Six killed in Nelamangala Highway crash, including tech CEO, family

A devastating accident on the National Highway in Nelamangala, Bengaluru, claimed the lives of six individuals, leaving behind a scene of horror. The victims, including Chandram Yegapagol, a 46-year-old tech CEO, and five of his family members, died instantly in the collision. Yegapagol, who resided in Bengalurus HSR Layout, was the CEO and managing director of IAST Software Solutions, a company he founded in 2018. Originally from Morbagi village in Maharashtras Sangli district, he had an impressive academic background, holding a diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from GPT Gulbarga and a Bachelor of Engineering from the renowned National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal. Yegapagols career was marked by significant leadership roles at prestigious companies such as Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions, KPIT Technologies, and Great Wall Motor in China. His wealth of experience helped him establish IAST Software Solutions, which grew to employ over 100 skilled engineers and had a global reach, with a wholly owned subsidiary in Shanghai and partnerships with companies in France and Japan. The company also expanded its operations to Pune. In the tragic accident, Yegapagol was accompanied by his wife Gurabai, his sister-in-law Vijayalaxmi, his two children, and a niece, all of whom perished at the scene. According to preliminary police investigations, the accident occurred when an Eicher truck, transporting heavy aluminum pillars, lost control. The driver, reportedly trying to avoid another vehicle, veered off the road and crossed the median. The truck then crashed into a Volvo car traveling toward Tumakuru, resulting in a catastrophic impact that severely damaged the vehicle. Before coming to a stop, the truck also collided with a tempo, though the damage to the tempo was minimal. Nearby CCTV footage captured the horrifying moment of the collision. Police are currently examining the footage as part of their ongoing investigation.

8 years after jumping parole, Delhi Police nabs double-murder convict from Surat

Delhi Police apprehended a double-murder convict, Alimuddin, after seven years on the run. He had been granted parole in 2016 but absconded. Convicted for poisoning two men during an occult ritual gone wrong, Alimuddin was found working as a tailor in Surat under a false identity after an extensive search spanning multiple states.

Surathkal: Two-Wheeler Rider Killed in Accident

Surathkal: Two-Wheeler Rider Killed in Accident Mangaluru: A tragic road accident occurred at Kulai Guddu Junction in Surathkal on Friday night, claiming the life of a two-wheeler rider. The deceased has been identified as Remmi (38), a resident of Kana. Eyewitnesses reported that the accident occurred when a private city bus collided with Remmis two-wheeler. [] The post Surathkal: Two-Wheeler Rider Killed in Accident appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

GMC council meeting focuses on major issues & development of city

GUNTUR: A general body meeting, chaired by Mayor Kavati Manohar Naidu, was held at the Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) Council Hall on Saturday to address issues across the 57 divisions of the city. The agenda included 99 questions, 153 proposals, and 107 preambles. Key topics discussed included delays in constructing Road Under Bridges (RUBs) and Road Over Bridges (ROBs). Officials resolved to coordinate with MPs, MLAs, and the Roads & Buildings (R&B) department to expedite permissions from the Centre. Progress of the AMRUT water scheme in Gorantla, interruptions in water supply, sanitation in merged villages and slums, illegal hoardings, street lighting, TIDCO housing projects, and road repairs were also reviewed. Corporators suggested recruiting additional sanitation staff to launch special drives for preventing seasonal diseases. Mayor Naidu emphasised that city development must remain the priority, transcending caste and political differences. The Council announced that discussions on pending agenda items will continue on December 28. GMC chief P Srinivasulu, MLCs KS Lakshman Rao and Chandragiri Yesuratnam, Guntur East MLA Mohammad Nazeer, Guntur West MLA Galla Madhavi, Prathipadu MLA Burla Ramanjaneyulu, Deputy Mayors Shaik Sajeela and Diamond Babu, council members, and others were present.

2 Indigenously-Built Warships 'Nilgiri' And 'Surat' Delivered To Navy

The Mazagon Docks Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) created history by delivering two indigenously built, modern Capital Warships 'Nilgiri' and 'Surat' to the Indian Navy, officials said in Mumbai on Friday.

Car On The Move Catches Fire On Gujarat Road, Driver Killed

A man was burnt to death after his car caught fire while driving in Gujarat's Surat. The driver, Deepak Patel, was trapped inside the vehicle when it caught fire today.

Delhi Rape Case Accused Arrested From Gujarat After Chase Of 1,500 Km

Delhi Crime branch team arrested a 25-year-old man involved in a rape case in Badli, Delhi after an extensive 1500 km chase to Surat in Gujarat.

Thieves Drill Two-Foot Hole Into Surat Bank Locker Room, Steal Cash & Jewellery Worth Millions

The robbers made a two-foot hole in a wall to get into the locker area and smashed the bank's alarm.

Gujarat man, murder convict of fiance , extradited from UK to Surat jail - Gujarat Samachar

Gujarat man, murder convict of fiance , extradited from UK to Surat jail Gujarat Samachar

Two soldiers killed in Bikaner while loading ammunition in tank during training

JAIPUR: Two soldiers were killed and one injured in Bikaner's Mahajan field firing range while loading ammunition in a tank during a training exercise on Wednesday, the second fatal incident in the range this week. The charger exploded while they were loading the ammunition, said Defence spokesperson Lt Col Amitabh Sharma. Two soldiers have died in the incident and one is injured, he said. Local police officials rushed to the spot as soon as information about the blast came in. Three soldiers were practising with the tank. Ashutosh Mishra and Jitendra died in the explosion. The injured soldier has been taken to Chandigarh in a helicopter, Circle Officer Lunkaransar (Bikaner) Narendra Kumar Poonia said. While Mishra was from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, Jitendra came from Dausa in Rajasthan. Their bodies were taken to the Suratgarh military station. On Sunday, gunner Chandra Prakash Patel died when he was hooking a gun with the gun towing vehicle. The vehicle suddenly slipped backwards. Patel was fatally injured.

Surat Diamond Bourse: World's largest office building echoes loss of shine in its empty halls

Surat Diamond Bourse, the world's largest office building, faces slow occupancy a year after opening. Despite selling all 4,200 offices, only 150 are operational due to a global diamond business slowdown. The SDB is actively encouraging businesses to move in with events, infrastructure enhancements, and on-site services.

Hike NREGA wages, dont make Aadhaar payment must: House panel

Flagging concern over the low wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a Parliamentary Panel has recommended raising the wages of the workers. In a report submitted to Parliament on Tuesday, the panel said that since 2008, it found the amount inadequate and not in consonance with the rising cost of living. Taking up work under MGNREGA is a sort of last resort for many of the poor rural masses who do not have any other option of livelihood or job option to utilise but wages of such nominal nature sometime with delayed payment only discourage them and propel them to migrate and seek work in areas giving better remuneration, said the panel, headed by Congress MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka. It said it has urged the Department of Rural Development to increase MGNREGS wages by linking them to an index commensurate with national inflation, adding that it is intrigued by the unrevised base rate to fix rates. The government notifies the wage rate using Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labour and by keeping the wage rates thus obtained on 1st April, 2019 or Rs 100, whichever is more as the base for indexation for the states. The committee urged the government to explore the feasibility of revising the base year and base rate to bring relief to the poor rural masses who rely on MGNREGS for their livelihood. The panel also recommended that the rural development ministrys Aadhaar-based payment bridge system (ABPS) for making payments should not be made mandatory. It noted that APBS has been made mandatory since January 1, 2024. It is too early to make it mandatory as the problems relating to Aadhaar seeding have not been resolved, it said.

33 trips to Dubai and a suspended principal: A flight path of misconduct

A school principal from the state of Gujarats Surat has been suspended for making an astonishing 33 trips to Dubai within just two years, with many questions on professional ethical corrupt practices and misuse of office. Principal Sanjay Patel of Snehrashmi School No 285, which serves economically weaker section (EWS) students, repeatedly ignored numerous government 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 .

Mumbai Woman Sells Her Three-Month-Old Baby To Fund Husbands Bail, 9 Held For Trafficking

Suspecting this was part of a trafficking racket, the police launched an investigation and tracked the baby through multiple locations, including Ulhasnagar, Surat, Vadodara, and Karnataka.

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.

