Welcome to your Daily Jharkhand News digest for April 24, 2025 β a comprehensive roundup of the most relevant updates across the state, specially curated for JPSC, JSSC, and other competitive exam aspirants.
π‘οΈ Jharkhand to be Naxalism-Free by Monsoon: DGP
ποΈ Source: Hindustan Times Ranchi
π Paper: Indian Polity & Governance / Internal Security (JPSC Mains Paper 4)
Jharkhand DGP Anurag Gupta revealed a bold timeline to eliminate Naxalism before the monsoon. This follows a critical operation at Lugu Pahad in Bokaro, which led to the death of eight top Maoists. The crackdown reflects effective deployment strategies and intelligence-based policing. It’s being hailed as a landmark development in Jharkhand’s decades-long battle with left-wing extremism.
β Points to Remember:
- 8 top Maoists neutralised in Bokaro’s Lugu Pahad.
- Security personnel were redeployed from Saranda.
- First major strike of such magnitude in 25 years.
- Push for mop-up operations before the monsoon.
- Marks a tactical shift in counter-insurgency.
π° Revenue Collection Hits 85.74% of Target
ποΈ Source: Hindustan Times Ranchi
π Paper: Economy of Jharkhand (JPSC Mains Paper 5)
Jharkhand’s revenue receipts for FY 2024-25 stood at βΉ22,292.25 crore out of the targeted βΉ26,000 crore. SGST alone contributed βΉ14,210.10 crore. The growth trajectory is promising, marked by transparency and timely fund disbursements.
β Points to Remember:
- SGST collection: βΉ14,210.10 crore.
- Overall growth: 56.04% from FY 2019-20.
- Revenue expenditure: βΉ1,18,279.69 crore.
- Development-focused allocations.
- Emphasis on e-governance and audits.
ποΈ Urban Governance Crisis
ποΈ Source: Hindustan Times
π Paper: Governance & Urban Development (JPSC Mains Paper 4)
CAG’s audit paints a grim picture of urban administration. Over 60% of municipalities, including in Jharkhand, havenβt held local body elections on time. This undermines grassroots planning and accountability.
β Points to Remember:
- 60% ULBs face overdue elections.
- Weak planning structures.
- Non-functional ward committees.
- 3Fs (Funds, Functions, Functionaries) not devolved.
- Urgent need for urban reforms.
π± Groundwater Crisis in Jharkhand
ποΈ Source: Live Hindustan Ranchi
π Paper: Environment & Governance (JPSC Mains Paper 4 & 6)
The Centre alerted Jharkhand to depleting groundwater amidst intense heatwaves. It called for alternate provisioning methods and emphasised emergency drought-readiness.
β Points to Remember:
- Advisory issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
- 24% of handpumps are non-functional.
- Emphasis on borewells, tankers, and handpumps.
- Special focus on rural blocks.
- State told to monitor groundwater weekly.
π·ββοΈ Dairy Production Target: 10 Lakh Litres/Day by 2029
ποΈ Source: Live Hindustan Ranchi
π Paper: Agriculture & Economy (JPSC Mains Paper 5 & 6)
Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey set a massive goal for Jharkhandβs dairy sector. The JMF will spearhead efforts to reach 1 million litres/day by 2029. This will boost rural incomes and women’s empowerment.
β Points to Remember:
- Current output: Over 1 lakh litres/day.
- Target: 10 lakh litres/day by 2029.
- JMF annual turnover: βΉ430 crore.
- Farmersβ co-operatives to play key role.
- NDDB support to phase out by 2029.
ποΈ HC Criticizes Delay in Jail Manual Implementation
ποΈ Source: Live Hindustan Ranchi
π Paper: Governance & Polity (JPSC Mains Paper 4)
The Jharkhand High Court has expressed concern over the state’s non-compliance with Supreme Court directions on prison reform. A modern jail manual is still pending. The Home Secretary has been summoned.
β Points to Remember:
- Modern jail manual overdue.
- SC orders not implemented.
- Human rights and Article 21 issues.
- Accountability of prison management was raised.
- Next hearing: April 28, 2025.
π‘ Panchayati Raj Boost for Inclusive Development
ποΈ Source: Live Hindustan Ranchi
π Paper: Panchayati Raj & Local Governance (JPSC Mains Paper 4)
Minister Dipika Pandey Singh is championing Gram Panchayats with direct participation in rural schemes and inter-state learning initiatives.
β Points to Remember:
- Stronger PRI roles in health and education.
- Targeting PVTG inclusion.
- Learning from Kerala and Rajasthan.
- Partnerships with NGOs.
- Focus on decentralization.
π HC Orders Forest Dept Hiring After Elephant Deaths
ποΈ Source: Live Hindustan Ranchi
π Paper: Governance & Environment (JPSC Mains Paper 4 & 6)
Suo motu action was taken by the Jharkhand High Court following the tragic deaths of two elephants attributed to administrative negligence and lack of manpower. The court underscored the constitutional responsibility under Article 48A of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which mandates the state to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife. Recognising that unfilled positions in the Forest Department have led to ineffective surveillance and delayed response to wildlife threats, the HC directed the state government to expedite recruitment.
β Points to Remember:
- HC took suo motu action after elephant deaths.
- Recruitment in Forest Department is to be completed by June 2025.
- Staffing shortfalls are cited as a key issue.
