A shortfall has left power plants with coal stocks significantly below the required levels. Some of the thermal power plants in Punjab currently have only four days of coal stock, while plants in Rajasthan are operating with less than five days of reserves.

Minister Joshi outlined the nation's ambitious target to eliminate coal imports by 2025-26, indicating significant progress towards this goal. He highlighted a reduction in coal imports for blending purposes in FY24 compared to the previous fiscal year, resulting in substantial savings amounting to Rs 82,264 crore.

The traders community is said to have sent copies of the letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Prime Minister’s Office and party national President JP Nadda seeking reconsideration of BJP candidate Dhullo Mahto's candidature from Dhanbad.

In FY24, coal imports for blending stood at approximately 22.20 million tonnes, down from 30.80 million tonnes in FY 2022-23. The government is striving to eliminate coal imports entirely by 2026.

On the business front, there's an anticipation for significant developments in the mining sector. The reopening of closed iron ore mines since April 2020, along with the renewal of old mining leases and the establishment of new ones, is seen as a potential boost for revenue and employment in the state.