Gujarat: Man Tries To Immolate Himself In Bhavnagar After Receiving Threats From Wife And In-Laws news24online.com
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SCR Extends 10 Summer Special Trains Across Key Routes
68 services to operate on Hyderabad-Bhavnagar, Secunderabad-Santragachi & more
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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.
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MKBU Result 2025: Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University Result 2025 has been released on mkbhavuni.edu.in. Here is the direct Link to check your DSI/MCA/LLB 1st, 3rd Semester Results Online.
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.
MKBU Result 2025 Released at mkbhavuni.edu.in Direct Link to Download 1st Sem Result
MKBU Result 2025: Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University has released the 2025 results for BRS on 12-03-2025. Students can check their MKBU results on the official website @ mkbhavuni.edu.in by accessing the designated results link.
MKBU Result 2025 Released at mkbhavuni.edu.in Direct Link to Download 3rd Semester Result
MKBU Result 2025: Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University has released the 2025 results for MBBS on 05-03-2025. Students can check their MKBU results on the official website @ mkbhavuni.edu.in by accessing the designated results link.
MKBU Result 2025 Released at mkbhavuni.edu.in Direct Link to Download 1st and 3rd Semester Result
MKBU Result 2025: Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University has released the 2025 results for B.Com and BCA on 04-03-2025. Students can check their MKBU results on the official website @ mkbhavuni.edu.in by accessing the designated results link.
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.
Gujarat budget 2025: Rs 3.70 lakh crore outlay, five lakh jobs, major boost for farmers
AHMEDABAD: Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai, in his fourth consecutive Gujarat budget presentation, outlined key initiatives targeting youth, farmers, and women. During his 85-minute speech, he unveiled a Rs 3.70 lakh crore budget focused on economic growth and employment generation. A major highlight was the announcement of five lakh new jobs, reinforcing the state's push for workforce expansion. In a significant relief for farmers, he also introduced a provision allowing them to obtain a farmer certificate even if all their land becomes uncultivated, ensuring continued access to agricultural benefits. Gujarat's budget charts an ambitious course for economic growth, infrastructure, and social welfare, with six new growth hubs planned across key regions - Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Saurashtra Coastal, and Kutch - set to drive regional development. Strengthening connectivity, the state will develop two Greenfield Expressways and 12 high-speed corridors, including the Namo Shakti Expressway linking Deesa in North Gujarat to Pipavav in Saurashtra and the Somnath-Dwarka Expressway, enhancing access to major pilgrimage sites. In a bid to bolster air connectivity, a new airport in Dahod has been announced, alongside upgrades to airports in Vadodara, Surat, Bhavnagar, and Porbandar. Complementing this, tourism is set to receive a boost with the development of the Ambaji Corridor and the Dharoi Tourism Development Project. Urban development remains a priority, with 2025 declared as Urban Development Year and a 40 per cent budget increase dedicated to enhancing infrastructure in newly formed municipal corporations. Addressing water conservation, Gujarat will roll out the 'Catch the Rain' campaign across urban areas, aligning with the Prime Ministers call to raise groundwater levels through public participation. Meanwhile, housing support under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has been enhanced, increasing financial assistance per beneficiary to Rs 1.70 lakh. Welfare initiatives remain at the forefront, with Rs 30,000 crore allocated for Vanbandhu development, focusing on education, employment, and infrastructure in the tribal belt from Ambaji to Umargam. Gujarat's fisheries sector, backed by the countrys longest coastline, will receive a record Rs 1,622 crore package to enhance fish production and job creation. Agriculture modernization is another key focus, with Rs 1,612 crore set aside to strengthen the sector and support farmers. To prepare youth for the AI era, the government will establish AI labs in seven technical institutes and create an ecosystem fostering startups, including four new i-Hubs. Womens empowerment takes center stage with the launch of the Sakhi Sahas Yojana, which will provide self-help groups with equipment support, loan guarantees, and other resources for self-reliance. Additionally, child nutrition has been prioritized, with a 25 per cent budget increase pushing the allocation to Rs 8,460 crore. Social security measures have also been reinforced, with insurance coverage under the Janata Juth Aksmat Vima Yojana doubling from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh, benefiting over 4.45 crore people. Through this comprehensive budget, Gujarat aims to balance economic expansion with social upliftment, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel hailed the Rs 3.70 lakh crore Gujarat budget as a landmark financial plan, calling it he largest in the state's history and a testament to the government's unwavering commitment to development. With a 21.8 per cent increase in capital expenditure over the previous year, this budget strengthens Gujarat's growth trajectory and paves the way for a brighter future, he stated. Highlighting the transformative vision behind the budget, CM Patel emphasised its role in enhancing the quality of life for citizens. This budget is a successful effort to make the lives of Gujarat's people more comfortable, prosperous, and fulfilling, he said, adding that the state is consistently reaching new milestones in progress and development.
