A six-time tribal Congress MLA and former excise minister, Kawasi Lakhma, was seen attending the first day of the budget session on Monday after Speaker Raman Singh gave him conditional permission. Lakhma was granted interim bail on February 3 by the Supreme Court in connection with two separate liquor scam cases filed by the ED and the state police. While the court directed the Congress leader to remain outside Chhattisgarh during the probe, it left the decision regarding his participation in assembly proceedings to the discretion of the Speaker. It is learned that Lakhma had earlier met the Speaker, following which the Assembly Secretariat reviewed the legalities and issued a conditional clearance.
Jindal Steel joins ‘Global Sustainability Elite’
Jindal Steel Ltd has achieved a milestone in corporate responsibility, securing a spot in the prestigious ‘2026 Sustainability Yearbook’ following a noteworthy 42-point jump in its Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) score. The firm continues to leverage its mine-to-metal model across facilities in Angul, Raigarh, and Patratu. This places Jindal Steel among an elite group of 11 steel companies selected globally for the Yearbook out of 129 assessed in the sector. The company’s CSA score surged from 30 to 72 out of 100, while its overall environmental, social, and governance score went from 37 to 74.
Prayagraj girl tops state judicial services exams
In the heart of Prayagraj, a city long celebrated as the nursery of India’s legal luminaries, Anjum Aara, a law graduate from a modest middle-class family, has secured Rank 1 in the Chhattisgarh Judicial Service Examination 2024. Outshining 57 successful candidates finally selected in the Chhattisgarh Civil Judge Junior Division Exam, Anjum’s journey is a persistence in resilience. While many would have crumbled after reaching the mains and interview stages in various judicial exams in states like Rajasthan, MP, Delhi, and Chhattisgarh only to face rejection, Anjum persevered. For her, those setbacks were lessons.
Ejaz Kaiser
Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh
ejaz@newindianexpress.com