Suvali Beach Festival 2024 in Surat from December 20 - DeshGujarat

Suvali Beach Festival 2024 in Surat from December 20 DeshGujarat

Tailor's tag leads to arrests in Odisha woman's murder case

Cuttack: A tailor's tag on a blood-stained shirt found near the crime scene helped the Odisha Police to crack a mysterious murder case and arrest three people, an officer said. The police on December 13 recovered the body of a 35-year-old woman on the banks of Kathjodi river in Cuttack under Kandarpur police station. The deceased remained unidentified and nobody lodged any complaint at any police station in the state. The police had no clue other than getting a weapon of offence a chopper. It was a big challenge for the police to crack the case, said Cuttack DCP Jagmohan Meena. Meena said though tattoos were found on both the hands of the deceased woman, they could not help her identification. One blood-stained shirt and pant were found on the water body near the spot. It was found that both the wearing apparel had a tag of 'New Star Tailors' stitched, he said. This clue was focused upon. Around 10 tailors with this name or similar name in Odisha were verified and their tag design was compared with the tag of the shirt and pant found at the spot. However, there was no match found. A tailor in Ganjam district informed that such kind of tags are being used in Gujarat, Meena said. The DCP said the Gujarat police was contacted and they found such a tailor in Surat. The tailor's tag had a number '3833' which was matched and upon search, it was seen that the shirt was stitched for one person named 'Babu'. There was no other detail available. However, the tailor gave one important clue that he had to return Rs 100 to the customer 'babu' but he did not have the change. So, he transferred Rs 100 on the e-wallet of one mobile number. That number was contacted and it was found that he is a friend of 'babu'. Details of 'Babu' were received. He was found to be Jaganath Duhuri (27) @ Babu @ Bapi of Kendrapada. It was found that he (Babu) was going back to Surat by train. The train was passing through Rayagada when he was nabbed, Meena said. On further verification and interrogation, it was found that he was the brother-in-law of the deceased. He also revealed that he committed crime with the help of his brother Balaram Duhuri and cousin Hapi Duhuri. All three have been apprehended, police said. Balaram Duhuri was the husband of the deceased woman. The motive of the crime is chronic marital dispute between the deceased and her husband. Balaram was doubting that the deceased was having an extra-marital affair with someone, the DCP said.

Suchi Semicon unveils Gujarat's First Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (OSAT) Plant in Surat - United News of India

Suchi Semicon unveils Gujarat's First Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (OSAT) Plant in Surat United News of India

Stressed Surat Man Chops His Fingers To Avoid Working At Relative's Office

The man earlier told the police that he found his fingers missing after falling unconscious on the side of a road.

Cops seize counterfeit notes worth Rs 1.06 lakh; arrest three in Surat

The suspects are alleged to have used fake notes to deceive people by mixing them with real currency notes during transactions

2.37 crore Sports Activity Zone to come up under Utran over bridge in Surat - DeshGujarat

2.37 crore Sports Activity Zone to come up under Utran over bridge in Surat DeshGujarat

JKTF threatens stir for release of DA

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: A meeting of the Jammu Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) was held at Gandhi Nagar, Jammu to highlight the pressing issue of the delayed release of 3 percent Dearness Allowance (DA), due from July 2024. Held under the presidium of Ganesh Khajuria, chief patron of JKTF, S Surat Singh Toofani, Darshan Sharma, Gopal Singh, Kuldeep Singh Bandral and Raj Singh, the meeting highlighted the Governments alleged apathetic attitude towards the needs of employees and pensioners, especially [] The post JKTF threatens stir for release of DA appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

'Felt trapped due to family obligations': Surat man chops off four fingers under work pressure

A 32-year-old computer operator in Surat, India, severed four fingers on his left hand to escape work-related stress. He initially fabricated a story about being attacked, but later confessed to self-inflicting the injury. He felt trapped in his job due to family obligations, as his employer was a relative.

Semiconductor plants to reduce dependency on imports, create jobs for youth in India: C.R. Patil

Semiconductor plants to reduce dependency on imports, create jobs for youth in India: C.R. Patil Surat: While Surat has long been known for its textile, diamond and solar panel industry, the city will now be also known for the semiconductor industry, Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil said on Sunday. He said this while inaugurating [] The post Semiconductor plants to reduce dependency on imports, create jobs for youth in India: C.R. Patil appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Gujarat: Four held with fake Indian currency notes worth over Rs 2 crore in Surat - India TV News

Gujarat: Four held with fake Indian currency notes worth over Rs 2 crore in Surat India TV News

Four arrested with fake currency worth 2.57 crore in Surat

Representational Image. (Photo: File) Representational Image. (Photo: File) Surat: Four persons were arrested in Surat in Gujarat with fake Indian currency notes (FICN) with a face value of Rs 2.57 crore, a police official said on Sunday. The four accused, three of whom are from Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar district) in neighbouring Maharashtra, were walking with three bags when they were apprehended at a check post in Saroli on Saturday evening, the official said. They hid FICN of Rs 500 denomination in 43 bundles, each having 1000 pieces. The first and last notes of these bundles were genuine in order to fool people. In 21 bundles, they had 1,000 pieces of FICN of Rs 200 denomination placed in a similar manner. They planned to dupe unsuspecting persons with these notes at banks, markets etc, the Saroli police station official said. The fake notes did not have serial numbers and had 'Bharatiya Bachchon ka Khata' printed in its place. The four accused have been identified as Dattatrey Rokade, Rahul Vishwakarma and Rahul Kale, hailing from Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar), and Gulshan Gugale, a resident of Surat, he said. The four have been charged under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 318 (2) (cheating), 61 (criminal conspiracy) and 62 (punishment for attempting to commit serious crimes), the official added.

Four held in Gujarat's Surat with FICN with face value of Rs 2.57 crore - Deccan Herald

Four held in Gujarat's Surat with FICN with face value of Rs 2.57 crore Deccan Herald

Suchi Semicon begins chip plant without Centres incentive, plans $100 mn investment in 3 yrs

SURAT, Dec 15: Gujarat-based Suchi Semicon has started production of semiconductors without the Centres incentive and plans to invest USD 100 million in three years, a top official of the company said on Sunday. Suchi Group Chairman and Suchi Semicon founder Ashok Mehta said though the company has applied for the Centres incentive under SPECS (Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors) and India Semiconductor Mission, it does not want to hold on to production for the [] The post Suchi Semicon begins chip plant without Centres incentive, plans $100 mn investment in 3 yrs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Gujarat man chops off fingers to avoid job at family's diamond firm

In a bizarre incident, a 32-year-old man in Surat, Gujarat, severed four fingers of his left hand to make himself unfit for his job at his familys diamond firm. The man, Mayur Tarapara, initially claimed he lost consciousness while riding his motorcycle and woke up to find his fingers missing. However, an investigation revealed the injuries were self-inflicted. Tarapara, employed as a computer operator in the accounts department at Anabh Gems, reportedly lacked the courage to tell his family he no longer wanted to work there. He believed losing his fingers would make continuing his job impossible, police said. On December 8, Tarapara cut off his fingers with a knife on Amroli Ring Road, tied a rope around his arm to prevent blood flow, and disposed of the knife and fingers in separate bags. He later told his friends he had been attacked, leading them to take him to a hospital. Police initially suspected a black magic-related incident but uncovered the truth through CCTV footage and technical surveillance. Three of the four severed fingers were recovered, along with the knife. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway, officials confirmed.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel attends group marriage program in Surat - MSN

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel attends group marriage program in Surat MSN

Surat, Gujarat Weather Update Today: Temperature, AQI Warning, IMD Forecast For Next 7 Days - News24

Surat, Gujarat Weather Update Today: Temperature, AQI Warning, IMD Forecast For Next 7 Days News24

Surat, Gujarat Weather Update Today: Temperature, AQI, IMD Forecast For Next 7 Days - News24

Surat, Gujarat Weather Update Today: Temperature, AQI, IMD Forecast For Next 7 Days News24

25 per cent of BMTC buses overaged: CAG report

BELAGAVI: The Comptroller General of India (CAG) revealed that the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has been operating outdated and overaged buses. Nearly 25% of BMTCs buses were classified as overaged, exceeding their stipulated lifespan as per norms. The audit found that between 2017-18 and 2021-22, 12.60% to 29.08 % of BMTC fleet 841 to 1,909 ordinary buses had surpassed their useful life. Among these, 341 to 823 buses had exceeded both their recommended years of service and mileage limits, it said. CAG also found that the productivity of vehicles older than 11 years was between 80-147 km per day as against the stipulated target of 206 km per day. In the case of vehicles that had operated for more than 8.5 lakh kilometre, the productivity was only between 0.11 and 3.27 km per day. Buses which ran for more than 8.5 lakh km and were not used for trips were also shown as part of BMTC fleet. Such vehicles accounted for 9.59 to 14.54 per cent of the fleet The audit also noticed that the operating cost ratio of BMTC increased from 133.59 per cent in 2017-18 to 222.62 per cent in 2021-22. Personnel Cost (60 per cent) and Fuel Costs (27 per cent) were the major components of Operating Expenditure, it said, adding that operational revenue had not increased commensurately to offset operational expenditure. Moreover, as fare revision was not done since 2014-15, BMTC could not earn an additional revenue of Rs 649.74 crore, the report added.

