Jharkhand

Ranchi, Jharkhand, Feb 12, 2026: The upcoming municipal elections in Jharkhand, scheduled for February 23, are shaping up as a high-stakes triangular contest, with the results to be declared four days later. Held after a five-year gap, this cycle of elections is unique as it is being conducted on a non-party basis, a move that has significantly altered the political dynamics. The ruling India Bloc’s two key allies—the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress—have officially backed candidates for major positions in most municipal bodies. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), traditionally strong in urban centers, is preparing aggressively to contest against both parties. Official support has been declared for candidates in nine municipal corporations for mayoral positions, as wel...

Ranchi, Feb 12, 2026: School children in Jharkhand and other parts of India will now be able to update their Aadhaar biometrics free of charge. Children turning 5 and 15 years old are entitled to a one-year window for updating their biometric data without any fees, a move expected to benefit millions of students. Free Aadhaar Updates for StudentsThe Jharkhand government has clarified that students studying in government schools between the ages of 7 and 15 will not be charged for Aadhaar updates until September 30, 2026. Earlier, children aged 5–7 and 15–17 were already exempt from fees. Shashi Ranjan, State Project Director of the Jharkhand Education Project Council, issued special instructions to all districts to ensure that biometric updates for this age group are treated as a priori...

Ranchi, Jharkhand: Over 400 teachers in Ranchi have received notices from the district administration after they missed mandatory election training due to their ongoing duties in board examinations. The move comes as the administration steps up preparations for fair and smooth municipal elections. Election Training Coincides with Board Exams The Jharkhand Board is currently conducting matriculation exams until February 17 and intermediate exams until February 23. Simultaneously, the district administration has been running training programs for teachers and other staff in connection with upcoming municipal elections. Many teachers on examination duty could not attend the training, prompting administrative action. Notices Issued; 24-Hour Response Required The Ranchi district adm...

Khunti, Jharkhand: In a brazen act of crime, armed robbers shot at a young man during a road robbery in Khunti district. The incident occurred in the Murhu police station area, where the assailants had laid a trap on the road, targeting travelers and vehicles. The victim, identified as Vishwanath Mahto of Gurmi village, was returning home from a local fair on Sunday when four armed men suddenly blocked the road. Sensing the danger, Vishwanath attempted to escape by speeding his vehicle. Frustrated by his escape, the robbers opened fire from behind. One bullet hit Vishwanath in the thigh and passed through, but despite his injuries, he managed to reach a safe spot. Local residents and family members immediately rushed him to Khunti Sadar Hospital, where he is currently under medical o...

Ranchi:The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the alleged tender commission scam in Jharkhand’s Rural Development Department by issuing summons to around 12 engineers for interrogation. The engineers include officials of various ranks such as Executive Engineers (EE), Assistant Engineers (AE), and Junior Engineers (JE). According to sources, the ED has directed all the summoned officers to appear at its Ranchi zonal office on different dates for questioning, as the agency seeks to uncover the complete network behind the alleged corruption racket. Deep-rooted Corruption Syndicate Under Scanner Preliminary findings of the ED suggest that a well-organised corruption syndicate was operating within the Rural Development Department. Investigators believe...

Ranchi, Jharkhand: With municipal elections around the corner, Ranchi Police are on high alert to ensure peaceful voting in the city. Over 500 individuals with criminal backgrounds have been issued notices under Section 163, and those released on bail will now have to report to their local police stations weekly as part of a strict monitoring mechanism. Tough Measures for Potential Election Disruptors: Under the directives of City SP Paras Rana, all DSPs and station heads have been tasked with verifying the backgrounds of suspected offenders. The administration has made it clear that any attempt to disrupt the electoral process or instigate violence will not be tolerated. Police are combing through past records and keeping a 24-hour watch on suspicious activities to allow citizens to...

Gaya, Bihar: A 45-day mega block has been imposed at Gaya Junction from February 5 to March 21 for the reconstruction of platforms 2 and 3, affecting the operations of several trains. The Patna-Gaya MEMU train has been canceled, while eight other trains will continue to run for passenger convenience. Passengers are advised to check updated timetables due to multiple route changes. Platform Reconstruction and Passenger Measures The Indian Railways has directed concerned departments to minimize passenger inconvenience during construction. Special monitoring has been ordered to ensure proper train operations and timely updates regarding platform changes to avoid confusion at the station. Trains Rerouted During Mega Block Bhabhua-Patna Intercity, Ganga-Damodar Express, Buddha Purn...

Kodarma, Jharkhand: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren is set to address a grand public rally today at Lokai Maidan in Kodarma. The event marks the official entry of prominent local leader Shalini Gupta into the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a move expected to significantly reshape local political dynamics. With top party leaders present, the rally is being organized on a historic scale, with strict security arrangements in place. Shalini Gupta’s Entry Shakes Up Local Politics Kodarma, often called the “Gateway of Jharkhand,” has long been a politically strategic seat. Shalini Gupta’s decision to join JMM prevents Subhash Yadav, a close aide of Lalu Prasad Yadav and former sand businessman, from easily fulfilling his legislative ambitions. CM Hemant Soren’s rally at Lokai Maidan a...

Ranchi, Jharkhand: The Jharkhand High Court has expressed serious concern over encroachments in the areas surrounding Ranchi’s three major dams—Kanke, Dhurwa, and Getalsud—and directed the district administration to submit a detailed report. Court Seeks Comprehensive Report The court asked the Ranchi Deputy Commissioner, via affidavit, to clarify the total land acquired for these three dams, how much of it has been encroached upon, and what measures have been taken so far to remove the illegal settlements. The High Court also inquired whether surveys of the dams and their catchment areas have ever been conducted. Reports on compliance with earlier court orders were also requested from the Ranchi Municipal Corporation. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for March 26, 2026...