Smriti Mandhana To Lead As BCCI Announces Squads For Zimbabwe Series
Asia Cup Rising Stars: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced Indias squads for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe, with Smriti Mandhana set to lead the womens team as full-time captain for the first time. Mandhanas appointment as captain was announced by the BCCI earlier on Tuesday after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the leadership role across formats. Mandhana, who has previously led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs, will now begin her full-time tenure with the Zimbabwe series. Opener Shafali Verma has been named vice-captain for the three-match T20I series, while all-rounder Deepti Sharma will serve as Mandhanas deputy in the ODI format. Harmanpreet remains part of both squads. The T20I squad includes maiden call-ups for Niki Prasad and Jintimani Kalita, while Anushka Sharma, Minnu Mani and Prema Rawat have returned to the setup after missing out in the recent assignments. Niki has been part of Indias A setup and impressed in domestic cricket, while Jintimani has also featured for India A. Both were part of the India A group that faced England A earlier this year. Prema, a leg-spinner, has also represented India at the international level and was brought into the T20 World Cup squad earlier this year after Shreyanka Patil was ruled out with injury. However, she didn't get many chances after the tournament. Prema had previously impressed for India A, including an eight-wicket haul in five matches during Indias victorious Womens Asia Cup Rising Stars campaign. The series will be Indias first assignment after their womens cricket team retained the Asian Games gold medal in Aichi-Nagoya. India had entered the Games as defending champions, having won the womens cricket gold at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Compared to the T20I squad that was part of Indias gold-medal-winning campaign, there are five changes. Niki, Anushka, Jintimani, Prema and Minnu have come into the squad, replacing Bharti Fulmali, Pratika Rawal, Renuka Thakur, Radha Yadav and Shreyanka Patil. For the ODI series, Tejal Hasabnis and Sayali Satghare have been recalled. The duo was part of India. A side that toured England earlier this year, with Hasabnis scoring an unbeaten 57 in a one-day match against England A. Mandhanas appointment also marks the beginning of a new leadership phase for Indian womens cricket. The left-handed opener has been part of the national team since 2013 and has led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Womens Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026. India will play the three T20Is in Raipur on October 16, 18 and 20, followed by three ODIs in Vadodara on October 23, 25 and 28. Squads: Indias T20I Squad: Smriti Mandhana [C], Shafali Verma [VC], Niki Prasad, Harmanpreet Kaur, Anushka Sharma, Richa Ghosh [WK], G Kamalini [WK], Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Sree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Jintimani Kalita, Minnu Mani Squads: Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Mandhana to lead as BCCI announces squads for Zimbabwe series
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced Indias squads for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe, with Smriti Mandhana set to lead the womens team as full-time captain for the first time. Mandhanas appointment as captain was announced by the BCCI earlier on Tuesday after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the leadership role across formats. Mandhana, who has previously led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs, will now begin her full-time tenure with the Zimbabwe series. Opener Shafali Verma has been named vice-captain for the three-match T20I series, while all-rounder Deepti Sharma will serve as Mandhanas deputy in the ODI format. Harmanpreet remains part of both squads. The T20I squad includes maiden call-ups for Niki Prasad and Jintimani Kalita, while Anushka Sharma, Minnu Mani and Prema Rawat have returned to the setup after missing out in the recent assignments. Niki has been part of Indias A setup and impressed in domestic cricket, while Jintimani has also featured for India A. Both were part of the India A group that faced England A earlier this year. Prema, a leg-spinner, has also represented India at the international