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.
One killed, 24 injured as bus carrying labourers overturns in M.P.'s Shajapur
Labourers who had travelled to Jamnagar in Gujarat for work were returning to their native places in a private bus
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.
NEW DELHI: A day after the Supreme Court closed a case against zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre Vantara following an SIT clean chit, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday said if only all cases were dealt with and settled so expeditiously and categorically. The Congress general secretary and former environment minister said that when it chooses to, the Indian judicial system, which is defined by long delays, moves with the greatest of speed. On August 25, 2025, the Supreme Court ordered an inquiry by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the affairs of Vantara, the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre established by the Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar. The SIT, comprising four distinguished members, was directed to submit its report by September 12, 2025, he said. The SIT submitted its report in a sealed cover, and on September 15, 2025, the Supreme Court accepted its recommendations and closed the case, which had been triggered by a public interest litigation filed on August 7, 2025, he pointed out. If only all cases are dealt with and settled so expeditiously and categorically -- of course, without this mysterious 'sealed cover' business! Ramesh said. The Supreme Court on Monday said there was o contravention of law while accepting a clean chit given by its special investigation team to Vantara. A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and P B Varale took the SIT's report on record, besides noting the probe team's satisfaction with the compliance and regulatory measures in Vantara. The top court on August 25 constituted the four-member SIT headed by a former apex court judge while hearing two PILs alleging irregularities against Vantara on the basis of reports in the media and social media, besides complaints from NGOs and wildlife organisations. It came on record that the SIT, after a thorough investigation in coordination with multiple agencies clearly opined and held no violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009, CZA guidelines, Customs Act, 1962, Foreign Trade (Regulation and development) Act, 1992, Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 or the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of wild Fauna and Flora. Vantara, Reliance Foundation's zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre, welcomed the Supreme Court-appointed SIT's clean chit to it and said the top court accepting its findings showed that the doubts and allegations raised against its animal welfare mission were without basis. It said, With utmost humility and gratitude, we welcome the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), appointed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India. The SIT's report and the Hon'ble Supreme Court's order have made it clear that the doubts and allegations raised against Vantara's animal welfare mission were without any basis. The validation of the truth by the distinguished and widely respected members of the SIT is not just a relief for everyone at Vantara but also a blessing, because it allows our work to speak for itself, Vantara added. SC-appointed SIT gives clean chit to Reliances Vantara; cites full regulatory compliance
Vantaras Truth Validated: Jamnagar Facility Calls SCs SIT Findings Relief And Blessing
Vantara: SIT's report and the Supreme Courts order have made it clear that the doubts and allegations raised against Vantaras animal welfare mission were without any basis
SC-Appointed SIT Gives Clean Chit to Vantara Centre in Jamnagar
Top court notes compliance and regulatory measures, detailed order to follow
Proposed new integrated medical course to be of over 5 years, with one year internship: RTI
NEW DELHI: The centres proposed new integrated medical course combining MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) at the JIPMER in Puducherry is an over five-year degree course, with a one-year internship to award the dual degrees, an RTI reply has revealed. The proposal, which is prepared by Auroville Foundation and announced with great fanfare by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, on May 27, also states that the syllabus for phase 1 is ready and is prepared on the competency-based curriculum (CBME) proposed by the National Medical Council (NMC), a statutory body that regulates medical education, medical professionals, institutes, and research. However, what is ironic is that the key regulatory bodies, including the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), which decide on new courses and syllabi, have not met once or been involved in the proposal, as per RTI documents. This paper was the first to report on the centres push for an integrated medical course that would combine MBBS and BAMS. Following the report, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), representing over four lakh medical practitioners, strongly condemned the move to mix different systems of medicine unscientifically and demanded that the government withdraw the regressive proposal in the best interest of the people's health. What is also interesting is that despite its proposal of starting an Integrated, Dual Degree Undergraduate Medical course on January 25, 2024, and the announcement by the Union Minister, the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) has refused to share the details after Kerala-based activist Dr K V Babu filed an RTI. Moreover, Auroville Secretary Dr. Jayanti S Ravi, who acknowledged in her January 25 letter that discussions were held over the last several months with Dr VK Paul, Member, NITI Aayog; Dr. Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, AYUSH, and others, has also failed to share comments on the integrated course with the Union Health Ministry despite repeated reminders - not once or twice but four times. Speaking with this paper, Dr Babu said: There is no provision under any law in India to award MBBS and BAMS degrees after pursuing any course. From the files availed using RTI, it seems the government is supporting the proposal to start a new course to award a dual degree of MBBS and BAMS by the Auroville Foundation in association with JIPMER and some satellite centres. There is nothing to suggest that the regulatory body in this case, the NMC, had ever discussed it in a joint meeting with other regulatory bodies, which is mandatory under the statute, he said. Pushing political decisions via regulatory bodies is not a good sign for medical education and public health in our country, he added. In her letter, Dr Ravi, the former Gujarat-cadre IAS officer, who initiated the course, said, It is meant to be a bold experiment to allow for synthesis of the ancient and modern in various disciplines and aspects of life. In view of this, there will be no other place better than Auroville Foundation to start the course to provide an integral approach to healthcare. The curricula are now being fine-tuned for detailed integration of the two streams of science, said the letter, which was shared with Dr Babu on August 22 by the Union Health Ministry following his RTI. It further said the ministry should eventually consider setting up a satellite centre of the Institute of Teaching and Research (ITRA) in Ayurveda, Jamnagar, as well as a satellite centre of JIPMER as the Auroville-JIPMER-ITRA at Auroville Foundation. As its vision, the proposal said it is to develop curricula and resource material which can help medical students across the globe to learn an integral approach to health. It also said their mission is to become an apex institute of the highest degree for the synthesis of modern medicine and Ayurveda; to provide undergraduate education of the highest quality in contemporary medicine and Ayurveda, and to produce talented doctors who are capable of identifying and delivering the best possible therapeutic options from modern medicine and Ayurveda. How long will we allow our national educational system to exclude our own ancient healthcare treasures and the greatest spiritual insights? The health benefits of modern medicine are indisputable. However, its deductive analytical approach must be synthesised with a holistic approach of Ayurveda. It is the beauty of Ayurvedic interventions that they are well blended with daily life and appropriate for people of all ages. They provide early prevention besides supplanting modern treatment. It is here that the innovation in Medical Education becomes imperative. India, the source of Ayurveda, needs to develop an all-inclusive healthcare system and show the world a way of perfect synthesis. We need a national system of medical education which provides training of both modern and Indian systems of medicine in a systematic manner. Such an innovation will be good not only for our country, but also to the world at large. India can and must take the lead in this direction. It further said the proposal to establish a medical college that offers inclusive training in modern medicine and Ayurveda stems from an aspiration to make the medical education centered on the Indian system, to make doctors patient-centric, and the approach human-centric, deeply founded in the principles of integral Health as pronounced in the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.
Promoter group firms infuse Rs 3,956 cr in Jio Financial
NEW DELHI, Sept 3: Jio Financial Services Ltd (JFSL) on Wednesday said promoter group companies have infused Rs 3,956 crore in the company to fund expansion. The Board of Directors of the company allotted 50 crore warrants for cash at a price of Rs 316.50 per warrant members of the promoter group Sikka Ports & Terminals Ltd and Jamnagar Utilities & Power Private Ltd upon receipt of Rs 3956.25 crore, JFSL said in a regulatory filing. Both the [] The post Promoter group firms infuse Rs 3,956 cr in Jio Financial appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jio Financial Raises Rs 3,956 Crore From Promoters Via Warrant Issue
Jio Financial Services said the warrants were distributed equally between Sikka Ports & Terminals Ltd. and Jamnagar Utilities & Power Pvt. Ltd., each entity recvieved 25 crore warrants.
