RIL to invest 7 lakh crore in Gujarat across clean energy & data centres
Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani plans a massive 7 lakh crore investment in Gujarat. This will boost clean energy, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Jamnagar will become a global hub for green energy exports. Reliance will also build India's largest AI-ready data centre. The company will support India's Olympic ambitions and expand social infrastructure.
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani announced a massive Rs 7 lakh crore investment over the next five years at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference. He outlined five key commitments, including building India's largest AI-ready data center in Jamnagar and transforming Kutch into a global clean energy hub, aiming for global leadership in green energy and materials.
South Kashmir: Pedestrian Critically Injured in Hit-and-Run
SRINAGAR: A middle-aged pedestrian was critically injured after being hit by an unidentified vehicle on the National Highway in the Barsoo area of Awantipora in south Kashmir, officials said. The injured has been identified as Fayaz Ahmed Hajam, son of Bashir Ahmed Hajam, aged about 45 years, an inhabitant of Jamnagari area of Shopian district. []
Why has Mukesh Ambani's Reliance share fallen today? RIL stock slips nearly 5% after...
Reliance stated that its Jamnagar refinery has not received any Russian oil cargo in the past three weeks, nor does it expect any Russian crude oil deliveries in January.
No Russian oil expected in January, none come in the last three weeks: Reliance Industries
This statement comes after the November 20, 2025, announcement by the company that it had halted the import of Russian oil for its export-oriented Special Economic Zone unit at Jamnagar
Radhika Merchant turns heads in Alexander McQueen dress at Ambani's New Year 2026 bash in Jamnagar
Radhika Merchant stuns in an all-black Alexander McQueen dress at Ambani's New Year 2026 bash in Jamnagar.
Radhika Merchant turns heads at a Jamnagar wedding in a stunning Sabyasachi saree paired with diamond and emerald jewellery.
What ails Ayush institutions? 45% vacant posts
NEW DELHI: Responding to questions raise in Parliament the Ministry replied that Indias AYUSH sector, the government arm for traditional and alternative medicine, is running with nearly half of its posts unfilled across key national institutes. Of 5,553 sanctioned posts at 19 autonomous bodies, about 2,512 are vacant and only 3,041 are currently filled, leaving a vacancy rate of roughly 45 per cent nationwide, the Ministry of AYUSH told Parliament on 5 December 2025. The Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfares 165th Report, published by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat on 12 March 2025 and laid before the Lok Sabha the same day, had earlier highlighted thousands of unfilled positions across research, academic, technical and paramedical cadres in AYUSH bodies. The largest research body, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) in New Delhi, has the most unfilled posts with 903 vacancies out of 1,708 sanctioned, meaning less than half the positions are occupied. Other research councils and institutes show similar shortfalls. The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) in Jamnagar is operating with nearly 60 per cent of its posts vacant, while the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi has close to 193 unfilled positions. In the North-East, the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Folk Medicine Research (NEIAFMR) at Pasighat has 76 out of 90 posts vacant and the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy (NEIAH) in Shillong is short-staffed by more than a third. The ministry noted that autonomous bodies follow their own recruitment rules and procedures and have been filling gaps temporarily by hiring contractual staff. The absence of a central time-bound plan for regular recruitment was evident in the reply. Experts outside Parliament have also pointed to serious staff deficits in autonomous government health bodies in India, including AYUSH, with shortages affecting operations and service delivery. Separation between policy framing at the centre and implementation at institute level has been flagged in media reports.
Video : Global football Icon Lionel Messi Shouts Out Jai Mata Di During Temple Visit
Global football icon Lionel Messi performed aarti and took part in traditional Hindu rituals during his visit to Vantara, the wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre in Gujarats Jamnagar, where he was hosted by Anant Ambani and his wife Radhika Merchant. Visuals shared by news agency ANI on X show the FIFA World Cup winner []
Messi wraps up India trip at Anant Ambani's Vantara in Jamnagar
Football legend Lionel Messi concluded his India tour in Jamnagar, visiting Anant Ambani's Vantara animal rescue centre. He experienced a traditional welcome, participated in an evening Aarti, and enjoyed a guided night safari, encountering various animals. This serene wildlife conservation experience marked the final, unique chapter of his multi-city visit.
