Surat News

Surat court stays Jain girls diksha after father moves plea

On December 10, the girl's father had approached the family court seeking her custody, claiming his estranged wife had decided against his wishes that the child should take 'diksha' to become a monk

Urban centres see bulk of 73.7 lakh voter deletions in Gujarat SIR

Gujarat's electoral rolls saw a significant revision. Over 73 lakh voters were removed from the draft list. Most deletions were due to voters being absent or having shifted. Deceased voters and those enrolled at multiple locations also contributed to the numbers. Urban areas like Ahmedabad and Surat reported the highest deletions. This revision impacts the state's voter base.

Rajasthan HC rejects plea for premature release of 1993 train blast case convicts

JAIPUR:The Jaipur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court has refused to grant premature release to life convicts sentenced under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) in the 1993 serial train bomb blasts case. Delivering the verdict, a division bench of Justices Sudesh Bansal and Bhuvan Goyal held that granting early release to those convicted of terrorism-related offences would endanger societal safety and national security. The court underlined that such leniency could undermine public confidence and disturb public order. The pleas were filed by Asfaq Khan from Dausa, Fazlur Rahman Sufi of Mumbai, Abre Rahmat Ansari of Kabinagar in Uttar Pradesh, and Mohammad Aijaz Akbar from Gulbarga. Each of them has spent more than two decades in prison and sought relief citing advanced age and deteriorating health. The convicts relied on the Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines, arguing that prisoners become eligible for consideration of premature release after completing 20 years of incarceration. They further claimed that their cases should be assessed in accordance with the remission policy prevailing at the time their sentences were awarded. Resisting the petitions, Additional Solicitor General Bharat Vyas and Advocate General Rajendra Prasad, representing the Centre and the Rajasthan government, argued that the Rajasthan Prisoners (Remission of Sentence) Rules, 2006, as well as the earlier 1958 rules, categorically prohibit early release of TADA convicts. They emphasised that Rule 9(5) specifically excludes such cases from being examined by the Advisory Board. The matter relates to the coordinated bomb attacks carried out on six long-distance trains passing through Mumbai, Surat, Lucknow, Kanpur and Hyderabad on the night of December 5, 1993. The blasts claimed two lives and left 22 people injured. The Central Bureau of Investigation probed the case, and upon completion of the trial on February 28, 2004, the accused were awarded life imprisonment.

ISPL Announces Whopping 6 Crore Prize Pool For Season 3 As League Continues Rapid Growth

ISPL season 3 will be held from January 9 to February 6, 2026, at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat

Fire breaks out at chemical factory in Surat; dousing operation underway

A fire broke out at a chemical factory in Makhinga village of Palsana near Surat on Wednesday. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot and efforts to control the blaze are underway. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained

Surat: Seagulls at Tapi River #Gallery - Social News XYZ

Surat: Seagulls at Tapi River #Gallery Social News XYZ

Gujarat police nabs murder convict absconding for nine years from Haryana

AHMEDABAD: After evading arrest for nine years after jumping parole in a wife-murder case, a life-term convict has been arrested by Surats Sachin Police in Haryana, ending one of the forces longest manhunts under an operation codenamed Operation Prison. Surendra Kallu Prasad Verma, sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife back in 2007, was traced and arrested following a meticulously planned crackdown that pieced together old case files, ground intelligence and sustained surveillance. In 2016, Verma was released on parole but failed to return to prison, choosing instead to disappear and evade authorities for nearly a decade. His parole jump forced police to reopen the case as a live manhunt, tracking his movements across multiple states. To crack the case, the Sachin Police launched Operation Prison, reviving decade-old leads and retracing the accuseds movements starting from his native Beohra village in Chitrakoot district of Uttar Pradesh. Investigators found that Verma had deliberately cut off contact with his parents and brother, leaving even family members unaware of his whereabouts. As part of the operation, police pasted Vermas photographs at rickshaw stands in Karvi taluka, acting on inputs that he had worked as a rickshaw driver. The strategy yielded partial success when a rickshaw puller informed police that Verma had appeared in Shankarganj about six months earlier for his brother-in-laws wedding, had remarried, and had briefly lived as a tenant in Navi Duniya Bankat. Subsequent raids, however, failed as Verma had already moved again. Fresh intelligence eventually placed him in Ghata village in Gurugram, Haryana. A Sachin Police team travelled to the village, operated in plainclothes, posed as locals and maintained surveillance for nearly eight hours. Verma was finally apprehended when he stepped out to buy biscuits for his son, unaware that police were closing in. Confirming the arrest, Assistant Commissioner of Police N P Gohil said, This accused believed that by changing locations, identities and cutting off family ties, he could escape the law. Operation Prison was launched to prove the opposite. After nine years of sustained effort, we have ensured that a life convict who jumped parole is finally back in custody. He added that inter-state coordination, local intelligence and on-ground verification were crucial to the operation. Such arrests send a clear message, no matter how long it takes, absconding convicts will be traced and brought to justice, the officer said. With Verma now in police custody and legal procedures underway to return him to prison, Sachin Police have closed a long-pending case while underscoring that time, distance and disguise cannot keep fugitives beyond the reach of the law.

