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Twenty years after its launch in India, Bigg Boss continues to draw audiences, with its latest season achieving a new viewership milestone. Bigg Boss Hindi Season 20 has crossed 100 crore hours of watch time on JioHotstar in under 60 days, making it the fastest season in the franchise's history to reach the mark. The season, which premiered in September, had earlier recorded the biggest opening day ever for a reality show on JioHotstar. The latest milestone further reflects the show's continued reach and audience engagement, two decades after it first introduced the reality television format to Indian viewers. The show's engagement figures also indicate that audiences are participating beyond watching episodes. More than 350 crore votes have been cast this season, marking a 71% increase compared to the previous season. The number of fans participating in voting has also grown by 48%. Additionally, viewers have created over three times as many memes as last season, while participation in Jeeto, the show's interactive play-along game, has more than doubled. The show's reach extends beyond India as well. Bigg Boss Hindi Season 20 has consistently featured among JioHotstar's top five titles in the UK, Canada and Singapore since its premiere. In the UAE, the show currently ranks No. 1 on STARZPLAY and has remained among the platform's top 10 titles since its streaming debut. Speaking about the milestone, host Salman Khan said, Bigg Boss ka asli game sirf ghar ke andar nahi, ghar ke bahar bhi chalta hai, jahaan audience har moment se judi rehti hai. Reaching 100 crore watch-time hours on JioHotstar is a testament to the incredible love and connection our viewers share with the show. Every season brings something new, but what remains constant is the excitement and enthusiasm of our audience. This milestone belongs to each one of you. Thank you for being such an important part of the Bigg Boss journey! Alok Jain, Head Hindi & English Entertainment Business (Streaming, TV & Studios), JioStar, also spoke about the achievement and the show's growing digital audience. He said, 100 crore hours is a moment of real pride for all of us. Thats more than an hour of Bigg Boss for every person in the Hindi-speaking market, on digital alone, before you even count television. We are excited to have crossed 100 crore hours on JioHotstar with nearly half the season still to go. Its heartening to see viewers embrace a season we have shaped around what they love most about the show. Bigg Boss has always been made for every Indian, and today it is watched from the biggest metros to the smallest villages. This season, we gave our audience even more ways to be part of it: they dont just watch the house, they help run it, voting, polling and debating as the drama unfolds. Our heartfelt thanks go to every viewer who has made the show their own, Deepak Dhar, Founder and Group CEO, Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India, added, Reaching 100 crore watch-time hours is a moment were deeply grateful for. Every one of those hours is a testament to the love and appreciation of a viewer who chose to spend their time inside the Bigg Boss house, and we dont take that for granted. For over two decades, this show has grown because the audience has made it their own. The way our audience engages with the show is a testament to how Bigg Boss has defined unscripted content in India, and that is what makes us want to make it bigger, better and bolder with every season. To our viewers, thank you for your love and loyalty. To Salman Khan, our partners at JioStar, and the entire Endemol Shine India team, thank you for the passion and hard work that goes into making the show every day. Were proud of this milestone, and we promise to keep working to give you more reasons to tune in. In India, the show's viewership spans major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, along with Lucknow, Surat, Jaipur and Nagpur. The latest season has also attracted younger audiences, with Gen Z accounting for 45% of its total watch time. Meanwhile, connected TV viewership has continued to grow, indicating increased family viewing on larger screens. The season has also secured partnerships with 24 sponsors across multiple categories, including FMCG, e-commerce, beauty and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, real estate, consumer electronics, kitchen and home appliances, and on-demand home services. Currently available in six languages, Bigg Boss remains JioHotstar's biggest entertainment franchise and a key part of JioStar's Always On Unscripted offering. Bigg Boss Hindi Season 20 streams 24x7 on JioHotstar. The format is owned by Banijay Entertainment and produced by Endemol Shine India. Also Read : Bigg Boss 20: Yung DSA ADMITS cheating on girlfriend 10 times, fears losing her
Surat mother makes smoke-free Diwali crackers using 80 wooden sticks
Swati Jain crafted an innovative alternative to traditional firecrackers, using wooden ice cream sticks to celebrate Diwali. This eco-friendly solution not only involves her children in festive fun but also minimizes pollution. Debuting in Diwali 2025, the family combines these crackers with battery-operated diyas and organic colors for decoration, promoting a safer and sustainable environment.
Mr. Desai, encountered difficulties with the Income Tax Department after purchasing land for a price less than the stamp duty value. The Income Tax Department attempted to levy taxes on an Rs 18.24 lakh discrepancy, but his Chartered Accountant opposed this claim. The case was sent to the Departmental Valuation Officer, who appraised the land at Rs 14.08 lakh.
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across other cities on November 6
Jackie Shroff remembers Sanjeev Kumar on his death anniversary: Always in our hearts
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 6 (IANS) Bollywood star Jackie Shroff remembered late actor Sanjeev Kumar on his death anniversary with a social media tribute. He shared a monochrome picture of the celebrated actor and wrote, Always in our hearts. Jackie also used the soulful track Beeti Na Bitaai Raina from the 1972 film Parichay for the tribute. Sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Bhupinder Singh, the song featured Sanjeev Kumar alongside Jaya Bachchan. Born Harihar Jethalal Jariwala on July 9, 1938, in Surat, Gujarat, he went on to become one of the most versatile actors of Hindi cinema. Sanjeev Kumar, unlike many leading actors of his generation, was comfortable playing romantic leads, comic characters, fathers and older men. His breakthrough came with Khilona, after which he delivered a string of acclaimed performances. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for Dastak and Koshish, the latter seeing him portray a deaf-mute character. His performance in Koshish remains one of the most brave and exceptional examples of his acting skills. He went on to become part of many landmark films, including Sholay, where he played the iconic Thakur Baldev Singh, Angoor, in which he essayed a memorable double role, Aandhi, Mausam, Trishul, Seeta Aur Geeta, Namkeen, Anamika, Pati Patni Aur Woh and Naya Din Nayi Raat. In Naya Din Nayi Raat, Sanjeev Kumar famously played nine different characters that showcased the remarkable range that became synonymous with his career. Sanjeev Kumars personal life, meanwhile, remained as talked about as his acting career. He never married, despite being romantically linked with many leading actresses. His relationship with Hema Malini is among the best-known chapters of his personal life. Reportedly, Sanjeev Kumar was serious about marrying her. His health was another major concern throughout his later years. Heart disease had a history in his family. His father died of a massive heart attack when Sanjeev was only 11. Sanjeev himself suffered heart attacks and underwent bypass surgery in the United States. Despite undergoing surgery and being advised to take care of his health, Sanjeev Kumar died prematurely on November 6, 1985, at just 47. Many of his films were released after his death, including Love and God, Haathon Ki Lakeeren, Qatl, Baat Ban Jaye, Namumkin and Professor Ki Padosan, with the latter arriving in 1993.
