2 Workers Killed, 20 Injured As Blast Triggers Fire At Gujarat Textile Unit

At least two workers were killed and 20 others were injured after an explosion triggered a fire at a textile processing unit in the Surat district of Gujarat on Monday, officials said.

Gujarat cops crack global cyber-slavery syndicate; three arrested

AHMEDABAD: Gujarats Surat Cyber Crime police have cracked a shocking cross-border human trafficking and cyber-fraud racket. At least 40 youths from India and abroad, including several from Gujarat, were duped with fake job offers in Thailand, smuggled across borders into Myanmar, and forced to work in illegal Chinese-run call centres carrying out online investment frauds. Three accused have been arrested so far, while a wider nexus involving 12 people, including a Pakistani agent, has come to light. The racket first surfaced when Surat cyber sleuths traced suspicious mobile numbers linked to foreign call centres. Further investigation revealed a sinister chain: unsuspecting jobseekers were flown to Thailand on tourist visas, pushed across rivers into Myanmar, and handed over to Chinese gangs. Once inside, they were stripped of their freedom and forced to run cyber scams using fake Facebook and Instagram IDs. Police raids led to the arrest of three key players: Nipender alias Nirav Lavkush Chaudhary, HR manager with a Chinese company; Preet Rasiklal Kamani of Rajkot; and visa agent Ashish Ramanlal Rana of Surat. All three worked as recruiters, luring youths with promises of high-paying computer jobs. Investigations revealed the racket had been running for over 18 months. Nipender, working with Chinese handlers, pocketed Rs 3 lakh commission per person routed to Myanmar. Preet, once trapped himself, was forced to bring in replacements earning Rs 40,000Rs 50,000 per recruit. He even dragged his Haryana friend Rajneesh Banna into the same nightmare under threats. Rana, the visa agent, charged commissions of Rs 37,000 per head for arranging travel documents. Victims testimonies paint a chilling picture. Preet Kamani confessed that after being smuggled to a Myanmar call centre named KK3, he and others were forced to cheat Indians in fake investment schemes. Those who refused were told to either pay up in dollars or supply fresh recruits. Many were coerced into dragging friends and acquaintances into the racket. According to DCP Surat Vishakha Jain, Chinese companies are using agents in India and abroad to lure youths into cyber crime call centers. They operate on commissions, trapping the vulnerable with false promises of jobs. Police confirmed at least 40 youths were trafficked: 37 Indians, 2 Sri Lankans, and 1 Pakistani. So far, 12 masterminds have been identified, including Pakistani agent Alex and Chinese coordinators Alexander, Enzo, William, King, and others. The network spread across Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia, making millions through cyber scams while exploiting trafficked youths as front-line callers. With three arrests made, Surat Cyber Crime is now digging deeper into the money trail, agents links in India, and the possibility of more victims still trapped in foreign cyber-slavery hubs.

Rs 70K Commission On 1.5 Cr Cyber Fraud: Man Rents His Account To Scammers

A Surat man renteng his bank account for Rs 75,000 and became the channel for a Rs 1.5 crore cyber fraud spanning multiple states.

Jewellery exporters press for relief as US tariffs bite

The GJEPC is appealing to the Centre for immediate relief as the US tariffs of 50% on Indian goods are impacting the gems and jewellery industry. Exporters had anticipated tariff action, but the unexpected duty has left the industry reeling, especially in Surat.

Gems and jewellery exporters reel as US tariffs kick in; seek urgent govt relief, Surat jobs in risk

India's gems and jewellery industry faces a crisis as the US imposes 50% tariffs, disrupting diamond exports. The GJEPC urges the Centre for immediate relief, including credit extensions and moratoriums, to cushion exporters. With potential job losses in Surat, the council seeks policy and monetary interventions, hoping for a swift resolution considering the broader India-US relationship.

Relationship With Minor, 2 Abortions: Shocking Revelations In Surat Teacher Suicide Case

Surat teacher suicide case took a shocking turn as a 3,000-page FSL report revealed her relationship with a minor and two abortions.

Maratha quota leader begins indefinite protest at Azad Maidan demanding OBC inclusion

MUMBAI: Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange Patil on Friday began an indefinite protest at Azad Maidan, joined by thousands of demonstrators, to press his demand for the inclusion of the Maratha community in the Other Backwards Category (OBC). Manoj Jarange Patil stated that he is ready to face a bullet or any consequences but will not leave Mumbai until the demand for Maratha inclusion in the OBC category is fulfilled. He emphasised that the Maratha community protesters are willing to cooperate with the state government, but they expect reciprocity. He said, We want a sustainable reservation, not one that can be challenged and overturned in court. Maratha and Kunbi are the same, and marriages also take place between these two communities. The marriage between Maratha and Kunbi is not called an inter caste marriage but a same caste marriage. If Kunbis are given the OBC reservation, then Marathas should also be given it. And the state government has the power to do that. Maratha quota stir: Activist Jarange reaches Pune ahead of Mumbai protest From Friday morning, an unprecedented number of people arrived in local trains to join the protest at Azad Maidan. The protesters brought their own food and prepared to stay in Mumbai for an extended period. Some of them even cooked on the footpaths. Despite continuous rain in the city, the protesters remained at Azad Maidan, parking their vehicles nearby and constructing makeshift shelters. The protesters vehicles caused major traffic congestion, particularly in South Mumbai. The Eastern Expressway and Atal Setu also experienced severe jams. However, the demonstrators opened the way for ambulances. They raised slogans to encourage each other and to press their demand. Reacting to the protest, Uddhav Thackeray said, It is the right of the protesters to come to the capital of Maharashtra to press their demand; they cannot go to Surat or Guwahati. Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra, so, naturally, the protesters will come here. Now, it is the responsibility of the state government to address their issue. We are not in power now. Rohit Pawar, NCP SP MLA, criticised the state government for preventing the protesters from accessing food at Azad Maidan. He said, Police forced many food stalls to shut down, which caused difficulties for the protesters in getting food and water nearby. It is the responsibility of the state to provide everything, but the state here is interested in cutting all key supplies to the protesters.

Indian Navy warships INS Tamal, INS Surat dock in Jeddah to boost Indo-Saudi ties

NEW DELHI: Aiming to strengthen ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, INS Tamal, a Talwar-class stealth frigate, and INS Surat, the latest indigenously constructed guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy, arrived at Jeddah on 27 and 28 August 2025, respectively. The Indian Navy (IN) in its statement said, During the port call, the crew will engage with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) and Border Guards through sports fixtures, familiarisation with naval facilities and discussions towards fostering Indo-Saudi Arabian relations. The Navy said the visit underscores India's commitment to strengthening defence collaboration and friendly ties with Saudi Arabia. It will also provide an opportunity for both navies to share best practices and explore avenues for further engagement. The Indian side will host a cultural exchange for senior dignitaries of the RSNF, Border Guards, diplomats, prominent members of the diaspora and local government officials, the IN added. Indian Navy commissions latest frigate INS Tamal As reported in detail earlier by The New Indian Express , INS Tamal (F71), a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, was commissioned in July at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. INS Tamal is the eighth multi-role stealth frigate in the series of Project 1135.6 and the second of the additional follow-on Tushil class of ships. The first ship of the Tushil class (INS Tushil) was commissioned on 09 December 2024 in the presence of the Defence Minister. TNIE reported on INS Surat, which was commissioned this January, is the latest indigenous guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai, and designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau, the ship is a shining example of Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and boasts an indigenous content of over 75%.

Former Gujarat BJP MLA, ex-Amreli SP among 14 sentenced to life term in 2018 bitcoin extortion case

Ahmedabad Sessions Court Judge sentenced Kotadiya, Patel and others to life imprisonment for their alleged involvement in kidnapping Surat-based builder Shailesh Bhatt and his partner

Gujarat Bitcoin racket verdict: Former BJP MLA, senior police officials among 14 sentenced to life imprisonment

AHMEDABAD: In a landmark verdict, the Ahmedabad City Sessions Court has convicted 14 accused, including former BJP MLA Nalin Kotadiya and senior Gujarat police officials, in the infamous 2018 Bitcoin extortion case. The case, which began with the kidnapping of Surat-based builder and cryptocurrency trader Shailesh Bhatt, revealed a murky nexus of politicians, police officers and middlemen in Gujarat. The Bitcoin scandal that shook Gujarat in 2018 has finally reached closure. The Ahmedabad City Sessions Court on Friday convicted 14 accused, among them former BJP MLA Nalin Kotadiya, then Amreli SP Jagdish Patel, and then LCB PI Anant Patel, holding them guilty of alleged kidnapping and extortion in the multi-crore Bitcoin racket. Following Shailesh Bhatts explosive complaint, CID Crime swung into action, arresting all the accused linked to the Bitcoin scandal. The trial unfolded in the ACB Special Court of the City Civil and Sessions Court, Ahmedabad, where the state lined up a staggering 172 witnesses against them. In stark contrast, the defence could produce just one witness, and despite 92 witnesses allegedly turning hostile, the court found the evidence and arguments strong enough to seal the fate of the accused. After nearly three months of intense final arguments, the gavel came down heavy as the court sentenced all 14 accused in the sensational scam to life imprisonment. The case traces back to Surat builder Shailesh Bhatt, who was allegedly trading in cryptocurrencies. In February 2018, Bhatt was lured under threats from individuals claiming to be from the CBI office in Gandhinagar. Instead of a warning, he was allegedly kidnapped from a petrol pump, beaten up, and dragged to a farmhouse by a team led by Amreli police officials using government vehicles. Once in custody of his abductors, Bhatt was allegedly coerced into parting with 176 Bitcoins worth around 9 crore, and was later forced to transfer more digital currency and cash. The demands spiralled from 12 crore transferred to Anant Patels account, to another 50 crore extortion attempt, and eventually a 32 crore ransom routed through the Angadia network. However, the Bitcoin extortion was not a one-way story. Bhatt himself carried a chequered past. He had earlier been accused of allegedly kidnapping BitConnect companys employees and recovering 2,021 Bitcoins, 11,000 Litecoins, and over 14 crore after allegedly losing 1.14 crore in crypto investments. His own complaint, however, blew the lid on a bigger scandal implicating police officers and politicians. As investigations deepened, CID Crime arrested 10 police personnel, including Anant Patel and Surat-based lawyer Ketan Patel. Interrogations revealed the names of then SP Jagdish Patel and former MLA Nalin Kotadiya. Kotadiya, accused of playing the fixer in the racket, went underground. A non-bailable warrant was issued before he was finally arrested from Maharashtras Dhulia and later granted conditional bail in 2019. The net widened further when CBI Inspector Sunil Nair was also accused of allegedly demanding a 10 crore bribe from Bhatt, threatening to unleash ED and Income Tax probes on him. Bhatt claimed he paid 4.6 crore after settling the demand at 5 crore. Now, after years of courtroom battles, the special court in Ahmedabad has brought closure. With 14 convicted, including top cops, a CBI officer, lawyers, and a former legislator, the verdict has laid bare the dangerous collusion of crime, cryptocurrency, and corridors of power in Gujarat.

