Ahmedabad Diary | Buzz over CM Patel meeting PM in Delhi

In a surprise political move, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel rushed to Delhi on Thursday, holding a closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting, held just hours before the Vibrant Gujarat Roadshow in the capital, has triggered intense buzz about the imminent announcement of a new BJP state president. Patel, who will interact with top industrialists, diplomats, and global delegates at the roadshow, praised Modis leadership for making Gujarat a Most Preferred Investment Destination. Political circles are abuzz that this sudden visit signals key policy shifts and a decisive political reshuffle in the state BJP. BJP faction war over joblessness campaign BJPs factional feud in Junagadh burst into the open after former cabinet minister Jawahar Chavda launched an unemployment assistance campaign from his Manavadar bastion. The initiative, aimed at addressing youth joblessness, drew sharp attacks from within his party. BJP MLA Arvind Ladani slammed the drive as a political drama, while Savj Dairy Chairman Dinesh Khataria accused Chavda of betrayal, recalling his switch from the Congress to the BJP. Unfazed, Chavda hit back: My campaign has poured oil in some stomachsanswers will come in time. The escalating war underscores deep rifts in the party. Major reshuffle awaits Gujarat police set-up Gujarat Police is set for a major structural shake-up with plans to increase the number of range IGPs from nine to ten. Sources reveal that Gandhinagar may soon be granted a Police Commissionerate, replacing the SP system, which would prompt Patan and Banaskantha to be transferred out of the Border Range. According to sources, a new Mehsana Range could be formed, while Morbi may merge with East and West Kutch SP areas to create a Kutch-Morbi Range. Simultaneously, Ahmedabad is likely to get a Zone 8 DCP office, driven by the citys growing population and area, signaling sweeping changes in law enforcement operations. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com

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BJP vs BJP in Gujarat: Former BJP MLA targets MLA Raman Vora in land scam case

AHMEDABAD: A political storm has erupted in Gujarat after BJP MLA and former cabinet minister Raman Vora was accused of posing as a bogus farmer to purchase agricultural land. The controversy has snowballed with former BJP MLA Poonam Makwana and other complainants demanding criminal action, income-tax scrutiny, and cancellation of land deals allegedly involving Vora's family. The case, which spans Gandhinagar and Idar, has triggered multiple investigations, Mamlatdars notices, and charges of political pressure to suppress evidence. The land scam controversy surrounding the MLA has intensified, with accusations that he falsely posed as a farmer to acquire agricultural land in Gandhinagars Palaj and Idars Dawad villages. Makwana has taken the battle head-on, writing to the Gandhinagar Collector and demanding immediate action against Vora. He alleges that after purchasing the land in 2004 through partnerships, Vora manipulated records, used a bogus farmer certificate, and transferred the land in the names of his wife and sons before selling it off to his close associate Dinesh Patel for Rs 3.7 crore. Former BJP MLA Poonam Makwana has written to the Gandhinagar Collector demanding immediate action against Vora. Patel, in turn, swiftly converted the land to non-agricultural status and handed it back to Voras sons Bhushan and Suhag. Makwanas complaint has raised a bigger question whether these multi-crore deals were ever reflected in income-tax returns. He has demanded that authorities not only probe tax evasion but also take criminal action under Sections 63 and 84-C, and restore the land to the genuine farmer partners. Bank and cheque-related discrepancies have also been highlighted as suspicious financial manoeuvres. Adding fuel to the fire, Prakash Parmar of Ahmedabad filed another complaint before the Collector, presenting evidence that Vora was not a farmer in multiple survey lands in Dawad. He questioned why certain land deeds were reversed, demanding a full inquiry. The Collector has since directed the Idar Deputy Collector to investigate and submit a detailed report. Meanwhile, the probe has shifted gears in Idar, where the Mamlatdars office has issued a notice to Vora, summoning him on September 1 with proof of farmer status and land documents. Investigators claim Vora obtained a fraudulent farmer certificate under the false name Ramanlal Ishwarlal, using it to buy agricultural lands in Gandhinagar and Idar in the names of his wife, Kusumben, and sons. Lands acquired in the names of Voras family were later sold off to individuals in Virpur and Jadar. But when Jetpur Wadali resident Rajendra Patel sought evidence, the then Mamlatdar allegedly withheld documents under political pressure. Patels threat to commit suicide at the Mamlatdars office forced the Revenue Department to intervene, transferring the officer and reopening the case. Now, with fresh notices served and farmer records already being questioned as fake, Vora faces the real risk of punitive action under the Ganot Act in addition to criminal charges.

Shah launches Gujarat govts Dial 112 project; calls it Modis vision for internal security

GANDHINAGAR, Aug 31: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday launched the Gujarat governments Dial 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) and said it was an important step towards new age smart policing system as a unified number will be available for any kind of security related service. The Dial 112 service will free the people of Gujarat from different types of toll free numbers such as 100 for police, 108 for ambulance, 101 for fire, 181 for womens help, [] The post Shah launches Gujarat govts Dial 112 project; calls it Modis vision for internal security appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Gujarat Bitcoin racket verdict: Former BJP MLA, senior police officials among 14 sentenced to life imprisonment

AHMEDABAD: In a landmark verdict, the Ahmedabad City Sessions Court has convicted 14 accused, including former BJP MLA Nalin Kotadiya and senior Gujarat police officials, in the infamous 2018 Bitcoin extortion case. The case, which began with the kidnapping of Surat-based builder and cryptocurrency trader Shailesh Bhatt, revealed a murky nexus of politicians, police officers and middlemen in Gujarat. The Bitcoin scandal that shook Gujarat in 2018 has finally reached closure. The Ahmedabad City Sessions Court on Friday convicted 14 accused, among them former BJP MLA Nalin Kotadiya, then Amreli SP Jagdish Patel, and then LCB PI Anant Patel, holding them guilty of alleged kidnapping and extortion in the multi-crore Bitcoin racket. Following Shailesh Bhatts explosive complaint, CID Crime swung into action, arresting all the accused linked to the Bitcoin scandal. The trial unfolded in the ACB Special Court of the City Civil and Sessions Court, Ahmedabad, where the state lined up a staggering 172 witnesses against them. In stark contrast, the defence could produce just one witness, and despite 92 witnesses allegedly turning hostile, the court found the evidence and arguments strong enough to seal the fate of the accused. After nearly three months of intense final arguments, the gavel came down heavy as the court sentenced all 14 accused in the sensational scam to life imprisonment. The case traces back to Surat builder Shailesh Bhatt, who was allegedly trading in cryptocurrencies. In February 2018, Bhatt was lured under threats from individuals claiming to be from the CBI office in Gandhinagar. Instead of a warning, he was allegedly kidnapped from a petrol pump, beaten up, and dragged to a farmhouse by a team led by Amreli police officials using government vehicles. Once in custody of his abductors, Bhatt was allegedly coerced into parting with 176 Bitcoins worth around 9 crore, and was later forced to transfer more digital currency and cash. The demands spiralled from 12 crore transferred to Anant Patels account, to another 50 crore extortion attempt, and eventually a 32 crore ransom routed through the Angadia network. However, the Bitcoin extortion was not a one-way story. Bhatt himself carried a chequered past. He had earlier been accused of allegedly kidnapping BitConnect companys employees and recovering 2,021 Bitcoins, 11,000 Litecoins, and over 14 crore after allegedly losing 1.14 crore in crypto investments. His own complaint, however, blew the lid on a bigger scandal implicating police officers and politicians. As investigations deepened, CID Crime arrested 10 police personnel, including Anant Patel and Surat-based lawyer Ketan Patel. Interrogations revealed the names of then SP Jagdish Patel and former MLA Nalin Kotadiya. Kotadiya, accused of playing the fixer in the racket, went underground. A non-bailable warrant was issued before he was finally arrested from Maharashtras Dhulia and later granted conditional bail in 2019. The net widened further when CBI Inspector Sunil Nair was also accused of allegedly demanding a 10 crore bribe from Bhatt, threatening to unleash ED and Income Tax probes on him. Bhatt claimed he paid 4.6 crore after settling the demand at 5 crore. Now, after years of courtroom battles, the special court in Ahmedabad has brought closure. With 14 convicted, including top cops, a CBI officer, lawyers, and a former legislator, the verdict has laid bare the dangerous collusion of crime, cryptocurrency, and corridors of power in Gujarat.

Bihar cabinet approves industrial investment promotion package with free land, major incentives

PATNA: The Bihar cabinet on Tuesday approved the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Package 2025 aimed at attracting industrial investment, particularly large private investments, in the state. The package includes provisions such as free land, financial incentives and other related concessions to create a conducive atmosphere for the states rapid industrial development. The package, which received cabinet approval at its meeting on Tuesday, is part of the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Policy 2016 and will remain in force until 31 March 2026 for investors. The decision regarding the promotion package is in line with the announcements made by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to grant concessions to industries. It also aligns with the governments commitment to create one crore employment opportunities in the state over the next five years, Bihar Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena said. While giving details of the main features of the industrial promotion package at a post-cabinet meeting briefing, Chief Secretary Meena said that the state government has decided to transfer land free of cost to the investors willing to set up industries in Bihar. FREE LAND FOR INDUSTRIES Stating that the land will be transferred at a token amount of 1, Meena said that there are three types of schemes from which an investor can choose. If an investor makes an investment of 100 crore and creates 1,000 direct employment opportunities, the investor will get 10 acres of land from the government free of cost. Those willing to invest 1,000 crore will get 25 acres of land depending on the project, whereas if a Fortune 500 company invests in the state, it will get 10 acres of land, Meena said, while expressing confidence that the move will attract big-ticket investments to the state. Other investors, who do not opt for any of the above schemes, will also get land at a 50 per cent discount on BIADAs land rate for setting up industries in the state, said the Chief Secretary. He was accompanied by Development Commissioner Pratyaya Amrit, Industries Department Additional Chief Secretary Mihir Kumar Singh and Cabinet Secretariat Department Additional Chief Secretary S Siddharth during the press conference. Stating that investors will have to choose from any of the three financial incentive schemes, Chief Secretary Meena said that as per Option I, an investor who gets a term loan from financial institutions will receive interest subvention of up to 40 crore plus SGST reimbursement of up to 100 per cent. Option II will give investors net SGST reimbursement of up to 300 per cent of the approved project cost for 14 years, whereas Option III will enable investors to avail themselves of a 30 per cent capital subsidy of the total approved project cost. It is completely up to the investors as to which option they want to choose from, the Chief Secretary said, adding that the export incentive has been doubled from 20 lakh to 40 lakh per year, and the time frame has also been increased to 14 years to boost exports from the state. Talking about the employment generation incentive, he said that the government will provide 5,000 per month per employee besides giving support of up to 300 per cent on account of ESI and EPF expenditure. For other units, the government will provide 2,000 per month per employee as an employment generation incentive, plus 100 per cent support on ESI and EPF, Meena said, and added that 20,000 per worker will be given as a skill development incentive. The package also includes 25 per cent reimbursement of up to 1 crore for environmental protection incentive. Additionally, 20 per cent or a maximum amount of 6 lakh will be given as a renewable energy usage incentive. ACQUISITION OF 14,600 ACRES OF LAND APPROVED IN PAST ONE YEAR The state government has already taken an in-principle decision to set up an industrial area or park in every district of the state, he said, while stating that the government has approved the acquisition of 14,600 acres of land for 32 industrial areas/parks in the past one year, whereas BIADA has acquired 8,000 acres of land since its inception. All the industrial areas/parks have either been developed or are being developed near expressway highways or high-speed corridors, Meena said, emphasising that all these industrial areas are well-connected, having both road and rail connectivity. For example, industrial areas in Rohtas and Aurangabad are close to the Varanasi-Kolkata expressway, while the industrial area in Darbhanga is located near the Amas-Darbhanga expressway. Similarly, the industrial area in Purnea is located near the Patna-Purnea expressway, he added. In yet another significant decision, a Fin Tech City will be developed adjacent to a plot of the Multi-Modal Logistic Park (MMLP) at Fatuha circle in Patna district, Chief Secretary said, adding that the Fin Tech City will be developed on the lines of GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) located between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The cabinet sanctioned 408.81 crore for the acquisition of 242 acres of land for the Fin Tech City. The Infrastructure Development Authority, Patna, will acquire the land. The development of Fin Tech City will help in bringing containerised cargo directly to Patna from ports, and from Patna, it will be further exported to other countries, Meena said. LAND ACQUISITION FOR EXPANSION OF INDUSTRIAL AREA In order to expand the industrial area in different districts, the Infrastructure Development Authority (IDA), Patna, will acquire a total of 1,927.5 acres of land worth 797.1 crore in six districts: Bhojpur, Sheikhpura, Rohtas, Sheohar, Darbhanga and Purnea. The district-wise break-up of land acquisition is as follows: 249.48 acres of land will be acquired at a cost of 52.62 crore in Bhojpur district; 250.06 acres of land at 42.16 crore in Sheikhpura; 492.85 acres of land at 154.07 crore in Rohtas; 270.01 acres of land at 105.27 crore in Sheohar; 385.45 acres of land at 376.07 crore in Darbhanga; and 279.65 acres of land at 66.91 crore in Purnea district. A total of 26 decisions, including the industrial investment promotion package, were taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

PM Modi on 2-day visit to Gujarat from August 25

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate houses built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and initiate projects worth Rs 5,477 crore during his two-day visit to Gujarat, starting August 25. The projects span urban development, water supply, and transportation infrastructure across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Mehsana. On August 26, he will inaugurate Maruti Suzuki's first electric vehicle production line.