'Sudarshan Chakra' air defence system will need huge tri-services efforts: CDS Chauhan
MHOW: The 'Sudarshan Chakra' air defence system will entail development of a robust infrastructure comprising a range of key tri-services military assets such as missiles and surveillance systems to create an impregnable strategic shield, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan said on Tuesday. In an address at a conference, Gen Chauhan said a whole of the nation approach will be required to develop the shield. Gen Chauhan also suggested that the Sudarshan Chakra will be on the lines of Israel's Iron Dome all-weather air defence system, known as a very effective missile shield. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15 announced the project to develop an indigenous air defence system to protect India's vital military and civilian installations and to deliver a decisive response to any enemy threat, a move that came amid concerns over security challenges emanating from Pakistan and China. In his first remarks on the project, the Chief of Defence Staff said the military will have to look at multi-domain ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) integration of ground, air, maritime, undersea and space, sensors. Gen Chauhan said a huge amount of efforts will be required by the three services to integrate various systems for the Sudarshan Chakra project. A colossal amount of integration will be required and multiple fields will need to be networked to provide a very true picture, he said. Gen Chauhan suggested that the project will also feature use of artificial intelligence, advanced computation, data analytics, deep data, analytics and quantum technology. PM Modi announced the Sudarshan Chakra project days after Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir reportedly hinted at targeting Indian assets along the border, including Reliance Industries Ltd's Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat, in case of any future military confrontation between the two countries. The project is planned to be implemented by 2035. In his address at the Ran Samwad conference at the Army War College, Gen Chauhan also underlined the need for greater tri-services integration. The two-day conclave brings serving military professionals to the forefront of strategic dialogue and it will witness Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivering the plenary address on the final day. A few joint doctrines and the technology perspective and capability roadmap will also be released during the event. The event is a first-of-its-kind initiative, wherein each thematic session will be led by serving officers sharing their first-hand operational insights and reflections from modern battlefields. It has been curated by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and Centre for Joint Warfare Studies, in cooperation with the Army Training Command, under the overall guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff.
SC orders SIT probe into Vantara animal centre run by Reliance Foundation
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday ordered the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) which will be headed (Chairperson) by former Supreme Court Judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar to inquire into the affairs of Vantara (Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre) run by the Reliance Foundation at Jamnagar, Gujarat. A two-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Justice Prasanna B Varale passed the order, after hearing a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) filed by a lawyer, CR Jaya Sukin.Accordingly, we deem it appropriate to direct for constitution of a Special Team (SIT) of respectable Investigation persons of impeccable integrity and high repute having long public service, the top court stated in the order. It also directed that the three other members of the SIT would be; Justice Raghavendra Chauhan (Former Chief Justice of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Court), Hemant Nagrale, IPS (Former Commissioner of Police, Mumbai), Anish Gupta, IRS (Addl Commissioner Customs). The SIT has to inquire into, among other things, the compliance with the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act and other relevant statutes in the acquisition of animals from India and abroad, particularly elephants, the order said. The bench observed that the petition only made allegations without any supporting material. It was clarified that ordinarily, such a petition should not be entertained. 'Completely vague': SC on plea to return captive elephants kept in Vantara It, however, said that at the same time, the Court added: However, in the wake of the allegations that the statutory authorities or the Courts are either unwilling or incapable of discharging their mandate, more particularly in the absence of verification of correctness of the factual situation, we consider it appropriate in the ends of justice to call for an independent factual appraisal which may establish the violation, as alleged, if any. The court also stressed that the above exercise undertaken by the SIT has been permitted only to assist the Court as a fact finding inquiry so as to ascertain the true factual position and to enable the Court to pass any further order, as may be deemed fit on the basis of the material furnished and contained in the report. The court also added that however, this order neither expresses any opinion on the allegations made in the petitions nor this order be construed to have cast any doubt on the functioning of any of the statutory authorities or the private respondent- 'Vantara'. The SIT is requested to conduct the fact finding inquiry entrusted to it forthwith and to submit the report, uninfluenced by any observations made by 12 September. Once the report is submitted, the petitions be listed on 15th September, 2025 to consider the said report and if necessary, to pass any further order, otherwise the petitions stand disposed of, the court added in its order. The SIT will look into the compliance of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and rules for zoos made thereunder, the court ordered and added that it will also see the international Convention on Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) and compliance with import/export laws and other statutory requirements concerning imports/exports of live animals. SIT will see the compliance with standards of animal husbandry, veterinary care, standards of animal welfare, mortalities and causes thereof. Complaints regarding climatic conditions and allegations concerning location near an industrial zone; complaints regarding creation of a vanity or private collection, breeding, conservation programs and use of biodiversity resources; complaints regarding misutilisation of water and carbon credits, the SC said.