Technical fault forces Dubai-bound IndiGo flight to divert to Ahmedabad

New Delhi: An IndiGo flight from Surat to Dubai carrying around 150 passengers was diverted to Ahmedabad on Thursday morning after the aircraft developed a technical problem. The flight, which took off from Surat at 9:30 a.m., landed safely at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad about an hour and a half later. Airport Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

IndiGo`s Surat-Dubai flight to diverted to Ahmedabad after technical glitch

The flight, which took off from Surat airport at around 9.30 am, safely landed at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport in Ahmedabad at around 11 am after it was diverted, the official said

From glitter to gloom: Gujarats diamond and textile hub hit by US tariff shock

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat's Surat city, glittering with diamonds and textiles, is staring at a storm. With US President Donald Trumps 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods kicking in, the city's lifeline industries, diamonds and textiles, face unprecedented disruption. Exports worth billions have stalled, artisans fear mass unemployment, and desperation is already pushing some former workers into crime. The crisis has snowballed from factories to families, threatening not just trade but the citys social fabric. Surat's sparkle dims as a new tariff wall rises in the US, slashing demand for diamonds and textiles overnight. What was once a steady flow of large orders has dried up, leaving traders anxious and artisans vulnerable. Jayanti Savaliya, regional president of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), warned that the new pricing will drive American buyers away. New orders have stopped completely. With our products becoming 50 per cent costlier in the US, customers will simply stay away, he said. His warning cuts deeper for Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which thrive solely on direct exports. Without intervention, thousands of artisans could soon be jobless, pushing the council to demand government support and marketing funds. Centre working on support measures to help exporters deal with 50 % US tariff The textile industry, too, finds itself caught in the same storm. Ashok Jirawala, chairman of the Federation of Weavers Association, admitted the tariff hits not only Surat but also Tirupur - India's garment hub. Prices of garments, curtains, bedsheets and yarn will rise by 50 per cent. Competing in the US market will now be impossible, he said, urging exporters to scout for alternative markets. The blow comes on an already weak pulse. Surats diamond industry has been in recession for months, forcing the Gujarat government earlier to offer fee-support packages for artisans' children. Now, with exports frozen $4.8 billion worth of gems and jewellery to the US, the fallout is massive. Out of 8 to 9 lakh workers in Surat and almost half of Gujarat's 15 lakh diamond artisans, 40 per cent are likely to face job losses. The human cost is surfacing fast. In a shocking twist, a former diamond worker, 50-year-old Bheraram Bishnoi, was caught in Surat's Varachha area selling opium worth Rs 53,400. Police revealed he had turned to crime after losing his diamond business job, a stark example of how economic despair is already breeding social cracks. Even factories are showing cracks. A Katargam-based diamond firm that catered to foreign traders, abruptly laid off 100 workers this week, its decision directly linked to the tariff shock. Workers protested, and after tense negotiations led by the Diamond Worker Union, the company agreed to reinstate them. Bhavesh Tank, the unions vice president, confirmed, All jewelers will resume work from tomorrow, with lost days adjusted.

Mid-air technical glitch forces IndiGo's Surat-Dubai flight to divert to Ahmedabad

An IndiGo flight en route from Surat to Dubai, carrying approximately 150 passengers, was diverted to Ahmedabad due to a technical issue encountered mid-air on Thursday. The flight, which departed Surat around 9:30 am, safely landed in Ahmedabad at approximately 11:00 am. IndiGo arranged a replacement aircraft for the passengers, which departed for Dubai around 1:45 pm after inspection.

IndiGo SuratDubai flight makes emergency landing in Gujarats Ahmedabad Airport

AHMEDABAD: A major scare was reported mid-air on Sunday when an IndiGo SuratDubai flight (6E-1507) carrying over 150 passengers was forced to make an emergency landing at Ahmedabad after its engine developed a technical fault. Swift action by the pilot averted disaster, ensuring all passengers landed safely before being flown onward to Dubai on an alternate aircraft. A technical snag hit one of the engines of the flight soon after takeoff from Surat International Airport. Realising the gravity of the fault, the pilot swiftly alerted Air Traffic Control and sought permission to divert, opting for the nearest airport, Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Passengers panicked after the announcement of an engine problem, but the crew kept the situation under control. No injuries were reported, and all passengers landed safely in Ahmedabad. Confirming the emergency landing, an airport official said, An IndiGo flight travelling from Surat to Dubai made an emergency landing in Ahmedabad after the pilot immediately decided to divert the aircraft. Technical teams at Ahmedabad Airport carried out a detailed inspection of the plane. Passengers were accommodated on an alternate flight, which has since departed for its destination. Flight operations remained unaffected, with no diversions or disruptions reported. IndiGos engineers launched a detailed probe into the engine fault soon after the landing. The airline has assured that all safety checks will be completed before the aircraft is cleared to fly again.

US tariff: Provide two-year moratorium for MSME, sops for exporters, Kamal Haasan tells governments

CHENNAI: Makkal Needhi Maiam party founder Kamal Haasan has said that the US President Donald Trump government's 50 per cent tariff on Indian exporters was a challenge to the sovereignty of Indian livelihoods and both the Centre and state governments should come forward to provide immediate relief to exporters. As an emergency breathing space, the governments could provide a two-year moratorium on MSME loan repayments, and a special emergency credit line. He suggested the governments to expand guarantee covers and restore low-interest export credit, and clear all pending GST, RODTEP, and RoSCTL refunds within strict deadlines; enhance rates for the hardest-hit export lines. The Rajya Sabha MP said temporary power-tariff concessions, freight support to open new markets, and liberalised import norms for synthetic yarns could be provided and also a single-window fast track for export compliance and refunds. Further, the country should identify and facilitate entry into new global markets for affected sectors, he emphasised. Let us not treat this merely as crisis management. This must be our clarion call for a decade-long mission to secure India's place in the supply chains of tomorrow; rare earths, semiconductors, batteries, power electronics, and advanced textiles, Haasan said in a statement here on Wednesday night. Only then will India be beyond the reach of tariffs and threats from across the oceans, he added. The 50 per cent US tariffs on our exporters is not about trade nor Ukraine. They are a political cudgel, aimed at shaking our resolve. When the sovereignty of Indian livelihoods is challenged, the nation must act together. I urge the Union and State governments to provide immediate relief, the MNM leader said. He said India's resolve in ensuring energy security for the country and its proud citizens carried no price tag. Tariffs on China came in whispers and half-measures, while on India they were wielded like hammer. That is the lesson for India, which Gandhiji reminded us of at the stroke of the midnight hour, Atmanirbharta is not a slogan; it is strategic insurance, Haasan noted. He expressed solidarity with the exporters in Tiruppur, Surat, and Noida, shrimp farmers of Andhra Pradesh, gems and jewellery industry in Gujarat and Maharashtra; and steel workers, whom he said must not ear the cost of geopolitical games. Is India stumbling on Trump's tariffs by dancing with Russia and China?

Modi's image 'product of his friends with deep pockets,' alleges Rahul Gandhi at Bihar rally; calls PM 'hollow'

DARBHANGA/ MUZAFFARPUR/ SITAMARHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday sought to berate Prime Minister Narendra Modi over US President Donald Trump's claim that India had agreed to halt military conflict with Pakistan within five hours of an ultimatum from America. The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, whose fortnight-long 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar has three more days to go, covered north Bihar districts of Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi, all strongholds of the BJP-led NDA. Addressing a rally in Sitamarhi's Runni Saidpur late in the evening, before calling it a day, Gandhi said, What type of Prime Minister do we have? He brags of having a 56-inch chest. But US President Donald Trump says that while Operation Sindoor was on, he called up Modi and told him to stop the military conflict within 24 hours. And Modi, like a deflated tyre (hawa nikal gayi), obeyed the command within five hours. The former Congress president alleged that it only proves Modi is a coward. His (Modi's) image is a product of his friends with deep pockets. He also receives some help from the media, which spends 10 days telecasting the wedding of a wealthy man's son, but cannot spare 15 minutes for our Yatra in which lakhs of people are turning up daily, Gandhi said. The Congress leader claimed that when he challenged Modi in Parliament recently to call the bluff of Trump, he could not muster the courage to utter a word. I have met him a number of times. He seems hollow. A far cry from real heroes like Mahatma Gandhi who never boasted of a 56-inch chest, the Congress leader said. Just imagine the pressure Mahatma Gandhi must have faced from the British Empire which was then a superpower. They placed him in jails, kept him in solitary confinement. But he stuck to his principles, he said. The Congress leader also alleged that the 'Gujarat model' which had helped the rise of Modi, its then chief minister, on the national stage, was all about vote chori (theft of votes). It is the model (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah must have had in his mind when he had predicted that the BJP would rule the country for 30-40 years. Politicians like us know it well that public mood is fickle and we cannot be sure of what is going to happen tomorrow, claimed Gandhi. He said the Congress had begun to suspect something was amiss when it lost the assembly polls in Maharashtra, just a month after the Lok Sabha elections in which the alliance, of which the party was a part, had swept the western state. We polled as many votes in the Maharashtra assembly polls as we had in the Lok Sabha elections. But the BJP-led coalition saw a steep rise in its vote tally, which was commensurate with the number of new voters added to the electoral rolls within a span of a few months. Our request for access to CCTV footage of the elections was turned down by the Election Commission, said Gandhi. Voter Adhikar Yatra aims to fight for peoples rights, says Priyanka Gandhi The EC seems to be gratified that the Modi government had passed a law in Parliament a few years ago providing legal immunity to Election Commissioners, he said adding: Nonetheless, we persisted and managed to sift through a huge pile of documents to point out anomalies in the electoral roll for a Bangalore seat that we had lost. In about six months from now, we will come out with many such disclosures which would establish that vote chori has been on in most places across the country. Even in the Lok Sabha polls, there were manipulations in 70-80 seats, said Gandhi, referring to last year's general elections which saw the BJP falling short of a majority and forming the government with the help of allies like JD(U) and TDP. Gandhi, who has been accompanied by alliance partners Tejashwi Yadav (RJD) and Dipankar Bhattacharya (CPI ML Liberation) all through the Yatra, began the day with a motorcycle rally which saw his sister and Congress general secretary Priyanka Vadra pillion riding the bike he drove. Vadra, who left in the afternoon, had been with the Yatra since Tuesday when she also addressed a public meeting in Madhubani. In Muzaffarpur, the leaders were joined by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin, who told a rally that the deletion of 65 lakh voters' names from the draft electoral rolls in Bihar, as part of special intensive revision, was worse than terrorism. The rally also served as an ice-breaker as young Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar was seen shaking hands with Tejashwi Yadav. The perceived rivalry between the two leaders has been a matter of much speculation in a section of the media. The BJP sought to fish in the INDIA bloc's troubled waters by raking up controversial statements made by Stalin and his cabinet colleagues against the people of Bihar. A number of video clips were shared by former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on social media. In addition, BJP workers in Patna burnt an effigy of Stalin and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who had joined the Yatra a day ago and has been similarly accused of having belittled Bihar. Deletion of voters' names in Bihar worse than terrorism, says Tamil Nadu CM Stalin

Catchers in short supply, ABC programme goes off leash in Vadodara, Surat

Jewellery exporters seek gem of a package

Indian gem and jewellery exporters are seeking a bailout package due to Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian goods, impacting a key market. The industry is requesting financial support for diversification, interest deferment, and SEZ reforms. Facing a 32% export decline already, a further 75% drop is feared, leading to layoffs in Surat's diamond sector.

'US will remain dependent on India,' Surat Diamond Traders confidant of riding out Trump Tariff effects

The US tariffs of 50% on Indian imports have commenced, potentially impacting Surat's diamond industry, though stakeholders anticipate only a short-term effect due to India's dominance in diamond production. While the US market presents challenges, manufacturers are considering alternative markets in Europe and Russia. The tariffs are a result of an executive order addressing threats from the Russian Federation.

Export units at Tirupur, Noida, Surat halt production amid high U.S. tariffs: FIEO

U.S. tariffs will severely disrupt the flow of Indian goods to its largest export market, Federation of Indian Export Organisations

Gems, jewellery exporters seek counsel on rerouting shipments

Indian gems and jewellery exporters are worried about the impact of the 50% tariff imposed by the US. They have approached the Reserve Bank of India for support regarding working capital. Exporters are also exploring rerouting shipments through countries with lower tariffs like Dubai and Mexico. Surat's diamond industry fears job losses after Diwali.

