Ahead of PM Modi's Vadodara visit, 'Namo for Viksit Bharat' padayatra draws citizens
Digital Desk | Vadodara, Sep 7 (IANS) A day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Gujarat's Vadodara, the city witnessed a 'Namo for Viksit Bharat @ Vadodara' padayatra on Monday evening, with citizens, civic officials, youth and National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets taking part in a programme organised to mark his visit. The padayatra, led by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, began at the Faculty of Technology in Dandia Bazaar and passed through Kirti Stambh before concluding at Sursagar Lake, where a cultural programme was held. The event comes ahead of PM Modi's scheduled visit to Vadodara on Tuesday, when he is set to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for development projects worth more than Rs 35,000 crore. The Prime Minister's programme has also seen a digital registration system introduced for public participation, with all available seats booked within an hour and more than 42,000 people subsequently placed on a waiting list. Speaking during the padayatra, Deputy CM Sanghavi said the response from Vadodara residents had been strong, noting that demand for participation was three times the available capacity. For the first time, online ticketing was introduced, and all seats were booked within an hour. To accommodate the large number of people, the administration has also set up special 'Fan Zones' so that everyone can watch the programme comfortably, he added. The Deputy Chief Minister thanked residents for their participation and said their support had helped take forward the resolve associated with the 'Viksit Bharat' campaign. The padayatra was attended by Legislative Assembly Chief Whip Balakrishna Shukla; Minister of State Manisha Vakil; Vadodara MP Hemang Joshi; Vadodara Municipal Corporation Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu and senior officials, besides youth, NCC cadets and other prominent citizens. The evening programme at Sursagar Lake followed a cycle rally organised on Sunday as part of the events ahead of the Prime Minister's visit. Singer Kailash Kher performed at the cultural programme. During the gathering, 'Swachhata Doots' who have made notable contributions to cleanliness efforts in Vadodara were also felicitated. PM Modi's Vadodara programme on Tuesday is centred on major rail, road and infrastructure projects. He is scheduled to dedicate three sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor spanning 326 km and valued at more than Rs 20,700 crore. He will also inaugurate or lay the foundation stones for railway and highway projects, along with state government projects estimated at around Rs 2,600 crore. The public programme, titled 'NaMo for Viksit Bharat', is scheduled to be held at the Maharaja Sayajirao University Pavilion in Vadodara on September 8.
Ongoing Repair Work Behind DY Patil Stadium, Not Being Hosts For Women's Champions Trophy
Vadodara International Cricket Stadium: Ongoing repair work has resulted in Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium missing out on hosting matches for the inaugural Women's Champions Trophy, set to be played in India from February 14 to 28, 2027. Last week, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai and the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium as the venues for the marquee six-team T20 tournament, after the tournament was taken out of Sri Lanka due to government interference in its boards administration. But the omission of DY Patil Stadium came as a surprise given its status as a spiritual home for women's cricket in the country. The privately-owned venue, situated within the DY Patil University campus, hosted the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup final, where India beat South Africa to win its first-ever senior womens ICC trophy. The venue also remains a primary host for Women's Premier League (WPL) fixtures. Multiple sources have told IANS that extensive repair work across the spectator stands will keep the facility out of action for the foreseeable future. The games were supposed to be held at the venue only, but because the repair work has started there, the venue owners themselves asked to give the games to some other stadium. It is going to take some 6-8 months or so to complete the repair work, an official familiar with the situation told this news agency. The official further added that hosting fixtures while construction is underway was practically unviable due to safety and logistical constraints. To the best of our knowledge, the repair work is happening in the stands area, where they are adding washrooms for the spectators. Currently, the washrooms are only on the ground floor, and there are no washrooms on levels 1, 2, and 3. This was okay when the year was 2006, but now it's a necessary requirement considering the venue is in such high demand for future games across all sports. Moreover, when the contractors are doing that part of the repair work, they need access from the front and sides also. This is continuous work, so one can't really do both construction and stage high-profile games at the same time. In fact, apart from cricket also, as usual, so many people from across the country keep calling for the stadium to be available for this or that sporting event, and the same thing is being told to everyone. We are just hoping that all the repair work goes well so that the DY Patil Stadium can soon start hosting games again, added the official. Confirming the development, another official privy to the venue selection process told IANS, We can tell that the DY Patil Stadium is undergoing renovation; hence it wasn't put forward to be one of the venues for the inaugural Womens Champions Trophy. Quizzed on why top metropolitan cities that have hosted womens cricket games in the last few years werent available for hosting the Womens Champions Trophy, the official said, For the tier-1 centres constantly mentioned by many people, they weren't available due to preparations for another big tournament at that time of year. From an Indian perspective, the Womens Champions Trophy will be held at a time when the domestic and international calendar will be very hectic. India are supposed to host Australia for a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series from January 21 to March 3. Quizzed on why top metropolitan cities that have hosted womens cricket games in the last few years werent available for hosting the Womens Champions Trophy, the official said, For the tier-1 centres constantly mentioned by many people, they weren't available due to preparations for another big tournament at that time of year. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The Womens Champions Trophy, originally scheduled for June 2027 before it was shifted to February 2027 by the ICC Board earlier this year, will feature the top six womens T20I sides as per the July 6, 2026 cut-off date: Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Article Source: IANS
PM Modi's Gujarat visit to mark major push for rail, roads and urban infra
Digital Desk | Vadodara, Sep 7 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that his visit to Gujarat and Maharashtra on September 8 would include the launch of development projects worth more than Rs 35,000 crore, with the completion of key sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) set to strengthen freight movement and the logistics network. Will be attending programmes in Vadodara, Navsari and Mumbai tomorrow, September 8, the Prime Minister said in a post on social media platform X, listing the inauguration and foundation stone-laying of major projects, the dedication of three sections of the WDFC and his participation in the Global Fintech Festival 2026 in Mumbai. In Vadodara, PM Modi will inaugurate, dedicate to the nation or lay the foundation stones for projects worth more than Rs 35,200 crore, comprising over Rs 32,606 crore of Central government works and more than Rs 2,597 crore of state government projects. The programme is scheduled at the University Ground at around noon. The biggest component of the visit will be the dedication of three WDFC sections covering 326 route kilometres and developed at a cost of Rs 20,703 crore. These are the New Sanand (N)-New Makarpura section of 138 km, New Umargam-New Safale section of 86 km and New Safale-New Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) section of 102 km. Their commissioning will complete the WDFC, allowing direct freight connectivity to Jawaharlal Nehru Port and facilitating faster movement of export-import cargo, while improving links between industrial centres and ports and helping reduce logistics costs. PM Modi said the WDFC sections would provide a big boost to the logistics sector. Freight train services will also be flagged off from New Sanand (North), New Makarpura, New Umargam and New JNPT in Mumbai. A new train service between Vadodara and Tanda Road will also be flagged off, benefiting passengers in Vadodara, Chhota Udepur and Alirajpur districts. Among the other railway projects are the Jobat-Tanda Road new rail line, developed as part of the Chhota Udepur-Dhar project, and foundation stones for the 259-km third and fourth railway lines between Vadodara and Ratlam, estimated at Rs 8,885 crore. Gauge conversion and doubling works on other routes will also be taken up. The wider railway package is valued at more than Rs 30,766 crore. Road infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 1,840 crore will also be inaugurated or launched through the National Highways Authority of India. These include major bridges over the Tapi and Narmada on the Vadodara-Surat section of NH-48, the six-laning of the Kamrej-Chalthan section and grade-separated structures at Abhva, Mindhola and Khajod junctions on NH-53. A six-lane flyover at Kandari Chowkdi and Luvara Patiya on NH-48 will also be inaugurated. The state government projects, valued at more than Rs 2,597 crore, cover urban development, energy, water supply, roads, housing, transport and other sectors. Under the Urban Development Department, eight projects worth Rs 916.38 crore include the second phase of the Vadodara Ring Road, for which the foundation stone will be laid, and a new office building for the Vadodara Municipal Corporation. Water infrastructure for 11 villages in eastern Vadodara under the Vadodara Urban Development Authority, costing Rs 203.77 crore, will be inaugurated. The works include filter plants, water tanks, pipelines, distribution systems, underground sumps and pumping stations. Other projects include facilities in the Bhayli TP-3 and TP-4 areas, 150 MLD-capacity pontoons at Ajwa Sarovar and stormwater drainage works at various junctions in Vadodara. In the energy sector, the foundation stone will be laid for a 110 MW floating solar project at Kadana Dam in Mahisagar district at a cost of Rs 489.20 crore. Transmission system projects worth Rs 94.58 crore in Vadodara and Surat will also be inaugurated. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, 13,888 houses constructed across Gujarat at a cost of Rs 236.10 crore will be inaugurated. Foundation stones will also be laid for major bridges over the Mahisagar and Vatrak rivers, a high-level bridge on the Nadiad-Dakor-Pali road and a new bus station at Anand. After Vadodara, PM Modi will travel to Navsari, where facilities developed at the Eru Police Headquarters will be inaugurated. Two works under Industries and Mines DepartmentGujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), including renovation of the Jhagadia-Kantiyajal pipeline and road widening and resurfacing works in Savli GIDC, are also on the programme. Three Regional Water Supply Scheme packages in Songadh in Tapi district, worth Rs 214.52 crore, will be inaugurated. The Prime Minister will then travel to Mumbai to inaugurate the Global Fintech Festival 2026 at around 5:45 p.m. The festival's theme is Potential to Impact: Agentic AI, Tokenisation, Quantum - Trusted, Connected, Global Systems for Inclusive Finance.
