Surat News

Old Video of People Performing Garba at Airport Falsely Linked to IndiGo Crisis

This clip is from September 2025, when an IndiGo flight from Goa to Surat faced a technical delay

Dropouts rise, classrooms shrink, but Gujarat schools still have surplus teachers

AHMEDABAD: Gujarats latest education statistics reveal a system caught between falling enrolments and stubborn secondary-level dropouts. The five-year dropout trend sets the stage. Primary-level dropout rates remained nearly negligible, touching 1.02% in 2020-21, falling to 0% for two consecutive years, and inching up slightly to 0.1% and 0.2% in 2023-24 and 2024-25. Upper primary dropout rates have fluctuated over the years rising from 4.54% in 2020-21 to 4.95% in 2021-22, peaking at 5.8% in 2022-23, dipping to 4.2% in 2023-24, and again climbing back to 5.8% in 2024-25. Secondary dropout trends reveal sharp swings from a high 23.31% in 2020-21, dropping to 17.85% in 2021-22, surging again to 23.3% in 2022-23, easing to 21% in 2023-24, and falling further to 16.9% in 2024-25. This pattern becomes sharper when broken down by social groups. For Scheduled Castes in 2024-25, dropout at the primary level is nearly absent, but upper primary and secondary still show 4.4% and 15.4%, For 2024-25 in Gujarat, dropout rates among Scheduled Tribes (ST) stand at 0.2% in primary classes, 7.7% at the upper-primary level, and a significantly higher 20.2% in secondary education. The data on government school enrolment adds another troubling layer. Even as dropout rates surge at higher grades, the state is simultaneously witnessing a growing number of schools with less than ten or even zero students. This figure ballooned from 677 schools in 2022-23 to 906 in 2023-24, before dipping to 748 in 2024-25 still significantly high. Yet the teacher count in these near-empty schools has also climbed: from 1,391 teachers in 2022-23 to 1,641 in 2023-24, with a dip to 1,353 in 2024-25. The imbalance is stark: more teachers but fewer students raising critical questions on deployment, efficiency, and long-term planning. The backdrop to these anomalies is the steady reduction in the total number of government schools. Gujarat had 35,040 schools in 2019-20; the count slid gradually to 34,597 by 2023-24, recovering slightly to 34,638 in 2024-25. This shrinking footprint, combined with rising dropout rates and thinning enrolments in many campuses, paints a picture of consolidation without commensurate revitalisation.

Watch: American Vlogger Relished Gujarati Locho And Sosyo In Surat, Wins Foodies' Approval

A viral reel shows an American travel vlogger relishing locho at a local food joint in Surat. She pairs it with the popular drink, Sosyo, and enjoys both.

Gujarat: Massive fire erupts in Surats Raj Textile market

A massive fire broke out at Surats Raj Textile Market on Wednesday, prompting the deployment of 22 fire tenders and over 100 firefighters. Dense smoke engulfed the building as flames spread across the third, fifth and top floors. Officials say the fire is largely under control, with cooling operations underway

Major Fire Erupts At Raj Textile Market In Surat; No Casualties Reported

A major fire erupted at Raj Textile Market in Surats Parvat Patiya around 7 a.m., prompting a swift emergency response. No casualties reported as the market was mostly empty.

Kerala local body elections: Big promises, bigger dreams

KOCHI: keralas local body elections have traditionally centered on the basics roads, drains, streetlights and waste management. But this time, the three major fronts the CPM-led LDF, Congress-led UDF and BJP-led NDA have released manifestos that read less like routine civic checklists and more like ambitious blueprints for parallel futures. If polls were a contest for imagining the most expansive version of Keralas cities, this election would easily qualify as the masterclass in political imagination. The full-fledged, multi-page poll documents for corporations and districts in particular carry a flood of promises some practical, some aspirational and some that wander into the territory of wishful planning. Growing public expectation Micro-level manifestos in local body elections mark a significant shift in Keralas political culture. While many promises may be aspirational or beyond the immediate powers of local governments, the trend itself signals a growing public expectation for accountability and decentralised decision-making. Detailed ward or city-specific pledges push parties to engage more closely with voters everyday concerns and create a record against which their performance can later be measured. In an increasingly urbanised and globally aware electorate, such granular manifestos encourage healthier debates on governance and, over time, can strengthen the relevance and responsiveness of local bodies even if the feasibility of the promises remains uneven. Im happy, said D Dhanuraj, founder-chairman of the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR). Praising the sudden surge in detailed manifestos, he said, This will help prompt more discussion on decentralised government, and the public will demand such things. He also believes that global political trends and high-profile campaigns elsewhere may be influencing Keralas political tone. He sees the trend as healthy: When you promise 100 things and dont implement even 10%, someone will question you. I see it as the next level of development as we move towards greater decentralisation. For him, the very presence of detailed manifestos marks a shift toward increased accountability. Economist Jose Sebastian, however, has a sharply different view. The manifesto is a wrong trend. Its becoming a mockery, he said. According to him, none of the fronts, regardless of ideology, explain how they plan to mobilise funds for these expansive promises. Its all tall promises without any substance. Just to create a narrative, he says. Sebastian also argues that Keralas local governments are not autonomous enough to shoulder these grand visions. They have become implementing agencies of central and state schemes. If they had focused on their own resource mobilisation, we wouldnt be in this situation. With the first phase of polling over on Tuesday and the second set for Thursday, the electorate has already begun casting its verdict on these big-ticket manifestos. Saturdays results will reveal which promises resonated, and which remained on paper. OLYMPICS IN TPURAM & METRO TO COIMBATORE? Leading the pack in audacity is the BJP. Its manifesto for the Thiruvananthapuram corporation promises to prepare the capital to serve as one of the venues for the 2036 Olympics. The host city is still undecided, and Ahmedabad is widely tipped as Indias official bidder, but the NDA is confident Thiruvananthapuram can aim high. If that wasnt bold enough, the party has also promised to extend the Kochi Metro all the way to Coimbatore a proposal that would involve overcoming the trifecta of funding challenges, inter-state coordination and monumental infrastructure planning. Alongside these headline-grabbing pledges, the party has also offered more grounded commitments: a Surat-inspired drainage system, Indore-style waste management, and centrally-monitored street lighting. A FULLY SMART KOCHI The Congress-led UDF has filled its Kochi corporation manifesto with everyday urban concerns: garbage, mosquitoes, traffic jams, stray dogs and public health. Its major pitch is a Zero Waste Kochi project aimed at resolving the long-standing issues surrounding the Brahmapuram waste plant. The manifesto also promises to turn Kochi into South Indias first total smart city, a vision based on efficient mobility, digital governance and better civic services. The list of promises is sweeping: garbage-free streets, mosquito control, smoother traffic and a crackdown on drug lobbies. If executed, it would address many chronic complaints of Kochis residents. However, whether these proposals survive the constraints of local body finances remains unclear. INFRA-HEAVY AGENDAS FOR KOCHI, U.N. GOALS ROADMAP FOR KOZHIKODE The CPM-led LDF has released detailed manifestos for multiple corporations. In Kochi, its focus is on practical improvements: canal rejuvenation, systematic road cleaning, value-added waste products, and EVs for the Haritha Karma Sena. It also proposes an electric bus network with KSRTC, renovation of key bus stands and new mobility solutions like multi-level parking and bike sharing. In Kozhikode, the LDF has gone a step further. Its manifesto states the corporation will work to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2031 if the front returns to power. The document outlines a sweeping development agenda: Transforming Kozhikode into an IT hub; implementing a light metro project; continuing the City Road Improvement Project; building new roads and infrastructure; and constructing a flyover at Eranhipalam. LDF, which has governed Kozhikode for over 45 years, attributes its long run to timely implementation of development projects, an argument it hopes will resonate again.

