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
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Surats Khajod dump site goes up in flames again
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.
Major Drug Bust At Ahmedabad Airport
Customs officials at Ahmedabad airport arrested two passengers from Surat, Mohammed Akeel Sheikh and Kaniz Zahera Momin, for allegedly smuggling over 13 kg of hydroponic ganja. The contraband, valued at approximately Rs 13 crore in the illicit market, was discovered in their trolley bags after their arrival from Bangkok. The duo faces charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, with further investigation ongoing.
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
Todays Gold Rate: Gold prices down in Coimbatore, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, Surat, Jaipur
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across other cities on October 31
Ex-professor among 3 held in 1.5cr cyberfraud case
Man held within hours of murder at Surat railway station
Co-op banks seek fresh notes for Diwali in other states
4 held for kidnapping 3 web developers, extorting 4L
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.
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.
'Modi kahin nahi jaayega': Gujarat turns Kharge remark into a show of support for PM Modi
Digital Desk | Bhildi, Oct 30 (IANS) Days after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's controversial remark about alleged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late father triggered a political row, the slogan Modi kahin nahi jaayega (PM Modi will not go anywhere) echoed across Banaskantha during the Prime Minister's visit to the district on Friday, with Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi leading a public show of support for PM Modi. The slogan was raised by students as PM Modi arrived to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for development projects. Addressing the gathering at Bhildi, Sanghavi referred to the slogan being heard in villages across Banaskantha during public programmes and cleanliness drives organised ahead of the Prime Minister's visit. He then asked the audience to repeat it, linking PM Modi's continued leadership to a series of national development goals. Until India becomes one of the world's leading economies, Modi kahin nahi jaayega. Until India becomes self-reliant and a manufacturing hub for the world, Modi kahin nahi jaayega, Sanghavi said, urging the crowd to raise the slogan together. He also linked it to the government's goals of providing permanent houses to every poor family, eliminating poverty, creating more Lakhpati Didis, taking development to remote areas and ending dynastic and appeasement politics. Until India becomes a developed nation, Modi kahin nahi jaayega, he said. The slogan was a direct political counter to the controversy that erupted after Kharge's remarks at an event in Patna on October 25. While speaking about alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, Kharge was interrupted by a man in the audience who shouted that PM Modi would not go anywhere. Kharge responded, Modi ka baap bhi jayega (Even Modi's father will have to go). The comment drew criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, who accused him of making an objectionable remark about the Prime Minister's late father. At Bhildi, Sanghavi, who described his remarks as those of a young citizen rather than merely a Deputy Chief Minister, accused the Congress and its leaders of repeatedly using abusive language against PM Modi. He alleged that the Prime Minister's late parents had also been dragged into political attacks and said the response from people across the country had demonstrated their support for him. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from villages to city streets, the same slogan is being heard Modi kahin nahi jaayega, he added. Assembly Speaker and Banas Dairy Chairman Shankar Chaudhary also praised PM Modi's contribution to the transformation of Banaskantha. Recalling the region's earlier shortages of water and electricity, he said: The introduction of round-the-clock power, the Sujalam Sufalam canal network and other initiatives had changed the lives of farmers and livestock owners. Chaudhary said the Govardhan scheme had helped turn cattle dung into an economic resource rather than waste. He claimed that arrangements had allowed livestock owners to earn more than Rs 100 crore annually from cattle dung. Referring to the newly inaugurated Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre, he said: Its objective is to improve milk productivity, with one cow eventually producing as much milk as four cows under existing conditions. Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi also recalled his family's migration from Banaskantha to Surat around 50 years ago because of water and electricity shortages. The arrival of Narmada water, the Sujalam Sufalam scheme and drip irrigation had changed the district, which had since emerged as a major dairy centre, he added. Citing figures, he said the annual profit reaching Banaskantha's livestock owners through Banas Dairy had increased from around Rs 30 crore in 2003 to Rs 1,400 crore. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, in his address, highlighted the 24th instalment of PM-KISAN, the bovine breeding centre, Banas Dairy projects, improved rail and road connectivity and the inauguration and foundation stone laying of Anganwadi-related works. The Prime Minister's visit marked 25 years since he first took oath as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001. The programme in Bhildi included the release of the PM-KISAN instalment and the inauguration and launch of projects in the agriculture, dairy and infrastructure sectors.