PM Modi's Vadodara event sells out on BookMyShow in an hour, 42,000 waitlisted
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate several development projects in Vadodara on Tuesday. He will dedicate three sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor to the nation. Foundation stones will be laid for new railway and highway projects in the region. After the Vadodara program, Modi travels to Mumbai for the Global Fintech Fest. This conference will discuss future trends shaping the global financial landscape.
PM Modi's Vadodara Event Sold Out In 60 Mins On BookMyShow With 42,000 On Waitlist
VMC's digital-first registration drive fills available seats quickly, with more than 42,000 people placed on the waiting list for the Prime Minister's Vadodara programme.
PM Modis Upcoming Visit to Vadodara: Major Development Projects to be Launched
PM Modis visit to Vadodara on September 8 will inaugurate development projects worth 35,000 crores, enhancing public services and infrastructure. PM Modis Upcoming Visit to Vadodara: Major Development Projects to be Launched
PM Modi Mumbai, Gujarat visit on September 8; check full itinerary
During his Vadodara visit, Modi will dedicate three key sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) to the nation. The sections cover 326 route kilometres and have been developed at a cost of more than Rs 20,700 crore
Over 42,000 Join Waiting List for PM Modis Vadodara Event as Seats Fill in Just One Hour
PM Modis upcoming event in Vadodara sees overwhelming interest, with all seats booked within an hour and over 42,000 on the waiting list. Over 42,000 Join Waiting List for PM Modis Vadodara Event as Seats Fill in Just One Hour
PM Modi To Launch Key Rail, Road Projects, Open Global Fintech Fest Tomorrow
PM Modi will first visit Vadodara where he will lay the foundation stone, and inaugurate and dedicate to the nation various development projects.
PM Modi's Vadodara event draws huge public response, 42,000 on waiting list
Vadodara, Sep 7 (IANS) More than 42,000 people have been placed on a waiting list for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public programme in Vadodara after all available seats were booked within an hour of free registration opening on BookMyShow, highlighting strong public interest ahead of the event scheduled for Tuesday. The registration drive, being conducted by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), marks the first time a private digital platform has been used to manage public participation in a Prime Minister's programme. Registration was subsequently closed after available seats were exhausted, while the waiting list continued to grow. The event will operate on a fully digital entry and venue-management system. Registered participants will receive an M-Ticket through their BookMyShow accounts, featuring a secure live QR code for entry verification. The entire process, from registration and verification to venue access and seat allocation, is being managed digitally to facilitate faster verification and smoother crowd movement. PM Modi is scheduled to visit Gujarat and Maharashtra on September 8. In Vadodara, he will lay foundation stones, inaugurate and dedicate development projects worth over Rs 35,000 crore and address a public gathering. A key highlight of the programme will be the dedication of three sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), spanning 326 route km and built at a cost exceeding Rs 20,700 crore. With these sections becoming operational, the WDFC network will be fully commissioned along its entire length, improving freight connectivity, reducing logistics costs and easing pressure on Mumbai's rail network. PM Modi will also flag off freight train services from New Sanand (North), New Makarpura, New Umbergaon and New JNPT in Mumbai, besides inaugurating a new train service between Vadodara and Tanda Road. The programme will further include railway, highway and state government projects worth thousands of crores. After the Vadodara event, the Prime Minister will travel to Mumbai to inaugurate the Global Fintech Fest 2026.
