A bullet pierced through my arm: Guj man on Pahalgam attack
Vinubhai Dabhi and his wife Lilaben, residents of Bhavnagar, Gujarat, recounted their harrowing experience during the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. Dabhi was injured by bullets while his wife witnessed the shooting of a young man, Smit Parmar. They both highlight the lack of security presence during the incident.
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Akshaya Tritiya 2025: Western Railway Announces Special Trains From Bandra To Bhavnagar Terminus; Check Details Free Press Journal
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Terrorist Was Laughing After Shooting My Husband, Says Pahalgam Victims Wife
AHMEDABAD, Apr 24: The wife of Surat resident Shailesh Kalathiya, who lost his life in the terror attack in Kashmirs Pahalgam, on Thursday said terrorists showed no remorse as they were seen laughing after shooting her husband dead. Three Gujarat residents, including Kalathiya, were among the 26 persons killed in the terror attack in south Kashmirs Pahalgam town on Tuesday. Two other victims from the state Yatish Parmar and his son Smit were from Bhavnagar city. The three [] The post Terrorist Was Laughing After Shooting My Husband, Says Pahalgam Victims Wife appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Mortal remains of victims of Pahalgam terror attack return to their homes
The aftermath of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, has brought immense sorrow to families and communities across India. As the mortal remains of the victims were flown back to their hometowns, the grief of the loss was felt across the nation. The journey of these fallen individuals, from the places of death to their final resting places, serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the tragedy that struck innocent lives. The mortal remains of Manish Ranjan, a section officer with the Intelligence Bureau (IB), reached Ranchi on Thursday morning. Ranjan, who had travelled to Kashmir with his family for a vacation, was tragically killed in the terror attack. He had been posted in Hyderabad and was on a much-needed break. Upon arrival at Ranchi Airport, the body was solemnly received by local leaders and officials, including Babulal Marandi, the BJP president of Jharkhand. From there, his remains were taken to Jhalda in West Bengals Purulia district, his native place, where his family awaited him for his final rites. Corporal Tage Hailyang, a member of the Indian Air Force from Arunachal Pradesh, also lost his life in the attack. Hailyang had been on vacation in Kashmir with his wife when he was killed. His mortal remains were flown back to Guwahati on a special flight in the early hours of Thursday. Assams Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah was present at the Air Force base to receive the body and pay tribute to the brave soldier. Hailyangs wife, who survived the attack,accompanied his remains. From Guwahati, his body was to be transported to his native village in Lower Subansiri district for the final rites, surrounded by loved ones and the local community. The father-son duo from Gujarat, Yatish Parmar and his son Smit, had travelled to Kashmir to attend the spiritual discourse of Morari Bapu. Their journey, meant to bring peace and insight, ended in a devastating tragedy. Their mortal remains were brought back to Ahmedabad from Mumbai, where they had been flown after the attack. Gujarats Health Minister Rushikesh Patel and Minister of State for Health Harsh Sanghavi were among those who paid floral tributes at the airport. From there, the bodies were transported to Bhavnagar for the last rites, where Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is expected to attend the funeral. Suresh Kalathiya, a victim from Surat, also suffered an immense loss. Kalathiya had gone to Pahalgam with his wife and two children for a holiday, but the terror attack turned their lives upside down. Kalathiya, who had recently moved to Mumbai for work, was among those killed while his family survived the brutal assault. His mortal remains were brought back to Surat from Mumbai on Wednesday night, where they were received by Union Minister CR Paatil and other local dignitaries. Kalathiyas family, including his wife and children, also returned to Surat with the body. His final rites are set to be held in Surat, where his community and loved ones will gather to pay their respects. From Pune, the remains of victims Santosh Jagdale and Kaustubh Ganbote, two tourists who had been holidaying in Kashmir with their families, were returned to their hometowns. The bodies of both men were flown back to Pune early on Thursday morning, where Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol was present to receive them at the airport. Jagdale, who ran an interior design business, and Ganbote, a farsan entrepreneur, had travelled to Kashmir to enjoy a rare vacation away from their busy lives. The families of both men were left reeling from the loss, their last rites were held at the Vaikunth Crematorium later that morning. Ganbote and Jagdale were close friends, and Jagdale often helped with the marketing of Ganbote's products. Prashant Satapathy, a victim from Odisha, also received a tribute from the states Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who met the mortal remains at Bhubaneshwar Airport. The body was sent to Satapathys native village, where Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is expected to attend the funeral rites. The state leaders condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the grieving families, emphasizing the need for strong action against the perpetrators. The government, political leaders, and citizens alike have come together to mourn the victims. The terror attack has left a deep scar, but the nations collective response serves as a reminder of the shared grief and determination to stand against terrorism.
