mining regulations

The Supreme Court has formed a five-member high-powered committee to redefine the 'Aravali hills and ranges', dropping the controversial 100m height criterion. This committee will assess the ecological impact of regulated mining and identify areas excluded from protection, aiming to prevent further degradation of the ancient mountain ranges.

The action follows directions issued by minister for natural resources, minerals and mines T K Prabhu based on complaints that several quarries were extracting minerals beyond approved limits and violating environmental norms. Allegations had also surfaced that quarry monitoring mechanisms were not functioning effectively in some areas.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated searches against the Vedanta Group as part of a Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) investigation. The action against the mining conglomerate, promoted by Anil Agarwal, commenced on Monday. Further details regarding the ongoing FEMA probe are yet to be disclosed by the central agency.

Enforcement Directorate officials conducted searches at multiple Vedanta Ltd locations across Delhi, Mumbai, and Udaipur on Monday. The agency is investigating suspected violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) concerning brand royalty transactions between Vedanta Resources in the UK and its Indian subsidiary. Vedanta stated it is cooperating fully with the authorities.

Contract workers in India may soon see a mandatory 2% annual salary increase under new central labour code rules. This provision, effective May 8, 2026, targets 'regularly employed' contract staff, potentially reclassifying them and offering enhanced protections. The rule applies to central government-controlled sectors, with states needing to adopt similar measures for wider implementation.

The US has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran's new Strait of Hormuz authority, escalating economic pressure. This follows US strikes on Iranian military sites after drone downings. The sanctions target the agency regulating transit and charging tolls, impacting global oil and gas supplies. Negotiations for a war-ending deal continue amidst heightened tensions.

In 1972, French scientists discovered a natural nuclear reactor in Gabon's Oklo uranium deposit. Analysis revealed less uranium-235 than expected, indicating sustained nuclear fission reactions had occurred billions of years ago. This unique geological site provides insights into ancient Earth processes and radioactive material behavior.

Pope Leo XIV issued a landmark encyclical on artificial intelligence, "Magnifica Humanitas," warning against its unchecked development by profit-driven companies. He urged robust legal frameworks and political oversight to prevent AI from deepening inequality, devaluing work, and escalating conflict, drawing parallels to the Industrial Revolution.

The Orissa High Court has ruled that statutory authorities cannot usurp powers not expressly conferred by law. The court stayed an interim suspension order on a sand quarry lessee, finding no provision in the Odisha Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2016, for such immediate action pending adjudication of alleged violations.

Mumbai's groundwater has been declared 'Safe' by the GSDA, despite the agency admitting it lacks data on commercial extraction, tanker withdrawals, and illegal borewells. This contradiction raises serious questions about the assessment's scientific basis, especially given rampant extraction and saline water intrusion into wells.

Empowering children with everyday choices fosters independence and responsibility. Allowing them to select clothes, manage free time, pick healthy meals from options, choose reading material, and organize personal space cultivates crucial life skills. This guided freedom, within safe boundaries, helps children develop confidence and learn to think for themselves, rather than simply following instructions.

The Orissa High Court has stayed an interim suspension order on a sand quarry lessee, ruling that statutory authorities cannot "usurp power" not expressly conferred by law. The court found no provision in the 2016 Rules authorizing interim suspension of quarry operations pending adjudication of alleged violations. The matter is listed for further hearing.

West Bengal has banned cow slaughter without valid fitness certificates, citing a 1950 law and a 2018 court order. Only municipal chairmen and government vets can issue joint certificates for animals over 14 years or incapacitated. The state also ordered zero tolerance for illegal cattle trade and slaughterhouses, with violators facing jail and fines.