PM Modi to launch Rs 35,000 crore projects in Vadodara tomorrow
PM Modi to launch Rs 35,000 crore projects in Vadodara tomorrow Vadodara: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Tuesday inaugurate and dedicate infrastructure projects worth over Rs 35,000 crore in Vadodara, highlighted by the commissioning of the final key sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), completing the freight network along its entire route. [] The post PM Modi to launch Rs 35,000 crore projects in Vadodara tomorrow appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
First-of-its-kind registration initiative for PMs Vadodara event; seats fill within hour
Prime Minister Modi's Vadodara program registration filled within an hour online. He will inaugurate and dedicate several significant development projects. These include sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor and new train services. Foundation stones will also be laid for railway and national highway projects. After Vadodara, the Prime Minister travels to Mumbai for the Global Fintech Fest.
From 9,000 First-Class Runs to a 22-Year Court Battle: Jacob Martins Untold Story
Jacob Martin's Untold Story: For most cricketers, the longest innings of their lives are played on a cricket field. For Jacob Martin , it was played in a courtroom. The former India batsman has finally walked out of a legal battle that followed him for 22 years. A Patiala House Court in Delhi has acquitted Martin of all charges in a long-running case involving allegations of forgery, cheating, criminal conspiracy and passport-related offences arising from a controversial cricket tour to the United Kingdom. The verdict brings an extraordinary chapter of his life to an end. Martin's journey took him from the promise of a successful cricket career to arrest and imprisonment, cost him his Railway job and, according to him, prevented him from finding employment with the BCCI. Along the way came public controversy, professional isolation, a near-fatal road accident and years of living under allegations that he consistently denied. Now, at 54, Martin has finally received what he had been waiting for: an acquittal. Long before his name appeared in police records and court proceedings, Jacob Joseph Martin was known for one thing: runs. Born in Baroda, Martin was a right-handed middle-order batsman with an ideal temperament for the longer game. He developed into one of India's most accomplished domestic cricketers, building a reputation for reliability, concentration and consistency. His breakthrough came during the 1998-99 Ranji Trophy season, when he scored more than 1,000 runs. At the time, he became only the sixth batsman in the history of the competition to cross that landmark in a single season. The extraordinary performance brought him national recognition and eventually earned him an India call-up. Martin's overall first-class record underlines just how good a domestic cricketer he was. He played 138 first-class matches, scored more than 9,000 runs, hit 23 centuries and averaged above 46. He also captained Baroda to its fifth and, so far, last Ranji Trophy title in 2000-01, one of the most significant achievements in the team's cricket history. Years later, he returned to Baroda cricket as a coach. His India career, however, was far shorter than his domestic career. Martin made his ODI debut against the West Indies in Toronto in 1999 and played 10 ODIs for India between 1999 and 2001, scoring 158 runs. He never managed to establish himself permanently in the national side, but his reputation as a formidable domestic batsman was already secure. Then came the chapter that changed everything. Perhaps the most important number in Jacob Martin's life today is not 10, his India caps or 9,000-plus, his first-class runs. It is 22. The UK tour changed everything. According to Martin's account after his acquittal, a team he was associated with travelled to the United Kingdom in 2004. Everyone returned to India except one player, who overstayed his visa. That player later obtained a fake immigration stamp and was deported from Britain before being detained after his return to India. Martin has maintained that his name did not appear in the original FIR and that he was implicated later during the investigation. He has also suggested that his profile as a former international cricketer may have contributed to the attention directed towards him. The police version was very different. Investigators alleged that Martin and an associate had helped arrange the youngster's trip to Britain under the pretext of playing cricket and that money had changed hands. Police also alleged that a bogus cricket club, Ajwa Sports Club, was used in connection with the arrangement. Martin was accused of involvement in what police described as a human-trafficking or illegal-immigration racket. He was arrested in Delhi and spent time in Tihar Jail. Yet the case dragged on for years. By 2016, when the Baroda Cricket Association appointed him as its Ranji Trophy coach, the legal proceedings were still unresolved. The appointment itself became controversial, with the questioning how someone facing such serious allegations could be appointed to coach the team. The courtroom battle was not the only crisis Martin had to endure. In December 2018, he suffered grievous injuries in a road accident in Vadodara, including serious damage to his lung and liver. His condition was critical. He was placed on a ventilator and spent nearly a month in intensive care. Former teammates, administrators and others associated with Indian cricket came forward with financial assistance for his treatment. The most painful part of Martin's story may not be the arrest or even the time spent in custody. The prolonged legal battle cost him his Railway job and prevented him from finding employment with the BCCI. He has described the years as immensely stressful and said the latest judgment represents a major turning point in his life. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories An acquittal can clear a legal cloud. It cannot return lost years. Twenty-two years after the case began, he finally has closure. For once, the final scorecard is in his favour.