Amid the grieving cries and mourning, the mortal remains of the father and son duo, Yatish Parmar and Sumit Parmar, who tragically lost their lives in Tuesdays terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, have been brought back to their residence in Bhavnagar on Thursday morning. The two victims were among 26 innocent lives lost []
AHMEDABAD: A brutal terror strike rocked Pahalgam , Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, claiming 28 lives three of them from Gujarat. Among the victims were a father-son duo from Bhavnagar and a young Bank employee from Surat. Tragedy struck a 20-member Bhavnagar tour group in Jammu and Kashmir when 45-year-old Yatishbhai Parmar and his 17-year-old son Smit were confirmed dead in the Pahalgam terror attack. The two, residents of Kaliyabid, had been missing along with Kajalben Parmar who was later found safe. Yatish ran a salon in Bhavnagar; Smit was an 11th-grade student. Their bodies, along with that of Surats Shaileshbhai Kalthiya also killed in the attack will be brought back for last rites in their hometowns. Twenty people from Bhavnagar had gone to Kashmir, said Bhavnagar District Collector Dr. Manish Kumar Bansal. Among them, a father and son from the Kaliyabid area were killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam yesterday. One more person was injured and is currently receiving treatment there. He added, The bodies of the deceased will be brought by air from Srinagar to Mumbai on a 3 pm flight, and then transported to Bhavnagar. Additionally, 17 other people will also be safely brought back to Mumbai by air and then to Bhavnagar. Heaven on earth turned to hell: Families in grief, horror after Pahalgam terror attack A wave of sorrow has swept through the Kalthia family and their loved ones, as news breaks of the untimely passing of Shailesh Himmatbhai Kalthia. Originally from the quiet village of Dhufania in Damnagar, Amreli, Shaileshbhai had built a life in the bustling city of Surat. His house in Chikuwadi, Nana Varachha, now stands somber and silent a poignant reminder of his absence. While the first floor of the residence remains rented out, the main house has been closed since his father returned to their native village two years ago, following the heartbreaking loss of Shaileshbhais mother. The only brother to four sisters, Shaileshbhai held a special place in the hearts of his family. Professionally, Shaileshbhai served with dedication at the State Bank of India (SBI). For the past year, he was based in Mumbai, living with his family and continuing his service with quiet diligence. Before that, he spent nine years in Vadodara. The body of Shailesh, who lost his life in the terrorist attack in Kashmir, is being brought by air, said Mamlatdar A.R. Nayak. It will be flown from Srinagar to Delhi, and then from Delhi to Surat. He added, The body is expected to arrive at Surat Airport around 10:30 pm. From there, it will be taken to Shaileshs cousin. Kashmir often dubbed paradise on earth draws scores of Gujarati tourists every summer. But the deadly Pahalgam attack has shattered that allure. Fear has gripped the state, prompting a wave of cancellations from Gujarat as worried families pull the plug on Kashmir travel plans.
