Singareni to Venture into Lithium and Graphite Mining

09 Jan 2025 CW Team

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka announced that the government plans to expand Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) into lithium, graphite, and other mineral mining.

The government is set to invite global experts to guide the expansion of Singareni’s mining operations beyond coal fields, ensuring a brighter future for both the company and its employees. This move is in line with the government's long-term vision for the company’s growth.

Vikramarka made the remarks during a programme where the government awarded Rs 1 lakh to each of the 20 students selected for UPSC interviews after passing the Civils mains, under the Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhaya Hastham scheme.

He criticised the previous BRS government for using SCCL for political purposes, rather than focusing on enhancing its international stature. "The Congress government prioritises the welfare of Singareni employees, believing that when workers are well-cared for, they contribute to the company’s growth," he remarked.

Vikramarka highlighted plans to transform Singareni into a globally recognised institution, moving towards green energy projects in unused mining areas, including solar and pumped storage projects. Recognising the shift away from coal, the Congress government aims to use Singareni’s century-long mining expertise to explore lithium and graphite mining.

The government is also constructing integrated residential schools in each assembly constituency under Singareni, with a minimum cost of Rs 200 crore, to benefit the children of Singareni employees and workers.

Infrastructure Transport

09 Jan 2026

India Becomes First to Produce Bio-Bitumen for Roads

India has become the first country in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen for use in road construction, according to Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. Bitumen, a black and viscous hydrocarbon derived from crude oil, is a key binding material in road building, and the bio-based alternative is expected to significantly improve the sector’s environmental footprint.Addressing the CSIR Technology Transfer Ceremony in New Delhi, Mr Gadkari congratulated Council of Scientific and Industrial Research on achieving the milestone, noting that the initiative would help curb ..

HILT Policy Seen Boosting Telangana Revenue Sharply

The Hyderabad Industrial Land Transformation (HILT) Policy is expected to generate around Rs 1.08 billion in revenue for the Telangana state exchequer, according to Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu. Speaking in the Telangana Legislative Assembly, he said the policy would be implemented within a six-month timeframe in a transparent manner, with uniform rules applicable to all stakeholders. Mr Vikramarka noted that without the HILT Policy, the state would have earned only about Rs 1.2 million per acre. Under the new framework, however, revenue is projected to rise sharply to Rs 70 ..

India Post, MoRD Tie Up to Boost Rural Inclusion

The Department of Posts and the Ministry of Rural Development have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate rural transformation and expand financial, digital and logistics services for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural households across India. The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The collaboration aligns with the government’s “Dak Sewa, Jan Sewa” vision and seeks to repositi..