Vantara, Gujarat Forest Department Join Hands To Boost Wildlife Diversity In Barda Sanctuary
As part of this collaborative effort, 33 chital (spotted deer) were translocated from Vantaras ex-situ conservation centre in Jamnagar to the Barda sanctuary.
'Painful consequences': India warns Pak to 'temper rhetoric'; 'hiding own failures'
India's Ministry of External Affairs has strongly condemned Pakistan's escalating anti-India rhetoric, warning of severe repercussions for any miscalculated actions. This response follows inflammatory statements by Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, including threats against India's Jamnagar refinery. India has voiced concerns regarding the absence of civilian control over Pakistan's nuclear decisions, highlighting the military's collaboration with terrorist groups.
Pakistani Target: Reliance's Jamnagar Complex, world's largest single site Petroleum Refinery
Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir reportedly plans to target Reliance Industries Ltd's Jamnagar complex located in Gujarat, and the largest and most complex single-site refinery in the world with 1.4 million barrels per day (MMBPD) crude ...
Munirs Tampa bombshell: Jamnagar refinery on Pakistans target list
Pak Army Chief threatens to target RILs Jamnagar Refinery, Indian Dams in Florida Speech
TAMPA, Florida In a rare and provocative address at a private dinner in Tampa, Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir threatened to target Indias critical economic and water infrastructure in any future conflict, singling out Mukesh Ambanis Reliance Industries refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat the worlds largest single-site refining complex. According to eyewitness [] The post Pak Army Chief threatens to target RILs Jamnagar Refinery, Indian Dams in Florida Speech appeared first on Northlines .
Pakistan's army chief, General Asim Munir, sparked controversy during his US visit by making anti-India remarks, including a threat to target Reliance's Jamnagar refinery. India strongly condemned Munir's uclear sabre-rattling and questioned the safety of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. Despite Pakistan's threats, India's military strength surpasses Pakistan's, with a larger active military and a growing nuclear arsenal.
Pakistan's Army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, threatened to target India's economic infrastructure, specifically Reliance's Jamnagar refinery, in a future conflict. He also warned of missile strikes on Indian dams if the Indus Waters Treaty is suspended. Munir urged overseas Pakistanis to increase their support for the nation, highlighting Pakistan's strategic diplomatic position.
Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir threatens to target RIL's Jamnagar refinery
Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, threatened to target Reliance Industries' Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat during a future conflict with India, signaling a shift towards hitting economic assets. Munir referenced a social media post featuring Mukesh Ambani and a Quranic verse, implying an aerial attack on the refinery, which symbolizes India's economic power and refining capacity.
Vantara offers full support for Madhuris return
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 6: Vantara, the animal rescue centre in Gujarat today said that it fully supports efforts to bring back Madhuri, a 36-year-old elephant, to her original home in Kolhapur. Madhuri the elephant, also known as Mahadevi, was shifted from Kolhapurs Nandani Math to Vantaras facility in Jamnagar last month, following a Bombay High Court order based on a petition from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). In a statement issued, Vantara said, Vantara will extend [] The post Vantara offers full support for Madhuris return appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Vantara to back Maha govt petition to bring back elephant Madhuri: CM
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Aug 6: Vantara, the Jamnagar-based animal rehabilitation centre, will support the Maharashtra governments petition in the Supreme Court seeking the return of elephant Madhuri to a monastery in Kolhapur, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday. A rescue centre will be set up for her near the monastery in Nandani in Kolhapur district, he said. I had an extensive discussion with the Vantara team today in Mumbai. Good news is that they assured me that they are happy [] The post Vantara to back Maha govt petition to bring back elephant Madhuri: CM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Vantara: Did Not Initiate Relocation Of Elephant Mahadevi From Kolhapur To Jamnagar
Vantara was not the initiating party, and that the entire process has been conducted under judicial and statutory oversight, in coordination with authorities, the statement said
Elephant deployed in Hyderabads Muharram procession moved to Vantara amidst controversy
Hyderabad: Mahadevi or Madhuri, the 36-year-old temple elephant who was deployed in Hyderabads ancient Bibi ka Alam Muharram procession in 2023, has been moved to Vantaras Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust in Jamnagar, Gujarat, following a Supreme Court directive upholding her rehabilitation on health grounds. The move has triggered a storm of protests and 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 .
