22, 24 carat Gold prices remain steady across other cities on October 8
A Surat ITAT ruling has quashed reassessment proceedings involving a 50 lakh IDS disclosure after finding the tax departments section 148 notice was time-barred. The case also involved a bank error that delayed part of the taxpayers tax payment.
Garba organisers told to submit NOCs for final police clearance
Cops invoke GUJCTOC against 8 members of Bhushan Gang
Lender sells pledged car despite getting repaid
Online work an up-hill task, literally
Gujarat: Mumbai businessman held in Surat cyber fraud case
Digital Desk | Surat, Oct 7 (IANS) The Surat City Cyber Crime Cell has arrested a 46-year-old Mumbai-based businessman for allegedly providing his firm's bank account to an absconding accused for use in a cyber fraud case in which a complainant was allegedly cheated of more than Rs 5 lakh after being promised attractive returns from an e-commerce business. According to the Cyber Crime Branch, the accused had contacted the complainant through a dating app and sent a link to a fake website. The complainant was allegedly asked to create an ID on the website and was told that conducting e-commerce transactions through it would yield substantial returns. The complainant subsequently transferred a total of Rs 5,88,909 into different bank accounts as part of the purported e-commerce business. However, the money was not returned, following which a complaint was registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station under Sections 318(4), 336(2), 338, 336(3), 340(2), 61(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 66D of the Information Technology Amendment Act, 2008. Police identified the arrested accused as Imran Khilchi, a businessman residing in the Grant Road area of Mumbai. The Cyber Crime Cell said Imran had allegedly provided the current account of his firm with a bank to an absconding accused residing in Dubai for use in cyber fraud. He allegedly received Rs 12,000 as commission for providing the account. Police said their investigation showed that a total of Rs 1,36,05,550 was transacted through the firm's current account between April 9, 2021, and September 24, 2026. The arrest followed a technical investigation conducted by a team led by Police Inspector A.M. Mori, based on directions from senior officials. The police also appealed to people not to provide their bank accounts to others in return for commissions or other inducements, warning that such accounts can be used for cyber fraud and that account holders can face legal action over transactions carried out through them.
Cat vs. Snake: Viral Video of Epic Showdown in Surat Stuns Internet!
Surat | A cat and a snake were caught in a fight at a society in the Dindoli area. The video of the unusual encounter has gone viral on social media, drawing reactions from netizens.
PM Modi to address nation today; BJP to hold 'Seva Jyoti Kalash Yatra' across Gujarat
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation virtually on Wednesday as Gujarat unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organises a 'Seva Jyoti Kalash Yatra' across all districts and metropolitan areas to mark his completion of 25 years in public service. PM Modi will address the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha' around 9 a.m. and lead a collective pledge to create 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047'. The Prime Minister's address will be broadcast live from the yatra's departure points across the state. The programme is part of the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', being organised to mark 25 years of his public service, first as the Gujarat Chief Minister and subsequently as the country's Prime Minister. Before PM Modi's address, BJP National President Nitin Nabin will also address the gathering. Following the Prime Minister's address, local leaders will light the 'Seva Jyot', after which the 'Seva Jyoti Kalash Yatra' will begin from designated locations in each district and metropolitan area. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will participate in the Ahmedabad programme at Pujya Pramukh Swami Marg-Riverfront Road near Riverfront House. State BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma will attend the programme at the Arts and Commerce College on New Civil Hospital Road in Sabarkantha district. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi will participate in the programme at Shri Vardayini Mataji Temple in Rupal village of Gandhinagar district. State BJP General Secretaries Aniruddh Dave, Prashant Korat, Ajay Brahmbhatt and Hitendrasinh Chouhan will attend programmes in Rajkot, Surat, Ahmedabad and Vadodara respectively. State Ministers, BJP office-bearers, MPs, MLAs, party leaders, workers and local residents are also expected to participate at designated locations. The nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Yatra', which began on September 17, will also conclude on Wednesday at Vadnagar in Gujarat and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The two locations are associated with PM Modi's birthplace and political career. In Vadnagar, the concluding programme will include a water offering at the historic Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple. Chief Minister Patel, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi, State BJP President Vishwakarma and Yatra In-charge V.D. Sharma are scheduled to attend.