Viral Video Shows Making Of Ratalu (Yam) Bhajiya In Surat, Internet Reacts

The video begins with a person peeling a ratalu and slicing it into thin, long purple strips. Check it out below:

Gujarat Diamonds & despair

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

Surat: Man stabbed to death in parking row - The Indian Express

Surat: Man stabbed to death in parking row The Indian Express

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

Karnataka: Surathkal-MRPL Road to be closed for 58 days for railway work; check traffic diversion routes

Mangaluru City Police imposed temporary traffic restrictions on the Surathkal-MRPL road for 58 days, starting December 11, due to railway overpass concrete work. Alternative routes are advised. While the work is welcomed, concerns arise regarding the two-month closure duration for a relatively short stretch, prompting calls for transparency and expedited completion.

Patidar stir case: Dharmik Malaviya granted bail by Surat court - The Indian Express

Patidar stir case: Dharmik Malaviya granted bail by Surat court The Indian Express

Fake doctor degrees scam uncovered in Gujarat

In a shocking revelation, a gang in Surat, Gujarat, was found issuing fake doctor degrees to individuals with minimal education, such as Class 8 graduates. The gang, led by Dr. Ramesh Gujarati, issued over 1,200 fraudulent medical certificates through a fictitious board and falsely claimed affiliations with government bodies. Fake degrees sold for Rs 70,000 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 .

10 Bogus Doctors Among 13 Arrested As Cops Bust Fake Medical Degree Racket In Gujarat

Gujarat Police have busted a racket in Surat selling fake medical degrees, arresting 13 people, including 10 bogus doctors. Some forged certificates and medicines were recovered.

Rs 70,000 For Medical Degree: 14 Fake Doctors Arrested In Gujarat

They offered doctor degrees, even to class 8 graduates, charging Rs 70,000 each. The gang operating in Gujarat's Surat, which had a database of 1,200 fake degrees, has been busted.

Three of family killed, two injured in car-truck collision on Gujarat highway

KHEDA: Three members of a family were killed and two others injured when their car jumped the road divider and collided with a container truck on a highway in Gujarat's Kheda district, police said on Wednesday. The accident took place at around 10 pm on Tuesday on the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway near Bilodra village when the family was returning to Surat after attending a wedding in Rajasthan, they said. The car driver lost control over the wheels after one of its tyres burst. The car then jumped the divider, veered away to the wrong side of the road and collided with the truck coming from the opposite direction, an official from Nadiad rural police station said. A 71-year-old woman and two men, all hailing from Surat, died on the spot. A 14-year-old girl and another person were injured and rushed to a civic hospital in Nadiad city for treatment, the official said. The deceased have been identified as Dalpat Purohit (37), Dinesh Purohit (41) and Subetidevi (71), the police said.

Three of family killed in car-truck collision on Gujarat highway

The accident took place at around 10 pm on December 2 on the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway near Bilodra village when the family was returning to Surat after attending a wedding in Rajasthan

Heavy rain damages houses, compound walls, and inundates localities in Mangaluru

In Kinya village of Ullal taluk, a rivulet overflowedwith floodwaters damaging a retaining wall; MLA U.T. Khader visits affected areas; narrow railway overbridge on Surathkal-MRPL Road inundated

Marijuana Smuggling Racket Busted in Surat; Two from Odisha Arrested

Bhubaneswar: Gujarat Police apprehended two individuals on charges of smuggling marijuana (ganja), seizing over 14.6 kilograms of the contraband, valued at approximately Rs 1.5 lakh. The operation, carried out by a team from Udhna Police Station, was part of the state's intensified No Drugs in Gujarat campaign, reports revealed on Tuesday. Deputy Police Commissioner of Surat, Bhagirath Singh Gadhvi, commended the swift and precise action by the police team. Our efforts reflect our commitment to ensuring Gujarat remains a drug-free state, he said. The suspects were arrested near Udhna, and investigations are underway to trace the supply chain and any larger networks involved. Interestingly, Gujarat's crackdown comes as Odisha intensifies its Green Clean Mission, a campaign aimed at eradicating cannabis cultivation in the state by 2026. This initiative has gained momentum with significant operations conducted in the past weeks. In a recent joint operation, Odisha Police and the Excise Department destroyed cannabis crops worth over Rs 17 crore in Gajapati district. The operation, carried out early Monday, cleared over 87 acres of land being used for illegal marijuana cultivation. Last week, similar operations dismantled cannabis farms across the state. A joint task force cleared over 10 acres in the Digapahandi area of Ganjam district and an additional 62 acres of forest land in Subarnapur district.

Made-in-India paracetamol to hit market next year

Countrys premier industrial research organisation, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has been transforming the industrial-innovation landscape by reducing its reliance on like China. CSIRs first woman Director General Dr N Kalaiselvi tells Jitendra Choubey about the research bodys endeavours to scale up Indias industrial innovation. Execrpts: What are the key CSIR innovations in recent years? How many have been commercialised? We have made many innovations in three-four years. We have developed indigenous hydrogen cylinder type-IV of paracetamol. Other innovations include hydrogen fuel cell technology, aerospace technology like Hansa-3 two-seater light trainer aircraft, seaweed farming technology, and management of steel sludge in road construction. So we were not manufacturing our own paracetamol? Yes. So far we have been importing ingredients of paracetamol from different countries. India will soon make its own paracetamol by next year as CSIR has innovated a new technology which is effective and cheaper. Karnataka-based company Satya Deeptha Pharmaceuticals Ltd will use CSIR technology to manufacture cheaper and more effective paracetamol and other tablets to make India self-reliant in pharmacy. What exactly happened in the past three years with CSIR making so many breakthroughs in industrial innovation? Our approach has changed from knocking on the door of the industry to the industries knocking on the door of CSIR for their need and innovation. Over the past few years, CSIR has identified eight thematic areas and helped industries transform their production systems and solidify their position in the global supply chain. CSIRs teams regularly meet and assist industries in understanding their requirements, product patterns, culture, style and mechanism. Give examples of a recent CSIR innovation which is commercialised and globally accepted. CSIR has developed an indigenous process to manufacture hydrazine hydrate (HH), a chemical that India is largely importing from European countries for use as a reducing agent in agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive, mining, and leisure industries. For the first time, India produced its own HH, cutting imports by 60%. Another innovation is managing steel slugs in making roads. Disposing of steel slugs is a major concern for industries as they are environmentally hazardous. Five highways, including Surat-Vadodra-Mumbai-Goa highway, were built with CSIR technology. This technology is globally accepted. The US maritime industry has shown interest in constructing roads with our technology apart from five other countries, including China. What is unique about the Guwahati declaration of CSIR? In its Guwahati declaration, CSIR said all science and technology institutions in the country will exemplify transforming India into a science and technology-driven global manufacturing hub by 2047. It also said institutions will align their activities to transform and expand the Indian manufacturing landscape, thereby enhancing Indias position in the global supply chain.

Woman BJP Leader In Surat Dies By Suicide; Told Colleague She Was Stressed

Dipika Patel, 34, was the president of BJP women's wing in Ward 30 of Surat city. She was found hanging at her house on Sunday.