Maharashtra temple elephant relocated to Vantara; devotees turn emotional
Devotees of Swasthishri Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswami Sanstha, a religious body in Maharashtras Kolhapur, bid an emotional farewell to their temple elephant, which was shifted to Anant Ambani-owned Vantara in Gujarats Jamnagar district. Due to misinformation about elephant Mahadevi (Madhuri) circulating on social media, PETA India shares the full story of how she went from 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 .
Elephant relocated to Gujarat facility run by Vantara from Kolhapur; devotees bid emotional adieu
The elephant was transferred to representatives of the Radhe Krishna Elephant Welfare Trust run by Vantara, an animal welfare centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, from the Kolhapur mutt on Monday.
Lumpy skin disease resurfaces in Gujarat, 300 cattle infected across eight districts
AHMEDABAD: The dreaded lumpy skin disease (LSD) has once again raised its head in Gujarat, infecting nearly 300 cattle across eight districts in just 15 days, reigniting fears among cattle breeders and authorities alike. With memories of the devastating 2022 outbreak still fresh, when over 6,000 cattle perished, the fresh surge has triggered renewed concern among cattle breeders. While the state government claims the situation is under control in half of the affected regions, active measures like mass vaccination drives and awareness campaigns are being rapidly executed to halt its spread. Fresh cases have emerged from Tapi, Navsari, Surat, Sabarkantha, Morbi, and Dwarka, prompting urgent intervention from the Animal Husbandry Department, which has launched an aggressive vaccination drive in the affected zones. In response, over 5 lakh cattle have already been vaccinated to contain the spread. Amid rising anxiety in rural belts, Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel offered some relief, stating that 250 of the 300 infected cattle have recovered, while eight deaths have been recorded so far. He added that the outbreak is now under control in four out of the eight districts. He was speaking at a one-day technical seminar on Animal Health in a Changing World: Innovation, Disease Prevention and Animal Welfare. Officials have also appealed to cattle breeders in the vulnerable regions to ensure swift vaccination and maintain biosecurity measures to prevent further escalation. The current surge draws haunting parallels to Gujarats 2022 LSD outbreak, which devastated livestock populations, claiming the lives of over 6,000 bovines, nearly 1,000 cattle, and 1,500 other animals across multiple districts including Kutch, Jamnagar, and Rajkot. That outbreak, marked by fever, skin nodules, and reduced milk yield, had crippled the rural dairy economy and exposed gaps in veterinary preparedness. In a proactive move, the state also convened a one-day state-level seminar today, aiming to review containment strategies, vaccine logistics, and inter-departmental coordination to ensure a repeat of 2022 is averted.
Lumpy Virus Resurfaces in Gujarat, 300 Cattle Infected Across Eight Districts
AHMEDABAD: The dreaded Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) has once again raised its head in Gujarat, infecting nearly 300 cattle across eight districts in just 15 days, reigniting fears among cattle breeders and authorities alike. With memories of the devastating 2022 outbreak still fresh, when over 6,000 cattle perished, the fresh surge has triggered renewed concern among cattle breeders. While the state government claims the situation is under control in half of the affected regions, active measures like mass vaccination drives and awareness campaigns are being rapidly executed to halt its spread. Fresh cases have emerged from Tapi, Navsari, Surat, Sabarkantha, Morbi, and Dwarka, prompting urgent intervention from the Animal Husbandry Department, which has launched an aggressive vaccination drive in the affected zones. In response, over 5 lakh cattle have already been vaccinated to contain the spread. Amid rising anxiety in rural belts, Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel offered some relief, stating that 250 of the 300 infected cattle have recovered, while eight deaths have been recorded so far. He added that the outbreak is now under control in four out of the eight districts. He was speaking at a one-day technical seminar on Animal Health in a Changing World: Innovation, Disease Prevention and Animal Welfare. Officials have also appealed to cattle breeders in the vulnerable regions to ensure swift vaccination and maintain biosecurity measures to prevent further escalation. The current surge draws haunting parallels to Gujarats 2022 LSD outbreak, which devastated livestock populations, claiming the lives of over 6,000 bovines, nearly 1,000 cattle, and 1,500 other animals across multiple districts including Kutch, Jamnagar, and Rajkot. That outbreak, marked by fever, skin nodules, and reduced milk yield, had crippled the rural dairy economy and exposed gaps in veterinary preparedness. In a proactive move, the state also convened a one-day state-level seminar today, aiming to review containment strategies, vaccine logistics, and inter-departmental coordination to ensure a repeat of 2022 is averted.