SOG nabs nine quacks in Dindoli
Fourth accused doctor held in Dr Harsh Pandya suicide case
Gandhis grandsons legacy land reclaimed
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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.
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
Final Arrest In Surat Medical College Ragging Suicide
The last absconding resident doctor, Nirali Vasave, has been arrested in connection with the suicide of first-year postgraduate student Harsh Pandya at Government Medical College, Surat. Pandya allegedly faced severe ragging and harassment from four senior resident doctors, leading to his death on August 9. The case is registered under abetment of suicide and the SC/ST Act.
22, 24 carat Gold prices remain steady across other cities on October 29
US demand slowdown hits apparel, diamond exporters as factories shut and orders dry up
The apparel industry in Noida is experiencing significant upheaval, with a reduction of operational units from 2,400 to 1,800 in just six months, all due to a decline in orders. The unpredictable US tariffs have caused confusion in negotiations and production timelines. In a related trend, Surat's diamond manufacturers have extended their Diwali shutdowns, resulting in the closure of roughly 300 small businesses.
Man booked for abetment after wifes suicide
Ex-Congress councillor, son booked under Atrocities Act
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Gujarat: 213 medical stores inspected; 25 notices issued over NDPS drug sale violations
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 28 (IANS) Gujarat Police's Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) inspected 213 medical stores and pharmacies across the state over a week to check compliance with regulations governing medicines linked to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with the Food and Drugs Department issuing 25 notices during the exercise. The inspections were conducted between October 6 and 12 by the ANTF's various zones and its Surveillance headquarters in Gandhinagar, following instructions from the senior officials. The exercise was aimed at preventing the illegal sale, storage and distribution of narcotic substances and NDPS-related medicines, as well as their misuse. Officials examined compliance with applicable rules and procedures governing the sale and distribution of medicines at the establishments inspected. Of the 213 medical stores and pharmacies checked, the Surveillance headquarters in Gandhinagar accounted for the highest number, at 64. The Vadodara zone inspected 43 establishments, followed by the Rajkot zone with 36 and the Border zone with 32. The Ahmedabad zone inspected 23 medical stores and pharmacies, while the Surat zone covered 15. During the operation, the Food and Drugs Department issued 25 notices for regulatory compliance, according to officials. Of these, 11 were issued in the Ahmedabad zone, 10 in the Surat zone and four in the Surveillance headquarters zone in Gandhinagar. The latest inspections follow previous statewide efforts to curb the misuse and illegal sale of narcotic and psychotropic medicines. In July last year, Gujarat Police inspected 7,575 medical stores in a separate drive conducted with the Food and Drugs Control Administration, focusing on compliance with prescription requirements and restrictions on the sale of controlled medicines. Such inspections and surveillance would continue to prevent the illegal trade and misuse of narcotic substances and NDPS-related medicines across Gujarat, officials added.