Enhancing peacekeeping priority for India in seeking UNSC election
Digital Desk | United Nations, Nov 6 (IANS) India has said enhancing peacekeeping is a priority for it in seeking election to the Security Council with a firm commitment to bolstering the operations and protecting peacekeepers. It is because we regard peacekeeping as irreplaceable to this institution's core purpose that India has identified it as a priority for our candidacy for the Security Council for the term 2028-29, Colonel Tarunendra Pratap Singh, the military adviser at India's mission, said on Thursday. The elections to the Council for that term will be held next year. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to UN peacekeeping and to a peacekeeping architecture that is better resourced, better protected, and more representative of the world it serves, he said. India has deployed more than 300,000 troops across 50 missions, which makes us the largest troop contributor till date, he pointed out. Singh spoke at the annual debate on the comprehensive review of peacekeeping operations held at the Assembly's Fourth Committee, which deals with special political and decolonisation matters. He recalled India's leadership when it was the Council's president during its last term in ensuring the safety of peacekeepers and bringing those attacking them to justice. During its presidency in August 2021, Singh said India piloted the Council resolution calling for accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, and it will continue its leadership on the issue. The resolution said the targeted attacks on peacekeepers were a major challenge to UN operations and asked all countries hosting peacekeeping operations o promote accountability for the killing of, and all acts of violence against United Nations personnel serving in peacekeeping operations. The UN's blue helmets oday face asymmetric and technologically enabled threats and those who attack peacekeepers must be held accountable, Singh said. India upholds the safety and security of peacekeepers as one of the most important aspects of peacekeeping, he said, pointing out that 184 Indians have made the supreme sacrifice in UN operations.. Singh said that roop and police contributing countries should have a structured voice in shaping the mandates the Council sets for them. It is necessary to have an institutional mechanism for consultations with troop and police contributing countries before mandates are adopted or reviewed, he said. Peacekeeping operations are most likely to succeed when there is a roader political process with a clearly envisioned political outcome and commensurate resources for peacekeepers, he said. We should ensure capability enhancement and commensurate resources at the point of authorisation, he added.
4 die as car carrying two Gujarati families plunges into gorge in Uttarakhand
Fake sponsorship letters leave Surat duo 17L poorer
Business owner booked for sexually exploiting female employee
Visakhapatnam replaces New Delhi as venue for first India-Sri Lanka mens ODI
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) Visakhapatnam has replaced New Delhi as the venue for the first mens ODI between India and Sri Lanka, to be played on December 13, said the BCCI on Thursday. The series opener will now be played at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, with the date and start time unchanged. The venue change has been made following a request from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), in view of the potential weather disruption and the proposed renovation work at the stadium, further said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia in his statement. IANS had previously reported on September 25 that the game could be moved out of Indias national capital because of a planned major overhaul of the drainage system at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. As part of the work, the stadiums soil-based outfield will be converted into a sand-based one, apart from the pitches being relaid and recultivation of grass in the outfield. The ongoing renovation work previously led to Delhi shifting its Ranji Trophy matches to the Air Force Ground in Palam, while its hosting of the league stage matches of the ongoing Senior Womens T20 Trophy was handed over to Surat. IANS also understands that the post-Diwali air pollution in New Delhi was also another cause of concern, especially with the Air Quality Index (AQI) going upwards of 350 in December, thus posing huge risk to well-being of the players. During the drawn India-Sri Lanka Test held in New Delhi in December 2017, play was repeatedly disrupted as several Sri Lankan players were seen vomiting on the field due to poor air quality. After the ODI series opener in Visakhapatnam, further matches will be played in Bengaluru on December 16 and Ahmedabad on December 19. It is followed by three T20Is taking place in Rajkot on December 22, Cuttack on December 24 and Pune on December 27. All three ODIs will begin at 2 pm, while the T20Is are scheduled to start at 7 pm.
Surat: Co-Worker Killed, Decapitated Over Wage Dispute
A man in Surat, Gujarat, has been arrested for allegedly killing his co-worker over a wage dispute and later decapitating the body to conceal the victim's identity. The police recovered the severed head after the accused confessed to the crime.
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across other cities on November 5
Rajasthan railway track blast: Services resume after repairs, several suspects detained
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Nov 5 (IANS) Train services on the Suratgarh-Anupgarh railway section in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district have resumed following repair work and safety clearance after an explosion damaged a stretch of track near 50 GB village in the Ramsinghpur area, officials said on Thursday. The explosion occurred on Tuesday night, shortly after a passenger train had passed the spot. Following the incident, railway authorities suspended train movement on the section as a precautionary measure, leading to the cancellation of several trains. North Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Amit Sudarshan confirmed that train services have resumed after the completion of repair work and the necessary safety inspections. Meanwhile, the Railways has lodged a complaint against unidentified persons at the Ramsinghpur police station. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. Considering the seriousness of the incident, the investigation has been handed over to IPS officer Nitin Chaudhary, Circle Officer (City), Sri Ganganagar. Police have detained several suspects for questioning. However, investigators have not yet established who was responsible for the explosion or what the motive was. The Bomb Disposal Squad and several investigative agencies have also inspected the site and collected evidence. The explosion took place on Tuesday night near 50 GB village along the Suratgarh-Anupgarh railway section. According to preliminary information, the blast occurred shortly after a passenger train had crossed the spot. Railway officials rushed to the site and assessed the damage. Train operations were halted until technical teams completed repairs and the track was declared safe for traffic. Investigators are now examining the evidence collected from the site and questioning detained suspects to establish the circumstances surrounding the explosion. No official conclusion has been reached so far regarding the nature of the blast, those responsible, or the possible motive.