Nine Years of PRAGATI: Transforming India's Governance and Infrastructure

A recent case study by the University of Oxford has highlighted the remarkable impact of the Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) platform, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. Over its nine-year journey, PRAGATI has transformed Indias governance, especially in tackling stalled infrastructure and social development projects. The platform has had a significant role in reviewing 340 projects worth INR 17.05 lakh crore ($205 billion) by the end of June 2023. Its focus on breaking bureaucratic gridlocks, resolving delays, and fostering cooperative federalism has reshaped India's project management landscape. The report, From Gridlock to Growth - How leadership enables Indias PRAGATI ecosystem to power progress, offers valuable insights into how PRAGATI has fast-tracked stalled projects and ensured their timely completion. One of PRAGATIs most notable successes is the Bogibeel Bridge in Assam. This rail and road bridge, which had been stalled for years due to land acquisition challenges and extreme weather, saw renewed momentum after PRAGATIs introduction in 2015. With Prime Minister Modi personally reviewing the project, it was completed by 2018, drastically improving connectivity for Dhemaji district. The area had previously relied on dangerous boat services, and the bridge now offers safer, more reliable transport. In Jharkhand, PRAGATI played a critical role in advancing the North Karanpura Thermal Power Plant. Stalled for years due to unresolved land lease issues and disputes between stakeholders, the plants construction gained momentum under PRAGATIs intervention. Today, it supplies electricity to millions and creates jobs, benefiting local communities. Similarly, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Project serves as another example of PRAGATIs success. Delayed by approval bottlenecks, the project gained traction after it was brought under PRAGATIs oversight. By coordinating efforts between central and state authorities, the platform significantly shortened the projects timeline, enabling Bengalurus urban commuters to enjoy modern public transport services earlier. Another achievement of PRAGATI is seen in the Dahisar-Surat section of National Highway 8. In Maharashtra and Gujarat, this highway expansion was delayed due to environmental concerns, particularly a stretch passing through the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The project was stalled until PRAGATI facilitated a resolution in 2017, allowing the highway expansion to proceed with additional measures to protect the parks wildlife. Beyond infrastructure, PRAGATI has significantly impacted social sector programs. The Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide tap water to every rural household, has seen remarkable progress under the platforms oversight. In 2019, only 17% of rural households had access to tap water, but by early 2024, that number had surged to 74%, demonstrating PRAGATIs effectiveness in speeding up crucial services. The Swachh Bharat Mission, aimed at eliminating open defecation, also benefited from PRAGATIs management. In just five years, over 100 million toilets were built, improving sanitation and reducing public health risks, particularly for women and children. PRAGATI's influence is also evident in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link in Jammu and Kashmir. This rail project had been delayed for years but gained momentum after being included in the PRAGATI platform. Today, it connects the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, providing vital socio-economic benefits to the region. A key factor in PRAGATIs success is its reliance on digital tools. The platform integrates real-time data, drone feeds, and GPS tracking, allowing for accurate monitoring of project progress. For example, during the construction of the Dahisar-Surat highway, GPS-enabled tracking helped identify inefficiencies, enabling timely corrections. Additionally, centralized data dashboards and video conferencing have improved transparency and accountability, reducing reliance on outdated reporting systems. The broader economic impact of PRAGATI has been substantial. Research by the Reserve Bank of India and the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy suggests that every rupee spent on infrastructure generates a return of 2.5 to 3.5 rupees in GDP. By accelerating project completion, PRAGATI has minimized cost overruns and ensured that the economic benefits of infrastructure projects are realized more quickly, improving access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for millions. Centre Approves Rs 3,296 Crore Investment to Boost Tourism Infrastructure Across 23 States

Woman BJP leader from Surat found dead in her house; told colleague she was stressed

The 34-year-old Gujarat BJP leader Dipika Patel was found dead in her house in Surat's Bhimrad area

Surat BJP Leader, 34, Dies By Suicide, Had Told Colleague She Was Stressed

A 34-year-old BJP leader has died by suicide in Gujarat's Surat. Dipika Patel was the leader of BJP's Mahila Morcha in Surat's Ward No. 30. She is survived by her husband, a farmer, and three children

Railway track electrification gathers pace at 20km/day

NEW DELHI: The Indian Railways has electrified 97% of broad gauge tracks at a pace of 20 km every day to meet the target of net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The Railways has taken up electrification of broad gauge rail lines in a mission mode. Since 2014-15, the IR has completed electrification of about 45,200 kms of tracks, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a reply in Lok Sabha. He said electrification has jumped from 1.42 km tracks per day during 2004-14 to 19.7 during 2023-24. Electric traction is not only more environment-friendly but also about 70% more economical than diesel tractions, the minister said. Reliable power supply is crucial for electric train operations. The system incorporates multiple safeguards, including connections to the national grid through state and central transmission utilities, he said. Electrification is being carried out in a mission mode because the national transporter is aiming to become green railways. Many of its zones have achieved 100 percent electrification, Vaishnaw said. In this context, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is accelerating electrification projects on all un-electrified broad gauge routes within its jurisdiction to meet its targets of net zero carbon emissions and 100 percent electrification. Among all railway zones spearheading this initiative, NFR is actively progressing with electrification of the remaining BG routes under its purview. A senior railways official told this newspaper said that a budget of `8,070 crore was allocated for electrification in FY 2023-24. In 14 states the railways has achieved full electrification of tracks and it is nearing completion in 8-9 states, the official said, adding all broad gauge rail lines will be fully electrified by this year-end. UP has electrified 8,546 km of broad gauge rail lines, followed by Maharashtra (5,815 km), Madhya Pradesh (4,944 km), Andhra Pradesh (3,841 km), Bihar (3,802 km), Odisha (2,901 km), Punjab (2,288 km), Telangana (1,923 km), Haryana (1,780 km), Chhattisgarh (1,279 km), Kerala (1,046 km), J&K (396 km), Uttarakhand (347 km) and Himachal Pradesh (67 km). Meanwhile, Vaishnaw on Saturday inspected a track slab manufacturing factory for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project near Surat in Gujarat. Vaishnaw said all the equipment at the factory in Kim was brought from Japan before their manufacturing was started in India, which will be beneficial for future construction projects.

Ahmedabad Diary: BJP set to appoint new Gujarat state president

BJP set to appoint new Gujarat state president Following the Maharashtra-Jharkhand elections, the party leadership has shifted its focus to appoint a new state president for Gujarat, with an OBC leader likely being the top choice. Political insiders suggest that the new president will likely come from Saurashtra or North Gujarat. Since taking on the role of Union Minister, current state BJP president CR Patil has faced challenges in managing his responsibilities in both Delhi and Gujarat. He has indicated that he plans to step down as the state chief and will appoint a successor after the Vav assembly by-election. Gujarat BJP chief hints at stepping down Speculation is growing about potential change in leadership for Gujarat after state BJP president CR Patil hinted at stepping down at a recent event in Surat. I have been suggesting that someone else should take on the responsibility. We have been instructed to form a new organisation. I congratulate those who will get this opportunity and thank everyone who worked with me. Many believe that Patil will be replaced. However, the official election for the new chief is expected to take place in January. Additionally, there are discussions about prominent leaders who defected from Congress being given key roles in the partys restructured leadership. BJP in spot over workers link to Ponzi scam Bhupendrasinh Jhala, a BJP worker and founder of BZ Solutions, has been implicated in a massive Rs 6,000 crore Ponzi scam, causing significant embarrassment for the party. The controversy emerged during the inauguration of the BZ Global Education Campus, a joint venture with Gromor Education Campus, where several prominent BJP leaders were present. The situation worsened when a video surfaced on social media featuring Dhawal Jhala, an independent MLA from Bayad and a BJP supporter, who openly praised Bhupendrasinh Jhala. As local body elections in Gujarat draw near, this controversy has put BJP under increasing pressure.

Japan-like track system for Bullet Train project, Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visits Surat factory

3 Girls Playing Around Garbage Bonfire Die Of 'Gas Poisoning' In Gujarat

Five girls were playing around a bonfire in Gujarat's Surat on Friday evening. Hours later, three were dead leaving two survivors to tell the nightmarish tale that led up to their deaths.

90-Year-Old Falls Prey To Digital Arrest Scam In Gujarat, Loses Rs 1 Crore

A 90-year-old man in Gujarat's Surat lost his entire life savings of over Rs 1 crore to fraudsters, who posed as CBI officers and placed him under 'digital arrest' for 15 days.

Celebrating Fawad Khan: From 'Khoobsurat' Prince to DJ Ali, his most-iconic roles

Surat Charts New Waters: Feasibility Study Underway For Gujarats First Water Metro On Tapi River

Groom's Father Halts Wedding After Seeing Bride's Obscene Video; Girl Narrates Shocking Ordeal

The wedding in Rajasthans Sikar, scheduled for November 10, was halted. When her grandfather questioned her, the bride revealed what happened to her in Surat during her student years

Two Brothers Kill Man With Paddle Over Laying Of A Water Pipe In Surat

During police interrogation, the accused admitted to fatally striking the victim twice with a paddle in the heat of an argument concerning laying of a water pipeline. Both the accused were plumbers by profession

Five-Year-Old Girl Dies After Sewer Cover Falls On Her Head In Surat

Two young girls, playing near a roadside drainage cover, were caught when it lifted. While the two-year-old escaped, five-year-old Bhagyashree succumbed to her injuries

Haryana serial killer in Gujarat police custody for rape and murder of teenage student