PM Modi on two-day Gujarat visit from August 25

Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of road projects worth Rs 307 crore during his two-day Gujarat visit on August 25-26, covering Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Mehsana districts. The projects, under the states Roads and Buildings Department, are aimed at strengthening connectivity, easing traffic, and boosting industrial growth in North Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Days after slap incident, man held for raising slogans during Delhi CM Rekha Gupta's event

Days after the slap incident, chaos erupted at Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's public event in the Gandhinagar area on Friday. Notably, it was the first public event attended by Gupta after she was attacked on Wednesday, August 20.

Gujarat ex-servicemen's protest for job quota, salary protection enters 23rd day despite police action

AHMEDABAD: The state capital Gandhinagar is on edge as the Gujarat ex-Army Union continue their protest 'Operation Reservation' for the 23rd day on Tuesday. Ex-servicemen put forth their demand for job quota, land allotment, arms license approval, salary protection, and pending benefits. The Maharelli call turned tense after police detained over 50 protesters, triggering road blockades, clashes, and mass detentions. The agitation has now snowballed into a showdown, with ex-soldiers vowing to continue their protest until their arrested leaders, including union president Jitendra Nimawat, are freed. Our agitation will not stop until our leader is free, declared ex-servicemen, accusing police of treating decorated soldiers like terrorists. What began as a peaceful sit-in at the Sector-6 Satyagraha Camp turned stormy when police detained over 50 ex-servicemen ahead of a proposed Sainik Adhikari Maharelli, citing lack of permission to protest. The crackdown only inflamed tempers. By afternoon, around 1,500 agitated ex-army personnel descended on Ahmedabad, blocking the busy stretch from Airport Circle to Indira Bridge. Chanting Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Vande Mataram, they sat on the road, creating a two-kilometer-long traffic jam that stranded fliers on their way to the airport. Sensing the scale of the unrest, senior police officers, including JCP and DCP-level officials, rushed to the spot. Clashes broke out as ex-servicemen tried to free their detained comrades, forcing police to soften their stance. All detainees were eventually released after negotiations, and the blockade was lifted. But the agitation did not end there. Protesters regrouped, marching toward the Army Hospital for food before setting off for the Gandhinagar Secretariat. Anticipating another escalation, police locked the hospital gates and mounted intensive checks on vehicles and buses entering Gandhinagar. More detentions followed, deepening the standoff. Congress leader Manish Doshi slammed the crackdown as a disgrace for Gujarat, pointing out that even widows of martyrs had been detained. These soldiers are not asking for new rules, only enforcement of what exists. Denying them is shameful, he said, appealing to citizens and political parties to stand with the veterans. Backing the stir, MLA Umesh Makwana called Gujarat the only state where ex-servicemen get no job reservation, no dedicated ministry, and no compensation of Rs 1 crore to martyrs families as in other states. He warned that the governments apathy was eroding the soldiers patience.

Kshatriya history sparks royal row: Gujarat BJP leaders caste, slavery remark triggers walkout

AHMEDABAD: A lecture on Kshatriya history at a college in Mansa, Gandhinagar, on 11 August allegedly turned into a public showdown when Gujarat BJP leader Jairajsinh Parmars comments linking superstition and caste bias to Indias colonial subjugation provoked a heated rebuttal from Mansa States royal, Yograjsinh Raol, leading to his walkout. BJP co-spokesperson and North Gujarat Rajput Community president Jairajsinh Parmar found himself at the centre of a controversy after delivering the address at Mansa College in Mehsana district. Speaking as the main guest at a programme on certificate courses, Parmar said the caste system had tasked Kshatriyas with protecting society, but superstition, prejudice and caste discrimination had weakened the community, paving the way for British rule. Parmars sweeping historical account, covering the era from Afghanistan to the British Raj, claimed that Kshatriyas bore the sole burden of defending the nation while other communities were busy with their own work, eventually reducing Kshatriya numbers and leaving India vulnerable to foreign rule. These comments immediately drew fire from Rajvi Yograjsinh Raol, the royal of Mansa State and a fellow invitee, who interrupted Parmar mid-speech, accusing him of spreading falsehoods about the Kshatriya community. What followed was a tense five-minute verbal clash in front of the audience. As the argument escalated over whether Kshatriyas had ever been enslaved, Raol dismissed Parmars claims and walked out of the event. Witnesses quickly stepped in to prevent further escalation and restore calm. Later, speaking to the media, Parmar stood by his remarks, asserting that history was being misrepresented and that his references to Brahmins, Vaishyas, Shudras and Kshatriyas were part of an academic explanation, not an attack on any community.

UCC on fast track in Gujarat: Report due soon, BJP eyes pre-local poll push

AHMEDABAD: In a politically significant move, the Gujarat government has accelerated efforts to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the State. A high-level committee led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai met with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi in Gandhinagar on August 5, signalling fast-track action on the draft law. The committee, tasked with assessing the feasibility and framework of a Common Civil Code for Gujarat, is now in its final phase, with Desai confirming that the report will be ready within a month, ruling out the need for any extension. Speculation is rife that the UCC could be notified ahead of the upcoming municipal corporation elections, giving the BJP government a potential ideological edge in the urban polls. A crucial meeting was held in Gandhinagar today between UCC Committee Chairperson Justice (Retd) Ranjana Desai and committee members with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi. Speaking after the meeting, Justice Desai said, We met the Governor on August 4 and the Chief Minister on August 5 in a formal interaction. While the exact date for submitting the report is yet to be fixed, it is likely to be submitted this month. As of now, there seems to be no need for an extension. Justice Ranjana Desai has stated that there is no need for an extension now. In light of this, sources indicate that the Gujarat government is likely to implement the Uniform Civil Code soon after receiving the committees report, possibly ahead of the local body elections slated for later this year or early next year. The UCC committee, originally tasked with submitting its report within 45 days, has overshot the deadline due to an unexpectedly high volume of public responses. Gujarat government spokesperson and cabinet minister Hrishikesh Patel attributed the delay to the scale of submissions received. This was a formal meeting. The report will be submitted to the Chief Minister in about a month or slightly more, Patel said. We received nearly 1.5 lakh submissions. Although the government had set a 45-day deadline, it took longer to collect inputs from various communities and social groups, and to compile their views and conclusions. Notably, the government had invited objections and suggestions from individuals and organisations on the proposed UCC. In a major push on the final day of the process, April 15, as many as 96,165 objections were submitted in Gandhinagar by Muslim community leaders from South Gujarat.

A new district flood severity index factors in flood impact on people

Researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar have come up with a District Flood Severity Index (DFSI) that takes into account the mean duration in days of all flooding events in a district, percentage of area that is historically flooded, total number of deaths, number of people injured, and the population in the district

Explore unparallel beauty, culture of J&K: CM to travellers at TTF Ahmedabad

Excelsior Correspondent GANDHINAGAR (GUJARAT), July 31: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today extended a warm invitation to travellers from across the country to explore the unparalleled beauty, rich culture and warm hospitality of Jammu & Kashmir. He was speaking at the inaugural of the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) at the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Highlighting Jammu & Kashmirs immense tourism potential, the Chief Minister said the region continues to offer diverse experiences [] The post Explore unparallel beauty, culture of J&K: CM to travellers at TTF Ahmedabad appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

CM Omar Abdullah Inaugurates Travel And Tourism Fair, Ahmedabad

CM invites travellers to explore Kashmir, highlights J&Ks year-round attractions GANDHINAGAR (GUJARAT), Jul 31: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today extended a warm invitation to travellers from across the country to explore the unparalleled beauty, rich culture and warm hospitality of Jammu & Kashmir. He was speaking at the inaugural of the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) at the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Highlighting Jammu & Kashmirs immense tourism potential, the Chief Minister [] The post CM Omar Abdullah Inaugurates Travel And Tourism Fair, Ahmedabad appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

19 Crores Robbed In 102 Days: Gujarat Doctor's 'Digital Arrest' Nightmare

A senior woman doctor in Gujarat's Gandhinagar was kept under 'digital arrest' for over three months, forced to break fixed deposits, take loans, and blackmailed into paying more than Rs 19 crore to fraudsters, police have found

3.3 magnitude tremor hits Gujarat's Kutch; no damage reported

AHMEDABAD : A tremor of 3.3 magnitude hit Gujarat's Kutch district on Thursday morning, the Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) said. The tremor was recorded at 9.52 am, with its epicentre located 16 km south-south west of Bela in the district, the Gandhinagar-based ISR said. No casualty or damage to property was reported because of the tremor, a district disaster response official said. Kutch district is located in a very high risk seismic zone, and earthquakes of lower intensity occur regularly there. The 2001 earthquake in Kutch was the third largest and second most destructive in India over the last two centuries. A large number of towns and villages in the district suffered almost complete destruction, killing 13,800 persons and leaving 1. 67 lakh injured.

Tourism lifeline hit by terror: J&K CM appeals for footfall from Gujarat at travel fair in Gandhinagar

AHMEDABAD: Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah, attending a travel fair organised at Gandhinagar on July 31 appealed for greater tourist footfall from Gujarat. He credited Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal for driving tourism to the Valley over the last 30 years. Speaking to the media at Ahmedabad airport ahead of a tourism fair, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, If you look at the last 3035 years, the maximum number of tourists to J&K have come from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. My team and I are here to promote J&K tourism, and we sincerely hope to welcome a large number of visitors from Gujarat in the coming season. On the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Abdullah added, We cannot rule out an intelligence and security failure; someone is accountable for what happened. Though the accused has been neutralised, the lack of clarity and responsibility on the security lapse is concerning. Pahalgam attack: UNSC report flags LeT-TRF link, boosts Indias case on Pakistan-backed terror In one of the deadliest extremist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir in recent decades, 26 tourists, including several from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, were gunned down in a brutal ambush at Pahalgam, a scenic hotspot often dubbed the Mini Switzerland of India. Among the victims were Shailesh Kalthia from Surat and Yatish Parmar from Bhavnagar, along with his young son Smit Parmar. The attack not only shattered lives but also dealt a crippling blow to Kashmir's tourism economy. Panic spread swiftly across Gujarat, with many families abruptly cancelling their scheduled trips to the valley. Even seasoned tourists who visited Kashmir annually chose to stay away this time, triggering a sharp nosedive in footfall and revenues. Tourism, which contributes nearly 7-8% to J&Ks GDP, is the lifeline of the regions economy, employing over 2.5 lakh people directly. More than 1,500 houseboats on Srinagars iconic Dal Lake and countless hotels, guides, drivers, and small businesses depend solely on tourist inflow. Jammu and Kashmir tourism departmentholds road show to woo tourists in city The annual tourism industry, currently valued at 12,000 crore, had been projected to soar to 25,00030,000 crore by 2030. But the terror strike marked the beginning of a dark phase, unravelling years of growth. This disruption hit just as Kashmir had started experiencing a boom in tourism post-COVID. From 34 lakh visitors in 2020, the numbers had surged to 1.13 crore in 2021, 1.88 crore in 2022, 2.11 crore in 2023, and 2.36 crore in 2024 including over 65,000 foreign tourists. Now, in a strategic move to rebuild trust and revive inflows, Omar Abdullah is making a direct outreach aimed at reconnecting with the Gujarati tourist base that once played a pivotal role in driving valley tourism. Poor road defeats Jammu and Kashmirtourism goals

Retired forest official from Gujarat's Rajkot duped of Rs 8.93 lakh in digital arrest scam