Drug peddlers involved in 75 offences arrested by crime branch
BJP prepares month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' in Gujarat to mark PM Modi's 25-year public life
Vadodara, Sep 6 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat has begun preparations for a month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years in public life, with State party President Jagdish Vishwakarma holding organisational workshops in Ahmedabad and Vadodara on Sunday. The campaign, scheduled from September 17 to October 17, will be observed nationwide. The BJP has said the month-long programme is being organised to mark the 25th anniversary of PM Modi becoming Gujarat Chief Minister in October 2001 and his subsequent tenure as the country's Prime Minister. Addressing the BJP workshop at Dinesh Hall on Ashram Road in Ahmedabad, Vishwakarma described PM Modi's journey from a poor family to Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister as extremely inspiring. He said that PM Modi's 25 years in public life had seen Gujarat and the country witness historic and unprecedented work across sectors and new dimensions of development. The decisions he (PM Modi) has taken for the overall development of Gujarat and the country, public welfare, nation-building and the security of the country are a symbol of his continuous service, dedication and commitment to the nation, Vishwakarma added. He instructed party office-bearers, leaders, elected members and workers on organising programmes under the campaign and urged party workers to ensure that information about government initiatives and development works reaches people at the grassroots. A similar workshop was held at the BJP office, Namo Kamalam, under Vishwakarma's chairmanship in Vadodara. He said that PM Modi's 25-year public life represented service, resolve and dedication to the nation and credited his decisive leadership and public welfare policies with giving a new direction to Gujarat and the country. The 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' is not merely a series of programmes, but a campaign to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi's life of service and resolve for nation-building to every person, Vishwakarma added. The Vadodara workshop was attended by state Minister Manisha Vakil, state general secretary Hitendrasinh Chauhan, BJP Yuva Morcha national president Hemang Joshi, state vice-president Rasik Prajapati, city BJP president Jayprakash Soni, Mayor Gita Makwana, MLAs, Corporators and other party functionaries. The workshops come ahead of PM Modi's scheduled Vadodara visit on September 8. Vishwakarma also visited the programme venue on Sunday to inspect preparations and arrangements. The BJP's nationwide campaign is expected to include a range of public outreach and service-oriented programmes during the month.
PM to launch projects worth 30,766-cr during visit to city
WFH fraud leaves man poorer by Rs 27.24L
Firm loses Rs 20L lakh in fake supplier email fraud
PSI caught accepting Rs 1 lakh bribe in Dahod
Ahmedabad, Sep 5 (IANS) Ahmedabad Customs officials have seized 5,519.7 grams of suspected hydroponic marijuana from a passenger arriving from Ho Chi Minh City, after the contraband was allegedly concealed inside food packaging in his hand baggage. The seizure was made by officers of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU), Ahmedabad Customs, following passenger profiling and X-ray screening of hand baggage. The passenger, a Mumbai resident, had arrived in Ahmedabad on September 4 on VietJet Air flight VJ-1805 from Ho Chi Minh City. During a detailed examination of his hand baggage, officers recovered a green-coloured substance packed in 24 packets wrapped in aluminium foil. The packets had allegedly been concealed inside three cookie boxes and a packet of corn flakes, according to Ahmedabad Customs. Preliminary testing of the recovered substance using an NDPS field testing kit indicated the presence of ganja (marijuana). The total weight of the seized substance was recorded at 5,519.7 grams. Customs officials seized the contraband under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and arrested the passenger. Further investigation is underway. The seizure comes amid a series of recent interceptions of hydroponic marijuana at Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. On September 2, Ahmedabad Customs seized 6,073.7 grams of hydroponic marijuana from a passenger arriving from Ho Chi Minh City on the same VJ-1805 service. The substance was allegedly concealed in five vacuum-packed packets inside a specially created cavity in a trolley bag. The passenger was arrested under the NDPS Act. The following day, Customs intercepted a Vadodara-based couple arriving from Bangkok and seized 1,928 grams of hydroponic marijuana allegedly concealed in specially created cavities inside two trolley bags. Both passengers were arrested. The latest seizure is the third reported hydroponic marijuana interception at the Ahmedabad airport in the space of four days, involving different concealment methods and international routes. Customs authorities are continuing to investigate the source of the contraband and the circumstances surrounding its attempted entry into the country.