AHMEDABAD: When the Valsad police on November 25 arrested a 30-year-old man from Haryana in connection with the rape and murder of a second-year B.Com student on November 14, hardly do they know that they were dealing with a serial killer who is also a necrophile. During the initial interrogation, the suspect, identified as Rahul Jat alias Bholu Karmvir Ishwar Jat, confessed to multiple crimes including theft, robbery, rape, and murder on trains in several parts of the country. Rahul, who is a pervert, confessed to five killings within 25 days, police sources said. The police on Tuesday took the suspect to the crime scene where the 19-year-old college girl was raped and murdered for reconstructing the crime. Rahul Jat informed the police that on November 14 he arrived in Vapi and took a local train to Udvada. It was while walking on the Udvada-Pardi road that he came across the girl walking near the railway tracks. She was apparently on her way home in Motiwada village. Rahul reportedly followed her, attacked her from behind and dragged her into a nearby mango orchard where he sexually abused her before strangling her to death. He then went away bought a bottle of milk and water and returned to the orchard where he sexually abused the dead body several times before fleeing the place. Upon information, the Pardi police with the help of the girl's elder sister traced the body, took possession of it and sent it to Surat for a forensic post-mortem. A team of 10, including members from the LCB and SOG of Valsad district, conducted an extensive investigation into the case. After reviewing CCTV footage from a tuition class and the road near Udvada railway station, as well as analyzing the call details from the missing girls phone, the police were able to identify and arrest the accused. The breakthrough came after 11 days of intensive efforts. The suspect told the police that after committing the crime he used his nail cutter to extract the SIM card from the girl's cell phone. By that time it was late in the evening. Hence, he abandoned his possessions and fled by jumping over a 10-ft high wall on the other side of the orchard. Following this, he roamed the Udvada railway station and highway area till 1:30 a.m, the police said. The suspect, unable to catch a train from Udvada railway station at night, made his way to Pardi railway station. He boarded the 2:30 pm train to Valsad and, during the reconstruction of the crime, confessed to traveling further to Surat and Vadodara by another train. After the accused was arrested on Sunday, Valsad police produced him in court, where they secured his remand until December 5.

Protesters seek repair of pothole-ridden stretch of National Highway 66 between Surathkal and Nantoor

'Average bollywood award...' Ranveer Singh, Malaika Arora, Nora Fatehi and more perform at grand surat wedding, watch

Guests were treated to glimpses of the performances through the couple's official Instagram page and videos shared by attendees, which quickly went viral.

Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd. Appoints Mr. Jaspal Singh as Chief Technology Officer

Mr. Jaspal Singh - CTO, Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Singh joins Solidus with an impressive background, having led major solar projects at NTPC, including the Project Management and execution of a 56 MW/80 MWp solar plant in Surat, spearheading India's first floating solar PV projects by NTPC and feasibility studies,due diligence & engineering for international solar PV projects. His expertise spans ground-mounted and rooftop solar PV systems, hybrid solar solutions, and innovative energy storage technologies. Holding an MBA in Operations from S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai, and a B.Tech in Electronics & Instrumentation from Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, Mr. Singh brings a strategic mindset to Solidus. His achievements include the development of robotic dry cleaning systems for solar panels, contributing to India's first solar-wind hybrid solutions, and publishing research papers on energy storage and microgrids. A Vision for Growth and Innovation Commenting on his new role, Mr. Jaspal Singh said, I am excited to join Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd. as the CTO during this pivotal phase of growth. My focus will be on advancing our technological capabilities and driving innovative solar solutions to help Solidus achieve its ambitious target of becoming a 1,000 MWp solar leader by 2028. Under his leadership, Solidus is set to scale new heights, with 350 MWp projects currently under execution and a goal to expand into high-potential solar markets across India, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana and Punjab. His appointment aligns with Solidus's commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and supporting India's renewable energy goals. Mr. Harvinder Singh, Managing Director of Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd. , shared his enthusiasm for the new appointment: We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Jaspal to our leadership team. His extensive experience in solar technologies and his proven track record in delivering high-impact projects will be invaluable as we accelerate our growth and innovation efforts. About Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd. Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd. is a premier solar EPC company dedicated to providing innovative and sustainable solar power solutions. With a strong focus on advanced technologies and strategic partnerships, Solidus aims to deliver high-efficiency solar projects that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

DC Edit | Adani issue must be probed in India too

Gautam Adani, one of Indias most prominent businessmen, has been indicted by US prosecutors for bribing Indians and hiding that from American investors thus misleading them while taking their money. Broadly, it is also an indictment of how business is projected to be conducted in India with kickbacks suspected to have been paid to various parties inside the government and outside, as alleged. As an oil to ports and airports conglomerate that globally handles very large infrastructure projects, Adanis enterprises must subject themselves to regulatory mechanisms of many countries. With the groups businesses going global, the companies must abide by universal norms rather than expect to be subject only to Indias slothful regulatory mechanisms. As the justice department of the US government as well as its securities regulator are involved in making grave criminal charges, the matter is far more serious than the time when the same business group was attacked by a speculative stock market short seller who charged it with round tripping money to boost stock prices and such other sharp practices with the use of money flow from tax havens. In the interests of transparency and to convince ourselves that the Indian system is not tainted by the handing out of large bribes in excess of Rs 2,000 crores to personalities in charge of government whether officials are netas or bureaucrats India must also set up a probe into this matter and be prepared to go by the evidence presented to the US regulators and courts to determine if there has been wrongdoing on our soil. A few governments have been named whose officials, presumably including netas and babus, were said to have been the beneficiaries of kickbacks. It would be incumbent upon the government that such charges be probed by Indian regulatory and investigative agencies to determine the truth. The Indian public needs to be convinced that this is not just some foreign hand involved in putting down Indian commercial interests. It is a fact that very large infrastructure projects are funded by governments far more than the private corporate sector. And, given the scale of investments and the risks involved for investors in getting a fair return for their capital, there is plenty of room for suspicion over the paying of bribes for favourable action aiding commensurate returns. The suspicions are probably even weightier than the facts revealed so far. It is also true that most action under the US securities regulator has been in the form of fines and naming of companies and individuals who may then be left struggling to raise funds or indulge in speculative activity using money from the United States where the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act aims to provide a fair and level playing field for all businesses. What may happen when the Trump regime is in place can only be speculated upon now. It is the right of the Adanis to expect to go through the process of inquiry along with their legal defence teams and establish the innocence they have been projecting. But, until then, they cannot expect not to be probed in India. Because their greasing of palms is said to have taken place in India, they must expect to face probes in their home country too.

ED Attaches Assets Worth Rs 1.84 Crore In Surat In 'Illegal' Betting Apps Case

The case stems from a Surat Polices Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) FIR filed against accused named Harish alias Kamlesh Jariwala.

Surat dog bite controversy escalates, High Court issues notice to police

AHMEDABAD: In a puzzling twist, Surats dog bite saga reached the Gujarat High Court, courtesy of the police pushing the case forward despite the possibility of bail being granted at the station. The High Court has summoned the Assistant Sub-Inspector to explain this escalation. A simmering feud between two families in Surat's Althan area over a dog bite incident has taken a legal turn. The conflict began a month and a half ago when a child was bitten by a dog, triggering complaints from both sides. The dogs owners filed a counter-complaint against the childs parents, alleging unfair treatment. Despite the time elapsed, tensions remain unresolved. The childs parents have now moved the High Court, alleging procedural lapses by the police. They claim the complaint against them, eligible for bail at the police station level, was escalated unnecessarily to court. Responding to their application, the High Court has issued a notice summoning the Assistant Sub-Inspector of Althan police station for an explanation. On October 2, a pet dog attacked the son of Dineshbhai, a bank employee residing in Surats Althan area. The attack occurred moments after Dineshbhai and his son exited the societys lift, leaving the child with severe injuries. Following the incident, the childs mother, Khushbu Sharma, lodged a complaint with the Vesu police. Acting on the complaint, the police registered a case against the dogs owners, Ashish Dubey and Prashant Tripathi. My husband and son were taking the elevator to the 12th floor. When the door opened, my son stepped out first, followed by my husband. Suddenly, our neighbor Ashish Dubeys dog attacked my son, biting his left leg and causing bleeding and injuries, the child's mother told to the media at that time. She added, When my husband tried to rescue our son, the dog injured him as well. The wounds were serious enough that they both had to be taken to the hospital for treatment. On October 4, the childs mother lodged a formal complaint at Althan police station against the owners of the dog involved in the attack. Ashish Dubey and Prashant Tripathi, the dogs owners, alleged that the complainants family entered their home, engaged in a heated argument, and physically assaulted them. The parents of the child have approached the High Court, seeking to quash the FIR filed against them. In their petition, they alleged that despite the case involving only bailable offences, the police unnecessarily produced them in court instead of granting bail at the police station. Taking note of the petition, the High Court issued a notice to the Assistant Sub-Inspector and directed him to appear before the court.

This country has the world's largest office, built with Rs 3400 crore, not in the US, UK, Germany or Dubai,itisin...