Tech's biggest losers of 2025

Its the end of another year, so its time for the Engadget staff to compile a list of the years biggest losers . We scour over articles from the previous 12 months to determine the people, companies, products and trends that made our lives worse over the course of the year. Some selections may be so pervasive they actually make our list of biggest winners. But, for the most part, were confident youll share in our collective rage over the biggest losers of 2025. OpenAI OpenAI CEO Sam Altman delivers a speech with video at the SK AI Summit 2025 at COEX in Seoul, South Korea on November 3, 2025 Anadolu via Getty Images In 2025, OpenAI shed any pretense it was committed to anything more than making money. There are a few different things you could point to, including the company's successful reorganization into a more traditional profit-seeking business , but I think the most damning sign was OpenAI's response to the tragic death of Adam Raine . In August, Raines parents sued OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT was aware of four suicide attempts by their son before it helped him successfully plan his death. At first, OpenAI's response appeared commensurate with the gravity of the situation. A week after news of the lawsuit broke, the company announced in early September it was working on parental controls . That same month, the company said it was working on a system that would automatically identify teen users and restrict their ChatGPT usage. Then came the announcement of a new wellness advisory council . Setting aside the question of whether OpenAI would even follow the advice of the council, it was peculiar that the company chose not recruit a single expert on suicide prevention . At that point, it was still possible to give OpenAI the benefit of the doubt, but then information about the company's legal defense against the Raines started to trickle out, including the fact it had reportedly asked to see the memorial guest list for Adam Raine's funeral, a request the family's lawyers described as intentional harassment. In late November, court documents revealed the company planned to argue Raine's misuse of ChatGPT was to blame for his death, not its own insufficient safety systems. We live in a world where tech giants are rarely held accountable for the great harm they've shown themselves capable of inflicting on people. As things stand, OpenAI's handling of Adam Raine's death is further proof something must change. Igor Bonifacic, Senior reporter Xbox An Xbox Ally X running the Windows full screen experience. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Did anything go right for Xbox this year? While price increases have also affected Sony and Nintendo, Microsoft cranked up the prices of both the Xbox Series S and X twice in the last year. Its bad: The Series S is now $100 more than at launch, five years on. Previously the best deal in gaming , the Xbox Series X/S combined with a Game Pass subscription gave you a ton of games to play, including any of Microsofts own titles on their launch date. However, the subscription is now $30 a month, up 50 percent. (It was previously $17 per month the year before.) I agree with Nathan Ingrahams take: $30 for literally hundreds of games, plus launch-day availability for major games that typically cost $70, is reasonable. But its still a harder sell when the price has jumped. Are you getting 50 percent more games? Not yet. According to Bloomberg , Microsoft demanded higher profits from Xbox back in 2023. When the gaming division reached around 12 percent growth in the first nine months of 2022, that was an ambitious goal. Day One launches on Game Pass apparently dented Xboxs ability to pull profits from its biggest titles. Microsoft no longer shares console unit sales, but in its most recent earnings report, the company announced that hardware revenue dropped 29 percent. Thats including those price increases, meaning console sales fell even further. Estimates over the last few years put the PS5 tens of millions of units ahead. An annual subscription to Game Pass is more than double the Sony consoles most premium plan, although its not an apples-to-apples comparison. This year, Microsoft collaborated with ASUS to create Xbox-branded handheld gaming PCs. In that form-factor, I was on the precipice of grabbing Game Pass and barreling through Xbox titles I never had the chance to play. Then, I reassessed exactly what I was missing out on. It wasnt the inclusion of a Fortnite Crew subscription . Despite its developer shopping spree, Xbox exclusives remain few, with many appearing on rival platforms. This year, Indiana Jones and even the Forza series is available to play on PlayStation. And next year? Halo . Where are the exciting new games going to come from? In the middle of 2025, Microsoft announced major layoffs affecting over 9,000 employees across the company. with the gaming division being hit exceptionally hard. Cuts and closures across many of Microsofts game studios led to cancellations like a Perfect Dark reboot and Rares Everwild . Xboxs 2025 was bad on both the business and creative fronts. The decision to hike console and Game Pass prices didnt immediately turn around revenue. At the same time, layoffs and high-profile game cancellations make Xbox a challenging pitch for anyone deciding which console or platform to invest in. Right now, looking at Engadgets pick of the top Xbox games, the only game I feel like Im missing out on is Avowed . Many of our favorite games are already available on PS5 and several can be played on the Switch. The reverse, however, isnt true. Mat Smith, UK bureau chief Grok The Grokipedia page about Elon Musk NurPhoto via Getty Images It's hard to even know where to begin. X users have long noticed that Grok, the site's built-in chatbot, is less filtered than other AI tools. But this year, Grok went off the rails in some truly unhinged and disturbing ways. There was the time Grok randomly began talking about a nonexistent white genocide in South Africa in response to completely unrelated questions. There was the time it declared itself MechaHitler , much to the delight of neo-nazi fanboys on X. There was the time it was caught posting Holocaust denial tropes, and the time researchers noted its Wikipedia knockoff that contains dozens of citations of neo-Nazi website Stormfront. There was the time it became so embarrassingly obsessed with Elon Musk it claimed he was a better basketball player than LeBron James and a better actor than Tom Cruise. It later brought both its anti-semitism and Musk sycophancy together when it stated that it would choose saving Musk's brain over saving 16 million Jews. His potential long-term impact on billions outweighs the loss in utilitarian terms, it stated in a post that's since been deleted. Besides the horrifying racism, what all of these incidents have in common is that xAI, Musk's AI company that acquired X earlier this year, has failed to fully explain how its chatbot went so far off the rails. The company has blamed an unnamed rogue employee , its own Nazi-loving users and adversarial prompting for Grok's missteps. Karissa Bell, Senior reporter EVs in the US Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles are seen for sale on a dealership lot on June 24, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Brandon Bell via Getty Images EVs sales across the globe are up around 25 percent this year . Germany broke records in the first half of 2025, with electric cars accounting for nearly one in five new registrations. Meanwhile, back in September, sales of BEVs in the UK grew by almost a third , setting a new high for our neighbors across the pond. And in China, EV sales are growing so fast ( over 50 percent market share ) that the country is beginning to flood the global market with gas-powered cars that it can't sell at home. So naturally, what did our esteemed leaders in the US do in order to help companies here stay competitive? They ended the EV tax credit. And wouldn't you know it, after a spike earlier this fall just before the credit went away, sales of EVs in the US began to slump , with some automakers like Ford seeing a drop of 60 percent year-over-year. No matter how you slice it, this is bad for any company that sells EVs in the US and particularly bad for anyone considering purchasing a new one in the foreseeable future. As an EV owner, that just bums me out. Not only does this policy change put more roadblocks in the way of making battery-powered cars more affordable, it also puts a damper on EV investment and threatens to cause US automakers to fall even further behind their rivals in China and elsewhere. Manufacturers across the Pacific are going so wild, they are making EVs that can jump like the Mach 5 from Speed Racer . That isn't to say there aren't any promising developments on the horizon. Ford's Universal EV Platform and the arrival of the Rivian R2 sometime next year are a couple of examples. But it's clear that our politicians wanted to target EVs in the US this year and they sure made it happen. So the next time someone asks why we can't have nice things here, you know who to blame. Sam Rutherford, Senior reporter DJI drone customers DJI Neo 2 Steve Dent for Engadget Barring a miracle, DJI will be banned from selling any new drones in the US starting December 23rd and buyers will feel the pain. As I wrote last month , the company has been targeted by regulators since 2017 over concerns that its products could be used to spy on sensitive US infrastructure on behalf of China. Whats the big deal? you may ask. Surely people can buy from other drone companies. Indeed, but the problem is that DJI has such a monumental technological lead and high market share (over 75 percent) that its absence will effectively upend the industry. Commercial buyers have checked other (approved) options from the likes of Skydio, but found them wanting. In one year and a half, we had five failures of the manufacturers on the list. DJI, none, Orlando police Sgt. David Cruz told the Miami Herald . I work for a popular UAV photogrammetry company, said a user on Reddit. [A] ban will set back the drone industry in the US by several years. Theres no competitor to DJI right now. The same applies on the consumer side. DJIs drones outperform rivals in nearly every area including range, battery life, subject tracking, obstacle detection and video quality. Its so one-sided that when testing DJI drones, I struggle to find other options for buyers with anywhere close to the same capabilities. The US government does have reason to be concerned about DJIs drones. They present an obvious national security risk due to their ability to fly over sensitive areas, take photos or video and transmit them, live, to any location in the world. And being a Chinese company, theyre compelled by law to cooperate with state intelligence services. However, the US government hasnt attempted to work with DJI to determine whether its products pose a risk so far. DJI made a final plea for a security review recently by sending letters to five US agencies that could assess its products. If that fails, chaos among drone users is likely to ensue. We just want the best technology that keeps our citizens safe for the most reasonable price, Sgt. Drew Fennelly of the Lawrence, Kansas police department told The Wall Street Journal last year. The technology in the US-made drones has not caught up with the Chinese-manufactured drones. TV streaming Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison speaks during the Bloomberg Screentime conference in Los Angeles on October 9, 2025. PATRICK T. FALLON via Getty Images In 2015, Sling TV arrived with ESPN, CNN, TBS, HGTV, Disney Channel and others for just $20 a month. A couple years later, YouTube TV debuted for just $35 monthly and showed local CBS, Fox, NBC and ABC stations plus dozens of other channels including ESPN, Fox Sports 1 and Bravo. Streaming TV had arrived. It was here to unfetter TV watchers from cables onerous contracts, high prices and carrier monopolies. Take that, Comcast! In your face, Charter! (But theyd still like to pay you for internet access, please.) Fast forward to 2025: Streaming TV and its low-price, monopoly-free, contractless freedom is all but dead. Every major live TV service provider raised prices this year . Currently, YouTubeTV, Hulu+ Live TV, Fubo and DirecTV all go for a minimum of $83 per month. Thats before you opt for cable-inspired package upgrades and channel add-ons. Throw in perks like 4K, additional sports channels and a couple of one-off networks and youre easily shelling out $150 every month. Youll pay less for chopped-up live TV plans from Sling TV, but be prepared to create a spreadsheet to make sure a plan has the channels you want. This year, consolidation came for TV streaming, giving strong Cox/Charter/Comcast monopoly vibes. Disney, which completed its buyout of Hulu in 2023 , acquired Fubo this year and plans to combine the two . The combo makes Disney the second-largest live TV streaming provider behind Google. DirecTV already owns Sling TV , so that leaves just three big players in the live TV streaming arena. With Netflix's move to buy Warner Bros , the traditional streaming market is getting narrower, too. We can safely assume good ol market competition wont be bringing prices down anytime soon. But its not just consolidation fragmentation also contributes to an overall crappier streaming experience. In 2025, Disney launched a standalone ESPN service (no, not that one , nor that one ) for $30 per month. So far, that doesnt mean you cant find ESPN content through other providers. But we did see Disney flex its increasingly large TV muscles in drawn-out contract negotiations with Google. The dispute darkened ESPN, ABC and other Disney channels on YouTube TV for two weeks this fall which, Ill point out for the cynical crowd, was less than two months after the standalone service launched. YouTube TV subscribers got a $20 credit , but that probably didnt placate NFL and NCAA football fans who missed out on ESPN-carried games. Then in November, Fubo quarreled with NBCUniversal, saying the Peacock parent was shifting content to their own streaming services and forcing up rates. The spat turned off NBC, Bravo, USA and other channels for Fubo subscribers, no doubt infuriating both NBA and Real Housewives fans , despite a $15 credit. Of course, Fubo is Disneys newest affiliate, so there are no non-bad guys here. The only advantage TV streaming has in its favor is the lack of cable-style contracts and I havent heard any murmurs of such a thing forthcoming. We are still all free to hop around between the big three TV streamers until we give up and just go back to DVDs . Amy Skorheim, Senior reporter The work of DOGE Elon Musk at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD on February 20, 2025. The Washington Post via Getty Images An Elon Musk-led attempt to rein in federal spending with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been a failure by almost every metric. As of November, it was reported that DOGE is no more, even though the initiative ostensibly had eight months left to run. An official told Reuters that DOGE doesn't exist, and it never should have in the first place. Though Musk was only at the helm of DOGE for a few months , he and his team caused chaos. Adopting the slash-and-burn tactic Musk employed when he took over Twitter, he swung a chainsaw through myriad government departments, with DOGE firing workers who were actually essential and quickly had to be hired back . By August, the government was said to have fired some 300,000 federal workers , with DOGE taking responsibility for most of those. Among other things, cuts at the National Institutes of Health resulted in the end of funding for hundreds of medical studies, which is said to have affected tens of thousands of patients . It's also estimated that the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development had resulted in more than 650,000 deaths around the world by early December, with children accounting for two-thirds of those. DOGE workers seemed to be busy, though. They reportedly monitored government communications for criticisms of both Musk and President Donald Trump, while implementing generative AI chatbots in an attempt to automate some government tasks. But for all the blustering about making the government much more efficient, DOGE did not meet its stated goal. Musk initially promised to reduce government spending by $2 trillion, but it didn't take long for him to reduce that pledge to $150 billion . And yet government spending has actually gone up . In October, the first month of the government's fiscal year, its total outlay was $689 billion, an increase of $105 billion (18 percent) from October 2024. Still, maybe DOGE wasn't a total disaster for its architects. It was able to gain access to sensitive and valuable government data, after all. Kris Holt, Contributing reporter AI video Sora 2 app launch screen displayed on smartphone Cheng Xin via Getty Images In our post-truth world, video was one of the few remaining ways to prove something had actually happened. It had its problems of course, but the fact it was harder to fake than words and images, and anyone could record a clip with their phone, made it vital to our sense of shared reality. Think about the murder of George Floyd: The grave injustice of his death would have probably never come to light if Darnella Frazier had not filmed what happened. With the advent of AI video, I'm not sure where we go. Both Google and OpenAI pushed the technology into the realm of uncomfortable realism this year, but it's Sora's cameo feature that has me worried. Within the first week of the app's public availability, people were using the feature, which allows users to add the likeness of other people to their videos, to generate clips of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stealing GPUs from Target . Cameo has limitations, and users can restrict and delete videos that include their likeness, but it's just another assault on the truth. It's hard to see how making it trivial to create deepfake videos benefits anyone other than the companies offering building the tech. I.B. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/techs-biggest-losers-of-2025-140000419.html?src=rss

Sanils 9-wkt haul powers J&K to victory

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: Jammu and Kashmir recorded a commanding 134-run victory over Arunachal Pradesh in the U-16 Mens Vijay Merchant Trophy at Surat, powered by an all-round masterclass from Sanil Singh and Karman Singh. Batting first, J&K posted 344 runs, with Karman Singh scoring a brilliant 129 not out, supported by Aksh Sharma and Haadi Amin. In response, Arunachal Pradesh were bundled out for 111 runs, with Saksh top-scoring with 57. Sanil Singh was the star with [] The post Sanils 9-wkt haul powers J&K to victory appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Konkan Rly enhances Ro Ro wagons capacity to carry trucks weighing up to 57 tonnes

The first of such rake was introduced on November 5 and the second on December 3 between Kolad and Surathkal

NHAI to prepare DPR for overall improvement of Surathkal-Kundapura NH 66 stretch

Private consultants will suggest long-term measures at important junctions at Kota, Brahmavara town, Padubidri and Mulki town, says NHAI

Effective strategy is needed for fly management in A.P., says expert

No Thermal Power Plant in the State has a dry ash collection system, commensurating with 100% of the demand, says INSWAREB secretary in a letter to the Chief Miniter

Surat Vlogger Killed in High-Speed Crash

CCTV footage shows teen was speeding and riding without a helmet, say police

Surat Teen Vlogger Dies After KTM Duke Crashes at 140 kmph, Head Separates From Torso

18-year-old Surat vlogger Prince Patel, known as PKR Blogger, died after his KTM Duke crashed at 140 kmph on a flyover. Police say he wasnt wearing a helmet. FIR registered; probe underway.

Surat teen dies after crashing new KTM bike at 140 kmph, his two-day old tragic Laila-Majnu in heaven video goes viral

An 18-year-old rider, Prince Patel, died in a high-speed accident near Breadliner Circle in Surat after losing control of his KTM sports bike and hitting a road divider. In a separate incident in Ahmedabad, a speeding motorcyclist in his 20s died after crashing into a BRTS track grill, with police suspecting an illegal race.

Gujarat's 'PKR Blogger' Dies In Road Accident, Was Riding KTM At 140 kmph

An 18-year-old vlogger, who goes by the name 'PKR Blogger', has died in a horrendous road accident in Gujarat's Surat while riding his KTM sports bike allegedly at a high speed. The social media influencer, Prince Patel, was decapitated.

HSBC INDIA Expands its Presence in Gujarat with a New Branch in Vadodara

HSBC India on Saturday unveiled its new branch in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking a significant step in its strategic expansion across the country. This launch signifies the banks 27th branch in India and its second in Gujarat, following Reserve Bank of Indias approval earlier this year to open 20 new bank branches in key cities. Chef Ranveer Brar, Her Highness Radhikaraje Gaekwad, Maharani of Baroda & Sandeep Batra, Head, International Wealth & Premier Banking, HSBC India, at the branch inauguration Vadodara, known for its rapid economic growth and industrial prowess, is emerging as a significant hub for wealth creation. The city is home to a burgeoning population of affluent, High Net Worth (HNW), Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW), and non-resident clients in one of Indias rapidly growing wealth and industrial hubs. HSBCs new branch is strategically positioned to meet the financial and wealth needs of this customer segment. The expansion reinforces HSBCs focus on the wealth opportunity in India, where it is the leading international bank offering a full spectrum of solutions and services to clients across International Wealth and Premier Banking, and Corporate and Institutional Banking. Commenting on the launch, Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC India , said, As entrepreneurial spirit and innovation continue to drive economic growth and personal wealth, affluent customers are increasingly adopting a global outlook. They are seeking a trusted partner who is able to consistently serve them across jurisdictions. Our new branch in Vadodara reflects our commitment to being closer to our customers and delivering world-class banking solutions tailored to their unique needs. As the leading international bank in India, we remain focused on enabling our clients to unlock opportunities and achieve their aspirations, both in India and internationally . With this addition, HSBC now has a network of 27 branches across 15 cities in India. HSBC has maintained a strong presence in India for over 170 years, supporting customers in their financial journeys both locally and globally. Further HSBC India will open branches in Amritsar, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, Faridabad, Indore, Jalandhar, Kanpur, Ludhiana, Lucknow, Mysuru, Nagpur, Nashik, Navi Mumbai, Patna, Rajkot, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram and Vishakhapatnam. About HSBC India HSBC India offers a full range of banking and financial services through 27 branches across 15 cities. HSBC is one of India's leading financial services groups, with around 44,000 employees in its banking, investment banking and capital markets, asset management, insurance, software development and global resourcing operations in the country. It is a leading custodian in India. The Bank is at the forefront in arranging deals for Indian companies investing overseas and foreign investments into the country. About HSBC Holdings plc HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 60 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,099bn at 30 September 2024, HSBC is one of the worlds largest banking and financial services organisations.