Committed to uniting wisdom of millennia with power of modern science, technology: WHO
NEW DELHI: The WHO on Wednesday said it is committed to uniting the wisdom of millennia with the power of modern science and technology to realise the vision of health for all. Sharing a special video message at the Second Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, jointly organized by India and the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said, By engaging responsibly, ethically, and equitably, and by harnessing innovation from AI to genomics, we can unlock the potential of traditional medicine to deliver safer, smarter, and more sustainable health solutions for every community and for our planet. WHO is committed to uniting the wisdom of millennia with the power of modern science and technology to realise the vision of health for all, he added. The WHO said in a world facing increasing challenges to health systems, nearly half of the global population 4.6 billion lack access to essential health services, while a quarter over 2 billion people experience financial hardship to access health care. Integrating TM into health systems is critical to expanding access and choice to affordable, people-centred health care and advancing UHC, ensuring everyone can receive health care they need without financial strain, it added. The three-day event, which was presided by Union Health Minister JP Nadda, in the presence of Union AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav, will bring together policymakers, scientists, practitioners, Indigenous knowledge holders and civil society leaders from around the world to advance a shared vision of balanced, inclusive and sustainable health systems. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the mega global scientific congregation on December 19. The WHO DG emphasised that health is not only about technology and treatment but also about balance, dignity and the shared wisdom of humanity. He noted that the World Health Assembly earlier this year adopted the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 20252034. The strategy focuses on strengthening the evidence base to guide decisions through science and data, ensuring safety and quality through effective regulation, integrating traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) into national health systems beginning with primary health care, and unlocking its broader value for biodiversity, sustainability and community well-being. He further highlighted that to translate this strategy into action, WHO has established the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India. At the event, Ayush minister Jadhav said that Indias collaboration with the WHO reflects a shared commitment to bring traditional medicine into the mainstream of global healthcare through science, standards, and evidence. Since the partnership began in 2016, significant milestones have been achieved, including integrating Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani morbidity codes into international health classification. Ongoing work on the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI) and the upcoming WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, scheduled for completion in October 2025, underscore a decisive shift towards global acceptance, harmonization, and institutional strengthening of traditional medicine, he added. India continues to expand international cooperation in the field of traditional medicine through education, research, and capacity building, he added India offers 104 scholarships annually to foreign nationals, has signed 26 country-level MoUs, collaborates with over 50 institutions worldwide, and has established Ayush Chairs in 15 universities and Ayush Information Cells in 43 countries, he added. Collaborative research initiatives, including Ashwagandha trials in the United Kingdom, Guduchi studies in Germany, and Ayurveda-based diabetes research in Latvia, are generating a growing body of evidence. Leveraging digital platforms such as the Ayush Grid and advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, India is systematically documenting and validating traditional knowledge to address contemporary global health challenges, the minister said. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, highlighted that the Summit builds on the momentum of the first WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine and the Gujarat Declaration, reaffirming a shared global commitment to science-based, sustainable, and equitable Traditional Medicine. He emphasized Indias role as a committed partner to WHO and Member States, and underscored the significance of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre at Jamnagar as a global hub for policy, research, and innovation. He noted that the Summit - guided by the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 20252034 - aims to strengthen regulation and integration of Traditional Medicine into health systems, safeguard biodiversity and traditional knowledge, and harness frontier technologies, all anchored in the theme of Restoring Balance for people and the planet.
Watch: Messi visits Anant Ambanis Vantara in Jamnagar
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant twin in black, meet with Lionel Messi in Jamnagar, SEE pic
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant met football star Lionel Messi in Jamnagar, turning heads in matching black outfits. Fans celebrated online as photos went viral, highlighting a perfect mix of fashion, glamour and celebrity lifestyle at a star-studded event.
RIL's new AI arm, Reliance Intelligence, begins operations
Incorporated in September 2025, Reliance Intelligence is a wholly owned unit of RIL housing its AI partnerships with global technology firms such as Google and Meta, besides executing its data centre plans. The group is building a gigawatt-scale AI-ready data centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Anant Ambani to host Lionel Messi in Vantara after Delhi event
Argentine Football player and the 'G.O.A.T', Lionel Messi, is currently in Delhi and will depart for Vantara in Jamnagar where he will be hosted by Anant Ambani, younger son of industrialist Mukesh Ambani.
Lionel Messi To Visit Vantara: Anant Ambani To Host Football Legend In Jamnagar
Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul will be hosted by Vantara founder Anant Ambani
Ahmedabad Diary: Cracks appear in Gujarat BJP, once again!
