Gujarat Civic Polls: BJP registers landslide wins in Okha, Thara, sweeps 3 nagarpalika bypolls
The BJP on Tuesday swept the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) polls, winning 38 of the 44 seats, and retained power in the Thara and Okha municipalities in Gujarat, according to results declared by the State Election Commission. However, the Congress finished second in Gandhinagar with five seats, while an independent candidate bagged one seat. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had secured one seat in the previous GMC elections, failed to open its account this time. The GMC last went to polls in October 2021, when the BJP won 41 of the 44 seats, while the Congress secured two seats and the AAP one.
BJPs Gujarat poll win shows voters strong support for Modi, says Amit Shah
Amit Shah announced the BJP's significant victory in the recent municipal elections in Gujarat. The BJP secured 38 out of 44 seats in Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation. The Aam Aadmi Party contested all seats but forfeited its security deposits. Shah criticized Rahul Gandhi for Congress's ongoing electoral failures in Gujarat and elsewhere. The BJP's wins in by-elections demonstrate their strong position compared to Congress's performance.
BJP Sweeps Gandhinagar Civic Polls, Retains Power In Thara And Okha
BJP Wins 38 Of 44 Gandhinagar Seats; Congress Finishes Second With Five
IIT Gandhinagar Senior Research Fellow (Computer science and engineering) Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar), Research & Development Office, has released the official notification for the post of Senior Research Fellow. The last date to apply online is 15 November 2026. Candidates can apply through the official website, iitgn.ac.in.
Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation Election: BJP gets over 57% vote share, Congress 37%, AAP just 4%
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday won 38 of the 44 seats in the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation elections , securing 56.64 per cent of the vote. The Congress won five seats with a vote share of 37.05 per cent, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) failed to win a single seat, polling 4.38 per cent of the votes. Others secured one seat with a vote share of 1.92 per cent.
Gujarat: BJP dominates Gandhinagar civic polls with 38 seats; Cong improves tally, AAP wiped out
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 13 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retained control of the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC), winning 38 of the 44 seats in the civic elections, while the Congress increased its tally from two seats in 2021 to five. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had won one seat in the previous election, failed to open its account this time, with an Independent candidate winning the remaining seat. The results, declared on Tuesday, gave the BJP a clear majority in the state capitals civic body, although its tally fell by three seats from the 41 it won in the 2021 election. The Congress made its gains primarily in Ward 6, where its entire four-member panel was elected, and Ward 7, where it won one seat. The BJP won all four seats in nine wards and three of the four seats in Ward 7, while an Independent candidate secured a seat in Ward 2. The election covered 44 seats across 11 wards, with 130 candidates in the fray. Polling was held on October 11, recording a turnout of 59.25 per cent, with 1,54,045 of the 2,59,985 registered voters exercising their franchise. Ward 4 recorded the highest turnout at 74.78 per cent, while Ward 5 had the lowest at 48.63 per cent. Counting began at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. In Ward 1, the BJP won all four seats through Shilpaben Thakor, who secured 6,366 votes; Anjanaben Mehta, who received 5,998; Gaurang Patel, who polled 7,485; and Maheshkumar Chaudhary, who secured 5,743. In Ward 2, the BJP won three seats, with Anilsinh Vaghela receiving 7,768 votes, Arvindji Thakor 6,480 and Sonalben Vaghela 4,933. Independent candidate Dipikaben Vaghela won the fourth seat with 4,909 votes. The BJP swept Ward 3, where Ankit Barot secured 5,581 votes, Umeshbhai Jaha 4,920, Sonaliben Patel 4,539 and Mittalben Khimsuriya 4,400. It also won all four seats in Ward 4, with Jaspalsinh Bihola securing 8,177 votes, Josnaben Thakor 7,719, Mittalben Vaghela 7,172 and Rupsing Thakor with 7,006. In Ward 5, the BJPs four winners were Kanaiyalal Desai, who received 3,991 votes; Kinjalkumar Patel, 3,936; Hemaben Bhatt, 3,934; and Dhvani Shah, 3,893. The Congress secured a complete sweep in Ward 6. Karmajeetsinh Vaghela won with 4,729 votes, followed by Meghna Rabari with 4,469, Mehulkumar Rathod with 4,422 and Hansaben Ninama with 3,957. Ward 7 returned three BJP candidates and one Congress candidate. Kinjalben Thakor won with 7,306 votes, Sonalben Vaghela with 7,044 and Shaileshkumar Patel with 6,870. Congress candidate Naginbhai Nadiya secured 6,130 votes. The BJP won all four seats in Ward 8 through Amita Upadhyay, who received 9,405 votes; Mehulbhai Patel, 9,344; Manisha Prajapati, 8,762; and Vishnuji Thakor, 8,405. In Ward 9, the BJPs winners were Jayantibhai Dabhi, with 8,964 votes; Mahendrabhai Patel, also known as Das, with 8,950; Vaidehi Raval, with 8,930; and Sharadaben Thakor, with 8,636. The BJP also swept Ward 10, where Gaurangbhai Patel received 11,175 votes, Tanvi Patel, 10,639, Dharmendrakumar Nayi, 9,827, and Vilasba Vaghela, 9,607. In Ward 11, the BJPs four winners were Kamuben Thakor, who secured 9,804 votes; Jashwantlal Patel, 9,530; Sejalben Parmar, 9,271; and Ravi Patel, 9,030. The outcome leaves the BJP with 38 seats, the Congress with five and an Independent with one, while the AAP has no representation in the corporation. In the previous election, the BJP had won 41 seats, the Congress two and the AAP one. The results therefore consolidate the BJPs majority while marking a modest recovery for the Congress in Gandhinagars municipal politics.
BJP Retains Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation With 38 Of 44 Seats As AAP Fails To Open Account
Gandhinagar civic polls: BJP wins 38 of 44 seats, Congress gets 5
In the recent Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation elections, the BJP secured 38 of the 44 available seats. The Congress party finished with five seats while an independent candidate won one seat. The Aam Aadmi Party, which had previously won a seat, failed to gain any representation this time. Voter turnout was recorded at 59.25% with approximately 2.59 lakh registered voters participating.
3. Gujarat Civic Polls: BJP Wins 38 Of 44 Seats In Gandhinagar, Congress Improves Tally
The BJP has retained control of the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC), winning 38 of the 44 seats in the civic elections. The Congress won five seats, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) failed to win any. The results were announced on
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has retained control of the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC), winning 38 of the 44 seats in the civic elections. The Congress secured five seats, while an Independent candidate won one seat. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which fielded 32 candidates, failed to win a single seat.
Gujarat civic polls: Counting underway in Gandhinagar, other local bodies
BJP has governed the GMC for the last five years. This time, the BJP, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party are the main contenders in Gandhinagar
Results for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) elections will be declared today, with counting of votes for 40 seats across 11 wards scheduled to begin at 8 am. The contest is primarily between the ruling BJP, the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Polling for the civic body was held on Sunday, October 11. The GMC recorded a tentative voter turnout of 59.25 per cent, while turnout stood at 81.18 per cent in Thara municipality and 56.44 per cent in Okha, the State Election Commission (SEC) said.
MLA Jignesh Mevani Charged In Second FIR Post Gandhinagar Polls
Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani and three others have been booked in a second FIR for allegedly obstructing police, creating commotion at a police outpost, and violating the poll code during the Gandhinagar civic body elections. The charges include unlawful assembly and rioting, stemming from an incident where Mevani and supporters allegedly interfered with police questioning a man at a Sector-13 police outpost on October 9.
Piyush Goyal calls for doubling India-UK bilateral trade by 2030
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 12 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday called upon businesses in India and the United Kingdom to translate the opportunities created by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) into expanded trade, investment, partnerships, and job creation. Addressing the 16th Session of the India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), he said the two countries should aim to double bilateral trade by 2030 and make the India-UK Vision 2035 a framework for greater economic ambition and cooperation. Goyal said the comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) between the two countries marks a major milestone, providing zero-duty access in the United Kingdom market for most Indian exports while opening up significant opportunities for UK exporters across sectors. The agreement has also opened up new opportunities in services. He added that the Social Security Double Contribution Convention could further benefit both economies through the supply of services at competitive prices and improved profitability. India and the UK were complementary economies with considerable potential to expand existing trade, develop new export opportunities and diversify the range of products exchanged, he said. Highlighting the existing trade complementarities, the minister noted that India was a major exporter of smartphones, pharmaceutical products, jewellery, textiles, leather goods, rice and certain agricultural products, iron and non-alloy steel, machinery parts, and auto components. On the UK side, he identified potential in the supply of products across the petroleum value chain, technology products in electronics and electrical equipment, medicaments, motor cars and Scotch whisky. Setting out five priority areas for India-UK cooperation, Goyal said infrastructure and clean energy offered opportunities in project development, renewable energy, transmission lines, and utility financing to support sustainable growth in both countries. The second area was advanced manufacturing and resilient supply chains, particularly in electric vehicles, batteries, electronics, and precision engineering. He said cooperation should help build competitive manufacturing ecosystems, strengthen supply-chain resilience and enhance confidence between the two trusted partners. The third priority was technology and innovation. He called for stronger links between educational and research institutions, technology companies and start-ups, alongside greater research and development cooperation. He highlighted opportunities for collaboration in semiconductors, quantum computing and artificial intelligence. The fourth area was financial services, where he called for greater collaboration between the City of London and GIFT City in Gujarat's Gandhinagar. He identified fintech, insurance, cross-border payments, transition finance and trade finance as areas for cooperation, adding that the two financial centres should work towards becoming a connected pathway to greater progress and prosperity. The fifth area was healthcare and consumer sectors. Goyal highlighted opportunities in generic pharmaceuticals on the Indian side and branded and innovative pharmaceutical products on the UK side, as well as diagnostics, food processing and consumer goods. Addressing the session, the UK's Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, said that the conclusion of CETA marked the beginning of a sustained and practical dialogue between governments and businesses on both sides. With CETA having been in force for almost 100 days, he said there were encouraging signs of businesses in both countries beginning to use the agreement and explore new opportunities across advanced manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences, technology, services and creative industries. He emphasised that the agreements success would depend on businesses using it to expand exports, investment and partnerships.
Gujarat Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani Faces FIR Over Police Station Incident
Jignesh Mevani and seven others face FIR for disrupting police work and inciting community tensions during local elections in Gandhinagar. Gujarat Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani Faces FIR Over Police Station Incident
Gujarat adds field, off-road vehicle categories to govt procurement policy
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 12 (IANS) The Gujarat government has introduced two new categories for procuring official vehicles, allowing departments to select vehicles suited to field inspections, enforcement work and off-road duties, while expanding the options for electric vehicles in its government fleet. The revised policy, announced on Monday, introduces Category-F for field inspection and enforcement vehicles and Category-F1 for officers who require vehicles for off-road operations. The amendment builds on the government's April 11, 2023, policy, which prescribed vehicles according to the designation and responsibilities of ministers, senior officials, district-level officers, and government departments. Category-F includes different categories of SUVs, including electric vehicles. The inclusion of electric vehicles in the new category extends their use under the procurement policy beyond regular government office duties to field inspection and enforcement work. Category-F1 covers officers performing off-road duties in departments including Home; Forest and Environment; Industries and Mines; Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply and Kalpsar; Panchayats and Rural Housing; Ports and Transport; Roads and Buildings; and Revenue. Departments have been given lists from which they can choose vehicles as per their needs. The provision addresses the operational requirements of officers working in forest areas, remote locations, mineral-rich regions and construction or development project sites where unpaved roads and difficult terrain may require specialised vehicles. The earlier policy, introduced in 2023 in place of the 2019 framework, had six main categories, A to E, including the A1 subcategory. Category-A covered ministers and the Chief Secretary, while A1 was designated for VVIP state guests. Category-B covered heads of constitutional bodies, boards, corporations and similar institutions. Category-C applied to district-level officials, including Collectors, District Development Officers and Superintendents of Police. Category-D covered heads of departments and equivalent officials, while Category-E provided for staff cars for government offices. The revised policy retains the existing designation-based categories while adding provisions based on the nature of official duties. The procurement rules continue to require vehicles to be purchased through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) at prevailing market prices. Purchases outside the prescribed policy require approval from the competent authority, supported by specific circumstances and valid reasons, as well as prior government approval. The revision retains the existing procurement framework while providing separate options for field enforcement and off-road work.
Gujarat: FIR against Cong MLA Jignesh Mevani over police station ruckus
Gandhinagar An FIR has been registered against Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani and seven others for allegedly obstructing a police inspector, The post Gujarat: FIR against Cong MLA Jignesh Mevani over police station ruckus appeared first on Bilkul Online .
IIT Gandhinagar Program Associate-I Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) has released the official notification for the post of Program Associate-I. The last date to apply online is 31 October 2026. Candidates can apply through the official website, recruitment.iitgn.ac.in.
Jignesh Mevani, others booked in Gujarat for obstructing police
Ahmedabad: An FIR has been registered against Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani and seven others for allegedly obstructing a police inspector, creating a commotion inside Pethapur police station and attempting to incite tensions between communities during the campaign for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation elections, according to the FIR. The incident allegedly took place on October 8 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 .
Voter Turnout Reaches 31.90% in Gandhinagar Municipal Elections
Gandhinagar sees a voter turnout of 31.90% in local elections, with men participating more than women. Counting set for October 13. Voter Turnout Reaches 31.90% in Gandhinagar Municipal Elections
Voter Turnout Reaches 5.9% in Gandhinagar Municipal Elections by 9 AM
Gandhinagar municipal elections see 5.9% voter turnout by 9 AM, with Ward 4 leading in participation. Voter Turnout Reaches 5.9% in Gandhinagar Municipal Elections by 9 AM
Gujarat local polls: Gandhinagar records 5.9 pc turnout in first two hours of voting
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 11 (IANS) Voting is underway for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) elections on Sunday, with a turnout of 5.90 per cent recorded in the first two hours, as polling also took place in Okha and Thara municipalities and for by-elections to seats in other local bodies across Gujarat. According to the State Election Commission (SEC), 15,347 of the 2,59,985 registered voters in Gandhinagar had cast their votes between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. The turnout was 7.26 per cent among male voters and 4.49 per cent among female voters. Ward 4 recorded the highest turnout at 8.97 per cent, followed by Ward 1 at 8.26 per cent. Ward 9 reported the lowest turnout at 4.56 per cent, according to the poll data report. Elections are being held for all 44 seats across the GMC's 11 wards, with 130 candidates in the fray. The principal contest is among the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Polling began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m. The elections are being conducted through electronic voting machines (EVMs). The GMC, which has 2,59,985 registered voters, last went to the polls in October 2021, when the BJP won 41 of the 44 seats. Congress secured two seats, while the AAP won one. In the Okha municipality, polling is being held for 32 of the total 36 seats across nine wards, as four seats were won unopposed. A total of 75 candidates are contesting the remaining seats, according to the SEC. In Thara municipality, elections are being held across six wards comprising 24 seats, with 59 candidates in the fray. By-elections are also being held for one seat each in the Kheralu, Chhota Udepur and Bayad municipalities, along with vacancies in various district and taluka panchayats across the state. The SEC has arranged police deployment and patrolling, particularly at polling stations classified as sensitive and hyper-sensitive, to ensure peaceful voting. The election schedule was announced on September 16, triggering the implementation of the model code of conduct. Counting of votes is scheduled for October 13. Repolling, if required, will be held on Monday.