IndiGo flights face nationwide delays, cancellations; passengers report long waits

NEW DELHI: Recurring delays of Indigo flights across the country by five to seven hours throughout the day and the absence of information on the exact departure time caused much agony to passengers on Tuesday. Five flights were cancelled while thousands of passengers suffered due to the delays on account of multiple reasons. Many of them highlighted their plight and reached out to the Civil Aviation Ministry and the aviation regulator through social media. Indigo flights from Mumbai to Ahmedabad (6E 2347), Vadodara (6E 5126); Vadodara to Delhi (6E 6662) and Delhi to Vadodara (6E 5066) as well as Vadodara to Mumbai (6E 6087) were cancelled. Indigo did not respond to repeated queries on the cancellations. An Indigo source conceded there were delays. Elaborating on the reasons, the source attributed it to operational reasons, delay in the arrival of incoming flights which subsequently delayed the outgoing one and bad weather were among the reasons cited by him. He ruled out the A320 software upgradation and stated that it had been completed by Sunday and was not connected with the delays on Tuesday. Flyer Seerat Garewal posted on X: Had the worst experience with Indigo today. Flight from Delhi to Bombay was at 12.45 pm, then got delayed to 2.20 pm, then 4.20 pm, then 5 pm and finally took off at 5.30 pm. No food, no compensation and on top of that they did not even inform about the inconvenience. Asmita Mukherjee, travelling with an infant said, Flight no 6e 6273 was first delayed for one and half hours, then delayed by 15 more minutes. Now they are saying the flight is delayed indefinitely. I am travelling with an infant. Whats the issue? DGCA, can you please intervene? Another flyer was put off with the lack of information and rude behaviour of the Indigo staff. Indigo, I was scheduled to travel by flight 6E 6768 and got delayed multiple times. The original departure for 9.15 pm has been scheduled for 5.20 am. The staff behaviour is absolutely horrible. So rude. Not ready to help at allneed help. Avinash Kumar had to take a flight from Varanasi to Surat with a layover at Delhi. In a series of tweets, he said, I had a flight from Varanasi to Surat via Delhi today, Dec 2. After waiting for 7.5 hrs and continuous flight delay, you inform me that it will be delayed further for another 6 hrs. I am stuck here with no support from Indigo staff. 13:30 hrs halt at an airport where I dont even reside. He demanded a refund for his flight. Indigo had a standardised apology and a delay attributed to operational reasons to most of the complaints.

Enforcement Directorate raids 15 locations under FEMA, money laundering probe

RANCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday raided the premises of Chartered Accountant (CA) Naresh Kejriwal in Ranchi, conducting searches at 15 locations across Ranchi, Mumbai and Surat under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and money laundering provisions. Unlike previous actions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), this marks the first major ED action under FEMA in Jharkhand. Searches continued at Kejriwals residence and office at Church Complex in Ranchi, where ED teams examined documents related to financial dealings and suspicious foreign exchange transactions. Premises linked to Kejriwals family members, relatives and business associates were also searched. The crackdown follows an Income Tax Department investigation that revealed Kejriwal had invested in several undeclared foreign shell companies in the UAE, Nigeria and the US. These companies were allegedly operated from India, raising concerns about their purpose and the nature of their transactions. Investigating agencies have reportedly gathered key information about foreign investments, transactions and bank accounts. Based on this input, the ED launched searches under FEMA. Meanwhile, the ED has intensified its probe into the illegal mining case in Sahibganj, involving an estimated Rs 1,000 crore. The agency has summoned 11 individuals, including mining officers, businessmen and contractors, to appear at its Ranchi office for questioning. The investigation stems from an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) based on case number 85/2020. As of June 30, 2025, the ED has filed five supplementary charge sheets in the case before the PMLA court.

Fresh FIR filed against Sonia, Rahul Gandhi in National Herald case on ED complaint; Congress cries vendetta

NEW DELHI: In a major setback to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, the Delhi Polices Economic Offences Wing has registered a fresh FIR against them and six others in the decade-old National Herald money laundering case . The FIR, registered on October 3, 2025, follows a detailed complaint from Shiv Kumar Gupta, Assistant Director of the Enforcement Directorates Headquarters Investigation Unit, and invokes charges of criminal conspiracy, dishonest misappropriation of property, criminal breach of trust and cheating. On November 29, 2025, the Rouse Avenue Court postponed its decision on whether to take cognizance of the EDs chargesheet, deferring the order to December 16 and observing that the accused have a right to be heard before any decision is taken. According to the FIR, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, Sunil Bhandari and Associated Journals Ltd have been named as accused. Except for Sam Pitroda, who now resides in Oak Brook, Illinois, all others are residents of India. The FIR alleges an elaborate criminal conspiracy to fraudulently take over properties worth over Rs 2,000 crore belonging to Associated Journals Limited, the original publisher of the National Herald. It states that this takeover was executed by Young Indian, in which Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi held controlling stakes, for a paltry sum of Rs 50 lakhs only. It details how the All India Congress Committee gave cumulative loans of Rs 90.21 crore to AJL between 200203 and 201011 and treated the amount as non-recoverable despite AJL holding valuable properties. The FIR states: The scheme of fraud was executed by Young Indian purchasing from AICC the right to recover the loan of Rs. 90.21 cr. (given by AICC to AJL) for a paltry sum of Rs. 50 lakhs and simultaneously, AJL converted the outstanding loan of Rs. 90.21 crore into 9.02 crore equity shares of face value Rs. 10 each in favour of Young Indian, thereby defrauding shareholders of AJL on one hand and also the public donors of AICC by dishonestly inducing AICC to forego its valuable right to recover Rs. 90 Crore advanced to AJL. The FIR says AJL shareholders were cheated as their shareholding was diluted when Young Indian was issued 99% of the companys shares. It adds: ED investigation reveals that, Young Indian was effectively controlled by Sh. Rahul Gandhi and Smt. Sonia Gandhi since they together held 76% of shares through a well-thought-out conspiracy. Young Indian was incorporated on November 23, 2010 with a capital of Rs 5 lakh, and through transfers and allotments, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi each came to hold 38% of its shares. Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey were the original shareholders with 550 shares each. On January 22, 2011, fresh allotments and transfers brought in Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as 38% shareholders each, while Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes received 12% each. The FIR traces the case back to BJP leader Subramanian Swamys 2013 complaint at Patiala House Courts. The court took cognizance in June 2014. It quotes the order: In the Order passed, Ld. MM observed that Young Indian was created as a sham or a cloak to convert public money to personal use or as a special purpose vehicle for acquiring control over Rs. 2000 Cr. worth of assets of AJL and accused person have allegedly acted in consortium with each other to achieve the said nefarious purpose. The High Court later refused to interfere with the cognizance order. The FIR lists three major AJL properties allegedly diverted for private gain: Herald House in New Delhi, AJL House in Bandra East, Mumbai, and a property at Bisheshwar Nath Road in Lucknow. It states: The above facts and circumstances of the case enumerate the issue of government properties being allotted to AJL at subsidized rates for larger public purposes, only to be usurped and misused by the beneficial owners of Young Indian and thus represents a serious form of criminal conspiracy and financial fraud. It alleges AJL shareholders were cheated when Young Indian gained 99% ownership through decisions taken by only 7 members of the company who together held 0.00005% of the total shareholding in AJL. It adds: he fraudulent misrepresentations made to the general body of shareholders of AJL leading to wrongful gain of almost Rs 2000 crores in favour of Young Indian and its owners namely Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Sh. Rahul Gandhi and the corresponding wrongful loss to the shareholders of Young Indian clearly makes out an offence of criminal conspiracy and cheating. The FIR also outlines how AICC and its donors were allegedly defrauded, stating: The concerned office bearers of AICC viz. the then President Sonia Gandhi and General Secretary Rahul Gandhi by 'selling' AICC's right to recover a loan of Rs. 90.21 crores from AJL for a paltry sum of Rs 50 lakhs to Young Indian has virtually deprived AICC not only the right to recover the entire Rs. 90.21 crore but also the option of converting this debt into equity shares from AJL which would have entitled AICC as a 99% shareholder to properties worth almost Rs. 2000 crores According to the FIR, Young Indian acquired proceeds of crime in the form of AJL shares, immovable properties and rental income. It states that the properties, valued at Rs 755 crore, were treated as proceeds of crime, and notes rental income of Rs 142.67 crore between 201011 and 202223 as direct proceeds of crime. The total proceeds of crime are pegged at Rs 988.03 crore. ED had attached properties worth Rs 751.91 crore on November 20, 2023. The FIR cites three additional alleged frauds: bogus donations of Rs 18.12 crore to Young Indian in 201718 to discharge the income tax demand, fake advance rent of Rs 38.41 crore received by AJL from nine entities on instructions of Congress leaders, and fake advertisement revenue of Rs 29.45 crore between 201718 and 202021. It states: Most of the advertisement given does not commensurate with business purposes of the donors as these advertisements are mostly in the form of congratulatory messages/birthday wishes to congress top leaders. It also details how Young Indian arranged the Rs 50 lakh payment to AICC, citing a Rs 1 crore loan from Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, described as a shell company. Part of this was used for the Rs 50 lakh payment toward acquiring AICCs right to recover Rs 90.21 crore from AJL. The FIR was registered based on information shared by the Enforcement Directorate under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. After approval from ED Director Rahul Naveen, the complaint was sent to the Commissioner of Police for action. Modi-Shah continuing with 'mischievous politics of vendetta': Congress With Delhi Police filing an FIR against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case, the Congress on Sunday alleged that the Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the party's top leadership. Condemning the action, the opposition party also said the National Herald matter is a completely bogus case and justice will ultimately triumph. In a post on X, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh charged, The Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the top leadership of the INC. Those who threaten are themselves insecure and afraid. The National Herald matter is a completely bogus case. Justice will ultimately triumph. Satyameva Jayate, he said. The Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the top leadership of the INC. Those who threaten are themselves insecure and afraid. The National Herald matter is a completely bogus case. Justice will ultimately Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) November 30, 2025 Congress spokesperson and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said in a post on X that the FIR was either wine new nor bottle new nor glasses new. One trick wonder of a case where no money moved, where no immovable property transferred yet money laundering invented upon creation of Young Indian as a not for profit co to merely hold shares of AJL which in turn runs and holds brand NH and continues to hold all property as before &as always. Condition precedent of ML (money laundering) movement of money and conversion of unaccounted to white money always absent, yet we have politically malicious proceedings continuing, he said on X. Ironically, Gandhis and other Congress functionaries as directors of YI cannot get dividends, cannot distribute profits, get not one perk, yet accused of ML!! Current FIR created by adding few lines re infusion of money by private company to enable payment of assignment money by YI to make AJL debt free, Singhvi said. #NatHerald neither wine new nor bottle new nor glasses new. Hence my comment also old. One trick wonder of a case where no money moved, where no immovable property transferred yet money laundering invented upon creation of #YoungIndian as a not for profit co to merely hold shares Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) November 30, 2025 Senior Congress leader Pramod Tiwari slammed the government over the development, alleging that it is working like the British rulers who took away people's democratic rights. This is politics of vendetta and we condemn it. We never bowed down earlier, neither will we bow down now nor in the future. Gandhi family has always fought for the independence of the country and we will keep fighting for the freedom of democracy, he said. His remarks came after the Delhi Police filed an FIR against former Congress presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and other accused in the National Herald case on a complaint by the ED as part of the agency's money laundering probe into the high-profile case that alleges that the first family of the party abused their position for personal gains. Official sources and documents said the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police filed a complaint against the Gandhis and seven others on October 3. The police has pressed charges under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property), 406 (punishment for criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) of the IPC in the FIR that names the Gandhis, Congress leaders Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda, entities like the Young Indian (YI) and Dotex Merchandise Ltd, Dotex promoter Sunil Bhandari, Associated Journals Ltd. (AJL) and unknown others. These entities are also named as an accused (except unknown others) in the ED chargesheet filed before a Delhi court in April. The court is yet to take its cognisance with the next date of hearing scheduled for December 16. The ED, according to the sources, used powers available to it under section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to get the police FIR registered. This section allows the federal agency to share evidence for registration of a criminal predicate offence by a law enforcement agency so that it can subsequently book a money laundering case to take forward the investigation.

Housing sales in 15 Tier II cities up 4 pc to over Rs 37K cr in July-Sept quarter

NEW DELHI, Nov 29: Housing sales across 15 major Tier II cities have increased 4 per cent annually to Rs 37,409 crore in the July-September quarter despite a fall in volumes, according to PropEquity. Real estate data analytic firm PropEquity data showed that housing sales in Indias top 15 Tier II cities fell 4 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to 39,201 units in the September quarter of this calendar year. These 15 Tier II cities are Ahmedabad, Surat, Gandhi Nagar, [] The post Housing sales in 15 Tier II cities up 4 pc to over Rs 37K cr in July-Sept quarter appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

MCA picks squad for first two matches of Vijay Merchant Trophy

By Our Reporter Shillong, Nov 25: The Meghalaya Cricket Association has named its squad for the first two matches of the multi-day U-16 boys Vijay Merchant Trophy 2025-26. The plate group matches will all take place in Surat and Meghalayas first fixture will be against Sikkim from December 7 to 9. The second game will []

ED hands over four attached flats of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi for asset recovery

NEW DELHI: In a move against fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi in Rs 6000 crore PNB scam, the Enforcement directorate (ED) has handed over four flats of Gitanjali Gems Ltd to the liquidator, the agency said on Monday. The agency has facilitated the handing over of four flats in Project Tatva, Urja A Wing, Datthapada Road, Borivali (East), Mumbai, properties attached in the case of Mehul Choksi and others in PNB fraud case to the liquidator on November 21. It will enable the liquidator to proceed with monetisation for the benefit of victims, secured creditors and other legitimate claimants. Till now, immovable/movable properties located at Mumbai, Kolkata and Surat collectively having worth of Rs 310 crore have been handed over to the Liquidator of Gitanjali Gems Ltd, the agency said. Investigation in the case of Mehul Choksi revealed that Choksi connived with his associates and Bank officials of Punjab National Bank (PNB) during the period from 2014 to 2017 and fraudulently got issued Letters of Undertaking and Foreign Letters of Credit from PNB resulting in wrongful loss of Rs 6097.63 crore to PNB. He had also taken loan from ICICI Bank and had defaulted on that loan too. During the investigation, ED conducted searches at more than 136 locations all over India and seized valuables and jewelleries worth Rs 597.75 crore pertaining to Gitanjali Group of Mehul Choksi. Further, immovable/movable assets worth Rs 1968.15 Crore of Mehul Choksi/Gitanjali Group were attached which included immovable properties in India and overseas, vehicles, bank accounts, factory, shares of listed companies, jewellery, among others. In aggregate, assets worth Rs 2565.90 crore were attached or seized in this case and three Prosecution Complaints have been filed, the agency said in the matter. To expedite the process of restitution of properties to the victim banks, ED along with the banks took proactive steps towards monetisation of assets.