Surat Shocker: Ex-Husband Kidnaps Former Wife In Filmy Style To Reunite

In Surat, a man abducted his ex-wife in a filmy style to reunite after divorce. Police nabbed him at a checkpoint and rescued the woman.

Surat Doctors Remove 25-cm Abscess, 7 Litres Of Pus In Rare Surgery To Save Homeless Man

Doctors drained fluid to ease pressure on Kumar Mochis lungs and stabilise breathing. In surgery, they found a severe abdominal infection and removed about 7 litres of pus

Supreme Court offers death row convict facility in jail to grieve virtually for his deceased mother

Bench rejects his plea to allow him to make the journey from a Surat jail to the Naxalite area of Buxar in Bihar to attend rituals

3-year-old boy from Gujarat kidnapped, strangled by cousin; Body found in Mumbai train toilet

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat's Surat city has been shaken by the chilling kidnapping and murder of a 3-year-old boy. The prime suspect, his own cousin, dumped the child's body in a train toilet in Mumbai before vanishing with the mother's mobile phone. Now, multiple police teams are chasing him across Maharashtra and Bihar in a high-stakes manhunt. The Amroli Police of Surat City and Surat Crime Branch are now locked in a cross-state chase for the accused, 26-year-old Vikas, who is on the run after allegedly strangling his little cousin. The nightmare began on August 21, when Vikas who had recently arrived from Bihar to stay with his aunt Durgadevi in Amroli area of Surat took her son, Akash alias Aarav, out to play. Both disappeared soon after, along with Durgadevi's mobile phone. Days later, Akash's body was discovered stuffed inside the dustbin of an AC train coach toilet at Lokmanya Tilak station, Mumbai. The boy had been strangled with the very rope tied around his neck. The accused, a native of Siwan in Bihar, escaped immediately after the murder. Police sources revealed he had previously worked in Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, and has been living a reclusive, erratic life since returning. The investigation gained momentum after police traced the missing mobile phone belonging to the child's mother which Vikas carried with him. However, he has kept officers off-track by frequently switching the device on and off, leaving only fleeting signals in Mumbai, Thane and Bihar. CCTV footage from railway stations on the Kushinagar train's route and Lokmanya Tilak station has become the focus of the probe. At the same time, officers are struggling to extract details from the grieving family, who remain in deep shock. Police insiders describe Vikas as a loner with no friends and no personal mobile phone often wandering without purpose. No prior criminal record has surfaced so far, but his sudden violent act has stunned investigators. Tensions had reportedly been simmering in the family. Vikas's mother Rabri Devi had been living with her sister Durgadevi in Surat, but quarrels broke out over accommodation and work. Whether this dispute triggered the killing remains unanswered. At present, five teams from the Surat Citys Amroli Police, Crime Branch, and Local Crime Branch are deployed in Mumbai, Thane and Bihar to nab the fugitive.

Mumbai and Surat police hunt for man accused of kidnapping, killing three-year-old cousin and dumping body in train loo

Man held for scaling Parliament wall released

Ram Shankar Bind, a 20-year-old from Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, was released after being arrested for attempting to scale the Parliament complex wall in Delhi. His family claims he may have mistakenly traveled to Delhi while en route home from Surat, where he worked. Authorities found no suspicious evidence and handed him over to his father after questioning by central agencies.

3-year-old 'kidnapped' Surat boy found murdered in dustbin of train washroom at Mumbais LTT; cousin prime suspect

A three-year-old boy, Aarav Shah, who was reported missing from his Surat home on August 21, was tragically discovered murdered in a train lavatory at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Mumbai. The child's throat was slit, and authorities are actively searching for his cousin, Vikas Kumar Shah, who is suspected of kidnapping the boy.

Mumbai: Seven-year-olds body found in train toilet bin

Police are on the hunt for the childs cousin, who allegedly kidnapped him from Surat and strangled him on the train at LTT; a senior officer confirmed that they identified the victim and accused after finding a link to a kidnapping case registered on Friday in Amroli

D link surfaces in inter-state synthetic drug cartel in MP

BHOPAL: Bhopal finds itself at the centre of a massive synthetic drug racket, this time with alleged links to the underworld. Investigators say the illegal mephedrone factory uncovered last week on the outskirts may have been controlled by Salim Dola Ismail, a trusted aide of Iqbal Mirchi, the right-hand man of Indias most wanted criminal Dawood Ibrahim. Salim Dola, believed to be operating from Turkey, is suspected of running the cartel through his network across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. His nephew, Mustafa Kubbawala, against whom Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice, is said to be his key aide. The operation, code-named Crystal Break, was carried out by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) along with police teams from Maharashtra and Gujarat. On August 16, they raided a unit in Jagdishpur village near Bhopal, seizing 61 kg of liquid mephedrone worth `92 crore, more than 541 kg of chemicals, and a complete set of processing machines. Seven people have been arrested. Among them, Abdul Faisal Qureshi, a pharmacy diploma holder from Ashok Nagar, and his associate, Razzaq Khan from Vidisha, were running the factory. A cartel member caught in Basti, Uttar Pradesh, handled raw material supplies from Mumbai. Two suppliers and a transporter were nabbed in Mumbai, while a Surat-based hawala operator was caught arranging funds. Preliminary probe revealed that funds were being transferred from Surat and Mumbai to Bhopal via hawala channels for funding the cartels manufacturing facility. A close associate of the cartel was also apprehended in Surat. This was the sixth mephedrone factory busted by the DRI in the past year, and the second near Bhopal in 10 months. In October 2024, a unit in the Bagroda Industrial Area was found with 907 kg of mephedrone worth Rs 1,814 crore.

Surathkal police arrest four on charges of cheating people of crores in lucky scheme scams

While New Shine Enterprises had allegedly cheated 4.2 crore; under Royal Scheme and Green Light Lucky Scheme people were cheated of over 10 crore

2 dead, 2 critical after toxic gas leak in company in Gujarat's Khambhat

AHMEDABAD: An industrial disaster rocked a company in Sokhda, Khambhat, Gujarat, after two workers died and two others were critically injured following a toxic gas leak inside the company's Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) tank. The incident unfolded when 27-year-old Kishan Baraiya entered the tank around 9.30 pm to clear a blockage. Moments later, he lost consciousness, overcome by the poisonous fumes. 63-year-old Arvind Babubhai, attempting a rescue, also collapsed inside the tank. Both men died. As panic set in, Rameshbhai Bhoi (39) and Kishan Padhiyar descended in quick succession to rescue their co-workers, but were also exposed to the gas. Rameshbhai managed to escape, while Kishan Padhiyar had to be pulled out unconscious. Both are now battling for their lives in the ICU. Families of the deceased wept and protested outside Cardiac Care Hospital, alleging severe negligence by the company. Dharmendrabhai Solanki, a relative of a deceased worker, said, Our son was hired for factory work but was forced into sewer cleaning. Company isnt giving us answers. We demand justice. Survivor Rameshbhai Bhoi said that there was no safety equipment. They said the tank is cleaned only once, so no gear was given. Usually, outsiders do this work. When questioned, Company Director Jignesh Patel admitted about lapses, claiming, It wasnt a chemical gas, it might be water tank gas. I dont have more information. He called it a very sad incident. This fatal leak comes after a similar gas tragedy in Mangrol, Surat, just two months ago, where two people died.

MSMEs in textiles, diamonds and chemicals to be most hit by US tariffs: CRISIL Intelligence

A CRISIL Intelligence report indicates that increased US tariffs will significantly impact India's MSME sector, responsible for 45% of exports. Textiles, gems, jewellery, and chemicals are expected to be the hardest hit, with MSMEs holding substantial shares in these sectors. Surat's diamond exports will face challenges, while the steel sector is likely to experience minimal impact.

Second illegal mephedrone factory busted on Bhopals outskirts in major DRI operation

BHOPAL: Are the outskirts of Madhya Pradesh's capital turning into a fertile ground for the illegal manufacturing of synthetic drugs? A major drug cartel, reportedly operated by an overseas handler with key operatives active across multiple states, has been busted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) with the arrest of seven individuals from four different states. At the centre of the cartel was an illicit Mephedrone drug manufacturing unit operating from Jagdishpur (Islampur) village, on the outskirts of Bhopal. The factory, which was busted on Saturday, is the second illegal synthetic drug manufacturing unit to be dismantled in the vicinity of the MP capital within ten months. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the DRI, working in coordination with police forces from multiple states, including Mumbai and Surat, raided the clandestine Mephedrone manufacturing facility as part of a focused and coordinated operation code-named Operation Crystal Break. The operation commenced on Saturday with the search of the illegal factory located in Jagdishpur (Islamnagar) village of Huzur Tehsil in Bhopal district. It led to the seizure of 61.20 kg of liquid Mephedrone, valued at 92 crore in the illicit market. Additionally, 541.53 kg of raw materials were recovered, including Methylene Dichloride, Acetone, Monomethylamine (MMA), Hydrochloric Acid (HCL), and 2-Bromo, along with a full set of drug-processing equipment, according to an official statement from the DRI released on Monday. The secluded factory had been deliberately concealed from all sides to avoid detection. Two individuals, including the chemist responsible for producing the Mephedrone, were arrested on-site while engaged in the illegal manufacturing process. The initial raid was swiftly followed by operations in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, which helped unearth the full extent of the inter-state drug cartel. A key operative was arrested in Basti district, eastern Uttar Pradesh, responsible for overseeing the supply of raw materials from Bhiwandi (Mumbai) to Bhopal. Two suppliers who had illegally provided the chemicals were apprehended in Mumbai, along with a logistics handler responsible for transporting the raw materials to the Bhopal facility. Preliminary investigations revealed that funding for the cartels operations was being routed through hawala channels from Surat and Mumbai to Bhopal. A close associate of the cartel managing the funds transfer was also apprehended in Surat. All seven arrested individuals have confessed to their respective roles in the illicit Mephedrone manufacturing racket, allegedly operating under instructions from an overseas kingpin involved in coordinating the synthetic drug trade across India. Mephedrone, a psychotropic substance listed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, is considered a serious threat to public health due to its psychoactive properties and effects similar to those of cocaine and amphetamines. This is the sixth clandestine Mephedrone factory dismantled by the DRI in the past year across India and the second such facility uncovered by central agencies in Bhopals outskirts in the last ten months. In October 2024, the largest illegal synthetic drug factory in the country was busted in the Bagroda Industrial Area near Bhopal, during a joint operation by the Gujarat Police Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Delhi. That raid led to the seizure of 907.09 kg of Mephedrone (in both solid and liquid forms), reportedly worth 1,814 crore in the international market. The facility had the capacity to produce 25 kg of Mephedrone daily, with an estimated street value of around 50 crore per day.

