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Gujarat High Court acquits three in 2002 post-Godhra riots case, cites lack of reliable evidence

The three men were accused of being part of a mob in Anand that damaged and set shops on fire, violating prohibitory orders issued under Section 135 of the Bombay Police Act

The Hindu 29 Jul 2025 10:30 pm

Choryasi Toll Plaza in Gujarat to pilot barrier-less toll collection system

Notably, only banks are eligible to bid for these projects

The Hindu Businessline 29 Jul 2025 7:10 pm

Plea dismissed over no minority representation in Gujarat UCC panel

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 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 .

The Siasat Daily 29 Jul 2025 5:47 pm

2002 Godhra riots: Gujarat HC acquits 3 accused for lack of evidence

Ahmedabad: Nineteen years after three men were convicted and sentenced to five-year rigorous imprisonment in a 2002 post-Godhra riots case by a fast track court, the Gujarat High Court has acquitted them by observing that their conviction was not based on reliable evidence. A bench of Justice Gita Gopi allowed the appeals filed by Sachinbhai 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 .

The Siasat Daily 29 Jul 2025 5:40 pm

Anant National University and Penn GSE Host ICERM 2025 to Develop India-based Indigenous Research Project

Anant National University has been recognised as the Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat, highlighting our efforts to provide our students with world-class education, innovative pedagogy, high employability and enhanced entrepreneurial and research opportunities. Anant has also received the prestigious ' 5-Star Rating ' in the category of Architecture and a '4-Star Rating' in the University category in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023-24. These recognitions reinforce our commitment to creating a world-class institution of great eminence and excellence.

News Voir 29 Jul 2025 5:07 pm

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.

The New Indian Express 29 Jul 2025 4:52 pm

Gujarat Doctor Duped Of Rs 19 Crore In 'Digital Arrest' Scam, One Arrested

A Gandhinagar doctor was duped of Rs 19 crore over three months by fraudsters posing as officials who trapped her in a 'digital arrest' scam, a report has claimed.

News18 29 Jul 2025 2:26 pm

Post-Godhra riots case: 19 years after conviction, Gujarat HC acquits 3 for want of reliable evidence

In a recent verdict, the Gujarat High Court overturned the conviction of Sachin Patel, Ashok Patel, and Ashok Gupta. These men were previously found guilty in connection with the 2002 post-Godhra riots. The High Court cited insufficient and unreliable evidence as the reason for the acquittal. The initial trial court's judgment was deemed flawed.

The Economic Times 29 Jul 2025 1:57 pm

This Ahmedabad apartment brings the spirit of Le Corbusier to modern high-rise living - Architectural Digest India

This Ahmedabad apartment brings the spirit of Le Corbusier to modern high-rise living Architectural Digest India

Google News 29 Jul 2025 11:25 am

Heavy rain lashes Delhi, IMD warns of intense showers across India till August 4

NEW DELHI: Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms affected several regions of Delhi, providing a respite from the prevailing humid weather conditions on Tuesday morning. IMD predicts heavy rainfall across India until August 4. Northwest India, including East Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, is expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall on July 29, with heavy showers in Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana. West India, including Konkan and Gujarat, will see isolated heavy rain on July 29 and light to moderate showers for 6-7 days. Northeast India, including Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, is expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. East and Central India, including Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, will experience isolated heavy rain and thunderstorms. South Peninsular India, including Kerala and Coastal Karnataka, is expected to experience heavy rain on July 29-30, accompanied by strong winds (40-50 kmph). Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are likely across most regions for the next week. Meanwhile, Air India has issued a travel advisory warning passengers of potential disruptions to flight operations to and from Delhi on Tuesday morning due to gusty winds and rain. The airline urged travellers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to allow extra time for their journey. Gusty wind and rain may impact flight operations to and from Delhi this morning. Please check your flight status before heading to the airport and allow extra time for your journey, Air India posted on X. According to IMD, it is forecasted that there will be fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Northwest, Northeast, and Eastern India during the next few days. Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall is also likely over Central and Peninsular India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over East Rajasthan on Wednesday (i.e July 30). Heavy rainfall is also very likely at isolated locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Jharkhand, Kerala, Mahe, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, and West Rajasthan on Wednesday. On July 30, Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) are very likely at isolated places in Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad, as well as Jharkhand. Additionally, thunderstorms with lightning are expected at isolated locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Vidarbha. Strong surface winds are anticipated at isolated places in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep. Squally winds with speeds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are likely along and off the coasts of Somalia, Yemen, south Oman, westcentral and eastcentral Arabian Sea, southwest Arabian Sea, and southern parts of the north Arabian Sea. Squally weather with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, is expected over parts of the east-central Arabian Sea, along and off the Konkan, Goa, and Karnataka coasts. Similar conditions with winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are forecast along and off Gujarat and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea.