Local Body Elections in Gujarat Set for October 11, Eyes on Gandhinagar
Voting for local body elections in Gujarat will take place on October 11, with results expected on October 13. Local Body Elections in Gujarat Set for October 11, Eyes on Gandhinagar
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 10 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has said that several development initiatives launched in the state under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership had subsequently been expanded nationwide, as he congratulated the Prime Minister on completing 25 years in public service. Addressing a press conference in Gandhinagar alongside Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and government spokesperson Minister Jitu Vaghani, Patel on Friday added that PM Modi's political journey, which began with his tenure as the Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, had been guided by the principles of Service, Not Power and Nation First. PM Modi had introduced a new approach to governance based on development and performance, with the mantra of 'Reform, Perform, Transform', and had sought to turn challenges into opportunities through a clear vision and decisive leadership, he said. Recalling PM Modi's tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, Patel cited the Jyotigram Yojana, which improved electricity supply to villages, the Narmada canal network, which expanded access to water, and the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investment Summit, launched in 2003 to attract investment to the state. Patel said the development model pursued in Gujarat had contributed to PM Modi securing a national mandate in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. As Prime Minister, he had continued to serve as the countrys 'Pradhan Sevak', ushering in an era of development-focused and performance-driven politics, he noted. He said that development under PM Modi went beyond roads, bridges and industries, and was intended to bring tangible changes to the lives of disadvantaged sections of society. Initiatives relating to housing, sanitation, financial inclusion, healthcare security and Garib Kalyan Melas were aimed at ensuring that welfare benefits reached people directly, he added. Patel also highlighted PM-KISAN, the promotion of natural farming, the Ujjwala Yojana and efforts to increase women's participation in decision-making as initiatives supporting farmers, women and other sections of society. Drawing parallels between Gujarat's schemes and national programmes, Patel cited the expansion of MA Amrutam into Ayushman Bharat, Jyotigram into the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, Nirmal Gujarat into the Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Mandir into Amrit Sarovar and Kanya Kelavani into 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao'. He also pointed to the transition from Khel Mahakumbh in Gujarat to the nationwide Khelo India programme. Highlighting projects expected to support Gujarat's economic growth, Patel referred to the Ahmedabad-Dholera rail and expressway projects, the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, the railway locomotive manufacturing unit in Dahod and defence aircraft manufacturing in Vadodara. He also cited the International Financial Services Centres Authority and India International Bullion Exchange at GIFT City. The Chief Minister said, The hybrid renewable energy park at Khavda in Kutch, the CNG terminal in Bhavnagar and the expansion of the semiconductor sector are positioning Gujarat for growth in clean energy, advanced technology and manufacturing. Six semiconductor projects under the Semiconductor Mission were part of the state's efforts to emerge as a major semiconductor hub. Patel also referred to India's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, saying PM Modi had demonstrated global responsibility by promoting the development of indigenous vaccines and supplying them to other countries. Guided by the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', or the world as one family, PM Modi had strengthened India's international standing while seeking to balance development with environmental protection, he said. He added that the Prime Minister's emphasis on self-reliance, innovation and skill development was creating opportunities for young people and supporting the goal of Viksit Bharat-2047.
Gujarat govt approves Rs 2.90 crore for nine-day Navratri celebrations at five pilgrimage sites
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 10 (IANS) The Gujarat government has approved Rs 2.90 crore for nine days of Navratri celebrations at five prominent pilgrimage sites, extending the planned Garba programmes from a single day to the full duration of the festival, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said. The celebrations will be held at Ambaji, Bahucharaji, Unai, Modhera and Unjha, where devotees will be able to participate in Garba programmes alongside religious observances during the nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Shakti. According to the state government on Friday, the existing resolution provided for a one-day Navratri event at these sites. However, considering the faith and sentiments of devotees, Sanghavi decided to organise Garba programmes throughout all nine days of Navratri. The approved allocation of Rs 2.90 crore will cover the celebrations at the five religious destinations, including other associated expenses and artists' fees. The venues include the Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust, the Unai Mata Temple in Vansda, the Shri Modheshwari Mata Temple in Modhera, the Shri Bahucharaji Mata Temple in Mehsana district and the Shri Umiya Mataji Temple in Unjha. The programmes are intended to bring together religious observances and Gujarat's traditional folk culture, allowing local residents and pilgrims from across the state to participate in Garba at the temple sites. Navratri, celebrated over nine nights, is marked by worship of the Goddess and community Garba and Dandiya Raas events across Gujarat. The festival also draws devotees to major temples dedicated to the Goddess, making the pilgrimage sites important centres of religious activity during the period. The government's allocation will support the organisation of the nine-day programmes at the five selected destinations. The initiative aims to offer pilgrims visiting these sacred sites throughout Navratri an opportunity to participate in Garba in a devotional atmosphere. By extending celebrations across all nine nights, the government seeks to combine traditional worship with Gujarats rich folk culture and provide devotees with a more immersive Navratri experience at the five pilgrimage destinations
Gujarat CM urges students, citizens to join 'G3Q 2026' quiz marking PM Modis 25 years in public life
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 9 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has called on students and citizens across the state to participate in the Gujarat Gyan Guru Quiz (G3Q 2026), a statewide online competition being held to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modis 25 years in public life. In his appeal, Patel said the quiz would provide an opportunity to learn about Gujarat, its heritage and development, while familiarising participants with government welfare schemes. He also highlighted the opportunity to win prizes, adding that every participant would receive a digital certificate. I invite all students and citizens of the state to participate in the statewide Gujarat Gyan Guru Quiz (G3Q 2026), being organised to mark 25 years of service and dedication in the public life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said. Patel described the quiz as a medium to understand Gujarats history, heritage and development. He urged people to take part in the initiative, which combines general knowledge with awareness of public welfare programmes. Registration is available through the official website, quiz.g3q.ai. According to the quizs official website, the 2026 edition is open to students in Classes 9 to 12, college and university students, and citizens across Gujarat. The competition is designed to be conducted online through weekly quiz rounds, followed by district-level contests and a state-level finale. The website lists a total prize budget of more than Rs 11.74 crore, with awards distributed across taluka and metropolitan, district and state levels. It also states that the competition will cover 265 talukas and 17 municipal corporations, with cash prizes transferred directly to verified bank accounts. The quiz focuses on 25 years of governance and public service associated with PM Modi, alongside the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. It is organised by the state governments Education Department, with the initiative intended to encourage knowledge and awareness of government schemes among young people and the wider public. Participants can visit the registration portal for details about eligibility, the quiz schedule, prizes and participation procedures.
Gujarat offers MSMEs interest aid, power subsidies and support for AI adoption
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 9 (IANS) The Gujarat government has introduced a five-year incentive scheme for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), offering assistance for capital investment, interest payments, electricity costs, employee provident fund contributions and technology adoption, including artificial intelligence (AI), under its 'Viksit Gujarat Industrial Policy-2026'. Announced by the Industries and Mines Department under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the Assistance Scheme for MSMEs came into effect on June 1, 2026. It will remain operational until May 31, 2031. The scheme provides for a combination of incentives, with the maximum cumulative assistance capped at 45 per cent of eligible fixed capital investment (EFCI) in Category-A talukas and 35 per cent in Category-B areas. For identified thrust sectors, the limits have been increased to 50 per cent and 45 per cent, respectively. Under the scheme, eligible enterprises can receive interest assistance of seven per cent on term loans for five years, along with electricity tariff assistance of up to Rs 2 per unit in Category-A areas and Rs 1 per unit in Category-B areas for the same period. Capital investment assistance in Category-A areas will be up to 35 per cent of eligible investment for micro enterprises, calculated based on expenditure disbursed in one year, and up to 35 per cent for small and medium enterprises over five years. The corresponding rate in Category-B areas will be 25 per cent. Women entrepreneurs, registered manufacturing startups and first-generation entrepreneurs will be eligible for an additional one percentage point of interest assistance, within the prescribed limits. Micro enterprises will receive higher annual incentive limits during their initial years. In Category-A areas, the limit will be up to 37 per cent in the first year, while in Category-B areas it will be up to 27 per cent. The annual limit in subsequent years will be two per cent for both categories, with more favourable provisions for micro enterprises in identified thrust sectors. To encourage employment generation, the scheme provides for reimbursement of up to 100 per cent of the employer's Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) contribution for newly recruited employees for five years. The monthly reimbursement will be capped at the lower of 12 per cent of the employee's basic salary, dearness allowance and retaining allowance, or Rs 1,800 for male employees, Rs 2,500 for female employees and Rs 3,000 for employees with disabilities. Additional employment generated through expansion or diversification will also qualify. The government has also earmarked assistance for quality certification, digital systems and technology acquisition. Enterprises installing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems will be eligible for assistance covering 65 per cent of capital expenditure, up to Rs 1 lakh. For national and international quality certification, assistance of up to 50 per cent of certification fees and the cost of necessary testing equipment and machinery will be available, subject to a ceiling of Rs 10 lakh. Assistance of up to Rs 50,000 will be provided for Zero Defect, Zero Effect (ZED) certification, covering up to 50 per cent of the charges remaining after central government assistance. For information and communication technology infrastructure supporting Industry 4.0 and AI-based systems, eligible enterprises can receive up to 65 per cent of capital expenditure, capped at Rs 5 lakh. Technology acquired from recognised institutions will attract assistance of up to 65 per cent, capped at Rs 50 lakh for general MSMEs and Rs 1 crore for enterprises in identified thrust sectors. Patent registration will qualify for assistance of up to 75 per cent of expenditure, capped at Rs 25 lakh per applicant or enterprise. In identified thrust sectors, support of up to 75 per cent, capped at Rs 1 crore, will cover intellectual property rights, including patents, designs, copyrights, trademarks and geographical indication registrations. Micro enterprises and artisans in these sectors will also be eligible for reimbursement of up to 80 per cent of AI subscription fees, capped at Rs 1 lakh annually for three years. For energy and water conservation, the scheme provides assistance of up to 75 per cent of the audit cost, capped at Rs 50,000 for each audit. A one-time subsidy covering up to 25 per cent of the cost of equipment recommended by the auditor, capped at Rs 20 lakh, will also be available, subject to a minimum 10 per cent saving in energy or water consumption against the average monthly consumption recorded over the preceding 12 months. MSMEs raising equity through an SME exchange under Securities and Exchange Board of India guidelines can receive one-time assistance covering up to 25 per cent of fundraising expenditure, capped at Rs 5 lakh. Enterprises obtaining collateral-free term loans under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) framework will be eligible for reimbursement of up to 100 per cent of the annual service fee for five years. Additional assistance will be available for eligible enterprises outside Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) estates or approved industrial parks. The scheme provides for reimbursement of up to 35 per cent of charges paid to a distribution licensee for a new electricity connection, additional load or alteration of a connection or service line, capped at Rs 5 lakh. MSMEs renting or leasing industrial sheds for manufacturing can receive assistance covering up to 65 per cent of rent paid, while enterprises wholly owned by women will be eligible for up to 75 per cent, subject to a maximum of Rs 3 lakh annually for five years. Identified thrust sectors include sports equipment, toys, footwear, robots and drones. Eligible enterprises in these sectors will receive 100 per cent reimbursement of stamp duty and registration charges paid on the purchase or lease of land. The package also provides for reimbursement of international certification fees up to Rs 5 crore, employee training assistance of up to Rs 8,000 per employee per month during the first 12 months, and support covering up to 50 per cent of the cost of establishing a creative design studio, capped at Rs 5 crore. Enterprises availing benefits under the scheme must employ at least 85 per cent of their total workforce from among Gujarat residents. At least 60 per cent of employees at managerial and supervisory levels must also be residents of the state. The scheme allows eligible asset purchases and payments made from January 1, 2026, to be considered, subject to prescribed conditions. The eligible investment period will be 12 months from the Date of Commercial Production (DoCP) for plant and machinery investments of up to Rs 50 crore, and 18 months for investments exceeding Rs 50 crore and up to Rs 125 crore.
From Kuno to Kutch: Chasing India's cheetahs across their new wild landscapes
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) India's cheetah story has entered a new phase. After the species disappeared from the country in the 1950s, Project Cheetah brought the animal back in 2022. India's cheetah reintroduction programme began in September 2022, when eight cheetahs were brought from Namibia to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. In February 2023, another 12 cheetahs arrived from South Africa, marking the start of a larger effort to establish a viable cheetah population in India after the species became extinct in the country in 1952. Today, Madhya Pradesh is the centre of the programme, with Kuno National Park, where an India-born cheetah gave birth to five cubs on October 5, taking the total feline count to 60, and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary forming the country's two operational cheetah sites. Other landscapes in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan are being prepared or assessed for future expansion. For a wildlife traveller, Kuno and Gandhi Sagar, both in Madhya Pradesh, are currently the two most relevant destinations for India's reintroduced cheetahs as only they are operational now. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on October 7 released two cheetahs named 'Vyom' (male) and 'Neera' (female) into the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Sagar district as part of the conservation project. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) says preparations and deliberations are continuing for other landscapes. For a wildlife adventurist, however, it is important to distinguish between a place where cheetahs are already being managed and a landscape that is still being prepared for them. Here is a look at the major cheetah reserves in India. Madhya Pradesh When it comes to cheetah conservation in India, Madhya Pradesh leads the way, emerging as the country's foremost hub for the revival of the fastest land animal. The central Indian state's Kuno is the starting point of India's modern cheetah journey. Located in the Sheopur district, the park lies in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh and has a landscape of dry deciduous woodland, open grasslands, riverine stretches and gently undulating terrain. Kardhai, salai and khair dominate parts of the vegetation, while grasslands provide important habitat for prey such as chital, sambar and nilgai. The first eight cheetahs arrived from Namibia in September 2022, followed by 12 from South Africa in February 2023. Kuno remains the principal free-ranging cheetah landscape and has become the most important destination for anyone following India's reintroduction experiment. For visitors, the most suitable period is October to March, when temperatures are more comfortable and the forest is comparatively pleasant. The wider tourism season extends beyond this period, subject to forest regulations. Cheetah sightings, however, cannot be guaranteed and visitors should follow the designated safari arrangements. From state capital Bhopal, Kuno is around 400-450 km by road, depending on the route and entry point. Gwalior is considerably closer and is about 175 km from the park. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, another cheetah habitat in Madhya Pradesh, offers a markedly different setting. Spread around the Gandhi Sagar reservoir in the Mandsaur and Neemuch region, the sanctuary combines open country, hillocks, ravines, woodland and the vast backwaters of the Chambal. The undulating terrain and open stretches make it particularly interesting from a cheetah-habitat perspective. The sanctuary became India's second operational cheetah site in 2025. Two male cheetahs, Prabhas and Pavak, were moved there from Kuno, followed later by a female, Dheera. A fenced natural area of about 64 square km was created as part of the initial establishment programme. For a general wildlife trip, October to March is the most comfortable period. Early mornings and late afternoons are preferable for wildlife activity. Travellers should check the latest forest-department entry arrangements because cheetah viewing is governed by the management programme rather than conventional mass tourism. Gandhi Sagar is around 340-370 km from Bhopal by road, depending on the route. Another cheetah habitat is Nauradehi that represents the next frontier of the project rather than an established cheetah tourism destination. The sanctuary now forms part of Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve and contains large expanses of open woodland, grassland and undulating country. Its scale and relatively extensive natural landscape make it valuable for creating a larger cheetah metapopulation. Government planning has identified Nauradehi as one of the landscapes being prepared for future cheetah introduction. Travellers should therefore not visit expecting a guaranteed cheetah safari. For wildlife tourism in the broader landscape, October to March is the preferable season. Nauradehi is around 200-250 km from Bhopal, depending on the access point. Gujarat The Banni Grasslands of Kutch present perhaps the most dramatic contrast to Kuno. This vast arid grassland lies between the Great Rann of Kutch and the more settled parts of Kutch. The landscape is marked by open plains, thorny vegetation, seasonal wetlands and salt-affected terrain. The Indian government has identified Banni as a future cheetah landscape and a conservation-breeding facility is being developed there. It should therefore be regarded as a prospective cheetah destination rather than a place where visitors can currently book a conventional cheetah safari. Winter is the most rewarding period for exploring Kutch, particularly from November to February. The cooler weather also brings large numbers of migratory birds to the region. Banni region is around 350-400 km from Gandhinagar, while Bhuj is the practical base for a wildlife traveller. Rajasthan Shahgarh, in western Rajasthan near the Pakistan border, is another landscape being considered for the future expansion of India's cheetah programme. Its attraction lies in its vast, dry and open desert ecosystem. The terrain is dominated by sandy stretches, sparse vegetation and grassland-like patches, offering a landscape quite different from the wooded country of Kuno. It is important to stress that Shahgarh is a proposed landscape and not an established cheetah tourism reserve. A visit today should therefore be planned as a desert and wildlife landscape experience rather than as a cheetah safari. The best season is from October to March, when daytime temperatures are more manageable. Jaisalmer, rather than Jaipur, is the practical gateway. From Jaipur, Shahgarh is more than 600 km away by road. The traveller's cheetah map India's cheetah conservation programme is deliberately being built around a network of landscapes rather than a single park. Kuno provides the principal base, Gandhi Sagar has become the second operational site, while Nauradehi, Banni and Shahgarh represent the broader expansion strategy. For a wildlife traveller, this distinction matters. Kuno and Gandhi Sagar in Madhya Pradesh are the places most closely associated with India's present cheetah population. The other landscapes offer an opportunity to see how India is rebuilding the open ecosystems that the cheetah needs. For a wildlife enthusiast, the best approach is to travel with patience. A cheetah may appear as a fleeting shape across a grassland, or remain hidden beyond the next ridge. The real reward lies in witnessing the restoration of an entire ecosystem around one of the world's fastest and most elusive cats.
