UP man held by Gujarat cops uploaded videos of women bathers in Mahakumbh
AHMEDABAD: One of the three persons arrested by Gujarat police's Cyber Crime Branch for allegedly uploading videos of women being medically examined in hospitals had also done the same with clips of women pilgrims bathing during Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, a police official said on Friday. Chandra Prakash, a resident of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, had started a YouTube channel named 'CP Monda' a few months ago and uploaded videos of women pilgrims bathing at the ongoing Mahakumbh, Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Deputy Commissioner of Police Lavina Sinha told reporters. Chandra Prakash was held from Prayagaj on Wednesday along with Prajwal Taili and Praj Patil from Latur and Sangli in Maharashtra for uploading objectionable videos of women patients, including from a Rajkot based hospital, with aim of making money from subscribers on Telegram app. While Taili and Patil had acquired the videos of women patients from hackers, Chandra Prakash had downloaded the videos from other YouTube channels and uploaded them on his channel recently. We are probing if he too had intention of selling these videos. The duo from Maharashtra are not linked to Prakash, Sinha said. Taili and Praj knew each other as they have cleared Class 12 and were preparing for NEET in Latur. The three accused have been remanded in police custody till March 1, Sinha informed. In the videos, which appeared to be from CCTV footage, women patients could be seen being examined inside a closed room of a hospital by a female doctor or being given injection by a nurse. A police probe found the viral videos were part of CCTV footage of Rajkot-based Payal Maternity Home. Some hackers breached the hospital's CCTV system and acquired the footage, as per police. Later, Taili and Praj Patil acquired these footage and shared them on their YouTube channels, with the description carrying a link to a Telegram group. Using Telegram, the duo used to sell these clips for Rs 800 to Rs 2000 each. Both had made Rs 8 to 9 lakh in 7-8 months by selling such obscene clips online. We found nearly 2,000 clips, including of public places, from their devices, said Sinha.
Gujarat budget 2025: Rs 3.70 lakh crore outlay, five lakh jobs, major boost for farmers
AHMEDABAD: Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai, in his fourth consecutive Gujarat budget presentation, outlined key initiatives targeting youth, farmers, and women. During his 85-minute speech, he unveiled a Rs 3.70 lakh crore budget focused on economic growth and employment generation. A major highlight was the announcement of five lakh new jobs, reinforcing the state's push for workforce expansion. In a significant relief for farmers, he also introduced a provision allowing them to obtain a farmer certificate even if all their land becomes uncultivated, ensuring continued access to agricultural benefits. Gujarat's budget charts an ambitious course for economic growth, infrastructure, and social welfare, with six new growth hubs planned across key regions - Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Saurashtra Coastal, and Kutch - set to drive regional development. Strengthening connectivity, the state will develop two Greenfield Expressways and 12 high-speed corridors, including the Namo Shakti Expressway linking Deesa in North Gujarat to Pipavav in Saurashtra and the Somnath-Dwarka Expressway, enhancing access to major pilgrimage sites. In a bid to bolster air connectivity, a new airport in Dahod has been announced, alongside upgrades to airports in Vadodara, Surat, Bhavnagar, and Porbandar. Complementing this, tourism is set to receive a boost with the development of the Ambaji Corridor and the Dharoi Tourism Development Project. Urban development remains a priority, with 2025 declared as Urban Development Year and a 40 per cent budget increase dedicated to enhancing infrastructure in newly formed municipal corporations. Addressing water conservation, Gujarat will roll out the 'Catch the Rain' campaign across urban areas, aligning with the Prime Ministers call to raise groundwater levels through public participation. Meanwhile, housing support under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has been enhanced, increasing financial assistance per beneficiary to Rs 1.70 lakh. Welfare initiatives remain at the forefront, with Rs 30,000 crore allocated for Vanbandhu development, focusing on education, employment, and infrastructure in the tribal belt from Ambaji to Umargam. Gujarat's fisheries sector, backed by the countrys longest coastline, will receive a record Rs 1,622 crore package to enhance fish production and job creation. Agriculture modernization is another key focus, with Rs 1,612 crore set aside to strengthen the sector and support farmers. To prepare youth for the AI era, the government will establish AI labs in seven technical institutes and create an ecosystem fostering startups, including four new i-Hubs. Womens empowerment takes center stage with the launch of the Sakhi Sahas Yojana, which will provide self-help groups with equipment support, loan guarantees, and other resources for self-reliance. Additionally, child nutrition has been prioritized, with a 25 per cent budget increase pushing the allocation to Rs 8,460 crore. Social security measures have also been reinforced, with insurance coverage under the Janata Juth Aksmat Vima Yojana doubling from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh, benefiting over 4.45 crore people. Through this comprehensive budget, Gujarat aims to balance economic expansion with social upliftment, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel hailed the Rs 3.70 lakh crore Gujarat budget as a landmark financial plan, calling it he largest in the state's history and a testament to the government's unwavering commitment to development. With a 21.8 per cent increase in capital expenditure over the previous year, this budget strengthens Gujarat's growth trajectory and paves the way for a brighter future, he stated. Highlighting the transformative vision behind the budget, CM Patel emphasised its role in enhancing the quality of life for citizens. This budget is a successful effort to make the lives of Gujarat's people more comfortable, prosperous, and fulfilling, he said, adding that the state is consistently reaching new milestones in progress and development.
RMC Medical Officer Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 14 Posts
Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) has recruits 14 Medical Officer Posts. Candidates with MBBS Can Apply on or before 03-03-2025.
Shivaji statue installation at Rajkot fort under CM Fadnavis` review agenda
Installation of the new statue in coastal region is on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis review agenda
Hacked videos of women in labour room sold online; 3 held
The Gujarat police have arrested three individuals for allegedly acquiring hacked videos of women patients and selling them through YouTube and Telegram. The accused, who hail from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, reportedly used international hackers to obtain the clips, which appeared to be from CCTV footage of a Rajkot-based hospital. The police identified and arrested the trio who were allegedly running this racket, after videos of women patients being examined by doctors inside the labour room of a hospital were circulated online.
Gujarats cybercrime branch busts racket selling videos of female patients; three arrested
AHMEDABAD: Ahmedabad Cyber Crime has arrested two suspects from Maharashtra and one from Uttar Pradesh in connection with the viral videos of female patients undergoing treatment and examinations at Payal Maternity Home & Surgical Hospital near Raiya Circle in Rajkot. The accused were allegedly selling these illicit videos on a Telegram channel, charging hefty amounts from subscribers. Investigators have uncovered further evidence of the financial transactions linked to the illegal activity. Meanwhile, Ahmedabad Cyber Crime has confirmed that the hospitals CCTV IP system was hacked, allowing unauthorised access to private footage. One such video, showing a woman receiving treatment in a gynecological hospital, recently went viral on Telegram, with group members being invited to access similar content. The circulation of such videos is a direct violation of patient privacy, prompting authorities to register a case and take strict legal action. Gujarats Ahmedabad Cyber Crime and Crime Branch teams conducted coordinated raids across multiple states, leading them to Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, where they apprehended three suspects. Among them, Pragnesh Patil and Prajwal Teli were arrested from Sangli and Latur in Maharashtra, while another suspect was caught in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, investigators are interrogating seven more individuals linked to the case, hinting at a larger operation. The case revolves around the illegal sharing of private videos capturing female patients undergoing sensitive medical procedures, including sonography, breast check-ups, gynecological treatments, childbirth, and CT scans at a Rajkot maternity hospital. These videos were allegedly uploaded and sold through Telegram and YouTube channels, exposing victims to severe privacy violations. Cyber Crime ACP Hardik Mankadia confirmed earlier that viral videos on YouTube and Telegram have come under the cybercrime department's radar, linking the probe to their spread. Investigators are analysing the content, he said, adding that the video surfaced on YouTube on January 6 and a Telegram channel was created in September 2024. Mankadia stated that legal action is imminent. A case registered under Sections 66E and 67 of the Cyber Crime IT Act, reinforcing the departments strict stance. According to the crime branch, the two arrested suspects were actively profiting from this illicit trade by charging substantial amounts for access to the content. As the investigation deepens, officials are preparing to transfer the suspects from Maharashtra to Ahmedabad for further legal action, strengthening their crackdown on the perpetrators. Preliminary findings suggest a nationwide racket exploiting hospital CCTV footage, with cybercriminals operating across Gujarat and at least two other states. The misused footage was traced back to Rajkot's Payal Maternity Home & Surgical Hospital, prompting an immediate raid by Ahmedabad Cyber Crime officials. Statements from doctors and staff have been recorded, as authorities work to dismantle the larger network behind the privacy breach.
RMC Recruitment 2025 Apply Offline for 13 DEO, Admin Assistant & Other Posts
Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) has recruits 13 DEO, Admin Assistant & Other Posts. Candidates with BCA, B.Sc, Diploma, CA, MBA/PGDM, PGDCA Can Apply on or before 12-03-2025.
RMC DEO, Admin Assistant & Other Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 13 Posts
Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) has recruits 13 DEO, Admin Assistant & Other Posts. Candidates with BCA, B.Sc, Diploma, CA, MBA/PGDM, PGDCA Can Apply on or before 12-03-2025.
Smaller cities like Thrissur and Nagpur are emerging as potential business hotspots, as observed in the latest Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 report. With government initiatives improving infrastructure and job creation, interest from homebuyers and investors in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities is on the rise.
Videos Capturing Women Undergoing Gynaecological Treatment in Gujarat Leaked Online
Videos of women undergoing gynaecological check-ups at a Rajkot hospital were uploaded online, raising privacy concerns. Police and Ahmedabad cybercrime are investigating.
Cash, jewellery worth Rs 2cr found in Rajkot-bound truck
Indias AR developer community grows by 50% in two years
Snap Inc. highlighted the growing role of augmented reality at the second annual India AR Day event in Mumbai, focusing on its impact on creativity, developer engagement, and the broader AR ecosystem in the country. Bobby Murphy, CTO, Snap Inc ., emphasised the companys commitment to fostering creativity and self-expression through AR innovation in India. Our mission with Snap AR is to be a platform for creativity. We develop new technology and tools to enable creators to build amazing experiences for millions of people to enjoy. Indian developers are at the forefront of innovation, bringing engaging and creative experiences to life. In fact, among all countries, the highest number of lenses published on Snapchat come from India. And the developer community here has grown by more than half, over the last two years. India is an extraordinary country where AR has become a part of daily life. Its a country where the creative energy is electric, and AR is not just a tool for entertainment but a medium for cultural expression. Pulkit Trivedi , MD, India, Snap Inc., added India is home to a thriving community of creators and developers who are shaping the future of AR. With over 200 million Snapchatters in India using the platform to visually express themselves, connect, and enjoy content, AR has become central to communication and creativity. We believe long-term success in AR relies on a strong developer ecosystem, and we remain deeply committed to fostering this vibrant community. Seeing Snapchatters engage with AR Lenses over 80 billion times a month is a testament to the power of creative expression, and were excited to continue supporting and celebrating this innovation. The Mumbai event brought together AR creators, developers, brands, and industry partners to explore the technologys growing applications. Attendees engaged with interactive experiences demonstrating ARs potential beyond entertainment, while Snaps 'Any Body Can Develop' session provided a hands-on introduction to lens creation. The company's fifth-generation Spectacles, see-through AR glasses powered by Snap OS, were demonstrated in India for the first time. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, the untethered glasses feature a see-through display and built-in dimmer. Snap OS, an operating system developed specifically for AR, enables hands-free interaction using voice and hand controls. The launch of Snap OS and the latest Spectacles reflects the company's ongoing efforts in AR hardware and software development over the past decade. A new generation of AR creators In India, over 85% of the patform's users engage with AR Lenses, particularly during cultural events and festivals. The country's AR developer community is expanding beyond major cities, with creators emerging from towns such as Goraya, Prayagraj, Cochin, and Ambala. Globally, more than 375,000 creators have developed over 4 million AR Lenses, which have been used 4.5 trillion times in the past year. The company is working to extend AR adoption in India, particularly in Tier 2 and 3 cities, through local training initiatives. In 2024, the company hosted over 120 Lens Studio meetups in cities like Surat, Coimbatore, Rajkot, Trichy, Trivandrum, and Gwalior, reaching more than 6,000 developers. The company has also partnered with educational institutions such as K.J. Somaiya in Mumbai, Pearl Academy in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi, and Loyola College in Chennai to develop creative digital skills essential for mixed reality and innovation. To further support AR creators, it launched the India Lens Awards, recognising innovation in five categories. The winners include Perfect Pitch Game by Pratyush Gupta for Best Viral Lens, Diwali Game by Krunal MB Gediya for Best Game, Ethereal Dress by XRFX Studio for Best Artistic Lens, Domino Pro LIDAR by Wasim Ghole for Best Technical Lens, and Rang De Mohey by Jeetesh Singh for Best Festive Lens. Brands leveraging AR The company continues to expand its presence in sponsored AR, supporting high-engagement campaigns and offering advertising tools that help brands connect with audiences in new ways. These initiatives have had a significant impact on creators like Persica Picardo, co-founder of XRFX Studio, who started working with AR in 2018. She credits Snaps Lens Studio with providing the tools to turn her passion into a profession, enabling collaborations with brands in beauty and fashion. Since founding XRFX Studio, her team has worked with companies including Coca-Cola, Google, Nykaa, Tira, Amazon Prime Video, and Swiggy. The studio recently surpassed a $100,000 revenue milestone, reflecting ARs growing role in brand engagement and digital experiences. Strategic partnerships with brands such as Nykaa, Myntra, Doritos-PepsiCo, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, Swiggy, Ajio, and Spotify are creating new monetisation opportunities, allowing creators to establish sustainable careers in AR. India AR Day highlights the countrys expanding AR ecosystem, where developers, creators, and brands are driving innovation, engagement, and cultural expression in the global digital space.