10.84cr transport fraud: 32 booked for diversion of funds
Weaving workers makes labour issues knottier
Scammer posing as company director swindles 20L
SMC intensifies food safety checks ahead of festive season
Leopard kills toddler in Navsari village
Pregnant woman alleges voyeurism at wellness centre
Manager Files Counter FIR Alleging Assault, Property Damage
India's festive hiring rises 7 pc as whitecollar market cools
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) India's festive hiring grew 7 per cent yearonyear to 1,27,080 jobs in 2026 even as overall whitecollar hiring moderated 11 per cent yearonyear in September, a report said on Tuesday. The report from foundit said the divergence reflected a concentrated buildup in Indias consumption and fulfilment economy. Quick Commerce led festive demand with an 18 per cent yearonyear rise, followed by Ecommerce at 12 per cent and Logistics & Transportation at 10 per cent. Meanwhile, this demand is spreading beyond the metros, with Tier 2 and emerging cities growing significantly faster, while early-career professionals remain at the centre of festive hiring. Festive hiring has continued to expand over the last three years, rising from 98,120 jobs in 2024 to 1,18,750 in 2025 and 1,27,080 in 2026. Travel & hospitality, media & entertainment and retail recorded over 6 per cent, 5 per cent and 4 per cent gains respectively. The report added that whitecollar gigs and freelance hiring grew 15 per cent yearonyear, indicating greater use of flexible talent as businesses respond to seasonal spikes in demand. Strong demand for early-career talent also shows that businesses are prioritising agile, digitally ready workforces that can scale with demand. As consumption becomes more distributed, we expect employment opportunities to increasingly follow the same trajectory, said Tarun Sinha, CEO, foundit. Metros accounting for 56 per cent of festive whitecollar roles posted only 3 per cent YoY growth. Tier2 cities accounted for 27 per cent of festive jobs and grew 11 per cent, while Tier3 and emerging cities, at 17 per cent of the total, recorded the fastest growth at 15 per cent. Jaipur, Lucknow, Indore, Surat, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Coimbatore, Chandigarh and Kochi are among the cities seeing increased demand during the 2026 festive period.
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across other cities on October 6
Anilbhai's journey from peon at ONGC to successful vada pav seller in Surat is nothing short of inspiring. Beginning in 1997 with cherished family recipes, Anil faced numerous challenges before relocating his cart, leading to his eventual success. The price rise from Rs 2.50 to Rs 25 underscores his dedication to hard work, proving that anyone can redefine their destiny, regardless of societal views on street food vendors.
Investor trap on WhatsApp costs civic employee 27L
Fee for technicians visit under warranty an unfair practice
Man accused of murder held from Odisha after 30 years
Women artisans take centre stage in diamond, jewellery industry
Jewellers funds frozen after being paid from fraud-linked accounts
44kg of unsafe food destroyed after kitchen checks
Dr. Dipti Patel Takes Charge as IMA Surat President, Sets AI and New Building as Priorities
Surat (Gujarat) [India], October 5: The installation ceremony of the newly elected office-bearers of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Surat, was held on Sunday. Dr. Dipti Deepak Patel took oath
PM Modi gifts award-winning Indian cheeses, Kashmiri walnut panel to Swiss president
New Delhi, Oct 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday gifted three special Indian cheeses Gulmarg, Konark and Yeoor and a hand-carved Kashmiri walnut wood wall panel to Swiss President Guy Parmelin, showcasing India's rich and growing traditions of cheese-making and handicrafts. Parmelin began his three-day visit to India on Monday. This is his first state visit to the country and his second visit this year, having previously attended the AI Impact Summit in February. Gulmarg, a French-style cheese, is a heart-shaped, soft and creamy Brie made from pasteurised cow's milk, with a snowy-white rind and earthy, mushroom-like notes. It received a Super Gold award at the 2026 Mundial do Queijo do Brasil, an international competition for cheese and dairy products. Konark is a French Tomme-style cheese with a rustic, natural rind, supple texture, earthy and savoury flavours and a lemony finish. It won gold at the 2023 World Cheese Awards in Norway and silver in Switzerland in 2025. Yeoor is a mountain-style cheese inspired by Swiss Gruyere, which is matured for around eight to nine months to develop nutty, sweet and herbaceous flavours. Its rose-petal and fennel-decorated rind gives it a distinctive Indian-Alpine character, while its excellent melting quality makes it suitable for fondue and grilled preparations. Switzerland is famous worldwide for its wide varieties of cheese, and the three Indian cheeses offered a glimpse of India's own rich and growing tradition of cheese-making. The walnut wood wall panel showcases Kashmir's centuries-old woodcarving heritage. Crafted from premium Himalayan walnut wood, it is intricately hand-carved