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.
The Indian national women's futsal camp, in preparation for next month's AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers, is in full swing in Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
Six killed, 10 injured in road accident in Gujarat's Bhavnagar
The accident took place near Trapaj village at around 6 am on December 17, 2024, when the private bus on way towards Mahuva from Bhavnagar rammed into a dumper truck.
Six killed, 10 injured as bus rams into dumper truck in Gujarat's Bhavnagar
BHAVNAGAR: Six persons were killed and nearly 10 others injured after a private bus rammed into a dumper truck on a highway in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district on Tuesday morning, police said. The accident took place near Trapaj village at around 6 am when the bus was on way towards Mahuva from Bhavnagar, Superintendent of Police Harshad Patel said. The bus hit the dumper truck from behind. Six persons were killed in the accident, the official said, adding that eight to ten others were injured. The injured persons were undergoing treatment at a hospital and they were reported to be out of danger, he said. The collision was so severe that the right side front portion of the bus was completely damaged, as per officials.
Gujarat groundwater crisis: Alarming contamination levels across districts revealed
AHMEDABAD: The Government of India, in a concerning update to the Rajya Sabha, has flagged an alarming situation regarding groundwater pollution in Gujarat. According to the data wise Number of Partly Affected Districts (cumulative) with major Contaminants in Ground Water of India in 2022-23, major contaminants have affected numerous districts across the state. Salinity levels exceeding 3000 micro mhos/cm (EC) were detected in 28 districts, while fluoride levels above 1.5 mg/l plagued 30 districts. Nitrate contamination, surpassing the safe limit of 45 mg/l, was found in 32 districts, and arsenic levels above 0.01 mg/l affected 12 districts. Additionally, 14 districts reported iron concentrations exceeding 1 mg/l. Fluoride levels exceeding 1.5 mg/L have been recorded in several districts across Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Amreli, Anand, Arvalli, Banaskantha, Bhavnagar, Botad, Chhota Udepur, Dahod, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Kachchh, Mahesana, Morbi, Narmada, Panchmahal, Patan, Porbandar, Rajkot, Sabarkantha, Surat, Surendranagar, and Vadodara. In a Reply by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti in response to MP R Girirajan's question in the Rajya Sabha, the government highlighted the grave health hazards posed by contaminated groundwater. Long-term consumption of water containing arsenic, fluoride, or mercury above permissible limits can lead to severe health complications. Arsenic contamination has been linked to poisoning, skin disorders, and cancers of the skin, bladder, kidney, and lungs. Excessive fluoride levels can cause crippling skeletal or dental fluorosis, while high concentrations of heavy metals like mercury increase the risk of kidney diseases, poisoning, and cancer. The government informed the Rajya Sabha that water management, including improving groundwater quality and addressing contamination, is primarily the responsibility of state governments, as water is a state subject. The Central Government supports these efforts by offering technical assistance and financial aid through various centrally sponsored schemes. The Central Government informed the Rajya Sabha that in Gujarat, a total of 1,52,507 drinking water samples were tested during 2023-24. Of these, 14,922 samples were found contaminated. Remedial measures, including interim actions and water supply restoration, were taken for 13,834 affected samples. While Ground water pollution remains a pressing issue in many parts of Gujarat, the government is simultaneously taking measures to address the challenge, Under the Central Government's Jal Jeevan Mission for 2023-24, Gujarat reported significant financial activity. The state began with an opening balance of 1,088.66 crore, while the Centre allocated 2,982.85 crore. Of this, 2,237.14 crore was drawn, bringing the total available funds to 3,325.80 crore. Gujarat reported utilizing 2,377.83 crore, with an additional 2,676.40 crore spent under the state's share of the program.