Gujarat Health Minister visits Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, reviews treatment
Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya visited Gandhinagar Civil Hospital to review the health of personnel undergoing dengue treatment. He inquired about their well-being and boosted their morale. He also met with doctors and the hospital Superintendent to review their treatment and provide guidance to ensure the best possible medical care. Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya stated that around 87 personnel from the BSF, CRPF and ITBP, who had arrived from Odisha, Jharkhand, Delhi, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh for the parade, were shifted to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital after reporting fever and other health problems. The personnel have shown significant improvement with intensive treatment and proper medical care. Of the 87 personnel admitted over the past 10 days, 50 have recovered and been discharged, while the remaining 37 are still receiving treatment at Civil Hospital. The Minister added that the condition of all 37 personnel is stable and improving, and none is...
Gujarat Health Minister reviews dengue treatment at Gandhinagar Civil Hospital
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AI labs to sports hubs: BJP's five-year roadmap for Gandhinagar civic polls
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 8 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday unveiled its manifesto for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation election, pitching AI-enabled civic infrastructure, smart roads, new sports facilities, decentralised municipal services and expanded public transport as key priorities for the state capital over the next five years. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who released the manifesto in Gandhinagar, said the party's vision is to develop the city as a Sports Capital, Knowledge Hub and Cultural Centre, while retaining its green character. The BJP manifesto resolves to make Gandhinagar more facility-rich, smart, clean, beautiful, green, a cultural centre, a sports centre and inclusive over the next five years, Sanghavi said. The manifesto proposes AI-based traffic signals, development of Ch-Road as an iconic road and Road Nos. 2 and 3, as well as the Gh-7-Pethapur stretch, as smart roads. Approach roads to different sectors would be modernised, and city roads would be gradually converted into concrete roads. The plan also includes taking forward the proposed K-2-Vavol overbridge and completing the overbridge from K-7 towards Randheja. Sanghavi said, Gandhinagar's individual sectors would be given distinct identities through theme-based urban design, including sector-specific entry gates, modern footpaths and coordinated beautification of major roads and public spaces. A major component of the manifesto is technology-led education. AI laboratories would be established in municipal schools, alongside smart classrooms, digital learning, STEM and robotics-based education. The BJP has also proposed expanding smart schools under the Gyankunj project and developing a robotics-based sports facility. Development of data centres would be encouraged to strengthen the city's digital infrastructure. A modern Namo Library would be developed for students and those preparing for competitive examinations. Libraries and reading facilities would also be established in all villages incorporated into the municipal corporation area, with programmes focused on education, skills and careers for young people. The manifesto also places emphasis on developing Gandhinagar as a sports destination. Proposals include a modern sports complex, a cricket stadium at Randheja, a sports complex at Pethapur, separate gyms for women and a robotics-based sports facility. The party said modern training and practice facilities would be provided to help local athletes progress to national and international levels. On the cultural front, the BJP has proposed a City Centre, Performing Arts Facility and Town Hall. Meena Bazaar would be redeveloped and modernised, while the Gh-5 Open Air Theatre would be upgraded. The party has also proposed linking the city's historical and cultural sites with tourism, including development of Ambapur Vav as a heritage site and a 'Waste to Best' Wonder Park. A 'Gandhinagar Urban Darshan' double-decker AC bus service has also been proposed to connect important historical, cultural and development sites. The manifesto seeks to retain Gandhinagar's green character through tree plantation, landscaping and theme-based plantations along major roads and sectors. The Sector-1 lake would be redeveloped with a walkway, landscaping, seating and recreational facilities. The BJP has also included measures concerning areas incorporated into the municipal corporation. Gokulpura, Fatehpura, Adivada and Kubernagar would receive improved roads, street lights, drainage, water supply and other civic infrastructure. Rural chowks and a labour chowk have been proposed, along with a community hall at Randheja and improved connectivity between Randheja and surrounding areas and the city. The manifesto promises effective implementation of the PM Awas Yojana for economically weaker and needy families. It also proposes decentralising municipal services through zonal offices so that residents can access civic complaint mechanisms, certificates and other services locally. On public health and sanitation, the BJP has proposed physiotherapy centres through public participation, mobile food-testing vans, bio-mining for solid waste disposal and a modern animal hospital. It also promises arrangements for the scientific and respectful disposal of animal carcasses. Sanghavi said the next five years should focus on preparing Gandhinagar for the next generation rather than only creating conventional infrastructure. Keeping the next generation in mind, Gandhinagar will be prepared for the future through technology, facilities and human-centric development, he said. He also highlighted the development undertaken in the city over the past five years, including drainage networks, drinking water lines, roads, healthcare facilities, gardens, lakes, smart government schools, Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro connectivity, the Sabarmati-Gandhinagar riverfront and local bus services. Sanghavi said Gandhinagar was no longer only the city of the Secretariat but was emerging as a centre for major national and international conferences, universities, fintech and global companies, creating new opportunities in industry, trade and employment. The next five years will give new momentum and a new direction to Gandhinagar's overall development, he said.
Unintentional errors can be rectified; deliberate mistakes wont be tolerated: Gujarat CM
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 8 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday said deliberate mistakes in road and infrastructure works would not be tolerated, while calling for strict adherence to tender procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain quality. Patel was speaking at the inauguration of the first two-day Chintan Shibir of the state Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department in Gandhinagar, organised around the theme Gati-Gunvatta-Gaurav Accelerating Infrastructure for Viksit Gujarat 2047. Unintentional errors can be rectified, but deliberate mistakes will not be tolerated, the Chief Minister said, stressing that there should be no compromise on the quality of work. He called for particular attention to the tender process, adherence to SOPs and timely completion of projects through collective efforts. The Chief Minister said the R&B Department was a key department of the state government as its work on roads, bridges and other infrastructure directly benefits citizens. He noted that people were quick to raise concerns when shortcomings were found in such works, making it important for the department to ensure that the best possible work was delivered. Referring to the tradition of Chintan Shibirs initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2003, Patel said: Coming together is the beginning, thinking together is progress, and working together is success. The continued Chintan Shibir process is aligned with the spirit of Main Nahin, Hum and the goal of Swayam thi Vyam. Patel also urged officials to use the exercise for self-reflection and said deliberation could bring positive changes in personal life as well as in official functioning. He expressed his resolve to keep Gujarat at the forefront of efforts towards the Prime Ministers vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. He urged officials to work towards Viksit Gujarat for Viksit Bharat through sustainable development. At the inaugural session, the Chief Minister released publications on Building Health Monitoring and Bridge Asset Management and felicitated engineers and officials for outstanding performance based on the Governance Performance Index (GPI). The R&B Department maintains and repairs a road network of 1.29 lakh km, more than 11,000 bridges and government buildings across villages and cities. Under the 'Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana', it covers more than 18,000 villages and 14,000 hamlets. Chief Secretary M K Das described the department as a key driver of Gujarats development and said it also played an important role during disasters and emergencies. Referring to the historical and mythological significance of roads and bridges, he cited Maharaja Prithu, described in the Shrimad Bhagavata Purana as the first to build level roads, the Ram Setu mentioned in the Ramayana, the Grand Trunk Road built by Sher Shah Suri and roadside amenities as examples of the enduring role of road infrastructure in public service. The departments budget had increased from Rs 12,000 crore to Rs 30,000 crore in a short period. Achieving the 'Viksit Gujarat @ 2047' goal and a USD 3.5 trillion economy would require 11 times more construction work over the next 20 years than had been undertaken in previous centuries, he said. He stressed the need for faster, stronger and high-quality roads to meet rising traffic requirements. He called for a from the ground up approach, greater field presence and accountability among contractors. He also urged participants to deliberate openly and prepare a clear Action Plan for 2047. R&B Secretary P R Patelia said the Chintan Shibir is intended to go beyond routine departmental functioning by encouraging self-reflection and exploring innovative ideas and technologies to achieve the goal of Viksit Gujarat @ 2047 Fast, Safe and Sustainable Infrastructure. Measures including the GPI for officials, Performance-Based Rating for contractors and the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) system had been introduced to improve transparency and efficiency. The timeline for tender approvals had also been shortened to speed up implementation, he added.
Ex-Gujarat CM Vaghela says party needs early candidates, stronger grassroot connect
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 8 (IANS) Nearly three decades after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) first came to power in Gujarat, veteran politician and former Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela said on Thursday that the Congress can come to power in the state only if it starts preparing its candidates and reconnecting with voters much ahead of the 2027 state polls. In an interview with IANS, Vaghela, who is in talks with the Congress over a possible return to the party, said the Opposition needed to move beyond last-minute ticket distribution and build a sustained grassroots campaign centred on candidates who were known and trusted by voters. I am saying at least six months should be given to a candidate, Vaghela said, noting that early selection would reduce the scramble for tickets and give prospective candidates time to establish themselves in their Assembly constituencies. His prescription for the Congress is rooted in what he describes as a lack of human touch in public life. A candidate, he said, should regularly meet people, understand their problems and remain present during difficult times rather than appearing only during an election. Public life has a lack of human touch, he said, adding that voters should be able to recall a candidate who stood by them during a medical emergency, helped with a child's education or supported a family in distress. Vaghela's assessment comes as he holds discussions with senior Congress leaders over returning to the party he left in 2017. He has already held talks with Congress state in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala and other state leaders. Gujarat Congress President Amit Chavda subsequently confirmed that discussions with Vaghela were underway. In the IANS interview, Vaghela said the latest discussions were recent and that there was no bitterness in his relationship with the Congress. He also ruled out seeking an organisational post or personal political position if he returned, saying his focus would be the 2027 election and defeating the BJP in Gujarat. My only condition was to replace the BJP government in the state. My present political outfit, the Praja Shakti Democratic Party, would not be brought into an alliance arrangement if the Congress talks materialise. Instead, the party could be merged into the Congress, with a single party and symbol, if an agreement was reached, he confirmed. The proposed return would mark another turn in a political career that has repeatedly crossed party lines. Born in Vasan in Gandhinagar district in 1940, Vaghela began his political career with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and later became a prominent BJP leader. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Kapadvanj in 1977 and subsequently served in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha from Gujarat. Parliament records show that he was elected to the Lok Sabha multiple times and served as Union Textiles Minister from 2004 to 2009. Vaghela broke ranks with the BJP in 1996 and formed the Rashtriya Janata Party. With Congress support, he became Gujarat Chief Minister in October 1996, serving until October 1997. His party subsequently merged with the Congress, beginning another major phase of his political career. He later served as Gujarat Congress President and became Leader of Opposition in the Assembly. He left the Congress in July 2017 after a bitter fallout with the party leadership and subsequently pursued other political formations, including the Jan Vikalp Morcha and the Nationalist Congress Party. His latest political vehicle, the Praja Shakti Democratic Party (PSDP), was formally announced in 2024 after an earlier Praja Shakti initiative. Vaghela had said the party was intended to provide an alternative political platform in Gujarat. Yet, despite having his own party, Vaghela now says that the larger political objective is to defeat the BJP, which has governed Gujarat continuously since 1998. He believes the Congress still has an opportunity if it begins preparing early and develops credible local leadership. He pointed to what he sees as a leadership vacuum created when senior Congress leaders moved to the BJP, saying that the party should identify replacements before vacancies emerge. Workers should be promoted on the basis of trust and sustained work rather than merely being considered when an election approaches, he told IANS. Vaghela also sees a wider political opening ahead of 2027. He said the Congress should focus on taking its organisation back to the grassroots and making voters feel that the party belongs to them. He predicted that, if the Congress maintained its current momentum among workers through the 2027 campaign, the BJP would no longer be in government in the state by the end of the election. I think with full confidence that there will be no BJP government here, he said.
Gujarat govt plans Rs 100-crore marine biotech corridor in Porbandar
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 8 (IANS) The Gujarat government has proposed a Rs 100-crore investment over five years to establish a Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (M-BRIC) at Mocha village in Porbandar district, bringing marine research, biomanufacturing, startups and coastal livelihood programmes under a single ecosystem. The proposed project, an initiative of the Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) under the Department of Science and Technology, is intended to develop the state's marine biological resources into high-value products and support technology-driven industries along the Gujarat coast. A memorandum of understanding will be signed between GSBTM and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI) for establishing M-BRIC in the presence of Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Cooperation, and Animal Husbandry Minister Jitu Vaghani. Mocha has been identified as the principal hub, with a proposed 30-acre ecosystem comprising research facilities, industrial infrastructure, field demonstration areas, processing facilities, and incubation support. Specialised activities and partnerships could also extend across the Saurashtra region and the wider Gujarat coastline. The proposed corridor will cover the marine biotechnology value chain, from exploration of marine biodiversity and scientific research to technology development, pilot-scale validation, industrial scale-up and commercialisation. The resources being considered include seaweeds, microalgae, marine microorganisms and saline ecosystems. The government plans to explore applications including biofertilisers, biostimulants, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, aquafeed, animal nutrition products, enzymes, biosurfactants, pharmaceutical intermediates and marine-derived biomaterials. Seaweed-derived agar, alginate and carrageenan are also among the substances proposed for value addition. A dedicated seaweed-processing cluster is planned at Mocha with facilities for receiving raw material, washing, pre-processing, extraction, drying, powdering, packaging, storage and quality control. The ecosystem is also expected to include a state-level seaweed brood bank supplying elite planting material of Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria dura. Marine microalgal biofactories are proposed to produce omega-3 fatty acids and other high-value bioactive compounds, while an integrated seaweed biorefinery would focus on phycocolloids, biostimulants and other value-added products. Research facilities are planned for marine bioprospecting, genomics, microbiology, natural products, and biotechnology development. Incubation facilities and pilot-scale bioprocessing and biomanufacturing infrastructure would support startups and entrepreneurs in moving technologies from laboratories towards commercial applications. The proposed ecosystem would also assist with prototype development, technology validation, intellectual property protection, regulatory assessment, licensing, technology transfer and industry partnerships. CSIR-CSMCRI has been identified as a key scientific knowledge partner, with expertise in seaweed biotechnology, marine bioproducts, saline agriculture, halophytes, bioprocessing and technology transfer. Microalgal biorefineries are also proposed at salt-pan facilities associated with CSIR-CSMCRI in Bhavnagar. The project also envisages capacity-building programmes under the Seaweed Mission for coastal youth, seaweed farmers, fishing communities, women-led enterprises, MSMEs, entrepreneurs, students and industry professionals. Training would cover areas such as seaweed cultivation, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, genomics, bioinformatics, marine diagnostics, natural products, bioprocessing, environmental monitoring, entrepreneurship, intellectual property and technology commercialisation. Environmental monitoring, biodiversity assessment and environmental impact assessment are proposed as part of the ecosystem, alongside responsible utilisation of marine genetic resources. The project also envisages research on Blue Carbon and climate-resilient coastal development, including monitoring of seaweed and coastal ecosystems. The corridor is being developed in alignment with Gujarat's biotechnology ecosystem, the BioE3 framework, India's Blue Economy priorities and the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
Gujarat farmer earns Rs 11 lakh from four acres by turning turmeric into powder, pickle
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 7 (IANS) A 70-year-old farmer in Surendranagar district has turned turmeric cultivation on four acres into an annual income of around Rs 10-11 lakh by processing the crop into powder, pickle and other products instead of selling it as raw produce. Kalubhai Patel of Vadod village in Wadhwan taluka owns 10 acres of land and has been practising natural farming on four acres for the past 13-14 years. He was inspired to take up natural farming after seeing a farmer cultivate turmeric using natural methods at an agricultural fair in Kagvad. Patel initially cultivated turmeric on one acre of fallow land, gradually expanding it to four acres. He later established a home-based processing unit at a cost of around Rs 5 lakh, equipped with a steam boiler, polishing machine and pulveriser. The Horticulture Department provided him with assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh for the unit. Instead of boiling the turmeric in water, Patel steams it, saying this helps retain its beneficial and medicinal properties. The turmeric is then dried for about a month before being cleaned and ground into powder. He also prepares green turmeric pickle and turmeric mouth freshener. With the help of his family, the products are packed at home and sold under the brand name Shakti Organic. While raw turmeric fetches around Rs 150 per kg in the market, Patel sells his turmeric powder at Rs 350 per kg and green turmeric pickle at Rs 440 per kg. His GOPCA-certified organic products are sold largely through word-of-mouth rather than advertising. Through this value addition, Patel earns around Rs 10-11 lakh annually from turmeric grown on four acres. He also follows crop diversification, cultivating short-duration crops such as moong, sesame and pearl millet after the eight-month turmeric crop. On the remaining six acres, he grows cotton with pigeon pea as an intercrop. Pigeon pea helps add nitrogen to the soil, reducing the need for urea, while Patel uses a solution prepared from aak leaves as a source of potassium. He said these natural farming practices have helped increase the organic carbon content of his soil to 0.94 per cent. Natural farming is nature; nurturing soil with care is culture, Patel said, while highlighting natural farming, soil conservation and value addition as ways to strengthen farmers incomes. The state government has recognised Patel with Best Farmer Awards at the taluka, district and state levels. He has also received honours from Junagadh Agricultural University and Dantiwada Agricultural University. Recently, in the presence of Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, he received the state-level 'Best ATMA Farmer Award'. Patel has also developed an automatic sowing machine, combining traditional farming practices with innovation and scientific methods. The state government's encouragement, inspiration and support had doubled farmers enthusiasm to work towards sustainable and productive agriculture, officials said.