Three robbery suspects arrested, stolen articles worth 4.43 lakh recovered by Surathkal police

The robbers had targeted the home of a 85-year-old woman

Ahmedabad Diary: CMs jibe on corruption steals spotlight

CMs jibe on corruption steals spotlight While inaugurating and laying foundation stones for development projects worth over Rs 600 crore in Surat recently, CM Bhupendra Patel used the public platform to send a pointed message on corruption. Addressing an event organised by the Surat Municipal Corporation and SUDA at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Patel, in his trademark soft but firm tone, congratulated the civic body and said Congratulations to the corporation for taking only the amount of tax that belongs to the corporation, he said, pausing before adding with a smile, We will not get anything else except tax! an indirect but sharp jibe at corrupt practices. Major revamp on cards in state BJP leadership Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, his deputy Harsh Sanghvi and BJP state president Jagdish Vishwakarma arrived in Delhi on Saturday, triggering speculation about an impending reshuffle in the party. The buzz gained traction after a closed-door meeting chaired by PM Modi. Sources said the meeting first focused on restructuring BJPs state organisation and later reviewed the performance of the Gujarat government. The new organisational framework will be aligned with upcoming local body polls and the 2027 Assembly elections, with greater representation for Saurashtra leaders. The revamp is expected to include multiple leaders. Gujarat ready for bureaucratic reshuffle The state is preparing a limited bureaucratic reshuffle to accommodate three IAS officers who have returned from central deputation, with transfers likely by last week of December. Ajay Kumar has returned from the Ministry of Defence, while Lochan Sehra and Sandhya Bullar have come back from the Department of Space and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Sources in the Secretariat said postings are being worked out, with GST, Finance and Revenue among departments under consideration. The reshuffle could involve transfers of 10 to 12 IAS officers to ensure permanent appointments in key departments. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com

Publicis Groupe India appoints Atique Kazi as CEO of Performics India

Publicis Groupe India has appointed Atique Kazi as the new Chief Executive Officer of Performics India. This move strengthens their media operations. Gautam Surath has been elevated to Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. Surath will lead a team focused on expanding capabilities in key digital areas. Kazi brings extensive experience in digital marketing and data-driven solutions.

Bowlers emulate batters brilliance as J&K hands Meghalaya crushing innings defeat

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 13: Emulating their batters, the bowling duo of Jammu and Kashmir led by Rajveer Singh and Sanil Singh plotted collapse of Meghalaya and handed them a crushing innings defeat in their Vijay Merchant Trophy encounter at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, Surat, Gujarat today. After declaring their innings overnight at a commanding 585/7, J&Ks bowlers unleashed utter devastation, dismantling Meghalaya for a paltry 75 in their first innings and a modest 126 in the second. Meghalayas batters [] The post Bowlers emulate batters brilliance as J&K hands Meghalaya crushing innings defeat appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Gujarat CM lays foundation stones for development works worth over Rs 600 crore in Surat