Smugglers break into Surat factory, flee with diamonds worth Rs 25 crore

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat's Surat, also known as the diamond hub of India, witnessed one of the biggest heists in recent years as smugglers broke into Diamond Company in Kapodra during the festive holidays and stole diamonds worth over Rs 25 crore, cash, and CCTV-DVRs. Taking advantage of a three-day holiday shutdown, the gang struck the factory located on the fourth floor of a building in Kapoorwadi. Before forcing their way in, they had disabled the fire alarm outside the factory so that no siren would ring while they used their gas cutter. With only one entry point available, they smashed the wooden door and slipped inside. What ensured the heist's success was the absence of CCTV cameras on that floor. Once inside, the gang showed no hesitation. They removed the office glass panel to reach the main chamber and cut open a three-layered safe, leaving behind a 12x10 inch hole as proof of their precision. The burglars also dismantled one outside camera and two inside cameras, ensuring no trace of their movement remained. By carrying away the DVRs, they eliminated digital evidence also. The alarm bells rang only when the owner returned after the holidays. Police rushed in with teams from the DCP, ACP, city crime branch, and forensic experts. Investigators collected traces, including a lighter, while probing the scene. Early estimates suggest it took the thieves nearly two hours to slice through the fortified locker, indicating they were not amateurs but a gang armed with modern tools. DCP Alok Kumar confirmed that the factory had been shut since the 15th, with no guard present. The accused broke CCTV cameras, took away the DVR, and used a gas cutter. This is not ordinary theft but a conspiracy executed with expertise, he said. The possibility of an international diamond smuggling gang being involved is not being ruled out. Police teams have already fanned out across cities, while local CCTV footage is under scrutiny. The theft has triggered unease in Surats diamond belt. With 50 shops and several cutting units on the road leading to the factory, police suspect the burglars had inside knowledge of its location and security gaps. Factory owner Devendra Chaudhary revealed the stolen consignment had arrived just a week earlier. The company had goods worth Rs 25-30 crore. It was a holiday, and today morning I was alerted by the floor tenant. When I came, the safe had been cut and everything was gone, he said. Investigators believe at least two to three men executed the burglary. Police are now checking call data records, examining road footage, and questioning possible suspects. Forensic samples and broken tiles from the scene suggest a getaway vehicle was used. As the probe deepens, the heist has cast a long shadow over the security of Surats diamond industry, already vulnerable due to poor surveillance in several units.

Heavy rains in Mumbai; flight ops hit, schools & colleges shut as IMD issues red alert

MUMBAI, Aug 18: The IMD issued a red alert, predicting extremely heavy rains at isolated places in Mumbai and neighbouring areas on Monday, prompting the city civic body to declare a holiday for all schools and colleges, officials said. A Mumbai airport spokesperson said nine flights conducted go arounds before finally landing, while one flight was diverted to Surat (in Gujarat) till 12 noon due to the heavy rains. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) appealed to residents to step out [] The post Heavy rains in Mumbai; flight ops hit, schools & colleges shut as IMD issues red alert appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

The carousel maker from Surat | How Priyanka Shahs furniture is getting noticed at Indias restaurants

Known for her fantastical furniture seen at restraunts such as Papas and Subko in Mumbai, Shah describes Sheds 10-year journey

Meet IPS Safin Hasan, whose father worked as labourer, mother as cook, had accident on the day of exam, still cracked UPSC exam with AIR...

Safin excelled academically, scoring 92% in both his 10th and 12th board exams. He pursued a B.Tech degree from Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, with the help of his relatives. Check here to know more about him.

GSTAT passes order against Subway franchisee for not passing rate cut benefit to customer

NEW DELHI, Aug 13:In its first order in profiteering case, the newly constituted GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) has held Urban Essence, a franchisee of Subway Ltd, guilty of not passing GST rate cut benefit of Rs 5.47 lakh. The Goods and Services Tax Appellate Authority (GSTAT) order dated August 5 upheld the Directorate General of Anti-profiteering (DGAP) report that Urban Essence has profiteered to the extent of Rs 5.47 lakh by not passing on a commensurate reduction of the [] The post GSTAT passes order against Subway franchisee for not passing rate cut benefit to customer appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Surat CA Accused Of Usurping Client's Business In Rs 18 Crore Fraud

Surat police registered a corporate fraud case filed by businessman Vijay Shah against his CA, Kailash Chandra Lohia and Lohia's relatives, amounting to Rs 18.73 crore

ICMAI CMA June 2025 Toppers: Sujal Pradeep Saraf secures first rank in Intermediate, check list of top scorers here

Sujal Pradeep Saraf topped the ICMAI CMA June 2025 Intermediate exam, announced today. The exam saw 26,974 candidates in Group-I with a 10.62% pass rate, and 15,333 in Group-II with 30.42% passing. The top 10 ranks include candidates from Surat, Noida, Bhilai, and more. Final exam pass rates ranged from 16.20% to 24.85%, reflecting mixed results compared to December 2024.

ICMAI CMA toppers 2025: Hans Amresh secures first rank in June Final exam, check list of top 10 here

The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) has announced the CMA June 2025 Intermediate and Final exam toppers, with Hans Amresh from Surat securing the first rank. The top 10 list features candidates from cities including Mumbai, Jaipur, Faridabad, and Bangalore, reflecting wide geographic representation and notable female participation in this years merit rankings.

Ahmedabad Diary | Secret BJP-Congress deal in Amul Dairy power play?

A hush-hush pact is reportedly shaping the upcoming Amul Dairy polls in Anand, set to be declared any time after the August 12 voter list. According to sources, a Surat-based industrialist close to state BJP chief CR Patil brokered a secret meeting between BJP and Congress leaders, sealing a 75 seat split with BJP claiming the chairman post and Congress the vice-chair. The formula mirrors 2020, but BJP is wary after the High Court scrapped its extra government-appointed directors last time. Meanwhile, ex-Amul chairman and now BJP MLA Ramsinh Parmars disgruntled loyalists are said to be plotting to undercut BJP candidates in Kheda and Mahisagar. Police rejig fuels talk of political undercurrents Visavadars police postings have triggered a storm in Gujarat, with four officers shuffled in just three months, fuelling talk of political undercurrents. After the June 23, 2025 election results, Visavadar PI Y.B. Rana was shunted to leave reserve and Bhesan PI R.B. Gadhvi moved to SOG within days. Replacements came, but B Division PI A.B. Gohil never joined, leaving Visavadars charge to rotate among PSIs. The latest Mendardas woman PSI S.M. Sumra, who earlier clashed with the AAP MLA during a cheap-grain brawl has now taken charge, sparking buzz over the political overtones of her appointment. Gambling racket sparks BJP public showdown Gujarats law-and-order row has exploded, with BJP MLA Arvind Ladani taking on his own police force. While the MoS for Home Affairs praised the cops, Ladani alleged gambling dens in Manavadar and Bantwa bring run under police patronage, paying `70,000`80,000 monthly instalments. He claimed that the youth are being ruined and innocents tortured to boost crime statistics. On August 9, he led a dharna at Manavadar police station, demanding a probe. Police hit back, saying a fugitive from a recent Bantwa raid misled him. Three arrests were made, 12 escaped. The clash has laid bare a rift within the ruling partys ranks. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com

SURAT HOSTED A LARGEST WOMEN-LED KAWAR YATRA UNDER BLESSINGS of OMGURU

Surat's Largest Women-Led Kanwar Yatra under the blessings of Omguru is held every year.

Repair works begin on Surathkal-Nanthoor stretch of NH 66

The works would be taken up during off-peak hours, that is, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and also at night

Tesla approves $29 billion in shares to Elon Musk as court case rumbles on

Tesla said in a statement it will award a distribution of 96 million Tesla shares to Musk as it intends to compensate its CEO for his future services commensurate with his contributions to our company and shareholders

Gujarats employment engine stalls: MSME shutdowns, zero PMEGP uptake in key districts

AHMEDABAD: The Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) has virtually failed in Gujarat, with not a single application from key districts like Surat and Navsari in 202425. A sharp 60 per cent decline in applications over five years, coupled with the closure of 7,269 small and medium enterprises, has left over 33,000 people jobless, exposing the Gujarat governments failure in translating employment promises into reality. In a damning indicator of policy failure, Gujarat has witnessed a breakdown in the implementation of the PMEGP, particularly in major districts like Surat and Navsari, which recorded zero applications for the scheme in 202425. This shocking data has emerged from a central government reply in the Rajya Sabha to Gujarat MP Narhari Amin, laying bare the states crumbling employment generation apparatus. The collapse is not isolated. PMEGP applications have plummeted from 19,654 in 202021 to just 7,793 in 202425, a drop of over 60 per cent, clearly revealing that Gujarats youth are losing faith in the scheme. Even in tribal districts where the scheme was meant to be a lifeline, the numbers are alarming: only seven applications in Dang and Mahisagar, 16 in Chhota Udepur, and just two in Narmada. Despite the states aggressive advertising campaigns and repeated tall claims on employment, this dramatic fall in applications underscores a deeper issue: a complete disconnect between government rhetoric and ground-level impact. Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Dr. Hiren Banker minced no words, calling the scheme employment generation in name only and slamming the state for its failure to extend any real benefits to job-seeking youth. But the crisis runs far deeper than just dwindling application numbers. In response to a question by Congress President and Rajya Sabha MP Mallikarjun Kharge, the government revealed alarming data on the state of Gujarats small and medium enterprises (SMEs) long considered the backbone of its economy. Over the past five years, 7,269 MSMEs have shut down, leading to the loss of 33,361 jobs. The pace of closures has surged drastically from just 67 units in 202021 to a staggering 3,329 in 202425 alone, resulting in 14,746 job losses in a single year. Gujarat misses top skill rankings, youth bear the brunt of job crisis This trend clearly illustrates that self-employment is no longer a viable option for Gujarats youth, thanks to administrative apathy, lack of guidance, and an indifferent attitude from both the state and central governments. Even banks are tightening approvals; only 2,733 loans were sanctioned in 202425, down from 4,265 in 202021. Whats worse, the decline has affected both urban and rural regions, revealing that the schemes failure is systemic, not localised. Despite the PMEGPs intent to encourage grassroots entrepreneurship, the lack of proper support, handholding, and follow-through has rendered the scheme ineffective across the state. The Gujarat Congress spokesperson Dr. Banker demanded an immediate overhaul of the state's MSME policy, urging the BJP government to move beyond flashy advertisements and take real, corrective action in the public interest. Until then, Gujarats youth will continue to face a bleak future betrayed by promises, trapped in unemployment, and increasingly forced to migrate in search of opportunity.

Maitri: In Surat, Two Freedom Fighters Built A Home That Still Unites Their Families

The bungalow 'Maitri' in Surat symbolizes an 80-year-old friendship between Gunwant and Bipin Desai. Their families continue this bond across four generations.

Surats Maitri bungalow stands as 80-year-old symbol of friendship passed through generations

In Surat's Bhatar, 'Maitri' bungalow embodies an enduring friendship. Bipin Desai and Gunwant Desai, friends since 1940, fought for independence together. They became business partners. Their bond fostered unity across generations. Their families live together at Maitri. They share responsibilities and festivities. Their unity is a legacy. Their friendship, built on faith, proves stronger than blood.

Bullet train corridor work in Gujarat on fast track, to be completed by 2027

NEW DELHI: The railways has accelerated work on the bullet train corridor between Vapi and Sabarmati in Gujarat, aiming to complete it by December 2027. A target has also been set to finish the entire projectfrom Maharashtra to the Sabarmati sectionby December 2029. The country will also be heading to Lok Sabha elections the same year. According to a recent update shared with the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Railways, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project, spanning 508 km, is currently under execution with technical and financial aid from Japan. The bullet train route will pass through Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, with 12 stations planned at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati. Construction work at these stations is progressing at full pace. The railways added that the total estimated cost of the project now stands at `1,08,000 crore, with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funding 81%. The remaining 19% is being financed through equity contributions from the Ministry of Railways (50%), and the governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat (25% each). As of 30 June 2025, a cumulative expenditure of Rs 78,839 crore has been incurred on the project. The Railways acknowledged that delays in land acquisition in Maharashtra had affected the project timeline up until 2021, but all civil contracts have now been awarded. Out of a total 28 tender packages, 24 tender packages have been awarded. Till now, 392 km of pier construction, 329 km of girder casting and 308 km of girder launching have been completed. The work of the under-sea tunnel (21 km approx.) has also started, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently informed Parliament. He further added saying that detailed project reports (DPRs) are being prepared by National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), to meet growing passenger demands, and to expand High Speed Rail (HSR) network in India beyond the MAHSR corridor. Vaishnaw also said that the MAHSR project involves an affordable fare-structure keeping in mind the socio-economic conditions of clientele.