Rajkot mayor travels to Kumbh in official vehicle
Naynaben Pedhadiya, mayor of Rajkot city in Gujarat has sparked a controversy after photos of her journey to Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh in her official vehicle went viral.
AIIMS Rajkot Senior Resident Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online for 80 Posts
All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rajkot (AIIMS Rajkot) has recruits 80 Senior Resident Posts. Candidates With DNB, M.Sc, M.Phil/Ph.D, MS/MD, M.Ch Can Apply Online from 10-02-2025 to 15-03-2025.
IND vs ENG: THIS star spinner joins India's squad for upcoming ODI series, Jasprit Bumrah left out
He picked 14 wickets, which included a five-wicket haul in Rajkot in the recently concluded 5-match T20I series against England.
The series is currently in a good position as England has made a strong comeback, winning the 3rd T20I in Rajkot by 26 runs.
AIIMS Rajkot Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online for Senior Project Assistant, Data Entry Operator Posts
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajkot (AIIMS Rajkot) has recruits 2 Senior Project Assistant, Data Entry Operator Posts. Candidates With Graduate, B.Sc Can Apply Online from 28-01-2025 to 12-02-2025.
AIIMS Rajkot Senior Project Assistant, Data Entry Operator Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajkot (AIIMS Rajkot) has recruits 2 Senior Project Assistant, Data Entry Operator Posts. Candidates With Graduate, B.Sc Can Apply Online from 28-01-2025 to 12-02-2025.
Gujarat BJP faces internal strife amid allegations of favouritism, corruption
AHMEDABAD: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat, once renowned for its disciplined organisational structure, is grappling with a series of controversies that critics claim reflect the very political culture it once condemned in the Congress party. The latest turmoil stems from Rajkot, where an anonymous letter has accused BJP organisation in-charge Dhaval Dave of impropriety in distributing party positions, further intensifying the party's internal discord. According to the letter, Dave has allegedly favoured women with whom he shares close relationships while appointing individuals to party posts. It also claims that he orchestrated a smear campaign against state unit vice-president Bharat Boghra under instructions from a party general secretary. This revelation follows the unresolved Amreli letter controversy, in which similar allegations were levelled against sitting MLA Kaushik Vekaria. Adding to the BJPs woes, the party was recently rocked by a Rs 500-600 crore ponzi scheme scandal, with BJP leader Bhupendrasinh Zala from Sabarkantha identified as the mastermind. The CID crime branch has since arrested Zala. Political analysts argue that the BJP, long admired for its disciplined structure, appears to be adopting characteristics it once criticised in the Congress. The term Congress-Yukt BJPsuggesting the partys increasing resemblance to Congress-style politicshas gained traction as more former Congress leaders secure influential roles within the party and government. Amid these developments, internal dissent within the BJP has become more pronounced. Party workers have voiced their frustration over what they perceive as a shift away from meritocratic principles in appointing leaders. Sources suggest that loyalty to top leadership, rather than dedication to party ideology or grassroots work, has become the primary criterion for political advancement. The impact of this internal strife has been evident in electoral setbacks, with rebel leaders successfully contesting official party candidates in various elections, from assembly polls to local body contests. This growing indiscipline signals a major departure from the BJPs traditional emphasis on organisational unity and ideological commitment. As factionalism deepens, the BJP faces mounting challenges in maintaining its distinct political identity while managing an expanded support base and addressing internal power struggles that once plagued its chief political rival.
Watch: Sanju rolls like Dhoni! Helps SKY with a spot-on DRS call
India wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson has done an MSD from behind rge stumps during the third T20I against England on Tuesday night. On the last ball of the 10th over, England skipper Buttler played a reverse sweep close to the stumps. He failed to connect and the ball safely stuck in Samson's gloves. Almost instantaneously Sanju started celebrating and appealing. However, no player including the bowler - Varun Chakaravarthy nor the Indian Skipper Suryakumar Yadav looked interesting. Nevertheless, Samson was successful in convincing SKY for a DRS. His actions helped India dismiss the dangerous opener. #VarunChakaravarthy breaks the partnership! A successful review by #TeamIndia and #JosButtler has to walk back! Start watching FREE on Disney+ Hotstar: https://t.co/cA9YJDYNul #INDvENGOnJioStar 3rd T20I LIVE NOW on Disney+ Hotstar & Star Sports! | #KhelAasmani pic.twitter.com/8AUu2FMPOU Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 28, 2025 Meanwhile, a disciplined bowling and a quickfire 51 by Ben Duckett helped England bounce back to win the match against India and to keep the series alive. Duckett's 28-ball knock set up England to make 171-9 despite a collapse triggered by Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who returned figures of 5-24 in Rajkot. England's bowlers then combined to limit India to 145-9, sealing a 26-run win in a five-match series now only led 2-1 by India. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid impressed with figures of 1-15 from an excellent four-over spell, while England's fast bowlers struck regularly. Jamie Overton took three wickets while Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse claimed two each. Hardik Pandya stuttered to 40 off 35 deliveries before being dismissed by Overton when the required run-rate climbed to more than 20 an over. Wickets kept tumbling as Rashid bowled Tilak Varma and Overton sent back Washington Sundar to reduce India to 85-5 and Pandya never seriously threatened to take India over the line. Both teams will go head-to-head again on Friday at the Maharashtra Crikcet Association Stadium in Pune.
Indian batters falter against England in 3rd T20I
Rajkot, Jan 28: Indian batters faltered against an incisive England bowling attack as the visitors raised their game in a must-win scenario to win the third T20I by 26 runs and keep the five-match series alive here on Tuesday. Mohammed Shami made a solid comeback to international cricket after 14 months but it was Varun [] The post Indian batters falter against England in 3rd T20I appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Dew didn't set in, that played in their favour: Varun Chakravarthy on Rajkot pitch
India lost the third T20I against England by 26 runs, making the series score 2-1. The pitch slowed down in the second innings, helping England's bowlers, particularly Adil Rashid. Rashid's tight spell made it difficult for India to chase the target despite Varun Chakravarthy's impressive five-wicket haul in the first innings.
India suffered a 26-run defeat against England in the third T20I match held in Rajkot.
Ind vs Eng Live Streaming: When and where to watch the 3rd T20I between India and England
India is set to seal the series against England in the third T20I at Rajkot on Tuesday. India has already won the first two matches in Kolkata and Chennai. The second T20I was a thriller, with India winning by two wickets. The live streaming will be available on Disney+ Hotstar and the Star Sports network.
Shami fit but SKY, Gautam will decide on his workload
Rajkot, Jan 27: Pacer Mohammed Shami is not facing any fitness concerns but the call on him playing the remaining games in the T20I series against England will be taken by the captain and the head coach, Indias new batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Monday. The 34-year-old not being picked for the first two [] The post Shami fit but SKY, Gautam will decide on his workload appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Dismissed twice by Archer, Sanju hones skills against bouncer
Rajkot, Jan 27: Sanju Samson arrived at the Saurashtra Cricket Association ground here on Monday long before the rest of his India teammates turned up for practice ahead of the third T20I against England. Samson, who was dismissed by England quick Jofra Archer with a short ball in the first two games, had new batting [] The post Dismissed twice by Archer, Sanju hones skills against bouncer appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Have certain things in mind for Rohit, Kohli; will talk with them at right time: Kotak
Rajkot, Jan 27: Indias new batting coach Sitanshu Kotak feels familiarity with the current bunch of young players will help in his role and he is looking forward to work with under-fire veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the teams build up to the Champions Trophy. Kotak, who has worked extensively at NCA and [] The post Have certain things in mind for Rohit, Kohli; will talk with them at right time: Kotak appeared first on The Shillong Times .
IND vs ENG third T20I: High-scoring encounter beckons both teams in Rajkot
While the Men in Blue found success with their deep batting line-up and a spin-heavy bowling attack, the visitors decision to back its pace battery struck out in the first two matches.
Eyes on Suryakumar as India chase series win against England
Rajkot: India captain Suryakumar Yadav will be expected to get back to his belligerent best after a prolonged lean run when his uber-aggressive unit takes on a struggling England in the third T20 International, aiming for a series-sealing win here on Tuesday. Since Suryakumar took over as captain last year, India have hardly put a wrong but his own form has dipped. The year gone by was the least productive for arguably the world's best T20 batter as he totalled 429 runs in 17 innings at an average of 26.81. Suryakumar averaged close to 35 in 2021, his first year in international cricket, before raising it to 45 plus in the following two years. The 34-year-old from Mumbai is yet to fire in the five-match series against England and has a point to prove following his exclusion from the ODI Champions Trophy squad. Though he is India's very own 'Mr 360', Suryakumar is at his finest when he is toying with the opposition attack with runs behind the wicket. He perished while attempting his signature pick up shot of a slower ball in the series-opener before playing one on to his stump in the last game. Tilak Varma's individual brilliance got India over the line in Chennai but besides Suryakumar's lack of runs, Sanju Samson's short ball shortcomings were highlighted. Samson, who had a memorable series in South Africa, has been dismissed to the short ball from Jofra Archer twice in the series. It is something he would look to correct on a Rajkot pitch which is usually full of runs and is expected to be another happy hunting ground for the Indians after wins in the first two games of the five-match rubber. Though Archer and Mark Wood have posed a few challenges to the home batters, one man who has totally looked comfortable against extra pace is Tilak. The southpaw's pick up shot off Archer at Chepauk spoke a lot about his class. With Rinku Singh and Nitish Reddy unavailable due to injuries, there is a possibility of either Shivam Dube or Ramandeep Singh getting a game. Dube, who was tasked with smashing the spinners in the middle overs during the T20 World Cup, could come in handy against the leg-spin of Adil Rashid. Arshdeep Singh has been the lone specialist pacer in the playing eleven thus far with Hardik Pandya providing support. The team management is likely to keep that combination. India, who prefer to play with eight batters, have been relying on Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakaravarthy to do the job in the middle overs and have used as many as five spin options in Chennai. We've been playing with an extra batter since the last two-three series. We want that cushion and also that batter gives us two-three overs in the game, said Suryakumar following the close finish on Saturday night. In a must-win situation to keep the five-match series alive, England would be hoping to put a much improved performance with the bat. Skipper Jos Buttler has looked the most assured England batter thus far while the others have struggled against quality spin. Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse showed potential in the last game and they would be looking to build on that. On the bowling front, Archer would be aiming for the early wickets but at the same time, he will also look to stem the flow of runs, having conceded 60 off his four overs in Chennai. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid has been frugal as ever and it's the batting that needs to step up and do the job. Squads: India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Ramandeep Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel. England: Jos Buttler (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Philip Salt, Mark Wood. Match starts 7 PM IST.
Shivam Dube is expected to link up with the national squad before the third T20I in Rajkot on January 28.
Jailed Guj scribe booked for extorting realty agent
Jailed journalist Mahesh Langa, already facing multiple charges, has been booked in a fresh case for allegedly extorting Rs 40 lakh from a real estate agent by threatening to malign his image and implicate him in a false case. This is the fifth FIR registered against him since his arrest in October 2023 for an alleged Goods and Services Tax (GST) scam. The latest case was registered based on a complaint by Janak Thakor, a real estate agent, who alleged that Langa threatened to write negative articles about him and trap him in a false case unless he paid the money. Langa has been in jail since his arrest in October and is facing charges in four previous cases registered by Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Rajkot police.