H1 FY27 Revenue Rises 31% to Rs. 162.01 Crore; EBITDA Surges 201.4% to Rs. 9.61 Crore Surat (Gujarat) [India], November 4: BigBloc Construction Ltd (BSE 540061, NSE BIGBLOC),
Surat Man Missing For 4 Months After Joining Russian Army, Family Seeks Help
The man initially went to Russia in 2025 on a three-month business visa, which was subsequently extended by a year.
Beheaded, body dumped in graveyard: How a seven-month salary dispute ended in grisly murder
Four booked for attempt to murder Dalit boy over friendship with girl
Unfinished road sparks protest in Punagam
Hotel cook arrested for impersonating SMC food officer, cheating cafe owners
78-year-old duped of 16L lent for fighting legal case
Man trapped in pit after soil caves in
Man beheaded by co-worker in dispute over wages
Minor boy assaulted over friendship with female friend
India's property listings rise just 0.5% in Q3; Nagpur, Lucknow lead growth
Nagpur and Lucknow lead quarterly increases in available property stock, while Hyderabad and Surat see substantial reductions in available stock.
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across other cities on November 4
Rajasthan: Blast On Railway Track Near Pakistan Border, Trains Cancelled
A railway track in Sri Ganganagar district, Rajasthan, was damaged in a powerful explosion on Tuesday night, putting security agencies on high alert because the site is close to the India-Pakistan border. The blast hit the Anupgarh-Suratgarh line near 50 GB
Train Passed Just 45 Minutes Before Blast! Explosion Damages Railway Track in Rajasthan
An explosion damaged railway track supports near 50 GB village in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district. The blast took place around 45 minutes after a passenger train had passed through the area. Two passenger trains on the Suratgarh-Anupgarh route ...
Rajasthan: Blast suspected on Anupgarh-Suratgarh rail line, probe underway
Two cement pillars supporting railway tracks were damaged in a suspected blast near 50 GB village on the Anupgarh-Suratgarh railway line in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district, police said on Tuesday. Police also ruled out any link with the 7.5 kg of RDX recently recovered in the border region. There is no connection with the seized RDX, till now, the Sri Ganganagar SP Harishankar said. My team and I have already inspected the site, and railway officials are also present. Our forensic team and the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) are on their way. We will only be able to determine the exact cause once they arrive; it would be premature to conclude whether it was an explosion or something else. We are currently examining the scene to assess the situation further. There is no connection with the seized RDX, he said. Police said it is too early to establish the nature of the incident. The scene is being examined to assess the situation. The blast caused the steel reinforcement bars (rebars)...
Suspected blast damages pillars on Anupgarh-Suratgarh rail line
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Bomb Plot Foiled in Sri Ganganagar Train Blast
Sri Ganganagar, November 4: A major plot to blow up a train in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, has been thwarted. The incident occurred on the Anupgarh-Suratgarh railway line, where Bomb Plot Foiled in Sri Ganganagar Train Blast
Blast rocks railway track near India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan, several trains cancelled
A powerful explosion rocked a railway track in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district, near the India-Pakistan international border, triggering a major security alert. The blast occurred on the Anupgarh-Suratgarh railway line in the Ramsinghpur police station area which damaged two concrete blocks beneath the tracks and left a nearly two-foot-deep crater.The incident took place late Tuesday night, around 9:45 pm, near 50 GB village in Anupgarh. According to preliminary information, the explosion occurred approximately 45 minutes after a passenger train travelling on the Anupgarh-Suratgarh route had passed through the area.
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Gujarat Finds 38 Fake Doctors In 15-Day Drive, 35 Charged
Rajkot accounted for the highest number of suspected bogus doctors, with 17 identified, followed by Surat with nine, Gir Somnath with three and Surendranagar with two. The remaining cases were reported from other districts, with one each.
CID to probe Surathkal incident
Gujarat: 38 fake doctors detected in 15-day statewide drive, FIRs filed against 35
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Nov 3 (IANS) The Gujarat Health Department has identified 38 suspected fake doctors during a 15-day statewide crackdown on unauthorised medical practitioners, with FIRs registered against 35 of them, Minister Praful Pansheriya said on Tuesday. The drive involved 298 teams formed by the department, which conducted inspections across all districts in coordination with local police, Crime Branch and Special Operations Group (SOG). The operation was carried out under the supervision of Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rajiv Topno and Health Commissioner Ratankanvar Gadhvi Charan. Rajkot reported the highest number of cases, with 17 suspected fake doctors identified, followed by Surat with nine, Gir Somnath with three and Surendranagar with two. The remaining cases were reported from other areas, with one each, taking the total number of FIRs registered to 35, the minister said. Pansheriya said district-level committees had also been constituted under earlier government directives to identify and take action against people practising medicine without recognised qualifications. The committees use information from local informers to identify suspected practitioners and conduct raids. The committees comprise the Taluka Health Officer, Medical Health Officer, police sub-inspector and head constable of the concerned area, a multipurpose health supervisor, a senior clerk from the taluka health office and the talati-cum-mantri of the village or area. During the drive, officials also found that some suspected practitioners had shut their clinics and dispensaries and fled before the joint teams could reach them. The Health Department and police have continued searches and surveillance to trace them and initiate legal action, Pansheriya said. He added that the campaign would continue after Diwali and the festive period, and appealed to citizens, non-governmental organisations and local representatives to report anyone suspected of practising medicine illegally without a recognised degree. Complaints can be made to the nearest primary health centre (PHC), community health centre (CHC), police station or SOG. The minister also urged people to seek treatment only from registered practitioners holding recognised qualifications, including MBBS, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy or other government-approved medical courses. Government hospitals, CHCs and PHCs provide free treatment, medicines and laboratory diagnostic tests, he said, adding that treatment by unqualified practitioners could cause permanent harm to patients and put their lives at risk.