AHMEDABAD: In a cyber fraud mirroring the recent Rs 19 crore scam in Gandhinagar, a retired forest head clerk from Gujarats Rajkot, has fallen prey to a digital arrest con and lost Rs 8.93 lakh. Posing as officials from TRAI and Maharashtra Cyber Crime, the scammers extorted money from the elderly man by threatening him with criminal charges and arrest. The victim, a former Forest Head Clerk at Bahumali Bhavan, lives near Patidar Chowk in Rajkot. On November 28, 2024, he received a call from a woman identifying herself as Diya Sharma from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). She claimed that two Jio SIM cards linked to his number were being misused and needed to be deactivated immediately. Minutes later, a second call came, this time from someone posing as Inspector Mohit Handa from the Maharashtra Cyber Crime Cell. The caller alleged that an HDFC Bank account had been opened using the victims Aadhaar-linked SIM, through which Rs 68 lakh had been fraudulently transacted. The scammer claimed the money belonged to a woman who had since died by suicide and that an arrest warrant had been issued against the retired clerk. As the victim hesitated, the imposter escalated the pressure. Through a video call, he showed a man in police uniform seated at what appeared to be a police station and claimed the only way to avoid arrest was to provide a security bond of Rs 2 lakh. Terrified, the retired official agreed to cooperate. The accused then shared a WhatsApp link during the video call. Following the instructions, the victim unknowingly transferred Rs 8.93 lakh via UPI in multiple transactions to different bank accounts. Realising he had been duped, the victim immediately contacted the cybercrime helpline 1930 and filed a complaint with the Rajkot City Cyber Crime Police Station. The police have launched an investigation using phone numbers, video call metadata, and other digital traces. The FIR names multiple unknown account holders under charges of cheating and breach of trust. Investigators believe the fraud is linked to a larger inter-state racket exploiting fear and authority to extort money under the guise of digital arrests. Recently, a woman doctor in Gujarat was digitally trapped and defrauded of Rs 19 crore by cybercriminals who pressured her over months with threats and surveillance. The fraudsters made her transfer money into 35 accounts, even taking a loan against her gold. Realising the scam too late, she alerted her family, prompting a CID Cyber Crime probe on July 16. One suspect has been arrested in Surat; a massive manhunt is on for the rest of the syndicate. With similar high-stake scams emerging across Gujarat, police have issued fresh advisories urging citizens to remain vigilant against fake officials and to never share sensitive information or make payments under threat.

Gujarat Doctor Duped Of Rs 19 Crore In 'Digital Arrest' Scam, One Arrested

A Gandhinagar doctor was duped of Rs 19 crore over three months by fraudsters posing as officials who trapped her in a 'digital arrest' scam, a report has claimed.

J&K Housing Board takes over Rotary Club premises in Gandhi Nagar

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 27: Jammu and Kashmir Govt has declined extension of lease to Rotary Club Jammu for alleged violations of the terms & conditions of the lease granted in 1980s. Following the decision, the J&K Housing Board has taken over the Rotary Club premises, situated at A/D Block Green Belt Park Gandhinagar, Jammu. The Club was allotted 3000 sft land in Green Belt area in 1980s. However, the club, not only constructed the building on excess 604.50 sft [] The post J&K Housing Board takes over Rotary Club premises in Gandhi Nagar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Mughal period saw violence; Britain did not recognise suffering inflicted on colonies: Michel Danino

Michel Danino, IIT Gandhinagar Guest Professor and head of NCERTs Social Science textbook team, on historical framing in the new class seven and eight textbooks, media criticism, and debates over representation

Two dead, several injured as drunk driver mows down pedestrians in Gujarats Gandhinagar

AHMEDABAD: A speeding car ploughed into pedestrians and motorists on the service road in Gandhinagars Randesan area early Friday morning, leaving two people dead and several others critically injured. The driver, Hitesh Patel, was found heavily intoxicated and has been taken into police custody. According to officials, the accident occurred around morning rush hour when a car (registration number GJ18 EE 7887), driven recklessly by Patel, veered out of control and rammed into bystanders and vehicles along the service road. One of the deceased is a woman, while several others sustained serious injuries. Police confirmed that Hitesh Patel, who also owns the vehicle, was in an inebriated state and unable to even stand when apprehended. Eyewitness Elaben Patel said, The car crashed right in front of me. A man died on the spot. The driver was so drunk he couldnt keep his balance. The accused in police custody Among the injured was Mayur Joshi, whose father, Rahul Joshi, recounted, Mayur had just filled petrol and left for work when the car hit from behind. His condition was initially very bad. As news of the crash spread, Gandhinagar Mayor rushed to the scene and later confirmed, By the time I arrived, two had died. Two more victims are battling for their lives in the hospital. Superintendent of Police Ravi Teja said, Preliminary investigation and eyewitness accounts confirm the driver was under the influence of alcohol. CCTV footage and local statements are being examined. MoS (Home) Harsh Sanghavi said, As soon as I received information about the incident, I spoke to the Range IG and Gandhinagar SP. I have directed them to form a joint team for a thorough investigation and take strict action at the earliest. The police have launched a full-fledged investigation and sealed off the area for forensic examination. The tragedy has sparked fresh outrage over the rising cases of reckless driving in Gujarat's capital.

Gujarat records 54 pc seasonal rainfall

Gandhinagar: The southwest monsoon made an early entry into Gujarat this year, a week ahead of schedule. However, rainfall distribution across the state has been highly uneven over the past month and a half. In the last 24 hours alone, 90 talukas recorded rainfall, with the highest recorded in Jalalpore (Navsari district) at 5.24 inches. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Climate change is redrawing flash flood maps in India: IIT Study

NEW DELHI: A new study by IIT Gandhinagar has revealed a disturbing shift in Indias flash flood geography, warning that climate change is driving the emergence of new flood-prone regions in areas once considered very safe. Published in the journal 'Natural Hazards', the study, titled Drivers of Flash Floods in the Indian Subcontinental RiverBasinsfindsthat flash flood hotspots are expanding beyond traditionally vulnerable zones into drier and semi-arid regions. Flash floods are sudden inundations caused by extreme rainfall events. They typically occur withina very shorttime frame,usually within six hours,after heavy precipitation, the researchers noted. Characterised by a rapid increase in water flow followed by a quick recession, flash floods are highly unpredictable and can be extremely destructive. The studyobserveda marked rise in flash floods across semi-arid zones of western India, regions previously seen aslow-riskfrom the risk if flash floods.It attributes this shift to an increase in sub-daily precipitation events and rising temperatures, which allow the atmosphere toretainmore moisture and trigger intense rainfall. Even sub-basins earlier considered low in susceptibility are now showing significant increases in both precipitation and streamflow. The researchers compared data from 2001 to 2020 with a baseline of 19812000 and found a sharp rise in wet hours a key driver of flash floods across all Indian river basins not previously categorised as prone. The study noted that specifically, the proportion of non-flash flood-prone sub-basins with increased rainfall and streamflow grew from 51% to 66.5% in the past two decades. Similarly, the study notes thattheareascurrently classified as highly susceptible to flash floods are seeing a reduction in precipitation and streamflow,indicatinga potential future shift in flood hotspots. The percentage of wet hours in these zones declined from 50.3% to 48.7%. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), over 40 million hectares of land in India are proneto floods. Flash floodsremainone of the deadliest forms of flooding, causing over 5,000 deaths annually and inflicting significant socio-economic and environmental damage. More importantly,flash floods have the highest mortality rate among all flood typesincluding riverine and coastal. As the climate continues to warm, the study urges policymakers to rethink flood-risk zones and adapt disaster management strategies to this evolving threat landscapeso that they are better prepared to deal with the situation.

Savy Infra Logistics sets SME IPO price band at Rs 114-120/share, public issue to open on Jul 21

NEW DELHI, July 20:Gandhinagar-based EPC player Savy Infra & Logistics on Sunday said it has fixed the price band at Rs 114-120 per equity share for its Rs 70 crore initial public offer, which will open for public subscription on July 21. The initial public offering (IPO) will conclude on July 23, and the companys shares will be listed on the NSE Emerge, Savy Infra & Logistics said in a statement. The IPO is entirely a fresh issue of [] The post Savy Infra Logistics sets SME IPO price band at Rs 114-120/share, public issue to open on Jul 21 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Gujarat CMO, secretariat get bomb threat; turns out to be hoax

Gujarat's Chief Minister's Office and state secretariat in Gandhinagar received a bomb threat via email. Authorities conducted a thorough search of the premises. The search included the bomb detection and disposal squad. Police determined the threat was a hoax. An FIR has been registered against the unidentified sender. Several schools and courts in Gujarat also received similar hoax threats recently.

Autorickshaw driver held for throwing acid on Home Guard in Gandhinagar

The woman home guard had reprimanded him about the improperly parked autorickshaw

Rickshaw driver attacks female home guard with acid in Gujarat; arrested

AHMEDABAD: In a chilling act of revenge, a rickshaw driver attacked a female home guard jawan with acid during traffic duty in Chhatral village of Kalol taluka of Gujarat on the morning of July 18. The woman sustained burns on her hand, shoulder, and neck and was rushed to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital where she is undergoing treatment. The accused, who initially fled the scene, has been arrested. The shocking incident unfolded under the Chhatral overbridge, where home guard personnel were deployed for routine traffic regulation. Trouble erupted when a female jawan asked a rickshaw driver to properly align his vehicle, which was parked sideways obstructing traffic. Enraged by the minor instruction, the rickshaw driver picked up a quarrel with her. Before the altercation could escalate, fellow jawans intervened, and the man was escorted to the local police station. After being counselled, he was let off but the confrontation didnt end there. Consumed by rage and humiliation, the man allegedly returned home, procured acid, and came back to the Chhatral overbridge within half an hour. Without warning, he approached the same female home guard and hurled acid at her. As she screamed and fled in panic, nearby policemen rushed to her aid and immediately shifted her to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital. Kalol Division DySP P.D. Manwar confirmed the attack, stating, The accused rickshaw driver, infuriated after being told to park properly, went home, brought acid, and threw it at the woman on duty. She has sustained injuries and is under treatment. The accused has been arrested, and a case has been registered. Police said the man Ashok s/o Ramesh Rawat is now in custody and further investigation is underway. The attack has sparked outrage, with calls for stricter action against acid-related crimes, especially targeting public servants on duty.

Gujarat Man Killed After 'Drunk' Driver Rams Speeding BMW Into Scooter | Video

A middle-aged scooter rider in Gandhinagar was killed when a BMW, driven by an allegedly intoxicated individual, struck him.

Pharma distributor arrested in Hyderabad for selling counterfeit anti-epileptic drugs

The seizure was made during a raid conducted on July 4 on the premises of Arvind Pharma Distributors, located in the SBI Staff Colony, Gandhinagar

DCA arrests one for selling fake epilepsy medication in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) on Monday arrested one person for allegedly selling counterfeit epilepsy medication in Hyderabad. Manish Kumar, a partner and designated competent person of Arvind Pharma Distributors, was apprehended in SBI Staff Colony, Gandhinagar. He is accused of selling spurious Levipil 500 tablets, an anti-epileptic drug falsely labelled as manufactured Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Cracked roads, mounting anger: Gujarat's Monsoon exposes crumbling infrastructure, CM orders repair work on war-footing

AHMEDABAD: As heavy rains lash Gujarat, serious concerns are rising over the crumbling road infrastructure across major cities. From pothole-ridden stretches to waterlogged highways, commuters are facing daily ordeals. Notably, the state government has itself admitted that 83 km of National Highways and 243 bridges have been damaged this monsoon. Amid mounting complaints flooding social media, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel convened a high-level review meeting today to address the alarming state of roads. While assuring that there is no shortage of funds, the CM stressed the urgent need for durable and sustainable repair work, raising questions over the existing quality and accountability in road construction. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered urgent, war-footing repairs across the states monsoon-hit infrastructure. Reviewing the alarming condition of roads from rural interiors to urban centres and critical national highways, the CM held a high-level meeting in Gandhinagar, demanding immediate restoration without waiting for the rains to stop. Calling roads the main artery of development and daily life, Patel directed that not even a single dry day or holiday be wasted. Repairs must continue without pause, he said, urging swift patchwork, quality control, and accountability, especially for damage under defect liability. Contractors responsible for poor work must be held liable, he emphasised. With 243 bridges affected and 83 km of National Highways damaged 25 km of which still await repair, the CM asked for seamless coordination between NHAI, Panchayats, Municipal Bodies, and the Road Construction Department. Civic commissioners joined via video conference, as Patel pressed for immediate solutions to urban problems like waterlogging, broken underbridges, and battered drains along with long-term planning. A 24x7 control room at Nirman Bhavan has been activated to track field progress and fast track emergency responses. Patel reiterated the state governments full commitment to ensure citizens do not suffer due to bureaucratic delays or substandard repairs, warning departments to act fast and deliver on public expectations.