level and was brought into the T20 World Cup squad earlier this year after Shreyanka Patil was ruled out with injury. However, she didn't get many chances after the tournament. Prema had previously impressed for India A, including an eight-wicket haul in five matches during Indias victorious Womens Asia Cup Rising Stars campaign. The series will be Indias first assignment after their womens cricket team retained the Asian Games gold medal in Aichi-Nagoya. India had entered the Games as defending champions, having won the womens cricket gold at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Compared to the T20I squad that was part of Indias gold-medal-winning campaign, there are five changes. Niki, Anushka, Jintimani, Prema and Minnu have come into the squad, replacing Bharti Fulmali, Pratika Rawal, Renuka Thakur, Radha Yadav and Shreyanka Patil. For the ODI series, Tejal Hasabnis and Sayali Satghare have been recalled. The duo was part of India. A side that toured England earlier this year, with Hasabnis scoring an unbeaten 57 in a one-day match against England A. Mandhanas appointment also marks the beginning of a new leadership phase for Indian womens cricket. The left-handed opener has been part of the national team since 2013 and has led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Womens Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026. India will play the three T20Is in Raipur on October 16, 18 and 20, followed by three ODIs in Vadodara on October 23, 25 and 28. Squads: Indias T20I Squad: Smriti Mandhana [C], Shafali Verma [VC], Niki Prasad, Harmanpreet Kaur, Anushka Sharma, Richa Ghosh [WK], G Kamalini [WK], Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Sree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Jintimani Kalita, Minnu Mani India's ODI Squad: Smriti Mandhana [C], Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma [VC], Richa Ghosh [WK], Yastika Bhatia [WK], Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandni Sharma, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Renuka Thakur.
Railways Announces KolkataVadodara Weekly Special via Sasaram and Dehri-on-Sone
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Gujarat horror: Man, teen girl die by suicide in Dahod forest; act livestreamed on Instagram
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 6 (IANS)Young tennis players Khush Parikh and Raghavi Jajoo of Adani Sportsline Academy finished runners-up in their respective doubles categories at the All India Ranking Championship Series Tennis Tournament 2026, held at Mamta Tennis Academy in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. Khush finished runner-up in the Under 14 Boys Doubles, while Raghavi secured the runner-up spot in the Under 14 Girls Doubles. Both also reached the semifinals of the Under 14 Singles event. Raghavi joined Adani Sportsline Academy in April 2024 and has stood out for her resilience and determination on court, often fighting for every point. Khush, who joined in August 2025, has worked on his ball placement, angled shots and consistency, while developing greater composure in tight matches. Their progress has been supported by regular work with the academys coaching team on stroke technique, footwork, match play and decision-making. The focus has been on strengthening their fundamentals and helping them handle the demands of competitive tennis. Both players qualified for the School Games Nationals in 2025. Khush was runner-up in Under 14 Doubles at an All-India Tennis Association Championship Series tournament in Vadodara, while Raghavi finished runner-up in Under 12 Doubles at an All-India Tennis Association Championship Series tournament in Ahmedabad. Both have also won Gujarat State Tennis Association ranking tournaments. At Adani Sportsline Academy, the players have access to dedicated coaching, training facilities and regular competitive opportunities as they continue to develop their game. Khush and Raghavi will now return to training as they prepare for their upcoming competitions.
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CNG Car Explodes While Refuelling At Gujarat Station on NH-48 In Vadodara
A CNG-powered car exploded while refuelling at a station on NH-48 near Karjan, Gujarat. The blast damaged two nearby vehicles, but no injuries were reported. Police and firefighters responded, while the cause remains under investigation.