Shami's comeback in focus as team India prepare for England challenge
Kolkata: Fit-again pacer Mohammed Shami's comeback would be keenly watched when the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian T20 team takes on an evenly-matched England in a five-match series starting here on Wednesday, aiming to make up for the recent Test disasters that have caused considerable turmoil and heartbreak. The white-ball rubber, comprising five T20Is and three ODIs after that, presents an ideal platform for both the teams to experiment with combinations and assess form before next month's Champions Trophy. Shami, despite missing four matches, emerged as India's leading wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2023 with 24 scalps, including a sensational 7/57 in the semifinal against New Zealand at the Wankhede. Interestingly, the pacer has claimed the same number of wickets -- 24 at an average of 29.62 -- in his limited T20I career and will aim to improve on that while proving his fitness. Shami was sidelined after the lost final against Australia on November 19, 2023 due to an ankle injury that required surgery. The recovery from that was followed by swelling on his left knee during the domestic comeback some weeks back. Following his inclusion in India's Champions Trophy squad, Shami's return will garner national attention. With pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah nursing a back injury and his Champions Trophy participation doubtful, Shami's comeback assumes greater significance. The 34-year-old made his competitive return in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal, guiding them to their first win of the season with a seven-wicket haul. He followed it up with impressive performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (11 wickets) and the Vijay Hazare Trophy (five wickets). Shami's T20I career has been sporadic, with just 23 appearances since his debut in 2014. His last outing in the format was against England in the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal. With the Rohit Sharma-led Indian Test set-up still reeling from a horror tour of Australia, a good performance from the T20 side has become imperative especially after the Board had to step in to reinforce diktats on team discipline. Axar's new beginning ============== All-rounder Axar Patel will debut as India's vice-captain in the T20I format. He has been rewarded for his stellar all-round contributions in India's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign in the Caribbean last year. Axar played a crucial knock of 47 off 31 balls in the final against South Africa and took nine wickets at an average of 19.22 across eight matches. The Gujarat player has already outlined his vision for India's middle order, emphasising a flexible approach with players floating between No. 3 to 7 depending on match situations. Curious case of Sanju Samson All eyes will also be on Kerala's Sanju Samson, who faces another critical juncture in his career after being omitted from India's Champions Trophy squad. He was subsequently ignored by Kerala selectors for their Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh. The wicketkeeper-batter has proven his mettle several times, becoming the first Indian to score successive T20I centuries in the recent series against South Africa being a case in point. Promising all-rounder Nitish Reddy, who scored his maiden Test century against Australia in December at Melbourne, has also earned a spot in the squad, giving the team another option pace-bowling all-rounder along with the redoubtable Hardik Pandya. England's fresh start For the Jos Buttler-led England, the series marks a new chapter under head coach Brendon McCullum, who signed a three-year contract following Matthew Mott's resignation following their T20 World Cup exit. Known for revolutionising Test cricket with his aggressive 'Bazball' approach, McCullum will now seek to replicate that success in the limited-overs format. It would not be a new territory for the New Zealand great, who was also at the helm of Kolkata Knight Riders after playing for the franchise in the inaugural IPL. England will miss key players Reece Topley, Sam Curran, and Will Jacks, but promising 21-year-old Jacob Bethell, who impressed in the ODI series against the West Indies last year, will look to shine. Bethell has averaged 57.66 and struck at 167.96 in his seven T20I appearances. Like Shami, England's fiery pacer Jofra Archer will be under the spotlight as he returns from injury to lead their pace attack ahead of the Champions Trophy. But conditions in India, with the possibility of heavy evening dew, could pose a challenge for bowlers. The squad also includes pace bowler Mark Wood following his recovery from a right elbow injury. After Wednesday's game, the series would move to Chennai for the second T20I (January 25), followed by matches Rajkot (Jan 28), Pune (Jan 31) and Mumbai (February 2). The ODI leg will start in Nagpur on February 6, followed by Cuttack (February 9) and Ahmedabad (February 12). Teams (from) India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar and Dhruv Jurel (wk). England: Jos Buttler (c), Harry Brook (vc), Phil Salt (wk), Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, and Mark Wood. Match starts: 7pm.
Virat Kohli set to play Ranji Trophy after 12 years
New Delhi: Indian superstar Virat Kohli is set to play his first Ranji Trophy game since 2012 after making himself available for Delhi's tie against Railways scheduled here from January 30. Kohli could not make it for Delhi's upcoming away clash against Saurashtra, beginning in Rajkot on January 23, due to a neck sprain but he has communicated to DDCA that he is available for the team's last league match of the Ranji Trophy. Virat has conveyed to DDCA president (Rohan Jaitley) and team management that he is available for the game against Railways, Delhi head coach Sarandeep Singh told PTI. The BCCI has made playing domestic cricket mandatory for its contracted cricketers unless there is a fitness issue following the series loss in Australia earlier this month. Kohli last played a Ranji Trophy match in November 2012 when Delhi took on Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad. Thanks to BCCI's directive, the last two rounds of Ranji Trophy will be star-studded affairs. Kohli's India and Delhi teammate Rishabh Pant will play his first Ranji game in six years when he takes the field in Rajkot. He too could be seen alongside Kohli in the Railways game. After the Champions Trophy squad announcement on Saturday, India captain Rohit Sharma confirmed his availability for Mumbai's match against Jammu and Kashmir at home. Other India stars including Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja will also be seen in action in the next round of Ranji Trophy for their respective sides. The clamour for Rohit and Co to play red-ball cricket had grown after India lost their second successive Test series. After being blanked 3-0 by New Zealand at home, India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-3 in Australia. Both Rohit and Kohli had a series to forget in Australia. While Rohit decided to bench himself for the final Test in Sydney due to poor form, Kohli was caught in the slip cordon off balls outside the off-stump as many as eight times in the series. India next play a Test against England in June but both Rohit and Kohli would like to be among the runs heading into the Champions Trophy next month.
Kohli set to play Ranji Trophy after 12 years
NEW DELHI, Jan 20: Indian superstar Virat Kohli is set to play his first Ranji Trophy game since 2012 after making himself available for Delhis tie against Railways scheduled here from January 30. Kohli could not make it for Delhis upcoming away clash against Saurashtra, beginning in Rajkot on January 23, due to a neck sprain but he has communicated to DDCA that he is available for the teams last league match of the Ranji Trophy. Virat has conveyed to [] The post Kohli set to play Ranji Trophy after 12 years appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jadeja to play Saurashtras Ranji Trophy tie against Delhi
NEW DELHI, Jan 19: India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is set to play in Saurashtras Ranji Trophy tie against Delhi from January 23 after turning up for the teams practice session in Rajkot on Sunday. Jadeja last played for Saurastra in January 2023. Following the tour of Australia, the BCCI had made participation in domestic cricket mandatory unless the player is unavailable due to an injury. Jadeja has turned up for training today. He will play the next match, Saurashtra Cricket [] The post Jadeja to play Saurashtras Ranji Trophy tie against Delhi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Virat Kohli opts out of Delhis Ranji Trophy due to injury
New Delhi: On a day when India skipper Rohit Sharma confirmed his availability for Mumbais next Ranji Trophy game against Jammu and Kashmir, megastar Virat Kohli intimated that he wont be there for Delhis fixture against Saurashtra in Rajkot due to a neck niggle. The Ranji Trophy resumes on January 23. The Delhi selection committee 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 .
Cryptocurrency scam: Blockara Company swindles Rs 300 crore from 8000 investors
AHMEDABAD: A massive scam has been uncovered in Rajkot City in Gujarat as the Blockara company is accused of duping over 8,000 individuals in the state. The company swindled an estimated amount of Rs 300 crore allegedly promising high returns from cryptocurrency investments. Authorities are now investigating the fraudulent operations, which have left many investors devastated, questioning the legitimacy of crypto ventures. On January 18, Multani Mosin Rasidbhai, a victim of the Blockara company scam, filed an application at the Rajkot City Police Commissioner's Office. The application reveals that 12 investors in Rajkot have collectively lost around Rs. 70 lakhs, lured by promises of a 1 per cent daily return on an investment of Rs. 4.25 lakhs, with a maturity payout of over Rs. 12 lakhs. It is now alleged that 8,000 people across Gujarat have been duped out of Rs. 300 crores in this fraudulent scheme. A complaint has also been lodged with the Surat Crime Branch against the company's managers, while discussions are underway with the Rajkot Police Commissioner to determine whether a separate case will be filed in Rajkot. In the application submitted to the Police Commissioner, Firoz Dilawar Multani, the founder of Blockara Company from Ankleshwar, along with his associates Nitin Jagatyan, Amit Manubhai Multani from Limbdi, Azhruddin Satak Multani, the marketing head from Saurashtra, and Maqsud Syed, the Gujarat head, have been named as the main culprits. The complaint also reveals that the accused organized a caste convention in Limbdi, where investors were lured into sinking Rs. 4.25 lakh into the launched cryptocurrency TABC. Promises of a daily return of Rs. 4,000 enticed many to invest, contributing to the ongoing fraudulent scheme. The accused in the Blockara scam promised investors that the value of the TABC cryptocurrency would soar to $300 in the future, with potential profits running into crores of rupees. As a result, many investors from Rajkot poured lakhs of rupees into the scheme. In addition, they were assured that they could sell their crypto IDs for returns. To further entrap victims, the fraudsters organised a meeting at a hotel, where a Zoom call was broadcast to multiple locations, including a hotel in Mumbai and to several five-star hotels. This strategic move aimed to recruit even more unsuspecting investors. According to Mosin Multani, the victim of this fraud, I live near Kotharia Solvent and have been scammed of Rs. 13 lakh in the name of crypto. Along with 12 others, we've filed a petition for a total fraud of Rs. 70 lakh. Firoz Dilawar Multani and his partners lured us during a meeting in Limbdi. 30-35 thousand from Rajkot and 7-8 thousand from across Gujarat have fallen victim. After two years of false promises, we've presented our case to the Police Commissioner, he added. DCP Jagdish Bangarwa addressed the situation, stating, We have received a complaint from Multani Mohsin, who alleges that millions of rupees were defrauded by Blockara company under the false pretext of cryptocurrency investment. He further explained, The accused took money from the complainant, promising returns from cryptocurrency investments, but failed to deliver, as all associated companies were shut down and the perpetrators have gone into hiding. Bangarwa also noted, A formal complaint has been filed with the Surat Crime Branch against the companys managers. Discussions are underway with senior officials to determine whether a separate case should be registered in Rajkot, after which appropriate actions will be taken, he added.
Over 1000 women ascetics to receive 'diksha' during Mahakumbh
LUCKNOW: Besides the rare celestial alignment leading to Pushya Nakshatra after 144 years, the ongoing Mahakumbh is all set to be historical in many other ways. Deemed to be the biggest religious congregation of humanity, the event will witness the women power in the spiritual realm at play. The 13 Akharas (Hindu monastic orders) are gearing up to hoist the flag of Sanatan tradition yet again by inducting a new generation of women ascetics through Diksha during the upcoming Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya on January 29. The Snan would take place under the rare and pious Pushya Nakshtra. Mahakumbh 2025: 2.5 Crore Devotees Take Holy Dip at Triveni Sangam | Drone Visuals The event is also set to script a new chapter in Sanatans history as Prayagraj Mahakumbh records an unprecedented 1000 women ascetics receiving diksha. Sanyasini Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara Divya Giri mentioned that more than 200 women are set to receive sanyas diksha (initiation) under their Akhada during this Mahakumbh. The cumulative count of women to receive Diksha may exceed the 1000 mark, reaching a historic milestone. Registration for diksha ceremonies is already underway, and the ritual will tentatively be scheduled for January 27. MahaKumbh 2025: Over 7 crore pilgrims bathed at Sangam from Jan 11 to 16 In Sanatan Dharma, the decision to renounce worldly life and embrace asceticism is often driven by spiritual awakening or transformative life events, such as personal loss or disillusionment with materialism. According to Divya Giri, this year, those receiving initiation include highly educated women who are choosing the spiritual path for deeper self-realisation. Among them is Radhenand Bharti, a PhD scholar in Sanskrit at Kalidas Ramtek University in Gujarat. Hailing from Rajkot, Bharti shared that despite hailing from a prosperous business family, her quest for spiritual fulfilment led her to renounce worldly pursuits. She has been extending services to her Guru for the last 12 years and is now ready to enter the world of asceticism. The Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara has been at the forefront of acknowledging and elevating the contributions of women devotees within the Akhara system. Recently, it granted a new, prestigious title to its womens wing, renaming it Sannyasini Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara. This decision come after female ascetics proposed the change to their patron Mahant Hari Giri who approved it. For the first time, the womens wing will have its own dedicated camp at the Mahakumbh, bearing its new title. Divya Giri mentioned that this recognition symbolises progress in acknowledging the contributions and aspirations of Matrushakti (women power) within the traditionally male-dominated Akhara framework.
Virat Kohli to play Ranji Trophy for first time since 2012 but there is a catch
Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant have been included in Delhi's Ranji Trophy 2025 squad for their upcoming match against Saurashtra in Rajkot.
Ireland fined 10 percent of match fee for slow over-rate in WODI against India
RAJKOT, Jan 16: The Ireland womens cricket team was on Thursday fined 10 percent of its match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate in the third and final ODI against India, which the hosts won by a massive 304 runs to make a clean sweep of the series. The hosts, powered by fine centuries from Smriti Mandhana (135) and Pratika Rawal (154) on Wednesday, scored a mammoth 435/5, the highest total by an Indian team mens or womens [] The post Ireland fined 10 percent of match fee for slow over-rate in WODI against India appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
India women must make this year their best in ODIs: Smriti Mandhana
RAJKOT, Jan 16: Smriti Mandhana believes Indias back-to-back 3-0 series wins against the West Indies and Ireland have provided the perfect momentum for making it their best year in one-dayers as the team gears up for the 50-over World Cup at home. India will host the womens ODI World Cup later this year and the team, which has been able to rediscover its form with six consecutive ODI wins, should drive home the advantage now, says Mandhana. Two 3-0 sweeps [] The post India women must make this year their best in ODIs: Smriti Mandhana appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Mandhana smashes 70-ball ton as India women thrash Ireland by 304 runs
RAJKOT, Jan 15: Records tumbled like nine pins as the Indian womens cricket team, powered by skipper Smriti Mandhanas 70-ball century, demolished Ireland by a whopping 304 runs to claim its biggest-ever ODI win and complete a 3-0 clean sweep here on Wednesday. The result of the match was a mere formality once India set [] The post Mandhana smashes 70-ball ton as India women thrash Ireland by 304 runs appeared first on The Shillong Times .