In July, Prime Minister Modi had commented on the Surat Diamond Bourse surpassing the Pentagon as the world's largest office building, describing it as a reflection of Surat's thriving diamond industry.

7 persons injured as gas cylinder catches fire in Surat building

Seven men injured in gas cylinder fire in Surat building, quickly controlled by fire department, investigation ongoing

Ahmedabad Diary | Fake judges to fake hospitals: Gujarat hub for scamsters

Gujarat has recently seen a surge in scams, highlighted by the closure of a multispecialty hospital just 18 hours after its grand inauguration. It was reportedly established by two fake doctors in collaboration with an administrator in Surat. On November 17, they, who were caught drinking, set up the hospital, which was found to have no proper registration or fire safety equipment. Then a photo emerged showing a police officer attending the facilitys inauguration and sitting in the doctors chair. This incident adds to a growing list of fake officials, ranging from judges to tax officers, creating a wave of disbelief in the community. Is Cabinet expansion set to include Modhwadia? The long-awaited cabinet expansion appears to gaining momentum, increasing the likelihood that former Congress leaders Arjun Modhwadia and C J Chavda, who recently joined BJP, will be included in the state government. Discussions have intensified regarding the addition of seven to eight BJP MLAs in the cabinet. If the expansion takes place, it would strengthen the positions of Hardik Patel and Alpesh Thakor, both former Congress members who were previously promised cabinet roles. The expansion will once the Maharashtra elections get over, according to sources. Major rejig in police admin expected in Dec The state government is expected to affect a reshuffle in the Indian Police Service (IPS), including some officer transfers, in early December ahead of local body elections, according to sources in Gandhinagar. With four senior IPS officers set to retire, promotions are likely to occur. Should senior officer Shamsher Singh be assigned to a position in Delhi, those next in line may receive promotions. Also, preparations for appointing a new DGP are in progress, as the current DGP, Vikas Sahay, will retire in June 2025. The upcoming transfers could impact police commissioners, SPs, and other senior officials. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com

Fake Doctors Open Hospital In Surat, It Shuts A Day After Grand Launch

Moving a step ahead of quacks running clinics, a group of fake doctors opened a full-fledged hospital in Gujarat's Surat and named top administrative and police officials as guests at the inauguration event without even speaking to them

Crime Rate Drops in State: AP Home Minister

Vijayawada : Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha has claimed that the crime rate in Andhra Pradesh has come down during the past five months of the alliance government. The minister was replying to questions in the Legislative Council on Monday from members Varudu Kalyani, Mondikota Aruna Kumar and Chandragiri Yesuratnam. Vanitha came up with a comparison of the present and previous years figures. The number of cases booked in the first TD term 2014-19 was 83,202. Under the YSR Congress term, 1,00,508 cases were booked between 2019-24, showing a 20.8 per cent rise in the number of cases. In 2023-22, some 418 cases were booked while in 2024, 650 cases were booked. The crime rate has come down in the state after the TD-led government took charge in June last, she claimed. The present government, she said, took several steps to control crime and these include: establishment of Mahila Police Stations in all 26 districts, setting up of Women Help Desks, strengthening of police patrolling teams, closer inter-departmental coordination and activation of cyber crime teams. The other steps were strengthening of surveillance, spreading awareness among the public on crimes against women, formation of anti-human trafficking units, speedy trials of heinous crime against women and children and cases related to child pornography and child sexual abuse, she said. Vanitha said that with regard to child pornography and child sexual abuse, as many as 7,393 case were reported from June to October. As many as 12,115 accused were arrested and notices served on the accused.

Surat police bust cybercrime gang, arrest 3

The Surat police uncovered a large cybercrime operation that involved the laundering of ill-gotten funds through 623 bank accounts, both within India and internationally. Four members of the gang were arrested, including three from Surat, while one was detained at Mumbai airport. The gang was accused of using these accounts to transfer over 111 crore obtained from various cyber scams, with connections to cybercriminals in Dubai and China. The police's investigation revealed that the gang facilitated the transfer of funds deposited by victims of digital fraud, including scams like fake job offers, investment frauds, and others. Recovered items from the operation included hundreds of bank passbooks, debit cards, mobile phones, and SIM cards, underscoring the scale of their illicit activities. Further investigations are ongoing, with several key suspects still at large

Power House Of Bollywood Ranveer Singh Lands In Surat Wearing A Very Comfy All Black Co-Ord | N18S

Power house of Bollywood Ranveer Singh Lands in Surat Wearing A very Stylist yet comfy all black co-ord set

Bangladeshi woman arrested in Surat for illegal entry, forged papers recovered

AHMEDABAD: A Bangladeshi woman was arrested on Saturday in Gujarats Surat four years after she entered India illegally, police said. During interrogation, the woman, identified as Rasida Begum Jahangir Ali Sheikh, told Surats Special Operation Group (SOG) that she had paid 15,000 taka to a Bangladeshi agent who helped her enter India. I entered India through Bangaon of West Bengal, travelled to Mumbai by train, and settled in Surat after a year and worked in spas, an SOG official quoted Rasida Begum as saying. For the past three years, she has been renting rooms at various locations in Surat. The woman also confessed to obtaining an Aadhaar card using fake documents, the official said. Police also recovered a document identifying her as a Bangladeshi citizen, he said. Police data shows that 22 Bangladeshi nationals have been apprehended in Surat over the past year. In a similar crackdown last month, the Ahmedabad police crime branch detained 48 illegal Bangladeshi nationals, including eight women and six minors. The crackdown exposed cases of human trafficking Bangladeshi women were brought into India and forced into prostitution, the police said. Investigators also uncovered a network involved in forging documents to create fake identities for Bangladeshi nationals.

Starlineups Enterprises Q2 Result: Profit Jumps Over Two-Fold On Higher Income

The Surat-based company posted more than two-fold rise in revenue to Rs 24.43 crore for the September quarter of FY25 compared to Rs 9.07 crore revenue in the year-ago period, Starlineps Enterprise said in the statement.

Bangladeshi woman arrested in Gujarat for illegal infiltration, forged documents

AHMEDABAD: For just Rs 15,000 paid to a Bangladeshi agent, a woman illegally crossed into India and lived undetected for years before being arrested by Surats Special Operation Group (SOG) Police on Saturday. The woman, identified as Rasida Begum Jahangir Ali Sheikh, entered India illegally four years ago. Initially residing in Mumbai for a year, she later settled in Surat, Gujarat, where she worked in various spas. Using forged documents, Rasida obtained an Aadhaar card and other Indian identification to live and work undetected. During her arrest, the police also recovered a document identifying her as a Bangladeshi citizen. I paid 15,000 Bangladeshi Taka to an agent to cross into India, she revealed during interrogation by Surats SOG. She detailed her journey, explaining how she entered India through West Bengal, travelled to Mumbai by train, and eventually moved to Surat, where she had been renting rooms at various locations for the past three years. Government must use census to start resolving infiltration issue Interrogation further revealed that Rasida hails from Baranga village in Bangladesh. She used an agent to cross the restricted border near Jessore district, entering India through Bangon in West Bengal. The incident forms part of a broader trend of illegal infiltration in Gujarat. Surat Police data, released three months ago, disclosed that the SOG apprehended 22 Bangladeshi nationals who had entered the industrial city illegally over the past year (202324). In a similar crackdown last month, Ahmedabad polices crime branch detained 48 illegal Bangladeshi nationals across various locations in the city, including eight women and six minors. Investigators uncovered cases of human trafficking, with Bangladeshi women being brought into India and forced into prostitution. Additionally, they found a network involved in forging documents to create fake identities for the detainees. The growing issue of cross-border infiltration and document forgery raises serious concerns about national security and exploitation in Gujarat.