The New Indian Express 29 Jul 2025 10:54 am

Ashish Kacholia's portfolio jumps 12% to Rs 2,774 cr; adds Gujarat Apollo, ups stake in 3 stocks. Check details

Star investor Ashish Kacholia strategically adjusted his portfolio in the June 2025 quarter, reducing stakes in seven companies, including Yasho Industries and Jyoti Structures. Despite this, the value of his holdings rose to approximately Rs 2,774 crore across 81 listed firms. Kacholia added Gujarat Apollo Industries and marginally increased investments in Agarwal Industrial Corporation, Tanfac Industries, and Aeroflex Industries.

The Economic Times 29 Jul 2025 10:05 am

Delhi weather: Heavy rain lashes parts of Delhi-NCR, IMD predicts rainfall till...

Northwest India, including East Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, is expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall on July 29, with heavy showers in Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana. West India, including Konkan and Gujarat, will see isolated heavy rain on July 29 and light to moderate showers for

DNA India 29 Jul 2025 9:55 am

Air India Ahmedabad plane crash - The Guardian

Air India Ahmedabad plane crash The Guardian

Google News 29 Jul 2025 9:47 am

If UDF fails, will quit electoral politics: LoP V D Satheesan

KOCHI: Expressing strong confidence in the UDFs victory in the upcoming assembly elections, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan on Monday said that he would keep away from electoral politics if the front fails to secure a resounding win. Responding to the remarks made by SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan against him, Satheesan said he would not engage in personal attacks but is ready to accept Natesans challenge regarding the UDFs performance in the upcoming polls. I am not interested in engaging in an argument with him (Natesan). But he himself has stated that he would step down from his post if the UDF wins 98 seats. That means even he doesnt doubt the possibility of us winning 97 seats in the Assembly election, said Satheesan. With continued hard work, we will go beyond that number, he added. However, Satheesan made it clear that he is not demanding Natesans resignation in return. Let him remain in that position for a lifetime, Satheesan said. Commenting on the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh on charges of forced religious conversion, Satheesan pointed out that the Christian community is one of the most vulnerable in the current political scenario. Priests and nuns are being frequently attacked, especially in BJP-ruled states like Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, he said.

The New Indian Express 29 Jul 2025 7:43 am

Ahead of Test series in India, West Indies to hold week-long camp in Ahmedabad - MSN

Ahead of Test series in India, West Indies to hold week-long camp in Ahmedabad MSN

Google News 29 Jul 2025 2:48 am

Maker of GLP1 pens scales up for generic debuts

As weight-loss drug sales surge with semaglutide's patent expiration, Gujarat's Shaily Engineering Plastics, an injector pen manufacturer, anticipates significant growth. Its stock has nearly doubled, and the company is doubling its production capacity to 80-85 million pens by fiscal year-end to meet rising domestic and export demands.

The Economic Times 29 Jul 2025 12:21 am

After Gambhira bridge collapse, boat ban maroons commuters

The Times of India 29 Jul 2025 12:16 am

Rain brings respite for citizens

The Times of India 29 Jul 2025 12:13 am

VMC gets tough on debris dumping in water bodies

The Times of India 29 Jul 2025 12:10 am

India, Nigeria must lead knowledge economy of global south

The Times of India 29 Jul 2025 12:10 am

Ajwa brims over again, water level rises in Vishwamitri

The Times of India 29 Jul 2025 12:10 am

TN Government challenges Presidential Reference in SC, calls it headless and devoid of merits