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan recently recalled a hilarious incident involving his wife, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, from the time they were shooting for their 2008 film Tashan in Ladakh. Appearing on the quiz-based reality show Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Saif opened up about his first-ever bike ride with Kareena and how the actress ended up digging her nails into him because she was petrified of the speed of the ride. During the episode featuring Saif and Akshay Kumar, Saif said, Shuru-shuru mein, Kareena aur mein zyada baat nahi kar rahe the us waqt pe... just being polite co-stars. Toh kisi ne kaha ki 'Why don't you ask her for a bike ride? Wo bahut pasand karti hain motorcycles.' Aur us waqt main maine ek bike hire kiya tha. Ladakh ki roads bahut khubsurat hai toh main headphones laga ke shooting pe aata tha bike chalate hue. Toh unhone kaha ki 'Why don't you give her a bike ride?' Toh maine poochha unko ki 'Would you like to go on a bike ride?' And she said, 'Yes, I... you know, I would love to, I love bikes.' Toh maine kaha chalo. (Initially, Kareena and I weren't talking much at that time. We were just being polite co-stars. Then someone suggested, 'Why don't you ask her for a bike ride? She really likes motorcycles.' At that time, I had hired a bike. The roads in Ladakh are very beautiful, so I used to ride to the shooting location wearing headphones. Then they suggested, 'Why don't you take her on a bike ride?' So I asked her, 'Would you like to go on a bike ride?' And she said, 'Yes, I... you know, I would love to, I love bikes.' So I said, 'Come on, let's go) Recounting how Kareena got frightened during the ride, the actor said, So I took her on a little ride, and every two seconds,... she dug her nails into me and said, 'Stop stop stop stop! Roko roko roko roko..' You know, I was like, 'But...' So I was driving again, she said, 'Stop, stop, not so fast, not so fast..' And after a while she said, 'No, I hate bike rides..' (So I took her on a little ride, and every two seconds, she dug her nails into me and said, 'Stop, stop, stop, stop! Stop, stop, stop, stop.' I was like, 'But...' I started driving again, and she said, 'Stop, stop, not so fast, not so fast.' After a while, she said, 'No, I hate bike rides) Concluding the amusing anecdote, Saif shared what went through his mind after Kareena repeatedly asked him to stop. He said, So I said, 'Then why are we on this bike?' Then I thought, 'Ah... okay, maybe there is something else to it.' So I think we liked each other, but she did not like the bike.. For the uninitiated, Saif and Kareena's love story blossomed on the sets of Tashan, which also starred Akshay Kumar and Anil Kapoor. The two eventually fell in love while filming the action entertainer and went on to become one of Bollywood's most celebrated couples. They also worked together in films such as Omkara, Kurbaan and Agent Vinod. Saif and Kareena eventually tied the knot in October 2012. The couple are now parents to two sons, Taimur Ali Khan and Jehangir Ali Khan.
India's 1st bullet train: 280 kmph speed, 557 passengers, 8 coaches; top 20 features
Indian Railways is working towards starting trial runs of the B28 train on the 100-km Surat-Vapi stretch of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai High Speed Rail corridor by May-June 2027. Commercial services on this section are expected to commence in August 2027. What will be special about Indias first bullet train? What are the features that passengers can look forward to? We take a look:
&K Deaf Cricket Team wins National T20 Cricket Cship
Srinagar, Nov 2: Jammu & Kashmir Deaf Cricket Team emerged champions of the IDCA 10th T20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf 2026, bringing pride to the region with an impressive performance in the national-level tournament held in Surat, Gujarat. The championship was organised by Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) in association with the Gujarat Deaf Cricket Association (GDCA) and Deaf Cricket Association Surat (DCAS). It was held from October 26 to November 1 at Bawaji Cricket Ground, Bhatpore, with teams from 14 states and regions participating. Jammu & Kashmir's Shariq Majeed added to the team's achievement by receiving the Player of the Match award in the final for his outstanding performance. The closing ceremony was attended by Santosh Kumar Rai, Special Secretary, Home Department, Government of Delhi, as the chief guest. He congratulated Jammu & Kashmir on winning the championship and appreciated the efforts of players, coaches, officials and organisers. IDCA President Sumit Jain congratulated the J&K team and said the successful championship marked another milestone in strengthening deaf cricket in India. The tournament provided a national platform for deaf cricketers to showcase their talent, discipline and sporting abilities. The participation of 14 teams reflected the growing reach of deaf cricket across the country. The closing ceremony also featured a special felicitation for Parth Gajjar in recognition of his contribution and service to Indian Deaf Cricket. Jammu & Kashmir's championship victory stands as a proud moment for the region and highlights the determination, hard work and sporting excellence of its deaf cricketers.
Two SMC officials held for taking bribe for firecracker licence
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India and EU discuss trade facilitation, market access under FTA
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) India and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the comprehensive economic and strategic partnership, discussing opportunities for strengthening trade and investment ties, improving market access, enhancing supply chain resilience and advancing cooperation under the free trade agreement (FTA), an official statement said on Monday. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held high-level meetings in Brussels with Ditte Juul Jorgensen, Director-General, Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE); Koen Doens, Director-General, Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA); and Gerassimos Thomas, Director-General, Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD), European Commission. The engagements reflect the growing breadth of IndiaEU cooperation across trade, investment, development partnership, taxation and customs, and reaffirm the shared commitment of both sides to further strengthening their strategic partnership, according to Commerce Ministry. During the meeting with Jorgensen, both sides discussed measures to facilitate two-way trade, improve market access, strengthen supply chain resilience and create new opportunities for businesses in India and the European Union. They reaffirmed their commitment to a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial agreement and agreed to maintain close engagement to address the remaining procedural and implementation-related issues. In the meeting with Doens, both sides exchanged views on strengthening IndiaEU development cooperation and strategic partnerships, with discussions covering sustainable development, clean energy, green technologies and related areas, according to Commerce Ministry. The meeting with Thomas focused on customs cooperation, trade facilitation and preparations for the implementation of the IndiaEU FTA. Both sides recognised the importance of efficient, transparent, and digitally enabled customs procedures in supporting businesses, reducing transaction costs, and ensuring the smooth movement of legitimate trade. Meanwhile, Agrawal also met stakeholders from the diamond industry, including representatives associated with the Antwerp diamond ecosystem. The discussions covered the global diamond value chain, certification and traceability requirements, responsible sourcing, and opportunities arising from India's growing diamond market and manufacturing ecosystem. India and Belgium have identified gems and jewellery as an important area for deeper cooperation, with Antwerp, Mumbai and Surat recognised as major diamond centres. The Commerce Secretary also participated in a BusinessEurope roundtable with European industry representatives, highlighting India's strong economic growth, reform momentum and investment opportunities across key sectors, and invited European businesses to deepen their engagement with India and participate in its expanding value chains.