in deep relief and depicts traditional landscapes, flora, human figures, horses, carriages and village life. The panel reflects Kashmir's distinctive artistic traditions shaped by indigenous and Central Asian influences and celebrates the skill and craftsmanship of Kashmiri artisans. Modi also gifted a Kutchi shawl placed in a Sadeli box to the Swiss presidents wife, Caroline Parmelin, showcasing Gujarat's rich traditions of weaving and decorative craftsmanship. The Sadeli box, from Surat, features intricate geometric patterns created by precisely assembling and layering contrasting materials, while the Kutchi shawl is a vibrant handwoven textile from Kutch, distinguished by geometric motifs and supplementary-weft weaving. Together, the shawl and the Sadeli box celebrate Gujarat's artistic heritage and the skill and ingenuity of its artisans. Earlier, Modi hosted Parmelin for wide-ranging talks to explore new opportunities in further strengthening India-Switzerland ties, especially in areas of trade and investment, mobility and critical technologies. Ahead of Parmelin's talks with Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the Swiss leader and discussed various aspects of bilateral ties.
Surat Influencer Simran Patel Arrested Over Objectionable Mahatma Gandhi Reel
A 47-year-old Instagram influencer with nearly 10 lakh (1 million) followers was arrested by the Surat Cyber Crime Cell after posting a video deemed offensive to national sentiments. The accused, identified as Simran Patel, uploaded the controversial reel on October 1just a day before Gandhi Jayanti. The video featured the image of Mahatma Gandhi printed [] The post Surat Influencer Simran Patel Arrested Over Objectionable Mahatma Gandhi Reel appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Bajrang Dal objects to Sunidhi Chauhan's outfit during Surat concert
Bollywood singer Sunidhi Chauhans Surat concert has triggered controversy after the Bajrang Dal community raised objections to the outfits worn by dancers on stage, calling it a 'cultural violation in front of families.'
MLAs appeal for organ donation gives new lease of life to 5
Accountant held for assaulting 9-year-old boy, hurling casteist slurs
Man booked for forging records to claim tenancy rights
Suspended woman cop wanted in extortion case held from Sasan Gir
Posting obscene reel on Gandhiji lands Surat content creator in jail
Woman Arrested in Surat for Posting Offensive Video Featuring Gandhis Image
A 47-year-old woman was arrested in Surat for posting an offensive video on Instagram using Gandhis image, sparking legal action. Woman Arrested in Surat for Posting Offensive Video Featuring Gandhis Image
Gujarat woman with 1 million Instagram followers held over objectionable Gandhi reel
Digital Desk | Surat, Oct 4 (IANS) A 47-year-old woman with around one million Instagram followers has been arrested by the Surat Cyber Crime Branch for allegedly posting a video in which the photograph of Mahatma Gandhi on a Rs 500 currency note was depicted in an obscene manner and linked to sexually suggestive statements and gestures, police said on Sunday. The accused, identified as Simran Patel, a homemaker residing at Surti Icon in Adajan area of Surat in Gujarat, allegedly created and posted the reel on her Instagram account between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on October 1. According to the Cyber Crime Branch, the video used the photograph of Mahatma Gandhi on the currency note and combined it with what police described as objectionable and insulting statements and gestures with sexual references. The reel was posted publicly on Instagram, making it accessible to other users. A complaint was subsequently filed by a citizen, following which the Cyber Crime Police Station registered a case under Section 67 of the Information Technology Amendment Act, 2008. Police said the case was investigated on the instructions of Police Commissioner Wabang Jamir, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Dr Karanraj Vaghela and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Cell) Bishakha Jain. Police Inspector N.R. Patel and his team carried out a technical investigation to identify the person operating the Instagram account and allegedly responsible for creating and publishing the video. The investigation led them to Simran, following which she was arrested, and legal proceedings were initiated. Police said the accused's Instagram account has about one million followers. The Cyber Crime Branch has appealed to people not to circulate reels or posts without verifying their authenticity, particularly material that could lead to social discord. It also urged citizens to inform the nearest police station if they come across fake or objectionable content. Police warned that creating or sharing obscene, objectionable or insulting content involving national figures, religious symbols or social symbols on social media can attract legal action. The Cyber Crime Branch also advised users against violating the law in an attempt to gain followers or likes, and asked them to report objectionable content to the police. The case comes amid increased police attention to objectionable and unlawful content circulated through social media platforms.