Pahalgam terror attack: 3 Gujarat residents among 26 killed in the deadly attack
Among the 26 people killed in Pahalgam terror attack, the three tourists from Gujarat have been identified as Shailesh Kalathiya from Surat, Yatish Parmar and his son Smit Parmar from Bhavnagar
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Two held from Gujarat's Bhavnagar over digital arrest of Berhampur University V-C
BERHAMPUR: The cyber crime wing of Berhampur police has arrested two Gujarat natives for cheating Vice Chancellor of Berhampur University Prof Geetanjali Dash to the tune of Rs 14 lakh by holding her under digital arrest. The accused were identified as Bhutaiya Jenil Jaysukhbhai (23) and Vishwajeetsinh Gohil (21), who were arrested from Gujarats Bhavnagar on Thursday. Addressing the media on Saturday, SP Saravana Vivek M said that the fraudsters coerced the V-C into transferring Rs 14 lakh into their accounts after putting her under digital arrest, following which she lodged a complaint on February 24. In the complaint, Dash said she received a call from the fraudsters on February 14, who posed as CBI officials and claimed that she was involved in a money laundering case linked to a major trading scam. They claimed that an account had been opened in her name at Canara Bank through which Rs 6 crore had been laundered. She was held under digital arrest till February 22 and was coerced into applying for a so-called priority investigation against a fake Supreme Court warrant, which was sent to her via WhatsApp. The fraudsters instructed Dash to deposit all her cash into a bank account as part of the investigation on February 14. She transferred Rs 14 lakh into the account and she received Rs 80,000 the next day, with the fraudsters claiming that the amount had been verified. They assured that the rest amount will also be received after verification. However, they did not return the remaining amount till February 24, after which Dash became suspicious and filed the complaint. Following investigation, the police traced the accused to Bhavnagar and arrested them with the help of local police. Several items, including mobile phones, SIM cards, and Aadhaar cards were recovered from the accused. They was produced before the chief judicial magistrate in Bhavnagar and brought to Berhampur on remand. They were later presented before the SDJM Court in Berhampur and have been remanded to judicial custody. Vivek, who supervised the case, said the accused were mule account operators, middlemen who received the defrauded money and transferred it to other parties. Further investigation is on to identify the mastermind of the scam, he added.
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Bhavnagar witnesses unseasonal rain, heatwave predicted for next week in Gujarat GujaratSamachar English
AHMEDABAD: The 84th Congress session kicked off today in Ahmedabad, marking the party's return to Gujarat after 64 years. The two-day event (April 8-9) holds significant historical weight, as the last Congress convention in Gujarat was held in Bhavnagar back in 1961 - the first such event in the state post-independence. Congress stalwarts Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi arrived in Ahmedabad around 10:30 AM, albeit slightly delayed by half an hour due to a bomb scare on an Air India flight to London. Following the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, the two leaders are scheduled to visit Sabarmati Ashram in the evening. Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi has yet to arrive in Ahmedabad, though 80 other Congress leaders are expected to touch down today on two chartered flights. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting kicked off at the Sardar Patel Memorial in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge setting the tone. He began by marking the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's presidency in the Congress, a milestone from the 1924 Belagavi Congress in Karnataka, where Gandhi took charge. The Congress celebrated this historic moment on December 26 in Karnataka. Kharge pointed out how three monumental figures from Gujarat had globally elevated Congress: Dadabhai Naoroji, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel - each a former Congress president. Gandhi, he emphasised, gifted the nation the potent weapons of truth and non-violence, philosophies that no power can ever subdue. Kharge pointed out how three monumental figures from Gujarat had globally elevated Congress: Dadabhai Naoroji, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel - each a former Congress president. Today, however, Kharge lamented the diversion from critical national issues as communal divisions are sowed, and an oligarchic monopoly seeks to control the countrys resources. Drawing a parallel with the monumental success of the Champaran Satyagraha under Gandhi and the iconic Bardoli Satyagraha led by Sardar Patel, Kharge reminded the gathering of their lasting legacies in Indias freedom struggle. This year, on October 31st, the nation will celebrate Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary, a milestone Nehru once called he founder of Indias unity. Kharge underscored that the Congress will honor this anniversary nationwide, reflecting on Patel's pivotal role, particularly as president of the Congress and as the guiding force behind resolutions on fundamental rights passed during the Karachi Congress-principles embedded in India's Constitution. Patel's leadership didnt stop there; he also