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday laid foundation stones for development works worth over Rs 600 crore at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, where he launched multiple projects of the Surat Municipal Corporation and Surat Urban Development Authority. Patel took an indirect swipe at corruption and said, Congratulations to the corporation for taking only the amount of tax that belongs to the corporation. We will not get anything else except tax!, he added. Looking out at the crowd, he asked sharply, Why has everyone become quiet? Now people think this is a small village? Has Rs 600 crore become small now? Rewinding time, the Chief Minister reminded citizens how far governance has travelled. There was a time when even taking up a work worth one lakh required deep thought, he said, before drawing a direct line to the present. Today, development has reached a level where a common person, through his society, can approach a corporator and get a work worth one crore done. Patel urged the people of Surat to accept this grandeur of development, framing growth not as excess, but as the new normal. The visit also marked the inauguration of Gujarats first state-of-the-art elevated market at Surat APMC, one of the largest such projects in Asia. The project features a 100-foot-wide ramp, allowing trucks to directly access the first floor, dramatically cutting loading time and speeding up the movement of goods for farmers and traders alike. Addressing farmers at the APMC, Patel recalled that the market yard, which began in 1951 with an income of just Rs 15,000, has today risen to rank first in the state. More than 15,000 people move here daily, he said, adding that farmers are now paid online through RTGS, reinforcing transparency and efficiency. The Chief Minister reminded the audience of Prime Minister Narendra Modis 28 agricultural campaigns, stressing efforts to double farmers income through value addition and natural farming. He also pointed to the states response mechanism, noting that the government has announced a Rs 10,000 crore package to compensate losses, assuring farmers that the state would always stand by them. Patel later addressed the All India Mayors Council, where he described Surat as a mini India, highlighting its diversity and civic capacity. He underlined that public participation remains central to sustainable urban development placing citizens, not just institutions, at the core of the growth story.

6 months of AI crash: UK dreams shattered following loss of loved ones

Ahmedabad: The tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171 in June has compelled some of the victims kin to abandon their dreams of a life in the United Kingdom. Surat-resident Hiren Dayanis mother Kailashben was one of the 260 persons who were killed when the Boeing 787-8 aircraft on its way to London crashed 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 .

Bamboo scaffold supporting bridge construction collapses in Gujarats Valsad; five workers injured

AHMEDABAD: A bamboo structure supporting the construction of a new bridge on Kailash Road in Gujarat's Valsad collapsed on Friday morning, injuring five workers. The collapse occured around 9 am, between two pillars over the Auranga river, where a work crew was levelling a temporary bund. The fire department was the first to reach after a 9.20 am distress call. Fireman Lalit Parmar, recounting the rapid response, said, We reached immediately and shifted four labourers for treatment. Later, we inspected the site and found no one trapped. Why the accident happened is the subject of investigation. Valsad District Collector Bhavya Verma detailed the ground assessment, stating, The accident took place this morning, and five people have been injured. Four are in good health, while one is critical. The incident occurred due to a jack and load imbalance while the workers were operating at ground level. She also revealed that the bridge, budgeted at Rs 42 crore, was sanctioned for a two-year construction period, with one year remaining. We will form a committee and investigate. Further action will follow based on the findings, she added. Roads and Buildings Department secretary PR Patelia confirmed that senior engineering officials have been sent to the spot. The Superintending Engineer and Executive Engineer of Surat have been assigned to investigate and asked to submit a report in a day or two. He also said, The jack that was to be hoisted slipped due to a mistake in hoisting. The process is currently being done manually. The injured have been shifted to the hospital. None of them are serious, only minor injuries. Valsad District Police Chief Yuvrajsinh Jadeja said, Between 9 and 9.15 am, a bund was being laid for the overbridge on the Auranga river. During the leveling, a part of the structure slipped. Five labourers have been rescued and shifted for treatment, and doctors say they are in good health. Jayesh Patel, who is building the bridge, pointed to a human lapse. It seems to be human error. This is a temporary structure. Five people have been injured. Insurance has been taken for all the people and the bridge. Only five workers were at the site today.