28-Year-Old Physiotherapist Jumps To Death From Rooftop Cafe In Surat

A 28-year-old physiotherapist from Surat, died by suicide at a cafe. She was set to marry in January 2026. Police are investigating the reason behind her death.

Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks Announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to Strengthen the Coffee Value Chain from Bean to Cup

Established under a strategic collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company & Tata Starbucks, the FSP aims to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 Starbucks will open its 500th coffeehouse in India this week in Delhi NCR a Starbucks Reserve location offering a premium and immersive coffee experience Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup Strengthening Indias coffee value chain from bean to cup Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, Indias coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from Indias key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee. The FSP will set up technical model farms in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency. The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing model farms within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team. Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives. The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen Indias entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, India is one of our fastest-growing markets. Were partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. Its a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup . Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape Indias thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tatas footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India . Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for Indias ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the companys plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating Indias coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations. As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the worlds finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of Indias coffee landscape. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening Indias coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks . About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com . About Tata Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.

Surathkal-Nanthoor-B.C. Road highway stretch to come under NHAI

The move sets the stage for reliable maintenance, long-term enhancement of one of Mangalurus most critical road corridors, says Capt. Brijesh Chowta, MP, Dakshina Kannada

Surat Cricket Association President Arrested In Rs 2.92 Crore Loan Fraud Case

Surat Cricket association chief was arrested for forging signatures to get a Rs 2.92 crore loan, defaulting on Rs 67 lakh. Probe ongoing.

Surat evaluates electric freight vehicles under clean air programme

Surat cyber cell busts CFOs Rs 9 crore job scam hidden behind corporate facade

AHMEDABAD: Surat Cyber Cell has uncovered one of Gujarats most meticulously engineered cyber-fraud operations, masterminded by a highly educated, white-collar criminal. The accused, Nitesh Govani, a B.Sc. Mathematics graduate and Chief Finance Officer at a reputed Pune-based firm, created a corporate maze so convincing that more than 1,200 people were duped and Rs 9 crore siphoned off. A respectable profile masking a criminal mind On paper, Govani appeared to be the model urban professional: a strong academic background, excellent command over statistics, a Rs 65,000 monthly salary, and a 20% stake in his company. Yet behind this faade, he was driven by greed and an ambition for crores, not a modest monthly income. His criminal behaviour was not new. In 2021, he had been arrested in Ahmedabad for a similar data-entry scam, extorting victims by accusing them of violating digital contracts. A six-month stint in Sabarmati Jail became, according to investigators, a crime research lab in his head rather than a place of reform. A fraud blueprint conceived behind bars Upon release, Govani resolved not to abandon fraud but to refine it. His plan: build a scam that looked entirely legal from the outside. While continuing his job in Pune, he envisioned a more professional and layered scheme, one far harder to detect. Buying a loss-making company to appear legitimate Bank regulations required a company to be at least a year old for subscription-based deductions. To bypass this, Govani purchased a struggling Surat-based firm, Global Index, from its original owner, Sanket Mangrola. This shell company became the anchor of his deception. In 2024, he created a paper-only Dubai entity named Connecting All India, and launched another firm, White Solver, to lure jobseekers with data-entry roles offering Rs 20 per app download. The perfect trap: digital contracts + legal threats The fraud worked by interlinking three companies: White Solver offered the jobs. Global Index acted as an HR consultancy issuing contracts. Connecting All India was presented as the platform provider. Victims were persuaded to e-sign digital contracts, which Govani later weaponised to accuse them of breaches, threatening legal action to extort money. He kept the entire structure clean on paper, filing GST, paying taxes, and keeping documents immaculate. In a calculated move, he even sold Global Index on paper to an individual named Satyendra Pal, ensuring that if investigators traced the company, it would not lead back to him. Yet he continued to operate all login IDs, passwords, and financial mechanisms secretly. Police crack the code The elaborate faade collapsed when the Surat Cyber Cell began probing suspicious call-centre operations. As digital trails converged, the same name, Nitesh Govani, surfaced repeatedly behind multiple companies, transactions, and locations. DCP Bishakha Jain, who led the investigation, stated: He created a network of multiple companies only to make his fraud appear legal. White Solver offered jobs, Global Index managed HR contracts, and Connecting All India was shown as the app company. On paper he had sold Global Index, but we found that Nitesh himself operated all login IDs, passwords, and financial controls. Every document looked lawful, making this one of the most sophisticated cyber-fraud structures we have seen. She added: He exploited peoples desperation for work and loans, trapped them through digital signatures, and extorted money by instilling legal fear. Altogether, he cheated more than 1,200 citizens and siphoned over Rs 9 crore. The end of the mathematical fraud Govani sought not only to extort money but also to inflate the valuation of his bogus Dubai company by amassing vast amounts of user data. However, his mathematical precision and corporate camouflage ultimately collapsed under the weight of forensic cyber investigation. With his arrest, Surat Cyber Cell has exposed how an educated CFO turned his degree, his job title, and corporate sophistication into tools to exploit thousands of innocent people, until the carefully crafted illusion finally crumbled.

Railway Minister shares BIG update on India's bullet train project, inaugural run to cover 100 km between Surat and Vapi in...

India's first high-speed rail corridor is being constructed between Sabarmati and Mumbai to operate a bullet train at 320 kmph.

Indias first bullet train inaugural run in 2027 to cover 100 km between Surat and Vapi, says Vaishnaw

NEW DELHI: India is set to witness the inaugural run of its first bullet train in August 2027, operating between Surat and Vapi in Gujarat. The initial stretch will cover 100 km and will gradually be expanded to the full 508 km route once the high-speed rail corridor between Sabarmati (Ahmedabad) and Mumbai is completed by 2029, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday. Speaking to the media after launching the rationalisation of bulk cement rates and the policy for bulk cement terminals at Rail Bhawan, Vaishnaw said, A significant milestone is that the bullet train will cover the distance between Ahmedabad and Mumbai in just 1 hour 58 minutes upon the completion of the high-speed rail corridor. The inaugural run in August 2027 will cover 100 km between Surat and Vapi. On the 508 km corridor, trains will run at speeds of up to 320 kmph, completing the full route in 1 hour 58 minutes with four stops. The bullet train will cover the distance between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in 1 hour 58 minutes with four stops. However, if it halts at all 12 stations, the total journey time will be 2 hours 17 minutes, Vaishnaw said, adding that the entire network will be ready by December 2029. Asked whether the inaugural run would feature a Japanese-built or an indigenous train, the minister did not specify but reiterated the deadline: We will cover the first 100 km in August 2027. He noted that PM Narendra Modi, during a recent review in Surat, was satisfied with the pace of work. PM Modi said that whatever innovations we have made in this project should be applied elsewherenot only in railways and other high-speed projects but in various sectors, he added. Vaishnaw said the bullet train project has been complex, with several design challenges, but Indian Railways has addressed them through multiple innovations. The Shinkansen model, known for reliability and suitability for Indian conditions, is likely to be used. The minister also announced the introduction of specialised containers for transporting bulk cement to prevent dust pollution.

Udhna Special to run up to Surat

Meghalaya in control on Day 1 against Manipur

Ranji Trophy By Our Reporter Shillong, Nov 16: Meghalayas two guest professionals, Rahul Dalal and Ajay Duhan, both made centuries on the first day of their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 plate group match against Manipur in Surat on Sunday. Rahul bludgeoned 151 from 146 balls in an innings that included 23 fours and three sixes, while []

PM Modi Visits Under-Construction Surat Bullet Train Station In Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited the under-construction Bullet Train Station at Surat in Gujarat on Saturday and reviewed the progress of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor.

PM Modi urges creation of Blue Book of learnings during visit to Bullet Train project in Gujarat

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the under-construction Bullet Train Station in Surat, Gujarat, where he reviewed the progress of the MumbaiAhmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor. During the visit, he interacted with the team working on Indias first Bullet Train project and enquired about the pace of work, including adherence to speed and timetable targets. Workers allegedly assured him that the project was progressing smoothly without any difficulties. An engineer from Kerala shared her experience of working at the Noise Barrier Factory in Navsari, Gujarat, where robotic units are being deployed to weld rebar cages. Modi asked her how she personally perceived the experience of building Indias first Bullet Train, and what the team shared with their families about this historic achievement. She expressed pride in contributing to the nations first Bullet Train, describing it as a dream project and a proud moment for her family. Reflecting on the spirit of national service, the Prime Minister emphasised that when the feeling arises of working for the nation and contributing something new, it becomes a source of immense motivation. He drew a parallel with Indias space journey, recalling how the scientists who launched the countrys first satellite must have felt, and how today hundreds of satellites are being launched. Another employee, Shruti from Bengaluru, serving as Lead Engineering Manager, explained the rigorous design and engineering control processes. She highlighted that at every stage of execution, her team evaluates pros and cons, identifies solutions, and explores alternatives to ensure flawless implementation. Prime Minister Modi remarked that if the experiences gained here are recorded and compiled like a Blue Book, the country can move decisively towards large-scale implementation of Bullet Trains. He emphasised that India must avoid repeated experimentation and instead replicate the learnings from existing models. The Prime Minister highlighted that replication will only be meaningful if there is a clear understanding of why certain actions were taken; otherwise, he cautioned, replication may occur without purpose or direction. He suggested that maintaining such records could benefit future students and contribute to nation-building. We will dedicate our lives here and leave behind something valuable for the country, the Prime Minister affirmed. During an interaction, an employee expressed his commitment in heartfelt words through a poem, to which the Prime Minister lauded his dedication and responded with appreciation. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was present during the visit. The Prime Minister visited the Surat station to review the progress of the MumbaiAhmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR), one of Indias most ambitious infrastructure projects symbolising the nations leap into high-speed connectivity. The MAHSR spans approximately 508 kilometres, covering 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and 156 km in Maharashtra. The corridor will connect major cities including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane and Mumbai, marking a transformative step in Indias transport infrastructure. Built with advanced engineering techniques on a par with international standards, the project features 465 km, about 85% of the route, on viaducts, ensuring minimal land disturbance and enhanced safety. So far, 326 km of viaduct work has been completed, and 17 out of 25 river bridges have already been constructed. Upon completion, the Bullet Train will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to nearly two hours, revolutionising inter-city travel by making it faster, easier and more comfortable. The project is expected to boost business, tourism and economic activity along the entire corridor, catalysing regional development. The SuratBilimora section, covering around 47 km, is in an advanced stage of completion, with civil works and track-bed laying fully completed. The design of the Surat station draws inspiration from the citys world-renowned diamond industry, reflecting both elegance and functionality. The station has been designed with a strong focus on passenger comfort, featuring spacious waiting lounges, restrooms and retail outlets. It will also offer seamless multi-modal connectivity with the Surat Metro, city buses and the Indian Railways network.

PM Modi asks bullet train project engineers to document experiences

Modi was interacting with engineers and other workers of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Railway (MAHSR) project in Surat on Saturday.

PM Modi Visits Bullet Train Station In Gujarat, Interacts With Team Behind Ambitious Project

PM Modi visited the under-construction Bullet Train Station in Gujarat's Surat and reviewed the progress of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor.

Bihar's talent visible everywhere, no need to teach them politics: PM Modi in Surat

'Congress abandoned tribals, BJP restored their dignity and development': PM Modi

AHMEDABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on Saturday in Gujarat, launched a blistering political attack on the Congress. He accused the party of abandoning tribal communities for six decades and failing to recognise their contributions. He highlighted the BJPs record of expanding welfare spending, building institutions, and elevating Adivasi leaders to national prominence since 2014. PM Modi also invoked history, stating that tribal sacrifices in the freedom struggle were suppressed to glorify 'a few families', and asserted that his government restored long-overdue honour to tribal icons and communities across India. He also accused the Congress of leaving tribal communities to their fate during its six decades in power. He said that malnutrition, poor health services, broken connectivity and the absence of education became the forced identity of tribal regions as previous governments refused to intervene. They sat idle while an entire community struggled, he declared, linking each failure directly to Congress leadership. PM Modi also recalled the political timeline, emphasising that it was only when Atal Bihari Vajpayee became Prime Minister that India saw the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Tribal Affairs, something he described as a foundational correction that Congress had never even attempted. Yet, once the Congress-led government returned to power, the ministry was reduced to a token department with only a small amount allotted for tribal welfare, stalling crucial development. He said his government, since 2014, increased the ministrys spending several times, building momentum for development in areas ignored for generations. He linked the expansion directly to health reforms, stating that the government boosted medical facilities in tribal districts as they face the deadly threat of sickle cell anaemia. He also linked welfare to empowerment, highlighting massive investment in sports infrastructure and reminding the audience that Indias World Cup-winning womens team had one proud tribal player who symbolised rising representation. Seamlessly shifting from welfare to recognition, PM Modi underscored how his government honoured Adivasi achievements long overshadowed by dynastic politics. In the pursuit of giving credit for independence to a few families, the sacrifice and dedication of my tribal brothers and sisters were ignored, he said, expanding the critique into a broader historical narrative. He argued that before 2014, icons like Bhagwan Birsa Munda were not widely remembered, but his government changed it so that the future generation would know the great gift our tribal brothers and sisters gave us. PM Modi pointed to the surge in tribal representation as evidence of this shift. He recalled the Padma Shri awarded to Adivasi painter Paresh Rathwa and highlighted that Indias President today comes from the tribal community. With the same breath, he cited the rise of leaders such as Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Chhattisgarhs Chief Minister, who he said is driving transformative change, Nagalands Neiphiu Rio, who is doing remarkable work,. He also mentioned Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who is working tirelessly to develop his state. PM Modi said that it reflected a new era where tribal communities are not just beneficiaries, but leaders shaping Indias direction. He noted that the tribal societys roots extend back to Lord Ram, yet their place in Indias progress was never acknowledged by earlier governments. By the end of his speech, PM Modis message wove together politics, history, development, identity and framed the BJP as the first party to give tribal communities both recognition and representation, portraying Congress as the force that kept them on the margins for decades. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 9,700 crore in Gujarats Narmada district, giving a major push to the states infrastructure drive. Earlier in the day, he reviewed the construction progress of the bullet train station in Surat, an important node of the MumbaiAhmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, before heading to events commemorating the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda.