Foreign Liquor Worth Rs 1.19 Crore Seized In Gujarat: Cops

Gujarat State Monitoring Cell (SMC) from Gandhinagar seized foreign liquor worth Rs 1.19 crore during a raid in Chotila taluka of Surendranagar.

Underage Sarpanch elected in Gujarat: 19-year-old's victory exposes election blunder

AHMEDABAD: In a glaring instance of administrative negligence, the Gujarat State Election Commission is under fire after a 19-year-old girl was allegedly elected as Sarpanch in Gilosan village, Mehsana district, a clear violation of the minimum age requirement of 21 years. The irregularity came to light not during the election process, but while preparing a list of young Sarpanches to be felicitated by the Chief Minister at an upcoming event in Gandhinagar, said a source. During the verification of documents, officials from the district panchayat discovered a mismatch in the age of the newly elected Sarpanch, Afrozbanu Sipai. Her Aadhaar card shows a birth date of 8 December 2004, while her school leaving certificate mentions 7 January 2005, making her just 19 years and 8 months old, and therefore ineligible to contest. Shockingly, this discrepancy allegedly went completely unnoticed during the election process. It was only when the school leaving certificate was requested for the felicitation ceremony that officials realised the violation. The incident has triggered outrage and raised serious questions about the due diligence of election officials and returning officers responsible for verifying eligibility. As the controversy escalated, Mehsanas Provincial Officer Urvish Waland confirmed the breach. The Taluka Development Officer has submitted a report stating that the elected Sarpanch of Gilosan Gram Panchayat is under 21 years of age. At the time of nomination, the candidate declared her age as 21, based on which the Returning Officer accepted her form and allowed the election to proceed. She was subsequently declared the winner, said Waland. Only the age is to be mentioned in the nomination form, and the candidate had written that she had completed 21 years. We have now forwarded the entire report to the District Collector and also sent all relevant details to the State Election Commission. The final decision on the matter will be taken by the Commission, he added. Despite being underage, Parmar Afrozbanu has allegedly refused to step down. Nowhere in the form was I asked to write my date of birth, only my age. So, I wrote 21, she argued, defending her action. The administration is now mulling over forcing her resignation as per rules, but the blunder has already exposed a gaping hole in the election vetting process. The incident has not only embarrassed the local administration ahead of the CMs event but also put a spotlight on the systemic lapses allegedly plaguing grassroots electoral procedures.

BJP infighting exposes illegal dairy operations, corruption in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: A storm is brewing across Gujarats powerful cooperative dairy sector, as internal rifts within the BJP have begun spilling out in the form of infighting, corruption, and violent altercations at top dairies. From Baroda to Mehsana to Surat, one scandal after another is laying bare the deep-rooted political and financial rot within the states milk cooperatives. The latest flashpoint is Surats Sumul Dairy, where a fierce power tussle between Chairman Mansingh Patel and Vice Chairman Raju Pathak has exploded over allegations that milk from Maharashtra was being illegally sourced, mixed, and sold through local co-operative societies. According to dairy sources, the issue, which started over fines imposed on milk importers, escalated when Pathak allegedly tried to assault the MD during a heated board discussion. Sumul Dairy Director Jayesh Patel (Delad) told The New Indian Express , Investigations revealed that 25 co-operative societies across Surat and Tapi districts were caught red-handed sourcing milk from Maharashtra, storing it in chilling plants, and funneling it into Sumul Dairy through unregistered centres. Sumul had imposed a fine of Rs 3.25 crore on these milk firms. Now, with the Congress entering the battlefield, the issue has snowballed into a full-blown political controversy. Surat Congress leader Darshan Nayak has accused the Sumul board of corruption, written to the Chief Minister, and demanded action against notified societies involved in mixing cold, imported milk with local warm supplies. Hes also called for an immediate quality audit and board dismissal, citing earlier allegations of crores-worth corruption in Sumul Dairy. When The New Indian Express reached out to Sumul Vice Chairman Raju Pathak for a comment, he curtly replied, I am busy, and declined to say anything further. The BJP high command has taken note. Sources confirm that the party leadership has summoned Sumuls chairman and vice chairman to Gandhinagar. Orders have been issued to audit the rogue societies and take legal action against those found violating milk sourcing norms. The milk auditor has been tasked with investigating chilling plants and purchase centres operating outside the legal framework. This turmoil in Sumul follows on the heels of two other explosive incidents in Gujarats dairy network: In Baroda Dairy, BJP MLA Ketan Inamdar found a financial fraud where milk was being deposited in the names of deceased members. He wrote to top officials, including the Chief Minister and Cooperation Minister, triggering an internal probe and prompting the MD, Ajay Joshi, to resign. Meanwhile, in Mehsanas Dudhsagar Dairy, a board meeting on 27 June turned violent when Vice Chairman Yogesh Patel accused Chairman Ashok Chaudhary of slapping him during a heated discussion over expired milk powder stock. The following day, Patel revealed that large quantities of spoiled powder were lying at the dairys Charada godown, forcing the chairman to face the media. Sources claim the root of this clash lies in a power struggle between two BJP heavyweights in Mehsana, allegedly backed by a state minister and a top BJP organisational leader. Across Gujarat, cooperative dairies once seen as engines of rural prosperity are now marred by corruption, factional politics, and violent infighting, reflecting the deepening cracks within the BJPs own ranks. As the state government scrambles to control the damage, the credibility of the dairy sector and the ruling party's grip over it is under severe scrutiny.

Mystery eye illness strikes over 120 students in Gujarat school, investigation underway

AHMEDABAD: A sudden and baffling health scare has rocked J.M. Desai Vidhyamandir School in Jhank village of Dehgam taluka, Gujarat, where over 120 students have been struck by a mysterious eye condition, triggering a state-level medical response. What began on 30 June with a few complaints of eye redness, burning, irritation, and double vision quickly escalated, affecting 122 out of the 225 hostel students. Alarmed by the scale of the outbreak, the school rushed the affected students to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital for urgent care and screening. A Class 10 student from JM Desai School told local media, After taking a bath in the morning, my eyes felt slanted and everything appeared blurry. The words in my book looked doubled. Even water tasted bitter and I didnt feel like drinking it. I had to rush to the washroom repeatedly. Thats when the school staff brought me to the hospital. Despite treatment, 120 students were still reporting symptoms as of Wednesday, keeping health authorities on high alert. Though most of the children have now been discharged, two remain under observation due to persistent discomfort. District Health Officer Dr Ashok Vaishnav told local media, Out of 225 students residing at the J.M. Vidyalaya hostel in Jhank village, 122 complained of eye irritation, redness, itching, blurred and double vision after waking up on Monday. A team led by District Epidemic Control Officer Dr Jignesh Asari immediately conducted health check-ups at the Kadadara Primary Health Centre. Dr Vaishnav further noted, While 120 students have been discharged after treatment, two students are still experiencing dizziness and are under treatment at the hospital. Meanwhile, Dean of Gandhinagar Medical College Dr Ankur Jhalawadia said, To determine the exact cause of the symptoms, gastric lavage samples have been sent to the FSL, while blood and urine samples have been sent to the Choline Esterase Laboratory. The results, expected in two days, will confirm whether any poisoning is involved. With the cause still unidentified, state officials remain puzzled. Departments of health, food safety, and education have launched a joint probe, collecting water and food samples from the school premises and hostel. The samples have been sent to laboratories, and authorities are now awaiting results to pinpoint the source of the mysterious outbreak.

Bhupendra Patel launches Jan Suraksha Santrupti Abhiyan in Gandhinagar

At the event, the Chief Minister gave cheques of 2 lakh each to three beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and handed over a Jan Dhan passbook to one account holder

Car plunges into canal near Gandhinagar, Gujarat; five feared drowned, three bodies recovered

AHMEDABAD: An accident occurred near Nabhoi in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on Tuesday, when a car plunged into the Narmada Canal, leaving at least two people dead. Rescue teams fear that more occupants may have drowned. Following an emergency alert at 2:43 PM, fire brigade teams rushed to the site near Karai and launched a rescue operation. Two bodies one male and one female were recovered from the submerged Kia Seltos vehicle. Efforts to retrieve the car are ongoing. Eyewitness Vishnu Thakor, who was en route to Nana Chiloda, said, I saw the car fall into the canal from the opposite side. There were three or four people and a Home Guard nearby. A girl tried to escape and someone threw her a rope, but she couldnt grab it and drowned. Eventually, the Home Guard managed to tie a rope around her and pull her out. The fire brigade and police arrived quickly. Gandhinagar Fire Officer Rajesh Patel confirmed the recovery of two bodies and said the fire control room received the alert in the afternoon. One body had already been retrieved by a bystander. Our team recovered the second, he added. Police Officer Divya Prakash Gohil said, A Home Guard at the scene saw a woman drowning and tried to rescue her, but she could not be saved. So far, we have recovered two bodies one male and one female. Preliminary investigations have revealed that one of the deceased was a resident of Ahmedabad. The exact circumstances under which the car veered off the road and plunged into the canal are still under investigation. Both the police and local administration have initiated a joint inquiry into the incident. Rescue operations by the fire brigade and local authorities continue at the site.

Gujarat AAP MLA resigns, allege caste bias; gets suspended hrs later

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Botad in Gujarats Saurashtra region, Umesh Makwana, resigned from all party positions on Thursday, June 26, citing caste-based discrimination. A member of the Koli community, classified under the Other Backwards Class (OBC) category, Makwana made the announcement during a press conference in Gandhinagar, accusing the party of favouring the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Makwanas explosive exit: Gujarat AAP MLA alleges Dalit betrayal, hints at launching new party

AHMEDABAD: Days after AAPs Gopal Italia clinched victory in the Gujarat bypolls, the party was rocked by internal discord as Botad MLA Umesh Makwana was expelled for five years on Thursday. The action came hours after Makwana resigned from all party posts in a letter to Arvind Kejriwal, saying he would remain a dedicated worker of the party. Gujarat AAP chief Isudan Gadhvi announced the expulsion, reflecting rising tensions in the state unit. In his parting remarks, Makwana hit out at the leadership, alleging he was abandoned during the campaign and that a Dalit candidate in the Kadi Assembly was left alone in the field, indirectly targeting the handling of Italias poll run. AAP leader Umesh Makwana told reporters in Gandhinagar on Thursday, I will decide on resigning as MLA only after consulting the people. Leaders from backward communities are being used only for elections, and every party has failed to raise their real issues. Casteist mindsets are growing in all parties, he alleged. Makwana, who has served in the national structure of both Dandak and AAP, said he has stepped down as AAP's national joint secretary but will continue as a grassroots worker. The entire party rallied behind Gopal Italia, but the Dalit candidate from Kadi was left to fight alone, he added. I will take the final call on resigning as AAP MLA only after consulting the public. If I resign, I will soon decide whether to contest as an independent or launch a new party, Umesh Makwana said, hinting at possible political realignment. Makwana also said he plans to convene a meeting with leaders from backward communities in the coming days. Moments after Umesh Makwana's announcement, Gujarat AAP president Isudan Gadhvi told the media, Umesh Makwana has been suspended from the party for five years for indulging in anti-party and anti-Gujarat activities. Gadhvi further alleged, The BJP is doing dirty politics and is rattled by the Visavadar bypoll result. They are trying to damage AAP through Umesh Makwana, but this will prove to be a mistake. Long before his resignation and expulsion, signs of Umesh Makwanas growing distance from the Aam Aadmi Party had become evident, as he had not been seen in any party programmes for months. Speculation around his resignation had surfaced earlier as well, though he had publicly denied the rumours in a press conference. Makwana, who was fielded by AAP from the Botad seat in the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections, had defeated BJPs Ghanshyam Virani and Congresss Manhar Patel to become an MLA. His political journey with AAP continued when he was later nominated as the partys Lok Sabha candidate from Bhavnagar, though he lost that contest. Despite these key roles, his prolonged absence from party activities hinted at a widening rift, which eventually culminated in his resignation and expulsion, bringing the internal cracks within the Gujarat unit into sharper focus.