ED raids in Maharasthra, Gujarat in bank accounts 'fraud', 'cash-for-votes' case'

The federal agency is searching 23 premises in Malegaon, Nashik and Mumbai in Maharashtra and Ahmedabad and Surat in Gujarat under the provisions of the PMLA

ED Raids 24 Locations in Maharashtra and Gujarat Over Alleged 'Vote Jihad' Scheme

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has raided 24 locations across Maharashtra and Gujarat in connection with a suspected case of vote jihad. The investigation is centered around the illegal opening of multiple bank accounts using fake documents and fraudulent Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. According to ED sources, the raids are targeting financial fraud activities where accounts were allegedly created with false information. These accounts are believed to have been used to manipulate the electoral process, potentially influencing elections by illegal means. The ED's investigation is focusing on how the banking system was misused to distort public representation and the democratic process. Raid Locations The raids are being carried out in several prominent cities across Maharashtra and Gujarat. In Ahmedabad, 13 locations are being searched, along with 3 in Surat, 2 in Malegaon, 1 in Nashik, and 5 in Mumbai. During these operations, officials have seized important documents and evidence that will aid the investigation. Investigation and Future Actions The ED has made it clear that the investigation will be thorough, considering the seriousness of the crime. Those under suspicion will be included in the probe, and further actions will be taken accordingly. Authorities are also expected to implement stricter monitoring measures at banking and financial institutions to prevent similar frauds in the future. This case raises serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the banking system in India, and the ED is determined to uncover and halt any illegal activities related to it. Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Reservation Policies and the Maratha Demand at the Forefront 'Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot': PM Modi to Interact with BJP Workers on Nov 16 How BJP's 2024 Maharashtra Manifesto Promises Economic Growth and Social Welfare for All

ED raids in Maha, Gujarat in Malegaon trader bank accounts fraud case

Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday raided multiple locations in poll-bound Maharashtra and neighbouring Gujarat as part of a money laundering probe against a Malegaon-based trader who allegedly misused bank accounts of various people to carry our transactions worth more than Rs 100 crore. The federal agency is searching 23 premises in Malegaon, Nashik and Mumbai in Maharashtra and Ahmedabad and Surat in Gujarat under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Polls for the 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra are slated to be held in a single phase on November 20. The money laundering case stems from a Malegaon Police FIR filed last week against a local trader named Siraj Ahmed Harun Meman, who runs a tea and cold drinks agency apart from some of his associates. The complainant in the case is a man whose bank account was allegedly misused for illegal transactions triggering speculation that the accounts were misused for routing election funds. It is alleged that the main accused took KYC details of about a dozen people to open bank accounts in the Nashik Merchant Cooperative Bank as he told these persons that he wanted to start a corn business and hence needs to take money from farmers. The accused allegedly got opened two more accounts taking KYC documents from his friends. These 14 accounts were opened between September and October, according to sources. The ED has found debit and credit entries worth more than Rs 100 crore each and is now conducting the searches to get more evidence, including the role of some Hawal operatives, the sources said. The agency suspects that the accused may be using these funds to divert and route funds for some people by misusing the banking credentials of common people and using them as mule accounts. The angle of misusing the accounts for electoral malpractice are also been looked at. However, no such inputs have been gathered so far, the sources said.

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US holidays sales forecast boost gems and jewellery exports; shipments bottom out

There has been at least 10 per cent decline in bank finance to the gems and jewellery sector which will adversely impact India's exports, GJEPC on Tuesday said. There has been at least 10 per cent decline in bank finance to the gems and jewellery sector which will adversely impact India's exports, GJEPC on Tuesday said. CHENNAI: Indian gems and jewellery exporters are enthused by the forecast of the US retailers' federation, which predicts optimistic holiday season sales in that country. Having recorded a 10-11 per cent growth in October, the industry says that the exports have bottomed out. Despite recent economic fluctuations, the National Retail Federation (NRF) in the US remains optimistic about the upcoming holiday shopping season. The economic data calendar was quite busy at the end of October but while there were contradictions and mixed signals, we continue to believe the US economy remains in a good place, said NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz. The NRF's forecast predicts a 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent increase in holiday sales compared to the previous year. This projection is backed by continued consumer spending and a relatively healthy economy. According to the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, prior to the holiday season, the exports have clocked 10 -11 per cent growth in October. The outlook is good for the holiday season. We had witnessed 11 per cent decline in exports till September and we are confident that exports have bottomed out, said Vipul Shah, chairman, GJEPC. In August, hundreds of diamond processing units in Surat had suspended their operations for 10 days amidst oversupply and slower demand from the export markets. Now we have better control over production, he added. Shah is also confident that the March quarter exports will be better. We are optimistic about the US market as wage growth is outpacing inflation and consumers are expected to maintain their spending power. The geo-political tensions in the Middle East are likely to ease and Europe too is stabilising. If the Chinese stimulus package boosts consumption, our exports will benefit, he said. While the US, the largest market for Indian gems and jewellery, predominantly buys polished diamonds and studded jewellery, the Middle East, the third largest market, is a gold jewellery consumer. China buys diamonds through Hong Kong, which is our second largest market. END

Was asked to blame PM Modi for 2019 Surat coaching fire tragedy: Journalist Shubhankar Mishra reveals in his podcast with Vikrant Massey

Notably, while Mishra did not explicitly name editor or news channel he was talking about, his LinkedIn profile reveals he was working at TV9 Bharatvarsh in 2019.

Maharashtra State Assembly Polls: BJP in a Catch-22, baffled over inclusive vs. divisive political agenda

The BJP, the worlds largest political party, started its high-voltage election campaign with a Hindutva flavor but also a divisive slogan, Batenge to Katenge (If we divide, we may remain distanced from power), to consolidate the Hindu vote bank, which has fragmented into various castes and sub-castes in Maharashtra due to various reasons. Interestingly, before this extremist slogan could reach the masses in full force, BJPs star campaigner, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reversed the course set by another BJP campaigner, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath , who popularized Batenge to Katenge. Modi introduced a more inclusive slogan, Ek Hai to Safe Hai (If we are united, we are safeguarded), at his campaign rally in Dhule. The objective of this slogan was to bring together all castes, creeds, and religious minorities under one umbrella to retain power in Maharashtra, the highest GDP-contributing state. The BJP not only used this slogan in its campaign rallies but also began running advertisements with it in prominent newspapers across Maharashtra. The BJPs parent body, RSS, has its headquarters in Nagpur, Maharashtra, but the state has always remained elusive for both RSS and BJP. While Narendra Modi has been sworn in for a third term as Prime Minister of India, Maharashtra has yet to come fully under his or the RSSs grasp. Amit Shah releases BJP manifesto for Maharashtra Assembly polls; promises strict anti-conversion law, skill census The reason lies in the fact that Maharashtra is not like the cow belt where divisive slogans like Batenge to Katenge, Kabrastan and Shamshan (referring to Muslim and Hindu burial grounds), and other polarized narratives might work. Maharashtra is the land of social reformers like Shahu Maharaj, who first initiated reservation policies for downtrodden people; Mahatma Phule, who educated farmers and fought against Brahminical dominance; and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who exposed the dogmatic practices in Hinduism that were against the larger sections of society. Additionally, Maharashtra has the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who, with a small but loyal army, gave sleepless nights to the mighty Mughal Empire. Shivaji, though a Maratha by caste, brought together small castes and even recruited Muslims into his army to fight the Mughals. Moreover, in the 13th century, Maharashtra was home to the Varkari Sampraday , a religious and spiritual movement that included people from all castes and communities, opposing exploitative practices prevalent in Brahminical Hinduism. In short, Maharashtras progressive and secular ideas are significant stumbling blocks for the RSS-BJPs ideological juggernaut. Because of these factors, BJPs political ally, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar , led NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) immediately opposed this divisive slogan, stating that such politics would not work in Maharashtra. Realizing its mistake, the BJP then tried to correct the narrative by introducing a more inclusive slogan. Maharashtra polls: Friendly face-offs between allies in 29 out of 288 assembly seats BJP has been trying hard to expand its footprint in Maharashtra since the days of OBC leader late Gopinath Munde , uniting smaller OBC castes and positioning them against the dominant Maratha caste, which makes up 30 to 35 percent of the state's population. This OBC consolidation helped the BJP in 1995, but its success was limited, as power was shared with the Shiv Sena. However, the BJP now aspires to a 100 percent BJP model in the state, a goal still distant despite being in power at the Centre for the last 11 years. The Marathas are largely opposed to the BJP, but when the 10-12 percent minority votes rally behind the Marathas, along with the support of 10 percent Dalits and 7 percent tribals, the caste arithmetic becomes complex. RSS and BJP have been trying to decode this equation for a long time. In 2014, the BJP had its peak in Maharashtra state elections, winning 122 out of 288 seats by contesting separately. However, in the 2019 state assembly elections, the BJPs number dropped to 105. Despite this, the BJP is contesting 148 seats, while its ally, Shiv Sena, is contesting 91 seats, and Ajit Pawars NCP is contesting 59 seats in the Mahayuti (Grand Alliance). Despite these efforts, the BJP is struggling even to retain its previous performance, let alone achieve new records. Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Yogi Adityanath are the partys star campaigners, but the recent Lok Sabha election results have shown that Modi's magic seems to be waning. Many seats Modi campaigned for in the last election were lost by the BJP. So, will Modi and Yogi be able to revive their magic? This is a question on everyones mind, including BJP leaders. Modi, Shah, and Yogi form a double whammy for the BJP. The more they campaign, the more they refresh people's memories of Modi-Shahs Gujarat origins and the relocation of Maharashtras heavy investment and job-generating projects to Gujarat. This will give the opposition an opportunity to play the Marathi-Gujarati card, which has historical roots dating back to the days of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj s plunders in Surat for his people's survival and expansion, and Deputy PM Morarji Desais insistence on giving Mumbai to Gujarat rather than Maharashtra. Therefore, the BJP, a party that is an expert at setting political narratives, seems to be on the back foot in Maharashtra. It is caught in a dilemma over whether to build an inclusive or divisive narrative in the final eight days of the election campaign. Time is short, and the stakes are high for the world's largest political party in this crucial state.