Gym Trainer Arrested for Online Fraud in Gujarat, Duping Victim of
A gym trainer from Uttar Pradesh was arrested for his role in duping a Surat resident of 5.88 lakh through an online scam. Gym Trainer Arrested for Online Fraud in Gujarat, Duping Victim of 5.88 Lakh
Haryana CM meets Bhupendra Patel, invites Gujarat counterpart to business summit
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 28 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday met his Gujarat counterpart Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar and invited him to attend a business summit scheduled to be held in Haryana in April 2027. Saini, who is on a two-day visit to Gujarat with a delegation, arrived in Gandhinagar from Surat on Wednesday afternoon and paid a courtesy visit to Patel. Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh was also present at the meeting. The visit is part of Haryana's investment outreach initiative, Happening Haryana 2.0 Invest in Haryana, Invest in the Future, under which Saini and his delegation are holding meetings with business leaders in Surat and the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar region to explore investment opportunities in the state. The invitation to Patel comes as Haryana seeks to attract fresh investments and strengthen industrial cooperation with Gujarat ahead of the proposed Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit in April 2027. During his visit, Saini has held meetings with industrialists and investors to encourage them to expand their businesses in Haryana. The state has highlighted its industrial infrastructure, connectivity, investment-friendly policies and opportunities across sectors including manufacturing, textiles, engineering, pharmaceuticals and logistics. The Haryana government has also announced investment proposals worth more than Rs 50,000 crore during the Gujarat visit, covering sectors such as defence, real estate, oil and gas, semiconductors, agriculture and food processing. The proposed April 2027 summit is expected to provide a platform for investors to explore business opportunities in Haryana and establish partnerships with industries in the state.
Promised e-commerce profits, cheated Gujarat man of Rs 5.88 lakh; UP gym trainer held
Digital Desk | Surat, Oct 28 (IANS) The Cyber Crime Branch of Surat City Police, Gujarat, has arrested a 32-year-old gym trainer from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly helping siphon off money obtained through an online fraud in which a complainant was cheated of Rs 5.88 lakh on the promise of high returns from an e-commerce business. The accused, Abdullah alias Sonu Mazid, allegedly facilitated the movement of the cheated money through bank accounts obtained on a commission basis and converted part of the proceeds into USDT, a cryptocurrency linked to the US dollar, as instructed by an absconding accused based in Dubai, police said on Wednesday. According to the police, the complainant was contacted through a dating app and sent a link to a fake website. The accused allegedly persuaded the complainant to create an account on the website, claiming that investing in e-commerce activities would generate good returns. The complainant was subsequently induced to transfer a total of Rs 5,88,909 to different bank accounts. The money was not returned. A case was registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station under Sections 318(4), 336(2), 338, 336(3), 340(2), 61(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, as amended in 2008. During the investigation, police traced Mazid to Varanasi and arrested him following a technical investigation conducted by a team led by Police Inspector A M Mori. The operation was carried out under the directions of senior officials. Police said Rs 1,77,590 belonging to the complainant had been transferred to an HDFC Bank account linked to another accused, Imran Yusuf Khilchi, who had been arrested earlier in connection with the case. According to the police, the absconding accused had the money deposited through cash deposit machines into bank accounts arranged by Mazid in exchange for commissions. Mazid allegedly withdrew the money through ATMs and cheques, retained Rs 12,590 as his commission and used the remaining Rs 1.65 lakh to purchase USDT before transferring it as instructed by the absconding accused in Dubai. The previously arrested accused, Imran Yusuf Khilchi, 46, is a businessman from Mumbai in Maharashtra. The Surat City Police have urged residents not to allow others to use their bank accounts in exchange for commissions or other inducements, warning that such accounts may be used to route proceeds of cyber fraud. Account holders could face legal action if their accounts are used in criminal activities.
Man Facing Case Over Beach Incident Dies By Suicide, Protest Outside Surathkal Police Station
The protesters alleged that the couple was responsible for Somanath's death and demanded that an FIR be registered against them.