chaired the critical 'Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities, and Tribal and Excluded Areas' within the Constituent Assembly. Yet, Kharge pointed out, a deliberate conspiracy over the years has sought to malign national heroes, with some distorting Congress's proud 140-year legacy of service and sacrifice for the nation. Theres an attempt to sow discord between Patel and Nehru, Kharge warned. But the truth is they were inseparable allies, two sides of the same coin. He recalled Patels 1937 speech at Gujarat Vidyapeeth, where he expressed deep affection for Nehru, pledging to welcome him with open arms if Gujarat secured victory in the provincial elections. AICC president Kharge: Will send strong message from PMs home turf In 1949, Patel further expressed his admiration for Nehru's tireless service, acknowledging how the strain of his responsibilities had visibly aged him. The correspondence between Patel and Nehru was a daily affair, Kharge added, underscoring Nehrus respect for Patel, often seeking his counsel and even holding CWC meetings at Patels residence for his convenience. Kharge sharply criticised the irony that today, those aligned with the RSS - an organisation Patel had banned due to its ideological differences - are attempting to claim his legacy. He also highlighted the pivotal role Congress played in ensuring Dr BR Ambedkar's place in the Constituent Assembly, a point Dr Ambedkar himself acknowledged in his final speech in 1949. Kharge reminded the CWC of the hypocrisy in the RSS's historical stance, noting how, when the Constitution was finalised, the organisation fiercely opposed it, even burning effigies of key leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Ambedkar. He pointed out how the Modi government insulted these great figures by relegating their statues to obscure corners of Parliament. Turning his focus to the present, Kharge condemned the BJP and Sangh Parivar's systematic takeover of institutions tied to Gandhis legacy, such as the Sarva Seva Sangh in Varanasi and Gujarat Vidyapeeth, sidelining Gandhian values and cooperative movements. People with such divisive ideologies might even steal Gandhis glasses and his walking stick, Kharge said, emphasising how Congress remains steadfast in its respect for both the Constitution and the visionaries behind it. In closing, Kharge reaffirmed the Congress Partys commitment to honoring Sardar Patel's legacy. The CWC meeting, held at the Sardar Patel Museum, was a tribute to his enduring influence, with the Congress vowing to carry forward his ideals, even as those with contrary views attempt to erase.
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Congress to showcase Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patels legacy in AICC session in Gujarat
The AICC session is being held in Gujarat after 64 years with the last one held at Bhavnagar in 1961
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Indian national stabbed to death in suspected racial attack in Canada; accused in custody
NEW DELHI: A 27-year-old Indian national, identified as DharmeshKathireeya, was stabbed to death on Friday in what is suspected tobe aracially motivated attack. However, the authoritiesdenied the racial angle. Kathireeya, who moved to Canada in 2019 as an international student, was attacked in his apartment building in Rockland, a townshiplocatedjust outside Ottawa. The incident occurred in the afternoon whenKathireeyawas exiting a shared laundry room in the building. According to witnesses, he was approached and stabbed by aneighbour, a white male in his 60s, who hadpreviouslyallegedly usedracial slurs and anti-Indian remarks atKathireeyaand his wife. Kathireeya, originally from Bhavnagar district in Gujarat, India, was living in Canada on a work permit. He had been employed at Milano Pizza in Rockland, which had temporarily closed following his death. In an emotional statement, the pizza restaurant expressed their deep sorrowon a social media post,It is with deep sadness that we announce the temporary closure of Milano Pizza. Our beloved manager, Dharmesh, tragically passed away in a terrible incident on April 4. An online fundraiser launched inKathireeyasmemory described the attack as a senseless and unprovoked hate crime. The fundraisers messagestated, It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we share the tragic and sudden loss of our dear friend, Dharmesh. The violence that ended his life has left his family, friends, and the entire community in shock and mourning. The alleged attacker was taken into police custody shortly after the incident. However, his identity has not beendisclosed. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the stabbing. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa expressed their sorrow in a post on social media, We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of an Indian national in Rockland near Ottawa due to a stabbing. Police havestatedthat a suspect has been taken into custody. We are in close contact with a local community association to provide allpossible assistanceto the bereaved family. We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of an Indian national in Rockland near Ottawa, due to stabbing. Police has stated a suspect has been taken into custody. We are in close contact through a local community association to provide all possible assistance to the bereaved India in Canada (@HCI_Ottawa) April 5, 2025 Kathireeyasfamily in India was informed of his death on Saturday, sources said.