Ahmedabad plane crash: DNA matches confirmed for 251 victims, 245 bodies handed over to families

AHMEDABAD: In a recent development following the Ahmedabad plane crash, Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi announced that DNA samples of 251 deceased victims have been successfully matched. Thus far, the mortal remains of 245 individuals have been handed over to their grieving families, with the remaining six to be returned in the coming days. Dr Joshi, addressing the media, shared that the 245 bodies released include 176 Indian nationals, 49 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, one Canadian, and 12 non-passengers. The extensive identification process marks a critical step towards closure for hundreds of devastated families. Ahmedabad plane crash: Crew member's mortal remains reach Manipur, thousands pay tributes Providing a district-wise breakdown, Dr Joshi stated that bodies have been returned to families from the following regions: Ahmedabad (70), Vadodara (24), Anand (26), Udaipur (7), Kheda (11), Mehsana (7), Surat (12), Bharuch (7), Gandhinagar (7), Diu (14), Gir Somnath (5), Rajkot (3), Patan (3), Junagadh (1), Amreli (2), Bhavnagar (1), Botad (1), Mahisagar (1), Aravalli (2), Palanpur (1), Jamnagar (2), Dwarka (2), Sabarkantha (1), Modasa (1), Khambhat (2), Nadiad (1), Patna (1), Mumbai (10), Pune (1), Maharashtra (2), Rajasthan (2), Jodhpur (1), London (10), and Manipur (1). He emphasised that the DNA matching process is both highly sensitive and bound by strict legal protocols. Every identification has been carried out with the utmost precision and care. Agencies such as Forensic Science University, alongside the local administration, health departments, and various state and central authorities, are working tirelessly to ensure that the mortal remains are returned with dignity and respect. This coordinated and relentless effort underscores the authorities commitment to providing a measure of solace and closure in the wake of an immense tragedy.

Police detain NSUI Student Leader, Congress MLA during exam, spark political outrage in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: The President of the Rajasthan University Students' Union, Nirmal Chaudhary, and Sangaria MLA Abhimanyu Poonia were detained by the police on Saturday while appearing for a philosophy examination at the university. According to eyewitnesses, plainclothes officers had been stationed across the campus since morning and took both leaders into custody as soon as the exam began. The detention caused a huge stir on campus, with some students raising slogans and creating a commotion. The situation calmed down after the police left with Chaudhary. However, DCP East Tejaswini Gautam clarified that Abhimanyu Poonia was not detained. He voluntarily entered the police vehicle to support Nirmal Chaudhary, she said. Gautam stated that Chaudhary had been wanted in connection with a 2022 scuffle involving then CI Gandhinagar Nemichand and ACP Mukesh Chaudhary, which left Nemichand with a fractured hand and Mukesh Chaudhary with a head injury. A case was registered against several student leaders, and after a thorough investigation, Chaudhary was taken into custody. The police did not detain MLA Abhimanyu Poonia. He joined Nirmal in the car voluntarily and later went to his residence from the Gandhinagar police station, added DCP Gautam. MLA Abhimanyu Poonia, however, asserted, Nirmal Chaudhary and I were taken from the exam hall as if we were criminals. I have been released, but Nirmal is still in police custody. The behaviour of the plainclothes officers was akin to hooliganism. Nirmal, a former student union president, had recently staged a protest at SMS Hospital demanding an inquiry into the death by suicide of Jodhpur doctor Rakesh Vishnoi. There too, he had a heated argument with police officials. Poonia added, This kind of police action against a student is absolutely wrong. Arresting Nirmal over an old case while he was appearing for an exam created chaos in the examination hall and violated democratic norms. The Congress party has strongly condemned the police action. MLA Abhimanyu Poonia, Mukesh Bhakar, Ram Niwas Gavadia, former MLA Indraj Gurjar, and Anil Chopra met Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph on Saturday afternoon and termed the arrest as unlawful. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted, Detaining Youth Congress state president and MLA Abhimanyu Poonia and Nirmal Chaudhary during an examination is unjust and a breach of democracy. The BJP government refused to listen to the family of Dr. Rakesh Vishnoi, and when these public representatives spoke out for justice, a case was registered against them. Public representatives have every right to raise their voice for the public interest. The state government should release them immediately. Similarly, former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot added, If the police, administration, and government act out of a sense of revenge, we will oppose it strongly. The government aims to send a message that it will target those who raise their voice, which is unacceptable. Suppressing dissent through state machinery is completely wrong.

54 institutions from India make it to QS World University rankings, IIT Delhi highest at 123rd spot

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the performance of Indian educational institutions in the World University 2026 Rankings, which were made public on Thursday. In a post on X, the PM said, The QS World University Rankings bring great news for our education sector. Our government is committed to furthering research and innovation ecosystems for the benefit of Indias youth. India is the fourth most represented in the list with only the United States, United Kingdom and China surpassing it, said an official release from the PIB. A total of 54 Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) from India featured in the rankings with IIT Delhi emerging as the countrys top-ranked institute by securing the 123rd position. Twelve IITs have made it to the ranking list. Compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the internationally recognised ranking system compares HEIs worldwide on an annual basis. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in a statement said, From just 11 universities in 2014 to 54 in the latest rankings, this five-fold jump is a testament to the transformative educational reforms ushered by PM Narendra Modijis government in the last decade. National Education Policy 2020 is not just changing our educational landscape, it is revolutionising it. QS World University Rankings '26: IIT-M in top 200, Anna University falls to 465 IIT Delhi, which stands at the 123rd position now, was ranked 150th in 2025. The rankings of other IITs which made it to the list in sequential order are IIT Bombay (129), IIT Madras (180) IIT Kharagpur (215), IIT Kanpur (222), IIT Guwahati (334), IIT Roorkee (339), IIT Indore (556), IIT Varanasi (566), IIT Hyderabad (664), IIT Gandhinagar (801-850) and IIT Bhubaneswar (951-1000). Other top Indian institutions on the list include Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (219), University of Delhi (328), Anna University (465), Jawaharlal Nehru University (558), Savitribai Phule Pune University (556), University of Mumbai (664), Vellore Institute of Technology (691) and Symbiosis International University (696). An official release from the PIB said eight universities are making their debut in the rankings from India IIT Gandhinagar, Lovely Professional University, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Ashoka University, Galgotias University, Shiv Nadar University, Christ (Deemed to be University) Bengaluru and Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies. 48 percent of Indias ranked universities have improved their positions compared to the previous year, the release said. QS 2026 is based on data from over 16 million academic papers and insights from 1,51,000 academics and one lakh employers. A broad mix of factors like faculty qualifications, research strength, partnerships and student outcomes are considered for the rankings. A new indicator called International Student Diversity has been introduced in this years assessment.

Ahmedabad plane crash: 223 DNA matches confirmed, 204 bodies handed over to families

AHMEDABAD: DNA samples of 223 victims of the Air India plane crash have been successfully matched, and 204 bodies have been handed over to families as of 11:50 am on June 20, according to Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi. The Civil Hospital authorities have intensified the efforts to identify and return the remaining bodies. Meanwhile, two patients under treatment at the Civil Hospital succumbed to their injuries. Their bodies have been handed over to their families, bringing the total count of bodies handed over to 204 from the Civil Hospital alone. Breaking down the identification further, Dr Joshi confirmed that the 223 matched victims comprise 168 Indian nationals, 7 Portuguese, 36 British citizens, 1 Canadian, and 11 non-passengers - local residents who were tragically caught in the crash zone. Several international, domestic Air India flights cancelled due to operational reasons Logistics have played a critical role in the aftermath, with 15 bodies airlifted and 189 transported by road, according to Dr Joshi. The mortal remains have been sent to various Indian states and several foreign countries. Ahmedabad received the highest number, with 58 bodies, followed by Vadodara (21), Surat (11), Udaipur (7), Mumbai (9), Diu (14), and Kheda (11). Others were sent to Mehsana (6), Gandhinagar (6), Rajkot (3), Jamnagar (2), Patan (2), Dwarka (2), Aravalli (2), and London (2). Single bodies were transported to locations including Botad, Jodhpur, Anand, Palanpur, Maharashtra, Junagadh, Amreli, Gir Somnath, Mahisagar, Bhavnagar, Patna, Nadiad, Sabarkantha, Nagaland, and Modasa. Madurai-bound Indigo flight returns after mid-air 'snag,' say officials

Ahmedabad Diary | Government aid yet to reach Air India crash victims

After 241 of the 242 passengers onboard the AI171, en route to the London Gatwick, and the entire crew perished in the Ahmedabad air tragedy, compensation has begun trickling in. The Tata Group pledged Rs 1 crore per bereaved family, while Air India announced Rs 25 lakh each. Several others also died at the crash site. However, neither the Centre, nor Gujarat government has offered any relief so far. Slamming the silence, Congress leader Amit Chavda demanded both governments jointly grant Rs 1 crore per bereaved family, stressing that empathy must guide action in times of tragedy. BJP, AAP candidates fail to cast votes in bypoll Polling was held on Thursday for the Visavadar by-election, with BJPs Kirit Patel, Congress Nitin Ranpariya, and AAPs Gopal Italia in the fray. Ironically, only Congress candidate Ranpariya cast his own vote at the Bhesan BRC Bhavan on Thursday morning. BJPs Patel and AAPs Italia were unable to do so, as Patel is registered in Junagadh and Italia in Surat. Their absence from the Visavadar voter list barred them from supporting their own names on the ballot. As the poliing day draws to a close, focus now shifts to the turnout, and the symbolic weight of the missing votes. 13 IAS officers shifted in major bureaucratic rejig In a significant administrative shake-up, the Gujarat government has transferred 13 IAS officers and 9 Deputy Section Officers just a few days back. IAS officer Ashwini Kumar has been shifted from Urban Development to take charge as Principal Secretary, Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities. In another key swap, IAS M Thennarasan moves from Sports to head the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department. Rameshchand Meena has been handed additional charge as Principal Secretary, Ports and Transport. Meanwhile, IAS Milind Shivaram Torawane, formerly MD of GSPC, Gandhinagar, takes over as Principal Secretary, Panchayat and Rural Development. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com

Air India crash: Exact death toll likely within 23 days, says Ahmedabad police commissioner

AHMEDABAD: In the aftermath of the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad, Commissioner GS Malik addressed a press conference on Thursday, offering a detailed timeline and critical updates on the rescue, recovery, and ongoing investigation. He announced that the exact death toll is expected to be confirmed within the next 23 days, pending final DNA verification and forensic analysis. Addressing the Press conference Commissioner GS Malik Said, The fatal crash occurred at 1:40 PM on June 12, and within just two minutesby 1:42 PMAhmedabad police were alerted. Commissioner Malik stated that Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi and Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay were immediately informed. Within minutes, senior officers, including the DCP Crime and DCP Zone 4, reached the accident siteeven before the Commissioner himself. He further said, Recognizing the urgency of the situation, a green corridor was swiftly created to ensure uninterrupted access for emergency vehicles. Ambulances and fire brigades from 19 fire stations were allowed to move without delay. Notably, the first ambulance reached the scene within just 3 minutes and 40 seconds, a response time hailed as remarkable under such catastrophic circumstances. Among the first responders, Constable Mayur from Meghaninagar stood outhe remained beside the lone survivor throughout the ordeal, providing crucial support. On June 13, bodies of doctors and medical students recovered from the wreckage were shifted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. The massive identification effort began immediately. By 9:34 AM on June 14, the first DNA match was confirmedwithin 72 hours of the crash. As of Thursday, a total of 224 DNA matches have been successfully completed, with 204 bodies handed over to grieving families. The Commissioner highlighted the extraordinary coordination and speed at which DNA samples were collected. Over 200 police personnel, including 10 inspectors, gathered samples from 51 families in less than 11 hours. That same night, police reached the Gandhinagar Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) by 12:19 AM, less than 12 hours after the crash. Both manual and software-assisted DNA matching methods were used with advanced forensic equipment. To manage the overwhelming aftermath, nearly 1,000 police officers were stationed at the Civil Hospital, assisting families and maintaining order. Police are now in the process of handing over recovered personal belongingsincluding passports, ornaments, and other itemsto the next of kin. The crash site yielded almost 100 mobile phones and 318 body parts, adding complexity to the identification process. Commissioner Malik described the response as a historic rescue operation, citing the unified efforts of multiple agencies. Personnel from SRP, CISF, Army, Air Force, NDRF, SDRF, NSG, CRPF, BSF, and RAF were deployed and reached the site in record time, forming one of the largest joint rescue teams in Indias disaster history. Meanwhile, the technical investigation is underway at the crash site. Experts from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the central government are meticulously examining every detail. Videos and CCTV footage of the crash are being analyzed, and the statement of the sole survivor has been officially recorded to aid the inquiry. As families await final closure, Commissioner Malik emphasized that a confirmed death toll will be available within 23 days, once the last phase of forensic matching is completed. This tragic incident has not only shaken Gujarat but has mobilized the countrys best disaster response capabilities, showing both the fragility of life and the resilience of a system determined to bring answers, dignity, and justice to every victim and their loved ones.

