Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS (1995: AGMUT), assumed charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Government of India on July 27, 2026. Immediately after assuming office, he chaired a meeting with senior ministry officials to review key initiatives and ongoing activities. During the briefing, officials presented important programs related to mineral exploration, auction and operationalization of mineral blocks, and critical and strategic minerals development. Secretary Chandra emphasized the need for coordinated efforts and effective implementation of the ministry's key initiatives to strengthen India's mineral sector. The meeting covered various key areas of the mining and mineral sector, though no specific financial figures, targets, or policy changes were disclosed in this administrative announcement.