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SCR Extends 10 Summer Special Trains Across Key Routes
68 services to operate on Hyderabad-Bhavnagar, Secunderabad-Santragachi & more
Gujarat shuts 54 government primary schools across 33 districts as student numbers plunge
AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat government informed the Assembly on February 25, 2025, that 54 government primary schools across 33 districts had been shut down in the past two years due to plummeting student enrollment. The disclosure, made by Primary, Secondary, and Adult Education Minister, came in response to a question by Congress MLA Kirit Patel (Patan), exposing a deepening education crisis in the state. Schools Vanishing Across Districts Devbhoomi Dwarka led the shutdowns with nine closures, followed by Aravalli (7), Amreli (6), and Porbandar (6)each grappling with a sharp decline in student numbers. Junagadh recorded four closures, while Chhota Udepur, Kutch, and Rajkot saw three schools shut down each, signaling the widespread impact. Kheda, Jamnagar, and Navsari followed with two closures per district, further tightening the noose on struggling institutions. The crisis didnt spare Bhavnagar, Dang, Gir Somnath, Mahesana, Panchmahal, Surat, and Surendranagar, each losing one primary school, underscoring a grim picture of shrinking educational access. Single-Classroom Schools and Crumbling Infrastructure Beyond school closures, infrastructure woes continue to haunt Gujarats education system. In February 2024, the government admitted in the Assembly that 341 primary schools were operating with just one room, responding to a query from Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar. Justifying the appalling conditions, officials blamed low student and teacher numbers, arguing that fewer classrooms were necessary. However, the situation is exacerbated by the demolition of dilapidated rooms, with authorities citing a lack of available land as the reason new classrooms cannot be built, leaving students crammed into single-room facilities with no solution in sight. 1,606 Schools Run with Just One Teacher In another shocking disclosure on February 12, 2024, the Gujarat government admitted in the Assembly that 1,606 of the state's 32,000 government primary schools were running with only one teacher handling all students from Classes 1 to 8. The staggering figure highlights a severe staffing crisis in Gujarats education system, where thousands of students struggle for basic instruction in understaffed schools. Playgrounds Vanishing, Holistic Development at Risk The infrastructure crisis doesnt stop at classrooms. The government further revealed that 5,012 government primary schools across Gujarat lack a playground, depriving students of crucial recreational space. The situation in secondary and higher secondary schools is equally alarming, with 78 government, 315 grant-in-aid, and 255 private institutions operating without playgrounds, despite Gujarat housing around 12,700 such schools. Even private institutions are not spared, as 37 grant-in-aid and 509 private primary schools also lack on-campus playgrounds, highlighting a systemic neglect of student development. With shrinking school infrastructure, collapsing student enrollment, and teacher shortages, Gujarats education sector is facing one of its most severe crises in recent history.
Gujarat Achieves 40% Share In India's Solar Rooftop Installations
Plans are afoot to set up about 1,250 MW lignite-based power plants in Kutch, Bhavnagar and Bharuch by utilising the available reserves of the combustible mineral in the state, he informed.