PM Modi reviews under-construction bullet train station in Surat

Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor spans approximately 508 km, covering 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and 156 km in Maharashtra

Madrasa cleric, a Canadian citizen, who drugged and raped woman in Gujarat arrested

AHMEDABAD: A 52-year-old Canadian madrasa cleric has been arrested in Gujarats Ankleshwar for allegedly drugging, raping, and threatening a woman in the village over forceful conversion. The arrest came following the survivors complaint, prompting police to launch a wider probe. The crime in the AnkleshwarSurat fringe has jolted Gujarats law-and-order machinery. Every detail that surfaced dragged the investigation deeper, pushing the police to widen scrutiny beyond a single assault. The case began when the woman, introduced to cleric Azwad (52) through a mutual friend, found herself pulled into frequent calls and messages. The clerics persistent attempts, police say, were aimed at trapping her with promises of marriage and attempts that gradually tightened into a predatory scheme. On November 9, the accused allegedly summoned the victim to his room inside the madrasa. He offered her fragrant water, which, as per the complaint, knocked her down unconscious. Taking advantage of her incapacitated state, the cleric allegedly raped her twice. Horrifyingly, it was a calculated assault that marked the beginning of a darker series of threats. When the woman regained consciousness, police say the cleric dropped the faade and allegedly tried to coerce her into immediate religious conversion. He reportedly threatened to defame her and kill her children if she resisted. However, the survivor refused to bow down to the intimidation tactic. Undeterred by the threats, the woman approached the Panoli Police Station in Ankleswar and narrated the entire ordeal. Officers promptly registered an FIR and arrested the cleric. This revelation triggered a deeper probe into his background, movements, and possible past victims. Bharuch District Police Chief Akshay Raj Makwana, detailing the seriousness of the case, said: On 11-11-2025, the woman filed a complaint stating that cleric Ajwad Ahmed repeatedly called her, lured her with fabricated stories, forced her to drink tainted water, and raped her. She was then repeatedly pressured to convert. The cleric has been arrested. It has also been revealed that he is a citizen of Canada. Makwana further added, His 10-day police remand has been approved. We are investigating whether he targeted other women in a similar pattern. We are thoroughly examining his travel history -- the countries he visited, and the pattern he used to commit such acts. As the probe expands, Panoli police continue legal action on all fronts: sexual assault, intimidation, foreign citizenship scrutiny, and potential multi-victim targeting, ensuring that nothing is left unexamined.

NITK-Surathkal engineers ramp up Malgudis magic with reliable Internet in Agumbe

A team from NITK Surathkal have completed the deployment of 100 internet connections in Agumbe on November 8, under the project Promoting HEALTH in Agumbe

Government doctors associations stage protest against redeployment of personnel

They urge the government to immediately withdraw the G.O. for redeployment and instead create new posts commensurate with the expanding healthcare infrastructure and patient load

Telangana Ranks 1st in Water Conservation Projects, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan Follow

Launched in September 2024 in Surat, JSJB promotes community-led water stewardship through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society model

Akash Kumar Choudhary: Meet the Meghalaya batter who hit eight sixes in a row and smashed fastest fifty in first-class history

Meghalaya's Akash Kumar Choudhary achieved a historic feat in Surat. He scored a fifty in just 11 balls, breaking the world record for the fastest fifty in First-Class cricket. This remarkable innings came during a Ranji Trophy match against Arunachal Pradesh. Choudhary's explosive batting included eight sixes. His performance has rewritten cricket records and brought him global recognition.

Surat Man Held for Aiding 10 Cr Transfer to Pakistan Crypto Wallet

The accused had links with six persons, arrested on November 3 from Morbi, Surendranagar, Surat and Amreli districts, for allegedly routing Rs 200 crore to Dubai-based cybercriminals

Gujarat: Range forest officer Sonal Solanki survives headshot; investigation zeroes in on husband

AHMEDABAD: What first appeared to be an accident has now turned into a crime-and-family feud, with Surat RFO Sonal Solankis husband, Nikunj Goswami, emerging as the prime suspect. With a 7.65 mm bullet lodged in her head for nearly eight hours, a GPS tracker in her car, and her four-year-old son as a potential eyewitness, the case has rattled Gujarats administrative circles and triggered a tense police manhunt. The Range Forest Officer Sonal Solanki was found grievously injured in her car near Jokha village around 8:30 a.m. on November 6. Bleeding and semi-conscious, Sonal was rushed to a local hospital and later shifted to P.P. Savani Hospital, where a CT scan revealed a 7.65 mm bullet lodged inside her skull. For nearly eight hours, she carried the bullet before surgeons successfully extracted it in a high-stakes operation. CCTV footage added new layers to the mystery. Sonal was seen circling her route twicefirst heading from Jokha to Dharutha village, then returning within seven minutes. Her four-year-old son, seated beside her throughout, is now considered a crucial eyewitness. Police are preparing to record his statement with family consent. Investigators quickly focused on her husband, RTO Inspector Nikunj Goswami, whose phone has been switched off since the incident. Once a respected officer, Nikunj is now the prime suspect. Police sources cite a long-standing marital rift and note that Nikunj skipped work on the day of the shooting. His last traced location was his Pal residence, where only his parents were present. Further investigation revealed troubling connections. Three days before the shooting, Sonal had lodged a complaint at Kamrej Police Station alleging that someone had illegally installed a GPS tracker in her car. Investigators now suspect that Nikunj may have planted it to monitor her movements, a clue tightening the noose around him. Surat Rural Superintendent of Police Rajesh Gadhiya confirmed that the probe, initially treated as an accident, has now been upgraded to an attempted murder investigation. Additionally, Nikunj owns a licensed revolver, officially stored in Mehsana, which police are verifying against the bullet recovered from Sonals head. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and crime scene teams have examined the site twice, scrutinizing the car, ballistic traces, and any empty cartridges. Even a dog squad has been deployed to trace missing evidence. Deputy SP R.R. Saravaiya stated that technical, manual, and scientific angles are being pursued in parallel. We are investigating through all sourcesdata, forensics, and informantsto pinpoint who pulled the trigger and why, he said. Meanwhile, doctors monitoring Sonal report her condition as stable but critical. Police await her recovery for a possible statement, which could prove pivotal in the case.

Gujarat Horror: Dhaba Worker Forced To Lick Feet At Knifepoint, Filmed

Shocking visuals have emerged in Gujarat's Surat of a 26-year-old man being forced to lick another man's feet and apologise to him at knifepoint.

Gujarat HC grants rape convict Asaram Bapu six months bail, cites 'deteriorating health'

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat High Court on Thursday granted a six-month bail to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, convicted in a 2013 rape case, citing his advanced age and deteriorating heart condition. The order aligns with the Rajasthan High Courts earlier decision to extend similar relief to the controversial godman on medical grounds. The division bench of Justice I J Vora and Justice R T Vachhani observed that, at 86 years old, Asaram has a constitutional right to medical treatment, and his health issues warrant temporary reprieve. The court noted that since the Jodhpur High Court had already allowed bail on medical grounds, Gujarat cannot take a different view. The judges further clarified that if Asarams appeal hearing in the 2013 rape case fails to progress within the next six months, he will be entitled to seek bail extension. Conversely, if the Rajasthan government decides to challenge the Jodhpur order, the Gujarat government will also have the liberty to contest this relief. State counsel informed the court that if medical facilities in Jodhpur Jail prove insufficient, Asaram could be shifted to Sabarmati Jail in Ahmedabad, where advanced treatment could be arranged. However, the court room saw sharp resistance from the survivors lawyer, who accused Asaram of feigning illness. The counsel argued that the self-proclaimed godman, despite claiming serious ailments, has been frequently travelling between Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Indore, and other cities without any prolonged hospitalisation. He was even seen journeying from Rishikesh to Maharashtra, the lawyer said, adding that Asaram is currently receiving Ayurvedic therapy in Jodhpur and is not suffering from any life-threatening condition. The case stems from a complaint lodged by a Surat woman who accused Asaram of repeatedly sexually assaulting her at his Motera Ashram in Ahmedabad between 1997 and 2006. The FIR, initially filed in Surat in 2013, was later transferred to Gandhinagar, where a sessions court convicted Asaram in January 2023 and sentenced him to life imprisonment

Delhi murder accused's 16-year hideout ends in Gujarat, arrested

AHMEDABAD: The Surat City Crime Branch, in a coordinated operation with Delhi Police, arrested a murder accused who had been absconding for 16 years. The fugitive, wanted in a 2009 Delhi murder case, was finally traced to Surats Punagam area, where he had been living under a false identity and working as a lace shop labourer. The accused, along with his associate, had allegedly killed his employer following a heated argument over money. After committing the crime, both men disappeared into the shadows, eluding police for over a decade and a half. To dodge arrest, the accused lived a ghost-like life, changing shelters, identities, and jobs across states. But his luck finally ran out. Acting on a precise intelligence tip, the Delhi Crime Branch traced his current whereabouts in Bhaiyanagar, Punagam. They swiftly reached Surat and joined hands with the local Crime Branch. Together, the teams laid a trap and nabbed the accused from his modest residence, catching him completely off-guard. After confirming his identity, Surat Police handed him over to the Delhi Crime Branch, marking the end of his 16-year-long escape.

Suicide Abetment Case Accused Jumps Off Train, Escapes Police Custody in Thane

The Telangana police registered a case of abetment to suicide against the accused, who then fled the state and was tracked to Surat

Bus and car plunge into gorge in Indore, three dead and 13 injured

BHOPAL: Three passengers, including two women from Indore and a young man from eastern Uttar Pradeshs Deoria district, died after a bus and a car plunged into a gorge following a collision in the hilly Bheru Ghat area of Indores Mhow subdivision. The accident occurred on Monday night around 10 pm and left at least 13 others injured. They are receiving treatment at hospitals in Mhow and Indore. The deceased have been identified as Padma Bai (45) and Anita Rao (40), both residents of Indore, and 25-year-old Rahul from Deoria district, Uttar Pradesh. Among the 13 injured were four women and two teenagers. They hail from Indore and Khandwa districts of Madhya Pradesh, Mainpuri (UP), as well as Pune and Ahmednagar districts of Maharashtra and Surat (Gujarat). According to sources, the bus, which was travelling from Omkareshwar (Khandwa) to Indore, was carrying 3540 passengers. Many injured passengers trapped inside the bus were reportedly rescued after breaking the window glass. The mishap is believed to have occurred due to possible drunken driving by the bus driver. Condoling the deaths, the states Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, who is also the guardian minister of Indore district, announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each from the CM Discretionary Fund to the three bereaved families. The state government will also cover the treatment costs of the 13 injured passengers at Mhow Civil Hospital and MY Hospital, Indore.

Swachh Survekshan 2025: Indias Top 10 Dirtiest Cities Revealed

Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai retained their positions in the Super Swachh League, showcasing the impact of efficient civic systems and active citizen engagement.