Ahmedabad plane crash: 190 DNA matches confirmed, 157 bodies handed over

AHMEDABAD: Six days after the devastating Ahmedabad plane crash, the sole survivor Vishwas Kumar has been discharged from the hospital in stable condition, confirmed Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Civil Hospital Superintendent. Kumar's family, who had flown in from the UK, was present at his side. The body of Kumar's brother, who was killed in the crash, was handed over to the family at 2 am on the same day, and a funeral was held for him in Diu. As of now, DNA samples of 190 deceased individuals have been successfully matched. In a detailed briefing, Dr. Joshi stated that 157 bodies have already been handed over to their respective families, with the identification and release process still underway for the remaining. He noted that five families are expected to collect the bodies of their loved ones soon, while the hospital remains in contact with 10 families. Meanwhile, 15 families are waiting for DNA matches of additional relatives, and the identification process is ongoing for three others. Dr. Joshi also revealed a detailed breakdown of the nationalities among the deceased whose bodies have been identified: 123 Indian nationals, 27 British citizens, 4 Portuguese nationals, 1 Canadian citizen, and 4 non-passengers. In terms of geographical distribution, he reported that the bodies handed over include: Ahmedabad (48), Vadodara (18), Kheda (10), Anand (11), Gandhinagar (6), Surat (6), Mehsana (5), Udaipur (6), Bharuch (5), Gir Somnath (5), Diu (12), Mahisagar (1), Bhavnagar (1), Patan (1), Botad (1), Aravalli (2), Jodhpur (1), Junagadh (1), Amreli (1), Rajkot (2), Nadiad (1), Dwarka (2), Sabarkantha (1), Mumbai (7), London (2), Patna (1), and Maharashtra (2).

Gujarat bids farewell to former CM Vijay Rupani; Rajkot shuts down in mourning

AHMEDABAD: Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had been confirmed dead in the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI171 on Sunday morning, after DNA matching with remains recovered from the wreckage near Ahmedabad airport. DNA cross-verification of former CM Vijay Rupani has been completed, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said, addressing the media at the Civil Hospital mortuary. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel immediately met the Rupani family at their Gandhinagar residence and assured full state assistance for transporting the mortal remains and organising the last rites as per the family's wishes. The London-bound AI171 crashed minutes after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, killing 241 of the 242 people on board. Rupanis son had rushed to Ahmedabad on Saturday to provide a DNA sample at BJ Medical College, expediting the identification process. 'Thrust not achieved, falling, Mayday,' were the last words of Air India flight's pilot before crash Rupanis hometown Rajkot came to a standstill on Saturday, observing a half-day shutdown in tribute to the late leader. The outpouring of grief reflected not just local sentiment but the void left behind in Gujarats political fabric. Born in 1956 in Rangoon (now Yangon), Rupani migrated to Rajkot with his family during political unrest in Myanmar. The son of a grain trader, he went on to script one of Gujarats most enduring political journeys. From a student activist with ABVP to a loyal BJP foot soldier, his career was deeply rooted in ideology and discipline. Rupanis political graph rose steadilyfrom corporator in Rajkot in 1987 to mayor in the late '90s, Rajya Sabha MP (20062012), and twice elected MLA from Rajkot West. He served briefly as Gujarat BJP president in 2016 before being sworn in as the states 16th Chief Minister, succeeding Anandiben Patel. During his term from 2016 to 2021, Rupani was known for his quiet efficiency and behind-the-scenes consensus-building. His leadership was key in stabilising the BJP amid the Patidar agitation and in retaining the partys grip over Saurashtra, a politically volatile region. An RSS loyalist, Rupani was also imprisoned during the Emergency and maintained unwavering commitment to the BJP since its formation in 1980. His proximity to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former CM Keshubhai Patel often placed him at the intersection of legacy and leadership within the party. Outside politics, Rupani was involved in social initiatives and managed a family business. A trained stockbroker, he was known for his calm demeanour and administrative acumen. BJP leaders often praised his ability to keep party workers motivated while ensuring seamless governance. Rupanis death marks the end of an erahis political journey closely intertwined with Gujarats rise as a BJP stronghold. He is survived by his wife Anjali Rupani, also an active BJP member, and their two children. As Gujarat mourns, the state prepares to bid farewell to one of its most steadfast sons.

Air India plane crash: Ex-Gujarat CM Vijay Rupanis mortal remains identified

Gandhinagar: The mortal remains of former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani have been identified through DNA test, officials said on Sunday, June 15, as investigations into Thursdays Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad intensified. Rupani was among the 241 passengers killed in the horrific tragedy on June 12. So far, 32 victims have been identified Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Why Ex-Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Had To Postpone His London Trip

Vijay Rupani left Gandhinagar with aide Shailesh Mandalia and staff, reached Ahmedabad airport by 11:45 am, and boarded the London-bound Air India flight that later crashed

AI171 plane crash: Vijay Rupani's lucky number '1206' becomes date of his last journey

AHMEDABAD: Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani considered '1206' his lucky number and ensured it featured on all vehicles he owned over the years. The number has now become synonymous with one of the worst aviation tragedies in India's history, in which he lost his life along with 264 others on Thursday. Rupani was among 242 persons on board a London-bound Air India flight that crashed into a building of a medical college and hostel in the Meghaninagar area moments after taking off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The former chief minister considered 1206 as his lucky number, but it has now become the date of his final journey, June 12 (12/6). In his hometown Rajkot, people could identify Rupani's car by its vehicle registration number 1206. According to locals of Rajkot and journalists, Rupani's scooters and cars bore the same number. Rupani was travelling to his daughter's place in London, as his wife Anjaliben, who is also an active member of the BJP, was also there. Anjaliben reached Gandhinagar on Friday morning. Gujarat state BJP chief and Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil on Thursday confirmed Rupani's death in the plane crash. The 68-year-old leader was known for his composed demeanour and firm administrative style. He served as Gujarat's chief minister from August 2016 to September 2021 and steered the state through a critical post-COVID-19 recovery phase. He started off as a student leader, leading several agitations, and was an activist of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad in his college days. In 1975, Rupani was imprisoned for a year in the Bhavnagar jail while protesting against the Emergency. He entered public service in 1987 when he was elected as a corporator in the Rajkot Municipal Corporation and later became the mayor. He was a member of the Rajya Sabha between 2006 and 2012. His tenure as the chief minister saw the launch of the state Industrial Policy 2020 and initiatives for tribal upliftment. Rupani stepped down from the post in September 2021, making way for Bhupendra Patel ahead of state elections. He was later appointed as BJP in-charge of Punjab. 241 passengers died. One survived. His story bears witness to Ahmedabad plane crash horror

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A tragic accident, nation in shock, says Union Minister Amit Shah on Ahmedabad plane crash

AHMEDABAD: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, calling it a devastating accident that has shaken the entire nation. Speaking after a high-level review meeting in Gandhinagar, Shah laid out the grim realities of the tragedy and the scale of the response. The ill-fated flight was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. So far, only one passenger has been rescued I have personally met him, Shah revealed. The exact number of deceased can only be confirmed after DNA identification is complete. Shah said the aircraft had 1.25 lakh litres of fuel onboard at the time of crash. Due to the intense heat and high temperature, there was no chance for anyone to survive. The conditions were such that escape was nearly impossible. The recovery of bodies has now been completed, he added, painting a horrific picture of the aftermath. He confirmed that the process of collecting DNA samples from the families of the passengers has already been completed. Those living abroad have also been informed. Around 1,000 DNA tests will need to be conducted here in Gujarat, and we have the capacity for it. With the support of the National Forensic Science University, the testing will be expedited, he assured. Only after DNA matching will the bodies be handed over to the families. Shah also detailed the immediate response from top officials. The moment I received information about the incident, I immediately contacted the Chief Minister, the Home Minister of Gujarat, and the Civil Aviation Department. The Prime Minister was also called immediately . Calling it one of the worst aviation disasters in recent times, Shah said, Many lives have been lost in this devastating accident, and the entire nation is in shock. My deepest condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives. On behalf of the Gujarat government, I also extend sympathies to all those who have died or been injured. In closing, Shah reflected on the sheer unpredictability of the tragedy: This was a tragic accident and no one can stop it.

Gujarat cops arrest four from 'Khekda gang' in connection with metro cable thefts

AHMEDABAD: In a high-stakes crackdown, Gujarat's Gandhinagar Local Crime Branch has dismantled the notorious 'Khekda Gang'a professional cable theft syndicate behind sweeping metro heists across India. The gang operated with surgical precision across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh, looting high-value metro cables under the radar. With 35 major thefts already traced to them, the gang had turned metro lines into a lucrative crime corridor. In a decisive strike, police have arrested four key operatives, while 11 gang members remain at large, triggering a nationwide manhunt. According to official police records, the gang's latest strike occurred on the night of June 2, 2025, during an IPL match, when they stole 700 meters of cable worth Rs 17.85 lakh near the old Koba Metro station in Gandhinagar. Exploiting the deserted stretch near the Infocity Post Office area between 2 and 3 am, the thieves scaled trees and metro pillars to execute the high-voltage heist. Speaking to the media in Gandhinagar, SP Ravi Teja Wasam Shett said: Following the incident, police deployed technical surveillance and relied on informants to track the suspects to a rented house in Kalol, where the stolen cables were being processed. Acting swiftly, the Crime Branch raided the house and arrested Musharraf Irshad Mulejat, Rashid Ishaq Ismail Dhobi, Rashid Abdul Aziz Shabbir Ansari, and Irshad Majeed Allamehar Malik. Inside, they found cables stripped for copper, packed and ready for shipment to Delhi by train. During interrogation, the arrested men confessed to operating in 14 metro locations in Delhi, 12 in Pune, 6 in Panvel (Navi Mumbai), and several more in Bhopal and Indore. Their method was chillingly systematic: they would travel to cities with active metro lines, rent hotel rooms near stations, book vehicles via JustDial, and secure safehouses through local brokers. Once the logistics were set, the gang would identify metro bridge pillars near trees or walls, climb using ropes, and cut the heavy-duty cables with industrial cutters. They then stripped the plastic or rubber coating, extracted the copper wiring, packed it, and sent it via train from Ahmedabad's Kalupur station to Delhi. There, the metal was sold through a network of illegal dealers. Notably, Raja Qureshi, who did not physically participate in the Ahmedabad theft, acted as a receiver, arranging transport and resale of stolen goods while funding other gang operations. The police have registered the case under Sections 35(1)(e) and 106(1) of Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, and further investigation is underway to trace the absconding members and dismantle the broader syndicate. With these arrests, police believe they have delivered a significant blow to one of India's most organised metro cable theft rings.

Gujarat Information Commission demands end to CIDs RTI exemption in cyber fraud cases

AHMEDABAD: In a game-changing decision, the Gujarat State Information Commission has slammed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) (Crime) for hiding behind a 19-year-old RTI exemption to deny critical information to cyber fraud victims. The Commission has now recommended the state government revoke the special immunity granted to CID Crime regarding cyber fraud casesdelivering a major win for transparency and the rights of hundreds of duped citizens. The exemption, in effect since October 25, 2005, under a Home Department notification, placed CID Crime beyond the purview of the Right to Information Act for crime-related investigations. However, the recent judgment has pierced this shield in the context of cybercrime, which the Commission argued is no longer a conventional sensitive crime but a rapidly escalating public menace impacting citizens daily. The ruling stemmed from a plea by Rakesh Kumar Prajapati, a Gandhinagar resident who lost Rs 4.5 lakh to cyber fraud. After filing a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell, Prajapati sought the FIR copy and related documents under the RTI Act. CID Crime rejected his request, citing the 2005 exemption. Unwilling to accept silence in the face of theft, Prajapati took the matter to the State Information Commission. Presiding over the case, Information Commissioner Nikhil Bhatt issued a sharp rebuke to CID Crime's blanket denial. In his remarks, Bhatt stressed that while CID handles sensitive investigations, cyber fraudnow affecting thousands of citizens dailydemands a different approach. When a person becomes a victim of digital theft, they want to know what steps were taken, what progress was made, and whether they will ever recover their money. Denying this under the guise of secrecy is unjustifiable, Bhatt noted. He emphasised that neither police stations nor CIDs cyber cell offers victims even the basic visibility into the status of their complaints. This, he argued, amounts to a denial of the fundamental right to know, protected under the RTI Act. Going beyond the individual case, the Commission invoked its powers under Section 25(3)(g) of the RTI Act to recommend structural reforms. It has urged the state government to amend the 2005 notification, specifically withdrawing exemptions for cyber fraud data from CID Crime, Local Crime Branches, and other crime branches across Gujarat. This ruling could potentially dismantle a long-standing wall of bureaucratic opacity and mark a critical step toward greater accountability in cybercrime investigations. If the state government acts on the recommendation, victims like Prajapati will no longer be left in the darkand the CID may finally be held answerable in the digital age.