Watch: CNG car explodes while refuelling on NH-48 near Gujarat's Karjan
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Five killed as luxury bus rams into truck on eway in Anand
Five killed, five injured after bus-truck collision in Gujarat; PM Modi condoles deaths
Digital Desk | Anand, Sep 30 (IANS) Five people were killed and five others injured after a private luxury bus collided with a truck on the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway in Gujarats Anand district at around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, police said. Reacting to the news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths of the five people in the accident and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the mishap. Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in a mishap in Anand, Gujarat. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured, PM Modi said in a post on X. The bus collided with the truck on the expressway when the bus was attempting to overtake the truck. Anand Superintendent of Police, G.G. Jasani, said the bus was carrying around 30 to 40 passengers when the collision took place. The Sai Darshan Travels bus had departed from Surat for Rajasthan and was travelling from Anand towards Nadiad when it collided with the truck. Most of the passengers were asleep at the time of the accident. The impact left several passengers trapped inside the damaged bus. After receiving information, police personnel and local residents reached the spot and launched rescue operations. The injured were pulled out of the bus and shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. The bodies of the deceased were sent for autopsy following the necessary inquest proceedings. One of the injured passengers, Dhanesh Jadhav, said he had boarded the bus in Surat and was asleep when he was suddenly jolted awake by the sound of the collision. Panic and confusion spread among the passengers immediately after the crash, he said. The accident also disrupted traffic movement on the expressway for some time. Police cleared the damaged vehicles from the road and restored traffic movement. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the collision, including the bus driver's attempt to overtake the truck.
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Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], September 29: The state-level inter-university debate competition Verbal Duel 2026, organized by the Center for Development and Communication (CDC), Parul University, in collaboration with the Times of
Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], September 29: Bringing diverse academic voices to one platform, Parul University in collaboration with Times of India organized Verbal Duel 2026, a state-level inter-university debate competition that
Indian Railways approves new MEMU services linking Meerut City with Khurja, Saharanpur
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) Indian Railways on Tuesday said that it has approved two MEMU services connecting Meerut City with Khurja and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh. The new services will provide additional travel options for passengers and strengthen regional rail connectivity centred around Meerut City, according to an official statement. Train No. 64573/64574 KhurjaMeerut City MEMU and Train No. 64580/64579 SaharanpurMeerut City MEMU will have commercial stoppages at all en route stations, providing connectivity to passengers across the section, the statement from the Ministry of Railways said. The Khurja-Meerut City MEMU will depart from Khurja at 1:15 pm and arrive at destination at 5:20 pm, covering the journey in 4 hours 5 minutes. In the return journey, Meerut City-Khurja MEMU will depart from Meerut City at 11:25 am and reach the destination at 4 pm. The Saharanpur-Meerut City MEMU will depart from Saharanpur at 5:50 am and arrive at the destination at 8:10 am, completing the journey in 2 hours 20 minutes. In the opposite direction, the MEMU will depart from Meerut City at 5:45 pm and reach Saharanpur at 8:40 pm. Indian Railways earlier this month approved a new daily train service between Kanpur Central and Anand Vihar, providing an overnight rail connectivity option between Kanpur and Delhi. The service will facilitate convenient movement between Kanpur, Etawah, Aligarh, Ghaziabad and the Delhi region, supporting passenger mobility across this important rail corridor. The service will cover a distance of 428 km in both directions. The journey time will be 8 hour-10 minutes from Kanpur Central to Anand Vihar, and 8 hours in the return direction. Indian Railways also approved the construction of a four-lane Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Alkapuri in Vadodara Division of Western Railway at a total cost of Rs 166.5 crore, on a cost-sharing basis with the state government.
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Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], September 28: Ratnaveer Precision Engineering Limited is witnessing heightened corporate and market attention following an INR 8.83 crore capital deployment by Shanti Gold International Limited, which has acquired 2,65,000 equity shares at a weighted average acquisition price of INR 333.33 per share through the secondary market.