NEW DELHI: After Kerala, the Tamil Nadu government on Monday also filed a plea in the Supreme Court requesting the return of the Presidential Reference on the grounds that the reference was headless and devoid of merits. The reference has been issued to overrule the decision and directions of this Court in the State of Tamil Nadu judgment, and it is nothing but an appeal in disguise, which is impermissible in law as this Court has no power to overrule its own judgements by way of Article 143, the application, settled by senior advocate P. Wilson, said. Seeking a direction from the top court to reject the Presidential Reference, the TN government stated that no review or curative petition had been preferred by the Governor of Tamil Nadu against the judgement of this Court in The State of Tamil Nadu vs. Governor of TN . The Presidential Reference is nothing but an attempt to disturb the settled law and overrule the findings already pronounced by this Court, which is impermissible under Article 143 of the Constitution, the TN government submitted in its 13-page application, a copy of which was accessed by The New Indian Express . The apex court's five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by Chief Justice of India D. Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, P. S. Narasimha and A. S. Chandurkar, is expected to hear the Presidential Reference case on Tuesday, July 29. Kerala govt moves SC seeking rejection of Presidential reference, calls it 'misuse of power' Calling the reference headless and devoid of merits, the TN government argued that the Presidential Reference of 13 May 2025 raised questions of law concerning the interpretation of the powers of the Governor under Article 200 of the Constitution and the powers of the President under Article 201 of the Constitution, along with ancillary issues, which have already been directly answered by the Supreme Court in State of Tamil Nadu vs. Governor of Tamil Nadu (2025) in an exhaustive manner. The state also referred to the Court's opinion in Ahmedabad St. Xavier's College Society vs. State of Gujarat (1974) , which held that an opinion rendered by this Court in a Presidential Reference under Article 143 of the Constitution is advisory in nature and not binding in subsequent cases, although it carries great persuasive value. Therefore, the present Presidential Reference is headless and devoid of merit, the TN government submitted. It further stated that the reference no longer raised any legitimate substantial questions of law warranting the Court's opinion. Earlier on 22 July, the Supreme Court had agreed to examine President Droupadi Murmu s reference containing 14 questions concerning the timelines prescribed by the Court to State Governors and the President while dealing with bills passed by the Assembly. The Constitution Bench headed by CJI Chandrachud, during a brief hearing on 22 July, issued notice to the Centre and all states, seeking their detailed responses by 29 July on the Presidential Reference, which asked whether timelines could be imposed for dealing with bills passed by the Assembly. The matter has been listed for further hearing on 29 August. The CJI-led bench also made it clear that the Court would seek the help and assistance of the Attorney General (AG), the Centres top law officer, R. Venkataramani, in the matter. The apex court also said it would examine whether the exercise of discretion by Governors and the President on bills can be subjected to judicially enforceable timelines. Earlier, on 8 April, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices J. B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, while hearing the case of State of Tamil Nadu vs. Governor of Tamil Nadu , held that a Governor must act within three months if withholding assent or reserving a bill, and within one month when a bill is re-enacted. After SC verdict on TN governor Kerala requests CJI to list plea against delay in clearing bills The Court, in that case, invoked its rarely used powers under Article 142 and declared that prolonged inaction by the Governor was illegal. It also directed that the ten pending bills from Tamil Nadu be deemed to have received assent. Challenging this verdict, President Droupadi Murmu moved the top court on 13 May, raising 14 crucial questions in a Presidential Reference challenging the Supreme Courts April 8 verdict, which had fixed timelines for Governors and the President to act on bills passed by State Assemblies. Exercising her powers under the rarely invoked Article 143(1), President Murmu stated that the 14 questions of law arising in the present circumstances were of such nature and public importance that it was expedient to obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court. Among the 14 questions raised in the Presidential Reference, the most significant were: What are the constitutional options before a Governor when a Bill is presented under Article 200 of the Constitution of India? Is the Governor bound by the aid and advice tendered by the Council of Ministers while exercising all options available with him when a Bill is presented under Article 200 of the Constitution? Is the exercise of constitutional discretion by the Governor under Article 200 of the Constitution justiciable? Is Article 361 of the Constitution an absolute bar to judicial review in relation to the actions of a Governor under Article 200? In the absence of a constitutionally prescribed time limit and manner of exercising powers by the Governor, can timelines be imposed and the manner of exercise be prescribed through judicial orders for all powers exercised under Article 200 of the Constitution?