NEW DELHI: The Centre has announced a new integrated medical course combining MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in Puducherry. However, the announcement of starting such a course, which met with stiff opposition from modern medicine practitioners, has one big catch the regulatory bodies, including the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), do not seem to be involved in the proposal or even setting up the curriculum, as per RTI documents. File noting, made available through RTIs, has shown that the Union Health Ministry has sought comments from JIPMER about its proposal, the details on the course and its curriculum not once or twice but four times. The last time the ministry wrote to JIPMER to comment was on July 11 nearly two months after Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, announced on May 27 about the course, stating that it is in the conceptual stage, and efforts are underway to frame a new syllabus. The ministrys push for comments from JIPMER is in sharp contrast to a similar proposal made in 2022 by a Dehradun-based individual who had suggested changes in medical courses etc. At that time, the union health ministry had forwarded the proposals to the NMC, a statutory body that regulates medical education, medical professionals, institutes, and research. Moreover, there was no joint meeting involving all the three regulatory bodies the NMC, the Central Council of Homoeopathy and the Central Council of Indian Medicine - which meets every year once to enhance the interface between Homoeopathy, Indian Systems of Medicine and modern systems of medicine to discuss the new course. Kerala-based RTI activist, Dr K V Babu, who filed a series of RTIs to get more information about the government's attempt for mixopathy, said the NCISM to his question on more details about such a course said, No such information is available with this Commission. The union health ministry is pushing the move for such an integrated medical course. But RTIs have shown that there has been no joint meeting or joint approval for such a course, he told this paper. The government has to explain under which law, the Union Health Ministry is planning to start an integrated course? Why has the NMC, which regulates education in modern medicine, been kept in the dark for more than one and a half years? What is the role of NMC if the government is implementing/enforcing such decisions without any discussions with various stakeholders? Mixing science with non-science seems to be taken at the political level in our country, he said. The proposal for such an integrated medical course was proposed by Auroville Foundation with the aim of having a holistic approach to healthcare in January 2024. Auroville foundation proposed the draft curriculum in collaboration with some Ayurvedic Universities and JIPMER for integrated medical education, leading to the grant of dual degrees of MBBS and BAMS. The proposal also included setting up a satellite centre at the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar, and a satellite centre at JIPMER. After receiving the proposal, the health ministry in its February 13, 2024, letter to JIPMER said, It has been requested that the matter may kindly be considered in an expeditious manner with a view to starting the course on integral medical education from the forthcoming academic year. However, there was no response from JIPMER. The ministry continued to send reminders December 31, 2024, March 10, 2025 and finally on July 11, 2025 about their comments with regard to their proposal. In its July 11 reminder letter to JIPMER, the ministry said, However, no response has been received yet. We may, therefore, if approved, again issue a reminder to the institute to expedite and furnish the requisite comments to the Ministry, the file noting said. It seems the ministry this time is keen to introduce a new course without involving the regulators. The repeated reminders to JIPMER clearly shows the governments intention to start an integrated medical course, without taking the key statutory bodies on board, Dr Babu added.
The Bombay High Court has ordered the transfer of ailing elephant Mahadevi to the Radhe Krishna Elephant Welfare Trust in Jamnagar, supported by Anant Ambani's Vantara initiative, for specialized care and healing.