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Haryana signs MoUs worth Rs 12,000 crore on first day of Gujarat visit
Digital Desk | Chandigarh/Surat, Oct 27 (IANS) Haryana signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) involving proposed investments of around Rs 12,000 crore on Tuesday, with commitments spanning defence textiles, renewable energy, industrial machinery and waste-to-energy projects, as the state seeks to attract fresh industrial investment ahead of its global summit in April 2027. The agreements were signed on the first day of a high-level delegations visit to Gujarat, led by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The proposed investments include Rs 5,000 crore in defence textiles, Rs 2,000 crore in technical textiles and Rs 500 crore in industrial machinery. A further Rs 4,000 crore has been proposed for the waste-to-energy sector, while solar energy and cosmetics manufacturing together account for investments worth Rs 400 crore. During the visit, Saini held one-to-one meetings with founders, managing directors and chief executive officers of various companies to discuss the expansion of their existing operations in Haryana, the establishment of new industrial units and potential investment proposals. Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh also attended the meetings. The Chief Minister said the state government was committed to supporting investors and entrepreneurs and attracting investment to generate employment opportunities for young people. Haryana is working to improve the ease of doing business and provide a favourable environment for industrial development. The government aims to offer investors a combination of supportive policies, industrial infrastructure, connectivity and essential facilities, while simplifying procedures and ensuring time-bound approvals, he said. Saini said the state is focusing on better coordination between government departments to reduce procedural hurdles and facilitate the establishment and operation of industrial projects. Haryanas single-window clearance system, investment promotion schemes and plug-and-play industrial facilities were among the measures intended to make the state more attractive to businesses. The government is also seeking to ensure that industries investing in Haryana receive applicable incentives, necessary approvals and departmental assistance in accordance with the rules. Feedback from industry representatives would be considered to improve policies and procedures and help companies implement projects on schedule, he said. He described the MoUs signed on Tuesday as steps towards expanding industrial activity, developing ancillary industries and encouraging new business partnerships. Their implementation could create employment opportunities, strengthen the local economy and increase Haryanas industrial capacity. The Chief Minister invited industrialists and investors to attend the 'Happening Haryana Global Summit', scheduled to be held in April 2027. During the meetings, industry representatives discussed investment opportunities across various sectors and expressed interest in Haryanas industrial infrastructure, business facilitation measures and investment promotion policies.
48-year-old man found dead at his home in Surathkal
Ahmedabad Customs seize gold paste worth Rs 72.28 lakh concealed inside trolley bag
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 27 (IANS) Ahmedabad Customs officials seized 495.04 grams of 24-carat gold worth Rs 72.28 lakh from a passenger arriving from Sharjah at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) on Tuesday after detecting gold paste concealed beneath a plastic sheet inside a trolley bag. The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) intercepted the passenger on October 27 after profiling passengers arriving on Air Arabia flight G9-418 from Sharjah, according to Customs. During X-ray screening of the passengers checked-in baggage, officers noticed a suspicious image. A detailed examination revealed an additional layer or patch inside the trolley bag. When the bag was opened, officers removed its inner plastic layer and found a thin, black-coloured plastic sheet pasted along its inner side. Gold paste had been uniformly concealed beneath the sheet, the release stated. Officers carefully extracted the material and melted it to recover 495.04 grams of 24-carat gold, with a market value of Rs 72,28,574. The recovered gold was seized under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and the passenger was arrested under the Act. Further investigation is underway. The seizure comes amid a series of gold smuggling cases detected at Ahmedabad airport, where officials have found gold concealed in luggage and other everyday items. On October 19, Customs officials seized 133.45 grams of 24-carat gold worth around Rs 20.12 lakh from a passenger arriving from Dubai. The gold paste was concealed beneath a cloth patch inside a trolley bag and was recovered after officers examined the suspicious section of the luggage. In another case reported on October 16, a passenger arriving from Abu Dhabi was arrested after officials found 282.9 grams of 24-carat gold worth Rs 42.5 lakh concealed in metal strips fitted to three trolley bags. The strips contained six gold wires coated with white rhodium, which were recovered during a detailed examination of the luggage. Separately, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence announced on October 19 that it had dismantled an alleged gold smuggling syndicate operating through Ahmedabad and Surat airports. The investigation involved 13.017 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at approximately Rs 19.41 crore, with three people arrested. The latest seizure at Ahmedabad airport is being investigated further by Customs officials.