Gujarat Board launches PARAKH Cell, DigiLocker facility for Class 10, 12 mark sheets
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 7 (IANS) The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board on Wednesday launched a state-level 'PARAKH Cell' to shift school assessments towards competency-based learning and introduced a facility to make Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets available directly through DigiLocker after the declaration of examination results. Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja inaugurated the PARAKH Cell at the Gujarat Board headquarters in Gandhinagar and launched the digital mark-sheet service as part of the state's implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Vaja said the National Education Policy was bringing changes to the country's education system and that Gujarat was committed to providing quality education along with a transparent assessment system. With the launch of the PARAKH Cell, students will be freed from rote learning and move towards competency-based education, Vaja said. Under the new DigiLocker facility, digital mark sheets for students appearing for Class 10 and Class 12 examinations will be made available after the results are declared. The state has already uploaded the mark sheets of around one crore students who appeared for examinations between 2021 and 2026 on DigiLocker. Students will be able to download their digital mark sheets through the DigiLocker app. The facility is also expected to simplify and speed up verification of educational documents for higher education and employment opportunities in India and abroad. Vaja said the integration of technology with education would further strengthen the state's education system. He also congratulated the Education Department and the Gujarat Board team for completing the process through coordinated efforts. The PARAKH Cell will function at the state level under the framework of PARAKH Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development established by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) as the National Assessment Centre. Under its guidance, the state-level cell will prepare competency-based question banks and assessment tools. It will also facilitate implementation of the Holistic Progress Card (HPC), adapted to Gujarat's language and curriculum requirements. The cell will provide training and guidance to teachers and question paper setters on modern assessment methods. The assessment process will also be strengthened through the use of technology, including PARAKH ITMS, aimed at making assessments more transparent and robust. Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board Chairman M.A. Pandya, Gujarat State Board of School Textbooks Chairman Manubhai Pavra and GSEB Secretary R.R. Vyas were among those present at the launch, along with board officials and employees.
PM Modi to address nation today; BJP to hold 'Seva Jyoti Kalash Yatra' across Gujarat
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation virtually on Wednesday as Gujarat unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organises a 'Seva Jyoti Kalash Yatra' across all districts and metropolitan areas to mark his completion of 25 years in public service. PM Modi will address the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha' around 9 a.m. and lead a collective pledge to create 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047'. The Prime Minister's address will be broadcast live from the yatra's departure points across the state. The programme is part of the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', being organised to mark 25 years of his public service, first as the Gujarat Chief Minister and subsequently as the country's Prime Minister. Before PM Modi's address, BJP National President Nitin Nabin will also address the gathering. Following the Prime Minister's address, local leaders will light the 'Seva Jyot', after which the 'Seva Jyoti Kalash Yatra' will begin from designated locations in each district and metropolitan area. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will participate in the Ahmedabad programme at Pujya Pramukh Swami Marg-Riverfront Road near Riverfront House. State BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma will attend the programme at the Arts and Commerce College on New Civil Hospital Road in Sabarkantha district. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi will participate in the programme at Shri Vardayini Mataji Temple in Rupal village of Gandhinagar district. State BJP General Secretaries Aniruddh Dave, Prashant Korat, Ajay Brahmbhatt and Hitendrasinh Chouhan will attend programmes in Rajkot, Surat, Ahmedabad and Vadodara respectively. State Ministers, BJP office-bearers, MPs, MLAs, party leaders, workers and local residents are also expected to participate at designated locations. The nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Yatra', which began on September 17, will also conclude on Wednesday at Vadnagar in Gujarat and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The two locations are associated with PM Modi's birthplace and political career. In Vadnagar, the concluding programme will include a water offering at the historic Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple. Chief Minister Patel, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi, State BJP President Vishwakarma and Yatra In-charge V.D. Sharma are scheduled to attend.
PM Narendra Modi at 25 years in governance: What sets him apart
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) From Gandhinagar to New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's quarter-century in executive office is unusual not only for the uninterrupted time span, but also for his distinctive style of leadership. What makes him stand out as a leader is the combination of centralised decision-making, an emphasis on delivery-driven governance, and an ability to maintain a direct connection with voters across the spectrum, raising his political durability. As documented, the journey began in modest surroundings, where he helped at his family's tea stall during his childhood while pursuing his education. At 17, he left home and spent nearly two years travelling across India. He later joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Ahmedabad and decided to dedicate his life to the organisation. Over the following years, he rose through RSS ranks, with increasing responsibilities in Gujarat, where the years shaped his organisational abilities, discipline, and grassroots approach to politics. A part of his formative political life lay during the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi-imposed Emergency, when, according to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Gujarat account, he worked underground, building resistance and evading government crackdowns. Since 1987, organisational success in the state BJP made him quickly emerge as one of its key strategists, bringing national attention within the party. In 1995, after the BJPs victory in Gujarat, Narendra Modi was moved to New Delhi as the party's National Secretary, where he was given responsibility for several northern states. In 1998, he was elevated to the post of National General Secretary (Organisation), among the BJP's most important positions. In October 2001, the party leadership chose him to replace Keshubhai Patel as Chief Minister of Gujarat. The decision came at a difficult time for the state, which was recovering from the devastating Bhuj earthquake and facing political and administrative challenges. He served as Chief Minister from 2001 to 2014 and Prime Minister since May 2014, where, in a democracy as diverse and competitive as India, sustaining popularity and public support over such a long period is rare. Another defining feature has been his focus on governance as measurable delivery, while PM Modi's political messaging has consistently emphasised implementation beyond policy announcement. Meanwhile, the country achieved broader economic and social changes where World Bank noted extreme poverty falling from 16.2 per cent in 2011-12 to 2.3 per cent in 2022-23, while it reported substantial progress in infrastructure and access to basic services. Technology may be considered another pillar of the Modi-model. Even critics acknowledge that digital governance has become central to public administration under his leadership. The expansion of Direct Benefit Transfer mechanisms and digital identity systems has transformed India's payment ecosystem, reducing leakage, increasing transparency, and improving efficiency in public service delivery. Another factor is his ability to blend welfare politics with economic growth narratives. His years in Gujarat were associated with infrastructure expansion, industrial investment, irrigation projects and administrative reforms, creating what supporters called the Gujarat model. After moving to New Delhi, he sought to scale aspects of that approach nationally through infrastructure spending, manufacturing initiatives, and reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). India's economic performance strengthened, with the International Monetary Fund projecting the country to remain the world's fastest-growing major economy, highlighting resilience and strong domestic demand amidst an uncertain global environment. Additionally, it is his communication skills, where through public rallies, social media engagement, radio broadcasts such as Mann Ki Baat, and highly personalised political campaigns, he speaks directly to the masses in their language, often bypassing conventional political intermediaries. In foreign policy, under PM Modis leadership, India has pursued a more visible international profile, expanded diplomatic engagement, and positioned itself as a key voice of the Global South while simultaneously strengthening ties with major world powers. Analysts frequently cite this more assertive international posture as one of the defining characteristics of the Modi era. While critics have argued, his supporters claim that strong leadership and decisive decision-making were necessary to execute long-pending reforms and large-scale development initiatives. Thus, while marking another milestone, the Prime Minister has undeniably shaped India's political and governance landscape in ways few leaders have done since Independence.
India achieves 5.56-km free-space Quantum Key Distribution link
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 5 (IANS) India has demonstrated its first free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link over a distance of 5.56 km, with a field trial successfully establishing a secure quantum communication channel between the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) and IIT Gandhinagar. The trial was conducted on the night of September 27-28 by QNu Labs in collaboration with BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar. It used QNu Labs Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking system to maintain the free-space optical link and achieved a stable Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) below five per cent. The system generated secure keys at a rate of 230-260 bits per second. These keys were subsequently integrated with BISAG-Ns post-quantum cryptography-enabled Vedic Kavach platform, allowing successful end-to-end encryption and decryption of test messages. The demonstration brought together two complementary approaches to quantum security. QNu Labs hardware-based Armos QKD device was used over free-space optical channels, while Vedic Kavach provided software-based post-quantum cryptography along with quantum random number generation. The integrated architecture is designed to remain resilient even when the physical quantum communication channel is temporarily unavailable. Dr Vinay Thakur, Director General, BISAG-N, said the integration of Vedic Kavach with QNu Labs QKD technology marked a significant step towards practical quantum-resilient communication systems. Sunil Gupta, Co-founder and CEO of QNu Labs, said: The successful 5.56-km demonstration paved the way for longer-distance quantum-secure networks and satellite-based quantum communication. Cmde Manish Tripathi (Retd), In-charge, ISTF, IIT Gandhinagar, said the demonstration provided a valuable field environment for advancing practical quantum communication technologies. It showed how academia, indigenous technology and real-world experimentation could be integrated to address emerging secure communication requirements, he added. Free-space QKD transmits quantum signals through optical channels in open air rather than through fibre, making it a potential option for communication links where deploying fibre is challenging. The technology also has potential applications in longer-distance and satellite-based quantum communication. The trial provides a foundation for advancing Indias secure communication infrastructure and strengthening resilience against emerging quantum-era security threats. BISAG-N, an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, works in areas including space technology applications, satellite communication and geo-informatics, while IIT Gandhinagar, established in 2008, focuses on interdisciplinary research and education across engineering, science, technology, humanities and social sciences. QNu Labs, founded in 2016, develops quantum-secure digital infrastructure and describes itself as a pioneer in sovereign quantum security products and solutions.
IIT-Gandhinagar scientists demo quantum link through 5.5 km of air
The feat has been described as Indias first free-space quantum-key distribution (QKD) link at a distance of 5.56 km
'Record-breaking victory certain': BJP's Tarun Chugh on Gandhinagar civic polls
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 4 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is confident of securing a record-breaking victory in the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) election, said party's State In-Charge Tarun Chugh on Sunday, asserting that the organisation is going to voters on the basis of its performance and had strengthened its election machinery up to the booth level. Chugh held a series of organisational meetings in Gandhinagar ahead of the civic polls on October 11. He first met party leaders and workers from Wards 1 to 6, followed by a meeting with those from Wards 7 to 11. He later held a coordination meeting with the election management committee. During the meetings, Chugh reviewed the work carried out so far and discussed organisational arrangements for the election, booth-level management and coordination among party workers. The Bharatiya Janata Party's record-breaking victory in the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation election is certain, Chugh told the media after the meetings. He said that the BJP is seeking votes on the basis of its performance and that party workers were reaching voters through door-to-door contact. Chugh also expressed confidence that the BJP would receive the people's blessings in the election. People have faith in the BJP's good governance, politics of development and fear-free administration, he said. Chugh also added that the Congress would once again be rejected by voters, alleging that the party was anti-development and anti-Gujarat. The Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation has 11 wards and 44 seats, with polling scheduled for October 11 and counting on October 13. In the 2021 civic election, the BJP won 41 of the 44 seats, while the Congress secured two and the Aam Aadmi Party one. The BJP has since announced candidates for all 44 seats across the 11 wards and launched its campaign for the election. State Ministers Rushikesh Patel and Sanjaysinh Mahida, Gandhinagar BJP President Ashishkumar Dave, Metropolitan In-charge Nirav Amin, MLAs Rita Patel and Alpesh Thakor, Election In-charge Amit Shah and Co-In-charge Jatin Patel were among those present at the organisational meetings, along with other party leaders and workers.
Gujarat extends MSP registration deadline by 15 days, opens 'i-Khedut' portal for Rabi benefits
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 4 (IANS) The Gujarat government has extended by 15 days the deadline for farmers to register to sell groundnut, moong, soybean and urad at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), while also opening the 'i-Khedut' portal for applications for certified seeds and other Rabi season benefits. Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani said on Sunday that the registration deadline for procurement of Kharif crops at MSP, which was earlier set for October 9, has now been extended to October 24, following representations from Members of Parliament, MLAs and farmer representatives. Under the extended schedule, farmers across the state can complete online registration to sell groundnut, moong, soybean and urad under the MSP procurement process until October 24. The Minister said the decision was taken after considering the representations received from elected representatives and farmer groups. Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department has opened the i-Khedut portal from October 4 to 15 to enable farmers to apply for benefits relating to certified seeds, seed mini kits and demonstration components for the upcoming Rabi season. Farmers can submit applications online through the portal during the 12-day registration window, the department said. Vaghani appealed to farmers across Gujarat to complete their applications for the various government schemes through the i-Khedut portal within the stipulated period and make use of the extended registration window for MSP procurement. The two decisions come ahead of the Rabi season and amid the ongoing process for procurement of Kharif crops at MSP in the state. Gujarats 'i-Khedut' portal serves as a single-window platform for farmers to access several agriculture-related government schemes online. The Centre had allocated 4,500 seed kits to Gujarat under the Rabi 2025-26 programme. Vaghani urged farmers growing groundnut, moong, urad and soybean to complete their registration within the stipulated period and take maximum benefit of the procurement scheme. Farmers registering for MSP procurement were advised to ensure their bank accounts are active and Aadhaar-linked, as payments for procured produce are to be made directly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The state also emphasised including all eligible land survey numbers in the Farmer Registry.
Gandhinagar At least 24 personnel who have come to Gujarat for preparations for the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) The post Gujarat: Dengue hits Ekta Diwas parade contingent; 24 test positive appeared first on Bilkul Online .