CISF Personnel Help Unconscious Staff Member At Surat Airport
The incident highlights how the CISF personnel at the airport responded quickly to assist a staff member in need.
14 phones, 10 sim cards and 3 chargers found in Lajpore jail
Promise to marry leaves woman with debts to repay
Ayurveda, Unani experts converge on city
Two women arrested for abetting rape of minor
Fire in apartment sparks hospital evacuation
Special four-day drive to add excluded voters
Gujarat Dy CM hears Surat residents grievances, directs officials for immediate action
Digital Desk | Surat, Oct 3 (IANS) Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Saturday held a 'Jan Sampark' programme at the Surat Circuit House, where he personally heard grievances and representations from residents of Surat city and district and directed officials of the concerned departments to take prompt action. Sanghavi met citizens and applicants individually during the programme and heard their concerns relating to local administrative matters and development-related issues. Senior officials from the concerned departments were present. They were instructed to initiate necessary action on the representations and work towards resolving the issues without requiring citizens to make repeated visits to government offices. The programme provided residents an opportunity to directly place their grievances before the Deputy Chief Minister. Officials were directed to examine the issues and take immediate steps for their resolution. Citizens whose grievances had been resolved recently also met Sanghavi during the programme and expressed their gratitude. They shared their experiences after their respective issues were addressed through the administration. The Jan Sampark programme was aimed at providing a direct channel for citizens to approach the government with their concerns and facilitating coordination between applicants and the concerned departments. During the interaction, citizens also expressed satisfaction over the action taken on their representations. The programme brought together residents, applicants and officials to address pending grievances and development-related concerns at the administrative level.
SMC Sports Coach Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) Recruitment 2026 for 8 posts of Honorary Coach. Candidates with B.P.Ed / D.P.Ed / M.P.Ed Can Apply Online. The online application opens on 15-10-2026, and closes on 24-10-2026. The candidate shall apply online through SMC official website.
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across other cities on October 3
SGCCI takes textile sectors concerns to Delhi
Calls made for Gaon Chalo Andolan as truce frays
Land Rover kidnapping ends in arrests
Snapchat relationship ends in FIR for deceitful means
Labour code stitch keeps stir in check
Mere presence in cabin not proof of driving
FIR filed for DPS bus hitting 77-year-old
Gujarat Cyber Crime Unit Arrests Man Linked to
A 28-year-old man was arrested in Surat for providing bank accounts used in online investment frauds totaling 7 crore. Gujarat Cyber Crime Unit Arrests Man Linked to 7 Crore Fraud Cases
Tanisha Mukerji Makes a Comeback in Zindagi Phir Bhi Khubsurat Hai
Actress Tanisha Mukerji returns to the screen in Zindagi Phir Bhi Khubsurat Hai, a film exploring lifes journey through the Parsi community. Tanisha Mukerji Makes a Comeback in Zindagi Phir Bhi Khubsurat Hai
PM E-DRIVE scheme enables 26.59 lakh EV sales, helps expand charging infra
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 2 (IANS) The PM E-DRIVE scheme, launched in September 2024, has enabled 26.59 lakh EV sales (as of June 2026), accelerating EV adoption, expanding charging infrastructure and strengthening the domestic manufacturing ecosystem, according to an official statement. With an outlay of Rs 11,900 crore and implementation extended until March 2028, the scheme supports multiple EV categories and infrastructure. It supports incentives for 28.30 lakh EVs, and also supports e-buses, charging stations and testing facilities, advancing cleaner, sustainable mobility across India, said the government factsheet. About Rs 4,391 crore has been allocated for the deployment of 14,028 e-buses under the PM E-DRIVE scheme. Of these, 14,000 e-buses have been allocated (as of August 2026). About 13,800 e-buses have been allocated to seven cities Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune and Surat. Grant support is also available for EV public charging stations (EV PCS) and upgradation of testing agencies. Nearly