Idca 10th T20 national cricket championship for deaf begins in Surat
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IDCA 10th T20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf 2026 opens in Surat
The Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA), in association with the Deaf Cricket Association Surat (DCAS), has commenced the IDCA 10th T20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf 2026 in Surat, Gujarat. Scheduled from October 26 to November 1, 2026, the championship is being held for the first time in Surat, bringing together 14 teams from across India for a week of competitive cricket, as per a press release. Bringing together 14 teams from across India, the championship highlights the breadth of talent within the country
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Man arrested with country-made pistol, live cartridge
Doctors certificate alone not enough for skin disorder exclusion
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ICA | GemLab India Launches Gemological Laboratory in Surat
The facility will offer testing and reporting services for diamonds, coloured gemstones and jewellery Surat (Gujarat) [India], October 26: ICA | GemLab India, an internationally recognised organisation specialising in diamonds,
Haryana CM Saini to lead investment outreach in Gujarat
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 26 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will lead a high-level delegation to Gujarat on October 27-28 to attract investments, strengthen industrial cooperation and promote business opportunities in the state, the state government said on Monday. The delegation will visit Surat and Gandhinagar, where it will hold meetings with investors, engage with industry representatives and organise the Haryana Investment Roadshow. Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh will also accompany the Chief Minister. The outreach comes as Haryana seeks to attract investments worth around Rs 5 lakh crore and generate more than 10 lakh employment opportunities by 2030-31 under its Make in Haryana Industrial Policy -- 2026. Amit Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary (Industries and Commerce), said Saini would hold one-to-one meetings with investors in Surat on October 27 to discuss investment prospects, industrial expansion and opportunities for setting up businesses in Haryana. The programme will also include a Pravasi Milan Samaroh, bringing together members of the Haryana diaspora and prominent business representatives. The event will highlight the state's cultural heritage, development trajectory and industrial capabilities. On October 28, Haryana will organise an investment roadshow in Gandhinagar, bringing together industrialists, investors and representatives from various sectors. The roadshow will showcase Haryana's industrial infrastructure, investor-friendly policy framework, connectivity and skilled workforce, while highlighting opportunities across sectors, Agrawal said. The delegation will hold discussions with industry representatives on prospective investments, projects and business partnerships. The state will also explore the possibility of signing memoranda of understanding (MoUs) linked to investment proposals. The government aims to use the engagements to establish direct links with investors and encourage companies to consider Haryana for new industrial units and expansion projects. The Make in Haryana Industrial Policy -- 2026 is aimed at accelerating industrial development, strengthening manufacturing and creating a conducive environment for domestic and international investors, according to the state government. Under the policy-led investment push, Haryana has set a target of attracting approximately Rs 5 lakh crore in fresh investments and creating more than 10 lakh jobs by 2030-31. The Gujarat outreach is intended to familiarise investors with the state's industrial ecosystem and encourage investment proposals that could support manufacturing growth, technological innovation and employment generation. The government expects the engagements in Surat and Gandhinagar to open avenues for new industrial ventures, expansion of existing businesses and partnerships with companies across sectors. The visit forms part of Haryana's broader effort to widen investor engagement and position the state as a destination for industrial investment and business expansion.
Tiger Shroff's Attackers Had A Return Plan For Weapons. It Failed In Surat
The four accused -- Sumit, Kunal, Radha and Babita, who were arrested in Delhi and Haryana last week -- were sent to police custody until October 28 today.
Surat doctor Bhavin Patel brings village eye care, with 30,000 free surgeries and 40 monthly camps
Rohtak (Haryana) [India], October 26: What began as a small juice centre has grown into a retail network of more than 500 mobile stores. The journey of Bhatia Mobile is a story of resilience, family dedication and customer trust. After establishing a strong presence in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the company has now opened its first Haryana store in Rohtak, the hometown of the Bhatia family.