Cracks appear in Gujarat BJP, once again! Internal discord within the Gujarat BJP has flared up again after Jalalpore MLA RC Patel made controversial remarks in Vijalpore. Speaking at the foundation ceremony for a Maharana Pratap statue near Mathpuri Mataji temple, Patel directly challenged Navsari district BJP president Bhuralal Shah, stating, You handle Navsari, we will see our Vijalpore. He warned Shah would not be allowed entry after the statues installation and mocked earlier disputes over naming. Patels repeated public outbursts have caused frustration within BJP leadership, who often dismiss him as careless. The party is considering disciplinary action against him. Furore as shoe hurled at AAP MLA Gopal Italia Tensions boiled over during the AAPs Gujarat Jodo Yatra in Jamnagar when a shoe was hurled at AAP MLA Gopal Italia while he was addressing a crowd. The attacker, identified as Chhatrapal Singh Jadeja, stood near the stage and threw the shoe, causing chaos and prompting the crowd to shout slogans. The event was cut short amid the disorder. Jadeja was detained and hospitalised following the incident. In a video confession, he claimed the attack was revenge for Italia allegedly throwing a shoe at former minister Pradeep Singh Jadeja years ago. AAP leaders have accused Congress of involvement, while police continue their probe. Holi festival: State board reschedules examination The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board has rectified its earlier mistake of scheduling a board exam on the Holi public holiday. The Class 10 Social Science exam, initially set for March 4, will now be held on March 18. This change follows concerns from students and parents about having an exam on the festival of colours. It is not the first scheduling error by the board; last year, a paper was planned for Cheti Chand but was rescheduled after objections. The boards latest adjustment aims to avoid disruptions during Holi and reduce student stress, ensuring exams do not clash with important festivals. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com
Un-Linked wildlife convention affirms vantara as a lawful global hub of conservation excellence
Jamnagar (Gujarat), 26th Nov: On Sunday, at the Twentieth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the Standing Committee and an overwhelming majority of member nations delivered a decisive endorsement of Indias position, confirming that there exists no evidence or grounds to pursue any measures against the country with respect to animal imports. This outcome serves as a powerful validation of Vantaras lawful, transparent, and sciencedriven model of wildlife care, reaffirming its compliance with [] The post Un-Linked wildlife convention affirms vantara as a lawful global hub of conservation excellence appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Donald Trump Jr attends high-profile royal wedding in Udaipur
JAIPUR: US Presidents son and businessman Donald Trump Jr. attended a grand, multi-day royal wedding in Udaipur, Rajasthan, where celebrations for Netra Mantenadaughter of US-based billionaire Rama Raju Mantenaand Vamsi Gadiraju are being held from November 21 to 24. The guest list resembled a Hollywood red-carpet premiere, with international celebrities joining Indias top film stars. The presence of Donald Trump Jr., Justin Bieber, and Jennifer Lopez, along with several global personalities and Bollywood celebrities, turned the event into one of the most high-profile weddings the city has seen. Among the prominent Indian attendees were Jacqueline Fernandez, Kriti Sanon, Sofia Choudhury, Janhvi Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, and Varun Dhawan. Friday evening festivities featured a full-fledged Bollywood night, where actors performed energetic dance numbers. Varun Dhawan, Ranveer Singh, Kriti Sanon, and Jacqueline Fernandez entertained guests with their performances to popular desi songs. Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson also danced to Bollywood tracks, even sharing the stage with Ranveer Singh during the festivities. Producer-director Karan Johar added to the evenings sparkle by hosting an interactive talk show with the bride and groom. Amid the wedding celebrations, Donald Trump Jr. paid a special courtesy visit to Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, a member of the former royal family of Mewar and a descendant of Maharana Pratap. The meeting took place at the Udaipur City Palace, where Dr. Mewar welcomed Trump Jr. and Raju Ramalinga Mantena in traditional Mewar style. They discussed the regions history, cultural legacy, and contemporary global issues. During the interaction, Trump Jr. expressed admiration for the valor and legacy of Mewars legendary rulers Maharana Kumbha, Maharana Sanga, and Maharana Pratap. Dr. Mewar presented him and Mantena with traditional Mewar emblems, which Trump Jr. described as special and memorable. On Friday, Donald Trump Jr. and his girlfriend Bettina Anderson arrived in Udaipur from Jamnagar. A day earlier, the couple had visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, before flying to the lake city to join the celebrations. Bride's father Raju Mantena also drew attention to his remarkable personal journey. Born in India in 1960, Mantena grew up in a modest background and earned his B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Hyderabad. He later moved to the United States to study Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Maryland a shift that ultimately paved his path to becoming a billionaire. In the early 2000s, when cancer medicines in the US had become prohibitively expensive even for the middle class, Mantena identified a critical gap. In 2005, he founded OncoScripts, a specialty pharmacy providing affordable cancer treatments a breakthrough that marked the first major success of his entrepreneurial career.
Trump Jr offers prayers at Ganesha temple, performs Dandiya during Gujarat visit
Donald Trump Jr., on a private visit to India with his girlfriend, spent Thursday touring Vantara wildlife rescue and conservation center located in Jamnagar, offering prayers at a Lord Ganesha temple there, and attending a private dandiya night hosted by Anant Ambani. The couple, according to reports, visited Gujarat as a guest of the Ambani family. Videos of Trump Jr quickly went viral showing him enthusiastically joining Gujarati dance and praying at the Ganpati Temple in the Vantara complex. A separate clip also showed him performing dandiya with Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. On his second trip to India, Trump Jr., was welcomed in Jamnagar by Anant Ambani after touring the Taj Mahal on November 20. According to a report, Trump Jr.s visit coincides with the wedding of Netra Mantena, daughter of US billionaire Rama Raju Mantena, with Vamsi Gadiraju in Udaipur. The three-day festivities begin on November 21 and will wrap up with the wedding ceremony on November 23.
Reliance Halts Russian Oil Imports To Export Refinery Amid EU Sanctions
Reliance Industries Ltd has said it has halted the use of Russian crude at its export-only refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat, as the company moves to comply with European Union sanctions.