Unique Cleanliness Campaign Launched in Vadodara and Navsari Ahead of PM Modis Visit
Ahead of Prime Minister Modis visit, Vadodara and Navsari initiate a cleanliness campaign, engaging 250 villages in environmental efforts. Unique Cleanliness Campaign Launched in Vadodara and Navsari Ahead of PM Modis Visit
Jitendra Singh felicitates winners of International Earth Science Olympiad 2026
Union minister Jitendra Singh on Friday felicitated the winners of the 19th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) 2026 and said the government remains committed to empowering the youth through student-centric outreach programmes. Held from August 20 to 27 in Italy, the competition witnessed the participation of 39 countries. India secured a historic haul of nine medals comprising four gold, three silver, and two bronze medals across different categories. During the meeting, Singh highlighted that the government remains deeply committed to empowering the youth through student-centric outreach programmes and fostering foundational scientific temperament, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The felicitation ceremony was of Team India school children, the winners of the 19th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) 2026 was held at a special appreciation and motivation meeting held at Prithvi Bhawan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. Dr Jitendra Singh hailed the extraordinary milestone and expressed immense pride in the young achievers, congratulating the winners, their proud parents, and their respective schools for bringing global laurels to the nation. He highlighted the Ministrys vision and said the government remains deeply committed to empowering youth through student-centric outreach programs, fostering foundational scientific temperament, and encouraging young minds to explore Earth System Science. Indian student delegates delivered their best-ever performance at the 19th IESO, held under the aegis of the International Geoscience Organisation in Turin, Italy, from August 20 to 27, 2026. Competing against participants from 39 countries, Team India secured a historic haul of nine medalscomprising 4 Gold, 3 Silver, and 2 Bronze medalsacross Written and Practical examinations, International Team Field Investigation (ITFI), and Earth Science Project (ESP) categories. The stellar medalists who made the country proud include Soumik Mandal (DAV Model School, Durgapur, West Bengal) with two Gold, one Silver (Stood 3rd in the overall global ranking among 39 countries), Aaron Maiti (DAV Model School, IIT-KGP, West Bengal) with one Gold and Bronze each, Riddhi Ranjan (Gyan Asthali International School, Patna, Bihar) who won one Gold and one Silver, Md Ehtesham Rizwi Bihar (JNV) who won one Silver and one Bronze. Secretary Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) Dr. T. Srinivasa Kumar also joined in commending the contingent and praised the students and mentors for recording Indias highest-ever medal tally in the competitions history. Rigorous National Selection & Training Pipeline preceded the participation in the prestigious Olympiad. The journey to international victory reflects structured national backing. Fully supported by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) under its Outreach and Awareness program, the Earth Science Olympiad begins with an all-India testfacilitated by the Geological Society of India (GSI)which saw approximately 17,800 students appear across 500 centers nationwide. The top 25 meritorious students underwent an intensive three-week training camp in June 2026 at M.S. University, Vadodara, Gujarat, conducted as desired by the Union Minister to rotate camp locations across different regions of the country. Through flagship initiatives like the IESO, alongside major national missions such as the Deep Ocean Mission, Mission Mausam, and PRITHVI, the Ministry of Earth Sciences continues to build robust public scientific awareness and inspire the next generation of geoscientists and researchers.