India Demonstrates 5.56-km Quantum-Secure Communication Link
India has demonstrated a 5.56-kilometre free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link, testing a combination of quantum-based key exchange and post-quantum cryptography for secure communications. The field trial was conducted on the night of September 2728, 2026, between the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) and the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar), according to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The demonstration involved quantum security company QNu Labs, BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar. It used QNu Labs' Armos QKD device and its Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking system to establish a free-space optical communication channel across the 5.56-kilometre link. The trial achieved a Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) below 5% and generated cryptographic keys at a reported rate of 230260 bits per second, the ministry said. Combining Quantum Key Distribution With Post-Quantum Cryptography The trial integrated the generated keys with BISAG-N's Vedic Kavach platform, which uses post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and quantum random number generation. The participants demonstrated end-to-end encryption and decryption of test messages. QKD and PQC address the threat posed by advances in quantum computing through different approaches. QKD uses quantum properties to establish cryptographic keys, while PQC relies on mathematical algorithms designed to resist attacks from both classical and quantum computers. The demonstration combined these approaches to provide an additional layer of security. According to the ministry, the architecture is designed to maintain resilience even when the physical quantum communication channel becomes temporarily unavailable. Free-space QKD transmits quantum signals through open air rather than relying entirely on optical fibre infrastructure. This makes it a potential option for communication links where laying fibre is difficult, including certain satellite communication applications. However, practical deployment depends on factors such as distance, atmospheric conditions, signal stability and key-generation rates. Potential Applications in Satellite Communication The trial is intended to support further work on quantum-secure communication infrastructure in India. QNu Labs co-founder and CEO Sunil Gupta said the demonstration could help advance longer-distance quantum-secure networks and satellite-based quantum communication. BISAG-N Director General Vinay Thakur described the integration of the institute's Vedic Kavach platform with QNu Labs' QKD technology as a step towards practical quantum-resilient communication systems. IIT Gandhinagar also provided the field environment for testing the technology under real-world conditions, according to the ministry. The 5.56-kilometre demonstration establishes a field-tested link, but it does not by itself establish the performance of a larger operational network. Further testing would be needed to determine how the system performs over longer distances and under varying environmental conditions. The development adds to India's ongoing work on quantum technologies and secure communications, with potential implications for government networks, critical infrastructure and future satellite communication systems.
Gujarat govt honours 93 farmers, takes natural produce sales network to 1,200 centres
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 3 (IANS) The Gujarat government on Saturday expanded its network for marketing naturally farmed produce with the inauguration of more than 100 new sales centres, taking the total number of such outlets in the state to 1,200, as 93 progressive farmers were honoured with the Best ATMA Farmers Awards. Governor Acharya Devvrat, who chaired the award ceremony in Gandhinagar in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani, called for wider adoption of natural farming and urged every farmer practising the method to bring at least one more farmer into the campaign. Devvrat said natural farming is necessary to reduce the excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and protect soil, water and the environment as well as human health and future generations. Referring to Denmark, he said: Urea and DAP are not subsidised there, while cow dung and urine are used for producing biogas and organic fertilisers, helping maintain soil organic carbon at two per cent. Welcoming the inauguration of the new sales centres, the Governor said they should become centres of consumer trust rather than merely places where produce is sold. He called for maintaining the quality and purity of naturally farmed products, creating awareness about the centres and sharing information about them among citizens. He also appreciated the state government's efforts to promote natural farming and indigenous cow rearing under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Patel, and congratulated the award-winning farmers. Patel said the state had undertaken various initiatives centred on good governance, development, technology and public welfare to mark PM Modi's 25 years of public service. Development is not just about creating infrastructure but also about improving the quality of life of ordinary citizens, he said. The Chief Minister said knowledge, science, research and technology would be central to India's development in the 21st century. Referring to PM Modi's call for Jai Anusandhan alongside Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, he said the approach linked national security, food security, scientific progress and research. Patel said Gujarat is seeking to empower farmers by integrating natural farming with technology and environmental conservation. New technology and agricultural research could help increase productivity and farmers' incomes while ensuring efficient use of resources, he said. Emphasising the link between soil and human health, Patel called for greater awareness about balanced use of chemical inputs, soil health and sustainable farming. He urged farmers to demonstrate the practical benefits of natural farming on their fields and inspire others to adopt it. He also stressed water conservation and judicious use of water, calling for greater rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and efficient utilisation of water resources. 'Seva' is at the heart of programmes marking PM Modi's 25 years of public service, adding that cleanliness, water conservation, saving electricity and fuel and protecting natural resources are also forms of social service, he said. He urged people to incorporate such measures into their daily lives. Patel asked farmers to bring problems related to natural farming or the marketing of their produce to the government's notice and congratulated the award recipients and Agriculture Department officials. Vaghani said natural farming had emerged as a major campaign in Gujarat under Modi's vision and the guidance of the Governor and Chief Minister. An increasing number of educated young people were also taking up natural farming, and the government is working to provide marketing and certification support, he said. Describing natural farmers as the government's Brand Ambassadors, Vaghani urged them to connect five more farmers with natural farming. He also said Gujarat had become the second state after Uttarakhand to receive the President's assent to its Uniform Civil Code Bill. He congratulated Patel on behalf of the people of Gujarat. He said the measure would introduce a uniform law across the state while preserving the traditional systems and culture of tribal areas. During the programme, an MoU was signed between the Directorate of Agriculture and SAC-ISRO to promote the use of satellite and geospatial technology in agriculture. Appointment letters were handed over to 14 newly appointed Assistant Directors of Agriculture (Class-II) to strengthen agricultural extension services. The dignitaries also released the Agriculture Department's Annual Action Plan 2026-27, Assistance-Oriented Schemes of the Agriculture Department and Assistance-Oriented Schemes of the Horticulture Department. Around 50,000 farmers from across Gujarat, besides ministers, MPs, MLAs and representatives of local self-government bodies, participated virtually in the programme.
India showcases its first 5.56 km freespace quantum communication link
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 3 (IANS) India on Saturday said that QNu Labs, in collaboration with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAGN) and IIT Gandhinagar, has successfully demonstrated the countrys first freespace Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link at a scale of 5.56 km. The field trial established a secure quantum communication channel between BISAGN and IIT Gandhinagar. Using QNu Labs Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking system, the trial achieved a stable Quantum Bit Error Rate below 5 per cent and generated secure keys at a rate of 230260 bps. These keys were integrated with BISAGNs postquantum cryptography enabled Vedic Kavach platform, enabling successful endtoend encryption and decryption of test messages. The demonstration combined two complementary layers of quantum security: QNu Labs hardwarebased QKD device Armos over freespace optical channels and BISAGNs Vedic Kavach softwarebased postquantum cryptography with quantum random number generation. Dr Vinay Thakur, Director General, BISAGN, said the integration of Vedic Kavach with QNu Labs QKD technology marks a significant step towards practical quantumresilient communication systems. The trial provides a foundation for advancing Indias capabilities in secure communication infrastructure, strengthening resilience against emerging quantumera security threats. Sunil Gupta, Cofounder and CEO, QNu Labs, emphasised that the successful 5.56 km demonstration paves the way for longerdistance quantumsecure networks and satellitebased quantum communication. This integrated architecture ensures resilience even if the physical quantum channel is temporarily unavailable. Cmde Manish Tripathi (Retd.), Incharge, ISTF, IIT Gandhinagar, added that the demonstration provides a valuable field environment for advancing practical quantum communication technologies and showcases how academia, indigenous technology and realworld experimentation can be integrated to meet emerging secure communication requirements. Founded in 2016, QNu Labs is Indias pioneer in quantumsecure digital infrastructure, offering sovereign products and solutions deployed globally. An autonomous scientific society under MeitY, BISAGN works in space technology applications, satellite communication, geoinformatics and supports technologydriven governance.
Dengue Outbreak Affects Unity Day Parade Preparations in Gujarat
A dengue outbreak has been confirmed among personnel preparing for the National Unity Day parade in Gandhinagar, with 24 cases reported. Dengue Outbreak Affects Unity Day Parade Preparations in Gujarat
Gujarat: GSECL enters nuclear power sector, signs MoU with NPCIL for new project
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 1 (IANS) Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) for the development of a new nuclear power project in the state, with the proposed project at Dhuvaran expected to have a capacity of around 4,000 MW and involve potential investment of nearly Rs one lakh crore. The agreement marks GSECLs first entry into the nuclear power sector. It aims to strengthen Gujarats long-term energy security and expand its access to clean, reliable power. The MoU was signed in the presence of Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel, Principal Secretary of the Energy and Petrochemicals Department, GSECL Chairman Ashwini Kumar, and NPCIL Chairman and Managing Director V. Rajesh. According to the state government, the proposed project at Dhuvaran will add around 4,000 MW to Gujarats power generation capacity. It said the project could generate employment, support industrial development and the local economy, while contributing to efforts to reduce carbon emissions and support Indias net-zero target. Gujarat has been expanding its renewable energy capacity, particularly in solar and wind power. The state has set a target of establishing more than 100 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. However, solar and wind generation are dependent on weather and other natural conditions, making continuously available generation important for grid stability. The government said nuclear power could complement renewable sources by providing continuous and reliable electricity. Under the MoU, GSECL will assess land availability and supporting infrastructure, while NPCIL will undertake site surveys, technical studies and provide expert guidance. Further work will be determined based on the sites technical and economic feasibility and the statutory approvals required for the project. The initiative comes as the Centre expands its nuclear energy program, with the government announcing a target of 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. The Department of Atomic Energy has also been working with Gujarat on nuclear power development, including discussions on large nuclear projects, small modular reactors, site identification and technical studies. NPCIL, a public sector enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy, is responsible for the design, construction, commissioning and operation of nuclear power reactors. It currently operates 24 commercial nuclear reactors with an installed capacity of 8,780 MW and has seven reactors under construction with a combined capacity of 6,100 MW. The Gujarat government said the nuclear projects would operate under the SHANTI Act, 2025. The Act provides the legal framework for nuclear energy development and allows wider participation of public and private entities under the applicable licensing and safety framework. The state government described the agreement as a significant step in its energy transition, with the proposed nuclear capacity intended to strengthen the availability of reliable, low-carbon electricity alongside Gujarats growing renewable energy base.
Gujarat: 'Special Drive' to enrol new, left-out voters on four Sundays
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 1 (IANS) Gujarat will hold a statewide special drive to enrol citizens left out of the electoral roll and newly eligible young voters, with special camps to be organised at all polling stations on four Sundays in October and November, the Chief Electoral Officer's office said Thursday. The special drive will be conducted under the Continuous Updation process in accordance with instructions issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for states where the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise has been completed. Special camps will be held on October 11, 18 and 25 and November 1, with designated officers and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) remaining available at polling stations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to receive claims and objections in the prescribed forms. The initiative will particularly give eligible first-time voters aged 18-19 years, as well as citizens whose names were not included in the electoral roll during the previous exercise, an opportunity to seek enrolment. Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer Sandeep Sagale has issued detailed instructions to all District Election Officers and Collectors to arrange the campaign across the state. The CEO's office said Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) would conduct Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities at colleges and other educational institutions as part of the campaign. Awareness would also be created through banners at various locations and local newspapers to inform eligible citizens about the enrolment process and the special campaign days. The office clarified that the present period is classified as Non-SIR and, under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, eligible persons seeking inclusion in the electoral roll must submit only Form 6. Supervisors will make regular visits to polling stations during the four special campaign days to monitor arrangements and ensure applications are received. District Election Officers, EROs and AEROs will also conduct random field inspections as part of the supervision and monitoring process. The special drive aims to ensure that eligible citizens, particularly those who have completed 18 years of age, have an opportunity to register their names in the electoral roll and that the roll remains updated and inclusive.
BJP questions Congress poll promises, cites civic limits ahead of Gandhinagar election
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 1 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday questioned the feasibility of several promises in the Congress manifesto for the upcoming Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) elections, arguing that many proposals fall outside the civic body's jurisdiction and financial capacity. Reacting to the Congress manifesto, BJP chief spokesperson Anil Patel said several issues highlighted by the opposition party did not come under the municipal corporations mandate. Referring to the GMCs budget, which he said was around Rs 1,500 crore to Rs 1,700 crore, Patel questioned the practicality of the promises. Which face does Congress have to talk about creating 10,000 jobs for youth in a municipal corporation that does not even have 10,000 employees in total? Patel asked, questioning whether the assurances could be implemented within the corporations available resources. He also criticised Congress for promising zero tolerance towards corruption, referring to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhis remarks on leakages in government spending. Gandhinagar city BJP president Ashishkumar Dave said the corporation had undertaken extensive infrastructure and public-facility works since the BJP came to power. He cited improvements in cleanliness, healthcare, schools, roads, yoga centres and libraries among the facilities developed in the city. Dave said more than 72 schools in Gandhinagar have Smart Boards and that some model schools have AI-based education facilities. He also noted that more than 10 lakh trees had been planted in the city, inspired by Gandhinagar MP Amit Shah. The BJP's response came after the Gujarat Congress released its Congress Commitment manifesto for the GMC elections. The manifesto was unveiled in the presence of Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda, Congress Legislature Party leader Tushar Chaudhary, AICC Secretary and Gujarat Co-in-charge Subhashini Yadav, along with other senior party leaders. The GMC election covers 44 seats across 11 wards, with polling scheduled for October 11 and counting on October 13. Among its key promises, Congress said residents would not be required to pay taxes in areas where adequate basic infrastructure is not provided. The party also proposed a personal accident insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh for the head of every low-income family. Other commitments include ending fixed-pay, contractual and outsourcing systems in the corporation and creating employment opportunities for 10,000 youth. The manifesto also proposes expanded public transport facilities, including four Pink Wheels city buses in every ward for women, a 50 per cent concession in property tax for women, and measures to develop Gandhinagar as a youth-oriented Gen-Z city with facilities for sports, gyms, libraries and cultural activities. Congress also promised ward-level public audit committees and a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. The Congress manifesto comes as campaigning gathers pace for the October 11 civic election, in which the parties are contesting the 44-member corporation. In the 2021 election, the BJP won 41 seats, while Congress secured two seats and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won one.
IIT Gandhinagar Post Doctoral Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) Recruitment 2026 for 1 post of Post-Doctoral Fellow. Candidates Can Apply Online. The last date to apply online is 15-10-2026. The candidate shall apply online through IIT Gandhinagar official website.
Gujarat startups thermal infrared camera to launch aboard SpaceXs 'Falcon 9' rocket on Oct 1
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 30 (IANS) An Ahmedabad-based spacetech startups thermal infrared camera, designed to capture heat patterns on Earth that conventional satellite cameras cannot detect, is set to be launched into space aboard SpaceXs 'Falcon 9' rocket from the United States on October 1. Developed by Satleo, TAPAS-1 is described by the company as Indias first thermal infrared camera developed by a private company. Weighing three kg, the payload will be deployed on a satellite in an orbit about 500 km above Earth and will capture thermal infrared radiation from the surface to generate images showing variations in heat and temperature. The data is expected to have applications in agriculture, urban heat management, water stress monitoring, industrial and disaster monitoring, forest-fire detection and climate-related studies. The thermal data can also be analysed using artificial intelligence to provide more detailed information for different applications. This data can be used to monitor forest fires. Besides, temperature variations across different areas of a city can be tracked in real time. Different areas of a city have different temperatures. This can help municipal corporations undertake the necessary planning to address heat stress, Satleo CEO Shravan Singh said. Satleo was founded in Ahmedabad in 2023 by Singh, Dr Ranendu Ghosh and Urmil Bakhai. Singh has more than 16 years of experience in satellite-related innovations, while Ghosh worked with ISRO for 27 years on satellite payload technologies related to agriculture, hydrology and soil science. Bakhai, the companys Chief Strategy Officer, has more than 22 years of experience in corporate sales and leadership. This technology will function as a thermometer for the Earth. It can provide highly important data for the agricultural sector. Through this, planning required for crops can be undertaken in a more modern and accurate manner. It can also be useful in urban planning. Most importantly, there is no need to create any large-scale additional infrastructure for this purpose. This data will be available directly from the satellite, Bakhai said. TAPAS-1 has been developed entirely at Satleos laboratory in Gujarat and is expected to remain in orbit for three years. The company said it has a team of more than 40 professionals and plans to launch eight more satellites of the same type by 2029. It has so far secured funding of Rs 60 crore. Following the commercial launch, the company plans to provide thermal imaging data to organisations across sectors. Satleo had earlier undertaken a pilot project with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation involving temperature mapping across different parts of the city. According to Singh, Satleo has also received Letters of Intent worth around USD 52 million, with about 60 per cent of the commitments coming from companies based outside India. Organisations in agriculture and other sectors are also working with the company. The development comes amid Gujarats efforts to build a dedicated spacetech ecosystem. Under its Gujarat Spacetech Policy 2025-30, the state government has announced incentives for startups and private investors, including assistance towards launch costs, support for intellectual property rights and subsidies for testing facilities. The policy is aimed at developing Gujarat as a manufacturing and innovation hub for space technology. The development of TAPAS-1 in the state also marks the entry of a Gujarat startup into specialised satellite hardware and thermal imaging technology.