Rs 2,000 crore has been earmarked for nationwide EV PCS across India. Rs 851 crore has been approved for deployment of 8,147 chargers to three oil marketing companies and 10 states (as of September 28, 2026). Moreover, Rs 780 crore has been allocated for modernisation and upgradation of vehicle testing agencies. Electric mobility is gathering pace, driven by targeted policies, financial incentives and supportive measures. The scheme provides demand incentives and infrastructure support across various vehicle categories and associated components. The categories covered include e-2 Wheelers (e-2Ws), e-3 Wheelers (e-3Ws), including registered e-rickshaws and e-carts and L5, e-Ambulances, e-Trucks, e-Buses, charging infra, and upgradation of testing agencies. Registered e-2Ws receive an incentive of Rs 2,500/kWh (capped at Rs 5,000 per vehicle). This applies to vehicles priced up to Rs 1.5 lakh ex-factory, with a total fund allocation of Rs 2,767 crore. The scheme aims to support 45.79+ lakh registered e-2Ws. Target sales for the sub-component registered e-3W (L5) have been achieved, and the segment was closed on December 26, 2025. Support for e-3Ws (e-rickshaws and e-carts) continues until March 2028, said the factsheet.
Textile industry trains boiler operators to improve energy efficiency
Web designer held for flashing woman in mall
157 establishments inspected in two days, 328kg substandard food destroyed
12-year-old flees home after school catches him smoking
Feared He Would Be Pulled Up By Parents; Traced After Hours
20-year-old student drowns in Vapi swimming pool
Surat-Udaipur Vande Bharat inaugural run today
NHAI rolls out Tamil Nadus first barrierless Multi-Lane Free Flow Tolling System
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has rolled out Tamil Nadus first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) based tolling system at Paranur Toll Plaza on the Tambaram Tindivanam Section of NH-179B, an official statement said on Thursday. The MLFF system introduces barrier-less tolling, enabling vehicles to pass through toll locations without stopping, the statement from Ministry of Road Transport & Highways The system leverages advanced technologies such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and FASTag-based Electronic Toll Collection for efficient toll operations. MLFF eliminated the need for vehicles to stop at toll plazas, significantly reducing human intervention in the toll collection system. The system cuts down congestion, improves travel time, enhances fuel efficiency and lower vehicular emissions on National Highways. NHAI is implementing MLFF based tolling at various National Highways across the country in a phased manner. MLFF tolling system has been successful at Chorayasi Toll Plaza on SuratBharuch section of NH-48 in Gujarat; Mundka-Bakkarwala Toll Plaza on the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) in Delhi-NCR; Shahjahanpur, Daulatpura and Manoharpura Toll Plaza on DelhiJaipur section of NH-48 in Rajasthan; and Gharaunda Toll Plaza on the PanipatJalandhar section of National Highway-44 in Haryana. National Highway users are required to maintain functional FASTag with sufficient balance to avoid Electronic Notice (E-Notice) for a seamless MLFF experience, the statement noted. FASTag Annual Pass has crossed the significant milestone of one crore since its launch on August 15 last year. The pass is applicable for all non-commercial vehicles with a valid FASTag. The annual pass gets activated on the existing FASTag linked to the vehicle after payment of one-time fee payment through Rajmargyatra App. The Annual Pass eliminates the need to frequently recharge FASTag through one-time fee payment of Rs 3,075 for one year validity or 200 toll plaza crossings.
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across other cities on October 1
Naman Pink Circle Meet Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness Ahead of Pink October
Awareness, Musical Housie and Entertaining Activities Create a Lively Atmosphere at Naman Breast and Cancer Clinics Pink Circle Meet Surat (Gujarat) [India], September 30: With the aim of increasing awareness
Gujarat Man Confesses To Triple Murder
A man in Gujarat's Surat district, who initially reported the alleged murder of his grandmother-in-law, has confessed to her killing and two other murders in 2022. Madhavdas Sadhu, along with his wife Urmila, allegedly murdered his grandmother-in-law, mother, and sister-in-law, primarily to seize property and cover up previous crimes.