Loco pilots save 8 lions on Gujarat railway tracks
Bhavnagar: Alert loco pilots of a goods train and a passenger train in Gujarats Bhavnagar district successfully prevented a tragedy by applying brakes in time to save eight lions that had wandered onto the tracks. The incidents occurred in the past two days, with the vigilance of the pilots and the assistance of forest department trackers ensuring the safety of the animals. According to Mashooque Ahmad, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Bhavnagar, a total of 104 lions have been saved so far this financial year, thanks to the efforts of the Western Railway's Bhavnagar division. On Thursday, Dhavalbhai P., the loco pilot of a goods train heading to Pipavav port, noticed five lions crossing the track near Rajula city. He immediately applied the emergency brakes, allowing the lions to safely pass. The following day, Sunil Pandit, the loco pilot of a passenger train, spotted a lioness and two cubs on the tracks near Chalala-Dhari. He also stopped the train in time, and a forest guard confirmed that the lions had moved away safely. Due to previous incidents involving Asiatic lions being injured or killed on the tracks, the Gujarat High Court has urged authorities to develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) to prevent such accidents.
Gujarat's lacklustre diamond industry: Artisans witness worst recession in 50 years
AHMEDABAD: Gujarat's diamond industry is reeling under a severe recession, with over 50% of factories shutting down after the Diwali vacation, claims the Gujarat Diamond Workers Association. The crisis has claimed the lives of 45 gem artists and forced 2000 factories out of business. The diamond industry had been on the decline over the past two years due to a falling demand in key export markets and supply chain disruptions, including G7 sanctions on Russian-origin diamonds. In Surat, the diamond hub of Gujarat, 40% of factories remain shut post-Diwali, said Gujarat Diamond Association President Ramesh Jilaria. Ahmedabad sees 30% closures, while cities like Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Botad report 50% to 60% shutdowns. An estimated 2,000 diamond factories across these regions have not reopened after Diwali, and many may remain closed, he added. Even in operational units, only 50% to 60% of gem artisans have resumed work. Wages for jewellers have plummeted by up to 50%, and we estimate around 2 lakh workers could lose their jobs in the coming days. In just one year more than 45 diamond workers had committed suicide due to financial problem (from January 2024 to December 2024) Jilaria said. The Indian government's statement in the Rajya Sabha lends indirect support to Ramesh Jilaria's claim about the challenges plaguing the diamond industry. The Ministry of Commerce & Industry stated on December 6, 2024, in response to a Rajya Sabha query by MP Neeraj Dangi Yes, the diamond sector has been facing challenges during the last three years due to reduced demand in major export destinations and supply side issues such as G7 Sanctions on Russian origin diamonds. The Ministry's response in the Rajya Sabha also highlights a decline in diamond import-export figures. The Rajya Sabha Data Indicate, The trade figures reveal a declining trend over three consecutive financial years. Exports dropped significantly from $25.48 billion in 2021-22 to $18.37 billion in 2023-24, marking a stark decrease of nearly 28%. Imports also followed a downward trend, shrinking from $28.87 billion in 2021-22 to $22.99 billion in 2023-24, reflecting a 20% dip. As a result, total trade volume slid from $54.35 billion in 2021-22 to $41.37 billion in 2023-24, a reduction of around 24%. As per the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) Gems & Jewellery Study of October 2020, there are about 18,036 companies with 8,19,926 employees in the diamond industry. The global recession has hit Gujarat's diamond industry hard, said Bhavesh Tank, an official of the Gujarat Diamond Association. Factories that once operated for 12 hours now run only six, and workers who earned 25,000 to 30,000 monthly are now making just 8,000 to 12,000. He added grimly, This downturn is unprecedentedsuch a severe recession hasnt been witnessed in the diamond industry in the last 50 years. Many families are struggling to make ends meet. Surat's diamond industry dims: Factory closures, job losses hit hard
X-Ray Reveals POCSO Accused Hiding Mobile Phone In His Rectum In Gujarat's Bhavnagar Jail
The discovery was made after the prison administration, suspecting foul play, conducted an X-ray of the prisoner's rectum, which revealed the presence of the electronic device