India beat Ireland by 304 runs in third womens ODI
RAJKOT: India completed a whitewash of Ireland with a massive 304-run win in the third and final womens ODI here on Wednesday. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal scored a century each to power India to their highest-ever total of 435. Mandhana (135) and Rawal (154) shared a whopping 233-run stand to give a solid start to India after opting to bat. The post India beat Ireland by 304 runs in third womens ODI appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Meet Pratika Rawal, daughter of BCCI umpire who smashed historic maiden century against Ireland
Pratika Rawal hit her maiden ODI century, scoring 154 runs against Ireland in Rajkot. She formed a 233-run stand with captain Smriti Mandhana, who also scored a century. Their efforts led India to their highest ODI total of 435 for five. Rawal's background in psychology has significantly aided her cricket career.
Pant confirms his availability for Delhis Ranji Trophy match
New Delhi: India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability to play for Delhi in the next Ranji Trophy match Saurashtra. Rishabh Pant, who last played in the Ranji Trophy was during the 2017-2018 season, may join the team in Rajkot directly, where the match is scheduled to take place from January 23. Rishabh Pant 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 .
Six Dead, hundreds injured as kite strings cause injuries during Gujarats Uttarayan festival
AHMEDABAD : As Gujarat celebrates Uttarayan on January 14th, tragedy has struck, with six lives claimed by kite strings. The sharp, glass-coated strings have caused severe injuries, with many victims being rushed to hospitals after suffering throat cuts. On the day of the festival itself, the state's emergency services were stretched thin, with 108 ambulances deployed in response to urgent calls from various cities. By 9 PM on January 14th, the 108 emergency helpline had already fielded 4,256 calls, highlighting the scale of the crisis amidst the festivities. Amid Makar Sankranti celebrations in Gujarat, six people have tragically lost their lives due to kite strings. In Rajkot, a biker was killed when a kite string cut his throat. Similarly, in Surendranagar's Odu village, Ishwarbhai Thakor also died from a kite string injury. In another incident, 5-year-old Kunal from Rahatlav village in Halol died when a kite string severed his throat while he was riding with his father. Despite being rushed to Halol Sub-District Hospital, Kunal succumbed to his injuries shortly after treatment began. In Kadi's Kasba area, a woman was electrocuted while attempting to remove a kite string tangled in an electric wire, and tragically, her brother also died from electrocution while trying to save her. Another tragic incident occurred in Mehsana district during the Uttarayan celebrations. Mansaji Ragunji Thakor, 35, from Vadbar village, Vadnagar taluka, died from a fatal rope injury. The incident unfolded when Mansaji was returning home on his bike after work in the afternoon, and a rope suddenly struck his neck. He was rushed to Vadnagar Civil Hospital with severe injuries, but despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his wounds during treatment. Six throat-slitting incidents have been reported in Vadodara city during the Uttarayan festival, with five victims currently receiving treatment. Among the casualties, 35-year-old Madhuri Kaushikbhai Patel from Chhani tragically died after being strangled by a rope. Increased injuries to animals, birds, and people have been reported during the Uttarayan festival. By 6 PM, Karuna Animal Ambulance had fielded 1,402 emergency calls, with 758 for animals and 644 for birds. Jashwant Prajapati, Chief Operating Officer of 108 Emergency Services, confirmed that extensive preparations were made in advance to handle medical emergencies during both Uttarayan and Vasi Uttarayan. The two-day festival typically sees a surge in vehicle accidents, falls from roofs, kite string injuries, assaults, and electric shocks, all of which the 108 service is ready to manage continuously. Normally handling 3,000 to 4,000 emergency cases daily, 108 anticipates a 70% increase in calls on January 14 and 15, with an estimated 4,900 cases on the 14th and 4,500 on the 15th.
Jemimah breaks into top-20 in ICC rankings after maiden international ton
DUBAI, Jan 14: Riding on her maiden international century, Indian middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues climbed three spots to enter the top-20 at 19th in the ICC Womens ODI rankings released on Tuesday. Ending a seven-year wait, the 24-year-old struck 102 to power India to their highest ever total of 370 in the second womens ODI against Ireland in Rajkot. India won the match by 116 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Jemimah now has 563 [] The post Jemimah breaks into top-20 in ICC rankings after maiden international ton appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Delhi player skips Ranji camp to attend IPL net session
New Delhi, Jan 13: Delhis senior wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat on Monday joined his new IPL team Gujarat Titans training session in Surat despite the state teams ongoing camp at the Arun Jaitley Stadium ahead of its next round Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra at Rajkot. At a time when the BCCI brass is adamant that [] The post Delhi player skips Ranji camp to attend IPL net session appeared first on The Shillong Times .
2nd WODI: Jemimah scores maiden ton as India post 370 for 5 against Ireland
Rajkot, Jan 12: Jemimah Rodrigues scored her maiden century in 50-over cricket as Indian top order pulverised a listless Ireland to post a mammoth 370 for 5 in the second Womens ODI here on Sunday. It was the elegant skipper Smriti Mandhana, who was off the blocks in a flash to score 73 off just 54 balls, laid the foundation while Rodrigues first hundred 102 off 91 balls ensured a smooth finish for the hosts. Newcomer Patika Rawal (67 [] The post 2nd WODI: Jemimah scores maiden ton as India post 370 for 5 against Ireland appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jemimah Rodrigues scored her maiden ODI century with 102 runs off 91 balls, leading India to its highest ODI score of 370/5 against Ireland in Rajkot. Notable performances from Smriti Mandhana (53), Pratika Rawal (67), and Harleen Deol (89) helped set a formidable total. India aims to seal the series after a six-wicket win in the first match.
Shami returns after 14 months as BCCI names Indian squad for England T20Is
Mumbai: Nearly 14 months after he last played an international game, veteran seamer Mohammed Shami on Saturday returned to the Indian team for the upcoming five-match T20I series against visiting England. The 34-year-old Shami's last outing for India was the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia at Ahmedabad on November 19, after which he was out of the team for a long time due to an ankle injury for which he underwent surgery in the UK last year. Shami's rehabilitation process was a long and arduous one and a swelling on his knee then prevented him from joining the Indian team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, leaving Jasprit Bumrah to shoulder the bulk of the pace bowling load. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the 15-member team in the series starting in Kolkata on January 22. It is understood that Shami has been picked because he will also be a part of the Champions Trophy squad and will be gradually working on his bowling load. He is not going to play all five games against England. From the team that played against South Africa in an away series in November, Ramandeep Singh was replaced by the find of the BGT trophy, Nitish Kumar Reddy, while Avesh Khan and Yash Dayal made way for Shami and Harshit Rana, respectively. Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma was dropped with Dhruv Jurel making the cut. All the players who were picked for the Bangladesh home rubber and South Africa away series have been dropped because the top T20 stars were back then busy with the red-ball season. The four spinners in the squad are Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy and Washington Sundar. Incidentally, Shubman Gill, who was made the vice-captain after the last T20 World Cup, hasn't found a place in the team. Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal will open the innings followed by Tilak Varma and skipper Surya. Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh are expected to bat at No. 5 five and No. 6, respectively, and they will be followed by Axar in the batting order. The two pacers for the first couple of games will be Arshdeep Singh and Shami, with Pandya as the third seamer. The two wrist spinners -- Chakravarthy and Bishnoi -- will come into the equation to complete the expected playing XI. The T20I series against England starts with the first T20I in Kolkata on January 22, followed by matches in Chennai (Jan 25), Rajkot (Jan 28), Pune (Jan 31) and Mumbai (Feb 2). India and England will then face off in a three-match ODI series from February 6. Team: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (vc), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wk).
Ind W vs Ire W live streaming: Here's when and where to watch India vs Ireland 2nd ODI
India women vs Ireland women: India will play against Ireland in the second ODI on Sunday at Rajkot. India won the first match with a comprehensive victory. Stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana and youngsters Pratika Rawal and Tejal Hasabnis performed well. Regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur is resting. The match will start at 11:00 am and will be telecast on Sports18 network and streamed on Disney+Hotstar.
IND-W vs IRE-W: Get details on the India Women vs Ireland Women 2nd ODI cricket match as India Women take on Ireland Women in Rajkot on Sunday.
Shivaji statue collapse: Bombay HC grants bail to Sculptor Jaydeep Apte
MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Friday granted bail to Jaydeep Apte, the sculptor who made the 28-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Malvan that collapsed in August last year. A single bench of Justice N R Borkar granted Apte bail on a personal bond of Rs 25,000. Apte, in his plea filed through advocate Ganesh Sovani, had sought bail claiming that the statue fell because of gusty winds. The statue, which was inaugurated on December 4, 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rajkot Fort in Malvan, collapsed on August 26 last year. It was erected on a 12-feet pedestal at a cost of Rs2.44 crore. The collapse of Shivaji statue is an insult to history Advocate Sovani submitted that no one was injured in the incident and that further custody of Apte was not warranted. An FIR was lodged on the complaint of state Public Works Department (PWD) personnel under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. Apte, proprietor of M/s Artistry, said he made the bronze statue on the basis of the work order issued on September 8, 2023 by the Naval Dockyard. His plea contended that the Naval Dockyard authority never complained of any artistic deficiency or shortcomings. His plea pointed out that the FIR was registered within nine hours of the incident on the complaint of PWD personnel who have no technical expertise in metallurgy. Sovani also told court co-accused Chetan Patil was granted bail in November last year. Uddhav: Throw MahaYuti out for collapse of Shivaji statue
Mandhana-led India eye continued dominance in first-ever womens bilateral series against Ireland
RAJKOT, Jan 9: Riding high on a dominant performance against the West Indies, India under Smriti Mandhana will look to carry forward their winning momentum when they take on Ireland in the first-ever womens bilateral series, with the opening ODI scheduled here on Friday. India had swept the West Indies 3-0 in the ODI series, following a 2-1 triumph in the T20 series. Mandhana emerged as the top run-scorer across both formats, scoring 148 runs in the ODI series, including [] The post Mandhana-led India eye continued dominance in first-ever womens bilateral series against Ireland appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat BJP's organizational festival has stirred political circles as the announcement of city and district presidents looms before January 15. Sources reveal that BJP election officers and three general secretaries returned from Delhi with approvals, finalizing the list of district and city heads. Intense lobbying is underway in key cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot, with both current and former office-bearers vying for positions. In Vadodara, factionalism surfaced amid clashes between a BJP vice president and a former corporator. Controversies, including claims of age manipulation during ward president appointments, have further fuelled tensions surrounding this years organizational process. Infighting within Vadodara city BJP came to the forefront during the form-filing process on January 4, 2024. A heated exchange between city BJP vice president Sunita Shukla and former corporator Gopi Talati exposed a deep power struggle. Shukla accused Talati of making a statement that insulted women, while Talati countered, claiming the allegations were false and aimed at undermining his candidacy. In another incident, BJP leader Bharti Bhanvadiya called on the party to block the reappointment of senior leader Satish Nishaliya as district president. In Surat district, a controversy erupted over the BJP president nomination process as 17 candidates filed forms for the post. Surat District BJP SC Morcha president Rajesh Kataria, also a candidate, voiced his anger after his nomination was rejected without explanation, criticizing the process as unfair. In a bid to bypass age restrictions for ward and taluka president posts, several BJP leaders resorted to submitting fake birth certificates. With a rule barring those over 40 from the posts, leaders in Rajkot and Ahmedabad manipulated the system by lowering their ages. They colluded with municipal and panchayat office bearers to issue falsified certificates, claiming to be under 40. Rift in Gujarat BJP deepens as former party MLA wins in Kheda However, rivals exposed the fraud by presenting official documents, like school leaving certificates and Aadhaar cards. One such case involved a Rajkot worker submitting a fake certificate, followed by the revelation of a similar case in Ahmedabad. A total of 30 contenders, including current president Mukesh Doshi, filed nominations for the Rajkot city BJP president post. Sources reveal that representatives from three different BJP factions in Rajkot have petitioned the high command, urging them not to reselect Doshi for a second term.
With Asaram Bapu out on bail, security tightened for rape victim's family
SHAHJAHANPUR: The family of the victim in the 2013 rape case against Asaram Bapu has been provided with additional security, a day after he was granted interim bail on medical grounds by the Supreme Court, police said on Wednesday. Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Sanjay Kumar Sagar said after the Supreme Court's order, he personally visited the victim's residence and interacted with the family. A police guard is already deployed at the victim's home and her father has a gunner for security. Additional police personnel are now being assigned, and necessary instructions have been issued to the relevant police station and circle officer to ensure the family's safety, Sagar said. Orders have been given to repair the dysfunctional CCTV cameras around the victim's house, and the victim's father has been advised to inform authorities before stepping out. We are continuously monitoring the family's safety as this is a high-profile case, Sagar added. The victim's father expressed that he was shocked to learn that Asaram had been granted interim bail. He said, I haven't been able to sleep since, as I am deeply concerned about my family's safety. Even while in jail, Asaram was responsible for the murder of four witnesses -- Rajkot's Amrut Prajapati, Akhil Gupta (a cook), Lucknow's Rahul Sachan, and Shahjahanpur's Kripal Singh. He alleged, While in jail, Asaram orchestrated false cases against me in Jammu, Jodhpur, Delhi, and Surasagar. Two of my witnesses, Bholanand and Sureshanand, are still missing. The government says laws are in place to ensure capital punishment for crimes against minors, but in Asaram's case, the court continues to show leniency. Asaram, who is serving a life sentence in a case related to the sexual assault of a minor, was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court until March 31, 2025, on medical grounds. The court imposed specific conditions before granting him bail. Previously, Asaram was granted a 7-day parole in 2018, which was extended by five days. More recently, he received a 17-day parole on December 10, 2024. In 2013, Asaram was convicted of sexually assaulting a minor from Shahjahanpur at his Jodhpur ashram. The case, filed by the victim's father in Delhi, led to Asaram being sentenced to life imprisonment.
