National
India Launches Its First Exploration License Auction and AI-Powered Mineral Targeting Hackathon
Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant shared the stage at the event, which also featured a “Roadshow” for the fifth round of critical mineral block auctions and kickstarted the AI Hackathon 2025, themed “Mineral Targeting using Artificial Intelligence.”
The purpose of the AI Hackathon 2025 is to utilize advanced datasets to uncover hidden mineral deposits and foster innovation in sustainable mining practices.
Chaired by G. Kishan Reddy, the session convened leading officials from both state and central governments to discuss various important topics. Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Union Minister Reddy remarked, “For the first time, India is initiating systematic early-stage exploration through a structured and transparent auction process. This reform will accelerate the discovery of vital minerals, enhance investor confidence, and contribute to a self-sufficient, forward-looking mineral ecosystem that aligns with India’s clean energy and industrial goals.”
The discussions encompassed crucial issues, including strategies for auctioning unexplored mining blocks in Goa, plans for revitalizing dormant mines, and approaches for managing expired and lapsed leases in adherence to Section 10A(2) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
CM Sawant praised the Union government’s reformative measures, emphasizing that “Goa has a rich mining heritage, and we are dedicated to fostering responsible, technology-driven mineral development. These reforms will not only unleash India’s mineral potential but also generate new opportunities for sustainable mining.”
Updates on the operationalization of auctioned mining blocks and ongoing exploration projects were shared, putting a spotlight on the significant contributions of organizations like the Geological Survey of India and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd.
The Chief Minister underscored the economic benefits of reviving mining activities in Goa, noting their importance in strengthening the state economy and contributing to the Gross State Domestic Product. He also expressed gratitude to the Union government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their unwavering support in these initiatives.
The event concluded with the auction of 13 exploration license blocks covering essential minerals, including Rare Earth Elements (REEs), zinc, diamonds, copper, and Platinum Group Elements. This transparent bidding process is anticipated to enhance mineral exploration, increase private sector engagement, and bolster India’s technological and energy independence.
National
MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel
New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.
According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.
The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.
The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.
Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.
In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.
National
8 Patients Dead In Jaipur Hospital Fire
Jaipur: Eight patients died after a fire broke out at the trauma centre of the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late Sunday night.

Officials said the blaze started in the storage area of the Neuro ICU, possibly due to a short circuit. There were 11 patients in the ICU at the time. Smoke quickly spread, causing panic among patients and staff.
Hospital workers and attendants tried to rescue patients, even moving them out on their beds. Firefighters controlled the blaze in about two hours.
Families of the victims alleged that hospital staff ignored early warnings about smoke and fled during the fire.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and other ministers visited the hospital to review the situation and assured a detailed probe into the incident.
National
75-Year-Old Man Marries 35-Year-Old, Dies Before Honeymoon
Uttar Pradesh: A 75-year-old man who remarried in search of companionship died barely hours after his wedding, sparking shock and speculation in his village.

The deceased, identified as Sangruram, a resident of Kuchhmuchh village in Jaunpur district, had been living alone after losing his first wife a year ago. With no children, he supported himself through farming. Despite advice from relatives against remarriage, Sangruram wed 35-year-old Manbhavati, a resident of Jalalpur area, on Monday, September 29.
The marriage was first registered in court, followed by traditional rituals at a local temple. According to Manbhavati, the couple spent most of the wedding night conversing, as Sangruram assured her that she would take responsibility for the household while he would “take care of the children.”
However, by the next morning, his health deteriorated suddenly. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The unexpected death has triggered varied reactions in the village. While some residents believe it to be a natural occurrence given his age, others have expressed suspicion about the circumstances.
Relatives, including nephews residing in Delhi, have halted funeral rites until their arrival. They have also raised questions about whether a police inquiry or post-mortem examination will be conducted before the cremation.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding further investigation.
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