Gujarat: Vande Bharat transports live donor heart from Surat to Ahmedabad for third time
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 2 (IANS) A live donor heart was transported from Surat to Ahmedabad aboard a Vande Bharat Express, marking the third time the semi-high-speed train has been used to facilitate the movement of a heart for transplantation. The heart was carried on Train No. 20901, the Mumbai Central-Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express, which departed from Surat on Sunday. It was brought from New Civil Hospital in Surat and safely loaded into coach C-12 at Surat railway station. On arrival at Ahmedabad railway station, a green corridor was created on Platform number 1 to ensure that the organ reached the U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre in the shortest possible time. Railway commercial department staff, personnel of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP), and state police officials coordinated the transfer. The heart will be transplanted by the specialist medical team at the U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre in Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad Divisional Railway Manager Ved Prakash said, This was the third occasion on which the Vande Bharat Express had been used for the swift and safe transportation of a live heart. The movement of donor organs is time-sensitive, as a heart must be transplanted within a prescribed period after retrieval. The use of a scheduled train service is intended to reduce transportation time and ensure that the organ reaches the recipient hospital within the required window. Western Railway said it had coordinated with the hospitals concerned, the state police, medical teams and railway officials and staff to facilitate the transportation. The operation involved creating a green corridor at Ahmedabad station and ensuring a quick transfer from the platform to the hospital, where the transplant procedure is to be carried out.
Diwali rush: 30k travel from Udhna as WR runs 9 special trains
Bank employee siphons off 55L from friend, FIR filed
A farmers final gift gives new lease of life to four
Surats Khajod dump site goes up in flames again
Woman kills stepfather after tiff over domestic chores
Drugs worth Rs 13 crore seized at Ahmedabad Airport, two held
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 1 (IANS) Ahmedabad Customs officials have arrested a man and a woman from Surat district after seizing 13.012 kg of hydroponic marijuana, estimated to be worth around Rs 13 crore, from their luggage after they arrived from Bangkok at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The seizure was made on Sunday by officers of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Ahmedabad Customs following passenger profiling. The two passengers were travelling on Thai Airways flight TG-343 from Bangkok. During X-ray screening of their check-in luggage, officials noticed suspicious images in the trolley bags. A detailed examination led to the recovery of 14 vacuum-sealed packets concealed inside the bags. Preliminary testing of the substance found in the packets returned positive results for ganja. The total weight of the recovered hydroponic marijuana was 13.012 kg. A Customs official told IANS, The two passengers, one male and one female, are both residents of Surat. The estimated value of the seized contraband is approximately Rs 13 crore. The narcotic substance was seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and both passengers were arrested. Further investigation is underway. The seizure comes amid a series of hydroponic marijuana interceptions at Ahmedabad airport in recent months. On September 22, Customs officials arrested a Mumbai resident after recovering 8.9 kg of hydroponic marijuana from his checked-in baggage following his arrival from Bangkok. Earlier, on September 6, officials seized 5.5 kg of the drug concealed in cookie boxes and a cornflakes packet from a passenger arriving from Ho Chi Minh City.
Video: Coffee At -86 Degrees Celsius? This Surat Cafe Has The Internet Stunned
Prepared in a frost-covered cup straight out of a specialised freezer, the unusual drink has sparked a wave of reactions online.
Mumbai man who posed as cyber forensics officer to swipe 1.24cr held
Former SMC officer gets 3 years for 20k bribe
Weavers accuse textile firm of withholding dues, abusing community
AI must be integrated into thinking and work, says NITK Director
Artificial intelligence should be integrated into ones thinking and working practices, while ethics, compassion and a sense of responsibility towards society must remain central to technological advancement, says B. Ravi, Director of the National Institute of Technology, Surathkal
AI must be integrated into thinking and work, says NITK Director
Artificial intelligence should be integrated into ones thinking and working practices, while ethics, compassion and a sense of responsibility towards society must remain central to technological advancement, says B. Ravi, Director of the National Institute of Technology, Surathkal
From Statue of Unity to defence manufacturing, Gujarats journey on display at Ekta Diwas parade
Digital Desk | Ekta Nagar, Oct 31 (IANS) From the Statue of Unity and the Sardar Sarovar Dam to Vadodaras emerging defence manufacturing sector, Gujarats cultural heritage, industrial development and cooperative movement featured prominently in a series of tableaux presented during the 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' celebrations at Ekta Nagar on Saturday. The tableaux formed part of a larger presentation on Indias cultural diversity and heritage, inspired by the spirit of Vande Mataram. Officials described the display as a celebration of public participation and awareness, bringing together the countrys folk traditions, art, craft, history and natural landscapes. The opening tableau represented Ekta Nagar in Narmada district and was dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It depicted his role in integrating the princely states and strengthening farmers, with the message that national unity was the countrys greatest strength. The presentation also recalled Patels contribution to the idea of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. Another tableau brought together the religious and architectural heritage associated with Dwarka, Somnath and Modhera. It featured the Dwarkadhish temple, the Somnath temple and the Sun Temple at Modhera, presenting them as enduring symbols of faith and Indias civilisational history. The educational legacy of Vallabh Vidyanagar in Anand district was represented through a tableau highlighting the towns identity as a centre of learning. It traced the journey from traditional knowledge to modern education, research and innovation, with an emphasis on the role of young people in shaping the countrys future. A replica of the Sardar Sarovar Dam highlighted water conservation, irrigation and renewable energy. The presentation referred to the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) scheme, which aims to carry Narmada water to water-scarce areas. Vadodaras growing identity as a defence manufacturing hub was showcased through a tableau titled Vande Shakti. It highlighted indigenous defence production, including drones, technology and the BrahMos missile, as symbols of the drive towards self-reliance in national security. Surats diamond and textile industries featured in another tableau, while the Rann Utsav presentation showcased the white salt desert, the full-moon landscape and the tribal culture of Kutch. The cooperative movement and the White Revolution, associated with Anand and Banaskantha, were also represented, recalling the role of milk producers and cooperative institutions in transforming rural livelihoods. The presentation paid tribute to cooperative pioneers Tribhuvandas Patel and Verghese Kurien. A tableau on the 'Khelo India' initiative highlighted youth participation and sporting excellence. The available event commentary ended during its introduction. The celebrations are being held at Ekta Nagar, near the Statue of Unity, to mark Patels 151st birth anniversary on October 31. The Statue of Unity, inaugurated in 2018, commemorates Patels role in the integration of India after Independence. The annual 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' programme includes a parade and cultural presentations highlighting national unity and the countrys diversity.