Rift in Gujarat BJP deepens as former party MLA wins in Kheda
AHMEDABAD: Internal rifts within the Gujarat BJP continue to deepen, spreading from Rajkot and Vadodara to Kheda district. The latest flashpoint emerged during the Kheda District Cooperative Union elections, with results announced on Tuesday. The Matar seat became a battleground as former BJP MLA Kesarisinh Solanki, contesting as an independent, secured a decisive victory. Meanwhile, the BJP-backed candidate faced a stinging defeat, sparking fresh political tensions and turmoil within the party's ranks. Workers from Matar taluka stormed the district headquarters, demanding strict action and the suspension of former MLA Kesarisinh from the party. In a swift counter, Kesarisinh took to social media with a live response today, firing back at the protesters. The move further escalated tensions, igniting a fresh wave of drama in the local political landscape. In a fiery 15-minute social media live, former MLA Kesarisinh Solanki lashed out, questioning the hypocrisy of his critics. Why are those who threatened to resign not resigning? he asked, adding, The one who talks about resigning is busy filling out forms to become the district BJP president. Challenging his detractors, Solanki threw down the gauntlet. If you win the election without the BJP mandate, I will sit in the BJP office my entire life and serve water to the workers, he declared. If you have the guts, contest the Matar district panchayat seat against me without the BJP symbol, he dared, sending shockwaves through the political corridors. This is not the first time internal clashes between BJP leaders have grabbed headlines. Rifts within the party have been surfacing ever since the process for selecting city, taluka, and district presidents began last week.In Vadodara, the discord escalated into two separate incidents where BJP leaders openly locked horns. Adding fuel to the fire, reports now reveal that in Rajkot, a faction of BJP leaders have united against the city president, intensifying the ongoing power struggle.
Smriti to lead India as Harmanpreet rested from womens ODIs against Ireland
Mumbai: India have rested captain Harmanpreet Kaur and fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur for the upcoming three-match womens ODI series against Ireland, set to begin on January 10 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. In Harmanpreets absence, left-handed opener Smriti Mandhana will be Indias captain, while senior all-rounder Deepti Sharma will serve as the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Harmanpreet, Renuka rested for India women's home ODI series against Ireland, Smriti to lead
Opener Smriti Mandhana will lead the side in the series, beginning on January 10 at Rajkot, in the absence of Harmanpreet
Smriti to lead India as Harmanpreet, Renuka rested for ODI series against Ireland
New Delhi: Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and pacer Renuka Singh Thakur have been rested for India women's three-match home ODI series against Ireland, the BCCI announced on Monday. Opener Smriti Mandhana will lead the side in the series, beginning on January 10 at Rajkot, in the absence of Harmanpreet. Harmanpreet had suffered a knee injury during the home series against the West Indies last month, forcing her to sit out of the last two T20Is before returning to play three ODIs. Before that, the 35-year-old had sustained a neck injury during the match against Pakistan in the Women's T20 World Cup in Dubai in October last year. Lead pacer Renuka was the player of the series in the one-dayers against the West Indies after taking 10 wickets from three matches. In the past, a stress fracture on the back had troubled her, so the move to rest her for the series against Ireland could be to ease her workload. India's squad for the three-match ODI series against Ireland: Smriti Mandhana (C), Deepti Sharma (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Uma Chetry (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Tejal Hasabnis, Raghvi Bist, Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra, Tanuja Kanwer, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor, Sayali Satghare. Schedule (All matches in Rajkot, starts at 11 AM) 1st ODI: January 10 2nd ODI: January 12 3rd ODI: January 15.
Harmanpreet, Renuka rested for India womens home ODI series against Ireland, Smriti to lead
New Delhi, Jan 6: Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and pacer Renuka Singh Thakur have been rested for India womens three-match home ODI series against Ireland, the BCCI announced on Monday. Opener Smriti Mandhana will lead the side in the series, beginning on January 10 at Rajkot, in the absence of Harmanpreet. Harmanpreet had suffered a knee injury during the home series against the West Indies last month, forcing her to sit out of the last two T20Is before returning to play [] The post Harmanpreet, Renuka rested for India womens home ODI series against Ireland, Smriti to lead appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Meet IPS officer from Haryana, who overcame financial struggles and setbacks to clear UPSC and now serves as DCP Traffic in Rajkot.
BJPs leadership race in Gujarat sparks controversy amid intense lobbying
AHMEDABAD: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has commenced the process of selecting district and civic presidents in Gujarat as the new year begins. Today, 4th January, marks the start of the application process for these coveted positions, igniting fierce competition within the party. Key cities such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot are witnessing a flurry of activity as both current and former office bearers vie for the top posts. The selection process has triggered intense lobbying, with contenders jostling for influence and dominance. Tensions came to a head in Vadodara, where a public clash between a former deputy mayor and a former corporator over the city president post has grabbed headlines. A video of their heated confrontation has since gone viral, adding further drama to the selection process. The simmering feud within Vadodara city BJP erupted during todays (4th January) candidate sensitisation process. As application forms were being accepted at the city BJP office, a heated exchange broke out between Sunita Shukla, Vice President of BJP Mahila Morcha, and former corporator Gopi Talati. Shukla accused Talati of making a statement demeaning to women, while Talati countered, claiming the allegations were an attempt to undermine his candidacy. Dirty comments about women have been made, alleged Sunitaben Shukla, Vice President of Vadodara City Mahila Morcha. Speaking to the media, she stated, I will first brief the president personally before addressing the media. Any further action will follow the president's approval. Emphasising discipline, she added, In a party like BJP, ask what has been saidnot me. As a woman, if something inappropriate happens at this office, I must speak up. Shukla hinted that the issue could escalate, saying, The matter will be discussed with the president and may reach the high command. I havent spoken about any worker; the allegations are baseless, said former corporator and presidential aspirant Gopi Talati. He claimed the accusations stem from fears over his challenge to the current president. Theyre making dirty allegations because my candidacy is strong, he added. Pointing fingers at his accusers, he remarked, Everyone, including Sunitaben, knows who is behind this. Talati emphasised his adherence to party procedures, stating, I have filed my candidacy as per the rules, and anyone has the right to make allegations. As the BJP marks its Sangathan Parv - Sadasyata Abhiyaan, the hunt for city and district presidents gains momentum. Leaders are now set to deliberate and finalise candidates for eight municipal corporations and 33 districts in this high-stakes selection exercise.
Rajkot incident: Mosque trustee and 8 arrested for shopkeeper eviction
Rajkot: A trustee of a mosque in Gujarats Rajkot city and eight others have been arrested for allegedly evicting three shopkeepers by citing a Waqf Board order, the police said on Friday. The shops, rented out by the trust to Hindu traders, are situated on the ground floor of Nawab Mosque in Danapith area. On 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 .
Outrage over public parade of Patidar woman in Gujarat fake letter scandal
AHMEDABAD: A public parade of a Patidar woman accused in a fake letter scandal targeting a BJP leader in Gujarat's Amreli district has sparked widespread outrage. On Thursday, the International Kurmi Sena submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel via the Rajkot Collector, demanding strict action against the involved police officers. They warned of complaints to the Human Rights and Women's Commissions, along with potential legal steps if justice is delayed. Meanwhile, Congress leader Paresh Dhanani reignited the controversy by resharing the viral letter on social media, asserting it is a eal letter, fake complaint. In their memorandum to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel via the Rajkot Collector, the International Kurmi Sena alleged, In the fake letter pad case in Amreli, rooted in political enmity within BJP factions, an unmarried Patidar woman was arrested overnight despite no major role in the matter. They added, She was paraded on public roads in the name of crime reconstruction, causing public defamation and jeopardising her social future. Fake letter scandal sparks political uproar in Gujarat's Amreli district , , , , , . . #___ pic.twitter.com/qQgfs14daU Paresh Dhanani (@paresh_dhanani) January 2, 2025 The Sena claimed, The police acted under political pressure, sparking widespread debate about systemic misuse of authority. The International Kurmi Sena stated, This incident has triggered widespread outrage across all communities in Gujarat, including the Patidar community. We demand immediate and appropriate action from the government. They warned, If swift action is not taken, the International Kurmi Sena will be compelled to pursue legal measures and approach the Human Rights Commission, Women's Commission, and other authorities to seek justice. The International Kurmi Sena has threatened to approach the Human Rights and Women's Commissions over the incident, while senior Congress leader Paresh Dhanani escalated tensions by resharing the viral letter on social media, claiming, The letter is true, and the complaint is fake, targeting the BJP MLA. Congress leader Paresh Dhanani wrote on social media, While theres an attempt to label the letter written by a BJP leader to the BJP leadership as fake, the issues it highlightsliquor smuggling, sand mining, contract commissions, and police bribesare genuine. He added, A high-level government inquiry commission must be appointed to investigate these allegations thoroughly. Earlier, a forged letter accusing BJP MLA Kaushik Vekaria of bribery for sand and liquor smuggling has fuelled unrest in Amreli. Allegedly crafted on a fake letterhead of Taluka Panchayat President Kishore Kanpariya, the controversy rattled BJP ranks, prompting 100 leaders and supporters to escalate the issue to Gujarat BJP President C.R. Patil. Following Kanpariyas complaint on 28 December, police arrested four suspects, including ex-BJP leader Manish Vaghasia and a young woman. A crime reconstruction was conducted the next day as part of the investigation. Meanwhile, Congress and Patidar groups have slammed the public parade of the woman involved in the fake letter case.
Three dead, 12 injured as bus collides with tanker in Gujarat
Palanpur: Three persons from Rajasthan were killed and 12 others injured after a bus collided with a tanker in Banaskantha district of Gujarat on Wednesday, police said. The accident occurred around 1.30 am on a national highway near Soneth village in Suigam taluka of the district, in-charge police inspector H M Patel said. The bus was on its way to Rajkot in Gujarat from Rajasthan when it collided head-on with a tanker, he said. Three bus passengers died on the spot and 12 others were rushed to nearby hospitals where they are undergoing treatment, he said. All the deceased were male in the age group of 30 to 45 years, and hailed from Balotra in Rajasthan, Patel said.
Man Kills Friend, Burns Body To Fake Death, Cops Suspect An Insurance Plan
A 46-year-old man from Gujarat's Rajkot is on the run after he allegedly murdered his friend as part of a chilling plot to fake his death, apparently to claim an insurance payout.