How One Surat-Based Platform Is Quietly Changing the Way India Prepares for Government Jobs

Every year, millions of Indians apply for government jobs. The appeal is obviousjob security, decent pay, social prestige, and retirement benefits that private sector roles rarely match. But the path to cracking exams like SSC CGL, IBPS PO, or Railway RRB is anything but straightforward. Coaching centres in metro cities charge lakhs in fees, study material is scattered across dozens of websites, and for candidates in smaller towns, even finding reliable and regularly updated mock tests can feel like an [] The post How One Surat-Based Platform Is Quietly Changing the Way India Prepares for Government Jobs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

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.

My Advice To All The ISPL Players Is This : Be Yourself, Don't Look To Compete With Anyone Else : Sachin Tendulkar

ISPL- the eight-team tournament will start from January 9 to February 6, 2026 in Surat

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.

Who was Prince Patel? 18-year-old 'PKR Blogger' dies while riding bike at 140 kmph in Gujarat

A tragic accident occurred in Surat, Gujarat, where 18-year-old vlogger Prince Patel, known online as 'PKR Blogger', lost his life while riding his KTM Duke motorcycle. The incident happened on the Great Liner Bridge, a multi-level flyover, where Prince was allegedly speeding at 140 km/h. He lost control, fell off the bike, and was decapitated in the accident.

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.

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.

Another BLO found dead under suspicious circumstances at her residence in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: A 26-year-old BLO and Surat Municipal Corporation technical assistant, Dinkal Shingodawala, was found unconscious in her bathroom and later declared dead at a private hospital. With a gas geyser inside the bathroom, police officials indicated the possibility of gas inhalation or suffocation as the cause of death. However, BLO workload-related deaths statewide spark concerns. Off the cuff: During SIR exercise, BLOs find some blank columns hide painful memories Dinkal, who lived with her family in Olpad taluka, was serving as a technical assistant in Surat Municipal Corporations Varachha zone while also managing the additional responsibility of Booth Level Officer (BLO) for the ongoing SIR exercise. Frantic attempts were made to save her after she collapsed in her bathroom. Her family rushed her to a private hospital in Surat, but despite immediate treatment, the young officer succumbed within minutes, raising chilling questions over whether her death was just accidental. Lock BLOs inside your house, don't let them delete names from voter list: Jharkhand minister on SIR The administrative side projected a picture of a dedicated and exceptionally fast-working officer. Deputy Collector Neha Savani, defending the work conditions, said, BLO Dinkals work report was very good. She completed AIR tasks very quickly and had already achieved 45% of her assigned work. Her statements underline a critical contradiction, while officers insist there was no undue pressure. The tally of sudden BLO deaths is rising, with earlier cases involving suicides and heart attack-linked deaths among teachers. Police have registered a case of accidental death and sent the body for postmortem, a report that will determine whether this was a tragic household mishap or a preventable loss linked to systemic strain. Hasty SIR implementation reminiscent of demonetisation and Covid lockdown, says Congress on BLO deaths

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.

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.

Prime Minister reviews Surat Bullet Train station

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the under-construction Surat station to check progress on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor. The corridor, spanning 508 km, will be Indias first bullet train network. The post Prime Minister reviews Surat Bullet Train station appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .

Udhna Special to run up to Surat

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 Narendra Modi reviews under-construction bullet train station in Surat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Surat to inspect the ongoing construction of the bullet train station. He reviewed the progress of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor. Later, the Prime Minister will visit Dediapada to address a gathering and inaugurate development projects worth over Rs 9,700 crore. He will also offer prayers at a local temple.