US President's son Donald Trump Jr visits Vantara
JAMNAGAR: Donald Trump Jr, son of US President Donald Trump, visited Vantara, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre at Jamnagar in Gujarat, on Thursday. According to sources, Donald Trump Jr visited Vantara, the brainchild of Reliance Industries director Anant Ambani, on the invitation of the Ambani family. He took a round of the sprawling wildlife facility with Anant Ambani and also visited a few temples in the area, sources added. Earlier during the day, Donald Trump Jr visited the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Reliance is India's largest buyer of Russian oil, which it processes and turns into fuel, such as petrol and diesel.
Mukesh Ambani Announces Major Move: After Google, Reliance to set up 1 GW data centre in...
This facility will operate as a twin to the company's gigawatt-scale AI data centre in Jamnagar, creating one of Asia's most powerful AI infrastructure networks.
Gujarat cybercrime unit dismantles pan-India online fraud racket linked to Nigerian syndicate
AHMEDABAD: In a major breakthrough, the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Police have busted a six-member interstate cyber fraud gang that allegedly duped a city businessman of Rs 32.7 lakh through a fake export deal involving a homeopathic medicine and later funnelled the money to a Nigerian cyber syndicate. The accused, operating from multiple cities including Jamnagar, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, were caught after a meticulous digital and human intelligence operation led by senior officers of the Cyber Crime Unit. The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Police have exposed a sophisticated international scam, arresting six members of a gang that channelled money from Indian victims to a Nigerian cyber network through fake pharmaceutical export deals. The operation revealed a well-coordinated racket spread across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The case came to light when businessman Nihar Verma filed a complaint stating that he had been duped of Rs 32.72 lakh by fraudsters posing as representatives of an African pharmaceutical company. The gang had contacted him online, claiming they sought an Indian supplier for Eupatorium Mercola, a homeopathic liquid used in Africa for treating malaria and dengue. The fraudsters lured Verma into believing he could earn huge profits by sourcing the product from a supposed Indian vendor, Sharma Enterprises Manufacturing, and reselling it to the African buyer. Initially, to gain his trust, the complainant was asked to purchase a sample worth Rs 5.52 lakh, which was supposedly verified by an African lab scientist in Delhi named Moshin Murray. Convinced that the deal was legitimate, Verma proceeded with a larger order, transferring Rs 27 lakh as an advance to a bank account shared by the accused. However, when he personally visited the claimed address of Sharma Enterprises in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, he discovered that no such company existed, exposing the elaborate online con. Following the complaint, registered under IPC Sections 316(2), 318(4), 319(2), 61(2), and IT Act Sections 66(C) and 66(D), the Cyber Crime Police Station, Ahmedabad, swung into action. Using advanced technical surveillance and human intelligence, the team tracked digital footprints and bank transactions linked to the accused. Initially, five suspects, Asgar Aziz Pathan, Abhishek Maheshbhai Joshi, Pravinbhai Bhojabhai Nandania, Deep Popatpari Goswami, and Nitin Babubhai Bhatia, were arrested from Jamnagar. Acting on leads from interrogations, two separate teams led by Police Inspector P.V. Vaghela and Police Inspector C.T. Desai were dispatched to Bengaluru and Mumbai, resulting in the arrest of six accused in total, including key operatives connected to the Nigerian handlers. Speaking on the operation, a senior Cyber Crime Police official said, This was not a routine cyber fraud; it was a layered scam executed with international coordination. The accused created fake identities, websites, and business profiles to trap the victim. Our teams tracked multiple digital trails and bank accounts to uncover how the funds were routed to a Nigerian network. Six accused have been arrested, and further investigation is underway to trace their foreign links. Sources within the Cyber Crime Cell revealed that the arrested accused allegedly acted as money mules, transferring funds received from victims across accounts in India and abroad, making detection difficult. The seized digital evidence, including mobile phones, forged documents, and banking credentials, is now being analysed for deeper connections. Officials said more arrests are likely as the investigation widens to trace the Nigerian masterminds who allegedly orchestrated the operation through fake import-export fronts and online intermediaries. The Ahmedabad Cyber Police have urged citizens to remain cautious about online trade offers promising high returns, stressing that no legitimate company asks for large advances without physical verification.
