ON January 16, 2025, the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to allocate Rs 11,440 crore for the revival of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), popularly known as Vizag Steel. Minister of Steel and Mines, Kumara Swamy, visited Vizag Steel and announced the details of the revival package on January 29, 2025.The minister made it clear to trade union leaders in Visakhapatnam that the allocated amount would be used solely for debt repayment and not for the operation of Vizag Steel.

COAL has long been one of the largest sources of modern energy, powering industries, transportation, and most importantly, electricity generation. India, being one of the largest producers and consumers of coal, relies heavily on this fossil fuel to sustain its energy demands. Within India, Jharkhand holds a crucial position as one of the largest coal-producing states. With its vast reserves and mining infrastructure, Jharkhand plays a central role in meeting the country’s coal needs.

THE Students’ Federation of India (SFI) launched an all India campaign against hate, Ekta Express - running from December 6, 2024 to January 30, 2025, to combat communalism and uphold democratic values in educational institutions. As part of this nationwide campaign, ‘Ekta Express @ Mumbai: a Student Convention on Harmony and Campus Democracy’ was organised on January 18, 2025, at Mumbai, Maharashtra. The convention brought together students, academics, artists, and journalists in a collective effort to promote harmony and campus democracy.

THE 27th conference of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) Andhra Pradesh called for uniting all Left and secular forces to combat the growing communalism in the state. The conference resolved to resist government policies that allocate public funds and assets to corporates while burdening the people. It also emphasized strengthening the Party’s independent base, which is crucial for building Left unity. The conference was held in Nellore from February 1 to 3, 2025. Nellore is the home district of Comrade P Sundarayya, the founder of the communist movement in South India.

IN a historic victory for people's movements, the Union Ministry of Mines announced on January 23, 2025, the complete cancellation of the tungsten mining project in Melur, Madurai. The decision followed a meeting between Union Minister G Kishan Reddy and a delegation of farmers, acknowledging the need to protect the Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site and its cultural significance.