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

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 AAP organisation secretary Ram Dhaduk accused of extortion; claims BJP-backed conspiracy

AHMEDABAD: A major political storm has erupted in Surat after a man accused Aam Aadmi Partys Gujarat State Organisation secretary Ram Dhaduk of extortion and threats, supported by a viral audio clip. Dhaduk, however, called it a BJP-backed conspiracy to defame him, claiming the complainant was a former acquaintance who owed him money and fabricated the story to avoid repayment. Ram Dhaduk was accused of extortion, abuse, and death threats by local resident Nilesh Vipulbhai Pansuriya. According to the FIR filed at Saroli Police Station, Pansuriya alleged that Dhaduk demanded Rs 10,000 from him for electricity expenses. When Pansuriya refused, a verbal spat ensued. In his statement, Pansuriya claimed Dhaduk used abusive language and even threatened to kill hima conversation that has since gone viral as an audio clip, intensifying the political heat. Following the clips circulation on social media, police promptly registered a complaint under sections related to extortion and criminal intimidation. An investigation has now been launched, with Dhaduk facing scrutiny both legally and politically. Dhaduk, however, denied the allegations, calling them fabricated and politically motivated. He alleged that BJP leaders and their associates were behind the complaint. He claimed that Pansuriya, once a close family acquaintance and a light contractor at his farm, had borrowed Rs 20,000 and used electrical equipment belonging to Dhaduk, neither of which were returned. When I asked for my money and equipment back, they twisted the situation, Dhaduk told reporters, asserting, I have never used the language of threats in my life. This is an organised attempt to tarnish my image. What began as a personal debt dispute has now escalated into a political slugfest, with AAP leaders standing by Dhaduk, while BJP circles reportedly see the case as an opportunity to corner the opposition.

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.

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

Aviation growth story piggybacking on foreign travel: AAI report

NEW DELHI: The growing desire for international travel continues to fuel Indias aviation growth story. According to the latest data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the first half of the current financial year, foreign travel has surged by nearly 7% compared to the same period last year. The Air Traffic Report, made public on Wednesday, shows that 3.95 crore passengers travelled abroad from India between April and September 2025, up from 3.69 crore during the same period in 2024. Overall passenger traffic grew by 2.6%, with 20.21 crore people flying in the six-month period this year compared to 19.69 crore last year. Domestic air travel recorded a modest 1.6% increase, with 16.25 crore passengers this year versus 15.99 crore in the previous fiscal period. The total Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) arrivals plus departures rose by 2.8%, reaching 15.77 lakh in AprilSeptember 2025 compared to 15.35 lakh last year. Thanks to airlines regularly announcing new international routes, several relatively smaller airports such as Surat, Coimbatore, Guwahati, Jaipur, Varanasi, Mangaluru, Kannur, Bagdogra, Pune, Indore, and Udaipur have registered strong double-digit growth in international passenger traffic. Among them, Bagdogra and Coimbatore posted remarkable increases of 51% (13,492 flyers) and 50.5% (1,60,597 flyers), respectively, in AprilSeptember 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Among major airports, Bengaluru recorded an impressive 28.9% surge in international traffic, handling 34,58,308 passengers in the first half of the current financial year. Hyderabad showed substantial growth of 19%, while Mumbai registered a 5.6% increase. Delhi, however, saw a slight 0.5% decline. Domestic Travel Trends Sindhudurg Airport reported the highest growth in domestic passenger traffic, with an 84.1% increase and 21,936 flyers over the previous financial year. Other airports that recorded notable growth include Kishangarh (65.7%, 59,421 flyers), Darbhanga (64.3%, 3,86,174), Gorakhpur (57.5%, 5,62,596), Cuddapah (53.9%, 33,973), and Pithoragarh (56.5%, 8,215). Airports such as Tiruchirappalli (55.6%), Tirupati (42.9%), Jeypore (42.1%), Bilaspur (38.1%), Rajahmundry (33.7%), and Kurnool (22.9%) also posted impressive domestic growth figures. Among major airports, both Delhi and Mumbai reported negative growth in domestic travel. The closure of Terminal 2 at IGIA and changes in flight schedules significantly impacted Delhis numbers, which dropped by 5.8% to 2,64,91,445 passengers, compared to 2,81,07,645 last year. Mumbai saw a 0.8% dip, handling 1,91,02,987 passengers. Meanwhile, Hyderabad registered strong domestic growth of 11.3% with 1,26,64,800 flyers, while Chennai saw a 5.1% increase with 83,79,339 passengers.

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 .

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

Main accused in drunken brawl assault in Surathkal arrested

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.

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.

Nine-year-old girl bitten by stray dog in Surathkal

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.