DC Edit | No Pak cricket no surprise

It should come as no surprise if the Indian government has decided that Team India will not play cricket in Pakistan. In fact, it would take a major change of direction on the part of the government if it were to reverse its decision to allow the Indian team to play the Champions Trophy ODI tournament in Pakistan scheduled for February 2025. That there can be no normal cricket in an abnormal setting in Pakistan has been Indias contention ever since terrorists opened fire on the touring Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009. Pakistan has hosted international teams at home with very tight security since 2015 with terror events taking place nearby, but the issues are far bigger than just security when it comes to India-Pakistan ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Pakistan soon after his election in 2014 and recently the foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, was there for an SCO summit in October 2024. While Pakistan promises to make security arrangements commensurate with a visiting head of state, it cannot guarantee total safety in a sport like cricket played in different cities in open stadiums. So long as the Pakistan regime supports terror in Jammu and Kashmir through trained operatives and proxies, there is no hope for normalisation of relations, which alone can lead to normalisation of sporting contacts too. Given the role that their spy agency ISI plays in this as proved in the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai there is little chance of sport being used as a medium to mend a relationship that had gone sour with the neighbours stand and designs on Kashmir. Peace overtures, routinely made when former Pakistani Prime Ministers sentimentally refer to making up with India, are unlikely to bring about a major change in policy regarding the Indian team, though Pakistan did participate in the World Cup which India hosted in 2023, and without any untoward event or threats. National policy is, however, unlikely to change though Jay Shah, son of the home minister, is to become the chairman of the ICC in December. And Indian crickets financial clout is such it can overlook any commitment to multilateral events under the ICC fold. In desperate need of the finances that will accrue from a major ICC events TV and digital rights, the Pakistan cricket board may be accommodative to the extent of hosting Indias matches in the UAE or Sri Lanka as it did in the Asia Cup last year. India can contribute to that extent to the Pakistan-hosted ICC event.

Temple theft cases surge in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: In Gujarat, a surge in burglaries is hitting not only homes left vacant during Diwali vacations but also temples, according to government data. Over the past three years, thieves have stolen a total of Rs 4.93 crore in cash and valuables from temples across the state. Gujarat reported 501 temple theft incidents: 151 temples were targeted in 2020-21, 178 in 2021-22, and 172 in 2022-23. In addition, there were five armed robberies in temples, intensifying concerns over temple security statewide. Gujarat Congress spokesperson Hiren Banker criticized the government, saying the incidents of looting and theft in temples, which hold deep significance for Gujaratis, are being met with little more than promises of CCTV installations by the home department. Is the BJP, which campaigns in Gods name, only concerned with securing votes? he asked. Even during Navratri, incidents of assault on women occur and illegal activities like bootlegging and drug trade operate openly. The reality is the state police is facing a severe shortage of personnel, with the number of police personnel falling below the national average, Banker said. Private residential homes too are the target. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, Gujarat has witnessed a troubling surge in home burglaries and robberies over recent years, underscoring persistent challenges in crime prevention. Nighttime burglaries have consistently overshadowed daytime incidents. In 2017, there were 3,957 burglaries reported at night, but by 2022, that number fell to 2,936. Daytime burglaries also saw a decrease, from 440 cases in 2017 to 359 in 2022. However, the overall burglary rate per lakh population fluctuated, peaking at 6.9 in 2017, dropping to 3.9 in 2020, and rising again to 4.6 in 2022. Robberies showed a mixed pattern, with 1,277 cases in 2017, which dropped significantly to 498 in 2020, before stabilizing at around 575 cases in 2022. Over the six-year period from 2017 to 2022, Gujarat recorded a total of 18,453 night burglaries, 2,489 day burglaries, and 5,428 robberies, reflecting ongoing security concerns for residents across the state. The state government at present controls 13 temples in Gandhinagar district,13 in Valsad district, eight in Rajkot district, 16 in Porbandar district, four of Surat district and one temple each in Junagadh, Surendranagar, Jamnagar, Mehsana and Banaskantha districts. These include the ancient temples at Somnath, Dwarkadhish and Akshardham. The security of the temples is a tricky task given the strength of the police force as well as encroachments around such places. The Somnath temple in Veraval, Gujarat is one of the richest temples in India, with a net worth of around Rs 100 crore: The Somnath temple in Gujarat is heavily protected by police and has a Z+ security grade. Non-Hindus need prior permission to enter the temple due to security concerns and to protect the sanctity of the religious place.

Ahmedabad Diary | Independent makes Vav bypoll a three-way battle

The Vav assembly by-election in Banaskantha district has turned into a three-way contest, with BJPs Swaroop Thakor, Congresss Gulab Singh Rajput and independent candidate Mavji Patel vying for victory. Patel, who broke ranks with the BJP to run as an independent, is targeting not only his former party but also BJP state president CR Patil. During his campaign, he said, I want to bring down not only BJP but also CR Patil. He claimed that while he had served the BJP faithfully, the party neglected him. Now they have to bear the consequences, he said. Meanwhile, the BJP has mobilised ministers to secure the Vav seat. Yogis caste remark sparks legal action A viral video of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in which he purportedly uses a caste-related slur, has triggered outrage in Gujarat. The video, which lasts 19 seconds, prompted Gujarat Congress spokesperson Ratna Vora to file a police complaint. Condemning Yogis use of the derogatory term, referencing a 1938 walkout by Dr BR Ambedkar over words acceptance, she noted that a 2010 policy and a 2017 SC ruling prohibited its usage. Vora emphasised that Yogis comments constitute a legal offence and that she would approach district court if the police fail to take action. Patils comments on water stir debate Union minister CR Patils recent comments in Surat have ignited a debate about governments responsibility. Speaking at a programme with spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on November 3, Patil praised Shankars efforts for the Yamuna and highlighted PM Narendra Modis catch the rain initiative which promotes groundwater conservation. Patil urged people to participate in water conservation efforts, saying, Not all work should be expected from the government. His statement has raised questions, with many asking what role the government should play if not in leading such initiatives. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com

Lone, others present fresh 370 resolution

In the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone and four other MLAs introduced a resolution for the restoration of Article 370 and 35A. Lone emphasized the need for a strong response to the 2019 abrogation, calling for measures commensurate with the perceived injustices. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather deferred an immediate decision on the resolution.

Watch: Grand burial for lucky car pulls crowd of 1,500 in Gujarat

Amreli: A farmer's family in Gujarat's Amreli district has become the talk of the town after they held a grand burial event for their lucky car. Nearly 1,500 people, including seers and spiritual leaders, attended the function organised by Sanjay Polara and his family at Padarshinga village of Lathi taluka on Thursday. A video of the event that went viral on social media shows Polara and his family performing rituals at their farm, where a slope and 15-foot deep pit was dug for their 12-year-old Wagon R. The hatchback, decorated with flowers and garlands, was taken to Polara's farm from his house with much fanfare, driven on the slope and placed in the pit. The vehicle was covered with a green cloth, and the family members bid farewell by performing puja and showering rose petals as priests chanted mantras. Finally, an excavator machine was used to pour clay and bury the car. Polara, who has a construction business in Surat, said he wanted to do something different so that future generations remember the car that proved lucky for the family. Talking to reporters, Polara said, I bought this car nearly 12 years ago, and it brought prosperity to the family. Apart from seeing success in business, my family also gained respect. The vehicle proved lucky for my family and me. Hence, instead of selling it, I gave it a samadhi at my farm as a tribute. Polara, who spent Rs 4 lakh on the ceremony, said he plans to plant a tree at the burial place as a reminder for his future generations that the family's lucky car is lying under the tree. The samadhi ceremony was held as per Hindu rituals and in the presence of seers and religious leaders. Nearly 1,500 people were invited, and a feast was organised. Watch: ... ... @MeghUpdates pic.twitter.com/wDZuphuqyM Raajeev Chopra (@Raajeev_Chopra) November 8, 2024