Ahmedabad Crime Branch Cracks 2022 Triple Murder Case After Framing Plot Backfires
The investigation began when Madhavdas Bhaktiram Sadhu approached the police with an tip regarding the murder of Shantaben Gambhirbhai Vasava, an elderly woman killed in Kosamba, Surat district, in 2022.
Circular puts new labour norms in frame before protest
Surat-Udaipur Vande Bharat from Oct 4
MP seeks probe into Rent a Garba Partner posts
At diamond jubilee, SMC eyes 2047 finish line
Embroidery labour battle moves to online realm
Unit Owners Film Videos Of 1,000 Workers To Counter Protests
Consumers head to court in record numbers
City resident Iqbal Kadiwala elected GNC vice-president
Couple cheats diamond worker of 40L
Education-skills integration vital to professionalise jewellery industry: Experts
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) Industry leaders on Wednesday stressed the need to integrate formal education with skill-based training to ensure the long-term growth of India's jewellery sector and preserve its rich tradition of craftsmanship. Speaking on the sidelines of an industry event here, experts said artisans remain the backbone of the jewellery industry, but attracting younger generations to the profession has become an increasing challenge. They argued that linking jewellery-making skills with recognised academic qualifications and certifications could make the sector more appealing to students and young professionals. Vinod Bamalwa, Director of Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons and Chairman of the National Expert Committee on Jewellery and Lifestyle at the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), said the industry is facing a shortage of young artisans as fewer people are choosing jewellery craftsmanship as a career. According to him, one of the key reasons is the lack of formal recognition of jewellery-making as a structured vocational education pathway. He said that integrating technical skills with degree and certification programmes could help elevate the profession's status and attract more talent to the sector. Bamalwa noted that efforts are underway to introduce jewellery manufacturing and related technical subjects to students at the school level, with industry participation playing a key role in designing and supporting such programmes. He said the industry has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the government to build a stronger talent pipeline. Subhankar Sen, Co-Chairman of the ICC National Expert Committee on Jewellery and Lifestyle and Managing Director and CEO of Senco Gold & Diamonds, said West Bengal has long been a hub of jewellery craftsmanship, with artisans from the state contributing significantly to jewellery centres across the country, including Mumbai, Surat and southern India. Sen pointed out that jewellery education extends far beyond the art of making ornaments and encompasses areas such as metallurgy, marketing, sales techniques and product management. Introducing such subjects at school and college levels, he said, could open up employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people. He emphasised that combining education with practical skill development is essential if the jewellery sector is to evolve into a more organised and professionally managed industry.
Major blast, fire at Mangaluru Refinery and Petrochemicals unit leaves 1 dead, 9 injured (Lead)
Digital Desk | Mangaluru, Sep 30 (IANS) A major blast, followed by a fire, was reported at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) in Karnatakas Mangaluru on Wednesday, leaving one person dead and nine others injured. The blaze has now been brought under control. Mangaluru Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. told the media that one person was killed and nine labourers were injured in the incident. The deceased has been identified as Manish, 30. According to police, Manish, a resident of Haleyangadi on the outskirts of Mangaluru, was working as an electrician at the MRPL plant. Present at the site along with injured worker Rajesh Baptist, Manish suffered fatal burn injuries in the explosion, and fire personnel launched an operation to recover his body. The injured have been identified as Baptist from Surathkal, Prasad, Indrajit, Raman, Jarome, Jayaram, Avinash, Akshay, and another person. Baptist suffered 30 per cent burn injuries and is being treated in the ICU of Srinivasa Hospital. The others have been admitted to AG and MRPL hospitals. Preliminary investigations revealed that a major explosion occurred at MRPLs hydro-treating unit at around 12.15 p.m. on Wednesday while testing was being carried out. A major tragedy was averted as workers had left the unit following a shift change at 11.30 a.m. The incident could have resulted in heavy casualties had the workers been inside the unit at the time of the explosion. Health Minister U.T. Khader, who is the Mangaluru District In-Charge Minister, said: The explosion occurred during testing at MRPL. Those injured in the incident have been admitted to a private hospital. The situation is now under control. The powerful explosion caused houses in some areas around Panambur, Kavoor, Surathkal, and Jokatte to shake. The intensity of the blast was also captured on CCTV cameras. The loud explosion also left residents in the surrounding areas shaken. In Jokatte, which is adjacent to the MRPL premises, doors and windows of the Gram Panchayat office and nearby houses reportedly rattled, while glass panes were broken at some places. Thick smoke engulfed