The New Indian Express 28 Jul 2025 11:53 pm

Mamata launches Bhasha Andolan, says Bengali identity under attack in BJP-ruled states

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday launched the Bhasha Andolan (Language Movement) from Bolpur in Birbhum district, protesting the alleged attacks on Bengali-speaking migrant workers from West Bengal in various BJP-ruled states. Addressing a public meeting after participating in a protest march organised by the Trinamool Congress, Banerjee said, If needed, I will give my life but will not allow anyone to snatch our language or any language. Bengali is our pride, our asset, and the backbone of our identity. Who gave us the national song? Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Who gave us the national anthem? Rabindranath Tagore. Who gave us the slogan Jai Hind? Netaji. Accusing the BJP-led Central Government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) of allegedly attempting to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) through the backdoor in West Bengal, she claimed, They are finalising the voter list while sitting in Gujarat. Gujaratis are not my enemies. The BJPs agency is doing this. Try removing names in Bengal [we will show you what we can do]. Do not harass the people and the genuine voters. I will not allow NRC or detention camps here. They have already set up detention camps in Haryana and Assam. Have our Hindu brothers forgotten how 7 lakh names were removed in Assam? Our slogan is: Jo humse takrayega, choor choor ho jaayega, Banerjee thundered at the BJP. Ensure no name is excluded from voters list: Mamatas message to booth level officers Clarifying her stand, the Chief Minister said she was not against any language, but against divisive policies. Have we ever told any Hindi-speaking people to leave from here? But Bengali-speaking people are being harassed in Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam, and Maharashtra, she alleged. Banerjee said that it was not the lack of opportunities in their native state, but rather the quality of work, that took them to other states. Why do they go to other states? They are hired because of their skills. Who will do zari work? There are 1.5 crore migrants in our state but we dont misbehave with them. This is their democratic, fundamental right. If our people are under attack, we will have to give them protection, she announced. Banerjee also appealed to the allegedly tortured Bengali-speaking migrants to return home, assuring them of complete support from the state police and administration. She said, Those who are being tortured outside, come back to Bengal. A police helpline has already been provided. Tell us the date, and we will arrange trains just like we did during COVID. Even if we have only one roti , we will share half. We will create more schemes and give you work. Highlighting the alleged injustice, the Chief Minister questioned the Centres selective outreach. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said, They only know Chai Pe Charcha and Mann Ki Baat . When you go to Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia and hug the sheikhs, do you check whether they are Muslims? A few days ago, you gave Maldives 5,000 crore, and yet we are not getting MGNREGA funds. Do you then see whether they are Hindu or Muslim? Terming the BJP-led governments in Haryana and Assam as incompetent, she said, Just for speaking in Bengali, we are labelled Bangladeshis? We will stop this conspiracy. Everyone must take to the streets to stop it.

The New Indian Express 28 Jul 2025 8:58 pm

Gujarat govt U-turns on retired teachers' hiring after youth backlash, TAT-TET aspirants fume

AHMEDABAD: Facing backlash, the Gujarat government has rolled back its decision to recruit retired teachers in secondary and higher secondary schools as a stopgap measure. The move came after strong opposition from TET (Teacher Eligibility Test )-TAT (Teacher Aptitude Test) passed candidates, who slammed the policy despite vacancies persisting even after regular teacher appointments and knowledge assistant hiring. The government had initially proposed engaging retired educators to bridge the staff gap, but mounting protests forced a swift U-turn within just two days. On July 25, 2025, the Education Department had issued a circular allowing the appointment of retired teachers under an 11-month contract, bypassing thousands of TET-TAT qualified youth waiting for permanent jobs. The decision was to recruit retired teachers on contract for vacant teaching assistant posts in state-run and granted secondary and higher secondary schools. The move was justified as a stopgap arrangement to prevent disruption in academic activities, with specific rules laid out to formalize the process. However, the decision triggered an immediate backlash from unemployed teaching aspirants, who accused the government of sidelining deserving candidates. The protest forced a rapid reversal, with the government cancelling the circular with original effect, effectively withdrawing the policy within 48 hours. The instructions to assign work to retired teachers as an interim arrangement for posts that remained vacant after the regular recruitment of teachers and appointment of knowledge assistants in government and granted secondary and higher secondary schools are hereby cancelled with original effect, the circular read. Congress spokesperson Dr. Hiren Banker slammed the government, alleging, More than 50,000 TET-TAT passed youth are waiting for jobs, and over 30,000 posts are lying vacant, yet the government chose to hand temporary contracts to retired teachers. This is a dirty game being played proof that the government has no intention of employing the youth. AAP leader and student activist Yuvraj Sinh said, Thousands of young teachers remain unemployed despite clearing TET and TAT exams, yet the Gujarat government chose to recruit retired teachers over them. We strongly urge the Chief Minister and Education Minister to take strict action against officials responsible for such misguided decisions. Anger is also brewing over the deteriorating state of education. Critics point out that over 4,000 posts of teachers and principals remain vacant, while a 2013 government notification proposing a separate education recruitment commission on the lines of other state boards still lies unimplemented after 12 years. The incident has reignited calls for long-pending recruitment reforms, with aspirants and education advocates demanding transparency, accountability, and job opportunities for qualified youth instead of short-term stopgaps.