Crater-ridden NH 66 on Surathkal-Nanthoor stretch drives motorists into tizzy

Top layer of carriageways has almost worn out on New Mangauru Port stretch between Baikampady and Kuloor Bridge

Surat Man Poisons Children, Takes Own Life Over Wife's Suspected Affair

A man named Alpeshbhai in Surat poisoned his two children and died by suicide over suspicions of his wife's affair. His wife and her alleged lover have been arrested.

International travels script Indias aviation growth story

NEW DELHI: The desire for international travel among Indians is triggering aviation boom, says the Airports Authority of India. And smaller airports, compared to those in capital cities, have picked up patronage. The AAI Air Traffic Data for the first three quarters of this financial year shows nearly two crore flyers went abroad this year, marking a 7% rise in international travel. The overall passenger growth stands at 5.6% with 105.15 million flyers taking to the skies in April-June 2025 over the 99.54 million of April-June 2024. The domestic growth figure is 5.3% with 85.32 million travelling this quarter as compared to 81 million in the corresponding period last year. As expected, following the Pahalgam attack and air spaceclosure, Srinagar airport has taken a massive hit. Bhopals Raja Bhoj airport, whose international destinations cover West Asia and South East Asia, has recorded an 80% growth figure over the past year, the maximum among all airports in the country. It is followed by Pune airport, which has recorded a 76.7% growth, and Bagdogra with 72.4% growth. Coimbatore, Surat, Mangaluru, and Guwahati have all recorded growth figures of over 33%. The hubs of international travel, IGIA and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport are inching along with a 3% (52,40,482 passengers) and 4.5% (38,96,278) increase, respectively, in international patronage. Post the opening of the second terminal, the growth of Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport appears unstoppable with 17,33,432 international travellers. It has recorded the maximum surge among the big airports.

Lumpy skin disease resurfaces in Gujarat, 300 cattle infected across eight districts

AHMEDABAD: The dreaded lumpy skin disease (LSD) has once again raised its head in Gujarat, infecting nearly 300 cattle across eight districts in just 15 days, reigniting fears among cattle breeders and authorities alike. With memories of the devastating 2022 outbreak still fresh, when over 6,000 cattle perished, the fresh surge has triggered renewed concern among cattle breeders. While the state government claims the situation is under control in half of the affected regions, active measures like mass vaccination drives and awareness campaigns are being rapidly executed to halt its spread. Fresh cases have emerged from Tapi, Navsari, Surat, Sabarkantha, Morbi, and Dwarka, prompting urgent intervention from the Animal Husbandry Department, which has launched an aggressive vaccination drive in the affected zones. In response, over 5 lakh cattle have already been vaccinated to contain the spread. Amid rising anxiety in rural belts, Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel offered some relief, stating that 250 of the 300 infected cattle have recovered, while eight deaths have been recorded so far. He added that the outbreak is now under control in four out of the eight districts. He was speaking at a one-day technical seminar on Animal Health in a Changing World: Innovation, Disease Prevention and Animal Welfare. Officials have also appealed to cattle breeders in the vulnerable regions to ensure swift vaccination and maintain biosecurity measures to prevent further escalation. The current surge draws haunting parallels to Gujarats 2022 LSD outbreak, which devastated livestock populations, claiming the lives of over 6,000 bovines, nearly 1,000 cattle, and 1,500 other animals across multiple districts including Kutch, Jamnagar, and Rajkot. That outbreak, marked by fever, skin nodules, and reduced milk yield, had crippled the rural dairy economy and exposed gaps in veterinary preparedness. In a proactive move, the state also convened a one-day state-level seminar today, aiming to review containment strategies, vaccine logistics, and inter-departmental coordination to ensure a repeat of 2022 is averted.

Lumpy Virus Resurfaces in Gujarat, 300 Cattle Infected Across Eight Districts

AHMEDABAD: The dreaded Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) has once again raised its head in Gujarat, infecting nearly 300 cattle across eight districts in just 15 days, reigniting fears among cattle breeders and authorities alike. With memories of the devastating 2022 outbreak still fresh, when over 6,000 cattle perished, the fresh surge has triggered renewed concern among cattle breeders. While the state government claims the situation is under control in half of the affected regions, active measures like mass vaccination drives and awareness campaigns are being rapidly executed to halt its spread. Fresh cases have emerged from Tapi, Navsari, Surat, Sabarkantha, Morbi, and Dwarka, prompting urgent intervention from the Animal Husbandry Department, which has launched an aggressive vaccination drive in the affected zones. In response, over 5 lakh cattle have already been vaccinated to contain the spread. Amid rising anxiety in rural belts, Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel offered some relief, stating that 250 of the 300 infected cattle have recovered, while eight deaths have been recorded so far. He added that the outbreak is now under control in four out of the eight districts. He was speaking at a one-day technical seminar on Animal Health in a Changing World: Innovation, Disease Prevention and Animal Welfare. Officials have also appealed to cattle breeders in the vulnerable regions to ensure swift vaccination and maintain biosecurity measures to prevent further escalation. The current surge draws haunting parallels to Gujarats 2022 LSD outbreak, which devastated livestock populations, claiming the lives of over 6,000 bovines, nearly 1,000 cattle, and 1,500 other animals across multiple districts including Kutch, Jamnagar, and Rajkot. That outbreak, marked by fever, skin nodules, and reduced milk yield, had crippled the rural dairy economy and exposed gaps in veterinary preparedness. In a proactive move, the state also convened a one-day state-level seminar today, aiming to review containment strategies, vaccine logistics, and inter-departmental coordination to ensure a repeat of 2022 is averted.

Tourism lifeline hit by terror: J&K CM appeals for footfall from Gujarat at travel fair in Gandhinagar

AHMEDABAD: Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah, attending a travel fair organised at Gandhinagar on July 31 appealed for greater tourist footfall from Gujarat. He credited Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal for driving tourism to the Valley over the last 30 years. Speaking to the media at Ahmedabad airport ahead of a tourism fair, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, If you look at the last 3035 years, the maximum number of tourists to J&K have come from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. My team and I are here to promote J&K tourism, and we sincerely hope to welcome a large number of visitors from Gujarat in the coming season. On the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Abdullah added, We cannot rule out an intelligence and security failure; someone is accountable for what happened. Though the accused has been neutralised, the lack of clarity and responsibility on the security lapse is concerning. Pahalgam attack: UNSC report flags LeT-TRF link, boosts Indias case on Pakistan-backed terror In one of the deadliest extremist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir in recent decades, 26 tourists, including several from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, were gunned down in a brutal ambush at Pahalgam, a scenic hotspot often dubbed the Mini Switzerland of India. Among the victims were Shailesh Kalthia from Surat and Yatish Parmar from Bhavnagar, along with his young son Smit Parmar. The attack not only shattered lives but also dealt a crippling blow to Kashmir's tourism economy. Panic spread swiftly across Gujarat, with many families abruptly cancelling their scheduled trips to the valley. Even seasoned tourists who visited Kashmir annually chose to stay away this time, triggering a sharp nosedive in footfall and revenues. Tourism, which contributes nearly 7-8% to J&Ks GDP, is the lifeline of the regions economy, employing over 2.5 lakh people directly. More than 1,500 houseboats on Srinagars iconic Dal Lake and countless hotels, guides, drivers, and small businesses depend solely on tourist inflow. Jammu and Kashmir tourism departmentholds road show to woo tourists in city The annual tourism industry, currently valued at 12,000 crore, had been projected to soar to 25,00030,000 crore by 2030. But the terror strike marked the beginning of a dark phase, unravelling years of growth. This disruption hit just as Kashmir had started experiencing a boom in tourism post-COVID. From 34 lakh visitors in 2020, the numbers had surged to 1.13 crore in 2021, 1.88 crore in 2022, 2.11 crore in 2023, and 2.36 crore in 2024 including over 65,000 foreign tourists. Now, in a strategic move to rebuild trust and revive inflows, Omar Abdullah is making a direct outreach aimed at reconnecting with the Gujarati tourist base that once played a pivotal role in driving valley tourism. Poor road defeats Jammu and Kashmirtourism goals

Mumbai-Delhi Expressway, Indias Longest, To Be Ready By Year-End: Why Its The Path To Easy Commute

Except a small section around Surat, the entire Delhi-Mumbai expressway can be expected by year-end, a senior official from the MoRTH told News18

Gujarat HC dismisses plea challenging state UCC panel over no minority representation

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition challenging the composition of a state-appointed five-member committee, formed to assess the need for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, on the ground that it did not include any member from minority communities. A bench of Justice Niral S Mehta dismissed the plea moved by Surat-resident Abdul Vahab Sopariwala. Dismissed, the court said while pronouncing the judgement. A detailed order is awaited. On February 4 this year, state Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the formation of the committee to assess the necessity of the UCC and also to draft a bill for it. Challenging its composition of the panel, the petitioner argued that it does not have members from religious minorities, adding that inclusion of such stakeholders was crucial to ensure that diversity of opinions and practices is considered. The committee set up to examine the need for the UCC in Gujarat does not have a single scholar from minority communities, the petition said. Without appropriate representation from every community and relevant stakeholders, this committee violates the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 14 (right to equality), 15 (prohibition of discrimination), and 25 (right to freedom of religion) of the Constitution of India, it added. The petitioner said he had made a representation to the chief minister on March 16 before approaching the high court. The plea had made a prayer to the high court to direct the respondent government to reform the committee with fresh members, who are the known persons of subjective law and effective parties of the said code. It also sought a direction to the government to engage in a consultative process involving all religious and cultural communities before any move to impose a UCC. The constitutional, legal and cultural framework demands that the personal laws of various communities, which are integral to their identities, be respected and preserved, it added. It also said that no notification was issued for the formation of the committee to examine the need of the UCC in Gujarat. The committee is chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai. It has retired IAS officer C L Meena, advocate R C Kodekar, former vice-chancellor of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Dakshesh Thakar and social activist Geetaben Shroff as its members.

Retired forest official from Gujarat's Rajkot duped of Rs 8.93 lakh in digital arrest scam

AHMEDABAD: In a cyber fraud mirroring the recent Rs 19 crore scam in Gandhinagar, a retired forest head clerk from Gujarats Rajkot, has fallen prey to a digital arrest con and lost Rs 8.93 lakh. Posing as officials from TRAI and Maharashtra Cyber Crime, the scammers extorted money from the elderly man by threatening him with criminal charges and arrest. The victim, a former Forest Head Clerk at Bahumali Bhavan, lives near Patidar Chowk in Rajkot. On November 28, 2024, he received a call from a woman identifying herself as Diya Sharma from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). She claimed that two Jio SIM cards linked to his number were being misused and needed to be deactivated immediately. Minutes later, a second call came, this time from someone posing as Inspector Mohit Handa from the Maharashtra Cyber Crime Cell. The caller alleged that an HDFC Bank account had been opened using the victims Aadhaar-linked SIM, through which Rs 68 lakh had been fraudulently transacted. The scammer claimed the money belonged to a woman who had since died by suicide and that an arrest warrant had been issued against the retired clerk. As the victim hesitated, the imposter escalated the pressure. Through a video call, he showed a man in police uniform seated at what appeared to be a police station and claimed the only way to avoid arrest was to provide a security bond of Rs 2 lakh. Terrified, the retired official agreed to cooperate. The accused then shared a WhatsApp link during the video call. Following the instructions, the victim unknowingly transferred Rs 8.93 lakh via UPI in multiple transactions to different bank accounts. Realising he had been duped, the victim immediately contacted the cybercrime helpline 1930 and filed a complaint with the Rajkot City Cyber Crime Police Station. The police have launched an investigation using phone numbers, video call metadata, and other digital traces. The FIR names multiple unknown account holders under charges of cheating and breach of trust. Investigators believe the fraud is linked to a larger inter-state racket exploiting fear and authority to extort money under the guise of digital arrests. Recently, a woman doctor in Gujarat was digitally trapped and defrauded of Rs 19 crore by cybercriminals who pressured her over months with threats and surveillance. The fraudsters made her transfer money into 35 accounts, even taking a loan against her gold. Realising the scam too late, she alerted her family, prompting a CID Cyber Crime probe on July 16. One suspect has been arrested in Surat; a massive manhunt is on for the rest of the syndicate. With similar high-stake scams emerging across Gujarat, police have issued fresh advisories urging citizens to remain vigilant against fake officials and to never share sensitive information or make payments under threat.