Gujarat becomes first State to join Cruise Bharat Mission, eyes coastal tourism boom
AHMEDABAD: Striding towards maritime tourism dominance, Gujarat has become the first state in India to officially align with the ambitious Cruise Bharat Mission. This strategic move marks a critical milestone in the nations quest to build a globally competitive cruise tourism ecosystem, positioning Gujarat at the forefront of India's coastal transformation. In a bold leap toward maritime tourism leadership, Gujarat has become the first state in India to formally align with the Centres ambitious Cruise Bharat Mission. Backed by its vast 2,340 km coastline and navigable Rivers like the Sabarmati and Narmada, Gujarat is now charting a new course to transform itself into a global cruise tourism hotspot. Despite having the longest coastline in the country, Gujarat has so far lacked a dedicated cruise terminal, unlike ports in Mumbai, Cochin, Chennai, and Mormugao, which have already advanced cruise infrastructure. But with its formal alignment under the Cruise Bharat Mission, the state is now racing to bridge that critical gap. Launched by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on September 30, 2024, the Cruise Bharat Mission aims to catapult India into the league of top cruise tourism nations, with a tenfold increase in sea cruise traffic targeted by 2029. In line with this vision, Gujarat has rolled out an ambitious plan proposing multiple cruise circuits along its western coast. These circuits are anchored around major destinations such as Diu, Veraval, Porbandar, Dwarka, Jamnagar, Okha, and the scenic Padala Island alongside the already operational Ghogha Hazira Ro-Pax route. To streamline the cruise experience, the state has divided its coastal routes into three strategic clusters: Padala IslandRann of Kutch PorbandarVeravalDiu DwarkaOkhaJamnagar Each cluster is carefully designed to connect religious, cultural, and natural attractions within a 100 kilometre radius making shore excursions swift, scenic, and tourism friendly. With this strategic alignment, Gujarat not only sets a precedent for other coastal states but also stakes its claim as a frontrunner in India's cruise tourism revolution.
Ahmedabad plane crash: DNA matches confirmed for 251 victims, 245 bodies handed over to families
AHMEDABAD: In a recent development following the Ahmedabad plane crash, Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi announced that DNA samples of 251 deceased victims have been successfully matched. Thus far, the mortal remains of 245 individuals have been handed over to their grieving families, with the remaining six to be returned in the coming days. Dr Joshi, addressing the media, shared that the 245 bodies released include 176 Indian nationals, 49 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, one Canadian, and 12 non-passengers. The extensive identification process marks a critical step towards closure for hundreds of devastated families. Ahmedabad plane crash: Crew member's mortal remains reach Manipur, thousands pay tributes Providing a district-wise breakdown, Dr Joshi stated that bodies have been returned to families from the following regions: Ahmedabad (70), Vadodara (24), Anand (26), Udaipur (7), Kheda (11), Mehsana (7), Surat (12), Bharuch (7), Gandhinagar (7), Diu (14), Gir Somnath (5), Rajkot (3), Patan (3), Junagadh (1), Amreli (2), Bhavnagar (1), Botad (1), Mahisagar (1), Aravalli (2), Palanpur (1), Jamnagar (2), Dwarka (2), Sabarkantha (1), Modasa (1), Khambhat (2), Nadiad (1), Patna (1), Mumbai (10), Pune (1), Maharashtra (2), Rajasthan (2), Jodhpur (1), London (10), and Manipur (1). He emphasised that the DNA matching process is both highly sensitive and bound by strict legal protocols. Every identification has been carried out with the utmost precision and care. Agencies such as Forensic Science University, alongside the local administration, health departments, and various state and central authorities, are working tirelessly to ensure that the mortal remains are returned with dignity and respect. This coordinated and relentless effort underscores the authorities commitment to providing a measure of solace and closure in the wake of an immense tragedy.