Gujarat govt admits crop losses in yards, but Rs 85 crore for storage lies idle
AHMEDABAD: Gujarats marketing yards are turning into disaster zones, and the government knows it. In a startling admission in the assembly on Tuesday, the state acknowledged that crops left in the marketing yards are suffering massive damage from rain and unseasonal rain. Yet, despite allocating Rs124 crore over two years to strengthen marketing yards infrastructure, Rs 85 crore remains untouched. The contradiction is glaringwhile farmers face losses, the governments funds meant to prevent them sit idle. Agricultural crops across Gujarats marketing yards lay exposed to rain and unseasonal rain as of December 31, 2024, triggering extensive damage, the state government admitted on Tuesday. Responding to Congress MLA Shailesh Parmars query in the Assembly, Minister of State for Cooperation acknowledged the crisis and outlined government measures. In 2022-23, Rs 62.50 crore was earmarked for infrastructure in agricultural market Yard. The following year, Rs 61.50 crore was allocated, signaling continued investment in protective facilities. However, Gujarat government has admitted to a massive underutilization of allocated funds for agricultural market infrastructure. In the Assembly, it was revealed that out of Rs 62.50 crore earmarked in 2022-23, only Rs 14.80 crore was spent, leaving Rs 47.70 crore untouched. The trend continued in 2023-24, with just Rs 23.36 crore utilized from the Rs 61.50 crore provision, while Rs 38.14 crore remained idle. Over two years, Rs 124 crore was sanctioned for upgrading market yards, yet a staggering Rs 85 crore went unused, exposing glaring inefficiencies in fund deployment. Over the past two years, multiple incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of agricultural produce lying in the open at marketing yards. In the summer of 2023, farmers castor, guar, and isabgul crops at Bhujs APMC yard were left unsheltered, only to be drenched in unexpected rains. Traders and farmers alike lamented heavy losses. The crisis escalated in April 2023, when unseasonal rain hit Harij in Patan district, soaking grain stocks and washing away 400 sacks of castor oil along with 30 sacks of gram, parsley, and jasan. Farmers, caught off guard, faced losses exceeding Rs15-16 lakh. The pattern repeated in October 2024, as Mahuva in Bhavnagar district was lashed by heavy rains. The Mahuva marketing yard turned into a flood zone, with groundnut stocks swept away in flowing water, leaving farmers in distress. These recurring incidents expose the persistent lack of protective infrastructure, raising urgent questions about government accountability and market preparedness. In the summer of 2023, farmers castor, guar, and isabgul crops at Bhujs APMC yard were left unsheltered, only to be drenched in unexpected rains. Traders and farmers alike lamented heavy losses. The crisis escalated in April 2023, when unseasonal rain hit Harij in Patan district, soaking grain stocks and washing away 400 sacks of castor oil along with 30 sacks of gram, parsley, and jasan. Farmers, caught off guard, faced losses exceeding Rs15-16 lakh. The pattern repeated in October 2024, as Mahuva in Bhavnagar district was lashed by heavy rains. The Mahuva marketing yard turned into a flood zone, with groundnut stocks swept away in flowing water, leaving farmers in distress. These recurring incidents expose the persistent lack of protective infrastructure, raising urgent questions about government accountability and market preparedness.
Punctuality on track as Vaishnaw tears into Opposition
NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday dismissed Opposition allegations regarding train punctuality, informing the Lok Sabha that 32 railway divisions have achieved over 90% punctuality while 17 out of 68 divisions maintain more than 80% punctuality. The Bhavnagar rail division under Western Railway holds the top position for punctuality, maintaining a rate of over 99.6%. Following closely are the Madurai division at 99.2%, Ratlam at 98.9%, Bikaner at 98.1%, Sealdah at 98%, Rajkot at 97.7%, Ajmer at 97.1%, and Jodhpur at 96.1%. Other divisions among the 32 that have surpassed 90% punctuality include Kota and Guntur, both with 95.7%, Ahmedabad at 95.1%, Bangalore and Alipur Duar at 94.4%, Guntakal at 94.3%, Mumbai Central at 92.9%, and Trivandrum at 91.3%, among others. The Vijayawada rail division, with 89.5% punctuality, leads the 17 divisions that have achieved over 80% punctuality. It is followed by Firozpur division at 89.2%, Sonpur at 88.6%, Agra at 88.3%, Rangiya at 88.3%, Malda at 88.1%, Nagpur at 87.8%, Ranchi at 87.7%, Bhusaval at 87.4%, and Samastipur at 86.7%. He said over 13,000 passenger trains are currently in operation, including 4,111 mail and express trains, 3,313 passenger trains, and 5,774 suburban trains. Vaishnaw stated 17,330 trains were operated during the Mahakumbh period. Additionally, 1,107 special trains were arranged to accommodate the Holi rush. The number of Holi special trains has consistently increased, from 604 in 2023-24 to 1,107 in 2024-25.