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I used to come from Delhi: HM Shah recalls Sabarmatis long journey to modern rail hub
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Sep 27 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday highlighted the freight capacity and alternative-fuel initiatives being introduced at Sabarmati, including the Rs 700-crore WAG-12 locomotive maintenance shed and the launch of Indias first LNG-powered train. Addressing a gathering at Sabarmati railway station in Gujarat, HM Shah said the projects being inaugurated and launched covered passenger convenience, railway safety and environmental concerns. He also recalled his earlier visits to the station and said its facilities and connectivity had undergone a major change. Today, no one can believe that this is the same station where, in the 1980s, one had to walk two kilometres to get a rickshaw, HM Shah said, while referring to the stations present connectivity with the Metro, state transport facilities and other rail services. He said the projects being taken up in the Sabarmati railway division at a cost of around Rs 1,472 crore would benefit passengers in the area. The Home Minister specifically referred to the WAG-12 locomotive maintenance shed, Kavach train protection system and doubling of the SabarmatiSarkhej railway line. The Rs 700-crore WAG-12 maintenance shed has been developed at Sabarmati for the homing and maintenance of high-capacity electric freight locomotives. HM Shah highlighted the capacity of the WAG-12 and said: A single locomotive could carry freight equivalent to around 600 trucks, compared with the need for two locomotives earlier. WAG-12 locomotives have a rated capacity of around 12,000 HP and are designed for hauling heavy and long freight trains. The Sabarmati facility is planned to maintain up to 300 such locomotives. The Home Minister also highlighted the launch of Indias first LNG-powered train from Sabarmati, describing it as an initiative with environmental benefits. The train uses a diesel-plus-LNG dual-fuel system, with two 1,400 HP Driving Power Cars converted for LNG use. More than 2,000 km of field trials have been completed on the two converted DPCs. LNG can replace part of diesel consumption while the engine can continue to operate on diesel when required. HM Shah also referred to the trial of a long-haul double-stack container train between Mumbai and Vadodara, saying such trains could increase freight-carrying capacity on existing railway infrastructure. He further mentioned dedicated freight corridors, rapid rail systems and modern railway stations as part of changes in the railway network since 2014. Referring to the Sabarmati-Sarkhej doubling project, the Home Minister said: The work would also help open the way for better direct connectivity from western Ahmedabad towards Mumbai and other destinations. The projects were launched during HM Shahs Gujarat visit and formed part of railway initiatives worth more than Rs 1,542 crore in Ahmedabad.
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President Murmu Emphasizes Educations Role in National Progress at Vadodara University Ceremony
President Droupadi Murmu highlights the importance of education for societal benefit during her address at Maharaja Sayajirao University. President Murmu Emphasizes Educations Role in National Progress at Vadodara University Ceremony
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Viksit Bharat must awaken spirit: President Murmu
Digital Desk | Vadodara, Sep 23 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said India's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 should go beyond economic advancement and include spiritual awakening, as she called for preparing a young generation equipped with skills, self-confidence, discipline and moral values. Speaking at a Brahma Kumaris organisation's programme in Vadodara, Murmu said India's large young population could play a central role in nation-building if it directed its energy and talent toward constructive goals. Today, the youth have awakened. The dream of a developed India by 2047 is not only about economic development but also spiritual awakening. Today, the entire world is looking towards India, she said. Murmu said India had a population of around 1.4 billion and that 65 per cent of it was young. The country's demographic strength, she said, made it important to focus on the overall development of young people. She was speaking after the virtual launch of Awakening Inner Strength for Nation Building, a national initiative associated with the Brahma Kumaris' programme in Nadiad. The President said young people needed knowledge, technology and skills, but these had to be accompanied by qualities such as self-confidence, self-discipline, positive thinking, sensitivity and moral values. We have to prepare young people who are equipped with knowledge, technology and skills, while also being filled with self-confidence, self-discipline, positive thinking, sensitivity and moral values, she said. Murmu said youth were facing a rapidly changing environment, with the digital world, an abundance of information, intense competition, changing lifestyles, and shifting social expectations affecting their lives. The young generation has unlimited opportunities before it, but it also faces many challenges, she said. She said the response should include developing what she described as inner strength self-awareness, concentration, emotional balance, positive thinking and self-discipline. Therefore, developing inner strength among them that is, self-awareness, self-confidence, concentration, emotional balance, a positive outlook and self-discipline is important, she said. Murmu linked this process with the broader objective of nation-building, saying an awakened and conscious youth could channel its talent, energy and values towards building a developed India. When young people give a positive direction to their thoughts, emotions and actions, their families, workplaces, communities feel its impact and ultimately the entire nation, she said. She also referred to the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose examples of nation-building, she said, continue to inspire young people in particular. The President said India's spiritual heritage could be combined with modern science, technology and new ideas to create a broader development model. India has given the world great life philosophies such as yoga, meditation, non-violence, compassion and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, she said. Murmu said this heritage could be integrated with the requirements of modern life and India's development priorities. Our goal should be to build an India that is economically prosperous, scientifically powerful, socially inclusive and spiritually awakened, she said. The event also marked the Brahma Kumaris' completion of 90 years of their spiritual journey and the launch of the organisation's 2026 national theme, Spiritual Awakening for World Renewal.