Billed as the super year of elections, 2024 saw 64 nations across the world going to polls. In India, there were the Lok Sabha election, eight assembly elections and several bypolls. The general elections held in April-May saw Narendra Modi-led BJP segueing into a third consecutive term, albeit with lesser numbers. For the first time, the saffron party, which wielded an undisputed majority in the last two terms, had to onboard two coalition partners Chandrababu-led TDP and Nitish Kumar-led JD(U). The mandate also proved to be a leveller in the countrys politics, maintaining the BJPs dominance while giving more teeth to the Opposition. The BJP secured 240 seats and the main Opposition Congress one seat short of 100. Among the assembly elections, the verdicts cemented the positions of incumbent governments in five states Maharashtra, Haryana, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Curiously, the November verdict in Maharashtra saw Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis switch roles, but not without high drama. In Jharkhand, Hemant Soren consolidated his image as the states true tribal leader despite the rival camps outsider taunts during election campaigns. In October, Nayab Singh Saini too proved his mettle in Haryana. The same month saw Jammu and Kashmir where all elections were suspended since the scrapping of Article 370 in August 2019 going to polls once again after the hiatus, catapulting an initially hesitant Omar Abdullah to the chief ministers chair. In Odisha, the regional superpower BJD faced a crushing defeat under the BJP juggernaut. The five-time CM Naveen Patnaik was ousted after an uninterrupted 24-year rule. The Congress camp saw two firsts Rahul Gandhi, who won the Wayanad and Rae Bareli seats, assumed the role of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. The ensuing bypoll in Wayanad marked Priyanka Gandhi Vadras entry in electoral politics. Uttar Pradesh Ram temple consecration, mandir-masjid rows The year opened on a religious note with the consecration of Ram Lalla in the Ayodhya temple in January. Later, an ASI report established the presence of a pre-existing Hindu temple under the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, and the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah dispute cropped up as well. Mid-February saw massive student protests over paper leak during the constable recruitment exam. In March, the death of jailed gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari due to cardiac arrest grabbed the headlines. Two communal flare-ups, one at Bahraich in October and another at Sambhal in November shook the state. In the last leg, a sitting HC judge caused flutter with his political speech. Maharashtra A complete political turnaround The highlight of the year was the MahaYuti alliances landslide victory in the assembly elections, just six months after a drubbing in the Lok Sabha polls. The Opposition Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) had won 30 out of the 48 parliamentary seats during the general elections. But in a complete turnaround during the Assembly polls, the MahaYuti consisting of the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawars NCP faction secured 230 out of the 281 seats. In contrast, the MVA comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP), could garner only 46 seats. Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as CM for a third. time. Jharkhand Champais fallout, Kalpanas rise Jharkhand plunged into a political crisis when CM Hemant Soren was jailed in a graft case. Two results ensued: Champai Soren, who held the fort, was disenchanted when Hemant wrested back power after his release, and joined BJP. Two, the state saw the rise of a new woman tribal leader in Hemants wife Kalpana Soren. The year also saw the launch of Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana, under which all women aged 21-50 years receive an aid of Rs 2,500 a month. West Bengal Where the mind is without fear At the stroke of the midnight hour on August 15, thousands of people thronged the streets of West Bengal, with songs of resistance and calls for justice for the trainee doctor of RG Kar Hospital, who was raped and murdered while on duty. The brutal murder at a government hospital finally restored the voice of a population that had for long remained complicit to enduring violence. An entire generation of disenfranchised people stormed into the streets yearning for a life without fear. What came about was a watershed, surrounding the question of women and workplace security, exposing the rot proliferating the system. As the year turns to a close, much of that zeal has dissipated into the monotony of injustice. The CBI, the flag-bearers of justice, is yet to chargesheet some of the key accused in the RG Kar rape-murder. Jammu and kashmir High poll percentage amid dip in militancy The first assembly election after the abrogation of Article 370 saw an unprecedented poll percentage of 63.9%, as people overwhelmingly came out to vote without fear. This was also the first election since 1990, that was bereft of boycott calls from militants or separatists. The Valley also saw further decline in militancy compared to the previous years, though two major militant attacks on civilians took place: In June, militants attacked a pilgrim bus in Reasi, killing nine persons. In October, terrorists stormed into a construction site of AFCO Infra in Ganderbal, killing seven people. The security forces killed one militant in an encounter. Stone peltings have dropped significantly. As 2024 draws to a close, the Valley is facing a severe power crisis in the bone-chilling cold of Chilai Kalan, the 40-day harsh winter period. Punjab Setbacks mark political landscape, SAD story Punjabs political landscape was marked by an upheaval, with the Aam Aadmi Party facing setbacks in Lok Sabha and civic polls despite key bypoll victories. Congress dominated, winning seven of 13 LS seats, while AAP secured three. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) faced internal rebellion, with leader Sukhbir Singh Badal undergoing religious penance mandated by the Akal Takht, and narrowly missing the bullet shot by a former militant. Farmers intensified protests demanding a legal guarantee for the minimum support price on crops, with marches blocked at state borders. Tardy paddy procurement further fuelled discontent among farmers. BJP remained ineffective, with state chief Sunil Jakhar stepping back post-poll losses. Uttarakhand Impending UCC, forest fires, drop in tiger deaths In 2024, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to pass the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, with implementation expected in January 2025. Apart from this major development, the hill state also faced a staggering rise in forest fire incidents, reporting over 21,000 cases across its 13 districts a 293% increase compared to 2023. However, this surge in forest fires had no noticeable impact on the scenic states tourism sector, which attracted 6.5 crore visitors to its hill stations and religious sites. The Himalayan state is also known for its wildlife. Uttarakhand saw a significant decline in tiger mortality in 2024, with only eight deaths reported during the year, marking a remarkable 62% drop from the 21 deaths recorded in 2023. Northeast Ganges river dolphin, Bryan Adams concert The gun did not fall silent in Manipur in 2024, even 18 months after the ethnic violence broke out. In sharp contrast, there was absolute peace elsewhere in the Northeast. The first serious effort to restore peace was initiated in Jiribam on August 1, when Meitei and Hmar leaders met at a CRPF facility, though the agreement was short-lived. What followed was a series of civilian killings and arson attacks, and irate mob attacks on homes of Imphal Valley-based legislators. There are no signs of reconciliation yet and the wounds still remain deep. Other headlines from the Northeast included the first-geotagging of a Ganges river dolphin in Assam, a Bryan Adams concert in Meghalaya, and protests against a proposed hydro-power project in Arunachal Pradesh. Himachal Of cross-votes, jungli murga, samosas & toilet tax The Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government survived a BJP bid to topple it by engineering cross-voting during the February Rajya Sabha polls. This led to the disqualification of six Congress MLAs, who later fought bypolls on BJP ticket. While Congress managed to win six of the nine seats in the bypolls, the simultaneous general elections saw BJP sweeping all four seats, and mark the political entry of Kangana Ranaut from Mandi seat. The state was hit by a financial crisis, delaying payments for 2.15 lakh employees and 90,000 pensioners in September. Some unsavoury controversies cropped up over claims of the CM prompting aides to eat the endangered jungli murga, a CID probe into the missing samosas at an official event and reports of a `25 toilet tax. Chhattisgarh A final solution to Maoist menace in Bastar Every now and then, a dozen odd bodies are recovered from the forest, riddled with bullets. The uniforms identify them as left wing extremists, unearthing their weapons, propaganda. Zero tolerance towards Maoists, the home minister declares, The country will be free from the Maoist problem by March 2026. In the remote tribal belt of Bastar, 219 Maoists were neutralised by security forces in separate encounters this year, a staggering spike from the mere 50 eliminated in 2022 and 2023 combined. Parallelly, the Nagarnar steel plant in Bastar produces over 2 MT of hot metal, in the name of sustainable industrial development. Rajasthan BJP comeback amid Gehlot-Pilot divide Rajasthan was turbulent with major political shifts. The BJP rode on its December 2023 state polls victory, but the euphoria faded by summer. Despite dominating the states 25 LS seats in the past two general elections, BJP lost 11 seats this time. Controversies plagued the government one after another. First, agriculture minister Kirori Lal Meena criticised own government, reportedly after denied a prominent cabinet position. Then, education minister Madan Dilawar drew ire for seeking DNA tests of tribals and demanding curriculum changes. In Congress camp, besides the Gehlot-Pilot divide, new factions sprang up. Haryana BJP beats anti-incumbency, creates history The BJP created history when it aced the Haryana assembly election this year and secured a third consecutive term, defeating the Congress and other regional parties. Months before, the party replaced Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar with Nayab Singh Saini, a move that helped the BJP clinch 48 seats, while Congress won 37. The election was marred by internal strife within Congress, with several senior leaders defecting to the BJP, including Kiran Choudhry and her daughter Shruti. The election also saw the political entry of wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia on Congress tickets. Bihar Nitish somersault, emergence of a new party Bihar witnessed several twists and turns in 2024. It began with Nitish Kumar taking oath as the Chief Minister for a ninth time on January 28. He snapped ties with Lalu Prasads RJD, and drifted away from the INDIA bloc, to form the government with new ally BJP. The somersault left the top Opposition leaders flummoxed ahead of Lok Sabha polls. However, NDAs tally from Bihar reduced from 39 to 30 in the LS. With the double-engine government back in power, Bihars expectations on development front ran high. The year also saw the formation of a new political entity, Jan Suraaj Party, led by former analyst Prashant Kishor. Gujarat Major tragedies, Congs Banaskantha moment Gujarat began 2024 with two tragic incidents. On January 18, a boat tragedy on Vadodaras Harni Lake claimed 14 lives including 12 schoolchildren and two teachers during a picnic. Four months later, a deadly fire at the TRP Game Zone in Rajkot on May 25 killed 28 people, mostly youths. On the political front, the BJP saw its unmistakable dominance in Gujarats 26 Lok Sabha seats crumble, with the Congress wresting the Banaskantha seat. This marked the end of its clean sweep streak in the state since 2014. The loss came after a fiercely contested election, marked by internal turbulence and strategic defections. Madhya Pradesh Factory fire, jumbo deaths amid BJP comeback The first half of the year saw the BJP achieving its long-standing goal of winning all the 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh. And understandably, the Congress faced its worst-ever defeat, failing to secure even a single seat. Additionally, a major accident at a firecracker factory in Harda resulted in 11 fatalities and injured 200 others. Other significant events during the course of the year included the deaths of 10 wild elephants in Bandhavgarh national park, possibly due to Kodo millet crop mycotoxin poisoning. The year also saw the dismantling of several major crime rings, an impact likely to be felt in 2025 as well. Longest Bridge Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, the longest bridge in India that connects Mumbai with Navi Mumbai, on January 12 . Missile test The Defence Research and Development Organisation conducted a successful flight-trial of Indias first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on November 16 Chalo india Chalo India, a global campaign that seeks to make Indian diaspora members ambassadors of Incredible India, was announced in September. Under this, 1 lakh foreign tourists will be exempted from visa fee in the coming times World heritage Moidams the mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty in Assam in Charaideo district was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in July Classical Language In October, the Union government granted classical language status to five languages Bengali, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese taking the number of classical languages to 11 River-linking On December 25, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation for the ambitious Ken-Betwa river linking project, which plans to transfer excess water from the Ken river to the Betwa river to address concerns of irrigation in arid Bundelkhand of Madhya Pradesh Solar mission Indias solar mission, Aditya-L1, was inserted into its orbit on January 6. On July 2, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point. It takes 178 days to complete a revolution around the L1 point. Narendra Modi , Prime Minister The Lok Sabha election was projected as a referendum on Modis popularity. And he strode into a third term, becoming the third longest serving Prime Minister. Rahul Gandhi , Leader of Opposition The yatras paid off. Congress improved its tally substantially in the general election, and Rahul Gandhi assumed the role of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha for the first time. Priyanka Gandhi , Congress MP When brother Rahul relinquished his Wayanad seat to retain his mothers bastion Rae Bareli, it paved the way for Priyanka Gandhi Vadras debut in electoral politics. Devendra Fadnavis , Maharashtra CM Rivals trolled him for his Mee Punha Yein refrain in 2019. In 2022 MahaYuti govt, he had to stoop to conquer. But he emerged brighter and stronger in the November polls. Hemant Soren , Jharkhand CM Incarcerated in a graft case, fallout with a close aide who had held the fort for him, and storming back to power the 2024 chapter of his career is straight out of a story book. Omar Abdullah , J&K CM After his Lok Sabha poll debacle, when the first election in the UT was held, Omar was quite resigned, until Congress came to prod. A huge victory seated him in the CMs chair. Nayab Singh Saini , Haryana CM Anti-incumbency, farmers ire, a resurgent Congress hurdles were aplenty before the CM. Despite all, he steered the BJP into a third consecutive term, proving himself to be a worthy substitute for the veteran ML Khattar. Mamata Banerjee , Chief Minister Facing a high-octane BJP campaign in the Lok Sabha elections, the fiesty and formidable Didi proved all pollsters wrong by bettering her partys performance. She managed to retain TMCs complete dominance in Bengal polity. Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party chief Out of power for two consecutive terms, Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party clinched 37 out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, proving that it is still a formidable force in the crucial Hindi heartland state. Eknath shinde , Duputy Chief Minister As CM, he remained the most accessible leader to public. His Ladki Bahin scheme was widely credited for the MahaYutis landslide victory in assembly polls. The win also corroborated him as the true inheritor of Balasaheb Thackerays Shiv Sena.
AHMEDABAD: The country's second Light House Project (LHP) in Rajkot is marred by complaints of corruption and substandard construction. Constructed under the PM Awas Yojna, the project was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself two years ago. The first LHP is located in Chennai. Built at a staggering cost of Rs 118 crores, the Rajkot project comprises 1,144 flats, touted to be constructed using advanced German technology. However, instead of fulfilling its promise, the only such project in Gujarat has left locals grappling with persistent issues like moisture, cracks, crumbling walls, and overflowing drains. Despite repeated appeals to the administration, no action has been taken, prompting residents to threaten protests to demand accountability. The Light House Project in Rajkot comprises 1,144 houses across 11 towers of 13 floors, each tower spread over 6,741.66 sq.m. With eight flats per floor. Each house costs Rs 10.39 lakh, funded by Rs 5.50 lakh from the Central Government, Rs 1.50 lakh from the State Government, and Rs 3.39 lakh paid by beneficiaries. The flats were handed over to the deserving people two years ago by the Prime Minister himself. However, the project's promises now appear overshadowed by allegations and concerns from its residents. There are a total of 1,144 flats in the Light House project in Rajkot, and most of them have severe dampness issues, said Jaideep Bhatt, a resident of the project, during a media interaction. In just two years, cracks have started appearing on the walls, crusts are peeling off, and drains are overflowing. Some electric points dont even have holders, and there are no shades on the windows. These problems have made life extremely difficult for us. Bhatt further alleged discrepancies between what was promised and what was delivered. As per the brochure, we were supposed to get lights, fans, and safety doors, but none of these have been provided. The sample flats shown to us were completely different from the ones handed over to the beneficiaries, he claimed. A view of the overflowing drain in the LHP, Rajkot The lack of promised amenities has left residents feeling deceived. During the rainy season, water continuously leaks into the house from the terrace walls, Bhatt added. Despite repeated representations to the builder and the administration, no action has been taken to address these issues. It feels like no one is listening to us. Frustrated residents have voiced their concerns, but the silence from authorities has only fueled their anger and desperation The BJP MLA Darshita Shah asserted that last years complaints, including key issues, had been resolved and assured, Any remaining concerns will be addressed promptly. This is the Prime Minister's dream project in a prime area of Rajkot, provided to beneficiaries at a nominal rate, Darshita Shah added. She noted its importance as an affordable housing scheme and highlighted resolving past complaints about an Anganwadi, a community hall, and water and sewage issues. If new concerns arise, I will address them promptly, she assured. An exterior view of the LHP in Rajkot. Light House Project Under Scrutiny: Key Highlights Location & Cost: Built near Raigad, Rajkot, at a cost of 118 crore. Project Overview: 1,144 houses across 11 towers (13 floors each), with towers spanning 6,741.66 sq.m. Funding Structure: 1. Rs 5.50 lakh from Central Government 2. Rs 1.50 lakh from State Government 3. Rs 3.39 lakh paid by beneficiaries Amenities Promised: Vitrified tiles, piped gas, cabinets, good ventilation, light, and two toilets per flat. Technology Used: Promoted as a German construction marvel. Current Issues: Allegations of poor-quality materials raised by residents just two years after completion.