- Invoked Article 48A of the Indian Constitution.
- Court demanded a status report on recruitment and conservation efforts.
π¦ Deer Death Reveals Deeper Crisis
ποΈ Source: The Avenue Mail, Jamshedpur
π Paper: Environment & Governance (JPSC Mains Paper 6 & 4)
A male deer was recently mauled to death by stray dogs after it wandered into a village in search of water amid severe summer conditions. The incident, the second in just two weeks, has spotlighted a serious wildlife management failure in Jharkhand. The lack of water in protected forest zones reflects not just ecological stress but also lapses in preparedness by the Forest Department. The situation also resonates with the Article 48A mandate that obligates states to protect wildlife and their habitats.
β Points to Remember:
- The incident occurred in Palamuβs Medininagar division.
- Deer sought water outside the protected area due to scarcity.
- Carcass buried intact to prevent poaching of hide/antlers.
- The incident reflects climate-induced stress and governance gaps.
- Reaffirms the stateβs duty under Article 48A to safeguard wildlife.
π Project Anveshana 2.0
ποΈ Source: The Avenue Mail
π Paper: Education & Development
Students from 25 government schools will tour top industry facilities like Tata Motors and CSIR labs to gain STEM exposure under Project Anveshana 2.0.
β Points to Remember:
- Real-world STEM exposure.
- Includes industrial visits & conservation awareness.
- Classes 9β12 to benefit.
- Emphasis on career aspiration.
- Special safety logistics in place.
π Indus Waters Treaty Suspended
ποΈ Source: The Pioneer
π Paper: International Relations
India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following a terror attack in Kashmir. Strong diplomatic steps were taken.
β Points to Remember:
- Treaty (1960) suspended.
- SAARC visa for Pakistan revoked.
- Attari checkpost closed.
- Strong signal post-attack.
- India demands end to terror support.
βοΈ βRight to Coolβ for Informal Workers
ποΈ Source: The Hindu
π Paper: Governance, Sustainable Development
Experts demand legal status for the βRight to Coolβ under Article 21 for informal workers exposed to heatwaves, especially women vendors.
β Points to Remember:
- Proposal for paid heat leave.
- Mobile cooling units suggested.
- Focus on gender equity.
- Article 21 linked.
- Urban heatwaves are worsening.
π¦ Lipids & Evolution: Scientific Insight
ποΈ Source: The Hindu Science Section
π Paper: Science & Tech
New findings show lipids influence cellular evolution and protein interactions, offering potential breakthroughs in medicine and biochemistry.
β Points to Remember:
- Lipids key to respiration.
- Mitochondrial RC1 studied.
- Human vs. plant lipid differences.
- Impacts drug development.
- May aid cholesterol research.
π VP Vanceβs India Visit Strengthens Ties
ποΈ Source: The Hindu Editorial
π Paper: International Relations
US VP J.D. Vance visited India during a sensitive period, pushing trade agreements and defence cooperation.
β Points to Remember:
- BTA terms finalised.
- F-35s and nuclear talks held.
- India urged to amend liability laws.
- US visa issues discussed.
- Reinforces Indo-Pacific focus.
Jharkhand Current Affairs MCQs (April 24, 2025)
1. With reference to the recent actions by the Jharkhand High Court, consider the following statements:
-
The HC invoked Article 48A of the Constitution concerning environmental protection.
-
It directed the state to conduct local body elections within six months.
-
The HC took suo motu action regarding elephant deaths caused by administrative failure.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2. What is Article 48A of the Indian Constitution concerned with?
(a) Protection of monuments and places of historical interest
(b) Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife
(c) Right to education
(d) Organization of village panchayats
3. Which of the following correctly describes βProject Anveshana 2.0β?
(a) A government initiative for water conservation in drought-hit regions
(b) A program to support elderly citizens through digital literacy
(c) An educational exposure program for government school students to visit industrial labs and STEM institutes
(d) A skill training mission for rural artisans
4. Consider the following statements about the dairy sector initiative in Jharkhand:
-
The target is to achieve 1 crore litres of milk production per day by 2029.
-
The National Dairy Development Board will continue its support beyond 2029.
-
The Jharkhand Milk Federation is spearheading the initiative.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
5. In the context of the Indus Waters Treaty, which of the following rivers is NOT covered under the Treaty?
(a) Ravi
(b) Beas
(c) Sutlej
(d) Yamuna
6. Consider the following developments regarding urban governance:
-
Over 60% of ULBs in Jharkhand havenβt held timely local body elections.
-
The 3Fs (Funds, Functions, Functionaries) have been fully devolved to ULBs.
-
Ward committees are functional and efficient in all ULBs.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
7. Article 21 of the Constitution, which was cited in relation to heat stress management, guarantees:
(a) Right to equality
(b) Right to life and personal liberty
(c) Right to education
(d) Right to form associations
8. Which one of the following ministries issued an advisory to Jharkhand regarding groundwater depletion?
(a) Ministry of Rural Development
(b) Ministry of Jal Shakti
(c) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(d) Ministry of Earth Sciences
β Answer Key
-
(b) β 1 and 3 only
-
(b) β Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife
-
(c) β An educational exposure program for government school students to visit industrial labs and STEM institutes
-
(c) β 3 only
-
(d) β Yamuna
-
(a) β 1 only
-
(b) β Right to life and personal liberty
-
(b) β Ministry of Jal Shakti