District units to be focal point of party organisation: Jairam; meet on Mar 27
NEW DELHI: The Congress will hold a meeting of District Congress Committees from across the country for three days ahead of its All India Congress Committee session on April 8 and 9 in Ahmedabad. The conference, taking place after 15 years, is aimed at empowering the district units and making them the focal point of the organisation. Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said the DCC presidents will be meeting on March 27, 28 and April 3 in three batches at the Indira Gandhi Bhawan in the capital. The meeting on March 27, 28 and April 3 will focus on how to bring the partys district units to the centre of the organisation. In Belagavi, the Nav Satyagraha Sankalp had stated that 2025 will be the year of strengthening the organisation. In line with that, this meeting of DCCs will be held for three days, Ramesh said. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi met party general secretaries and in-charges of various states on Tuesday. AICC general secretaries Ramesh, K C Venugopal, Ajay Maken, Bhupesh Baghel, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Ramesh Chennithala, Mukul Wasnik, Kumari Selja, Jitendra Singh, Sachin Pilot, Avinash Pande, Randeep Surjewala and Deepa Dasmunshi, among others, were present at the meeting held at the party headquarters. This will be the fourth AICC session in Gujarat, after the 1907 session in Surat, the 1938 session in Haripura and the 1961 session in Bhavnagar. Speaking to reporters, Wasnik said Gujarat holds a special place in the Independence struggle as it was there that the Dandi March and the Bardoli Satyagraha took place. This year, the country will celebrate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patels 150th birth anniversary and this [AICC] session held in Gujarat should be seen in thatcontext, he said. On April 8, an extended Congress Working Committee meeting will take place. The AICC resolution will be deliberated upon and a final shape will be given to it. On April 9, it will be presented before the session, he added.
19-year-old killed over inter-caste love affair in Gujarat; her father, uncle arrested
BHAVNAGAR: A man was arrested in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district for allegedly murdering his 19-year-old daughter over an inter-caste love affair, a police official said on Thursday. The teen was strangled on March 7 and her body was cremated hastily and secretively, which aroused suspicion among kin, Deputy Superintendent of Police Mihir Baraiya said. Dipak Rathod was angry at his daughter for entering into a relationship with a youth from another caste. He strangled her in the presence of her younger sister, who was threatened that she too would face the same fate if she followed in her elder sister's footsteps, the Deputy SP said. Dipak took the help of his brother Lalji Rathod to cremate the body secretively at the village crematorium. When relatives of his deceased wife inquired about the girl, Dipak told them she had consumed poison. He could not give satisfactory answers on detailed questioning, after which kin alerted police, the official said. Dipak Rathod and his brother have been arrested on charges of murder, Baraiya said.
Gujarat leads nation in mangrove afforestation; covers 19,020 hectares under MISHTI scheme
AHMEDABAD: Gujarat has emerged as the national leader in mangrove afforestation, covering 19,020 hectares in just two years under the Centres MISHTI scheme. Launched in 2023, the initiative aims to expand Indias mangrove cover while strengthening coastal livelihoods. With Gujarat spearheading the efforts, the program is rapidly transforming the nations coastal ecosystem. The Central government launched the MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) scheme in 2023 to expand mangrove forests across coastal states and union territories, securing a sustainable future for both communities and ecosystems. In just two years, Gujarat has surged ahead, planting mangroves across more than 19,000 hectares, making it the national frontrunner in the initiatives success. Gujarat remains committed to environmental conservation, aligning with the vision of Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat. This commitment has positioned Gujarat at the forefront of the Central Governments MISHTI scheme implementation, said Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera. Gujarats mangrove ecosystem is strategically distributed, with Kutch leading the charge at 799 sq. km. The Gulf of Kutch, home to the Marine National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, along with districts like Jamnagar, Rajkot (Morbi), Porbandar, and Devbhoomi Dwarka, accounts for 236 sq. km. The central and southern belt, spanning Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Anand, Bharuch, Surat, Navsari, and Valsad, holds 134 sq. km, covering critical areas like the Gulf of Khambhat and Dumas-Ubhrat. Meanwhile, Saurashtra, including Amreli, Junagadh, and Gir-Somnath, maintains a moderate 6 sq. km of mangrove cover. Mangrove forests serve as a crucial green barrier, preventing coastal erosion while supporting fish breeding and sustaining coastal livelihoods. During cyclones, they shield vulnerable regions, curb rising salinity, and protect agriculture. With a 1,650 km-long coastline, Gujarat fosters diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrasses. Under the MISHTI scheme, the Central government aims to plant 540 sq. km of mangroves in five years. Gujarat has already raced ahead, completing plantation across 190 sq. km in just two years.