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Gujarats first bullet train power substation nears completion at Bilimora
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 30 (IANS) The first Traction Substation (TSS) for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project is nearing completion at Bilimora in Gujarats Navsari district, as work progresses on the 14 substations planned to supply power along the 508-km high-speed rail corridor. The substation, spread across approximately 18,000 square metres, is at an advanced stage of construction, with equipment installation, testing and commissioning activities under way. Installation work in the control panel, changeover switch, transformer and circuit breaker buildings has been completed. Work on all gantry towers and beams has also been finished. A total of 14 traction substations (TSS) are being developed along the corridor to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for the bullet trains. These substations will receive electricity from the grid, transform it to the required voltage levels and feed it into the traction power system that powers the trains. Of the 14 substations, five will be located in Maharashtra at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar and Thane Depot, while the remaining nine will be in Gujarat at Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Mahemdavad, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati Depot. In Gujarat, the traction substations will receive electricity from the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited's (GETCO) 220 kV Ambetha Grid Substation. The power will subsequently be supplied to the overhead equipment (OHE) installed along the viaduct through the 2 25 kV traction power supply system adopted for the corridor. The system is designed to distribute electricity to the overhead equipment, which transfers power to the trains through their pantographs. The entire traction power supply network will be monitored in real time from a centralised control centre to oversee the electricity supply along the corridor. The 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor is India's first bullet train project, connecting Maharashtra and Gujarat. The 14 traction substations will form a key part of its power infrastructure, supporting the operation of trains along the route.
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 30 (IANS) More than 52 lakh farmer families in Gujarat received over Rs 1,051 crore under the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on Friday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi released over Rs 18,680 crore to more than 9.34 crore farmer families across the country. The instalment was released at a national-level 'PM Kisan Utsav Day' programme held at Bhildi in Banaskantha district, where PM Modi was present. The amount was transferred directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The event was attended by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani, Minister of State for Agriculture, Ramesh Katara and other Cabinet members, MPs, MLAs and senior officials. Parallel programmes were organised at more than 2,100 locations across Gujarat at district, taluka and village levels. Lakhs of farmers watched the live telecast of the main event in the presence of ministers, MPs, MLAs, district panchayat presidents and local representatives. Among the districts, Dahod recorded assistance of Rs 54.84 crore to 2,74,201 farmers, while Anand saw Rs 52.43 crore credited to more than 2.61 lakh beneficiaries. In Mehsana, Rs 50 crore was transferred to 2.49 lakh farmers, while Bhavnagar's 2.10 lakh-plus beneficiaries received Rs 42.08 crore. In Panchmahal, more than 2.02 lakh farmers received Rs 40.61 crore, while 1.95 lakh farmers in Rajkot received Rs 39 crore. In Patan, Rs 37.70 crore was credited to 1,88,524 farmers, and in Bharuch, 1.70 lakh farmers received Rs 34.54 crore. Surendranagar recorded transfers of Rs 32.10 crore to more than 1.60 lakh farmers, while Junagadh saw Rs 30.82 crore credited to 1.53 lakh beneficiaries. In Kutch, 1.19 lakh farmer families received Rs 23.91 crore, and 1.16 lakh farmers in Surat received Rs 23.20 crore. In Jamnagar, Rs 21.57 crore was transferred to 1.07 lakh farmers. Devbhoomi Dwarka recorded assistance of more than Rs 13 crore to over 68,000 farmer families, while Botad's 66,063 beneficiaries received Rs 13.21 crore. In Sabarkantha, 2.23 lakh farmers benefited from the instalment. District-level events were also organised in Morbi, Surendranagar and other districts. In Morbi, around 25 minority citizens who had migrated from Pakistan were also presented with Indian citizenship certificates at the programme held at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Gor Khijadiya. The district-level events included felicitations for progressive farmers and those practising natural farming. Approval letters for assistance under agricultural schemes and farm equipment were also distributed. Exhibition stalls were set up, while experts provided guidance on natural farming, modern agricultural technology, drip irrigation, farm mechanisation and government schemes. In Surat, the district-level programme was held at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Panaas in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, with events organised at 72 locations across the district. In Kutch, the main event was held at Kotda Ugamna in the presence of Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Kanti Amrutiya, and MP Vinod Chavda, alongside programmes at 75 other locations. Other district-level events were held at Khambhalia APMC in Devbhoomi Dwarka, Motibaug Open Air Theatre in Bhavnagar, Botad APMC yard, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Town Hall in Surendranagar, the Police Parade Ground in Mehsana, Bilkha in Junagadh, Godhra in Panchmahal, Bedi APMC in Rajkot, the Vegetable Market Yard in Patan and Jambusar in Bharuch. Speaking at the events, ministers and other representatives said: DBT mechanism had eliminated the role of middlemen in the transfer of assistance under the PM-KISAN scheme. They added that the money is reaching beneficiaries' bank accounts directly and that the financial support helped farmers meet seasonal expenses and requirements during the sowing period.