Statue of Maharaja Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji unveiled
NEVATIM (Israel), Nov 11: A statue of Maharaja Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji was unveiled in this southern Moshav (community of farmers) in recognition of his efforts to rescue hapless Polish children during World War II, including some Jews. The Maharaja of Nawanagar, a princely state in India now known as Jamnagar in the state of Gujarat, was honoured by Indian Jewish Heritage Centre (IJHC) and Cochini Jewish Heritage Centre (CJHC) on Monday evening for his exemplary compassion during the war. During World [] The post Statue of Maharaja Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji unveiled appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Ayush ministry to strengthen scientific research, enhance quality, safety standards: Minister
NEW DELHI: The Ayush Ministry in collaboration with the WHO aims to strengthen scientific research, enhance quality and safety standards, and ensure that the benefits of traditional medicine are available to all, Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav said on Monday. Traditional medicine is a repository of cultural identity, community wisdom, and humanitys collective knowledge of nature and wellbeing, and the world has renewed its appreciation for integrative health approaches that combine traditional wisdom with modern medical science, said Jadhav at a curtain raiser event for the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine to be held here from December 17-19. The Summit, co-hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Ministry of Ayush, will convene over approximately 7,000 participants in hybrid mode from across the world. Jadhav said this summit represents another milestone in the joint pursuit of equitable, accessible, and evidence-based healthcare systems across the world Working closely with WHO and the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, we aim to strengthen research, enhance quality and safety standards, and ensure that the benefits of traditional medicine are available to all, the minister said. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ayush Ministry, said India, in collaboration with WHO and global partners, is working to strengthen standards, advance research, and ensure quality assurance. We are confident that this global dialogue will foster meaningful international cooperation, he added. Dr Poonam Khetrapal, Regional Director Emeritus, WHO South-East Asia Region, and Senior Advisor on Traditional Medicine to the WHO Director-General, said, Traditional medicine is an integral part of achieving Health for All. With 170 Member States reporting its use and global frameworks advancing, the momentum behind this sector is stronger than ever. The GTMC in Jamnagar and the Traditional Medicine Global Library represent vital steps toward evidence-informed, people-centred, and holistic healthcare for a healthier, more sustainable future. Ambassador Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, emphasised Indias role in shaping global frameworks for traditional medicine and the international significance of the Summit. The shared vision of restoring well-being and balance reflects growing global recognition of traditional medicine in universal health coverage. The Ministry of Ayush has strengthened these systems through research, pharmacovigilance, and global collaborations, including the WHO Global Centre in Jamnagar. Dr Shyama Kuruvilla, Director, WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, outlined the global landscape and emerging priorities.The Summit aims to advance a global movement to restore balance for people and the planet, grounded in the science and practice of Traditional Medicine. Guided by the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 20252034 (World Health Assembly 78), the Summit will highlight the latest evidence and innovations and address critical issues. Dr Catharina Boehme, Senior Advisor to the WHO Director-General and Officer-in-Charge, WHO SEARO, said, Traditional medicine is not peripheral to global health - it is integral to realising the vision of Health for All. We look to countries to champion high-level participation at the Ministerial Roundtable. As we move towards the Summit, let us renew our shared commitment to building accessible, affordable, inclusive, and evidence-based health systems.
Maharashtra sends proposal to Centre to relocate leopards to Vantara
Forest department seeks CZA approval to shift rescued leopards to Ambani-owned Vantara facility in Jamnagar
After cabinet overhaul, Gujarat BJP now plans major organizational reshuffle
AHMEDABAD: Gujarats political scene is changing again. After appointing a new BJP state president and reshuffling the state cabinet, the ruling party is now preparing for another big organizational change. The BJP plans to bring in new leaders to key posts and redraw its power structure from the state capital Gandhinagar to the district level a clear sign that the party is getting ready for the next big election. According to party sources, the next major step will be appointing new State General Secretaries one of the most powerful roles in the partys state unit. These appointments are expected within a week. Currently, the Gujarat BJP has four General Secretaries. Among them, Kutch MP Vinod Chavda is likely to keep his position, while the other three posts may go to new faces. The move aims to strengthen the partys organization and prepare for upcoming political challenges. Party insiders say this reshuffle is not just routine. It is part of a larger strategy to tighten control and improve coordination after the recent cabinet changes, in which ten ministers were dropped. The BJP wants to strengthen its structure at the district level to improve governance and maintain political balance. As part of this plan, new in-charge ministers will be appointed for 20 districts. The government now wants each minister to handle only one districtespecially those with important departmentsto improve focus and accountability. Earlier, many ministers managed two districts, which often reduced efficiency. Even Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi may see changes in his responsibilities. He currently oversees both Vadodara and Gandhinagar districts for the BJP, but he may now retain only Gandhinagar, reflecting the leaderships push for more focused roles. The 20 districts expected to get new in-charge ministers include Aravalli, Mahisagar, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Botad, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Dahod, Panchmahal, Dang, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Surendranagar, Junagadh, Patan, Narmada, Chhota Udepur, Tapi, and Valsad. Each new appointment will aim to balance political representation and improve administration, helping the BJP strengthen its control both at the grassroots and state levels. With these changes on the way, the Gujarat BJP is reshaping not just its cabinet but also its political strategy getting ready for the road ahead.
Disha Patani, Arjun Kapoor reach Jamnagar for Isha, Akash Ambani's grand birthday bash; See Pics
Disha Patani and Arjun Kapoor arrived in Jamnagar for Isha and Akash Ambani's grand birthday celebration.
Who is Rivaba Jadeja? From Jamnagar MLA to Gujarat's Minister of State
Rivaba Jadeja, wife of cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, has been appointed Minister of State in Gujarat's cabinet, marking a significant step in her political career. This strategic reshuffle aims to rejuvenate leadership and strengthen the BJP's reach ahead of upcoming elections, projecting younger faces and consolidating regional presence.