Ahmedabad plane crash: 223 DNA matches confirmed, 204 bodies handed over to families
AHMEDABAD: DNA samples of 223 victims of the Air India plane crash have been successfully matched, and 204 bodies have been handed over to families as of 11:50 am on June 20, according to Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi. The Civil Hospital authorities have intensified the efforts to identify and return the remaining bodies. Meanwhile, two patients under treatment at the Civil Hospital succumbed to their injuries. Their bodies have been handed over to their families, bringing the total count of bodies handed over to 204 from the Civil Hospital alone. Breaking down the identification further, Dr Joshi confirmed that the 223 matched victims comprise 168 Indian nationals, 7 Portuguese, 36 British citizens, 1 Canadian, and 11 non-passengers - local residents who were tragically caught in the crash zone. Several international, domestic Air India flights cancelled due to operational reasons Logistics have played a critical role in the aftermath, with 15 bodies airlifted and 189 transported by road, according to Dr Joshi. The mortal remains have been sent to various Indian states and several foreign countries. Ahmedabad received the highest number, with 58 bodies, followed by Vadodara (21), Surat (11), Udaipur (7), Mumbai (9), Diu (14), and Kheda (11). Others were sent to Mehsana (6), Gandhinagar (6), Rajkot (3), Jamnagar (2), Patan (2), Dwarka (2), Aravalli (2), and London (2). Single bodies were transported to locations including Botad, Jodhpur, Anand, Palanpur, Maharashtra, Junagadh, Amreli, Gir Somnath, Mahisagar, Bhavnagar, Patna, Nadiad, Sabarkantha, Nagaland, and Modasa. Madurai-bound Indigo flight returns after mid-air 'snag,' say officials
Ahmedabad plane crash: DNA of 211 victims matched; 189 bodies handed over to families
AHMEDABAD: In a significant update on the Ahmedabad plane crash tragedy, DNA samples of 211 deceased individuals have been successfully matched, and 189 bodies have been handed over to their respective families, according to officials. Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi shared the details during a media briefing, emphasizing the coordinated effort between forensic teams, hospital staff, and law enforcement. Of the remaining cases, eight families are expected to claim the mortal remains of their loved ones in the coming days, while two families are scheduled to accept the bodies by tomorrow. Additionally, 11 families are still awaiting DNA matches of their other relatives, indicating that the process of closure remains ongoing for many. Providing a breakdown of nationalities, Dr. Joshi stated that among the 189 confirmed deceased, 142 are Indian citizens, 32 are from the UK, seven are Portuguese nationals, one is Canadian, and seven individuals were non-passengers, whose presence near the crash site turned tragic. In a detailed media briefing, Dr. Joshi confirmed that 189 bodies have been handed over to families so far, while DNA samples of 211 deceased individuals have been successfully matched. He noted that eight more families are expected to receive the mortal remains of their relatives in the coming days, while two families will accept the remains by tomorrow. However, the process is not yet complete - 11 families are still awaiting the DNA match of a second relative, highlighting the continued emotional wait for full closure. Providing further insight, he explained the nationality distribution of the 189 deceased: 142 were Indian citizens, 32 were British nationals, 7 were from Portugal, 1 was Canadian, and 7 were non-passengerspeople who were tragically caught in the disaster despite not being on the flight. Dr Joshi also offered a detailed breakdown of the geographical origin of those whose bodies have been handed over. These include seven from Udaipur, 20 from Vadodara, 10 from Kheda, 55 from Ahmedabad, six from Mehsana, one each from Botad, Jodhpur, Patan, Junagadh, Mahisagar, Bhavnagar, and Patna, two each from Aravalli, Maharashtra, Amreli, Jamnagar, Dwarka, and London, 16 from Anand, five from Bharuch, 11 from Surat, six from Gandhinagar, 14 from Diu, three from Rajkot, nine from Mumbai, one each from Nadiad, Sabarkantha, and Nagaland. He emphasised that the process of DNA matching is both legally sensitive and scientifically complex, requiring meticulous attention. Due to these constraints, the identification is being carried out with utmost seriousness and urgency. To expedite the process, teams from the Forensic Science University, local administrations, state health departments, and multiple central and state agencies are working round the clock. Their collective efforts aim to ensure that the mortal remains are returned to families as quickly and respectfully as possible, offering a measure of peace amid a tragedy that has shaken families across India and abroad.
Gujarat officials carry out demolition drive at religious site, left shocked to find...
Officials in Gujarat were carrying out a demolition drive on Saturday when they came across something quite unusual. Upon reaching a religious site built illegally in Jamnagar's Bachu Nagar Extension area, they found a flurry of luxuries. Read on to know the details.
Pool, Bathtub Found Inside Religious Site During Demolition Drive In Gujarat
A swimming pool, a bathtub and huge, spacious rooms - these were among the constructions that were found inside an illegally-built religious site in Jamnagar.
IAF Apache helicopter makes precautionary landing near Pathankot in Punjab
An Indian Air Force Apache attack helicopter executed a precautionary landing near Pathankot, Punjab, prompting technical inspections. Following the checks, the helicopter was declared serviceable and safely returned to its base. This incident follows a similar precautionary landing by an IAF Apache near Saharanpur last week, and another by a Chetak helicopter near Jamnagar in April.
Environment Minister refutes claim of Delhi Zoo privatisation
Bhupender Yadav says collaboration with Jamnagar-based centre part of routine conservation partnerships