Surat Woman Attacked By Husband With Hammer, Gang-Raped By His Friends And Thrown Into River

The husband allegedly attacked her with stick and hammer and gang-raped her with his friends in Surat.

VinFast Inaugurates First India Showroom In Surat As EV Market Gears Up

VinFast aims to launch 35 dealerships by year-end across more than 27 Indian cities,

Family denies drug peddling allegations against tribal youth killed in crossfire in Jammu

SRINAGAR: The family of 21-year-old tribal youth Mohammad Parvez who was killed in cross firing in Jammu Thursday evening, has denied the police's claim that the deceased was a drug peddler and asserted that he was innocent. He is innocent. He was not involved in any wrongdoing. They killed him by firing bullets at him. He is totally innocent and has no links with drug peddling or drug peddlers, said one of his female relatives. Parvez, who had got married a few months back, was allegedly shot dead by police during a cross-firing incident in Jammu Thursday evening. According to the police, they were chasing suspected drug peddlers in Sure Chak area in Satwari area of Jammu. Police said there was firing against them and in the crossfire, Parvez was killed while another person escaped. The Gujjar activist and lawyer Guftar Ahmad, while disputing the police claim, said not a single FIR was registered againstParvez. See the condition of family. What will his wife do he got married 3 months back. Young Mohd Pervaiz was killed in an encounter last evening. Not a single FIR was registered on his name & he was declared criminal just for promotion, Guftar posted on X. He urged Home Minister Amit Shah and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha totake strong action against officials involved in the killing of tribal youth.FIR has been registered in the killing ofMohammadPervaiz.Administrationhas also announced Job & compensation for the family. 2 cops have been suspended. HopefullyJ&k policewill take strong action against culprits who are involved in the killing of Pervaiz. Police should set an example, he said. ZahidParwazChoudhary,State President , J&K Gujjar BakerwalYouth Welfare Conference alleged that the selective killing of Gujjar youth in Jammu through fake encounters is deeply concerning and raises serious questions. We strongly condemn this intolerable targeting of our community across the State under the pretexts of encroachment, drugs, and cattle smuggling. This clearly reveals a strong conspiracy against us. What was the fault of Parvez Ahmed? Why was he murdered, he questioned. Parvez's only fault was that he was a Gujjar, a young man from a leaderless community with no one to speak for him, which is why he was killed. Now, whoever speaks up for him will be charged under PSA or UAPA, while the one who kills will get a medal. If the officer who encountered Parvez is not dismissed and jailed, we will not remain silent(sic), Zahid posted on X. Former J&K Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti in a post on X said, Mohammad Parvez, a tribal youth waskilled by the police at Surat Chak Police Station in Satwari yesterday. Hes now been labelled as a drug dealer but even that may be the case we still live in a democratic country where justice is served through rule of law as opposed to khap panchayats or kangaroo courts. Sincerely hope the DG takes cognisance of this shocking incident by ordering a time bound impartial probe. We must not descend or condone a culture of extrajudicial encounters because thats precisely what alienates people, she said. Mohammad Parvez a tribal youth was killed by the police at Surat Chak, Police Station in Satwari yesterday. Hes now been labelled as a drug dealer but even that may be the case we still live in a democratic country where justice is served through rule of law as opposed to khap pic.twitter.com/HYfsinF7d6 Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) July 25, 2025 Former minister and BJP leader Chowdhary Zulfikar Ali said the inhabitants of the area and prominent community members have reached out tohimstating that the deceased was not involved in any illegal activity.This incident follows other recent incidents in Jammu, causing widespread outrage among the Gujjar community. The community demands a free, fair, and unbiased probe into the matter, he said. The BJP leader urged Lt Governor, IGP Jammu and Divisional Commissioner Jammuto order a judicial investigation into the incident.

International air travel sees 5 per cent surge in May 2025; Domestic traffic also grow

NEW DELHI: Air passenger traffic in the country continues its growth trajectory month-on-month, with a 3 per cent increase in overall passengers in May 2025 compared to May 2024. Data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) reveals a higher demand for international travel, with a 5% increase recorded during the same period. The Air Traffic Report for May, made public by AAI, reveals that 6.76 million passengers flew abroad compared to 6.44 million last year. They form part of the 35.38 million who travelled in May 2025, compared to 34.34 million in May 2024. Air Traffic Movements (flight arrivals and departures) recorded a 5.9 per cent increase, with 2.78 crore movements in May this year compared to 2.63 crore in May last year. A total of 67,62,343 people opted to fly abroad in May 2025, versus 64,41,392 during the same month last year. Relatively smaller airports, compared to the top five, are showing a significant surge in demand for international travel. Goa recorded a nearly 300 per cent surge in international flyers, with 26,211 passengers in May 2025 compared to May 2024. In terms of percentage, Pune followed with a high growth of 85 per cent (34,388 flyers) during the same period. Coimbatore Airport, with 28,809 flyers, registered a 48.4 per cent increase in patronage over the previous year. Mangaluru and Surat saw a 35.1 per cent increase, with 62,159 and 18,790 flyers respectively in May this year. Similarly, Kannur Airport, with 1,00,993 international flyers, and Nagpur, with 10,471 flyers, each recorded a 20.7 per cent increase over their previous figures. The boom in international travel from Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) continued, with 6,05,742 flyers in May this year, up by a significant 25 per cent over the same month last year. In comparison, other major airports like Mumbai (13,42,584 flyers) and Delhi (17,04,549 flyers) recorded single-digit growths of 2.6 per cent and 1.2 per cent, respectively, over their May 2024 figures. Hyderabad recorded a healthy 11.2 per cent increase with 4,52,243 flyers. Domestic front data On the domestic front as well, relatively smaller airports showed strong growth in May 2025 over May 2024. Jharsuguda recorded 40,808 flyers (a 92.2% increase), Jabalpur 46,924 flyers (90.3%), Gorakhpur 1,00,404 flyers (87.5%), Shivamogga 14,104 flyers (80.6%), Agra 22,521 flyers (77.2%), Kanpur 35,720 flyers (58%), Tirupati 1,06,200 flyers (a 53.7% increase), Rajahmundry 54,963 flyers (50.5%), Tiruchirappalli 74,343 flyers (46.5%), Kannur 46,923 flyers (49.6%), Patna 4,07,993 flyers (34.6%), and Bhuj 18,861 flyers (30.8%).

Trucker kills friend to fake his own death for insurance, loan waiver in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: In a chilling case, straight out of a crime thriller in Gujarats Surat district, Sachin area police have cracked what initially looked like a hit-and-run accident but was a cold-blooded murder plotted for insurance money and debt relief. A debt-ridden truck owner, inspired by a TV serial, crushed a friend under his truck to fake his death, in a plan to vanish and start afresh with his wife in another city. On July 14, police discovered the disfigured body of a pedestrian, later identified as Shivkumar alias Maharaj Ramnarayan Mishra on Surat's Saniya-Khambhasla road. With the victims face mangled beyond recognition, the case was initially filed as an accidental death. Police relied on clothing and a mobile phone found on the body to determine the identity and began scanning CCTV footage to trace the vehicle involved. Yet, there was no sign of an accident near the scene. Instead, a tip led police to suspect foul play after locals recalled seeing the supposed deceased with another man on a moped before the accident. When officers visited Shivs home, his wife Meenadevi's eerie calm and a question about his 2 lakh LIC insurance payout instantly raised suspicion. She showed no grief and casually asked if the claim could be processed, triggering a deeper inquiry. Tracking one missing SIM card from Shivs phone and matching it with the trucks GPS, police noticed that Shiv had travelled to Kadodara-Bardoli Road on the day of the incident. At a petrol pump near Sarvottam Hotel, a sequence of Shivs movements was uncovered from fueling up to driving towards Saniya-Khambhasla road, where the murder was executed. As CCTV trails and mobile location data converged, police traced Shiv to Pune. To their shock, the dead man was alive. He was arrested along with his friend Monu Gautam. During interrogation, Shiv confessed to the crime. Facing a 2 lakh debt and loan EMIs for a second truck, he plotted to fake his death and get insurance money. His victim: a 10-year-old acquaintance, Deviprasad Shivprasad Pal, lived alone. Shiv lured his friend on his moped to a petrol station, forced him to consume liquor until he turned unconscious. He then dressed him in his clothes and planted his phone and wallet in his friend's pockets. He then drove to the secluded Saniya-Khambhasla road, laid the friend's body under the rear tire, and crushed his face by rolling the truck over him two to three times to obliterate any chance of identification. After the killing, Shiv abandoned the truck and took a rickshaw to Udhna station. He loitered with a platform ticket, then used a 30 BRTS bus pass to travel the city and avoid CCTV tracking. From Bhestan, he bought a basic phone, activated his second SIM, and called Monu in Pune. Later, through a conference call with his wife, he revealed the staged death plan, instructing her to claim the body and insurance while he fled to Pune by luxury bus. Sachin police, led by ACP Niravsinh Gohil, arrested Shiv, Meenadevi, and Monu. The trio has been remanded until July 25. Shivs heinous act of crushing a friend to impersonate a corpse has sent shockwaves across Gujarat. What was once seen as a tragic accident is now etched as a chilling reminder of how debt and desperation, when mixed with criminal intent, can turn monstrous.

Infra, roads raising night temps in cities by 3-4 degrees, Delhi vulnerable to floods: Report

A World Bank report reveals that Indian cities experience significantly higher night-time temperatures than rural areas due to infrastructure. Lucknow faces a 5C difference, while Chennai and Surat see 3-4C increases. The report projects a rise in heat waves and pluvial flooding, potentially causing billions in annual losses by 2030, especially impacting densely populated areas.

Surat airport's largest-ever gold smuggling bid foiled: How did Gujarati couple hide 28 kg of pure gold in clothes?

A Gujarati couple was apprehended at Surat International Airport for attempting to smuggle 28 kilograms of gold paste from Dubai. The gold, concealed under their clothing, was discovered due to suspicious behavior noticed by a CISF officer. Authorities estimate the haul could yield over 20 kilograms of pure gold, marking it as the airport's largest smuggling attempt.

Ahmedabad Customs Seizes Nearly 25 Kg Gold At Surat Airport

Based on concentration levels of the paste, officials estimate the pure gold yield to be over 20 kg, he said.

Urban climate funding: Indian cities need $2.4 trillion by 2050 to withstand floods, heatwaves - World Bank

A World Bank report indicates Indian cities need significant investment. This investment is for resilient, low-carbon infrastructure by 2050. Cities face rising climate risks like floods and heatwaves. Economic losses could surge without action. Delhi, Chennai, Surat, and Lucknow are most vulnerable. The report urges fiscal changes and private capital to bridge the infrastructure gap.