Congress returns to Gujarat after 64 years: AICC session in Ahmedabad to chart revival path
AHMEDABAD: Breaking a 64-year gap, the Indian National Congress will hold its All India Congress Committee (AICC) session in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on April 8 to 9, 2025. The last such session in the state was held in Bhavnagar in 1961. With party representatives from across the country gathering, the meeting is set to focus on what Congress calls the continuous attacks on the Constitution and its values, as well as the BJP's anti-people policies. The session is expected to shape the partys future course of action. The Congress, however, has been struggling in Gujarat, facing repeated electoral setbacks. Its poor performance in the recent municipal elections underscores the challenge it faces in the state. Against this backdrop, the upcoming session signals an early push for revival as the party gears up for Mission-2027. Talking to reporters at the Gujarat Congress office on Monday, state Congress President Shakti Singh Gohil said, The 51st session of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) was held in Gujarat from February 19 to 22, 1938, at Haripura near Bardoli. Sardar Patel pushed for this session, At that time, the election of the Congress National President was also held in that session, where Subhas Chandra Bose was elected Congress President. Recalling the historic convention, Gohil noted, At Haripura, long before independence, Congress reaffirmed the Purna Swaraj declaration. Bose outlined a blueprint for a Planning Commissionan idea that took shape 12 years later under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru after independence. The second AICC session in Gujarat took place in Bhavnagar in 1961 under Neelam Sanjiva Reddys leadership, Gohil said, highlighting the gap between major Congress gatherings in the state. Expressing gratitude, he concluded, After 1961, Gujarat will once again host the AICC session in 2025. I thank the Congress high command for this opportunity. The Congress announced that the session will kick off on April 8 with an expanded CWC meeting, setting the stage for high-stakes discussions. The momentum will carry into April 9 with an AICC delegates meet, both helmed by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Powerhouses like Sonia Gandhi, who leads the Congress Parliamentary Party, and Rahul Gandhi, the Lok Sabhas Opposition leader, will join the deliberations. Adding weight to the gathering, Congress Chief Ministers, national office bearers, senior leaders, and AICC delegates will be in attendance, shaping the partys next moves. After the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi landed in Gujarat, firing up Congress workers in July. He declared that just as BJP fell in Ayodhya, Gujarat would be next. Top Congress leaders are now flocking to the state, amplifying the heat. Party insiders reveal Rahul had thrown down this challenge last year, vowing in Parliament, Write it down, well defeat you in Gujarat. The oppositions INDIA bloc is gearing up to make that promise a reality. Gujarat, the turf of PM Modi and Amit Shah, turns every election into a high-stakes battle. For Congress, breaking BJPs grip here is key to its revival. The party is set to chart a two-year roadmap within months. History, however, is brutalCongress has faced defeat in all seven assembly elections since 1995 and suffered total wipeouts in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls. A lone Lok Sabha seat in 2024 offers a small foothold, but the road ahead remains steep.
An Asiatic lion caused a 15-minute traffic halt on the Bhavnagar-Somnath Highway in Gujarat. Government data reveals a sharp rise in incidents of lions killing domestic animals in the Gir forest, despite an increasing number of prey animals over the past six years.
Gujarat: Lion brings traffic to a halt at Bhavnagar-Somnath highway, watch viral video
A video captured from a car parked on the opposite side of the road documented the event. This incident occurred in the Amreli district of Gujarat.
Watch: Cars, Bikes Wait After Lion Briefly Stops Traffic On Gujarat Highway
The traffic on the Bhavnagar-Somnath Highway in Gujarat stopped briefly today after an Asiatic lion was spotted walking on the road in surprise, halting the movement of vehicles for at least 15 minutes.
