Laser Surgery on Woman Pregnant With Monoam ...Read More >
Guwahati, May 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi launched a scathing attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday, citing recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids as "evidence of illegal coal mining operations" in the state, and also issued a clarification on his 'links' in Pakistan. Speaking to the media in Delhi for the first time after becoming the Assam unit chief of Congress, Gogoi pointed to the April 24 raids conducted across Assam and Meghalaya, where the ED reportedly unearthed a coal smuggling network, seizing Rs 1.58 crore in cash, digital devices, and ...Read More >
Maharashtra will use special camera drones (LiDAR drones) to check mining and make more money. Following the government conncern over losing money because companies dig up more soil and stone than they report. These drones will accurately measure what's being dug Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced on Saturday that the state government intends to utilise advanced LiDAR-based drone technology to monitor mining activities and boost revenue. This initiative will commence with a pilot project in the Pune district, reported news agency PTI. The state revenue minister highlight ...Read More >
Kolkata, June 28: A political slugfest has erupted in West Bengal after a woman accused Padma Shree awardee monk Kartik Maharaj, who is posted with the Murshidabad unit of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, of allegedly raping her 12 times for six months in 2013. As per the police complaint lodged by the woman, Kartik Maharaj raped her multiple times 12 years ago promising her a job at a local school. The ruling Trinamool Congress is highlighting the issue in a major way and accusing the BJP of being silent on it since the accused monk had been reportedly close to the saffron party. The woman accusin ...Read More >
New Delhi: On this day in 2024, India defeated South Africa by 7 runs and lifted the T20 World Cup title at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. India posted a 177-run target for the Proteas in 20 overs after opting to bat first. Virat Kohli smashed 76 runs off 59 balls with the help of six boundaries and two maximums. Axar Patel also batted brilliantly and scored 47 runs off 31 balls, hitting four maximums and one boundary in his sensational knock. Chasing the target of 177 runs, Bumrah provided India their first breakthrough when he removed Reeza Hendricks in the second over of the run-chase, ...Read More >
CHENNAI: Building on its successful engagement with Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd. (OMC), Garuda Aerospace, a leading drone technology company, has significantly expanded its presence in the mining sector. The company has secured contracts from Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited and the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute. Further solidifying its position in the mining sector, the company has also been awarded with tenders from the Department of Geology and Mining, the Government of Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand Exploration and Mining Corporation Limited, and the Greater Chennai Cor ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Friday released the Copper Vision Document and the Aluminium Vision Document at the international conference here on sustainable and responsible mining through best mine closure practices, organised by the Indian National Committee of the World Mining Congress. Reddy emphasised copper's vital contribution to India's energy transition, infrastructure growth, and green technologies such as electric vehicles and solar power. He stated that the Vision Document provides a long-term strategy to meet growing domestic demand while ensuri ...Read More >
Pune: Hospitals in Pune have started reporting an increase in dengue cases among children following recent heavy rainfall and intermittent showers. Conditions are now ripe for mosquito breeding, experts said, as they warned citizens to ensure there's no waterlogging or stagnant pools near homes and offices. "Dengue is typically seen first in children as they often play outside," said Dr Sagar Lad, a senior neonatologist and pediatric intensivist at Jehangir Hospital and Sahyadri Hospital, Shastrinagar. Dr Lad said he's seen at least three children admitted for dengue this week, with all of the ...Read More >
Guwahati, June 27: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday announced that his government will soon issue a blanket order to the Central Government to facilitate the exploration of Assam's mining potential. The announcement was made during the second edition of the North East Mining Ministers' Conclave, held in Guwahati. "This morning, we discussed granting a blanket exploration order for geological investigations. I want to commit that within a very short time, we will allow the Government of India to explore mining potential across," the Chief Minister said. He further informed that t ...Read More >
Guwahati, June 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy reaffirmed the Central Government's full support to the mineral and coal-rich North Eastern states at a Mining Ministers' Conclave held here on Saturday. Addressing the gathering on the second day of the event, the Minister highlighted the Centre's commitment to strengthening mining infrastructure, fast-track project approvals, and promoting sustainable mining practices in the region. He stated that the development of the North East is central to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, with the eight states -- Ass ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 2 (ANI): Coal production from captive and commercial mines in June 2025 reached 15.57 million tonnes (MT), while coal dispatches were recorded at 17.31 MT, according to the Ministry of Coal. These figures indicate a solid performance by the coal sector, which plays a crucial role in meeting the energy and raw material needs of key industries across the country. Also Read | Hemant Khandelwal Takes Charge As Madhya Pradesh BJP President, Replaces VD Sharma. The first quarter of the financial year 2025-26 has shown significant year-on-year growth. Coal production during ...Read More >
Guwahati: VL Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, underscored that the Geological Survey of India has identified over 36,000 square kilometres in the Northeast India as having mineral potential, translating to nearly 3,000 prospective mines. He highlighted that Assam has now firmly entered the national auction map, signalling a new era for mineral development. The 2nd North East Geology and Mining Ministers' Conclave was inaugurated in Guwahati, Assam on Friday. He called for expanding exploration and research, including leveraging Artificial Intelligence in mineral discovery. Notably, ...Read More >
Puri: Despite travel uncertainties due to recent conflicts in some parts of the world, people from Europe and elsewhere have reached Puri to witness the annual Ratha Yatra of the sibling deities.As non-Hindus are not allowed inside the 12th-century Jagannath Temple, the Ratha Yatra provides a rare opportunity for devotees across the world to see the deities in their full glory atop their majestic wooden chariots."Back home, we are surrounded by uncertainty and fear. But here, I found peace. I came because this is my only chance to see Lord Jagannath. He comes out for the whole world. This is v ...Read More >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 3 (ANI): Union Minister G Kishan Reddy on Thursday said the central government is actively encouraging private companies to mine and explore critical minerals overseas and bring them back into the country to serve the needs of the domestic industry. "We are encouraging private companies to mine and explore critical minerals overseas. We are for Indian private companies mining overseas and bringing minerals back into India. We are actively encouraging them," Reddy told reporters here. Also Read | New Zealand Nurse Undergoes Robotic Double Hip Replacement in ...Read More >