President Murmu Advocates Multidisciplinary Approach in Higher Education
President Droupadi Murmu emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address contemporary challenges during a convocation in Vadodara. President Murmu Advocates Multidisciplinary Approach in Higher Education
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ECHS Vadodara Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 16 DEO, Peon, Chowkidar and More Posts
Ex Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has invited applications for the Recruitment 2026 notification for 16 Various Contractual Staff posts. Eligible candidates can submit their applications by email by 05-10-2026. The detailed notification and application details are available on the official website.
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With 23,542 Ganesh idols sold, Gujarats clay artisans clock Rs 5 crores at state fair
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 21 (IANS) More than 23,500 eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols were sold across Gujarat during a seven-day state-supported fair this month, generating around Rs five crore in revenue for 361 registered artisans, the Gujarat Matikam Kalakari and Rural Technology Institute said on Monday. The Mati Murti Mela-2026, organised by the Institute under the Cottage and Rural Industries Department from September 8 to 14, saw 23,542 clay idols sold at five locations in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat. The state government supplied 186 tonnes of ready-to-use clay to participating artisans and provided sales stalls free of cost under a 100 per cent subsidy. Ahmedabad Haat in Vastrapur recorded the highest revenue among the five venues, with sales exceeding Rs 1.91 crore. Adajan in Surat recorded the highest number of idols sold, with 7,920 idols accounting for more than Rs 1.11 crore in sales. At Parsi Agiyari Maidan in Vadodara, 79 stalls recorded sales of Rs 85.77 lakh, while 124 stalls at the Sabarmati Riverfront registered sales of Rs 77.99 lakh. Bopal Hastkala Haat in Ahmedabad recorded Rs 32.55 lakh in sales through 30 stalls. The fair is part of state government's efforts to encourage clay idols as an alternative to Plaster of Paris (POP) idols during Ganeshotsav. According to state government, around 90 per cent of Ganesh idols in Gujarat were made from POP until 2014-15. Since POP does not dissolve in water and can affect aquatic life and water sources, the government introduced the Incentive Scheme for Clay Idol Makers in 2015-16. Under the scheme, registered artisans receive ready-to-use clay at a 50 per cent subsidised rate, along with free sales stalls and daily fair assistance of Rs 1,000. The government said the measures implemented over the past decade have contributed to a reduction in the use of POP idols across the state. The initiative also included an educational component, with more than 84,500 students from 302 schools across 10 districts participating in live clay idol-making demonstrations and do-it-yourself (DIY) activities. The activities were organised under the National Education Policy to promote awareness about environmental issues. The programme also created livelihood opportunities for women from artisan families involved in making and decorating idols at home. The Institute said the scheme has expanded beyond financial assistance to artisans and is intended to support livelihoods while promoting traditional skills and environmental protection. The government plans to continue such fairs in the coming years as part of its stated objective of promoting an Aatmanirbhar Gujarat to Aatmanirbhar Bharat approach.