Gujarat CID busts Rs 200 crore cyber crime racket with international links

AHMEDABAD: In a breakthrough, Gujarat CID (Crime) and the Railways Cyber Centre have busted a Rs 200 crore cybercrime racket, stretching from Gujarat to Dubai. Six accused have been arrested in what officials call one of Indias most organised cyber-fraud syndicates, masterminding scams, converting stolen money into cryptocurrency, and funnelling it abroad through hawala and angadia networks. The Gujarat CID (Crime) and the Railways Cyber Centre of Excellence have dismantled the interstate and international cybercrime syndicate that defrauded victims across India through fake online schemes and digital arrests. What began as a routine probe into isolated frauds soon unravelled into a vast web of deceit connecting small-town operatives in Gujarat to shadowy handlers in Dubai. Six accused, Mahesh Solanki and Rupen Bhatiya from Morbi, Rakesh Lania and Rakeshkumar Dekawadiya from Lakhatar in Surendranagar, and Naviya Khambhaliya and Pankit Kanthariya from Surat, have been arrested in the first wave of the operation. Investigators said the gang was running multiple rackets simultaneously, duping people through fake loan offers, bogus part-time job ads, and high-return investment traps. 20 cyber crime police stations in Odisha soon When CID teams examined the seized mobile phones, they unearthed details of over 100 bank accounts used to circulate stolen money. Further analysis linked the syndicate to 386 cybercrime cases nationwide, including 29 in Gujarat alone, exposing its massive operational scale. The money trail, officials said, tells a chilling story of digital laundering. Fraud proceeds were first deposited into fake or mule bank accounts, withdrawn in Morbi, and dispatched via the traditional angadia courier network to Surat. There, the cash was converted into cryptocurrency, mainly USDT (Tether) and was routed to Dubai through crypto wallets and hawala channels. To conceal their criminal base, the accused floated a bogus trading firm under the name of a local unit in the market yard. Behind this seemingly legitimate front, they opened several mule accounts used for cheque clearances, ATM withdrawals, and online crypto transfers. A few account holders, unaware of the full scale of operations, received monthly payouts of Rs 25,000, while intermediaries pocketed Rs 650 for every Rs 1 lakh laundered. ASP Sanjaykumar Keshwala told the media that the fake firm was central to their deception: They registered a trading unit only to open mule bank accounts. The stolen money was funnelled through these accounts, converted into cash or cryptocurrency, and transferred to Dubai-based handlers. He said Keshwala confirmed that the probe now focuses on the syndicates global links. This case clearly involves cryptocurrency transactions with possible foreign masterminds. We are tracing the Dubai connection and tracking every digital footprint, he said. With 12 mobile phones, two SIM cards, and extensive financial data already in CID custody, investigators believe this is just the tip of the iceberg. Further arrests are expected as Gujarats cyber sleuths follow the digital trail. Two Mumbai cyber crime cops arrested for extorting Chennai resident

Ring road proposed to connect Talapady and Surathkal: Dinesh Gundu Rao

VinFast Accelerates Expansion in India with 24 Operational Dealerships, Bringing Premium EV Experience Closer to Customers

VinFast Auto India , a subsidiary of global electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, has marked a major leap in its retail network expansion, with 24 dealerships now operational across major cities in India. This marks strong progress toward the companys commitment of establishing 35 dealerships nationwide by the end of CY 2025, as part of its mission to deliver premium electric mobility experiences to Indian consumers. Customers are now able to get up close to the newly launched premium electric SUVs - VF 6 and VF 7. (Right to left) Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India along with Mr. Santosh Dhone, Dealer Principal inaugurated VinFast Hadapsar & Baner, Pune The newly inaugurated showrooms spread across impact cities offering customers an unmatched brand experience. Each outlet adheres to VinFasts global retail standards, integrating modern design and car display area to ensure seamless and transparent customer engagement. These 24 showrooms are operational in cities including Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Surat, Pune, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Nagpur, Agra, Ludhiana, Jaipur, Kochi, Bhubaneswar, Baroda, Rajkot reinforcing VinFasts growing presence across India. Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India, said Indias enthusiasm for sustainable mobility motivates us to keep raising the bar. The rapid rollout of brand experience Showrooms underscores VinFasts long-term commitment to the Indian market. We are working closely with our dealer partners to make VinFast products and services accessible to customers across the country. Our goal is not just to sell EVs, but to deliver an inspiring, customer-centric journey anchored in sustainability and innovation. With the recent launch of its premium electric SUVs, VF 6 and VF 7, in India, VinFast is simultaneously building a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates retail, charging, and after-sales services to ensure customers enjoy the same level of confidence, convenience, and care that defines its vehicles. The company has formed strategic partnerships with RoadGrid, myTVS, Castrol India and Global Assure to create a reliable nationwide framework for charging and after-sales services. VinFasts state-of-the-art factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, stands as a cornerstone of its India growth strategy. Spanning 400 acres, in its first phase, the facility will assemble the VF 6 and VF 7 models with an initial capacity of 50,000 vehicles per year, scalable up to 150,000 units. Once fully operational, it will create 3,0003,500 direct jobs and several thousand more in the wider supply chain strengthening Tamil Nadus emergence as a leading EV manufacturing hub in South Asia. The company remains on track to operationalize all 35 dealerships by December 2025, establishing a strong nationwide network that provides widespread brand reach, reliable after-sales support, and a seamless ownership experience. About VinFast VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnams largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFasts product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. vinfastauto.in .

Si Nonna's Becomes India's First Pizzeria to Receive the Prestigious AVPN Certification

Si Nonnas , the much-loved pizzeria bringing the authentic flavours of Naples to Indias vibrant culinary scene, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first pizzeria in India to receive the globally recognised certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, known worldwide as AVPN. Founded in Naples in 1984, the AVPN is the international authority that protects and promotes the tradition of true Neapolitan pizza. With fewer than one thousand certified pizzerias across more than sixty countries, this recognition places Si Nonnas among an elite global community committed to preserving the centuries-old art of Neapolitan sourdough pizza making. Si Nonnas Becomes Indias First Pizzeria to Receive the Prestigious AVPN Certification The certification confirms that Si Nonnas sourdough pizzas adhere to every international standard set by AVPN, including the precise method of dough preparation, fermentation, ingredient quality, oven specifications and baking technique. Each pizza is crafted using a twenty-four hour sourdough fermentation process that ensures a light, airy and flavourful crust. The recipe finds its inspiration in a serendipitous encounter with Nonna Gallianos original mother dough in Naples, which sparked the vision of bringing an authentic Italian experience to Indian diners. At the same time, Si Nonnas has thoughtfully adapted its approach to scale across India, combining traditional Italian craftsmanship with local insights to ensure consistency, quality, and accessibility across multiple outlets. For Si Nonnas, this achievement represents more than international recognition. It is a validation of the brands philosophy of staying true to authentic Italian sourdough craftsmanship while innovating to meet Indian tastes and dining expectations. With the AVPN certification, Si Nonnas now stands shoulder to shoulder with the worlds most respected pizzerias and sets a new benchmark for quality, precision, and authenticity in Indias dining landscape. Speaking about the achievement, Ayush Jatia, Founder of Si Nonnas , said, Earning the AVPN certification is a landmark moment not only for Si Nonnas but also for the evolution of pizza culture in India. It reaffirms our promise of bringing true Neapolitan flavours and techniques to Indian diners. Being the first pizzeria in India to achieve this honour is incredibly humbling and fills us with immense pride. This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion of our team, and it motivates us to continue sharing the joy of authentic Italian sourdough pizza with every guest who walks through our doors. Every stage of Si Nonnas pizza-making process follows AVPN guidelines with complete dedication. From using specific flours and natural yeast to maintaining the precise conditions in their custom-built ovens lined with tiles made from Vesuvian lava, each pizza reflects the art and science behind true Neapolitan craftsmanship. The certification is not just a recognition but also reflects the teams passion, precision, and commitment to delivering authentic sourdough pizzas at every outlet. Antonio Pace, President of AVPN , congratulated Si Nonnas and said, We are delighted to welcome Si Nonnas into the global AVPN family. Their pursuit of excellence and their respect for Neapolitan tradition in a market as diverse and fast growing as India demonstrate the universal appeal of our heritage. Their achievement represents a remarkable step in the global story of true Neapolitan sourdough pizza. Si Nonnas continues to expand its presence with more than thirty five outlets across eight major Indian cities including Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Delhi NCR, Indore, Ahmedabad, Surat, Gandhinagar and Bangalore. Each location remains dedicated to the same philosophy of serving sourdough pizzas that balance authenticity, flavour and craft. With this certification, Si Nonnas further strengthens its position as a pioneer in Indias evolving gourmet landscape, offering guests the assurance that every pizza they enjoy meets the highest international standard of authenticity and quality. As Indias appetite for authentic, high-quality dining experiences continues to grow, Si Nonnas now stands as a bridge between Italian heritage and Indian innovation. The AVPN certification cements its place as a trailblazer that has not only elevated the countrys pizza culture but has also redefined how authenticity is experienced, celebrated.

Surat: 18-Year-Old Driver Arrested After Mercedes Gets Stuck in Sea During Stunt at Dumas Beach - WATCH

An 18-year-old man was arrested after his Mercedes C220 got stuck in the sea while performing stunts at Dumas Beach in Surat. The car was later recovered with the help of a crane.

Reel Turns Real Trouble: Mercedes Stuck On Gujarat Beach, Case Filed

A luxury car got stuck in seawater at Surats Dumas Beach after the driver allegedly entered the restricted area to shoot a reel.

Gujarat government orders rapid relief survey after unseasonal rains ravage 10 lakh hectares of crops

AHMEDABAD: Unseasonal rains have wreaked havoc across several districts of Gujarat, devastating standing crops and leaving thousands of farmers in distress. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel swiftly mobilised his cabinet, dispatching ministers to the ground for direct assessment. With over 10,00,000 hectares of farmland reportedly affected, the state government has now approved a week-long survey to evaluate losses and ensure compensation reaches the farmers swiftly. Unseasonal rains lashing Gujarat for the past several days have left a trail of devastation across the states farmlands. Crops in key agricultural belts, including Tapi, Navsari, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Surat, have suffered extensive damage, shaking the backbone of the farming community. Sensing the gravity of the situation, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel immediately directed his ministers to fan out across the affected areas and assess the damage first-hand. Acting on the CMs orders, senior ministers interacted with farmers and gathered on-ground details of crop destruction and their hardships. At todays cabinet meeting, the government officially approved a statewide survey to measure the damage. Gram sevaks have been tasked with carrying out the assessment within a week, with a detailed report to be submitted to the administration for prompt relief measures. Briefing journalists after the cabinet meeting, Government Spokesperson and Cabinet Minister Jitu Vaghani emphasised the governments commitment to farmers, saying, Over the past few days, we have all witnessed the impact of unseasonal rains and the hardships faced by our farmers. The Chief Minister and the entire cabinet stand firmly with the farming community during this difficult time. He revealed that over 10,00,000 hectares of farmland have already been reported damaged, with major losses seen in soybean, cotton, sugarcane, and groundnut crops. A five-member ministerial committee, formed by CM Patel, has already submitted its detailed ground report to the cabinet, triggering immediate follow-up actions. Earlier, taking stock of the situation on the ground, Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani chaired a review meeting with officials in Shihor (Bhavnagar district) and later visited Kajavdar village, where he met distressed farmers. He assured that CM Patel is personally monitoring the developments and that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure farmers get adequate help without delay. On October 20, the Gujarat government announced a Rs 947 crore agricultural relief package for farmers hit by the AugustSeptember rains across 18 talukas in five districts. The package includes Rs 563 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) provisions and an additional Rs 384 crore provided directly by the state government to ensure timely financial assistance to affected farmers. With ministers on the move and gram sevaks gearing up for village-level assessments, the Patel government has entered a crucial week of response, one that will decide how quickly relief reaches those whose livelihoods now hang in the balance.

IAS Manoj Kumar Das to take charge as Chief Secretary of Gujarat on October 31

AHMEDABAD: Senior IAS officer Manoj Kumar Das has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of the state. The 1990-batch officer, known for his close coordination with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, will take charge on October 31, succeeding Pankaj Joshi, who retires the same day. The formal announcement came through an official state notification on Tuesday, confirming what had been widely speculated in bureaucratic circles for months. Currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary in the Home Department of the Gujarat government, he is set to retire on December 20, 2026. Notably, he is the only officer to make a return to the Gujarat Chief Ministers Office. Das will formally assume office on October 31, 2025, taking over from Pankaj Joshi, who is due to retire the same day. Sources indicate that Joshi, who has led the state bureaucracy since 2023, is likely to be given a special advisory role post-retirement, marking a smooth transition at the top of Gujarats administrative hierarchy. Das has long been viewed as one of the most influential officers in the Chief Ministers Office. He is known for his technical acumen and administrative command. His presence alongside Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at nearly every major event--from cabinet meetings to development reviews--had signaled his rising profile and inevitable elevation to the states top bureaucratic post. Born on December 20, 1966, in Darbhanga, Bihar, MK Das holds a B.Tech (Hons) degree in Computer Science from IIT Kharagpur. Das' career, spanning over three decades, is dotted with key positions that shaped both Gujarats urban and industrial landscape. Starting as District Development Officer in Vadodara, Das rose steadily through the ranks, serving as Municipal Commissioner of Surat and Vadodara, where he was credited for pushing urban infrastructure and e-governance reforms. His tenure as Joint Managing Director of Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) and later as Additional Chief Secretary of Industries and Mines Department saw him play a central role in executing the Industrial Policy 2020 and orchestrating the globally recognized Vibrant Gujarat Summit. Beyond the state, Das has also made his mark at the national level. During his deputation to the Ministry of Home Affairs, he handled key administrative portfolios, strengthening his profile as a policy-driven officer with a national outlook. The appointment of Das signals not just a routine administrative change but also a strategic continuity in Gujarats governance model.

Medical Miracle in Surat: Mans Heart Beats Again 15 Minutes After Being Declared Dead

A rare incident in Surats New Civil Hospital shocked doctors when a 45-year-old mans heart started beating 15 minutes after being declared dead. Know what happened and what doctors said about this medical miracle.