the surrounding areas following the explosion. The incident also caused damage to an Anganwadi centre located next to MRPL. The centres window glass and wall were damaged. As a precautionary measure, the children were immediately evacuated. The explosion was so powerful that a church located about 2 km from MRPL was also damaged. The roof tiles and the churchs windows and doors were shattered. Mangaluru International Airport authorities said that the impact of the explosion was felt at the airport, as in other areas surrounding MRPL. However, there was no damage to its infrastructure, and no glass panes were broken. Following the blast, a fire broke out in the boiler section of the unit, with thick smoke engulfing the area. After receiving information about the incident, personnel from MRPLs fire and emergency services, along with fire tenders from the city, rushed to the spot and continued efforts to bring the fire under control. The exact cause of the blast and the extent of the damage are yet to be ascertained. Local leader and activist Muneer Katipalla said the incident was expected. We agitated when the unit was established and started functioning about 10 years ago and claimed that it was dangerous. However, legislators, political parties and prominent leaders supported the company, and voices of protest were suppressed. The district administration also colluded with MRPL, he alleged. The government should shut down the MRPL factory or shift the houses located in the surrounding areas. On the one hand, people are suffering from dreaded diseases such as cancer, and on the other, they are exposed to danger. There were small incidents of explosions reported from MRPL, and they were hushed up. Today, such an incident has taken place involving a major explosion, he claimed. The buildings surrounding the plant have been damaged. The walls of the school and Anjuman buildings have been damaged. The windows and doors of houses have also been damaged. There is no information forthcoming from MRPL, and we have information regarding a major explosion. Nothing should be hidden from the public, and correct information must be provided regarding the incident, Katipalla added.
Mamta Ben, a spirited woman from Surat, India, made a bold move to Canada nearly forty years ago. Now, she proudly maneuvers vans and large trucks on the bustling Canadian highways. Her remarkable journey caught the attention of Anupam Kher during an encounter, leading him to share her motivational tale. With a warm 'Jai Hind,' she reaffirms her bond with India and dedicates three months annually to her homeland.
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across other cities on September 30
Rajasthan panchayat polls: BJP, Congress recalibrating strategies after civic election lessons
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 30 (IANS) After the civic body elections, the BJP and Congress are now recalibrating their strategies for the upcoming Panchayat polls in Rajasthan. For the BJP, the focus is on improving vote share and plugging organisational gaps, despite the party forming boards in around two-thirds of the state's civic bodies. The party organisation has intensified its grassroots preparations, with a focus on booth management, local caste equations, candidate selection and coordination between the government and the organisation. For the Congress, the challenge extends beyond winning seats to converting electoral gains into control of Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads. The party is reviewing the factionalism, ticket disputes and floor-management issues that affected board formation in several civic bodies. It is now weighing greater state-level intervention in candidate selection and post-election management, along with a wider network of observers, to keep its elected members together and prevent internal divisions from undermining its prospects in the Panchayat polls. For the BJP, the immediate focus is not just on the number of urban local bodies where it managed to form boards, but also on its vote share and the organisational gaps exposed during the civic elections. Despite securing boards in around two-thirds of the state's civic bodies, the party's central leadership is reviewing areas where its electoral performance fell short of expectations. The BJP has consequently intensified preparations at the grassroots level, with particular attention to booth management, local caste equations, candidate selection and coordination between the government and the party organisation. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has emerged as an active part of this organisational exercise. During his recent district tours, Sharma has combined government programmes with meetings involving party workers and local leaders. Feedback on Panchayat election preparations, possible candidates and booth-level mobilisation is being gathered during these interactions. State BJP president Madan Rathore has also increased his organisational outreach, including engagement with younger sections of the electorate. The Panchayat elections are expected to put the BJP's rural organisational network to another test. The party's strategy involves leveraging the government's development and welfare initiatives while simultaneously strengthening its booth-level machinery. Recently, BJP National General Secretary and Rajasthan State In-charge Sanjay Bhatia held an organisational meeting at the party's state office with state office-bearers, district presidents and in-charges of