Gujarat Cabinet Reshuffle: Rivaba Jadeja becomes MoS, gets responsibility of this ministry
Rivaba Jadeja is a BJP MLA from Jamnagar North. She joined the BJP in 2019 and has now become a Minister of State (MoS) in the new Gujarat cabinet.
AHMEDABAD: The BJP government in Gujarat carried out a cabinet reshuffle on Friday, with state Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister and cricketer Ravindra Jadejas wife, Rivaba Jadeja, inducted as a minister. Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath to 26 ministers, including Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, as each incoming leader held the Bhagavad Gita in hand, an unmistakable symbol of ideological assertion. The reshuffle blends caste arithmetic, political muscle, and strategic messaging, bringing in 19 new faces while removing several old and Congress-origin ministers. The new cabinet draws heavily on new faces and social balance: seven Patidars, eight OBCs, three Scheduled Castes, four Scheduled Tribes, and three women. The oath-taking ceremony turned into a display of precise political engineering, signalling both continuity and controlled disruption. Of the 26 ministers, only six from the old team were retained, while 10 were dropped and 19 inducted afresh, a clear signal that the BJP is scripting a fresh power map ahead of the 2027 Assembly election. Harsh Sanghavi took the oath first, marking his formal elevation as Deputy Chief Minister, a position held by only five others in Gujarats political history. His rise is more than ceremonial; it cements his place as a key power centre in the Bhupendra Patel government and reflects the BJPs calibrated grooming of its next rung of leadership. Fresh blood, veterans and strategic reshuffle The Chief Minister personally informed the retained ministers, reinforcing their political weight, while BJP state president Jagdish Vishwakarma communicated with the new entrants. Beneath the smooth transition lies a quiet purge, particularly of original Congress turncoats. Of five such ministers in the previous cabinet, only Kunwarji Bavaliya and Arjun Modhwadia survive. The restBalwantsinh Rajput, Bhikhusinh Parmar, Kunwarji Halpati, and Raghavji Patelhave been removed. This reset carries historical echoes. Gujarat has seen only five Deputy Chief Ministers since its formation: Chiman Patel and Kantilal Ghiya (1972), Keshubhai Patel (1990), Narhari Amin (1994), and Nitin Patel in the Rupani era. Sanghavi now becomes the sixth, underlining the BJPs generational transition at the top. Saurashtra, long a key region in Gujarats caste-political matrix, has also seen a tight pruning. Of the five Saurashtra ministers in 2022, only Kunwarji Bavaliya and Parshottam Solanki retain their berths. Mulu Bera, Raghavji Patel, and Bhanuben Babaria have been cut, making way for Rivaba Jadeja as part of the BJPs womens representation strategy. Rivabas entry is both symbolic and tactical: it blends celebrity pull with electoral arithmetic in Jamnagar, while simultaneously edging out Mulu Bera. Jitu Vaghani, former Gujarat BJP president and Education Minister, has made a comeback after being dropped in 2022. His return strengthens the Bhavnagar belts stake in the new power equation. The reshuffle also carries an organisational imprint, with Kaushik Vekaria, known for his internal party influence in Amreli, gaining prominence. The Sanghavi elevation, coupled with this caste-balanced, politically calibrated cabinet, marks a strategic consolidation by the BJP, merging loyalty, legacy, and fresh optics. The cabinet reshuffle is as much a political statement as an administrative move, as the BJP lays the groundwork for the 2027 elections. Notably, Gujarat can have a maximum of 27 ministers (15 per cent of the 182-member assembly), and the BJP aims to fill more of these positions. The outgoing cabinet comprises 17 ministers, including the chief minister, with eight cabinet ministers and eight ministers of state.