Dr Pooja Nadkarni Singh: Leading IVF specialist with 25,000+ success stories

Surat's Dr. Pooja Nadkarni Singh helps thousands of couples realise parenthood

Denial of tickets to influential Yadav candidates poses hurdle for NDA in Bihar polls

NEW DELHI: With the announcement of Tejashwi Yadav as the chief ministerial candidate for the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) on Thursday, political attention in Bihar has once again turned towards the electoral significance and decisive consolidation of the Yadav community. This development could pose a considerable challenge for the BJP, which has been attempting to make inroads into the RJDs traditional Yadav vote bank. The BJP and JD(U)s decision to drop or deny tickets to several Yadav candidates within the NDA alliance stands in contrast to their outreach efforts, signalling a disregard for the community. By dropping nearly half a dozen prominent and influential Yadav leaders, the BJP has once again failed to convey a positive message to the community, a move that could ultimately work to the RJDs advantage and to the BJPs electoral detriment to some extent. In a bid to win over the RJDs traditional Yadav vote base, the BJP has long sought to attract the community, but it has never managed to deliver a significant or convincing message that could shift Yadav voters towards the party. This shortcoming has become more evident this time, as the BJP leadership has dropped several well-educated and influential leaders belonging to the Yadav caste, such as Nand Kishor Yadav (Assembly Speaker), who has continuously represented Patna Sahib, and Dr Nikhil Anand, who is also a national spokesperson and national general secretary of the BJP OBC Morcha, and who had built a strong base in the Maner Assembly seat. Dr Nikhil Anand entered politics through the BJP after completing his MPhil and PhD and leaving behind two decades in academia and journalism. However, he was denied a ticket from Maner as the seat was allocated to the LJP quota. As many Bihar-centric political analysts have observed, caste has always been a decisive factor in the state's politics. From 1990 to 2005, the Rashtriya Janata Dal government, led by Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi respectively, held power. During and after this period, the Yadav community which constitutes the largest population group in Bihar at around 14 per cent has consistently supported the RJD alliance. It is noteworthy that the number of Yadav MLAs in the Bihar Assembly was 64 in 2000, which declined to 54 in 2005, then to 39 in 2010, before rising again to 61 in 2015 and 52 in 2020. It was observed that as long as Nityanand Rai and Sanjay Jaiswal were in charge of the Bihar BJP, the Yadavs consistently contributed approximately 10 to 20 per cent of their votes. But, with the denial of tickets to many Yadav formidable faces this time, BJP has shown its aversion or trust deficit in this community, remarked a senior BJP leader from the Yadav community, preferring anonymity. In the 2025 Assembly elections, the BJP has denied tickets to many of its Yadav community leaders, including those who were unsuccessful and successful in 2020. Among the MLAs whose tickets were withdrawn are several prominent figures, including Assembly Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav (Patna Sahib), Pranav Yadav (Munger), Pawan Yadav (Kahalgaon), Jaiprakash Yadav (Narpatganj), former minister Ramsurat Rai (Bochahan), and Mishrilal Yadav (Alinagar). According to available data, in the 2020 Assembly elections, the BJP fielded 15 Yadav candidates, compared to 22 in 2015. Interestingly, for 2025, the BJP has given tickets to only six Yadav candidates. After the BJP, the NDAs second-largest partner, the JD(U), has given tickets to only eight Yadav candidates, while the LJP (Ram Vilas) has fielded five. This indicates a diminishing electoral reliance of the alliance on this prominent OBC caste. Like the BJP, the Janata Dal (United) has also denied tickets to Jaivardhan Yadav, grandson of former Union Minister and Sher-e-Bihar Ram Lakhan Singh Yadav, from Paliganj, and Nikhil Mandal, grandson of former Chief Minister and Mandal Messiah B.P. Mandal, from Madhepura. Like Dr Nikhil Anand, JD(U)s Nikhil Mandal is a highly educated young leader from the Yadav community with considerable local popularity. This is the time when not only Lalu Yadav but his son Tejashwi Yadav is also on the target of NDA alliance parties including BJP and there is a need for new Yadav leaders in these anti-RJD parties for the future. The NDA alliance, especially BJP, should have given tickets to many young Yadav leaders to counter Tejashwis growing, still unchallenged popularity in the Yadav community, opined several leaders of the saffron party, preferring anonymity. In fact, the RJD has also denied tickets to a few Yadav leaders, such as Shantanu Sharad Yadav son of veteran socialist leader Sharad Yadav but the RJD still emerges as the single party to have fielded the highest number of Yadav candidates, with 52 in total.

Surathkal Police Arrest Accused in Deepak Bar Stabbing Case

Hasan Mukshid and Nizam were attacked with a knife by Gururaj Achari, a known rowdy-sheeter, and his associates Alex Santosh, Nithin, and Sushanth

Three held for assaulting two youths in Surathkal

Mangaluru Police Launch Manhunt After Late-Night Stabbing Incident

The accused are said to be Gururaj, a known rowdy-sheeter from Surathkal and associated with Bajrang Dal, along with his associate Alex Santosh, Sushanth, and Nithin.

Bihar polls: Prashant Kishor alleges coercion, withdrawal of candidates due to BJP pressure

PATNA: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Tuesday accused the top BJP leadership of coercing and intimidating his party candidates out of fear of losing the upcoming Bihar assembly elections scheduled for next month. Speaking to the media, Kishor alleged that three Jan Suraaj Party candidates withdrew their nominations under threat, family pressure, or allurement from the Gopalganj, Danapur, and Brahmapur assembly seats on the last date for withdrawal. The political strategist-turned-activist claimed that senior physician Dr. Shashi Sekhar Sinha abruptly withdrew his nomination from Gopalganj Sadar, citing health reasons. This decision surprised local political circles, as Sinha had actively campaigned for three days. The Danapur seat witnessed a more bewildering incident. Jan Suraaj Party candidate Akhilesh Kumar alias Mutur Sao failed to file his nomination papers on the last day and remained unreachable for several hours. Later, we learned that he was with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Kishor alleged. In Brahmapur constituency, Jan Suraaj Party candidate Dr. Satya Prakash Tiwari filed his nomination papers but withdrew shortly after. Similarly, Valmikinagar candidate Dirgh Narayan Prasads resignation was accepted by the block education officer about two years ago, but he is now being told that his resignation had not been accepted. These instances clearly show that NDA leaders are apprehensive of defeat due to the presence of the Jan Suraaj Party. However, such political tactics by BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Dharmendra Pradhan, will not succeed, as the people of Bihar have decided to overthrow the NDA government, Kishor asserted. The Jan Suraaj Party founder called for the intervention of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to protect candidates from coercion and intimidation during the state assembly elections. This is a serious issue, and the ECI should take cognizance immediately, he added. If the ECI cannot ensure the protection of candidates, how can it protect voters from coercion or intimidation? This is a new strategy by the BJP to win elections in the state. But the results of the November 14 elections will mark the exit of the NDA government from Bihar, Kishor said. He claimed that more than 50 lakh migrant workers returning to their home state to celebrate Diwali and Chhath festivals would ensure the NDAs defeat this time. They will vote for their future and for shaping the future of the coming generation, he added. Kishor further stated that the BJP would face the same fate in the Bihar elections as it did in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, after winning the Surat seat uncontested. The Jan Suraaj Party has already announced it will contest 243 assembly seats on its own. Meanwhile, responding to Kishors allegations, Union Minister and Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan described the Jan Suraaj Party as a spent force.

Diwali rush: Western railway operates 75 special train pairs

Surat: Unprecedented crowds have been witnessed at Surat railway station in Gujarat over the last few days as people headed to their hometowns ahead of Diwali and Chhath, with Western Railway operating special trains to cater to the festival rush. The Western Railway, in a release on Sunday, said that it has notified around 75 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 .

Video: Surat Teen Assaults Police During Liquor Seizure; Businessman Father Arrested

During the celebrations, Sameer Shahs 19-year-old son was drinking alcohol with a few others inside a vehicle parked near the hotel.

Gujarat Businessman Arrested After Liquor Found During Birthday Party Raid

Two people, including a prominent businessman, were arrested after liquor cans were recovered from a vehicle near a hotel, where a huge party was held to celebrate his birthday, in Surat in the dry state of Gujarat earlier this week.

Operation Freeze: 2,000-cr Fraud Assets Seized; Bulldozer Destroys Illegal Plot in Sri Ganganagar

Jaipur, October 14 (Daily Kiran): Under the directions of Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar Sharma, Sri Ganganagar police carried out two major actions on Tuesday as part of the special campaign Operation Freeze seizing luxury properties linked to a 2,000-crore alleged cyber-fraud and demolishing an illegal plot held by a history-sheeter in Suratgarh. ... Read more Operation Freeze: 2,000-cr Fraud Assets Seized; Bulldozer Destroys Illegal Plot in Sri Ganganagar

Gujarat: Non-Veg Party With Telugu Banner At School Lands Principal In Trouble

A non-vegetarian party in the premises of a government-run school in Surat city of Gujarat has created a huge controversy and led to the suspension of the principal.

Non-Veg Party At Surat School Sparks Row, Principal Suspended

A non-vegetarian party in the premises of a government-run school in Surat city of Gujarat has created a huge controversy and led to the suspension of the principal.

Passengers ALERT: Indian Railways introduces NEW safety measures ahead of Diwali, Chhath, advises not to carry THESE 6 items while travelling on train, these are...

Indian Railways has introduced new safety measures for the festive season, including permanent holding areas at major stations like New Delhi, Bandra Terminus, and Surat. Passengers are advised not to carry firecrackers, gas cylinders, or inflammable items. Check further details inside.

RTI reply exposes audit lapse of over Rs 2 lakh crore in eight Gujarat Municipal Corporations

AHMEDABAD: A massive accountability crisis has exploded in Gujarat as eight major Municipal Corporations have not been audited for several years, leaving a budget worth over Rs 2 lakh crore unaudited and unverified. The revelations, made through an RTI response, expose systemic neglect, violation of audit laws, and a stunning breakdown of financial transparency. Citizens of these cities have effectively been left in the dark about how public money is being spent. Now, Gujarats urban governance is staring at a financial storm. RTI documents have exposed that not a single audit has been completed for several years for eight major Municipal Corporations: Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Surat and Vadodara. The data, obtained from the Director of the Local Fund Accounts Office in response to an RTI filed under Section 4(1) of the Act, reveals how thousands of crores of rupees in civic funds have remained unaudited, violating the Gujarat Local Fund Audit Act, 1963. The backlog means that over Rs 2 lakh crore of municipal expenditure across Gujarats largest cities has never undergone mandatory financial scrutiny. With an annual budget of around 12,000 crore in 202425, the Ahmedabad civic body hasnt completed an audit since 201718, which roughly translates to approximately 50,000 crore in unverified accounts for just one city. Similar patterns are seen in Surat and Vadodara, while other corporations have remained unaudited for four to six years. Experts say that this is not a mere technical lapse, but a deep governance failure. Ignored directives, defied laws This financial vacuum exists despite clear legal obligations and repeated directives. Notably, the Gujarat Local Fund Audit Act, 1963, under Section 4 mandates annual audits of all local bodies. The 11th Central Finance Commission (200005) had recommended that the audit of Municipal Corporations be done under the guidance of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), with reports submitted to the State Assembly. A Finance Department resolution on May 6, 2005, and later a circular on December 23, 2011, made this legally binding. The CAG had also flagged the non-compliance in August 2009, urging Gujarat to ensure timely audits. In 2011, Section 108A was added to the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act, 1949, to reinforce the obligation. Yet, the RTI reply confirms that none of these directives have been implemented effectively. Last Audited Year, Municipal Corporation and Pending Years. The failure has also meant that no audit reports have been tabled in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly for years, as the audits were never done. The Finance Departments 2011 circular was meant to bring in accountability through CAG-supervised audits of Municipal Corporations. These reports were to be presented before the Assembly, debated, and acted upon. Instead, the process has been derailed for over a decade. Neither the CAG nor the Local Fund Audit Office has enforced strict timelines, and successive governments have allowed this crisis to deepen. RTI applicant raised red flag RTI Activist and Professor Hemant Kumar Shah has slammed the government, alleging a deliberate shielding of irregularities. In a democracy, the audit report for the previous financial year should be presented in the new year, debated by corporators, and acted upon as per rules. If the audit itself is not done for years, transparency collapses, and irregularities get buried, Shah claimed. He further alleged, This is a clear violation of the Gujarat Local Fund Audit Act, 1963. The State Assembly has failed in its duty to ensure annual presentation of audit reports. Transparency is a fundamental principle of democracy. When 2 lakh crore goes unaudited, the publics right to know how their money is used is crushed. Citizens kept in the dark The lack of audits not just weaken financial scrutiny but also denies Gujarats urban citizens of transparency over how civic budgets are spent on critical services like roads, water, housing, and sanitation.Over two crore people live in these eight municipal areas. However, no red flags were raised, no mismanagement was officially recorded. Political and governance questions mount The revelation has triggered serious concerns: Why has the State not enforced its own audit rules for over a decade? How is financial scrutiny being bypassed despite repeated CAG interventions? Who is responsible for this 2 lakh crore transparency vacuum? Legal experts say this is not just an administrative lapse, but a potential violation of constitutional principles governing local self-government. What next? With RTI evidence out in the open, pressure is likely to mount over the State government to immediately initiate pending audits and present reports in the Assembly. Activists and former bureaucrats argue that independent CAG oversight and public disclosure of audit findings are the only way to restore credibility. However, with seven years already lost in some corporations, the process of auditing such massive backlogs will be long, complex and politically sensitive. Whether the State acts decisive or let the lapse unchecked will determine the future of transparency and accountability in Gujarats urban administration. Notably, Hemant Kumar Shah said,If audits are not done, irregularities remain invisible. And when irregularities remain invisible, accountability dies.