Gujarat govt moves to end use of plastic files, folders in offices
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 30 (IANS) The Gujarat government has decided to phase out plastic files and folders across its offices, with departments and government institutions shifting to eco-friendly alternatives such as paper, jute and khadi for routine administrative work. The General Administration Department (GAD) has issued a circular directing the use of alternatives to plastic stationery in the Gujarat Secretariat, offices of various department heads, state public sector undertakings and corporations, government committees and autonomous bodies, local bodies, government universities and grant-in-aid institutions. The circular has been issued in accordance with environmental guidelines under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The move aims to reduce plastic waste generated through day-to-day government functioning. Under the new guidelines, departments and covered institutions will be required to use paper, jute, khadi and other eco-friendly materials instead of plastic files and folders. Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said the government had decided to gradually eliminate plastic materials from its functioning and replace them with sustainable alternatives. We have decided to gradually eliminate all plastic materials, including plastic files, and replace them with sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Therefore, initially, we have decided to eliminate the use of plastic files and replace them with eco-friendly paper files, he said. The government has also made provisions to ensure that plastic stationery already purchased is not wasted. Existing plastic files and folders can continue to be used until the available stock is exhausted. However, subsequent purchases must use eco-friendly alternatives. Environmental expert Sameer Rami said the decision would also require greater awareness among citizens about reducing plastic consumption. The governments decision to ban the use of plastic files is a very good step, and we welcome it. We should reduce the use of plastic as much as possible in our daily lives. When the government itself has taken the initiative to take such a step, it is very important to create awareness among citizens about it, Rami said. The governments decision will cover administrative stationery used across a wide network of departments, offices and institutions, effectively bringing routine government paperwork under the shift towards alternatives to plastic. The phased approach will allow existing stocks to be used while ensuring that future procurement moves towards materials considered more environmentally friendly.
Gujarat: Sardar Sarovar Dam reaches full level for seventh time since 2017
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 30 (IANS) The Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam reached its full reservoir level of 138.68 meters (455 feet) on Wednesday, marking the seventh time since 2017 that the reservoir has reached its maximum level and providing a significant water buffer for Gujarat ahead of the summer. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the dam site at Ekta Nagar. He performed Jal Poojan to welcome the Narmada waters as the reservoir reached its full level, amid Vedic chants and traditional ceremonies. The dam reached the 138.68-meter mark after steady inflows, and has a total water storage capacity of 9,460 million cubic meters (MCM) at this level. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Sardar Sarovar Dam to the nation on September 17, 2017, it has reached the maximum level in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. The Sardar Sarovar project currently supplies drinking water to more than four crore people across 10,453 villages, 191 cities and seven municipal corporations in Gujarat. Patel said Gujarat currently had around 7.9 million acre-feet (MAF) of water available based on the total water received in the Narmada basin during the current year, against the state's normal-year allocation of 9 MAF. He stressed the need for judicious, planned use of the available water, saying it was a collective responsibility to use the resource economically and ensure maximum utilisation of every drop. The government said it also supplied water to North Gujarat and the Saurashtra-Kutch regions through the Sujalam-Sufalam and SAUNI Yojana during the current monsoon. Under the Sujalam-Sufalam Yojana, 201 MCM, equivalent to 7,118 million cubic feet (MCFT), was supplied during the current water year, filling 1,028 lakes across Gujarat. Under the SAUNI Yojana, 288 MCM, or 10,189 MCFT, of water was supplied, filling 167 lakes, 1,014 check dams, and 45 dams. The water was supplied as required in North Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch. Patel performed Jal Poojan at the Sardar Sarovar Dam for the third consecutive year and offered prayers for the water stored at its full reservoir level. The government also highlighted that within 17 days of becoming Prime Minister, he approved completing the remaining work on the Narmada Dam and installing its gates. Minister of State for Water Supply, Ishwarsinh Patel; Chief Secretary M.K. Das; Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sanjeev Kumar; District Panchayat President Anjanaben Vasava; Lok Sabha MP Mansukh Vasava; Rajya Sabha member Mukesh Rathwa; Nandod MLA Darshna Deshmukh; former minister Shabdasharan Tadvi; Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Puri; Statue of Unity CEO Amit Arora; and senior district administration officials were present during the ceremony.
IIT Gandhinagar Technical Officer Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) Recruitment 2026 for 1 post of Technical Officer. Candidates with B.Tech./B.E./M.Sc. Can Apply Online. The last date to apply online is 05-10-2026. The candidate shall apply online through IIT Gandhinagar official website.
IIT Gandhinagar Project Scientist Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) Recruitment 2026 for 2 posts of Project Scientist-II. Candidates with Ph.D. or M.Tech./M.S Can Apply Online. The last date to apply online is 09-10-2026. The candidate shall apply online through IIT Gandhinagar official website.
Gujarat seeks 40 pc MSP procurement limit for pulses, oilseeds at national agriculture meet
Gujarat seeks 40 pc MSP procurement limit for pulses, oilseeds at national agriculture meet Gandhinagar: Gujarat Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani has urged the Centre to raise the procurement ceiling for pulses and oilseeds under the PM-AASHA scheme from 25 per cent to 40 per cent of total production and sought the inclusion of castor in [] The post Gujarat seeks 40 pc MSP procurement limit for pulses, oilseeds at national agriculture meet appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
AAPs Candidate Count Drops to 32 for Gandhinagar Municipal Elections
The Aam Aadmi Partys candidate count has fallen to 32 after four nominations were rejected and five candidates withdrew for the Gandhinagar elections. AAPs Candidate Count Drops to 32 for Gandhinagar Municipal Elections
Gujarats nutrition campaign clocks 2.43 crore activities; districts step up outreach
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 29 (IANS) Gujarat has recorded more than 2.43 crore nutrition-related activities during 'Poshan Maah-2026', with the state focusing on tackling malnutrition through dietary diversity, regular growth monitoring and care during the first 1,000 days of a childs life. The statewide campaign, being observed under the theme Aapni Anganwadi, Aapni Javabdari (Our Anganwadi, Our Responsibility), was launched by the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Dr Manisha Vakil. The campaign involves the Women and Child Development Department along with health, panchayat, rural development and education departments, local self-government bodies, Anganwadi and health workers, self-help groups, parents and communities. Of the more than 2.43 crore activities recorded up to September 27, the Women and Child Development Department accounted for 56.13 lakh, while around 1.87 crore activities were carried out by other departments and associated agencies. The Health and Family Welfare Department, AYUSH Division, Rural Development Department, Panchayat Department and Education Department were the five leading contributors. At the district level, Mahisagar, Valsad, Patan, Anand and Mehsana recorded the highest number of activities. In Valsad, the District Collector also flagged off a 'Poshan Jagruti' rally as part of the campaign. A major focus this year is promoting locally available nutritious food and discouraging unhealthy dietary habits. Activities are highlighting protein-rich foods, millets or Shri Anna, pulses, green vegetables, fruits, milk, nuts and seeds. Nutritious recipe demonstrations, exhibitions featuring dishes prepared from Take Home Ration (THR) and millets, Poshan Melas and guidance on balanced diets are being organised across the state. In Surat, college students are also participating in awareness activities focused on healthy diets and the harmful effects of junk food. The campaign is also seeking to strengthen the role of Anganwadi centres in early childhood development. Centres are being used to provide fresh, hot, hygienic and nutritious meals, while Anganwadi Management Committees are being activated to increase community participation. SNP menu boards are also being displayed, alongside efforts to promote community ownership under the Maari Anganwadi, Maari Javabdari (My Anganwadi, My Responsibility) approach. The state is simultaneously focusing on early childhood care and education, early stimulation and responsive caregiving during the first 1,000 days and the first six years of a child's life. Children are being weighed and measured regularly, with their details registered on the Nutrition Tracker to facilitate early identification of malnutrition. Children identified as malnourished are being referred for treatment and follow-up in coordination with the Health Department under initiatives such as Poshan Sangam. The campaign also coincides with 10 years of the 'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana' in 2026. A saturation campaign is being undertaken to increase the registration of pregnant and lactating mothers under the scheme. The state government has said its objective is to make nutrition a daily practice and a shared social responsibility rather than limiting related activities to Poshan Maah, with the broader goal of building a Suposhit Gujarat.
BJP Leaders Focus on Grassroots Engagement Ahead of Gandhinagar Municipal Elections
With the Gandhinagar municipal elections approaching, BJP leaders emphasize grassroots outreach and voter engagement strategies. BJP Leaders Focus on Grassroots Engagement Ahead of Gandhinagar Municipal Elections
BSF steps up Western border domination, focus on tech, intelligence and anti-narcotics operations
By Rajnish Singh In accordance with the Ministry of Home Affairs' recent instructions to implement a obust border security grid, the Border Security Force's Western Command has communicated in a fresh briefing to enhance border domination with increased focus on technology, intelligence and anti-narcotics operations. BSF Director General Praveen Kumar issued the directions while reviewing border security, operational preparedness and border management along the Western Frontier during a conference with senior officers at the Gujarat Frontier headquarters in Gandhinagar. The meeting focused on strengthening the border security grid in line with recent instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), border infrastructure, counter-infiltration measures, trans-border smuggling and emerging security challenges, officials said. The Western Command of the BSF, headquartered in Chandigarh, is responsible for managing and securing the India-Pakistan international border across five front...
Rajasthan police arrest four for misconduct with Israeli tourist in Ajmer
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 29 (IANS) Rajasthan Police have arrested four men after a video showing abusive language and objectionable comments directed at an Israeli female tourist at Kishangarh Dumping Yard went viral on social media, officials said on Tuesday. The Kishangarh Dumping Yard is a popular tourist attraction in Ajmer district. Taking suo motu cognisance of the viral video, Gandhinagar Police registered a case based on a report filed by Assistant Sub-Inspector Rajkumar and initiated an investigation. Following the incident, a police team was formed under Ajmer Range Inspector General of Police Dr Ravi and District Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan Agrawala. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Additional SP (Rural) Dr Lalchand Kayal and Kishangarh Circle Officer Dharmraj Chaudhary, and led by Gandhinagar SHO Anil Sharma. SP Harshvardhan Agrawala said the police team identified the four unidentified suspects through technical analysis and information received from a reliable informant. The accused were subsequently arrested in a police operation. They have been identified as Mohammad Furkhan, 25, Mohammad Anees, 21, Farhan, 24, and Akhtar Ali, 22, all residents of Kishangarh. Police said a separate FIR has been registered in connection with the incident and further investigation is underway. The arrested accused are being questioned about their alleged involvement in the incident and the circumstances surrounding the recording and circulation of the video. The accused told the investigators that the video is three years old but has now gone viral. Meanwhile, the Israeli tourist, in a message, said that she loves India and remained in the country for six months. She said she still wants to visit India despite the unpleasant incident. She thanked Rajasthan police for action taken against the miscreants. Ajmer Police said strict legal action would be taken against those found responsible for misconduct that affects the safety and dignity of tourists or disrupts law and order. The investigation is continuing.
Gujarat govt rejigs Porbandar forest division as Asiatic lions return to Barda
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 29 (IANS) The Gujarat government has reorganised the Porbandar Forest Division, including its range and beat structure, to strengthen field-level administration as Asiatic lions establish themselves in Barda forest, the Forest and Environment Department said on Tuesday. The reorganisation, approved under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, will bring changes in the administrative control of forest ranges, beats, officers, staff and resources, with the stated objective of improving forest management and facilitating the implementation of departmental schemes and resolution of forest and environment-related issues in Porbandar district. The move comes after Asiatic lions naturally returned to Barda after 143 years. The revised administrative structure will cover the Barda region as well as other forest areas under the Porbandar Forest Division and provide for clearer responsibilities at the range and beat levels. Under the new arrangement, the Porbandar Range will cover 6,840.84 hectares and 80 villages. It will be divided into beats including Porbandar City, Gosabara, Moker, Visavada, Kantela, Madhavpur and Satiya, with specific areas and villages assigned to each beat. The Ranavav Range will cover 13,051.25 hectares and 27 villages, with areas including Godana, Bileshwar, Savdivadar and Ranavav distributed among different beats. The restructuring also transfers 305.94 hectares from the RFW Bhatia Range of the Jamnagar Forest Division to the Bhanvad Range of the Porbandar Forest Division. The transferred area covers four villages Kandarda Jogna, Sajdiyala, Juna and Jambusar in Bhanvad taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka district. Its administrative functions will now come under the Porbandar Forest Division. The Kutiyana Range, Porbandar Social Forestry Range and Ranavav Social Forestry Range will also be brought under the Porbandar Forest Division. The division will consequently have seven ranges. To support the expanded structure, provision has been made for two Assistant Conservators of Forests. Assistant Conservator of Forests-1 will oversee the Porbandar, Porbandar Social Forestry and Ranavav Social Forestry ranges, while Assistant Conservator of Forests-2 will oversee the Ranavav, Bhanvad and Kutiyana ranges and the Mobile Squad (T.A.) Range. One vacant Assistant Conservator of Forests post from the two sanctioned posts at Kevadia will be transferred to the Porbandar Forest Division, in addition to the existing post. The Porbandar Forest Division will continue to function under the Junagadh Wildlife Circle, with the Deputy Conservator of Forests overseeing the division and the two Assistant Conservators supervising their respective ranges. The Range Forest Officer will also be responsible for the Porbandar Forest Division's Mobile Squad, bringing its operations within the reorganised administrative framework. The restructuring will involve the transfer or redistribution of staff and resources, including vehicles, weapons, walkie-talkies, wireless equipment, records, computers, furniture and other departmental assets. The government resolution said the changes are intended to provide clearer field-level responsibilities and strengthen administrative support for forest conservation, wildlife management and lion rehabilitation in Barda. The resolution came into effect immediately upon publication.
Dengue cases drop nearly 40 pc in Gujarat; districts told to intensify checks
Gandhinagar The Gujarat government has intensified surveillance and mosquito-control measures against vector-borne diseases after a review of the states malaria, The post Dengue cases drop nearly 40 pc in Gujarat; districts told to intensify checks appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Congress Moves Candidates To Secret Location Ahead Of Gandhinagar Civic Polls
The BJP has dismissed the Congress's claim that the ruling party is threatening its candidates' families ahead of Gandhinagar civic polls.
Gujarat: CID plans CA-assisted probe, forensic audit of records in political 'donation racket'
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 28 (IANS) Gujarat CID Crime will conduct a forensic audit of records and reconstruct the financial trail in four complaints filed by the Income Tax Department over alleged bogus political donations, as investigators move into the evidence-gathering phase of the cases. Rohan Anand, Superintendent of Police, CID Crime (Economic Offences Wing), said the agency had registered four cases over the past three days based on Income Tax complaints and that the alleged loss to the government in the four complaints was estimated at around Rs 680 crore at the preliminary stage. First, we will take on record all the evidence that the Income Tax Department has already collected during its investigation. At the same time, to ensure a quality investigation, we will also seek the services of a chartered accountant, Anand said. The CID's next phase will include examining bank trails, Angadia slips, payment receipts issued by the political parties, and other documentary evidence. Investigators will also attempt to locate accused persons who are absconding. The development comes days after the Gujarat CID Crime registered cases following Income Tax investigations into registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs) allegedly used to route purported donations, enable taxpayers to claim deductions, and then return the money in cash after commissions were deducted. According to FIR-based reports, three parties Bharatiya National Janata Dal (BNJD), Swatantrata Abhivyakti Party and Garib Kalyan Party were alleged to have received nearly Rs 1,870 crore in purported donations, with the Income Tax Department estimating a combined tax loss of more than Rs 560 crore. The largest case involves BNJD, where the alleged donations total Rs 1,143.85 crore from 56,238 donors, with an estimated tax loss of nearly Rs 343 crore. The Income Tax complaints allege that donors transferred money through banking channels and received contribution receipts that enabled them to claim tax deductions. The funds were allegedly routed through intermediary entities before being withdrawn and returned to donors in cash after commissions were deducted. The allegations have yet to be established in court. A separate complaint reported on Sunday concerned the Satyavadi Rakshak Party and alleged transactions of Rs 415 crore during 2022-23 to 2024-25. The Income Tax Department alleged that the party's accounts were used for purported donations and that audit and contribution documents were prepared without properly verifying the underlying transactions. The department estimated the alleged loss to the government at Rs 124.5 crore in that complaint. Anand said these audit records would now be subjected to forensic examination, making the verification of documents submitted to tax authorities an important part of the CID probe. The audit reports submitted to the Income Tax authorities through the parties' portals will also undergo forensic examination, he said. The CID will examine the evidence already gathered by the Income Tax Department alongside its own investigation to establish the movement of funds and the roles of the accused, rather than relying only on the tax department's preliminary findings. The cases involve allegations of cheating, criminal conspiracy, forgery and use of forged documents under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, according to reports on the FIRs. The investigation is in its early stages, and the alleged transactions and roles of the accused will be verified through documentary, financial, and forensic evidence.