Indian cities will need over $2.4 trillion by 2050 to tackle climate risks: World Bank Report

A World Bank report warns that Indian cities face rising climate risks. Floods and heatwaves threaten economic growth. Investments of over 2.4 trillion US dollars are needed by 2050 for resilient infrastructure. Cities like Delhi, Chennai, Surat, and Lucknow are particularly vulnerable. Heat-related deaths could surge. The report urges increased private sector investment and stronger urban local bodies.

Hidden cameras, Pegasus-like systems were used to honeytrap MLAs of MVA government: Sena (UBT)

MUMBAI: Hidden cameras and a Pegasus-like surveillance system were used to honeytrap Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) MLAs and MPs, leading to the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led government in 2022, the Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed on Tuesday. A Saamana editorial stated that some MLAs of the undivided Shiv Sena and the NCP switched loyalties due to pressure from Central agencies. At least 18 MLAs and four MPs were honeytrapped, prompting them to join hands with the BJP to save their image. It further said Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar had alleged that MPs and MLAs were blackmailed and as a former leader of the opposition, his remarks must be taken seriously. Hidden cameras and a Pegasus-like system from Israel were used (for surveillance) to its fullest extent. It is now clear that the MVA government collapsed due to this (honey) trapping, the editorial said. Pegasus is a spyware developed by Israeli cyber-arms company NSO Group. The BJP had a system to honeytrap, and even policemen conducted surveillance on the opposition, the Saamana said. When a pen drive containing evidence of honeytrapping, which involved Shiv Sena MPs and MLAs, was handed over to Eknath Shinde, they set out on their journey to Surat, Guwahati and then to Goa. This is all like a suspense thriller, the editorial said. The Sena (UBT) was alluding to the split engineered by Shinde in the undivided Shiv Sena in 2022. The Saamana stated that Shinde initially lacked the numerical strength and had the backing of only nine or ten MLAs at the time. However, the people from the home department and the then leader of the opposition, Devendra Fadnavis, blackmailed MPs and MLAs. The editorial stated that Shiv Sena ministers Sanjay Shirsat, Yogesh Kadam and Dada Bhuse, and their NCP colleague Manik Kokate should be sacked from the state cabinet. Some ministers were honeytrapped, and they will also have to go. The conduct of some ministers indicates that a cabinet reshuffle is on the cards in Maharashtra, the Saamana added. Uddhav: MVA squabbles, ego clashes led to Maharashtra poll rout Amid tensions between BJP and Shinde's Sena, Maharashtra CM Fadnavis invites Uddhav to join govt

Couple returning from Dubai held at Surat airport with 20kg gold paste

Surat: A couple coming from Dubai were apprehended by the CISF and Customs at the Surat airport for allegedly smuggling in over 20 kg of gold paste by concealing it under their clothes, officials said. The incident took place around 10 pm on July 20. The couple were first noticed by a plainclothes official of Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Dubai returned couple held at Surat airport with over 20 kg of gold hidden under clothes

SURAT: A couple arriving from Dubai was apprehended at Surat airport on July 20 for allegedly smuggling over 20 kg of gold concealed in paste form under their clothes, officials said. The incident occurred around 10 pm when a plainclothes officer from the Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) intelligence unit noticed the duo behaving suspiciously after deboarding an Air India flight. Their unnatural gait and visible bulges around the abdomen raised suspicion, a senior CISF official said. The officer alerted Customs personnel, who subsequently intercepted the coupleboth Gujarat residentsand carried out a thorough physical check. The man was dressed in a shirt and trousers, while the woman wore a salwar suit. Officials discovered 28 kg of gold paste strapped around their midsections and upper torsos16 kg on the woman and 12 kg on the man. Based on concentration levels, officials estimate the net gold content to exceed 20 kg. This is possibly the biggest gold seizure in the history of Surat airport, said an official involved in the investigation. The operation, officials noted, underscored the effectiveness of behavioural profiling and the seamless coordination between CISF and Customs.

Mercedes Stunt Fails At Surat's Dumas Beach, Car Gets Stuck In Sand | Watch

Authorities have not yet stated whether any action will be taken against those involved in the incident.

I suddenly began hearing: Surat woman regains hearing after 20 years following dental implants

After nearly two decades of silence, Jaibunnisha M from Surat experienced a miraculous return of hearing following extensive dental implant procedures. Initially scheduled for cochlear implant surgery, her hearing spontaneously improved, surprising both her family and medical team.

Benefits never reached poor under RJD-Congress rule, alleges PM Modi at Bihar rally

PATNA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged people to save Bihar from the ad intentions of the RJD and Congress, accusing both parties of doing politics in the name of the poor, backwards, Dalits and Adivasis over the years. What to speak of giving equal rights to the poor, backwards, Dalits and Adivasis, they cannot give even respect to the people outside their families, Modi commented in a public rally in Bihar Motihari, while obliquely targeting RJD chief Lalu Prasad after a portrait of Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar was placed near his feet by one of his supporters during his birthday celebrations. Avoiding responding to the allegations being made by RJD and its allies about the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of the election rolls in Bihar, Modi said that RJD had put the brakes on the development of Bihar as even benefits were not reaching the poor when RJD and Congress were in power. He said that UPA released only around Rs 2 lakh crore when it was in power at the centre as it was taking revenge against Bihars NDA government headed by Nitish Kumar and the state itself. PM said, I stopped this old politics as the central assistance to Bihar increased manifold after the formation of the NDA government at the Centre in 2014. PM Modi said that NDA government at the centre provided more funds to Bihar for its development than that of the previous UPA government led by Congress. He also listed mis-governance during the previous RJD-Congress government in the state. We (NDA) have provided pucca houses to people in Bihar more than population of Norway, Singapore and New Zealand, he pointed out. Highlighting the achievements of the NDA government, PM Modi said that tremendous results have been coming out of women empowerment as over 20 lakh women have become lakhpati Didis in Bihar alone. He lauded by efforts made by Nitish Kumar for women empowerment through Jeevika Didis and their self-help groups. PM Modi said that Bihar had to be made a developed state if the eastern India had to be taken forward on the path of growth. Today, development work is happening in Bihar so fast because there is a government working for Bihar at the centre and in the state, he remarked. Our resolve is that in the coming times, Motihari should be known in the east just like Mumbai is in western India. Just like there are opportunities in Gurugram, Gaya should also have similar opportunities. Like Pune, there should be industrial development in Patna. Like Surat, Santhal Pargana should also develop. Like Jaipur, new records of tourism should be made in Jalpaiguri and Jajpur. Like Bangalore, the people of Birbhum should also progress, he added. PM Modi thanked Nitish for taking initiatives for the welfare of youths. Nitish Kumars government is giving jobs to youths in support of the Centre, he said, adding that Mudra Loan scheme was being strengthened to provide loans to make youths self-reliant. PM Modis visit to Motihari, district headquarters of East Champaran, is the 53rd tour to Bihar since 2014 and third in one and a half months. Earlier, PM Modi laid foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth over Rs.7,200 crore.

Beat the Heat, Tiger Style

It's pouring in many parts of India, but at the Sarthana Nature Park in Surat, this tiger and leopards are trying to beat the heat.

Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Lucknow named top 3 clean cities

Ahmedabad has been named the cleanest big city in the latest Swachh Survekshan, while Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai were recognized for exceptional sanitation efforts in a new 'Super Swachh League Cities' category.

Swachh Survekshan awards: Indore, Surat, Navi Mumbai among cleanest Indian cities - check new entrants

The government released the annual cleanliness survey. Indore secured the top spot for the eighth consecutive year. Surat and Navi Mumbai followed closely. President Droupadi Murmu presented the Swachh Survekshan awards. Ahmedabad, Bhopal, and Lucknow emerged as new clean cities. Prayagraj was recognized as the best Ganga town. Secunderabad Cantonment received the best Cantonment Board award.

Surat teen dies by suicide after harassment by minor; incident sparks community tension

AHMEDABAD: In a case from Surats Katargam area, a 19-year-old tuition teacher, Nenu Vavadia, died by suicide after alleged sustained harassment, threats, and extortion by a minor boy and his father. The incident, which unfolded on the evening of July 16, has now spiralled into a two-community flashpoint, pitting two prominent groups against each other, with police arrests, political demands, and social media firestorms intensifying the fallout. According to the FIR lodged on Tuesday, the victims father alleged that a minor boy who used to drop his niece at the tuition class where Nenu taught, began stalking and harassing her. The complaint states the minor allegedly pressured her repeatedly to enter into a relationship, abused her over the phone, and even demanded a ransom of Rs 30,000. When the girl's father confronted the boys father, he allegedly sided with his son, verbally abused Nenus father, and failed to intervene. On Wednesday, Singanpore police detained the minor and arrested his father, both of whom have been booked under charges related to abetment of suicide, extortion, and harassment. The father was produced before court and remanded to one-day custody, while the minor remains under questioning. Preliminary investigations reveal that the boy had allegedly been persistently following Nenu to and from her tuition classes, using vulgar language and threats to mentally torture her. In a statement to the local media, Nenus father said, My daughter was abused and threatened repeatedly. Despite informing the boys father, he supported his son and even abused me. My daughter was so mentally tortured that she saw no way out but to end her life. As the police tightened their case, the incident ignited sharp tension between two communities. The accused father and son belong to Gujarats influential Rabari (cattle rearers) community, while the deceased girl is from the Patidar community. Social media platforms exploded with viral messages and chat screenshots allegedly exchanged between the victim and the accused. While some groups are portraying the messages to defend the accused, others led by the girls father have circulated counter messages demanding strict legal action. Amid mounting tensions, the Patidar community publicly urged the Chief Minister of Gujarat to ensure an impartial probe. Patidar leader Mathur Savani said, Weve written to the Chief Minister, demanding action against the police for any negligence and seeking justice for a young girl who took her life due to unchecked social harassment, he said. As the investigation deepens, what began as a tragic suicide has now turned into a case entwined with harassment, alleged extortion, community fault lines, and demands for administrative accountability. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)

Cleanliness Survey: Indore retains top ranking for 8th consecutive time

New Delhi, July 17 Indore has once again clinched the title of Indias cleanest city, marking its eighth consecutive win in the governments annual Swachh Survekshan rankings. Surat and Navi Mumbai followed closely, securing the second and third spots, respectively. The 2025 rankings, announced on Thursday, also saw Noida top the category for cities [] The post Cleanliness Survey: Indore retains top ranking for 8th consecutive time appeared first on Northlines .

Cleanliness survey: Indore retains top ranking for 8th time

Surat, Navi Mumbai came second and third respectively

Indore Declared India's Cleanest City For Eighth Time In A Row

Indore bagged the cleanest city of India title for the eighth time in a row, while Surat was ranked second in the Central government's annual cleanliness survey, the results of which were announced today.