BJP set for strategic cabinet overhaul in Gujarat
AHMEDABAD: A cabinet reshuffle in Gujarat appears imminent following a high-stakes meeting in Delhi between Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, BJPs top state and national leadership. With regional and caste equations, upcoming local body elections, and the rising influence of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in play, major political realignments are expected within days. Many sitting ministers are likely to be dropped, while younger, strategically chosen MLAs are tipped for elevation. All eyes are now on the BJPs political balancing act in Gujarat. A late-night power huddle on Monday in Delhifeaturing CM Bhupendra Patel, BJP state president Jagdish Vishwakarma, organizational general secretary Ratnakar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shahhas set the stage for a sweeping cabinet overhaul. The urgency and strategic nature of the meeting signal that the reshuffle is not just likelyit is inevitable. Sources indicate that a final list of ministers is in the works and could be finalized within two to three days. As anticipation builds, the buzz is deafening: whose chair will be pulled, and whose Diwali will shine brighter? The reshuffle is the culmination of months of political calibration. Internal dynamicsfrom caste arithmetic to the looming challenge posed by AAPhave reached a tipping point. With local body elections approaching and AAP leader Gopal Italia gaining traction, especially among Leuva Patidars, BJPs central leadership has decided to reengineer Gujarats political landscape. Reliable sources suggest that many senior ministers are on their way out. Finance Minister Kanu Desai, Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel, and Social Justice Minister Bhanuben Babaria are reportedly at the top of the exit list. Only five current ministersmost notably Health Minister Hrishikesh Patel and Industries Minister Balvantsinh Rajputare expected to retain their portfolios. The reshuffle signals a generational shift within the party. Young MLAs like Jayesh Radadiya (Dhoraji), Uday Kangad (Rajkot), and Rivaba Jadeja (Jamnagar North) are strong contenders for cabinet positions. Saurashtrapolitically volatile and currently a stronghold of AAPs growing influenceis expected to receive special attention. A Leuva Patidar from Amreli or Junagadh may be included to counter the Italia effect. The BJPs caste balancing act extends beyond Saurashtra. With CM Bhupendra Patel representing the Patidar face and Jagdish Vishwakarma as the OBC state president, the party is fine-tuning its social equations. South Gujarat may see the induction of a tribal or female MLA, while in North Gujarat, Alpesh Thakors name is being considered if his community alignment works in BJPs favor. Interestingly, while Congress turncoats like Arjun Modhwadia and C. J. Chavda are still in the mix, only Modhwadia appears to have a strong chancelargely due to a lack of political rivals in Porbandar. Meanwhile, Hardik Patel, once a prominent Patidar youth icon, seems sidelined. Despite his proximity to Amit Shah, sources claim his recent dissent and waning political influence have diminished his chances of a ministerial berth. The reshuffle is not without risks. Elevating defectors over longtime BJP loyalists may spark internal discontent. Striking the right balance between new faces, caste representation, regional expectations, and party loyalty is the BJPs biggest challenge. Former Congress leaders are especially vulnerable, as the party looks to realign around its grassroots cadre. Adding to the political significance is the timely visit of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to Gujarat on Tuesday, coinciding with the Delhi deliberations. The synchrony between the Sangh and the BJP suggests that the reshuffle is part of a broader strategic resetnot just a routine political exercise. In short, Gujarat is on the cusp of a major political reconfigurationdriven by performance, perception, caste equations, and rapidly shifting political dynamics influenced by AAPs rise. What unfolds in the next 48 hours will shape not just the BJPs strategy for upcoming local polls, but also set the tone for 2027 and beyond.
RTI reply exposes audit lapse of over Rs 2 lakh crore in eight Gujarat Municipal Corporations
AHMEDABAD: A massive accountability crisis has exploded in Gujarat as eight major Municipal Corporations have not been audited for several years, leaving a budget worth over Rs 2 lakh crore unaudited and unverified. The revelations, made through an RTI response, expose systemic neglect, violation of audit laws, and a stunning breakdown of financial transparency. Citizens of these cities have effectively been left in the dark about how public money is being spent. Now, Gujarats urban governance is staring at a financial storm. RTI documents have exposed that not a single audit has been completed for several years for eight major Municipal Corporations: Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Surat and Vadodara. The data, obtained from the Director of the Local Fund Accounts Office in response to an RTI filed under Section 4(1) of the Act, reveals how thousands of crores of rupees in civic funds have remained unaudited, violating the Gujarat Local Fund Audit Act, 1963. The backlog means that over Rs 2 lakh crore of municipal expenditure across Gujarats largest cities has never undergone mandatory financial scrutiny. With an annual budget of around 12,000 crore in 202425, the Ahmedabad civic body hasnt completed an audit since 201718, which roughly translates to approximately 50,000 crore in unverified accounts for just one city. Similar patterns are seen in Surat and Vadodara, while other corporations have remained unaudited for four to six years. Experts say that this is not a mere technical lapse, but a deep governance failure. Ignored directives, defied laws This financial vacuum exists despite clear legal obligations and repeated directives. Notably, the Gujarat Local Fund Audit Act, 1963, under Section 4 mandates annual audits of all local bodies. The 11th Central Finance Commission (200005) had recommended that the audit of Municipal Corporations be done under the guidance of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), with reports submitted to the State Assembly. A Finance Department resolution on May 6, 2005, and later a circular on December 23, 2011, made this legally binding. The CAG had also flagged the non-compliance in August 2009, urging Gujarat to ensure timely audits. In 2011, Section 108A was added to the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act, 1949, to reinforce the obligation. Yet, the RTI reply confirms that none of these directives have been implemented effectively. Last Audited Year, Municipal Corporation and Pending