Gujarat to hold four-stage cultural elocution contest for college students
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 28 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday launched a statewide cultural elocution competition for college and university students, to be held in four stages from the classroom level to the state final and offering prizes of up to Rs one lakh. The Higher Education Department and the Save Culture Save India Foundation are jointly organising the Gujarat Cultural Elocution Competition-2026. Students from universities and colleges across the state joined the launch through video conference. Patel said the initiative is intended to promote cultural values among young people while developing their character and contributing to nation-building. The Gujarat Cultural Elocution Competition is more than just a competition; it aims to promote cultural values among youth, build character and contribute to nation-building, he said. Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja, Minister of State for Education, Trikam Chhanga, and Save Culture Save India Foundation founder and senior journalist Uday Mahurkar attended the launch. Patel said the youth would play an important role in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Young people, who constitute the country's demographic dividend, needed to be nurtured with knowledge, good character, humility, wisdom, values and good conduct, he added. He said the National Education Policy also emphasised value-based education and that the state government is making major changes to the curriculum to preserve cultural values among children and youth and keep them away from addictions. Referring to the Prime Minister's call for young people to take up sports, focus on health and contribute to a Nasha Mukt Bharat, Patel urged students to develop positive thinking and self-confidence through elocution. The competition will begin with a three-minute screening round in each classroom, from which three students will be selected. All participating students will receive certificates. The selected students will then compete at the college level in government, aided and self-financed colleges and universities across Gujarat. Students born on or after January 1, 2000, will be eligible. One student from each faculty will qualify for the zonal round. The college-level winner will receive Rs 1,100, along with the Best Speaker of College trophy and a certificate. The zonal competition will be held across 11 zones, with 20 per cent of participants qualifying for the state-level final. Each student qualifying for the final will receive Rs 11,000, along with the Cultural Speaker of Gujarat trophy and certificate. The state final will be conducted as a camp, where participants will deliver speeches on designated topics and take part in discussions. The first, second, and third prize winners will receive Rs 1 lakh, Rs 71,000, and Rs 51,000, respectively, along with the Best Cultural Speaker of Gujarat trophy and certificates. Key topics for the competition include the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and Swachh Cyber Bharat Mission; Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Aatmanirbhar Bharat; Culture and Values: The Foundation of a Nations Existence; and The Bitter Fruits of Anger, Duties as an Indian Citizen: Article 51(A) of the Constitution. Vaja said the youth bore the responsibility of preserving and strengthening India's cultural heritage. The competition would encourage students to express their thoughts, build self-confidence and support their holistic development, he asserted. Referring to the National Education Policy's emphasis on mother-tongue education, Vaja said the mother tongue helps students stay connected to their roots and heritage. This connection with the motherland, along with broad-minded thinking, would contribute to realising the vision of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', he added. Mahurkar said the effort to revive cultural values among the younger generation amid modernisation and Western influence was an important effort towards nation-building. The Save Culture Save India Foundation is committed to expanding such initiatives and encouraging young people to focus on cultural values and character building amid the negative influences of mobile phones and social media platforms, he noted.
Gujarat cotton farmers can register for MSP sales till Oct 31
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 28 (IANS) Cotton farmers in Gujarat seeking to sell their produce at the governments Minimum Support Price (MSP) will have to complete their registration by October 31, with the state Agriculture Department urging growers to register through the Cotton Corporation of Indias (CCI) 'Kapas Kisan' mobile application. The registration process for procurement of cotton from Gujarat farmers at support prices for the 2026-27 season has been initiated. Farmers intending to sell their produce under the MSP system can register online on the 'Kapas Kisan' App until October 31. For the 2026-27 Kharif season, the Central government has fixed an MSP of Rs 8,667 per quintal for long-staple cotton and Rs 8,267 per quintal for medium-staple cotton. The MSPs for various Kharif crops were announced by the Centre before the commencement of sowing for the season. The support prices are intended to ensure that farmers receive adequate and remunerative returns for their agricultural produce. Registration on the 'Kapas Kisan' application will provide farmers access to information related to procurement under the MSP system, including details of procurement centres and other related services. The Agriculture Department said farmers can also obtain further information regarding procurement centres and MSP-related matters by visiting the official website of the Cotton Corporation of India at www.cotcorp.org.in. Farmers requiring assistance with registration can contact the WhatsApp number, 9428237246, the department said. The Directorate of Agriculture, Gujarat, has appealed to all cotton-growing farmers in the state to complete their registration on the mobile application within the prescribed deadline to avail themselves of the MSP procurement facility. The government has specifically urged cotton growers to register at the earliest rather than wait until the deadline. The registration window will remain open until October 31, 2026, for farmers intending to sell their cotton to the government procurement system at the notified support prices.
Ahead of Gandhinagar civic poll, BJPs 44 candidates take 'Jan Seva' pledge
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 28 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s 44 candidates for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) election on Monday pledged to make public service their priority, with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi present at the ceremony. The candidates from all 11 wards took the Pledge of Public Service at the statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar opposite the Legislative Assembly complex, committing themselves to keeping citizens interests at the centre of their work and contributing to the overall development of Gandhinagar. The pledge came a day before the withdrawal of forms for the civic election on October 11. The GMC has 11 wards and 44 seats, with counting scheduled for October 13. The BJP candidates pledged to discharge their civic duties and abide by the Constitution and rules, while expressing faith in Pandit Deendayal Upadhyayas philosophy of integral humanism. They also committed themselves to advancing what the party described as the politics of development and the ideology and heritage of Indian culture under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. The candidates pledged to work with mind, action and words towards the goals of a Developed India and One India, Best India, party leaders said. As part of the pledge, the candidates also promised to contribute to Gandhinagars pride, peace, unity and development and to work through public outreach, public dialogue and public service with the spirit of Nagrik Devo Bhava. The candidates further pledged to make efforts to ensure that the benefits of public welfare schemes of the Central and State governments reach the last person. Invoking the principle of 'public service is service to God', they resolved to make public service their priority, party sources said. The BJP had completed its list of 44 candidates for all 11 wards ahead of the nomination deadline on September 26, after announcing 32 candidates initially and a further 12 candidates for Wards 2, 4 and 6. Cabinet Minister and election in-charge Rushikesh Patel, Minister Sanjaysinh Mahida, state BJP secretary and Gandhinagar in-charge Nirav Amin, city BJP president Dr Ashishkumar Dave, Mayor Mira Patel, MLAs Rita Patel and Alpesh Thakor, among other party leaders, attended the event.
Gujarat Dy CM presents Rs 1.33 crore to Asian Games medallist Elavenil Valarivan
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 28 (IANS) The Gujarat government has awarded rifle shooter Elavenil Valarivan Rs 1.33 crore under its 'Khel Pratibha Puraskar Yojana' after she won two silver medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, taking the total incentives extended to the athlete by the state to Rs 2.41 crore. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Monday honoured shooter Elavenil Valarivan for her silver-medal performances in the womens 10m air rifle team and individual events at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Valarivan first helped India win silver in the team event before claiming another silver in the individual competition. She shot 252.4 in the individual final to finish behind Japans Taichi Hinata, who won gold with a Games-record score of 253.0. Congratulating Valarivan, Sanghavi said the Gujarat government was committed to providing athletes with the training and facilities required to prepare for international competitions. An athletes international success is the result not only of their own hard work but also of the support and values provided by their parents throughout their journey, he said. Sanghavi also highlighted Valarivans association with the Sanskardham complex, where she studied under the state governments DLSS scheme, saying her Asian Games performance had brought recognition to Gujarat. The success of athletes nurtured at Sanskardham could inspire thousands of young athletes across the state, he added. According to the Gujarat government, Valarivan had previously received Rs 1.33 crore under the Shaktidoot Scheme and Olympic Incentive Scheme, in addition to Rs 74 lakh through schemes including the DLSS Scheme and Khel Mahakumbh. The latest incentive takes the total financial assistance provided to Valarivan by the state government to Rs 2.41 crore. Valarivan, who resides in Ahmedabads Maninagar area, has been associated with the state governments Shaktidoot Scheme since 2017-18 and currently holds an A category position under the programme. The 27-year-old has represented India at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. She won gold at the ISSF World Cup in Rio de Janeiro in 2019 with a score of 251.7 and received the Arjuna Award from the Central government in 2022. Her international record also includes medals at the Junior World Cups in Suhl and Sydney in 2018, the Asian Airgun Championships and the World University Games in Chengdu, besides podium finishes at international competitions in Munich and Kazakhstan in 2025. Valarivans two Asian Games medals came eight years after her continental debut, when a rifle malfunction prevented her from progressing to the final.
Gujarat to promote homestays in 100 villages under new tourism push
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 28 (IANS) Gujarat will promote modern homestay facilities in 100 selected villages across the state as part of its 'Gujarat Tourism Year 2026-27' initiative, with the government seeking to expand rural and community-based tourism while creating new employment opportunities. The announcement was made on World Tourism Day at an event held at GIFT City in Gandhinagar, where Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi launched the official logo of Gujarat Tourism Year and the Gujarat Film Shooting Permission Portal. Minister of State for Tourism, Jayram Gamit, also attended the programme organised by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd. Under the new Homestay Policy, the selected villages will receive homestay facilities designed to retain their traditional character while providing modern amenities to visitors. The government said it is also focusing on skill development and improved hygiene facilities in rural and tribal areas as part of its wider tourism strategy. The state will train more than 1,000 additional tourist guides to create employment opportunities for young people. The government will also consider providing gap funding to tour operators, based on representations received, to help attract international tourists to cultural festivals including Kawant Holi, Uttarayan and Navratri, as well as destinations such as Dharoi Water Reservoir and Shivrajpur. Sanghavi called for collective efforts by all stakeholders in the tourism sector and urged hotels, restaurants, tour operators and taxi and rickshaw drivers to focus on cleanliness, health and soft-spoken skills to improve the experience of visitors. Development of religious and spiritual destinations such as Somnath, Ambaji, Pavagadh and Dwarka needed to be accompanied by cleanliness and civic responsibility at the local level, he said. He also stressed the need to link cultural programmes and festivals with tourism. As part of efforts to promote sports tourism, Sanghavi announced that the global fitness event 'HYROX' will be held in Gandhinagar from November 26 to 28. More than 10,000 tourists, including over 1,000 foreign athletes, are expected to participate. The Tourism Corporation will organise a special Bhajan Clubbing programme for participating athletes in the evening. An Ironman/Half-Ironman event will also be held in Ahmedabad on February 14, he announced. Sanghavi also launched the Gujarat Film Shooting Permission Portal, a single-window digital platform intended to simplify and speed up the process of obtaining permissions and no-objection certificates for film shoots in the state. Eight MoUs were signed during the event covering sports, technology, education and skill development. The partnerships include collaborations with HYROX/Ironman for sports tourism and BookMyShow for digital ticketing, besides agreements involving Kutch University, Ahmedabad Management Association, SVNIT, Kaushalya The Skill University, Tata Community Initiatives Trust (Tata STRIVE) and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India for skill development and related initiatives. Gamit urged tour operators to develop attractive packages around Gujarat's festivals, including Navratri, the Kite Festival and Kawant Holi in Chhota Udepur, rather than relying solely on government initiatives. He said the government would support the sector through policies, training and gap funding. He also highlighted the need to promote homestays, improve hygiene facilities in rural and tribal areas and strengthen skill development to expand tourism-linked employment. During the programme, Gir Somnath homestay operator Parth Hadia and Kutch tourist guide Ketan Giri Goswami shared their experiences. Homestay operators and tourist guides from different parts of Gujarat were also felicitated as Tourism Champions. A panel discussion on Hospitality, MICE and Investment was held during the programme, while artisans demonstrated Meenakari, woodcraft and Agate stone craftsmanship.
Completely baseless: Gujarat CM rejects Cong's claim of differences in EC over SIR
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 27 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday said that the Election Commissions clarification that decisions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were taken unanimously by all three Election Commissioners had disproved Congress allegations of differences within the poll panel. Addressing a press conference at the state BJP headquarters in Gandhinagar, Patel said the Election Commission is an autonomous institution and that elections in the country were conducted through a transparent process. The fact that all three Election Commissioners, including the Chief Election Commissioner, have clearly stated that all decisions regarding SIR were taken unanimously proves that the allegations of differences within the Election Commission are completely baseless, Patel said. He said the Election Commission is working to ensure that the names of all eligible citizens were properly included in electoral rolls and that they were able to exercise their right to vote. Referring to the enrolment of new voters, Patel said: The Supreme Court had considered Form 6 appropriate for registration in the electoral rolls and the poll panel had stated that care is being taken to ensure that no eligible citizen was deprived of the right to vote. CM Patel accused Congress of adopting different positions on the Election Commission depending on electoral outcomes. Congress has two different sets of teeth one for chewing and another for showing, he said, alleging that the party spoke of democracy and the impartiality of the Election Commission when it won elections, but raised allegations of vote theft and irregularities when the mandate went to the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said Congress, the Communist Party, the CPI(M) and the Trinamool Congress had approached the Supreme Court challenging the SIR process. According to Patel, the Supreme Court heard the parties and considered the SIR process appropriate. Referring to Kerala, Patel said Congress had itself considered SIR appropriate and had said that the exercise contributed to its victory there. In West Bengal, the Supreme Court had appointed a Special Observer for the elections following a demand from the TMC, he said. Patel questioned Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi over Congress prolonged absence from power in West Bengal, saying the party had been out of power there for 40 years. Congress had lost its political position in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar since 1990, he said. Referring to the electoral rolls in West Bengal, he alleged that names that had been illegally added were removed and fake voters were exposed, after which the BJP won the election. The Chief Minister also alleged that those who had curtailed the autonomy of the Election Commission during their time in government were now making baseless allegations against the institution. Patel said the development-oriented politics pursued under PM Modis leadership had strengthened peoples faith in democracy. Indias growth rate had reached 7.8 per cent and the country is moving towards becoming the worlds third-largest economic power, he added. He also referred to the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan being held to mark PM Modis 25 years in public life and public service. He alleged that Opposition leaders were tarnishing Indias image globally by making serious allegations against constitutional institutions without basis. Patel said people in a democracy had the right to question institutions, whether they were in the Opposition or in government, but maintained that discussions concerning sensitive institutions such as the Election Commission should be based on facts, law and confidence in constitutional institutions.