Gujarat: New Gambhira bridge opens a year after tragedy
Digital Desk | Vadodara, Sep 20 (IANS) The new Gambhira-Mujpur bridge over the Mahi River was inaugurated in Vadodara district on Sunday, a little over a year after the collapse of the old structure claimed 22 lives, as Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 1,297 crore in the district. The new 868.75-metre bridge connects Padra taluka in Vadodara with Anklav in Anand district and has 23 spans and 21 piers. According to the Roads and Buildings Department, construction began on August 14, 2025, and was completed on August 13, making it the fastest river bridge in Gujarat. The earlier bridge, built in 1985, collapsed on July 9 last year when a section between two piers gave way during morning traffic, sending several vehicles into the Mahi River. The final death toll was 22. The bridge was a major route between central Gujarat and Saurashtra and carried around one lakh vehicles a day, including heavy vehicles. Its collapse forced commuters to take detours of up to 45 km. The new structure uses epoxy-coated steel to improve durability and reduce corrosion. Around 300 workers were deployed round the clock during construction, with fluctuating water levels and flow in the Mahi River posing challenges. Safety testing was also carried out before the bridge was opened. Addressing a programme at Trimandir in Varnama, Patel said the Rs 1,297-crore package included the Gambhira bridge, the Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Sankalp Bhoomi Memorial at Kalyannagar and works related to housing, roads, drainage and water supply. The Ambedkar memorial, built at a cost of around Rs 29 crore, features a 12-foot statue of Dr Ambedkar, along with a museum, digital show, library, and auditorium. Patel said the memorial would inspire future generations toward social equality, unity, and harmony. Social harmony had been established in the country under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership and that the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam had received continuous encouragement under his leadership, he added. He said PM Modi had adopted an approach of considering every citizen as part of his family and ensuring that the benefits of development reached the person at the bottom of the social and economic ladder. The Chief Minister said the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' is being organised to advance further PM Modis 25-year journey of public and national service. Benefits of schemes including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Har Ghar Jal and Ayushman Bharat had made peoples lives easier, and citizens must ensure that those who remained deprived received their rightful benefits, he said. He stressed the need for a saturation approach so that government schemes reached the maximum number of beneficiaries and urged people to contribute to public service through activities such as tree plantation, cleanliness drives, water conservation, electricity conservation and rainwater harvesting. The government is working to bring every village, family and citizen into the development process, he noted. He said 593 houses were among the works being undertaken under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He stressed the importance of public participation in building a developed Gujarat and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Pradyuman Vaja said Vadodara had received development works worth Rs 1,273 crore, including around Rs 75 crore in projects under his department. Vaja also thanked the Chief Minister for making a budgetary provision of Rs 231 crore in Gujarat to mark the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Shiromani Ravidas. Minister of State Manisha Vakil said Patel had given priority to reconstructing the Gambhira bridge and ensured the work was completed on time. The new bridge would make trade and commercial movement between Vadodara and Saurashtra easier. The Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial would continue to inspire people, she added.
FairPoint: India suddenly has too many 'naaraz fufajis', some even outside
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) From Delhi to Washington, the naraaz fufaji -- the grumpy, angry or perpetually sulking uncle -- has now found a popular place in political vocabulary. It is not that naaraz fufaji is a new discovery; every Indian family knows one. But suddenly, these two words have acquired their own status, putting a familiar family character at the centre of political conversations. It is quite interesting to watch several 'naaraz fufajis' getting the spotlight in the country, from the desi political arena to international politics and even other fields. The country suddenly seems to have too many fufajis. The fufaji is a character most Indian households instantly recognise. He arrives at a family function and, instead of simply enjoying the hospitality, starts inspecting the arrangements. Why is this here? Why was that done? What was the need? And, most importantly, why wasn't I asked? The questions may be basic, but the intention is usually to find something wrong and, perhaps, remind everyone that he would have done it better. If the food is good, he will ask why another dish was not included. If the venue is impressive, he will question why this place was chosen. And if everything has gone perfectly, he may remind everyone that his daughter's or son's wedding was better. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently gave this familiar Indian character a political identity. During his interaction with students at the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce, PM Modi referred to the naraz fufaji, taking a dig at those who question every new government initiative. He returned to the expression days later in Vadodara while speaking about development projects worth more than Rs 35,000 crore and the completion of the Dedicated Freight Corridor. The Prime Minister did not name anyone. But politics does not always require names. Sometimes a fufaji is enough. PM Modi used the freight corridor to contrast the pace of work under his government with the earlier Congress-led UPA period, pointing out that the project had been conceived earlier but had moved slowly before 2014. Once the naraaz fufaji entered political vocabulary, social media did what it does best -- memes, videos and reels appeared. And, naturally, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party became frequent recipients of the new political nickname. But Rahul Gandhi is not the only one who seems to have accepted the fufaji job description. Akhilesh Yadav too has increasingly found himself in the same political conversation, often taking a similar line to Rahul Gandhi on national issues. The BRICS Summit in New Delhi provided a rather perfect example. After India hosted a gala dinner for BRICS leaders with an elaborate vegetarian menu showcasing different parts of the country, Rahul Gandhi found something else to put on the political menu. He pointed out that 80 per cent of Indians are non-vegetarian and praised non-vegetarian food. Like a typical fufaji, Rahul Gandhi managed to find a point of criticism in the dinner menu at an international summit. Akhilesh Yadav also criticised the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government, saying international events such as the BRICS Summit could not conceal domestic governance shortcomings or replace genuine democratic accountability. Fair criticism? That is for people to decide. But in the fufaji dictionary, the timing certainly qualifies. The naraaz fufaji does not discriminate between a major family decision and the colour of the curtains. Everything deserves a comment. The wedding may be grand. The guests may be happy. The food may be excellent. But the fufaji will still ask questions and pass indirect judgements. In politics, apparently, even a BRICS dinner is not safe. And then there is the international family. US President Donald Trump could almost qualify as the international edition of the fufaji -- the kind who walks into a family gathering and within minutes tells everyone how important he is, how much he has done for them and what they should be doing differently. India has had its own experience. During the tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor in May 2025, Trump repeatedly claimed a role in bringing the hostilities to an end and spoke about mediation. India rejected the suggestion of US mediation and maintained that the cessation of firing followed direct communication between the two militaries. Then came the tariff threats and Trump's repeated comments on the Indian economy. In July 2025, he described India and Russia as having dead economies. No sooner had the international fufaji commented than some Indian fufajis led by Rahul Gandhi quickly endorsed it. Gandhi said Trump was right and that the Indian economy was a dead economy, while blaming the Modi government. They even tried to add their own reasons for the remarks, thereby proving a point for which the fufaji is perpetually known -- a fufaji gone naaraz. Every Indian knows this: the fufaji has an opinion about everything. And politics has plenty of such characters. Governments need criticism. Opposition parties have every right to question decisions. But when every government initiative is criticised simply because it comes from the government, the criticism can start sounding predictable. Rahul Gandhi has done this on several occasions, giving further credence to the fufaji title. At the same time, when every criticism is dismissed by calling the critic a naraaz fufaji, governments can also avoid answering uncomfortable questions. That is perhaps the strange beauty of the political fufaji. He is always around. He does not really retire. When his party is in Opposition, everything the government does is wrong. When his party comes to power, everything the previous government did becomes wrong. When the government announces something, he asks why. When it does not announce something, he asks why not. When something succeeds, he asks why it took so long. And when something fails, he is the first to say, I told you so. The fufaji will never change. And perhaps that is the most Indian thing about our political family. There will always be a naraaz fufaji, frowning at everything under the sun, no matter what. (Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in)
Zimbabwe to host West Indies for womens white-ball games in September-October
Digital Desk | Harare, Sep 18 (IANS) Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) have announced that it will host West Indies for a six-match womens white-ball series starting in Harare later this month. The series will feature three ODIs and is followed by as many T20I games. The three-match ODI series is a part of the ICC Womens Championship pathway, and will be played at the Harare Sports Club on September 24, 27, and 30 respectively. Both teams will then move to the Takashinga Cricket Club for the T20I fixtures scheduled for October 3, 5, and 7 respectively. The incoming tour extends a packed international calendar for Zimbabwe, coming on the heels of their Championship away visits to New Zealand and Pakistan, alongside an ongoing domestic T20I series against South Africa at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. We are delighted to welcome West Indies Women to Harare for what promises to be an exciting series. Regular exposure to high-quality international cricket is vital to the development of Zimbabwe Women and playing a side of West Indies stature gives our players another opportunity to test their skills, learn and build the experience and confidence they need to become more competitive. This tour adds to a busy programme for our womens team and reflects our commitment to creating more opportunities for them at international level, ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni said in a statement on Friday. The ODI games will begin at 9:30 local time, while the subsequent T20I matches at Takashinga will feature afternoon starts to wrap up the tour. Following this, Zimbabwe are also scheduled to travel to India for a white-ball series in October, marking this as the first-ever bilateral meeting between the two women's teams. The tour will feature three T20Is to be played on October 16, 18, and 20 respectively at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. It is followed by three ODIs to be played in BCA Stadium, Vadodara on October 23, 25, and 28 respectively.