Ahmedabad Diary: Gujarat BJP chief Vishwakarma begins seven-day tour to strengthen party base

Gujarat BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma has begun a seven-day statewide tour from October 10 to 17 to tighten the partys organisation. He has asked supporters to greet him only with books, which he plans to donate to needy students. During the tour, he will address six major party meetings. There is strong speculation that a new regional BJP team will be announced after the tour. Four general secretaries are likely to be selected zone-wise, representing Patidar, Kshatriya and tribal communities. Party insiders see this tour as a serious effort to strengthen the grassroots network before upcoming electoral battles. BJP red-faced as party workers brawl in Surat A public fight between two BJP workers in Surat, considered the political base of Union minister C R Patil, has embarrassed the party. A video shows Dinesh Savaliya and Shailesh Jariwala arguing and then fighting inside the party office. The issue reportedly began over tea and snacks before it escalated. Savaliya is seen slapping Jariwala. The party has issued notices to both, demanding a response within three days. Jariwala has filed a police complaint at Udhna station, accusing Savaliya of assault and threats. Party sources say Savaliya was also involved in earlier disputes. The action is being seen as a warning against internal indiscipline. Congress slams BJP over coop mandate row The BJPs mandate system in cooperative institutions has turned into a political flashpoint. After growing opposition within the sector, even former BJP president C R Patil has distanced himself from the practice. The Congress seized the moment, with senior leader Jayanarayan Vyas accusing the BJP of running monopoly and multi-crore scams through cooperatives. He said cooperatives should remain neutral and not be drawn into politics. He also cited the 1993 Mehsana Cooperative Bank election as an example of how political control can backfire. Vyas accused the BJP of saying one thing and doing another. Dilip Singh Kshatriya dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com

Surat House Help Buys Rs 60 Lakh Flat, Leaves Employer and Netizens Stunned

A house help in Surat buys a Rs 60 lakh 3BHK flat, while already owning a house and a shop. Netizens are amazed by her financial discipline and smart investments.

Digital arrest scam: Police arrests 3 from Gujarat for duping Jammu trader of Rs 4.4 Cr

Jammu Tawi, Oct 7 : The cyber wing of Jammu and Kashmir police has uncovered an online fraud involving Rs 4.4 crore with the arrest of three accused from Gujarats Surat who had kept a Jammu-based businessman under digital arrest, police said on Tuesday. The fraud came to light on September 2 when the businessman [] The post Digital arrest scam: Police arrests 3 from Gujarat for duping Jammu trader of Rs 4.4 Cr appeared first on Northlines .

Digital Arrest Scam: J&K Police Arrests 3 From Gujarat For Duping Jammu Trader Of Rs 4.4 Crore

Jammu, Oct 7: The cyber wing of Jammu and Kashmir police has uncovered an online fraud involving Rs 4.4 crore with the arrest of three accused from Gujarats Surat who had kept a Jammu-based businessman under digital arrest, police said on Tuesday. The fraud came to light on September 2 when the businessman lodged a written complaint at the cyber police station here, alleging that he had been defrauded of huge amounts of money by cyber criminals impersonating as law [] The post Digital Arrest Scam: J&K Police Arrests 3 From Gujarat For Duping Jammu Trader Of Rs 4.4 Crore appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

EESL, APEPDCL Expand Clean Energy Partnership

The state has also installed over 30 lakh LED streetlights, with the Vizag Model of street lightingdeveloped post-Hudhud cyclonenow replicated in cities including Varanasi, Jaipur, Surat, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai, and lauded globally at a BRICS Conference.

Gujarat diamond traders duped of Rs 4.80 crore in international online fraud

AHMEDABAD: In a shocking case that has rocked Gujarats Surats famed diamond market, six prominent diamond traders from the city have fallen victim to a sophisticated international online fraud. The con, orchestrated through the global diamond trading portal Rapnet, resulted in a total loss of Rs 4.80 crore worth of diamonds. The fraudster, operating under the alias Arson Isako, posed as a genuine international buyer and vanished without making payments after receiving the high-value consignments. The scam came to light when Sanjaybhai Jadavbhai Goti, a diamond trader operating under the name Neelkanth Solitaire in Mahidharpuras Shubham Building, reported a major fraud. A resident of Kapodra area, Sanjay had listed a consignment of diamonds worth Rs 81 lakh for sale on the online diamond trading platform Rapnet in March of the previous year. On June 3, Sanjay received a call from an unknown mobile number. The caller introduced himself as Arson Isako, claiming interest in purchasing the listed diamonds. Presenting himself as a reputed international trader, Isako requested the consignment to be delivered either to Dubai or Hong Kong. To verify the buyer's credibility, Sanjay conducted background checks within the diamond community, which at the time suggested the buyer was legitimate. Trusting the information, Sanjay arranged the shipment of the diamonds to Dubai through his friend Deepak Garmorani, who operates from a Dubai-based office. The consignment was successfully delivered, and initially, everything appeared in order. However, trouble began when Sanjaybhai followed up for payment. Despite multiple attempts, Isako stopped responding to calls and ceased all communication on WhatsApp, violating standard trade practices. Realizing he had been duped, Sanjaybhai began investigating independently within the diamond network of Surat. To his alarm, he discovered that he was not the only victim. Five other traders from Surat had been similarly conned by the same individual under the same pretense of international diamond purchase. The other victims were identified. Each trader had dispatched diamonds to Dubai on the basis of deals made through Rapnet, only to be met with silence and unreachable contacts once the goods were delivered. The total fraud across all six victims has amounted to an estimated Rs 4.80 crore. Following this discovery, Sanjay approached the Surat Crime Branch and lodged an official complaint against the fraudster. The Surat Crime Branch is now exploring multiple angles, including international cyber fraud, misuse of online trading platforms, and potential loopholes in the vetting process of such portals. Authorities are also coordinating with international counterparts to trace the whereabouts of the accused and recover the lost assets. This incident has sent ripples across Surats diamond market, highlighting the vulnerabilities in online trade practices, even in one of the worlds most secure and prestigious markets. It serves as a grim reminder for traders to exercise extreme caution, especially while dealing with international clients through digital platforms. The case is currently under active investigation, and more details are expected to emerge as the probe deepens into what could be part of a larger international racket targeting Indian diamond merchants.

Jagdish Panchal takes charge as Gujarat BJP president; CM Bhupendra Patel, Union Ministers attend ceremony.

Senior BJP leader Jagdish Panchal took charge as the Gujarat BJP state president in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Ministers. Simultaneously, Surat is set to host a state-of-the-art PM Ekta Mall with a Rs 202 crore investment, promoting 'Vocal for Local' and indigenous products under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.

Japanese Ministers Visit To Bullet Trains Surat Station Shows Collaborations On Track

The Surat High Speed Rail Corridor is a component of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Japanese minister visit bullet train construction site in Surat

Indian and Japanese transport ministers reviewed the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project in Surat, expressing satisfaction with construction quality and pace. This 508 km bullet train, set to complete by 2029, will connect major cities at 320 km/h, significantly reducing travel time to just over two hours and boosting regional economies.

Govt puts e-comm platforms on radar for GST rate cut benefit compliance

Government scrutinizes e-commerce platforms to ensure GST rate cut benefits reach consumers. Authorities monitor pricing compliance following complaints of non-commensurate reductions. Some operators received informal warnings for discrepancies. A new two-tier GST structure is now effective. A report on price changes for 54 items is due soon.

Gujarat weather alert: Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, Junagadh, Kutch, and more districts to receive heavy rain: 7-day IMD forecast

Gujarat monsoon forecast: Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch experience active monsoon conditions. Extremely heavy rain occurred in isolated areas. A low-pressure area influences weather patterns. It may intensify into a depression. The India Meteorological Department forecasts light to moderate rain for the next seven days across the region. Heavy showers are expected in South Gujarat and Saurashtra.

Punjab Assembly passes resolution against Centre's 'lack of response' on financial package for flood relief

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Assembly today unanimously passed a resolution seeking a comprehensive special package of Rs 20,000 crore from the Union government for compensation to farmers, rebuilding infrastructure, and restoring livelihoods in flood-affected areas. The assembly also condemned the 'lack of response and the failure' of the BJP-led union government to sanction a special financial package for the flood-hit Punjab. The resolution also condemned the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) for not responding to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns repeated request for a meeting, thereby 'insulting' the people of the state, and preventing the state from making a proper and comprehensive representation of the full scale of the disaster. Additionally, it demanded the immediate transfer of Rs 1,600 crore relief announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Punjab. The resolution, which was moved on Friday, was passed after the completion of the discussion on the rehabilitation of the state. The two BJP MLAs were not present in the House when the resolution was passed. As per the resolution, Punjab has been ravaged by catastrophic floods, widely regarded as the worst and most destructive deluge since the 1988 floods, which historically impacted more than 34 lakh people. The current disaster has surpassed previous major floods in independent India, such as those in 1955 and 1978, in terms of sheer scale and devastation, causing loss to more than 20 lakh people in many ways, destroying crops on nearly five lakh acres, numerous losses to livestock, and irreparable damage to both private and public infrastructure, read the resolution. Winding up the discussion in the House on the concluding day of the session, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said a compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre for 75 to 100 per cent damage of crops due to the recent floods will be given. He said Rs 10,000 per acre will be given for 33 to 75 per cent and 26 to 33 per cent of crop damage. He added that a compensation of Rs 1.20 lakh will be given for complete damage of houses. Mann said a special 'girdawari' for assessment of losses is underway and added that flood-hit families will start getting compensation before the Diwali festival. Farmers will be given Rs 7,200 per acre for extracting sand, which has accumulated following the floods, from their fields. A sum of Rs 47,500 per hectare will be given to farmers whose farmland was washed away by rivers. He slammed the Centre for allegedly not giving him time to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a representation of the disaster. He also took a swipe at the Centre, saying the PM gave time to meet the Punjab governor. Mann, however, said he has been given time to meet Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday. The resolution stated, This House categorically condemns the lack of response and the failure of the BJP-led Union government to sanction a special financial package commensurate with the scale of the worst floods faced by Punjab in decades. Records its strong protest against the BJP led Union governments apathy that has resulted in the non-disbursement of the announced token funds, thereby critically crippling the speed of the state governments ongoing relief and rehabilitation operations, said the resolution. Earlier in the day, the House was adjourned following a heated exchange between Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and Finance Minister Harpal Cheema. Cheema alleged that while Bajwa blamed the government for failing to provide relief, he himself was promoting self-interest through land deals at the expense of others. In a statement, Bajwa accused the government of misleading the House and the people of Punjab on crucial flood preparedness measures. He specifically called out AAP minister Barinder Goyal, who had earlier claimed in the assembly that all preparations for flood mitigation had been completed by July 14. The facts prove otherwise, Bajwa said. He revealed that on July 22, 2025, the Chief Engineer (Vigilance) of the Water Resources Department wrote to the Chief Engineer (Drainage) directing him to start reviewing the necessity of flood protection works a process which had not even commenced at the site despite two-thirds of the monsoon season already having passed. Bajwa alleged that Executive Engineers from several districts themselves admitted that no flood mitigation or drainage repair works had started in critical areas, including Shri Anandpur Sahib, Ropar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Pathankot, and Ferozepur. These facts clearly expose the lies of Barinder Goyal and highlight the governments negligence, he added. Bajwa also pointed to letters sent by the Water Resources Department in late July as proof of the administrations unpreparedness. The Principal Secretary of the department had written to all Deputy Commissioners on July 28, directing them to procure EC bags and Geo bags for flood protection, while a separate letter on July 27 instructed the Chief Engineer to arrange EC bags for Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts. If everything was completed by July 14 as claimed, why did these urgent instructions go out two weeks later? Bajwa asked. Responding sharply to allegations made by Cheema regarding his personal land purchase, Bajwa clarified that he had bought the land legally and paid the required stamp duty to the state government. If I have done anything illegal, I challenge Cheema to file a case against me, he asserted.

Punjab Assembly passes resolution against Centre's 'lack of response' on financial package

This House categorically condemns the lack of response and the failure of the BJP-led union government to sanction a special financial package commensurate with the scale of the worst floods faced by Punjab in decades, the resolution passed by the Punjab Assembly said

Ahmedabad Diary | CR Patil in BJPs national president post race?

Speculation is rife in Gujarats political circles as BJP leader and Union Water Resources Minister CR Patil emerges as a contender for the partys national president post. Patils presence alongside Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent Surat visit has fuelled buzz among party workers, who believe his elevation would boost Gujarats clout after PM Narendra Modi and Shah. With JP Naddas term ending, Patils consistent electoral success in Gujarat, strong internal party grip, and close ties with top leadership strengthen his prospects. Enthusiasm is high in Navsari, where workers see this as Gujarats rising dominance in national politics. Viral clip sparks political storm in Gujarat BJP A leaked audio clip allegedly featuring Gujarat BJP chief C.R. Patil and Amreli MLA, Assembly Deputy Dandak Kaushik Vekaria, has ignited political turmoil in Saurashtra. Vekaria, already under scrutiny in the Amreli letter scandal, is heard discussing internal matters with Patil. In the clip, Patil reportedly scolds Vekaria for ignoring his calls and warns, A fort doesnt fall at once; it crumbles gradually. I raised you, but if you dont take care, there will be trouble you have many enemies. However there is no proof about the authenticity of the clip but it definitely has intensified factional rifts within the party, creating a fresh challenge for the BJP leadership. When a politician came clean about his lies In a sensational revelation, BJP leader Prithviraj Patel of Idar, Gujarat, publicly admitted to spreading false propaganda in 1995 against Congress Leader Karsandana Sasoneri, falsely claiming he owned a hotel in Goa, which led to Sasoneris election defeat. Speaking at a retirement ceremony, Patel also attacked Dharamsala member Ramana Lavo Rao, accusing him of planning to build a hotel without selling land worth `13 crore. Patel confessed mistakes are part of politics and discipline needed to win elections. Ironically, while Patel later downplayed his words, his candid confession went viral. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com

21st edition of Engineer begins at NIT-K

The 21st edition of Engineer, a three-day celebration of technology and innovation, got off to a colourful start at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NIT-K) Surathkal