Gujarat: Parties finalise candidates as Gandhinagar civic poll nomination process ends
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 26 (IANS) The BJP, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party stepped up their preparations for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) elections on Saturday as the deadline for filing nomination papers ended, with the three parties announcing candidates for the remaining wards of the 44-seat civic body. The BJP completed its candidate list by announcing candidates for the remaining seats after initially naming 32 candidates for eight wards. The party has now announced candidates for all 44 seats across the 11 wards. The Congress also released its remaining candidates on the final day for filing nominations, completing its list for the civic contest. AAP, which had earlier announced 29 candidates, said on Saturday that 41 of its candidates had filed their nomination papers. The party said its candidates included doctors, lawyers, engineers and social workers and that it had given priority to young leadership and workers who had been associated with the organisation for several years. The AAP candidates filed their nominations under the leadership of Gujarat in-charge Gopal Rai, state president Isudan Gadhvi and state organisation general secretary Manoj Sorathiya. The party said its candidates had been raising civic issues concerning Gandhinagar, and its workers were campaigning across the city. The BJP has also fielded a former Congress corporator from Ward 3. The corporator had been among the two candidates elected on Congress tickets in the 2021 GMC polls. Both Congress councillors subsequently resigned from the party in March 2024 and joined the BJP, according to reports. The latest candidate announcements come as the three parties prepare for a contest in the state capital, where the BJP had won 41 of the 44 seats in the 2021 GMC elections. The Congress had won two seats and AAP one. Both Congress councillors later joined the BJP, taking its tally in the civic body to 43. The GMC election covers 44 seats across 11 wards. The Gujarat State Election Commission issued the election notification on September 21, with September 26 set as the last date for filing nominations. Scrutiny of nomination papers will be held on September 28, while candidates can withdraw their nominations until September 29. Polling will be held on October 11 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with counting scheduled for October 13. Re-polling, if required, will be held on October 12. The election will be conducted through electronic voting machines. With the nomination process now closed, the scrutiny and withdrawal stages will determine the final list of candidates before campaigning intensifies for the election.
WhatsApp University and reel culture influencing decisions: Maha FDA
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 26 (IANS) Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Saturday urged students to question information they see on social media, warning that reels, forwarded messages, and algorithms could shape their thinking if they stopped verifying what they consume online. Speaking during a nearly two-and-a-half-hour interaction with students at Karnavati University, Mundhe said India needed a mindset shift, starting with individuals questioning themselves and the information presented to them. We have become too shallow. We are not living deeply, we are not thinking, we are not questioning, he said. Mundhe said questioning did not mean simply challenging others but first examining ones own actions. You have to start questioning yourself first. Who am I? Am I responsible or irresponsible? And if I cannot, who else can? he said. He then turned to what he described as the growing influence of social media and WhatsApp University. One of the major challenges we have is social media influence or WhatsApp University, Mundhe said. He said users often accepted reels and forwarded messages without checking whether the information was authentic, factual, or part of a particular narrative. We take decisions on that basis, but we never try to understand whatever has come to you: is it really correct, is it authentic, is it real, or is it fake, or is it a narrative? he said. Mundhe explained that social media algorithms learn from users behaviour, including what they watch, skip, or engage with, and then show them more similar material. In one week, you will start getting what you like. Because it captures your mind, it captures your imagination, he said. According to him, repeated exposure can create an environment where people increasingly encounter information that reinforces their existing preferences. What it means is that you have stopped thinking. You are being taught by somebody else, he said. Mundhe described this as a form of new colonialism in which algorithms and reels could shape behaviour and opinions, and asked the students: Do you want to be ruled by a reel, or do you want to create a reel? He urged students to become creators rather than passive consumers of online content. The moment you start, stop for a, give it a pause, give it a moment and ask, collaborate with some other evidence, look into it, and then you will realise, oh, this is where it is going wrong, stop it, discard it, he said. Mundhe linked the issue to his broader message about ethical decision-making. He said individuals should assess information and decisions rather than simply following the direction others were moving in. Are you making a decision, or are your decisions being taken by somebody else, is the question, he said. He said this thought process needs a reboot and that it should begin in the mind. I believe that reboot has to begin in your mind, not just in reels, Mundhe said, adding that such an approach would help bring originality, legality and ethical thinking into everyday decisions.
Influence carries responsibility: Maha FDA backs Prez Murmus message to film stars
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 26 (IANS) Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Saturday said celebrities and advertisers have a responsibility to ensure that products they endorse do not compromise public health, backing President Droupadi Murmus recent appeal to film personalities to refrain from promoting substances harmful to health. Mundhe made the remarks during an interaction with students at Karnavati University, where he was speaking during his first visit to Gujarat. The discussion covered food safety, public health, regulation and the responsibilities of public figures. President Murmu had urged successful film artists at the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on September 22 to promote a disciplined lifestyle and avoid endorsing products harmful to health, noting the influence popular artists have on children and young people. Asked about steps beyond such an appeal, Mundhe said Maharashtra had already started acting on existing legal provisions. The law is very clear; you cannot endorse anything that is not as per the law. We cannot endorse anything where you can claim something which is not truthful, he said. Mundhe referred to Section 24 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which restricts misleading advertisements and claims relating to food. He also cited the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, which are part of the regulatory framework governing food advertisements and claims. FSSAI lists the 2018 advertising and claims regulations among its food safety regulations. If you speak to the drug sector, there is an MDR Act 1954, which is a magical remedies act. It also prevents claims about purity or magical remedies; this will be done, this will be cured, he said, referring to the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. Mundhe said the issue was therefore not the absence of laws but their implementation. So, the acts do exist, rules do exist; what we need to do is implement them and implement them very, very stringently, he said. His comments came amid regulatory action involving Bollywood actors over a Vimal Elaichi advertisement. The Maharashtra FDA had issued show-cause notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff in August in connection with the advertisement. Mundhe also stressed that responsibility did not end with regulators. Ethically and morally, everybody, every citizen, every endorser, every advertiser has a responsibility if they don't act just in the commercial interest, he said. People of India are not because of somebody. So, we as a nation need to practise what is right, which is correct, which is ethically also correct, he added. Mundhe said public health had to remain central to decisions involving food, drugs and advertising, and that celebrities could not be treated separately from the legal and ethical responsibilities applicable to others.
Food safety laws exist, but compliance remains a challenge: Maha FDA
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 26 (IANS) Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Saturday said Indias food safety framework has several laws and regulations, but compliance remains a major challenge, arguing that enforcement systems must evolve with new forms of food businesses and changing consumer habits. Speaking to students at Karnavati University, Mundhe said the central problem is not necessarily the absence of rules but their implementation. In food safety, the major concern is that we are not following regulations that are there. Rules do exist. Acts do exist. Regulations are there. By-regulations are there, he said. Mundhe said that apart from licensing and registration requirements, several other food safety regulations were not being followed properly, with consequences for public health. He said Indias food safety regime also needed to respond to businesses that did not exist in their current form when the Food Safety and Standards Act was enacted in 2006. E-commerce did not exist then. Today we have e-commerce. We did not have dark godowns then, dark stores; today we have those. We did not have cloud kitchens then; we have cloud kitchens. Do we require legislation and regulation on that? he said. Mundhe said suggestions on such emerging issues had been made at the national level through the Central Advisory Committee, of which state food commissioners are members. New challenges come; we have to come up with the solutions for that, we have to anticipate and work on that, he said. He also described a year-round approach Maharashtra adopted for food safety enforcement during festivals. Instead of issuing separate orders before individual festivals, the state had moved to a standing order covering festivals throughout the year, he said. The framework categorises festivals at state, regional and local levels. It provides for enforcement beginning 21 days before an event, followed by action in the period immediately preceding it, during the festival and legal proceedings after the event. Mundhe said the approach had already produced results during the Ganesh festival. He said, Around 250 to 300 licences or registrations had been suspended during the period for violations including operating without the required licence or registration, while nearly 30,000 kg of food had been seized and destroyed. He also said food products worth around Rs 10 crore had been seized and FIRs registered in cases where violations were found. Mundhe said enforcement also needed to become more transparent and technology-driven. Maharashtra has started a complaints portal through which consumers can register complaints, track them and have them automatically assigned to officers. We need to use IT to the best possible extent, he said, adding that the state was working towards end-to-end digital platforms. He said the ultimate objective was continuous enforcement rather than ad-hoc action. If we make SOP with a continuous process, automatic process, it will work. It cannot be an ad-hoc approach, Mundhe said. He added that food safety had to involve food businesses, regulators and consumers, with compliance becoming part of everyday food practices rather than something pursued only when enforcement agencies intervene.
IIT Gandhinagar Project Assistant I Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 2 Project Assistant I posts. The online application process will be conducted from the date of notification to 02-10-2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website of IIT Gandhinagar.
Gujarat govt makes textbooks available on Amazon with home delivery at printed price
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 25 (IANS) Students and parents in Gujarat can now order textbooks online and have them delivered to their homes at the printed price, under the state government's Books to Students with Just One Click initiative. The Gujarat State Board of School Textbooks has entered into an MoU with e-commerce platform Amazon to make textbooks available online without any additional delivery charges, providing an alternative to purchasing books from physical bookstores. The initiative covers books published by the board for all standards and mediums. While the state government provides some textbooks to students free of cost, students must purchase other books, particularly those studying in self-financed schools. Under the arrangement with Amazon, students and parents can order these textbooks through the platform and receive them at home at the printed price, without paying an additional delivery cost. Kinjal Makwana, a parent from Ahmedabad, said the facility was useful for working parents who found it difficult to visit bookstores. My child studies in Class 1. We had ordered the books from Amazon through the Gujarat Textbook Board. Both of us are working, so we did not have time to travel back and forth. We had limited time, so we ordered the books from Amazon. We easily got all the books, and they were delivered to our home without any difficulty, she said. Manubhai Pavra, Executive President of the Gujarat State Board of School Textbooks, said the agreement aimed to ensure books could be delivered to students and parents at home at no additional cost. We recently held discussions with Amazon and signed an MoU under which textbooks can be delivered to children and parents at home at the printed price, without them having to pay any additional cost. Accordingly, whenever children need a book, they will now be able to receive it at the printed price through Amazons e-commerce platform, Pawar said. The Gujarat State Board of School Textbooks distributes around 1.5 crore textbooks every year. The online facility is also intended to serve students who need additional copies or books beyond those provided through the governments distribution system. The initiative lets parents and students access the boards textbooks through an online ordering system, so they don't have to visit bookstores for every requirement.
Commissionerate of Health (COH), Gujarat has released the document verification schedule for the Staff Nurse Class-3 waiting/pending list under Advertisement No. COH/202425/1. Verification will be held on 30 September 2026 at GMERS Medical College & Sola General Hospital, Gandhinagar. Check the full schedule, venue, timing, required documents checklist, and the complete merit-rank-wise waiting list of candidates (SC, SEBC, General) inside.
IIT Gandhinagar Post Doctoral Researcher Recruitment 2026
The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) has released 02 Post Doctoral Researcher vacancies. Eligible candidates with Ph.D can apply online Application closes on February 26, 2026 at iitgn.ac.in.
IIT Gandhinagar Post-Doctoral Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) Recruitment 2026 for 1 post of Post-Doctoral Fellow. Candidates with Ph.D Can Apply Online. The last date to apply online is 02-10-2026. The candidate shall apply online through IIT Gandhinagar official website iitgn.ac.in.
Court grants bail to journalist Ravi Nair convicted in defamation case filed by Adani Enterprises
On February 10, 2026, Mr. Nair was sentenced by a Mansa court in Gandhinagar to undergo an imprisonment of one year in a criminal defamation suit filed by Adani Enterprises on September 3, 2021 over certain tweets and articles attributed to him.
IIT Gandhinagar PhD Admissions 2026: Application Window Closes On September 28
The IIT Gandhinagar PhD programme application process is underway, candidates can apply till September 28, 2026. The application fee is Rs 150 for SC/ST/PwD candidates and Rs 300 for other applicants.
Gujarat Police honours over 30 retired senior officers at
Gandhinagar The Gujarat Police on Thursday honoured more than 30 retired DGP- and ADGP-rank officers at a Salute Our Mentors The post Gujarat Police honours over 30 retired senior officers at Salute Our Mentors programme appeared first on Bilkul Online .
AAP Announces 29 Candidates in Gandhinagar Municipal Election Rally
AAP rallies support in Gandhinagar, announcing 29 candidates for the municipal elections set for October 11. AAP Announces 29 Candidates in Gandhinagar Municipal Election Rally
Gujarat bankers urge customers to complete key transactions before three-day strike
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 24 (IANS) The State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) of Gujarat has advised customers to complete important transactions by September 25 and make greater use of digital banking channels ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30. The advisory, issued by SLBC-Gujarat in coordination with its convenor bank, Bank of Baroda, comes after the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) called for the nationwide strike. Regular services at bank branches and offices are likely to be affected during the three days, depending on employee participation. Customers have been asked to plan their banking requirements to minimise inconvenience. They have particularly been advised to complete important banking transactions and cheque-related work by Friday, September 25, before the proposed strike begins. SLBC-Gujarat has also advised customers to assess their cash requirements for the coming days and use ATMs and cash recycler machines as needed. For routine transactions, customers have been encouraged to use internet banking, mobile banking and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), reducing the need to visit bank branches. The advisory comes amid wider preparations by banks for the proposed strike. The State Bank of India has separately advised customers to complete essential branch-related work before the strike and use ATMs, customer service points and digital banking channels for services that can be carried out remotely. The proposed strike is also expected to coincide with a longer disruption period because September 26 and 27 are the fourth Saturday and Sunday. The Finance Ministry said that all public sector banks and regional rural banks would function normally on Sunday, September 27, to ensure that customers can access essential banking services before the strike. The Reserve Bank of India has approved the operation of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on that day. The government has said the UFBU strike is linked primarily to the demand for a five-day banking week. It has also said the proposed strike from September 28 to 30 coincides with the half-yearly closing of banks on September 30, when reconciliation, provisioning and treasury and market operations are undertaken. SLBC-Gujarats advisory is to ensure that customers can continue essential financial transactions during the period when branch-based services may be disrupted.
Gujarat eyes wider CBG network with Japanese financial, technical support
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 23 (IANS) The Gujarat government, Suzuki Motor Corporation and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are set to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand compressed biogas (CBG) plants in the state, with Japanese financial and technical assistance proposed for the initiative. The proposal was discussed at a meeting in Gandhinagar on Wednesday attended by Finance Minister Kanu Desai, Cooperation Minister Jitu Vaghani, Minister of State for Revenue Sanjaysinh Mahida, and a Japanese delegation. The Japanese delegation included Toyokazu Nagamune, regional representative of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; Kenichiro Toyofuku, Managing Officer of Suzuki Motor Corporation; Takuro Takeuchi, chief representative of JICA India; and senior representative Sota Koide. The initiative seeks to establish CBG plants through cooperative dairies with government support, with the broader objective of strengthening the cooperative sector and promoting environment-friendly energy production. During the meeting, representatives of Suzuki and JICA presented a detailed proposal for providing financial and technical assistance to expand biogas plants in Gujarat. The proposal also envisages increasing the production of quality organic fertilisers alongside biogas. The discussions on the proposal were described as preliminary and positive. Based on the deliberations, the Gujarat government, Suzuki and JICA are expected to formally sign an MoU in the coming period. The proposed expansion comes as Gujarat already has a dairy-linked CBG project involving Suzuki, Banas Dairy and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of the Cooperation Department Arun Kumar Solanki; Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department Jayanti Ravi; Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department T. Natarajan; and Registrar of Cooperative Societies Bharat Joshi, besides senior officials from various state government departments. Senior officials from Banas Dairy and NDDB also attended the meeting and participated in the discussions. The development also comes shortly after the Centre operationalised its Rs 23,731-crore 'GOBARdhan' scheme for compressed biogas, which aims to support CBG production through measures including assured offtake, capital assistance and financing support.
IIT Gandhinagar Develops AI Cyber Security For Critical Facilities
Two IIT Gandhinagar students have developed TrustGate, an AI-based cybersecurity system designed to protect critical infrastructure like water treatment plants and power grids. The system uniquely combines network traffic and physical sensor data to detect sophisticated cyber attacks, identify affected equipment, and provide real-time alerts to operators, earning them an international award.
IIT Gandhinagar Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
IIT Gandhinagar has released the Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 notification for 1 vacancy. The online application process is open until 29 September 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, iitgn.ac.in.
Gujarat Police registers over 18,000 cases in drive against vehicles with improper number plates
Gandhinagar Gujarat Police have registered 18,014 cases and detained 4,187 vehicles during a statewide drive against vehicles running without number The post Gujarat Police registers over 18,000 cases in drive against vehicles with improper number plates appeared first on Bilkul Online .