7 members of gang linked to Chhota Shakeel held for kidnapping dealer

Mumbai: The Mumbai Police crime branch has arrested seven members of an international gang allegedly linked to underworld don Chhota Shakeel, in connection with the kidnapping and assault of a drug dealer and his associate for extortion, officials said on Wednesday. The drug dealer, identified as Sajid Electricwala from Surat, had been held captive by Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Accounts files of NIT-K missing from computer server, case registered after director files complaint at Surathkal police station

The data breach was noticed on June 9

After 12-year exile, 29 Tribal families to return home in Gujarat

The Kodarvi families had migrated to Palanpur and Surat over a decade ago, leaving behind their homes, land, and memories

Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders bid to boost shipbuilding capabilities; 10 acres to be reclaimed

Indias shipbuilding capabilities, having strategic effect, are up for a boost, state-owned Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) planning to reclaim a huge chunk of land close to the main complex in Mumbai. Confirming the development, a senior official of the dockyard said, In addition to the 15 acres of land acquired earlier by us in MDLs neighborhood, we plan to reclaim 10 acres more. and, this will be in line with consistent efforts being made to strengthen the shipbuilding capabilities of the country, said the officer. Reclamation is the process of creating land by transforming water bodies. There is a planned investment between Rs 40005000 crore aimed at sprucing up the infrastructure, and it will include establishing two more basins, the officer added. The last major infrastructure added to MDL was the Kanhoji Angre wet basin, capable of berthing two frigates and two submarines for outfitting. Going by the significance of the strategic outcomes of the indigenous shipbuilding, it will fructify into significant capability development, once complimented with further accrual of the shipbuilding capability enhancement of other shipyards. This is to match the Chinese shipbuilding capability, which has made the Chinese PLA Navy operating the worlds fleet of over 370 ships, surpassing that of the US. Meanwhile, the MDL is augmenting an overall increase in the throughput. A land parcel of approx. 15 acres was acquired on 29 Years Lease Term from Mumbai Port Authority (MPA), wef 01.04.2024, in order to decongest the existing Shipyard space. This land parcel is adjacent to the MDL perimeter on the southern side. The total cost of acquisition is approximately Rs 354 crore. As per the Ministry of Defence, this 15 acre would be developed for simultaneous construction and outfitting of new builds & repairs/refits of various types of vessels. The new infrastructure will give adequate bandwidth to the shipyard for simultaneous execution of various projects. Another 37 acres at the Nhava Sheva Port was acquired at the cost of approx. Rs 3,000 cr. These two areas, the official said, would be making MDL future-proof with respect to the infrastructure constraints. At present, the Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) is 40 kilotonnes (40,000 metric tons). With the Infrastructure as planned in MDLs neighbourhood once raised, it will go up to 80 DWT. Once Nhava Shipyard starts, then we oversee a total of 200,000 DWT., the sources added. DWT is the maximum weight a ship can carry. At present, MDL has a capacity to construct 11 submarines and 10 warships simultaneously at the existing premises. The future construction requirements are expected to be commensurate with the future platforms, which are likely to be larger in dimensions with a deeper draft. The MDL is expected to ink twin submarine building projects, The New Indian Express reported earlier, estimated to cost over Rs 1.06 lakh crore, involving the Project 75-India and an add-on project which the MDL completed in January this year. These projects are expected to boost Indian Navy's underwater combat capabilities, indigenously. Mazagon Dockyard to finalise two submarine projects this financial year A total of 61 warships and submarines are being constructed in India, another tranche of allocation, again for indigenous construction of 17 warships and 9 submarines, is awaited go-ahead in near future. ( For details, read TNIE s July 7 edition .) Going by the Indian Navys plans to be a 175 capital ship navy and taking the geopolitical situation into account, MDL, along with the other defence and private shipyards, is expected to play a significant role. India's strategic defence shipbuilder Mazagon Dockyard has planned a major infrastructure up-gradation. The two investments will give a cumulative up-gradation from the current ship tonnage construction weight to around 200,000 tonnes. The current capacity of the MDL is simultaneous construction of 11 submarines and 10 larger warships of the level of near 150 meters long destroyers. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is celebrating its 250th Foundation Day on May 14, 2024. The Mazagon Dockyard was established in 1774 and the Government of India took it over in 1960. So far, 806 vessels have been constructed, with 214 platforms constructed for other countries. It also includes 31 Capital Warships, 8 Submarines manufactured for the Indian Navy.

Mortal remains of Flt Lt Rishi Raj Singh, who died in Jaguar crash, consigned to flames in Pali

The mortal remains of Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, who died in a crash of a Jaguar fighter plane during a routine sortie near Churu in Rajasthan, were consigned to flames at his ancestral village in the state's Pali district on Thursday evening amid full military honours and slogans. Twenty-three-year-old Singh was one of the two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots who were killed in the crash on Wednesday. He was flying with Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu, who hailed from Kheri Sadh village in Haryana's Rohtak. Singh's mortal remains first reached Jodhpur Air Force station from Suratgarh on Thursday afternoon. Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat offered floral tributes at the Air Force station. From Jodhpur, the mortal remains were taken to Sirohi by a helicopter and then to his village by road, where the entire Khivandi village including family members, relatives, Air Force officers and administrative officials gathered in solemn grief to receive him for the final rites. For the inconsolable mother and father, it was hard to believe their eyes that the son, for whom they had been searching a suitable match and dreaming of seeing him on horseback in his 'barat' (wedding procession), now lay motionless on the pyre amid the flames. Those present called it the most cruel joke of the Almighty. As the news of Singh's martyrdom spread, relatives and villagers began assembling at his village house from Wednesday to console the parents, who are yet to come to terms with the rudest shock. He was the pride of our family. With his career firmly in place, we had begun preparing for the next chapter of his life, hoping to see him married within a year or two. But now, everything has come to an end, said his uncle Hitpal Singh. Holding age-old fighter planes responsible for the loss of pilots, he questioned why such old machines are being allowed to be operated at the cost of Indian pilots. He termed the loss both personal as well as national. According to a family member Pratap Singh, Rishi Raj Singh was fascinated by fighter planes from childhood and always wanted to become a fighter pilot. He was brilliant in studies and after completing his schooling from Jodhpur, he appeared in the entrance examination for NDA. After selection, he went on to join NDA in Pune and chose the Air Force to realise his dream to become a flyer, he said. Rishi Raj Singh is survived by his father Jaswant Singh, a hotelier; his mother Bhanwar Kanwar, a homemaker; and his younger brother Yuvraj Singh, who is pursuing his senior secondary education in Jodhpur. IAF pilot Lokendra Singh Sindhu killed in Rajasthan jet crash had become a father a month ago

Pilot tried his best to protect village: Eyewitness recalls IAF Jaguar fighter jet crash in Rajasthan's Churu

An Indian Air Force Jaguar Trainer aircraft crashed in Rajasthan's Churu. The unfortunate incident led to the death of two pilots. A local eyewitness reported the pilots tried to avoid civilian areas. Authorities have initiated a court of inquiry to investigate the crash. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed his condolences. The aircraft had departed from Suratgarh air base.

Gujarats crumbling bridges: How many more deaths will it take?

AHMEDABAD: Yet another bridge collapse in Gujarat has jolted the state, exposing deep-rooted negligence and crumbling infrastructure. The 40 year-old Gambhira Bridge in Vadodara district fell apart early Wednesday, dragging multiple vehicles into the Mahisagar River. While the government rushes to give reassurances, a haunting question persistshow many tragedies will it take before accountability replaces apathy? Gambhira Bridge Collapse: 9 Dead, 9 Rescued The Gambhira Bridge, connecting Central Gujarat to Saurashtra via Padra taluka in Vadodara district, collapsed early Wednesday morning in Mujpur Nazir. The bridge, known to be in a dilapidated condition for years, finally gave way dragging down two trucks, a pickup van, an auto-rickshaw, and an Eco car into the swollen Mahisagar River. Rescue teams pulled out nine bodies, while nine others were rescued alive. The bridge had shown warning signs of structural decay, yet no action was taken to shut it down or carry out urgent repairs. Public Fury Grows: Who Will Be Held Responsible? The tragedy has sparked public outrage. Citizens are questioning why the bridge was not closed despite its poor condition. Why are officials always reactive instead of proactive? Time and again, bridges across Gujarat have collapsed, and yet, the cycle of negligence, empty promises, and lack of accountability continues. Assurances after each disaster have failed to turn into meaningful reforms or penalties for those responsible. Gujarats Shameful Bridge Collapse Timeline Hatkeshwar Bridge, Ahmedabad : Built to Last 100 Years, Failed in 5. Constructed in 2017 at a cost of Rs 40 crore, the Hatkeshwar Bridge was deemed structurally unsound in under four years. Shockingly, AMC floated a tender to demolish a bridge that was supposed to last a century. Mumtapura Bridge, Ahmedabad : On December 21, 2021, a section of the Mumtapura Bridge caved in, raising serious questions about the project company. Thankfully, the collapse didnt claim lives, but it intensified the fear surrounding Gujarat's infrastructure. Halvad Bridge, Morbi New But Unreliable: A bridge connecting New Koiba to Old Koiba collapsed on August 26, 2024just a year after it was built. Heavy rains washed away the structure, exposing poor construction quality. Morbi Suspension Bridge : Gujarats Darkest Day. On October 30, 2022, a British-era suspension bridge over the Machhu River collapsed, killing 141 people. The bridge had reopened just four days prior after repairs. It was designed for 125 people but had over 500 on it. Metro Flyover, Surat : Cracked Before Inauguration A section of the metro flyover in Saroli, Surat, Cracked even before being inaugurated. Cracks in the slab were ignored until it was too late. The bridge gave way during metro construction work. Ambedkar Bridge, Mehsana : Repeated Pleas Ignored Despite repeated requests for repair, the Ambedkar Bridge connecting Mehsana-Visnagar ring roads One part sunk on February 14 2024. Built in 2014, it had structural issues that were never addressed. Habiasar Bridge, Chotila : Heavy Rains Take It Down A bridge near Habiasar village in Surendranagar district collapsed during heavy rain. It connected over five villages. Luckily, the road was closed to traffic at the time. Under-Construction Flyover, Palanpur : Girder Collapse Kills One On October 23, 2023, two girders of an under-construction overbridge near the Palanpur RTO Circle broke. A rickshaw driver lost his life, and two others were injured. Bamangam-Parij Bridge, Kheda : Old Warnings, Zero Action The bridge connecting Baman and Parij collapsed on October 4, 2023. Villagers had raised alarms about its condition long ago. No one was on the bridge at the time, narrowly avoiding tragedy. Dhandhusar Bridge, Junagadh : 1975 Construction Falls Apart A part of the 45-year-old Dhandhusar bridge over the Uben River collapsed in 2023. Local connectivity took a major hit, forcing people into long detours and hardship. Rajkots Madhapar Chowk Pier Collapse Workers Injured On January 25, 2022, a pier under construction at Madhapar Chowk caved in, injuring two workers. The incident happened during concrete capping work. Janada Bridge, Botad Built in Lakhs, Collapsed in Three Years In Botads Janada village, a bridge over the Patlia River collapsed during monsoon 2023. Built just three years ago, it couldnt withstand seasonal rains. Khari River Bridge, Mehsana Bypass One part sunk in 2020 A bridge constructed over the Khari River on the Mehsana Bypass, built at a cost of crores, crumbled in just six years. The 2020 sunk was one of the early warnings of the ongoing infrastructure crisis. Other Notable Incidents : Singhrot, Vadodara (2023) Another bridge collapse with public uproar. Nandelav Bridge, Bharuch (June 2022) Under-construction bridge collapsed; people miraculously survived. Ajidem Intersection, Rajkot (2020) Bridge collapse with no casualties. Satodak Village, Rajkot (2019) Fatal structural failure. Peapok Flyover, Surat (2019) Yet another collapse highlighting contractor failure. Conclusion: Decay, Death, and Denial The recurring collapse of bridgeswhether newly built or agedreveals a systemic failure in Gujarat's infrastructure governance. Contractors cut corners, tenders are mishandled, warnings go unheeded, and officials continue to pass the buck. Behind every collapsed structure is a trail of ignored complaints, wasted taxpayer money, and shattered families. Unless real accountability is enforced and urgent structural audits conducted, Gambhira will not be the last bridge to falland Gujarat will keep mourning preventable deaths.