Minerals (UP Geography).
Syllabus: UPPCS Mains GS5 & GS6 (UP-specific) + Prelims UP GK
On 17 September 2026 the Ministry of Coal said that, as on 15 September, none of UPRVUNL's thermal plants was in the critical coal-stock category. It urged UP to develop the Saharpur Jamarpani captive block in Dumka, Jharkhand, which holds over 973 million tonnes and was allotted to UPRVUNL in 2015 but is still not operational.
UPPCS angle: GS-VI: UP energy security and power sector.
17 Sep 2026
On 23 March 2026 the UP Cabinet approved ₹2242.90 crore to develop the Pachhwara South coal block allotted to Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Ltd, in line with the Coal Ministry's approval. Its coal will mainly feed the Ghatampur thermal power project in Kanpur Nagar. Mining began on 19 December 2025, and coal dispatch is targeted from August 2026.
UPPCS angle: GS-VI: power sector of UP. Use Ghatampur and its captive coal block in answers on energy security.
23 Mar 2026
On 10 March 2026 the UP Cabinet again named MSTC Ltd as the auction platform provider and SBI Capital Markets Ltd as transaction adviser for e-tender-cum-e-auction of major mineral blocks. The earlier contract ended on 9 February 2026. SBI Capital Markets is engaged for one year. UP has so far auctioned 6 composite licence and 3 mining lease blocks.
UPPCS angle: GS-VI: mineral resources and governance in UP. Use as an example of transparent allocation of natural resources.
10 Mar 2026
DMF money must reach mining-affected areas like Sonbhadra, which PMKKKY rules enforce.
UPPCS angle: GS-VI: mining and local welfare.
26 Sep 2025