Royal revival | Vadodara's Kirti Mandir restoration
Royal revival | Vadodara's Kirti Mandir restoration
'Encroacher' remark hangs over Yusuf Pathan as he withdraws land dispute appeal
In a recent legal development, former cricketer Yusuf Pathan decided to withdraw his appeal challenging a court's designation of him as an encroacher on government property in Vadodara. His lawyer indicated that they are relying on state government policy for their claim. The Gujarat High Court dismissed the appeal as withdrawn on Monday, but Pathan is determined to seek resolution outside of legal proceedings.
House-help robs 81-year-old citizen in Manjalpur
Woman arrested for burglary in uncles house
Gotri resident clicks RTO challan APK file, loses Rs 7.4L
Vadodara Coal-laden truck catches fire on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway - Sandesh
Girls set to outnumber boys once again at MSUs 75th convocation
High-value gifts to influencers can trigger tax, say CAs
Bizman promised sons admission in medical college defrauded of 55L
India replace Sri Lanka as hosts of inaugural Women's Champions Trophy
In an unexpected twist, the ICC Women's Champions Trophy will now unfold in India, as Sri Lanka was forced to withdraw as the host due to governmental interference. The tournament promises thrilling competition among six teams, all vying for glory in a round-robin league format at the beautiful stadiums in Mumbai and Vadodara.
India to host first-ever Women's Champions Trophy; ICC confirms venue, start and final dates
The inaugural ICC Womens Champions Trophy will be played in India next year. Mumbai and Vadodara have been selected to host the six-team tournament from February 14 to 28, 2027. The Cricket Club of India...
India to host inaugural Women's Champions Trophy in Mumbai, Vadodara in 2027
India to host inaugural Womens Champions Trophy in Mumbai Vadodara in
PM Modi to Address Gen Z Issues in Vadodara, Engage With Youth 11 Years After Leaving Constituency
PM Modi will address Gen Z and youth issues in Vadodara on September 8, with over 6,000 students expected at MS University Pavilion amid tight security.
Gave someone power of attorney for your property? Gujarat HC explains what they can and cannot do
The Gujarat High Court cancelled a gift deed after a POA holder transferred an NRI's Vadodara property to his own son and daughter-in-law. The court held that the POA had ended after the owner's wife died and did not authorise the attorney to gift the property.
MSU team wins patent for novel broad-spectrum anti-infective compounds
MSU-trained students win 9 medals at IESO
Speeding car mows down 3-yr-old boy in housing colony
President Murmu to visit Vadodara, Padra on Sep 23
Cyberfrauds dupe Vadodara bizman of 60L
Accident causes traffic jam on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
Mr Purshotam Ranchhodbhai Pankhania and his late wife living in London trusted their friend and gave him the POA to manage their India property; friend broke trust, grabs it and gifts the property to his son and daughter-in-law; Gujarat HC declares the gift deed void and gives owner relief. Know how Mr Purshotam Ranchhodbhai Pankhania won the case.
Goat thieves bank on SUV, CCTV helps crack case
Five men convicted of gang-rape sentenced to life imprisonment
Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], August 31: The Sakshamthad Foundation has been awarded the 8th National Humanitarian Excellence Award 2026 in the NGO of the Year, Education, Skill Development & Community Empowerment category, for its consistent contribution toward social welfare, community development and empowerment of the vulnerable communities. The award was given in New Delhi on 15 []
Gang-rape during Navratri: 5 sentenced to life in jail
A special POCSO court in Vadodara has sentenced five men to life imprisonment for the gang-rape of a minor girl during Navratri two years ago. The court described the crime as most heinous and ordered Rs 10 lakh compensation for the survivor, emphasising the seriousness of violence against women, especially during a religious festival.