The New Indian Express 28 Jul 2025 6:21 pm

ASI spent 25 pc excavation budget since 2020 in Gujarat: Report

Since 2020, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has spent 25 percent of its excavation budget in Gujarat, of which 94 cent was spent in Vadnagar, which is Prime Minister Narendra Modis village. The ASI spent Rs 8.03 crore in Vadnagar, out of the 8.53 crore allocated to Gujarat, according to an analysis by The 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 .

The Siasat Daily 28 Jul 2025 3:05 pm

Planning major road upgrade for Olympics, AMC informs HC - Ahmedabad Mirror

Planning major road upgrade for Olympics, AMC informs HC Ahmedabad Mirror

Google News 28 Jul 2025 2:39 pm

Gujarat reservoir levels surge to 62 pc amid strengthening monsoon across state

Gujarat reservoir levels surge to 62 pc amid strengthening monsoon across state Gandhinagar: Another active spell of the monsoon has set in Gujarat, bringing relief from the heat and significantly improving the water storage situation across the state. According to official data, the overall reservoir levels have now reached 62 per cent of total capacity, [] The post Gujarat reservoir levels surge to 62 pc amid strengthening monsoon across state appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Mangalorean 28 Jul 2025 1:09 pm

JNU VC Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit skips key conference: Education ministry seeks explanation; no prior approval taken

The Ministry of Education has demanded an explanation from JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit for her unauthorized absence from a key conference of Central University Vice-Chancellors in Kevadia, Gujarat. Her decision to attend a concurrent JNU conference instead, despite prior notice of the central event, has drawn serious concern from the Ministry.

The Times of India 28 Jul 2025 12:34 pm

India's top gas importer Petronet seeks Rs 12,000 crore loan

Petronet LNG, Indias top gas importer, plans to raise 12,000 crore via a local currency loan to help fund a 20,685 crore petrochemical plant in Gujarat. The company expects to spend 30,000 crore over the next few years, with higher capex in FY27. It also approved a 6,350 crore LNG terminal in Odisha with a 5 million tonne annual capacity.

The Economic Times 28 Jul 2025 12:22 pm

India planted 1.78 lakh hectares under CAMPA in 2019-2023; gaps in fund use: Report