Gujarat doctor duped of Rs 1.50 crore over 8 years; retired professor among three held from UP
Digital Desk | Surat, Oct 30 (IANS) Three persons, including a 64-year-old retired professor, have been arrested for allegedly cheating a senior citizen doctor of around Rs 1.50 crore over eight years by promising refunds on insurance policies, with the police tracing the accused to Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh using a single mobile number that had since been switched off. The Surat City Cyber Crime Cell said on Friday that the accused had posed as representatives of the Insurance Ombudsman and persuaded the complainant to purchase around 15 insurance policies in 2018. After gaining his trust, they allegedly contacted him over the last two to three years, claiming that the money invested in his policies could be refunded if he paid various charges. The complainant was allegedly made to transfer money in small instalments of Rs 10,000, Rs 15,000, Rs 25,000 and other amounts. Over the period from 2018 to 2026, he lost approximately Rs 1,50,33,004 (Rs 1.50 crore), police said. The complainant approached the cybercrime police around two to three months ago. Investigators examined the mobile numbers from which he had received calls and WhatsApp messages and conducted technical analysis of their call detail records. A team subsequently spent a week in Ghaziabad tracing the accused on the basis of a single calling number, which had become inactive. The arrested accused have been identified as Atulkumar Sharma (64), a retired professor who holds BSc and MBA degrees and had worked at IMT College; Mahesh Sharma (43), who has worked in vehicle loan arrangements, electricity meter reading and as a salesman for an Ayurvedic medicine company; and Sonu Thakur (32), a Class 12 pass-out who had previously worked as a telecaller at a call centre. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Cell) Bishakha Jain, Atulkumar allegedly arranged SIM cards and bank accounts by approaching financially needy people on the pretext of helping them obtain gas connections. He got accounts opened in their names and retained the SIM cards, net banking credentials, passwords and bank kits before passing the SIM cards to Mahesh Sharma, she said. Mahesh allegedly forwarded the SIM cards and bank account details to Sonu Thakur, who used different mobile handsets to contact insurance policyholders and demand money on the pretext of processing refunds. Jain said, Sonu had worked in the call centre operations of insurance companies since 2018 and was familiar with the process of obtaining policyholder data. During searches, police recovered around 70 pages of printed Excel sheets containing insurance policyholders' details. The sheets had markings indicating which people had already been contacted and which were yet to be approached. The accused used these sheets to identify and call different victims. They would tell them that if they wanted their insurance policy money back, they would have to deposit a certain amount towards charges, Jain added. The money deposited by victims was withdrawn through the bank accounts arranged by Atulkumar. He allegedly retained 35 to 50 per cent of the withdrawn amount as commission and passed the rest to Mahesh, who kept another 15 to 20 per cent before transferring the remaining amount to Sonu. Police recovered nine mobile phones, 42 cheque books, 17 passbooks, 90 debit cards, 25 SIM cards of different companies, around 80 empty SIM card trays and Rs 28,740 in cash from Atulkumar. Two mobile phones were seized from Mahesh. From Sonu, police recovered three mobile phones, Rs 1.77 lakh in cash and 70 printouts containing policyholder details. Investigators also identified 47 bank accounts linked to Atulkumar on the basis of the cheque books and passbooks recovered from his residence. A check of these accounts on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP) revealed 73 complaints registered across 15 states, involving alleged online fraud of approximately Rs 33.10 lakh. Telangana accounted for the highest number of complaints at 15, followed by Tamil Nadu with 14, Maharashtra with seven, Karnataka and Goa with six each, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan with five each, and Bihar with four. Gujarat accounted for three complaints, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh two each, while Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Tripura had one complaint each. The complaints could involve other cyber fraud groups as well, as such gangs were suspected of sharing policyholder data, DCP Bishakha Jain said. She said insurance policy frauds of this nature were frequently reported from Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad, where different groups allegedly exchanged data to target policyholders. The case has been registered under Sections 319(2), 318(4), 336(2), 338, 336(3), 340(2), 61(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2008. The police have advised insurance policyholders not to respond to unsolicited calls promising bonuses or refunds on policies and to verify such claims directly with the insurance company.
How Indian Food Found A Home In Burma And Came Back With A Story
From the Samoza Kari to Surats Khao Sa, Burma Burmas new limited-edition menu explores how migration, trade and communities shaped the shared food traditions of India and Burma. Co-founder Ankit Gupta talks about the histories behind the dishes and how food continues to connect cultures.
ED searches 11 premises in Mumbai, Surat linked to international drug traffickers
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 30 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized incriminating material and digital devices during searches across 11 premises in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) as well as Surat and Bhavnagar (Gujarat) linked to trace international drug trafficking network, an official said on Friday. The ED's Mumbai Zonal Office-L, conducted search operations on Wednesday, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, against international narcotics syndicate led by Navin Chichkar, Dhiraj Chichkar, and their aides, the official said in a statement. Searches were conducted to trace the modus through which drug sale proceeds received mainly in cash, infused in financial economy and further layered so as to project the same as legitimate income, the statement said. The searches across 11 premises in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra), as well as Surat and Bhavnagar (Gujarat) were intended to trace the drug trafficking network and proceeds of crime (PoC) generated through the illicit drug trade acquired by a well-established international narcotics syndicate, it added. The ED investigation was initiated on the basis of a complaint filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Mumbai, under various provisions of the NDPS Act, following the seizure of substantial quantities of high-grade hydroponic cannabis (Ganja), cocaine and unaccounted cash in Mumbai/Navi Mumbai. Navin Chichkar and others were allegedly involved in an established international network engaged in the sale of cocaine, hydroponic cannabis, LSD and cannabis edibles, largely sourced from outside India, the statement said. During the searches, various incriminating material and digital devices, including high-end smartphones, laptops, and internal storage media, along with commercial books of accounts, financial ledgers, and investment records were seized, it added. The searches revealed that proceeds generated from the sale of narcotic drugs were routed and cash was converted into foreign currencies, including US dollars and Thai Baht, which were subsequently made available to the accused, it said. Moreover, proceeds of crime in cash were also invested in certain legitimate businesses so that the same is shown as untainted money, the statement said. Searches were also conducted at the premises relating to Crypto Trader(s) which revealed details of certain Crypto Wallets/Assets prima-facie linked to the proceeds of crime, the ED said. It is gathered that the suspected persons was operating a number of Crypto trading accounts from outside India. The identified details are being examined to trace linked accounts, transaction histories, and to secure proceeds of crime, the ED said.