Years. The failure has also meant that no audit reports have been tabled in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly for years, as the audits were never done. The Finance Departments 2011 circular was meant to bring in accountability through CAG-supervised audits of Municipal Corporations. These reports were to be presented before the Assembly, debated, and acted upon. Instead, the process has been derailed for over a decade. Neither the CAG nor the Local Fund Audit Office has enforced strict timelines, and successive governments have allowed this crisis to deepen. RTI applicant raised red flag RTI Activist and Professor Hemant Kumar Shah has slammed the government, alleging a deliberate shielding of irregularities. In a democracy, the audit report for the previous financial year should be presented in the new year, debated by corporators, and acted upon as per rules. If the audit itself is not done for years, transparency collapses, and irregularities get buried, Shah claimed. He further alleged, This is a clear violation of the Gujarat Local Fund Audit Act, 1963. The State Assembly has failed in its duty to ensure annual presentation of audit reports. Transparency is a fundamental principle of democracy. When 2 lakh crore goes unaudited, the publics right to know how their money is used is crushed. Citizens kept in the dark The lack of audits not just weaken financial scrutiny but also denies Gujarats urban citizens of transparency over how civic budgets are spent on critical services like roads, water, housing, and sanitation.Over two crore people live in these eight municipal areas. However, no red flags were raised, no mismanagement was officially recorded. Political and governance questions mount The revelation has triggered serious concerns: Why has the State not enforced its own audit rules for over a decade? How is financial scrutiny being bypassed despite repeated CAG interventions? Who is responsible for this 2 lakh crore transparency vacuum? Legal experts say this is not just an administrative lapse, but a potential violation of constitutional principles governing local self-government. What next? With RTI evidence out in the open, pressure is likely to mount over the State government to immediately initiate pending audits and present reports in the Assembly. Activists and former bureaucrats argue that independent CAG oversight and public disclosure of audit findings are the only way to restore credibility. However, with seven years already lost in some corporations, the process of auditing such massive backlogs will be long, complex and politically sensitive. Whether the State acts decisive or let the lapse unchecked will determine the future of transparency and accountability in Gujarats urban administration. Notably, Hemant Kumar Shah said,If audits are not done, irregularities remain invisible. And when irregularities remain invisible, accountability dies.
IMD forecasts rise in night temperatures by up to 5 degrees in northwest India
NEW DELHI: As the monsoon withdraws from most parts of Northwest India, the intrusion of dry air from the northwest has led to hot and humid conditions in the region. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that night temperatures are expected to rise by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal in Northwest India over the next five days. This is said to benefit the kharif crops. According to IMD, when maximum temperatures are 3 degrees Celsius above normal, combined with above-normal relative humidity, the weather is classified as hot and humid. However, scientists predict that temperatures will drop after October 5 due to the arrival of a fresh patch of western disturbances, which will bring mild cool winds and rainfall to the plains of North India. Currently, the line marking the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon passes through Veraval, Bharuch, Ujjain, Jhansi, and Shahjahanpur. In Delhi, the maximum and minimum temperatures over the past 24 hours ranged from approximately 35 to 38 degrees Celsius and 24 to 28 degrees Celsius, respectively. The minimum temperature was above normal by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature exceeded normal by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius. The IMD has also issued a flash flood alert for Saurashtra and Kutch due to a well-marked low-pressure area over the Gulf of Cambay. The districts likely to be affected by flash floods include Amreli, Bhavnagar, Botad, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Jamnagar, Junagarh, Porbandar, Rajkot, Surendranagar, and Morbi. Low-lying areas in these regions may be inundated due to extreme rainfall, with isolated places in Konkan and Gujarat expecting more than 210 mm of rain. The IMD has also advised fishermen not to venture into the Arabian Sea along the Konkan coast off Goa for the next four days, until October 4. In its agricultural advisory, the IMD has recommended that farmers take necessary measures to drain excess water from fields of rice, sugarcane, cotton, pigeon pea, groundnut, maize, pearl millet, castor, as well as vegetable and fruit orchards in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, it has advised providing mechanical support to horticultural crops and staking or supporting vegetables and young fruit-bearing plants to prevent lodging due to strong winds. Moreover, an increase in rainfall activity is expected, with isolated heavy rainfall likely over East India starting from October 2. In the Southern Peninsula, light to moderate rainfall, along with isolated heavy rainfall, is predicted for Tamil Nadu until October 2.
Somalia-bound cargo ship catches fire on Gujarat coast; no casualties reported
AHMEDABAD: A Jamnagar-based cargo ship, PDI 1383 Haridasran, loaded with 950 tonnes of rice and 78 tonnes of sugar caught fire at Porbandar Port, Gujarat, on Monday morning. No casualties were reported as all 14 crew members were safely evacuated after the rescue and firefighting operations. Within moments, thick smoke and raging flames engulfed the ship, visible from a distance, raising alarm across the port. With lives secured, the burning vessel was tugged away from the port into open waters to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby ships and infrastructure. Firefighters battled the fire at sea, but the ship sustained extensive damage, leaving its future uncertain. Authorities have begun a probe to determine the cause of the fire. Relief teams continue cooling operations to prevent a flare-up.
Vantara Cleared of Allegations of Water Resource Misuse, Carbon Credits: Statement
An apex court bench comprising Justices Pankaj Mithal and PB Varale on Monday accepted the SITs report, which found no legal violations in Vantara's operations in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