NEW DELHI: India raised 1,78,261 hectares of compensatory afforestation against a target of 2,09,297 hectares between 2019-20 and 2023-24, achieving 85 per cent of the planned area, the Supreme Court-mandated Central Empowered Committee has said in a report. The report filed earlier this month revealed that utilisation of funds under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) varies sharply across states. According to the report, Gujarat, Chandigarh, Mizoram and Madhya Pradesh recorded full achievement of their targets. Madhya Pradesh planted 21,746.82 hectares, fully achieving its target of 21,107.68 hectares. Karnataka also met nearly its entire target, covering 2,761.26 hectares against 2,775.12 hectares. Arunachal Pradesh planted 20,719.46 hectares against 21,478.03 hectares, achieving 96.6 per cent. Uttar Pradesh reported 96.4 per cent achievement, planting 5,877.16 hectares against 6,096.7 hectares. Assam covered 1,149.64 hectares against 1,191.82 hectares, achieving 93.8 per cent. Sikkim planted 609.52 hectares, achieving 92.3 per cent, while Punjab achieved 4,019.72 hectares against 4,471.94 hectares, about 89.9 per cent. In contrast, Meghalaya had one of the lowest coverage, achieving only 114.56 hectares against a target of 514.76 hectares or 22.3 per cent. Manipur planted 666.94 hectares against 1,759.84 hectares, achieving 37.9 per cent. Kerala covered 171.80 hectares against 433.06 hectares, achieving 39.7 per cent. West Bengal achieved only 748.25 hectares against 1,911.74 hectares, about 39.2 per cent. Tamil Nadu planted 84.76 hectares against 262.39 hectares, achieving 32.3 per cent. Andhra Pradesh reported 3,471.88 hectares against 8,663.46 hectares, covering only 40.1 per cent. The report also reviewed the use of CAMPA funds during this period. National CAMPA approved Rs 38,516 crore for state annual plans between 2019-20 and 2023-24. States released Rs 29,311 crore to their forest departments, of which Rs 26,001 crore was utilised. This means only 67.5 per cent of the approved outlay was spent. Utilisation varied widely, with Manipur, Andhra Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh utilising 100 per cent, 100 per cent and 97.8 per cent of the funds released to them, respectively. Mizoram reported utilisation above 91 per cent, Sikkim 97.7 per cent, Karnataka 96.6 per cent and Odisha 87.9 per cent. Chhattisgarh recorded 95 per cent utilisation of the funds released, and Gujarat spent more than it released, utilising 116 per cent due to carryover balances. Several states lagged behind. Tamil Nadu used only 67.9 per cent of the funds released, while Jammu and Kashmir spent 62.5 per cent. Haryana also underperformed, using 57.4 per cent. West Bengal spent 81.1 per cent and Delhi just 26.9 per cent, the lowest among all states. Telangana reported 60.4 per cent utilisation, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands spent 53.1 per cent of the released funds. The CEC said that delays in submission of annual plans by states, late release of funds, and the lack of dedicated CAMPA offices affect seasonal forestry operations. Monitoring of survival rates remains weak, and multiple layers in the fund release process contribute to underutilisation, it said. Despite these shortcomings, it said progress under the statutory framework has been significant given initial difficulties, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With thousands of hectares of natural forests lost each year to development projects, the report warns that gaps in plantation survival and underutilisation of funds undermine the very purpose of the CAMPA mechanism. The compensatory afforestation regime originated from a series of orders in the landmark TN Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India case of 1995. In these orders, the Supreme Court mandated that when forest land is diverted for non-forest purposes, user agencies must provide funds to compensate for the loss through afforestation on non-forest land or degraded forest land. To formalise and regulate the management of these funds, Parliament enacted the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2016. The Act established the National and State CAMPA to manage the money collected from user agencies. The CAF Rules, 2018, provided the framework for how these funds should be used. The Act and Rules specify that the money transferred to states and union territories can only be used for afforestation, regeneration of degraded forests, wildlife protection and other activities aimed at ecological restoration.

The New Indian Express 28 Jul 2025 11:32 am

EMPLOYMENT (28-07-2025)

URGENTLY REQUIRED ACCOUNTANT : PROFICIENT IN BUSY SOFTWARE 01 COMPUTER OPERATOR : PROFICIENT IN PPT AND EXCEL 01 DRIVERS 02 SEND BIO DATA AT MAIL ID: INFO.BRANDVISIONJK@GMAIL.COM CONTACT: 7006897500, 9797531182 SATSHIV SECURITY & G.D. SERVICES REQUIREMENTS 1. SECURITY GUARD & SECURITY OFFICER, AREA GANGYAL & BARI BRAHMANA. 2. RELIANCE COMPANY, ONLY EX-MAN, SECURITY GUARD & S.O (GUJARAT) 3. MERCHANT 4. ACCOUNTS. 5. HR LADY 6. ELECTRICAL WORK 7. DRIVER 8. PEON 9. SECURITY GUARD 10. MAID. 11. [] The post EMPLOYMENT (28-07-2025) appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 28 Jul 2025 10:28 am