Rs 7.3 crore MGNREGA scam uncovered in Bharuch amid growing Gujarat rural job scheme crisis

AHMEDABAD: The corruption in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) continues to deepen in Gujarat. Following massive irregularities unearthed in Dahod, Panchmahal, and Narmada districts, Bharuch has now been added to the list exposing yet another multi-crore scam under the Central governments flagship employment scheme for the rural poor. According to a police complaint filed at Bharuch A Division, a staggering Rs 7.30 crore has been siphoned off through fraudulent practices across 56 villages in the talukas of Amod, Jambusar, and Hansot. Officials say the fraud stems from collusion between contractors and government personnel. The First Information Report (FIR), lodged at Bharuch A Division Police Station on Friday, 30 May 2025, names two firms Muralidhar Enterprise and Jalaram Enterprise accused of gross irregularities in executing clay-metal road works across 11 villages, covering projects from January 20, 2023, to the present. Citing a technical audit, the FIR notes, In each of the 11 villages, despite road lengths being consistent, the agencies arbitrarily segmented the roads into different parts averaging 236 metres per segment violating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and government-prescribed criteria. The complaint further alleges that the contractors failed to meet material specifications. According to the FIR, They did not use metal of the required thickness, failed to incorporate quarry spoil, and did not supply the approved construction materials. Instead, they fraudulently inflated material usage figures and generated bogus bills. The scale of the fraud was significant. Knowing the bills were fabricated, the FIR states, Muralidhar Enterprise claimed Rs 13,05,676.51 and Jalaram Enterprise claimed Rs 6,58,898.89. Both amounts were processed and disbursed as genuine, leading to wrongful gains totalling Rs 19,64,575.40 by the contractors. However, the fraud was not limited to private entities alone. The FIR delivers damning accusations against government personnel, asserting a broader, premeditated conspiracy. Although both agencies were only authorised to supply materials, the complaint reads, government officers, employees, and contractual staff colluded with them, bypassing MGNREGAs e-Gram Panchayat protocols. They undertook mechanical construction of roads and submitted fake work proposals. The fallout, as revealed in the FIR, is massive: This collusion led to the embezzlement of public property, submission of fraudulent proposals, misappropriation of funds, and ultimately, a loss of Rs 7.3 crore to the state exchequer across 56 villages in Bharuch taluka. The FIR concludes by framing the act as a breach of trust and criminal deception against the government, accusing all involved of orchestrating deep-rooted financial irregularities under the pretense of rural development. The Congress party has launched a fierce attack on BJP leaders and the ruling government, directly linking them to the widening MGNREGA scam in Gujarat. We submitted a written plea to the TDO and DDO two years ago, but it was ignored, said GPCC State General Secretary Sandeep Singh Mangrola. BJP leaders are involved, so no fair probe is happening. If a real investigation takes place, it will reach Gandhinagar. We demand a SIT under judicial oversight to probe MGNREGA scams across Gujarat. Opposition Leader Amit Chavda first exposed a Rs 250 crore MGNREGA scam in Devgadhbaria and Dhanpur, Dahod. Subsequent probes confirmed Rs 71 crore siphoned off, implicating firms linked to Minister Bachu Khabars sons, both arrested. Next, Congress revealed a Rs 109 crore fraud in Jambughoda, implicating BJP-linked agencies. Then came AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava, uncovering a scam in Narmada, tied to a Congress leader from Junagadh. Now, Bharuch joins the growing list of districts tainted by the MGNREGA scam trail.

Pakistan deployed tanks, artillery after Indias precision strikes during Operation Sindoor: BSF IG

AHMEDABAD: In Gujarats Gandhinagar, BSF Inspector General Abhishek Pathak addressed rising tensions following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. He said public anger had prompted the Indian government to vow stern action, which in turn led Pakistan to reinforce its border defences. Intelligence reports revealed increased Pakistani troop deployment, including heavy artillery and tanks near the frontier. In response, Indias BSF, Army, Navy, and Air Force initiated comprehensive preparations. Addressing a press conference in Gujarat's Gandhinagar, BSF Inspector General Abhishek Pathak said, There was huge anger among people following the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. Following the attack, the government had promised to take a stern action against the perpetrators. He added, Seeing India's strong determination, Pakistan strengthened its defences. As per the information received from several intel agencies, Pakistan had increased the number of its personnel on the border adjacent to Gujarat and had also deployed its regular army personnel. Pathak further stated, It was noticed that Pakistan had also moved its heavy artillery and tanks to the forward areas. Considering this, the BSF, Army, Navy and Air Force started their preparations. BSF Inspector General Abhishek Pathak told the media, During Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, Indian forces crossed into Pakistan and struck terrorist hideouts with precision. Importantly, no Pakistani military bases or civilians were targeted. He added, In retaliation, on May 8, Pakistan launched relentless drone and missile attacks. Since Operation Sindoor, Pakistan carried out over 600 drone strikes until the ceasefire, but the BSF, backed by the Army and Air Force, successfully thwarted every single attack. Pathak emphasised, Despite Pakistans aggressive assaults, not a single BSF jawan or civilian on the Gujarat border was harmed. The BSF Inspector General said, The India-Pakistan border in Gujarat presents a unique geographical challenge. Its either desert or creek, with marshy, saline soil and a hot, humid climate. Movement routes are severely limited, forcing soldiers to patrol and operate on foot through difficult marshy terrain. He also said, During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army, Air Force, and state police forces provided full cooperationworking seamlessly as a united force. The district administration and border citizens played a crucial role in the operation. He added, The Border Security Force received unwavering support from the district administration, leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safety of border residents. We also received extensive assistance from the Gujarat state government, including the Chief Minister and Home Minister.

No proxy war, will be answered accordingly, says PM in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday declared that cross-border terrorism is no longer a proxy war for Pakistan but a deliberate war strategy. You are already at war, and you will receive the response accordingly, he warned. Addressing a gathering at the launch of Urban Development Year 2025 in Gandhinagar, the prime minister said state honours given to terrorists killed in Operation Sindoor meant Pakistan was no longer indulging in shadow warfare. Modi said, This can no longer be called a proxy war. The terrorists killed after May 6 were given state honoursPakistans flags draped their coffins, and their army saluted them. This isnt covert terror; its an official war tactic. He warned that India would respond accordingly: You are already at war, and we will answer in kind. We seek no enmity, only peace and progressfor ourselves and the world. But make no mistake: we will not tolerate aggression. Fight is with terror, not people...choose peace or face bullet: PM Modi slams Pakistans terror nexus Highlighting Indias swift retaliation, he said, Nine terrorist hideouts were identified and destroyed in just 22 minutes. It was a bold, decisive strikeexecuted in front of cameras, so no one back home would dare ask for proof. He likened Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terror to a thorn in Indias side. Shareer kitna hi swasth kyu naa ho lekin agar ek kaanta chubhta hai toh poora shareer pareshan rehta hai. Ab humne tay kar liya hai uss kaante ko nikaal ke rahenge (No matter how healthy the body is, even a single thorn can cause constant pain. Now, we have resolved that we will remove that thorn). Asserting that Operation Sindoor, launched on the night of May 6 by our armed forces, will now advance with the strength of the people, he called for nationwide participation in building a self-reliant India. This mission isnt just about military mightits about every citizen stepping up. If we want a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and aim to take our economy from the 4th to the 3rd spot globally, we must stop depending on foreign goods, Modi said. PM slams state honours for slain ultras Modi noted, This can no longer be called a proxy war. The terrorists killed after May 6 were given state honours Pakistans flags draped their coffins, and their army saluted them. This isnt covert terror; its an official war tactic. IWT move enough to make Pak sweat Speaking on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which is in abeyance, the Prime Minister said: I havent done much yetweve only said that were keeping the treaty in abeyance. That alone is enough to make them sweat over there (in Pakistan).

Dams not maintained properly, desilting neglected due to IWT: PM

With treaty in abeyance, Pak facing heat Terrorism Paks deliberate war strategy GANDHINAGAR, May 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said terrorism was not a proxy war but a deliberate war strategy adopted by Pakistan, and India will respond to it accordingly. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Speaking at a Gujarat Government programme here, he also batted for buying Indian products to boost the countrys economy. Click here to watch video Refusing to make any distinction between non-state [] The post Dams not maintained properly, desilting neglected due to IWT: PM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

India will weed out terrorism with conviction: PM

Gandhinagar, May 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India has made up its mind to weed out the thorn of terrorism and pursue it with full conviction. Recalling the first terrorist attack on India in 1947, right after the Partition of India into 3 parts, Modi said one part was usurped by [] The post India will weed out terrorism with conviction: PM appeared first on Northlines .

Terrorism Is Pakistans Deliberate `War Strategy, India To Respond Accordingly: PM Modi

GANDHINAGAR, May 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said terrorism was not a proxy war but a deliberate war strategy adopted by Pakistan, and India will respond to it accordingly. Refusing to make any distinction between non-state and state actors in Pakistan, Modi said the neighbouring country is engaging in war by continuing to support terrorism. `Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) is our `sanskar (value imbibed through tradition), we want happiness for our neighbours too, but if [] The post Terrorism Is Pakistans Deliberate `War Strategy, India To Respond Accordingly: PM Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Photos: PM Modi holds roadshow in Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a grand roadshow in Gujarats Gandhinagar, drawing thousands of supporters and locals. The streets of Gandhinagar came alive with chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai, Indian Army Zindabad, and Hindustan Zindabad as more than 30,000 BJP workers and countless residents lined the route to greet the Prime Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Terrorism Paks War Strategy, India To Respond Accordingly: PM Modi

Gandhinagar, May 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said terrorism practiced by Pakistan is not a proxy war but a deliberate war strategy and India will respond accordingly. Pakistan is engaging in war through terrorism, Modi said, while speaking about Operation Sindoor at the urban development programme of Gujarat Government. We cant call this a proxy war as those who were killed on May 6 night (in Indian strikes on terror camps in Pakistan) were given state honours in [] The post Terrorism Paks War Strategy, India To Respond Accordingly: PM Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

For 75 years, we tolerated proxy wars: PM Modi

Gandhinagar: On the second day of his Gujarat visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued hammering Pakistan over its support to terrorism and said that for 75 years India has tolerated proxy warsbut not any more. PM Modi said this on Tuesday, while attending the celebrations commemorating 20 years of Gujarats Urban Growth Story at Gandhinagars Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Pakistan's actions not a mere 'proxy war' anymore but a 'deliberate strategy' to target India: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has escalated tensions with Pakistan, asserting that its actions constitute a deliberate strategy to destabilize India, not merely a proxy war. Speaking in Gandhinagar, Modi referenced the Operation Sindoor and past aggressions, including the 1947 Kashmir attack.

Modi Holds Mega Roadshow in Gandhinagar Amid Huge Crowds

Fourth roadshow during Gujarat visit follows Operation Sindoor; large turnout seen along Raj Bhavan to Mahatma Mandir route

PM Modi Holds Mega Roadshow In Gandhinagar On Day 2 Of Gujarat Visit

This is PM Modi's first visit to his home state since Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

PM Modi Holds Roadshow In Gandhinagar, To Launch Projects Worth Over Rs 5,500 Cr | Video

PM Modi To Launch Gujarat's Urban Development Plan In Gandhinagar Today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch Urban Development Year 2025 in Gujarat's Gandhinagar on Tuesday, marking 20 years of the state's structured and sustainable urban transformation.

Prime Minister Modi holds roadshow in Vadodara

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roadshow in Vadodara on Monday morning upon his arrival in Gujarat for a two-day visit. The prime minister is scheduled to take part in public events in Dahod, Bhuj and Gandhinagar and inaugurate various projects worth Rs 82,950 crore, an official release said. PM Modi was accorded a grand welcome upon his arrival at the Vadodara airport at around 10 am on Monday and a 1-km roadshow till the Airforce station. People gathered on both sides of the route to congratulate him for the success of India's 'Operation Sindoor ' against Pakistan. #WATCH | People shower flower petals as Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a roadshow in Vadodara, Gujarat During his 2-day visit to Gujarat, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for various developmental projects in the state. (Source: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/wcl5Ny6fCP ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2025

PM Modi Arrives In Gujarat For Two-Day Visit; Holds Roadshow In Vadodara

VADODARA, May 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roadshow in Vadodara on Monday morning upon his arrival in Gujarat for a two-day visit. The prime minister is scheduled to take part in public events in Dahod, Bhuj and Gandhinagar and inaugurate various projects worth Rs 82,950 crore, an official release said. PM Modi was accorded a grand welcome upon his arrival at the Vadodara airport at around 10 am on Monday and held a 1-km roadshow till the Airforce [] The post PM Modi Arrives In Gujarat For Two-Day Visit; Holds Roadshow In Vadodara appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM Modi to inaugurate, lay foundation stones for projects worth Rs 5,536 cr in Gandhinagar on May 27

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth 5,536 crore in Gujarat during his two-day visit. The projects span urban development, water resources, roads and buildings, and healthcare, including the inauguration of over 22,000 residential units and the Sabarmati Riverfront development.