Surat-Made Steel Powers INS Mangrol, Strengthening Indias Naval Defence Capabilities
Surat/Hazira (Gujarat) [India], October 26: The Indian Navys newly commissioned Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft INS Mangrol carries a strong Surat connection, having been built using 100% specialised steel supplied
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across other cities on October 26
A National Unity Rally comprising 150 motorcycles was flagged off in Surat on Monday as part of an anti-drug campaign, with participants from different states joining the initiative to mark National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas). Surat SP Rajesh Gadiya highlighted the participation of representatives from different states and the welcome extended to them by local groups, including NCC cadets, college students, industrial workers and village heads. Speaking to ANI, he said,
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CM launches projects worth 410 crore in Surat
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BJP Accuses Congress of Protecting Intruders During Save Democracy March in Surat
BJP leaders in Surat claim Congress is undermining democracy by protecting intruders and opposing voter list revisions. BJP Accuses Congress of Protecting Intruders During Save Democracy March in Surat
'Congress protecting infiltrators: BJP launches Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy' march in Gujarat
Digital Desk | Surat, Oct 25 (IANS) The Gujarat unit of BJP on Sunday accused the Congress of protecting infiltrators and opposing their removal from electoral rolls, as it launched a Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy campaign in Surat, alleging that the Opposition party is attempting to undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and the election process. State BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma made the remarks while addressing a march held in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil. The campaign, according to the BJP, aims to counter what it described as misleading propaganda against democratic institutions, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the election process. Congress is working to protect infiltrators. It does not want infiltrators to be removed from electoral rolls, Vishwakarma said, accusing the party of attempting to create unrest and disrupt the country's atmosphere. He alleged that Congress is unwilling to accept the people's mandate and is instead spreading confusion and distrust about the country's democratic institutions. He also accused the party of attempting to incite young people by acting at the behest of foreign forces. India's youth stand with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the public has complete faith in the country's democratic institutions, Vishwakarma said, adding that the alleged designs of Rahul Gandhi and his associates would never succeed. The state BJP president further alleged that Congress is using what he described as a politics of lies to create an atmosphere of anarchy. The people are aware of the party's political tactics and would not forgive it for allegedly conspiring to defame India, he said. Referring to PM Modi's leadership, Vishwakarma said the country is moving towards becoming a developed nation and achieving self-reliance under the 'Make in India' initiative. He also noted that PM Modi had recently completed 25 years of public service and dedication. According to Vishwakarma, the BJP and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are in power in 22 states. The march began near Prime Market in Adajan and passed through Presidency Circle, Machhli Circle and Varun Hospital Circle before concluding at Bhulka Bhavan Circle. Participants raised slogans including Congress supports infiltrators, Those who are friends of infiltrators are traitors to the country and The country will not tolerate the insult to the people's mandate in the name of vote theft. The march was attended by state Minister Naresh Patel, BJP state general secretary Prashant Korat, Surat city BJP president Paresh Patel, party office-bearers, MPs, MLAs, elected representatives, religious and community leaders, traders' association representatives, women, NGO representatives and other citizens.
Tiger Shroff firing: Turkish, desi pistols recovered in Surat, youth held in MP
Cops have arrested Pranjal Thakaran, a 22-year-old student, regarding the recent firing incident involving actor Tiger Shroff. The police recovered a Turkish-made Zigana pistol and a country-made firearm during the investigation. Thakaran is believed to be linked to the weapon supply chain and the shooter involved in the case. The weapons were found in Surat after an extensive search effort by the authorities over several hours.
Two held for Dubai-linked cyber-laundering racket
2,779kg of cannabis tablets worth Rs 14cr seized in Valsad, Dadra
Fire breaks out in hall during repairs at NCH
IT firm employee drowns in SMC-run pool
Tiger Shroff shooting: Sonipat youth held in Indore; firearms recovered from Surat
Police arrested Pranjal Thakran in Indore for his involvement in the October 18 shooting targeting Tiger Shroff. Investigations revealed that the assailants were informed about police movements via television updates. Two firearms related to the attack were recovered in Surat during targeted raids by security forces. Eleven individuals have been arrested, including direct shooters and their logistical supporters from various states.