various organisational wings and departments. The meeting was Bhatia's first organisational review since taking charge as the party's Rajasthan in-charge. Addressing party leaders, he attributed the results of the recent local body elections to the hard work of BJP workers and the performance of the party-led government. Bhatia said the party's strategy for the upcoming Panchayat elections should build on the coordination between the government and the organisation demonstrated during the local body polls. He stressed the need to replicate this organisational synergy at the grassroots level. Now, the challenge is to translate government schemes and the party's organisational presence into support at the grassroots, where local issues, caste combinations and candidate equations can significantly influence electoral outcomes. Sharma's recent tour schedule reflects the BJP's effort to intensify organisational engagement. He visited Pratapgarh and Udaipur on September 26, Sri Ganganagar and Suratgarh on September 27, followed by Alwar-Khairthal Tijara, Kota-Jhalawar and Kishangarh. His upcoming visits to Barmer, Jodhpur and Pali are also expected to include organisational meetings. The Congress, meanwhile, is drawing lessons from the difficulties it faced while forming boards in several urban local bodies. Although the party had a substantial number of councillors in several civic bodies, it was unable to translate that strength into board formation everywhere. The issue of floor management has therefore emerged as a key concern for the party ahead of the Panchayat elections. The Congress is now considering greater involvement of the state organisation in the electoral process, including ticket distribution and the subsequent formation of Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads. The debate within the party centres on how much control should remain with district-level leadership and how much coordination should come from the state organisation. The Congress's experience in the civic elections has also raised concerns over factionalism and coordination among local leaders. Ticket-related disputes surfaced in several districts, while cross-voting was reported during the formation of some boards. Against this backdrop, the party is examining whether greater state-level supervision could help prevent similar problems during the Panchayat elections. The political challenge for the Congress will extend beyond winning individual seats. The party will also need to maintain cohesion among its elected members to secure control of Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads. As part of its preparations, the Congress is considering deploying observers not only at the Assembly constituency level but also at the Panchayat Samiti level. The proposal is aimed at strengthening coordination between the state organisation and local units, particularly during candidate selection and the post-election process of forming Panchayat bodies. Swarnim Chaturvedi, Media Chairperson of the Rajasthan Congress, said the party is considering appointing observers at the Panchayat Samiti level in addition to Assembly constituencies. With both parties now recalibrating their organisational strategies, the Panchayat elections are set to become a test of their grassroots networks, candidate management and ability to keep local factions aligned through the electoral and board-formation processes.
Five killed, five injured after bus-truck collision in Gujarat; PM Modi condoles deaths
Digital Desk | Anand, Sep 30 (IANS) Five people were killed and five others injured after a private luxury bus collided with a truck on the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway in Gujarats Anand district at around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, police said. Reacting to the news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths of the five people in the accident and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the mishap. Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in a mishap in Anand, Gujarat. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured, PM Modi said in a post on X. The bus collided with the truck on the expressway when the bus was attempting to overtake the truck. Anand Superintendent of Police, G.G. Jasani, said the bus was carrying around 30 to 40 passengers when the collision took place. The Sai Darshan Travels bus had departed from Surat for Rajasthan and was travelling from Anand towards Nadiad when it collided with the truck. Most of the passengers were asleep at the time of the accident. The impact left several passengers trapped inside the damaged bus. After receiving information, police personnel and local residents reached the spot and launched rescue operations. The injured were pulled out of the bus and shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. The bodies of the deceased were sent for autopsy following the necessary inquest proceedings. One of the injured passengers, Dhanesh Jadhav, said he had boarded the bus in Surat and was asleep when he was suddenly jolted awake by the sound of the collision. Panic and confusion spread among the passengers immediately after the crash, he said. The accident also disrupted traffic movement on the expressway for some time. Police cleared the damaged vehicles from the road and restored traffic movement. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the collision, including the bus driver's attempt to overtake the truck.
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