Ahmedabad Diary | Congress worker silenced over bridge collapse

In the grand tradition of shooting the messenger, the grand old party has possibly taken innovation a step further: theyve denied their own messenger a microphone. The worker who dared raise concerns about the crumbling of the Gambhira bridge, the same incident that killed 11 was barred from meeting Rahul Gandhi. Perhaps the bridge fell under the weight of internal factionalism? With bridges within the Congress collapsing faster than infrastructure, its clear the real construction issue is party unity. Rahuls Bharat Jodo Yatra may span the nation, but in Gujarat, the party cant even build a bridge between itself and its own conscience. Talk of the state, indeed. More AAP leaders may be jailed ahead of polls Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal has raised concerns that two more of his party leaders may soon be jailed. Speaking at a rally on Thursday protesting the arrest of AAP MLA Chatur Vasava in Gujarat, Kejriwal accused the BJP of using arrests as a tool to intimidate political opponents. He warned that AAP leaders Isudan Gadhvi and Gopal Italia could be targeted too and possibly arrested before the upcoming Gujarat Assembly elections. Despite the pressure, Kejriwal asserted that neither he nor his party would be deterred by such vengeful tactics. BJP hunts for a state unit president The BJP, once famed as the party with a difference, is now best described as the party with indifference at least when it comes to naming its Gujarat state president. C.R. Patils term ended a year ago, but the musical chairs continue. Why? Because internal factions are too busy measuring egos to measure leadership qualities. Apparently, finding one agreeable name among so many aspiring kings is harder than winning a Lok Sabha seat in Kerala. The suspense is killing no one, but the drama is so rich, it deserves its own Netflix series: Game of Thorns: Gujarat Edition. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com

The New Indian Express 28 Jul 2025 8:02 am

In Gujarats Amreli, a bedroom behind bars

A widowed farmer has formed a human cage to defend the prowling leopards that stalk his rented farm, turning their lives into a nightly battle for survival

The Hindu 28 Jul 2025 6:55 am

Gujarat approves action plan for Artificial Intelligence implementation in governance

Implementation will be carried out in phases, starting with the creation of a State-level AI data repository, setting up AI development facilities, and launching pilot projects in selected departments

The Hindu 28 Jul 2025 3:10 am

DJ music, crackers add to trauma of rescued animals

The Times of India 28 Jul 2025 12:10 am

Three killed in tanker blast at bitumen plant near Savli

The Times of India 27 Jul 2025 11:49 pm

MSU launches week-long celebration on NEP 2020

The Times of India 27 Jul 2025 11:49 pm

India becoming big exporter of railway equipment: Vaishnaw

The Times of India 27 Jul 2025 11:49 pm

Gujarat rains: Heavy rains lash parts of Gujarat; emergency services on alert

The heaviest downpour over the past 12 hours was recorded in Daskroi taluka of Ahmedabad district, which received 10 inches of rain between 6 am and 6 pm on Sunday

Mid Day 27 Jul 2025 10:45 pm

Three killed in blast in tanker at asphalt plant near Vadodara

A tragic incident near Vadodara, Gujarat, resulted in the death of three individuals when a tanker truck exploded. The explosion occurred at a plant in Mokshi village, Savli taluka, as workers were heating the tanker to remove asphalt. The deceased included the tanker's driver and cleaner, along with a local labourer who were nearby during the incident.

The Economic Times 27 Jul 2025 10:06 pm

The return of the native

After over a decade of wandering and uncertainty, the Kodarvi tribe returned to their village this July following a truce with the Dabhi tribe that had pushed them out of their lands in a tradition calledchadotaru.Abhinay Deshpandereports from Gujarats Banaskantha district on how the police played a role in the agreement between communities and the rebuilding of their lives

The Hindu 27 Jul 2025 10:05 pm

3 Killed After Tanker Explodes At Asphalt Plant In Gujarat: Police

Three persons were killed when a tanker exploded while being heated to empty asphalt from the vehicle at a plant near Vadodara in Gujarat on Sunday evening, police said.