Tiger Shroff Attack: 11 Arrested, Firearms Seized
Mumbai Police have arrested a 22-year-old man in Indore and recovered two firearms from Surat in connection with the shooting incident targeting Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff's car. The total number of arrests in the case has now reached 11, with police also revealing that assailants received real-time updates on the investigation via news channels.
The Mumbai Crime Branch recovered the weapons on October 23 in connection with the October 18 firing at the actors car in Juhu; police have not disclosed the identity of the detained suspect or his alleged role
The Mumbai Crime Branch recovered the weapons on October 23 in connection with the October 18 firing at the actors car in Juhu; police have not disclosed the identity of the detained suspect or his alleged role
Three Arrested For Vande Bharat Stone Pelting
Three labourers were arrested in Surat for allegedly throwing stones at the Vande Bharat Express, damaging windows but causing no injuries. The accused, who claimed they acted for fun, were identified via CCTV footage and booked under the Railways Act.
Rahul Gandhi is Liar of Opposition, not Leader of Opposition: Gujarat BJP
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 24 (IANS) Gujarat Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief spokesperson Anil Patel on Saturday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of spreading misleading information about constitutional institutions, as the party announced a statewide campaign to counter the Oppositions allegations over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The BJPs Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy campaign will begin on Sunday, with a march in Surat, followed by programmes in Ahmedabad and Rajkot on October 27 and Vadodara on October 28. The party said it would organise further marches across districts and cities in Gujarat, along with press conferences and public outreach programmes. Addressing a press conference at the BJPs state headquarters in Gandhinagar, Patel accused the Congress and other Opposition parties of attempting to create distrust in constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission, through what he described as false and misleading information about SIR. Opposition is acting out of political frustration and attempting to mislead the public rather than accepting the peoples mandate and playing a constructive role, he said. Referring to Rahul Gandhis functioning, Patel said: Rahul Gandhi is behaving not as the Leader of Opposition but as the Liar of Opposition. Patel also accused the Congress of placing political interests above national interest in its pursuit of power. The partys allegations against constitutional institutions and its position on issues such as infiltration are turning matters of national interest into political confrontations, he said. He maintained that the Opposition would not succeed in creating an atmosphere of anarchy or misleading the public. The campaign is intended to present facts in response to the Oppositions claims about SIR and strengthen public confidence in democratic and constitutional institutions, the party said. The first march will take place at Adajan in Surat at 5 p.m. on Sunday in the presence of state BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma and Union Minister C. R. Patil. State general secretary Prashant Korat will also attend. On October 27, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will attend the march in Ahmedabad, where state general secretary Ajay Brahmbhatt will also be present. A separate march in Rajkot on the same day will be attended by Vishwakarma, state co-in-charge Ajay Mahawar, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister Nimuben Bambhaniya and state general secretary Aniruddh Dave, among other leaders. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi will attend the Vadodara march on October 28, along with state general secretary Hitendrasinh Chauhan. The marches would bring together state ministers, MPs, MLAs, party office-bearers, elected representatives, workers, community leaders, traders association representatives, women, non-governmental organisation representatives and other citizens. Similar programmes will subsequently be organised across the state, party leaders said. The campaign will also include press conferences in districts and cities to address the Oppositions claims regarding SIR, discussions with eminent citizens, and youth interactions on the theme Democracy vs Mobocracy. Competitions for students on strengthening democracy and outreach programmes involving influential citizens and social media influencers are also planned. Youth discussions will cover Indias democratic history, the role of constitutional institutions, the Congress past use of Article 356 and the imposition of Presidents Rule in various states. Restrictions on the press and media during the Emergency will also feature, alongside discussions on institutional autonomy, infiltration and issues concerning national interest.
Surat University Installs 375 Special Fans In Hostels For Suicide Prevention
Veer Narmad South Gujarat University in Surat is installing around 375 spring-equipped fans in hostel rooms as part of a suicide prevention initiative. Each fan costs 2,247 and is designed to tilt downwards when a load exceeding 10 kg is applied.