Two Killed, Two Injured as Fire Guts Trucks in Gujarat Crash
Ahmedabad: Two persons were killed and as many injured in a massive fire that destroyed three trucks following an accident in Gujarat's Ahmedabad district in the early hours of Thursday, police said. Four trucks were involved in the accident that occurred around 2 am on National Highway 47 near Bagodara village, about 50 km from the district headquarters, they said. Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Jat said two occupants of the truck that triggered the accident died on the spot. Two individuals from the other trucks sustained injuries and were admitted to a nearby hospital, he said. A truck carrying rolls of some packing material was headed towards Ahmedabad from Rajkot, while two trucks loaded with rice were moving in the opposite direction. An empty cement bulker was behind those Rajkot-bound two trucks, he said. The driver of the truck coming from Rajkot lost control over the wheel and the vehicle hit two other trucks in the opposite lane after jumping the divider. The cement bulker then rammed into the three trucks, said the police official. Soon after the accident, a fire erupted and spread quickly due to the packing material, said Jat. Three trucks were gutted in the fire while the cement bulker remained unaffected. The driver of the first truck and another person travelling on it lost their lives. The highway remained shut for nearly half an hour due to the fire. Traffic resumed after local police removed the wreckage and cleared the road, said the SP.
Jailed Journalist Mahesh Langa Now Sent To Rajkot Cops' Custody In GST Case
Journalist Mahesh Langa, who has been in jail for an alleged Goods and Services Tax scam in Gujarat, has now been sent to Rajkot Police's custody for four days.
Rajkot police take custody of jailed journalist Mahesh Langa in GST evasion case
While Mr. Langa was already in jail over an alleged GST scam, the police said the latest action is in connection with another case of alleged GST evasion registered by the crime branch last month.
Ahmedabad Diary | APMC polls bring BJP internal rift out in open
BJPs internal squabble intensified on Tuesday, with row erupting over the Unjha APMC elections. With 36 candidates vying for 14 seats, the chaos unfolded like a family feud. The counting of votes began at 9am on Tuesday. Out of 10 BJP-backed candidates, five had to face humiliating defeats. The panel backed by BJP MLA Kirit Patel was wiped out, while the candidates supported by former chairman Dinesh Patel emerged victorious. To complete this picture of the party in complete disarray, Naran Lallus grandson, Supreet Patel, also bit the electoral dust. Rajkot leader caught in birth cert tampering BJPs ongoing organisation festival in Rajkots Ward No. 14 has turned into a comedy show. Vipul Makhela, Baksi Panch Morcha city president, has been caught tampering his birth certificate and Aadhaar card. He has reduced his age by six years to contest as the ward president. However, an alert party insider has blown the whistle, leading Rajkot BJP election in-charge Mayaben Kodnani to demand proof from Makhela. Now, the party gears up to reward his creativity with suspension order as the fiasco has escalated to the state level. Controversy over AMCs study tour to Kashmir While the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) grapples with debt and shortage of funds, its cooperators and officials seem more focused on scenic mountains of Kashmir. On December 18, at least 225 people 192 corporators and men from BJP and Congress will head to Kashmir for a study tour. A disgruntled BJP worker has penned a letter questioning the point of the educational excursion. The civic body is all set to splurge around Rs 2 crore on the trip. For perspective, cost of Kashmir tour hovers around Rs 50,000 per person, but the AMC seems happy to shell out Rs 88,000 per head. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com
MahaYuti tables Rs 35K cr supplementary budget
MUMBAI: The MahaYuti government on Monday tabled `35,788 crore supplementary budget on the first day of the winter session of the Assembly in Nagpur. The majority of supplementary budget is required to meet various welfare schemes such as the Ladki Bahin. Minister and Shiv Sena MLA Uday Samant tabled the supplementary budget, seeking additional funds over the budgetary allocations. The supplementary budget includes a provision of Rs 1,400 crore for the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, Rs 7,490 crore for PWD, Rs 4,112 crore for the industry, power and labour departments. The Urban Development Department has been granted Rs 2,774 crore, the Rural Development Department Rs 2,007 crore, and the Tribal Development Department Rs 1,830 crore, and a provision of Rs 36 crore allocated for the construction of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Malvan taluka of Sindhudurg district. In the last annual budget, the government announced Rs 46,000 crore to provide a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 to women in the age group of 21-60 years under the Ladki Bahin scheme. More than 2.5 crore women have received the monthly instalments. However, the government has decided to scrutinise the applications of the beneficiaries and put stringent norms before releasing the monthly financial aides. The state government has also allocated Rs 1,204 crore for margin money loans to sugar cooperative factories and Rs 3,050 crore for the Mukhyamantri Baliraja Scheme aimed at providing free electricity to farmers using agricultural pumps of up to 7.5 horsepower. Meanwhile, discontent is brewing with senior leaders of the ruling coalition expressing their displeasure over being denied ministerial berths during the swearing-in of 39 ministers in Devendra Fadnavis cabinet in Nagpur a day before. NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal and BJPs Sudhir Mungantiwar, both of whom overlooked for cabinet positions, appeared unhappy on Monday after the ministry expansion along with some legislators from the Shiv Sena who also felt ignored.
Gujarat groundwater crisis: Alarming contamination levels across districts revealed
AHMEDABAD: The Government of India, in a concerning update to the Rajya Sabha, has flagged an alarming situation regarding groundwater pollution in Gujarat. According to the data wise Number of Partly Affected Districts (cumulative) with major Contaminants in Ground Water of India in 2022-23, major contaminants have affected numerous districts across the state. Salinity levels exceeding 3000 micro mhos/cm (EC) were detected in 28 districts, while fluoride levels above 1.5 mg/l plagued 30 districts. Nitrate contamination, surpassing the safe limit of 45 mg/l, was found in 32 districts, and arsenic levels above 0.01 mg/l affected 12 districts. Additionally, 14 districts reported iron concentrations exceeding 1 mg/l. Fluoride levels exceeding 1.5 mg/L have been recorded in several districts across Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Amreli, Anand, Arvalli, Banaskantha, Bhavnagar, Botad, Chhota Udepur, Dahod, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Kachchh, Mahesana, Morbi, Narmada, Panchmahal, Patan, Porbandar, Rajkot, Sabarkantha, Surat, Surendranagar, and Vadodara. In a Reply by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti in response to MP R Girirajan's question in the Rajya Sabha, the government highlighted the grave health hazards posed by contaminated groundwater. Long-term consumption of water containing arsenic, fluoride, or mercury above permissible limits can lead to severe health complications. Arsenic contamination has been linked to poisoning, skin disorders, and cancers of the skin, bladder, kidney, and lungs. Excessive fluoride levels can cause crippling skeletal or dental fluorosis, while high concentrations of heavy metals like mercury increase the risk of kidney diseases, poisoning, and cancer. The government informed the Rajya Sabha that water management, including improving groundwater quality and addressing contamination, is primarily the responsibility of state governments, as water is a state subject. The Central Government supports these efforts by offering technical assistance and financial aid through various centrally sponsored schemes. The Central Government informed the Rajya Sabha that in Gujarat, a total of 1,52,507 drinking water samples were tested during 2023-24. Of these, 14,922 samples were found contaminated. Remedial measures, including interim actions and water supply restoration, were taken for 13,834 affected samples. While Ground water pollution remains a pressing issue in many parts of Gujarat, the government is simultaneously taking measures to address the challenge, Under the Central Government's Jal Jeevan Mission for 2023-24, Gujarat reported significant financial activity. The state began with an opening balance of 1,088.66 crore, while the Centre allocated 2,982.85 crore. Of this, 2,237.14 crore was drawn, bringing the total available funds to 3,325.80 crore. Gujarat reported utilizing 2,377.83 crore, with an additional 2,676.40 crore spent under the state's share of the program.
NIA detained Madrasa worker in Sanand, Ahmedabad for suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed links
AHMEDABAD: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has detained Adil, a suspect linked to the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed, from a madrasa in Sanand near Ahmedabad. The suspect is currently under intense interrogation by the NIA as part of an ongoing operation. Police sources reported that a central agency had received intelligence indicating that an individual named Adil, who allegedly works at a madarsa in Chekhala village, Banas Kantha district, had links to the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed. Acting on this information, the agency, with assistance from Ahmedabad district police, arrested Adil during a late-night operation. Authorities are investigating Adil's role in the organization and his suspected involvement in its activities. Sources reveal that in recent years, the roots of terrorist organizations have shifted significantly to online platforms. Special groups are being formed on various social media networksboth online and offlineconnecting individuals to different ideological modules. These modules then align recruits with the ideology of terrorist organizations. Investigative agencies have repeatedly uncovered links between terrorists and online platforms during past investigations. In August 2023, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) made a significant breakthrough by arresting three individuals in Rajkot for their suspected connections to the terrorist organization Al Qaeda.
AHMEDABAD: While diamonds are often regarded as timeless treasures, the industries that create these precious gems are currently facing significant challenges. A severe recession has impacted the diamond industry in Gujarat, leading to the closure of more than 2,000 factories -- approximately 50 % of the total-- after the Diwali vacation, according to the Gujarat Diamond Workers Association. This year, the crisis has driven 45 gem artisans to take their own lives amid rising unemployment. The government has acknowledged in the Rajya Sabha that the diamond sector has struggled for the past three years due to declining demand in key export markets and supply chain disruptions, including G7 sanctions on diamonds of Russian origin. In Surat, the diamond hub of Gujarat, 40% of factories remain shut after Diwali, said Ramesh Jilaria, President of the Gujarat Diamond Association. Ahmedabad sees 30% closures, while cities like Rajkot, Amreli and Botad report shutdowns of 50% to 60%. An estimated 2,000 diamond factories across these regions have not reopened after Diwali, and many may remain closed, he added. Gujarat's lacklustre diamond industry: Artisans witness worst recession in 50 years Even in operational units, only 50% to 60% of gem artisans have returned to work. Wages for jewelers have plummeted by as much as 50%, and we estimate that around 200,000 workers could face job losses in the coming days. In just one year, more than 45 diamond workers have died by suicide due to financial difficulties (from January 2024 to December 2024), Jilaria warned. The governments statement in the Rajya Sabha corroborates Jilarias claim about the challenges facing the diamond industry. On December 6, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry acknowledged in the Upper House, The diamond sector has been facing challenges over the last three years due to reduced demand in major export markets and supply-side issues such as G7 sanctions on Russian-origin diamonds. The statement also emphasized a decline in diamond import-export figures. It indicated a downward trend over three consecutive financial years. Exports fell significantly from $25.48 billion in 2021-22 to $18.37 billion in 2023-24, a decline of nearly 28%. Imports also decreased, shrinking from $28.87 billion in 2021-22 to $22.99 billion in 2023-24, reflecting a 20% drop. Consequently, the total trade volume declined from $54.35 billion in 2021-22 to $41.37 billion in 2023-24, a reduction of approximately 24%. According to the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) Gems & Jewellery Study from October 2020, there are around 18,036 companies employing 819,926 individuals in the diamond industry. The global recession has hit Gujarats diamond industry hard, stated Bhavesh Tank, an official with the Gujarat Diamond Association. Surat's diamond industry dims: Factory closures, job losses hit hard
Gujarat's lacklustre diamond industry: Artisans witness worst recession in 50 years
AHMEDABAD: Gujarat's diamond industry is reeling under a severe recession, with over 50% of factories shutting down after the Diwali vacation, claims the Gujarat Diamond Workers Association. The crisis has claimed the lives of 45 gem artists and forced 2000 factories out of business. The diamond industry had been on the decline over the past two years due to a falling demand in key export markets and supply chain disruptions, including G7 sanctions on Russian-origin diamonds. In Surat, the diamond hub of Gujarat, 40% of factories remain shut post-Diwali, said Gujarat Diamond Association President Ramesh Jilaria. Ahmedabad sees 30% closures, while cities like Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Botad report 50% to 60% shutdowns. An estimated 2,000 diamond factories across these regions have not reopened after Diwali, and many may remain closed, he added. Even in operational units, only 50% to 60% of gem artisans have resumed work. Wages for jewellers have plummeted by up to 50%, and we estimate around 2 lakh workers could lose their jobs in the coming days. In just one year more than 45 diamond workers had committed suicide due to financial problem (from January 2024 to December 2024) Jilaria said. The Indian government's statement in the Rajya Sabha lends indirect support to Ramesh Jilaria's claim about the challenges plaguing the diamond industry. The Ministry of Commerce & Industry stated on December 6, 2024, in response to a Rajya Sabha query by MP Neeraj Dangi Yes, the diamond sector has been facing challenges during the last three years due to reduced demand in major export destinations and supply side issues such as G7 Sanctions on Russian origin diamonds. The Ministry's response in the Rajya Sabha also highlights a decline in diamond import-export figures. The Rajya Sabha Data Indicate, The trade figures reveal a declining trend over three consecutive financial years. Exports dropped significantly from $25.48 billion in 2021-22 to $18.37 billion in 2023-24, marking a stark decrease of nearly 28%. Imports also followed a downward trend, shrinking from $28.87 billion in 2021-22 to $22.99 billion in 2023-24, reflecting a 20% dip. As a result, total trade volume slid from $54.35 billion in 2021-22 to $41.37 billion in 2023-24, a reduction of around 24%. As per the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) Gems & Jewellery Study of October 2020, there are about 18,036 companies with 8,19,926 employees in the diamond industry. The global recession has hit Gujarat's diamond industry hard, said Bhavesh Tank, an official of the Gujarat Diamond Association. Factories that once operated for 12 hours now run only six, and workers who earned 25,000 to 30,000 monthly are now making just 8,000 to 12,000. He added grimly, This downturn is unprecedentedsuch a severe recession hasnt been witnessed in the diamond industry in the last 50 years. Many families are struggling to make ends meet. Surat's diamond industry dims: Factory closures, job losses hit hard
Tantrik Dies in Gujarat Police Custody; Accused of 12 Murders
Ahmedabad: A 42-year-old tantrik arrested for allegedly conspiring to murder a businessman died in police custody in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Sunday after admitting to killing 12 people by giving them drinks laced with a chemical, police said. The Sarkhej police arrested Navalsinh Chavda around 1 am on December 3 when he was on his way to commit the crime after his partner for a taxi business with whom he shared the plan tipped off the police, an official said. The police secured Chavda's remand till 3 pm on December 10 for further probe into his occult practices and possible involvement in human sacrifices, he said. Around 10 am on Sunday, Chavda fell ill and was rushed to the civil hospital in an ambulance, but the doctors declared him dead on arrival. The accused confessed to 12 murders during interrogation, and all deaths had occurred due to consumption of sodium nitrite, the official said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shivam Verma said the accused confessed to having committed 12 murders by making his victims consume sodium nitrite dissolved in water during occult rituals. Chavda admitted to having murdered a man in Ahmedabad, six in Surendranagar, including three members of his family, three in Rajkot, and one each in Wankaner (Morbi district) and Anjar (Kutch district), Verma said. He said the accused confessed to having murdered a man whose body was found in the Aslali area of Ahmedabad in August 2021 in what appeared to be a road accident. A post-mortem later suggested it to be a case of death by poisoning. The probe has also revealed that the accused had similarly killed his grandmother around 14 years ago and his mother and uncle a year ago, Verma said. According to the police, Chavda procured sodium nitrite, a chemical used for dry cleaning, from a laboratory in his hometown, Surendranagar. Due to poisoning, several of his victims died of heart attacks, while the nature of the deaths of a few other victims was a matter of investigation, the official said. Chavda had found out about the chemical from another tantrik. The substance would take effect 15 to 20 minutes after consumption and cause heart attack, etc., leading to death, he said. The accused called himself a huvaji and proclaimed that he had the power to perform magic and miracles. He also had an ashram at Wadhwan in Surendranagar where he practised black magic, police said. He would offer to multiply his victims' wealth or solve their problems, they said. The police had recovered incriminating evidence from Chavda's vehicle, including items used in rituals and white powder.
