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Transformative E-Auctions, Lithium Innovations, and Sustainable Strategies Drive Chhattisgarh’s Mining Sector Forward

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Chhattisgarh has positioned itself as a leader in mineral governance, driven by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s vision of transparency, innovation, and sustainability, which has catalyzed remarkable economic growth.

Between April 2024 and February 2025, the state achieved mineral revenues of ₹11,581 crore, showcasing a 30-fold increase since its inception and building upon the ₹13,000 crore revenue of fiscal year 2023-24.

This impressive achievement is attributed to digitized policies, strategic e-auctions, and eco-friendly mining practices.

A significant milestone this fiscal year was the successful e-auction of 44 mineral blocks, including India’s inaugural lithium block located in the Katghora region of Korba. Awarded to South Mykey Mining Company at a 76% premium, this lithium reserve highlights Chhattisgarh’s pivotal role in supporting the National Critical Minerals Mission.

Furthermore, ten essential and deep-seated mineral blocks—comprising gold, nickel-chromium, graphite, and glauconite—have been auctioned, with ongoing explorations for additional lithium reserves in Sukma and Korba. The Bailadila region, known for housing the largest iron ore reserves in India, is undergoing the final stages of e-auctions for three new iron ore blocks, anticipated to conclude by March 2025. At the same time, the Hahaladdi iron ore block in Kanker district is also approaching its auction’s final phase, strengthening Chhattisgarh’s position as a hub for steelmaking resources.

To ensure industrial growth aligns with ecological responsibility, the state has implemented satellite surveillance and a Mining Surveillance System to combat illegal activities. A ‘star rating’ initiative encourages leaseholders to adopt sustainable practices, while systematic quarrying protocols work to reduce environmental impacts.

Revenues generated from mining are being reinvested into transformative community initiatives. The District Mineral Trust (DMT) allocated ₹1,673 crore in FY 2024-25 for 9,362 projects aimed at improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, and skill development in areas impacted by mining.

Chhattisgarh is actively advancing mineral exploration with 13 ongoing projects, helping to uncover reserves of 283 million tonnes of limestone, 67 million tonnes of iron ore, and 300,000 tonnes of bauxite. Surveys for gold, graphite, and glauconite are in progress, while proposals for uranium exploration in Surajpur’s Jajawal and coal bed methane licenses in Koriya are awaiting approval.

In alignment with the National Mineral Exploration Trust, the state intends to create its own exploration entity to promote the development of minor minerals.

With 28 mineral varieties, including coal, gold, and platinum group elements, Chhattisgarh is utilizing transparent governance and sustainable practices to reinforce its status as India’s mining capital.

“Under the guidance of CM Vishnu Deo Sai and PM Modi, our government’s commitment to innovation and inclusive growth is transforming mineral resources into long-term prosperity,” said Mahesh Gagda, former minister and senior BJP leader in Chhattisgarh.

As the state progresses towards green industrialization, Chhattisgarh’s framework of digital efficiency, environmental care, and social reinvestment is establishing a national standard, paving the way for sustainable growth in resource-rich regions.

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MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

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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.

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8 Patients Dead In Jaipur Hospital Fire

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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.

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75-Year-Old Man Marries 35-Year-Old, Dies Before Honeymoon

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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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