PM Modi to visit Gujarat on May 26-27, inaugurate and launch development projects worth Rs 53,414 crore

Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on May 26 and 27. He will inaugurate and lay foundations for projects in Dahod, Bhuj, and Gandhinagar. In Bhuj, 33 development projects worth Rs 53,414 crore will be inaugurated. These projects span energy, roads, water supply, and port development. Key projects include power substations, solar plants, road expansions, and port upgrades.

PM Modi To Inaugurate Nation's First 9,000 HP Locomotive Engine In Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit his home state, Gujarat, on May 26 and 27, for the first time after Operation Sindoor. The Prime Minister will attend programmes in three districts, including Gandhinagar, Kutch and Dahod.

PM Modi inaugurates 103 Amrit Bharat stations across 18 states; check full list

Narendra Modi launched 103 Amrit Bharat Stations across 18 states. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to upgrade railway stations in phases. The scheme focuses on modernizing infrastructure and improving connectivity. Stations will integrate local heritage and culture. Gandhinagar was the first station upgraded under this scheme. Many Amrit Stations are being inaugurated in different states.

India to lead UNs International Year of Cooperatives 2025; Amit Shah unveils PACS-driven reform plan

AHMEDABAD: In a high-stakes address at the Maha Sammelan in Ahmedabad on Sunday, Union Minister Amit Shah declared Indias lead role in the UN-designated International Year of Cooperatives 2025. Linking grassroots reform with global recognition, Union Minister Amit Shah on Sunday outlined a nationwide revival plan focused on strengthening Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), promoting tech-driven transparency, and enhancing citizen participation. With 57 initiatives already in motion and a target to establish 2 lakh PACS by 2029, Shah said the Centre is positioning the cooperative movement as a key pillar of Viksit Bharat. Kicking off the address, Shah highlighted the global spotlight on cooperatives, announcing that the United Nations will mark 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives. He underscored that the term cooperative remains as relevant today as it was in the 1900s, with India set to lead this international movement, an initiative launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021 to revive Indias fading cooperative sector. Tying Indias domestic reforms with global developments, Shah noted that the country had introduced two core principles, Sahkar se Samriddhi and The Role of Cooperation in Viksit Bharat, as pillars of the cooperative renaissance. Todays conference in Gujarat, he said, is a direct outcome of this broader national effort. He stressed that revitalising the cooperative sector must begin at the grassroots, particularly by empowering Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and farmers. Without transforming these foundational units, broader reforms would remain ineffective. To this end, Shah called for enhanced training, awareness, and transparency across all cooperative institutions. Marking a strategic shift, Shah emphasised the government's focus on both the science of cooperation and science in cooperation. Reflecting on the historic decline of Indias cooperative movement, once deeply embedded in the freedom struggle, he said it was now the collective duty of stakeholders to re-establish cooperatives across states and districts. The aim, he added, is to fortify institutions at the district, state, and national levels, building a robust and resilient cooperative framework. In a significant structural reform, Shah announced the addition of a fourth tier to the global three-tier cooperative system, ensuring national institutions align with local-level cooperatives. This expansion, he said, would be a critical mission during the International Year of Cooperatives. Outlining the governments roadmap, Shah detailed a three-pronged strategy - mainstreaming cooperation in governance, embedding transparency through technology, and mobilising citizen participation. He revealed that the Ministry of Cooperation has launched 57 diverse initiatives to accelerate this campaign. Education is also being revamped. Shah announced the establishment of Tribhuvan Sahakari University to serve as a national hub for cooperative studies. States, he said, are now aligning their cooperative education frameworks with this vision. Reiterating the centrality of PACS, Shah declared the government's target to establish one PACS in every panchayat by 2029, amounting to over 2 lakh new PACS and dairies. Additionally, around 22 services have been integrated into PACS, enhancing their functional scope. He also confirmed that a policy is being formulated to rehabilitate defunct PACS and enable the creation of new ones. Shah concluded by calling for deeper synergy under the principle of Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives. He urged all primary cooperative societies and dairies to maintain accounts with district cooperative banks, fostering inter-institutional coordination and financial discipline. With 2025 approaching, Shah made it clear, India is not just participating in the International Year of Cooperatives, it is leading it, with bold reforms aimed at building a cooperative-powered Viksit Bharat. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Sunday addressed the Maha Sammelan in Ahmedabad, The event, hosted by the Gujarat State Cooperative Federation, saw the presence of Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and other key figures. Tying local action to national vision, Shah also joined the Tiranga Yatra in Gandhinagar and participated in multiple programmes on his second day in Gujarat.

Amit Shah Launches Development Projects Worth Rs 708 Crore In Gujarat's Gandhinagar

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Gujarat on high-alert: Ports, airports shut down, blackout imposed in Kutch, 71 villages of Patan district

AHMEDABAD: As a high-alert precaution, blackouts has been imposed in all 71 villages of Santalpur taluka bordering Gujarat's Patan district besides Kutch district on Saturday, while operations at Deen Dayal Port Kandla and Mundra Adani Port have been suspended until further notice, sources said. Eight airports across Gujarat Bhuj, Kandla, Keshod, Jamnagar, Naliya, Mundra, Rajkot, and Porbandar have been closed as a precautionary measure and will remain shut until May 14. In Jamnagar, the District Collector announced that an emergency situation has been declared following a forecast warning from Air Force Station Jamnagar, prompting authorities to sound sirens and urge citizens to remain indoors and seek safe shelter. According to a news agency, the Western Railway has suspended night trains traveling to Rajasthan via Bhuj in Gujarat due to security concerns. Several trains have either been halted midway or cancelled. The Jamnagar Collector said, The administration has requested all citizens to implement the blackout declared in Jamnagar district from 8:00 PM tonight to 6:00 AM tomorrow. In view of the prevailing war situation, everyone is once again urged to remain completely alert, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay in safe places. A warning siren has been sounded for Jamnagar district. Citizens are advised to take shelter and refrain from moving in public places. The administration is fully prepared to meet any eventuality. The Patan Collector said on social media platform X, As a precautionary measure, a blackout will be imposed in all 71 villages of Santalpur taluka, bordering Patan district, today. All citizens are urged to avoid rumors and follow the instructions provided by the administration. Markets shut in Pathankot after explosion-like sounds; air sirens ring out in Punjab districts The Kutch Collector said, A blackout has been declared in Kutch district from 7 PM tonight to 6 AM tomorrow. The district administration requests everyone to implement it voluntarily. In a review meeting held via video conference on Saturday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel assured that the state government has sufficient stocks of essential commodities, medicines, fuel, and other supplies. The meeting, attended by administrative officials from all districts, emphasized that border districts could directly contact the state government for additional resources if needed. CM Patel also directed that secretaries assigned to border districts offer guidance to local administrations. The meeting, held at the State Emergency Operation Centre in Gandhinagar, included Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghvi and Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi. It focused on the safety of citizens, especially in border areas, with CM Patel reviewing preparedness in districts like Banaskantha, Kutch, Patan, and Jamnagar. To ensure effective communication, the CM instructed officials to ready satellite phones, wireless systems, and walkie-talkies. He also directed the strengthening of evacuation plans for vulnerable border villages, with accessible shelters and transport arrangements for smooth relocations. Additionally, Patel called for the Road Construction Department to remain on high alert in border districts, ensuring quick road repairs if necessary. Updates from various departments highlighted ongoing efforts: food stock levels are being monitored, while health services are bolstered with medical staff and ambulances stationed at key locations. Blood donation camps are being organized to secure sufficient blood supplies. Terror launchpad in Pakistan opposite Jammu's Akhnoor sector destroyed: BSF

Gujarat border villages plunge into second day of blackouts, drones resurface near Kutch

AHMEDABAD: Gujarats border regions entered a second consecutive day of blackouts on Thursday following renewed drone sightings near Kutch, deepening security concerns along the Indo-Pak border. A total of 24 villages across Kutch and Banaskantha remained without power as authorities extended the shutdown enforced after Wednesdays drone scare. The blackout has now also impacted villages in parts of Patan district, particularly in the Santalpur taluka, officials confirmed. On Wednesday, three drones were shot down while attempting to breach Indian airspace in the Kutch region, prompting an immediate ramp-up in security protocols. Sources have now indicated that drones were once again sighted along the Kutch border, heightening alert levels. Mamlatdar Ajit Singh Chauhan, who is in charge of Palanpur city in Banaskantha district, told local media, The Banaskantha district administration is fully equipped to handle the tense situation between India and Pakistan. The district control room is operating 24 hours a day, and control rooms have also been set up at the taluka level. If any untoward incident occurs, the administration will take immediate action. In a high-level review meeting held at the State Emergency Operation Centre in Gandhinagar today, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced a series of sweeping measures in response to the escalating tensions. The meeting was convened on 9 May, 2025. Following the meeting, the Chief Minister posted on X that all leaves of government employees across departments, boards, corporations, panchayats, municipal bodies, and grant-in-aid institutions have been cancelled with immediate effect. Officers and employees currently on leave have been instructed to return to duty without delay, and strict directions have been issued against leaving headquarters without prior approval. The state government has also imposed a complete ban on the use of firecrackers and drones at all events and public functions until 15 May, as part of broader efforts to ensure public safety.

Gujarat on Alert: CM Patel tightens border security, cancels health leaves, ramps up emergency stocks

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat has been put on high alert following escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, triggering an emergency response from the state machinery. In a decisive move, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel convened a high-level review meeting on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the State Emergency Operation Center in Gandhinagar. Bringing together senior secretaries, district administrators, and police chiefs under one roof, Patel mapped out an aggressive security strategy in response to the volatile situation. Immediately following the meeting, fortified security grids were activated across Gujarats border villages, while Bhuj Airport was swiftly transferred under army control to tighten defense readiness. Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Minister of State for Home Affairs of Gujarat said, The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the officers of all the forces on behalf of the citizens of Gujarat. In this tense situation, he reviewed the preparedness with all government departments to ensure there is no shortage in the support required by the forces. Coordination issues between forces, if any, were also discussed to find quick solutions. Citizens need not be afraid of any kind of rumors. Parallelly, the state government clamped down on health sector mobility, canceling all leaves for doctors, paramedics, and health workersexcept for cases of severe illness. Orders were issued for immediate return to duty, targeting even those still lingering on sanctioned leave, underlining the gravity of the moment. Simultaneously, the health department received strict directives to stockpile critical medicines, deploy rapid-response medical teams, and ensure continuous power backup through generator installations, reinforcing the states preparedness for any fallout from the spiraling crisis. Tensions soar in Jammu & Kashmir after Pak's failed drone attack, heavy shelling; woman killed, four injured Gujarat, sharing both land and sea borders with Pakistan, has gone into lockdown mode after India's precision anti-terror strikes across the border. Acting without delay, Director General of Police Vikas Sahay, late Wednesday night, ordered the blanket cancellation of all police leaves across cities and districts, citing an unforeseen situation demanding full-force readiness. As tensions surge along the Kutch-Pakistan border, authorities have slammed an indefinite ban on fishing activities in the sensitive marine zones of Narayan Sarovar, Jakhau, and Lakhpat to choke any potential threat from the sea. On the southern front, Surat Police have escalated to high alert, reinforcing security at Sunwali Beach with a heavy deployment, while Hazira Police intensify beach patrols to preempt any infiltration. Locals have been placed on strict surveillance duty, with clear instructions to immediately alert police about any suspicious individuals or activities. Taking no chances, Surat Police Commissioner convened an urgent meeting with fishermen and coastal residents, warning them to avoid venturing into the sea unless absolutely essential, and mandating swift reporting of any suspicious sightings to the nearest police station, stitching a tight, vigilant net across the vulnerable coastline. BSF foils major infiltration attempt in Jammu; kills seven terrorists, destroys Pakistan Rangers post

CBI searches 11 locations in Guj, Raj in alleged corruption case against IRS officer Santosh Karnani

NEW DELHI, May 8: The CBI on Thursday conducted searches at 11 locations in Gujarat and Rajasthan in connection with an alleged corruption case against 2005-batch IRS officer Santosh Karnani, officials said. The agency conducted the searches on 11 premises linked to Karnani, his associates and family members in Gandhinagar, Ahemdabad and Jaipur, they said. The CBI booked Karnani and his wife under the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, the [] The post CBI searches 11 locations in Guj, Raj in alleged corruption case against IRS officer Santosh Karnani appeared first on Daily Excelsior .