Politics – Kawasi Lakhma Attends Budget Session After Bail Relief
Politics – A senior Congress leader returned to the Chhattisgarh Assembly on Monday, while a major steel producer earned global recognition for sustainability standards, and a young law graduate from Prayagraj secured the top rank in a state judicial services examination.
Lakhma Present on Opening Day of Budget Session
Six-time tribal Congress MLA and former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma took his seat in the Assembly on the first day of the budget session after receiving conditional approval from Speaker Raman Singh. His appearance came days after the Supreme Court granted him interim bail on February 3 in connection with two separate liquor scam cases being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate and the state police.
While granting relief, the apex court directed Lakhma to stay outside Chhattisgarh during the course of the investigation. However, it left the matter of his participation in legislative proceedings to the discretion of the Speaker.
According to sources familiar with the development, Lakhma had met the Speaker ahead of the session. Following that interaction, the Assembly Secretariat examined the legal provisions and subsequently issued conditional clearance allowing him to attend the proceedings.
The development drew attention within political circles, given the ongoing probe and the timing of the Assembly’s crucial budget discussions.
Jindal Steel Earns Global Sustainability Recognition
In the corporate sector, Jindal Steel Ltd marked a significant achievement by securing a place in the 2026 Sustainability Yearbook, an international benchmark that recognises companies demonstrating strong environmental, social, and governance practices.
The recognition followed a sharp improvement in the company’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment score, which rose by 42 points. Its CSA score climbed from 30 to 72 out of 100, while its broader ESG score increased from 37 to 74.
The company operates an integrated mine-to-metal business model across its major facilities in Angul, Raigarh, and Patratu. This operational structure has been cited as a contributing factor in improving efficiency and sustainability outcomes.
Out of 129 global steel companies evaluated, only 11 were selected for inclusion in the Yearbook. Jindal Steel’s entry into this select group highlights its growing emphasis on responsible production practices and governance standards in a sector often scrutinised for environmental impact.
Industry observers note that global investors are increasingly factoring ESG metrics into decision-making, making such recognition strategically important for companies seeking long-term growth.
Prayagraj Graduate Secures Top Rank in Judicial Services
In an academic achievement that has drawn admiration, Anjum Aara from Prayagraj secured Rank 1 in the Chhattisgarh Judicial Service Examination 2024. She topped the merit list among 57 candidates who were ultimately selected in the Civil Judge Junior Division examination.
Coming from a middle-class family, Anjum’s journey reflects years of preparation and repeated attempts. She had earlier reached the mains and interview stages in several judicial service examinations conducted in states including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Chhattisgarh, but did not make the final list.
Rather than being discouraged by those outcomes, she continued her preparation with renewed focus. Her eventual success in Chhattisgarh marks a significant milestone not only in her personal career but also for her hometown of Prayagraj, a city long associated with legal scholarship and public service.
Legal educators say that competitive judicial examinations demand both conceptual clarity and sustained discipline, often requiring candidates to persevere through multiple attempts before achieving success.
Anjum’s accomplishment underscores the importance of resilience in competitive examinations and adds another name to the list of young legal professionals entering the judiciary through merit-based selection.