Ex-IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt acquitted in 1997 case
Bhatt was earlier sentenced to life imprisonment in a 1990 custodial death case in Jamnagar and 20 years in jail in a 1996 case relating to planting drugs to frame a Rajasthan-based lawyer in Palanpur. He is currently lodged in the Rajkot Central Jail.
Morari Bapu's Ramkatha in Rajkot raises Rs 60 crore
The proceeds from this spiritual gathering will support the Sadbhavana Trust and fund the construction of the Sadbhavana Old Age Home and other charitable initiatives.
Shami sets up Bengals win against Mlaya in SMAT
Rajkot, Dec 1: Indias star pacer Mohammed Shami set up Bengals comfortable win against Meghalaya with a measly spell in their Group A contest in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy here on Sunday. Elsewhere, Naman Dhir returned excellent figures of 5/19 to fashion Punjabs narrow seven-run win against Hyderabad in Group A, while Jharkhand []
Urban Planning is Crucial, Say Experts at National Conference
Hyderabad : The integration of biodiversity into urban planning is crucial for sustainable development, said experts at the two-day National Conference on Urban Biodiversity that began here on Friday. The event highlighted the importance of creating urban spaces that balance growth with ecological preservation. Organised by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability, South Asia, the conference brought together leaders from 35 cities, including environmental experts, planners, and city officials. Participants explored collaborative measures to protect biodiversity while addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation. Hyderabad was chosen as the host city due to its achievements in sustainability, including the prestigious World Green City Award, and its transformation into a global hub for investment and urban innovation. Hyderabad has demonstrated how urbanisation and biodiversity can coexist. Its an example for others to emulate, said C. Achalender Reddy, NBA chairperson. He called for municipal bodies to adopt policies prioritising biodiversity through consistent funding and the use of native plants to restore ecosystems. Raghu Kumar Kodali, adviser with the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change, stressed that urban biodiversity must be a key element in planning to enhance quality of life. By focusing on parks, green roofs, and wetlands, cities can align with global biodiversity goals and create spaces that serve both people and nature, he told Deccan Chronicle. The event spotlighted Hyderabads initiatives, including the restoration of water bodies and green corridors. Leaders such as Nayanben Pedhadiya, Mayor of Rajkot, and Sarfaraz Ahmad, HMDA commissioner, shared insights from their respective cities, contributing to a diverse exchange of ideas.
ASI takes action after PMO flags poor state of Dholavira
NEW DELHI: To expedite conservation efforts and improvement interventions at the ancient city of Dholavira site in Gujarat, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has shifted a senior Superintending Archaeologist (SA) from Delhi-NCR to Rajkot circle, under which the remains of Harappan metropolis fall. The official from the Excavation Branch in Greater Noida has been transferred with specific instructions to take care of site activities to improve tourist amenities. According to sources, the SA has already visited the ruins of the southern centre of the Harappan Civilization. Last month, the two officials including a Conservation Architect (CA) were shifted to Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This newspaper, last month, reported that the survey had turned its focus to Dholavira after the PMO flagged the poor state of preservation and lack of tourist amenities there. The agency also asked the officials concerned to devote more time to speed up site activities and work out a detailed action plan for conservation and resume excavation at historic urban settlements located in the Rann of Kutch. The functioning of Dholavira Unit, excavation and other activities at the site was discussed in a meeting held in October with the senior official of the PMO in which the director general of the ASI was informed that the place is not a good status of preservation and lacks proper management, maintenance and tourist amenities. It was also informed about discontinuation of excavation, which has great potential for research, at Dholavira. The ancient settlement dating to 3rd to mid-2nd millennium BCE is the 6th largest of more than 1,000 Harappan sites discovered so far, which was occupied for over 1,500 years. Dholavira demonstrates its multifaceted achievements in terms of urban planning, water management, trading, and belief system. Harappan City was inscribed on UNESCOs World Heritage list in 2021. The Superintending Archaeologist in-charge of Rajkot Circle (sub office of ASI in Gujarat) is further advised to devote more time to the Dholavira site to accelerate activities at the World Heritage Site. He may submit a detailed action plan within 15 days for perusal of D-G, read an order.
5 More Arrested In GST Scam Linked To The Hindu Journalist Mahesh Langa's Firm
Five accused in the fake goods and services tax (GST) billing scam in Gujarat were arrested by the Rajkot branch of the economic offences wing (EOW) today. The arrests happened after the police and EOW officials searched 14 locations simultaneously.
Kin say custodial torture after death of 27-year-old in dry Gujarat liquor case
AHMEDABAD: A 27-year-old man allegedly died in police custody on Monday after he was arrested along with seven others during a crackdown on public drinking in Ahmedabad. Darshan Chauhan collapsed and died while he was being taken to Asarwa civil hospital for a medical check-up, police said. All the eight people arrested were allegedly under the influence of alcohol. While Chauhans family initially admitted before police that he had a seizure disorder, they later denied this and claimed before the media that he was a habitual drinker. They raised suspicions over the circumstances of his death, prompting the police to initiate an investigation into the incident. Eight people were apprehended in a late-night combing operation in Gomtipur. At 3:30 am, all detainees were taken to the civil hospital in an intoxicated state. Tragically, 27-year-old Darshan Chauhan collapsed and died before his medical examination, RD Ojha, ACP of Gomtipur, said, adding that the cause of death awaits postmortem results. The family refuted the police version. My brother had no illness, he was only addicted to alcohol, said Darshans sister Bharati Chauhan. My son went out at night, saying he would be back soon. Around 11 pm, we got a call saying the police had caught him. By morning, he had been taken to the civil hospital in poor health. When we reached there, we learned he had died, said Darshans mother Jashodaben. According to the Gujarat State Human Rights Commissions 2022-23 report, Rajkot city recorded the highest number of police custody deaths at three. Police initiate probe after family raises doubts While Chauhans family initially admitted before police that he had a seizure disorder, they later denied this and claimed before the media that he was a habitual drinker. They raised suspicions over the circumstances of his death, prompting the police to initiate an investigation into the incident.
Four women killed, 16 injured in van-truck collision in Gujarat's Surendranagar
SURENDRANAGAR: Four women were killed and 16 others injured after their pickup van collided with a truck in Gujarat's Surendranagar district, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place near Chotila around 10:30 pm on Monday, said Inspector I B Valvi of the local police station. The van, heading for Somnath from Shiyani village in Limbdi taluka of the district, was carrying 20 passengers. Two of them died on the spot following the collision while two more died in hospital, she said. The truck, coming from the opposite direction, turned right to halt at a roadside hotel and it led to the collision, the official said. The victims were going to Somnath to perform 'pitru tarpan,' a ritual for deceased ancestors. All the 16 injured persons were receiving treatment at the Rajkot civil hospital. The deceased, who were related to each other, were identified as Magjiben Rethariya (72), Galalben Rethariya (60), Manjuben Rethariya (65) and Gauriben Rethariya (68).
Tilak Varma becomes first batter to pull off this unique T20 record!
Mumbai: Tilak Varma became the first batter ever to notch three successive hundreds in T20s, while Shreyas Iyer underlined his credentials with a smooth century ahead of the IPL mega auction, as the two Indian batters hogged the limelight in the first round of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Saturday. In a Group A match, Tilak, who made hundreds recently against South Africa at Centurion and Johannesburg, added one more three-figure knock to the list against Meghalaya in Rajkot. The left-hander made 151 off just 67 balls with 14 fours and 10 sixes to guide Hyderabad to 248 for four in 20 overs. In the process, he also became the first Indian male cricketer to score a 150-plus score in T20s. India woman batter Kiran Navigere had made a 162 for Nagaland against Arunachal Pradesh in the senior Women's T20 Trophy in 2022. Opener Tanmay Agarwal supported his skipper Tilak with a 55 off 23 balls. Anikethreddy and Tanay Thyagarajan shared seven wickets among them as Hyderabad bundled out their rivals for 69 to celebrate a massive 179-run victory. Shreyas shines Shreyas, who was released by Kolkata Knight Riders despite leading them to the IPL 2024 title, made a timely reminder about his skills with an unbeaten 57-ball 130 (11x4, 10x6) for Mumbai against Goa in a Group E match. Shreyas' hundred led Mumbai to 250 for four, but Goa made a spirited chase before ending up at 224 for eight, going down by 26 runs. Suyash Prabhudesai was their top-scorer with a 52 off 36 balls. Brief scores Hyderabad 248/4; 20 overs (Tilak Verma 151, Tanmay Agarwal 55) beat Meghalaya: 69; 15.1 overs (G Anikethreddy 4/11, Tanay Thyagarajan 3/15) by 179 runs. Mumbai 250/4; 20 overs (Shreyas Iyer 130 not out) beat Goa 224/8; 20 overs (Suyash Prabhudesai 52, Vikash Singh 47 not out; Suyansh Shedge 2/18) by 26 runs.
Shivaji statue collapse case: Bombay HC grants bail to consultant Chetan Patil
MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Thursday granted bail to consultant Chetan Patil arrested in connection with the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue at Rajkot fort in Malvan in August. A 35-foot statue of the iconic Maratha warrior king collapsed in Sindhudurg district on August 26, nearly nine months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled it on Navy Day. Patil was arrested on August 30 from Kolhapur. 'Bow my head at his feet and apologise': PM Modi on Chhatrapati Shivaji statue collapse A single bench of Justice A S Kilor on Thursday held that no case was made out to implicate Patil in the case as he had not been appointed as the structural designer of the statue. The bench further said Patil had only submitted a structural stability report of the pedestal of the statue and the pedestal was intact even after the collapse. Another accused, Jaydeep Apte, who was the sculptor and contractor, was also arrested in the case. The HC said it would hear his bail plea on November 25. The Sindhudurg police had registered an FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for negligence and other offences last month against Apte and Patil for the statue's collapse. Patil and Apte moved HC seeking bail after a sessions court rejected their pleas.