Cybercrooks defraud city businessman of 1.53 crore
PM to visit Vadodara on Sep 8, inaugurate projects worth 30,000 crore
815 students awarded degrees at GNFC University convocation
Jealous over video call, man kills lover in Waghodia
Food unit shut over misbranded products
PM Modis Gujarat Visit Scheduled for September 8, Preparations Underway in Vadodara and Navsari
Vadodara, August 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Gujarat on September 8. Preparations are already in full swing in Vadodara and Navsari for this anticipated visit. The events may include inaugurations of various infrastructure and development projects. In Vadodara, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi has arrived to assess the preparations ahead of ... Read more PM Modis Gujarat Visit Scheduled for September 8, Preparations Underway in Vadodara and Navsari
The Evolving Nature of Warfare: Insights from Retired General M.M. Naravane
Vadodara, August 29: Retired General M.M. Naravane attended the grand inauguration of a new co-working space, where he shared his thoughts on nation-building, leadership, and entrepreneurship. In a conversation with reporters on Saturday, Naravane emphasized that the nature of warfare is continuously changing. He stated that if a conflict arises in the future, it will ... Read more The Evolving Nature of Warfare: Insights from Retired General M.M. Naravane
GSFC University Hosts 8th Convocation Ceremony
815 Students Receive Degrees at GSFC University Convocation; Girls Win 12 of 17 Gold Medals Bilkul Online Vadodara | 29 The post GSFC University Hosts 8th Convocation Ceremony appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Operation Sindoor marked significant shift in India's approach towards Pak: ex-Army chief Naravane
Vadodara, Aug 29: Operation Sindoor marked a very significant shift in India's approach towards Pakistan as the strikes targeted not only terrorist hideouts near the border but also their supporters deep inside the neighbouring country, former Army chief General M M Naravane said on Saturday. Speaking to reporters after attending a private event in Vadodara to promote the start-up ecosystem, he said the operation, carried out following the Pahalgam terror attack a year ago, demonstrated that those providing support to terrorists could not escape Indian action regardless of where they were located. Operation Sindoor, which took place after the Pahalgam attack, was a very necessary action, said Naravane, who had served as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff. Earlier, India's military response had largely been focused on terrorist hideouts located close to the border, he said, referring to earlier terror attacks, including in Uri and Pulwama. Previously, whenever such attacks occurred -- like after Uri, and Balakot strikes after Pulwama -- we were mostly targeting terrorist hideouts close to the border. But this time, the strikes carried out targeted their supporters and those who provide them backing, wherever they may be -- not just near the Line of Control, but deep inside Pakistan, in Muridke and Bahawalpur, from where they receive this support, said general Naravane (retd). He said India demonstrated that those providing support to terrorism anywhere cannot escape. As our Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said, 'we will enter their territory and eliminate them', and there will be no protection for them. So, this was a very significant shift in our modus operandi, the former Army chief said. Asked about reports that Pakistan had become more active in the Sir Creek sector and was carrying out Operation Ababil, general Naravane (retd) said such activities happen, adding that he did not have complete information about the reported operation. These kinds of activities keep happening. I don't have complete information about this right now since I am retired, he said. However, Indian armed forces remained vigilant and would take appropriate action if required, he added. I would like to say that whatever activity takes place, our forces always keep a close watch on it. There is nothing to panic about, and whatever action needs to be taken, appropriate action will be taken at the right time, the former Army chief said. Asked whether Pakistan was capable of taking on India, the former general said, In my opinion, no. On India-China relations, general Naravane (retd) said the recent talks between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi should be viewed in the context of the long-standing boundary dispute between the two countries. He said the meeting was the 25th round of Special Representative-level talks and was not taking place for the first time. This discussion that took place -- the 25th round of Special Representative-level talks between Ajit Doval from our side and Foreign Minister Wang Yi from China -- is not happening for the first time, he added. He said the key point to keep in mind is that there is a boundary dispute between India and China. Exactly where the boundary lies has not been clearly demarcated either on maps or on the ground. It is because of this lack of demarcation that occasional disputes arise between India and China, the former Army chief added. On the proposed theatre commands, General Naravane (retd) said the discussion on theatreisation of the armed forces had begun after the Kargil War and that it was not a new concept. The discussion on theaterisation first began after the Kargil War. It has already been 25 to 26 years since then. Theaterisation is not a new concept; it is a continuous process and an evolution, he said. The former Army chief further said there was broad agreement to establish theatre commands in India in view of rapidly changing modern warfare and shorter decision-making cycles. Everyone agrees that such theatre commands should be established in India as well, he said. Considering the way the nature of modern warfare is transforming and decision cycles are becoming progressively shorter, it is essential that we move toward theaterisation as expeditiously as possible, the former Army chief said.
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