Delhi Police bust narco-extortion network, seize 2 kg Pakistani-origin heroin
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) The Delhi Police Special Cell, in a joint operation with the Gujarat Crime Branch, has busted a narco-extortion network operating between Delhi and Gujarat and recovered 2 kg of Pakistani-origin heroin valued at around Rs 12 crore. Police said an accused associated with the Rohit Godara and Mahendra Delana gang was arrested during the operation. The accused has been identified as 31-year-old Kuldeep Swami, a resident of Rajasthan's Churu. According to police, Swami was involved in a major narco-extortion module and was wanted in connection with a high-profile extortion case involving approximately Rs 10 crore registered in Gujarat's Vadodara. During the investigation, police recovered 2 kg of high-quality heroin, a car, and currency notes used for hawala token verification. A secret cavity was also found in the recovered vehicle, police said. Investigators are now probing the alleged links of the network with gangsters Godara and Delana, along with possible connections to Pakistan-based narcotics networks. The latest action comes amid a series of operations by the Delhi Police against criminal networks involved in extortion, narcotics and arms-related offences. Earlier, on August 26, the Delhi Police Special Cell had arrested two alleged sympathisers of the Gogi gang who were reportedly planning to commit extortion-related crimes. Police had identified the accused as 22-year-old Chirag, a resident of Narela, and 26-year-old Sagar, a resident of Haryana's Sonipat. The two were arrested near the Munak Canal on August 19 following a tip-off, officials said. A .32-bore semi-automatic pistol along with four live cartridges, a country-made single-shot pistol and two mobile phones were recovered from their possession, according to a senior police officer. In another case, on March 19, a team of the Delhi Police Special Cell apprehended a proclaimed offender who had allegedly been evading arrest in connection with an Arms Act case registered in Delhi. The accused, identified as 26-year-old Jaswinder Singh, a resident of Haryana's Ambala, was wanted in an FIR registered at Jagatpuri Police Station under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act. Police had said Singh had been absconding since the registration of the case and was subsequently declared a proclaimed offender by a court.
Gujarat weather today: Monsoon remains active, rain forecast in Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Surat
Gujarat is expected to experience light to moderate rainfall across several districts on September 18 as a low-pressure area over Saurashtra and the northeast Arabian Sea remains active. Rainfall may continue at isolated locations through September 23, while scattered showers are also possible in parts of the state between September 24 and 27. Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat and Vadodara may receive rain today.
RCM Vadodara Recruitment 2026 - Walkin for Zonal Manager UWM/ Civil Engineer Posts
Regional Commissioner Municipality Vadodara (RCM Vadodara) has announced the Recruitment 2026 notification for 2 Zonal Manager UWM and Civil Engineer (AHM) posts. Eligible candidates can attend the walk-in interviews on 29 and 30 September 2026 at the prescribed venue.