SOG nabs nine quacks in Dindoli
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No recognised medical degree: Nine fake doctors held in Gujarat
Digital Desk | Surat, Oct 29 (IANS) As many as nine fake doctors were apprehended during simultaneous raids on clinics in the Dindoli area of Surat on Thursday, with the police and health department seizing medicines, injections, syrups and medical equipment worth around Rs 95,000, officials said on Thursday. The raids were conducted jointly by the Surat City Special Operations Group (SOG) and teams from the District Health Department after dummy patients were sent to the clinics to verify information that individuals without recognised medical qualifications were treating patients. Deputy Commissioner of Police (SOG) Rajdeepsinh Nakum told IANS that the operation had been planned in coordination with the office of the Chief District Health Officer, Dr Anil Patel. Raids were planned from the morning by the SOG and the Chief District Health Officers team. Several locations were raided simultaneously, and nine bogus doctors were apprehended, Nakum said. He said the accused had different educational backgrounds, including schooling up to Classes 10 and 12, a Bachelor of Arts degree and training in electropathy. However, they were allegedly practising as doctors without the required recognised medical qualifications. Some of them were earning Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500 a day and were practising as bogus doctors. The SOG and Health Department teams carried out an intensive operation and apprehended all of them, he added. According to the police, the accused were identified as Rohit Patil, Parmanand Patel, Aartidevi Maurya, Mahesh Rajput, Kamalaprasad Gond, Sopan Patil, Manoharlala Kumawat, Dinesh Bharti and Kishor Vishwas. The police said Patil had allegedly been running Mauli Clinic in Navagam of Dindoli for three years and had previously worked as a compounder at a hospital in Sangamner. He was also arrested in Aurangabad of Maharashtra, in 2024 in a case involving the alleged sale of fake pregnancy medicines. Patel had allegedly operated Manisha Clinic for five years, while Maurya, who had studied for a Bachelor of Arts degree, had run Aashi Clinic for one-and-a-half years. She had previously worked as a nurse at Amardeep Hospital in Godadara of Surat for five years, according to the police. Rajput had allegedly run Maya Clinic for eight years, while Gond had operated Krishna Clinic for 10 years. Gond had reportedly worked as a compounder at a hospital in Uttar Pradesh. Sopan Patil had allegedly operated Shree Sai Clinic for seven years and had studied electropathy. Kumawat, who had studied pharmacy, had reportedly run Shree Radhekrishna Clinic for six months. Bharti had allegedly operated Sahgar Clinic for three years, while Vishwas had run Sadguru Sant Kripal Clinic for six years. Both had studied up to Class 12 and had previously worked at other clinics or hospitals. The police said the accused had allegedly earned between Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,500 a day through their practices. The raids followed instructions from Surat Police Commissioner Wabang Jamir to identify clinics being run by people without medical degrees or on the basis of allegedly fabricated qualifications. SOG teams, acting under the supervision of DCP Nakum and the supervision of Police Inspector A.S. Sonara, conducted checks across the city before verifying the information about the Dindoli clinics. The seized material was valued at Rs 95,138. Cases have been registered against the nine accused at Dindoli police station. The District Health Department will initiate separate proceedings under the Clinical Establishments Act, officials said.
Gujarat: 320 arrested in 257 narcotics cases in Surat this year; ganja tops list with 178 cases
Digital Desk | Surat, Oct 29 (IANS) Surat City Police registered 257 narcotics cases and arrested 320 people in 2026 so far, with cannabis accounting for the largest share of cases, according to data presented at a meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (N-Cord) committee on Thursday. The meeting, chaired by the Surat Police Commissioner Wabang Jamir, reviewed action taken against drug-related activities and discussed measures to improve coordination between government agencies to curb drug trafficking and related offences. Of the 257 cases, 178 involved ganja, in which 219 people were arrested. The police reported seizing 414 kg of ganja, valued at Rs 1.92 crore. The remaining cases involved substances including MD drugs, hybrid ganja, brown sugar, heroin, opium, poppy husk, codeine syrup and intoxicating tablets. According to the data, 54 cases involving MD drugs led to the arrest of 70 people, with 2.211 kg of the substance valued at Rs 75.08 lakh. Six cases involving hybrid ganja resulted in the seizure of 778 grams, valued at Rs 27.23 lakh, and the arrest of seven people. The figures also recorded one brown sugar case, involving seven grams valued at Rs 1.40 lakh, and five heroin cases involving 58 grams valued at Rs 11.75 lakh. Five opium cases involved 3.339 kg valued at Rs 16.46 lakh. One case involving poppy husk led to the seizure of 1.767 kg valued at Rs 26,505. Three cases involving codeine syrup and one involving intoxicating tablets were also recorded. The total value of the seized substances was reported at Rs 3.34 crore, with 320 arrests across the 257 cases. The meeting also reviewed the work of the NDPS squads established at all police stations in Surat City on April 22, 2025, on the directions of the Police Commissioner. The police said the squads had helped improve the detection of cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The N-Cord committee brings together representatives of 25 departments and agencies, including the district administration, Surat Municipal Corporation, Narcotics Control Bureau, Customs, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central GST, Forest Department, education and agriculture departments, the Indian Coast Guard, health authorities, the Prohibition and Excise Department and the Intelligence Bureau. The committee meets every month to review action taken during the preceding month, assess the prevailing drug situation and prepare an action plan for the next period. Its agenda includes monitoring narcotics trafficking, exchanging intelligence and ensuring that departments share information, including small but potentially significant leads, to support coordinated enforcement. The meeting sought to strengthen cooperation among the agencies so that information on narcotics-related activities could be exchanged more effectively and action taken through a coordinated effort.
Nine individuals operating clinics in Surat's Dindoli area without proper medical qualifications were arrested on Thursday by the police's Special Operations Group. The accused, with minimal educational backgrounds, had been practising medicine for up to a decade, leading to the seizure of medical equipment and medicines worth Rs 95,138.
MCC Commissioner directs parking of waste collecting vehicles in front of Surathkal UPHC
MCC Commissioner directs parking of waste collecting vehicles in front of Surathkal UPHC
Major Fraud Uncovered in Gujarats Weight Loss and Skin Treatment Sector
Five individuals arrested in Surat for a nationwide scam involving fake weight loss and skin treatment products, with millions involved. Major Fraud Uncovered in Gujarats Weight Loss and Skin Treatment Sector
Rs 25 crore allocated for UGD work in Surathkal: MCC commissioner