NDTV 27 Jul 2025 9:55 pm

Over 19 Dengue deaths, 13K cases reported this year in India

NEW DELHI: India has reported 13,052 dengue cases and 19 deaths this year, with Kerala registering the maximum cases and deaths, followed by Tamil Nadu, as per government data. While Kerala reported 3,871 dengue cases and 16 deaths from April to June this year, Tamil Nadu recorded 3,023 cases and two deaths in the same period. This year, in the first six months, Union Health Ministry officials said the number of dengue cases has dipped; however, a few States, especially the Southern states, are witnessing a spike. Officials also said that top bureaucrats of the Union Health and Family Welfare ministry and Housing and Urban Affairs jointly reviewed the dengue situation and preparedness in major municipal corporations from nine States, which are seeing a surge, in an Inter-ministerial meeting on July 2. In 2024, 2.3 lakh dengue cases and 297 deaths were recorded. According to the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control(NCVBDC)website, the country recorded the highest number of dengue cases in 2023: 2.8 lakh cases and 485 deaths, the highest since 2019. The two southern states -- Kerala and TN -- are followed by Karnataka with 1,480 cases. However, no deaths were reported in the Statein the past two months till June, as per provisional data shared in the parliament by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel. The fourth southern state to see a hike is Andhra Pradesh, whichreported 376 cases and one death. The other states that reported dengue, a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people, are: Maharashtra (1345), Telangana (433), Gujarat (305), Rajasthan (293), Uttar Pradesh (289), Delhi (175), Odisha (158), Uttarakhand (146), Mizoram (141), Madhya Pradesh (111), Punjab (101) and Puducherry (74). West Bengal has not reported the dengue cases to the ministry. TheUnion Health Ministry administers an umbrella programme - National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP) - for prevention and control of vector-borne diseases, namely malaria, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, chikungunya, kala-azar and lymphatic filariasis. The officials said they regularly monitor the surge of vector-borne diseases in the country through regular reviews and reports submitted by the states and UTs and through field visits. The officials added that as the risk of vector-borne diseases increases during the monsoon and post-monsoon period, the Centre starts preparatory activities well before the monsoon season. They also said that the Centre takes a series of preventive and containment measures to prevent and control the surge in cases of vector-borne diseases in the country, especially in high-incidence urban areas.

The New Indian Express 27 Jul 2025 7:48 pm

India Batter Tilak Varma To Lead South Zone In 2025 Duleep Trophy

South Zone Duleep Trophy: India left-handed batter Tilak Varma will captain South Zone in the 2025 Duleep Trophy, starting on August 28. The tournament, which will be held in the old zonal format of six teams, will mark the beginning of 2025/26 domestic cricket season. Though Tilak didnt play for Hyderabad in the previous Ranji Trophy season due to his Indian team commitments, the left-handed batter scored a century on his County Championship debut for Hampshire against Essex and followed it up with scores of 56, 47 and 100. Kerala batter Mohammed Azharuddeen, who shined for Kerala in the Ranji semi-final against Gujarat in Ahmedabad with his career-best score of 177, has named the vice-captain in a squad selected by South Zone selectors during a meeting in Pondicherry. Apart from Azharuddeen, batter Salman Nizar along with pacers Basil NP and Nidheesh MD have found places in the main squad. Hyderabad opener Tanmay Agarwal, who amassed 934 runs in seven matches and paved the way for the sides return to the Elite system in Ranji Trophy, has also been named. Other prominent India names include left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore, left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal and wicketkeeper-batter Narayan Jagadeesan, who earned his maiden India call-up as a replacement for injured Rishabh Pant for the upcoming fifth Test against England at The Oval. The Duleep Trophy will begin on August 28 through quarter-final clashes between North Zone and East Zone, while Central Zone take on North East Zone at the BCCIs Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on August 28. The first match of the South Zone is on September 4, with their opponents to be winner of the clash between North and East Zones. Former India fast bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji will be the head coach of the South Zone team. The Duleep Trophy will begin on August 28 through quarter-final clashes between North Zone and East Zone, while Central Zone take on North East Zone at the BCCIs Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on August 28. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Stand-by players: Mohit Redkar (Goa), R Smaran (Karnataka), Ankit Sharma (Pondicherry), Edhen Apple Tom (Kerala), Andre Siddarth (Tamil Nadu), and Shaikh Rasheed (Andhra). Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 27 Jul 2025 6:50 pm

Education ministry seeks explanation from JNU V-C for skipping key conference without approval

The Education Ministry has asked Jawaharlal Nehru University Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit for an explanation. This relates to her absence from a crucial conference. She reportedly missed the Central Universities Vice-Chancellors conference without permission. The ministry organized the conference in Kevadia, Gujarat. It was held on July 10-11. The event marked five years of the National Education Policy 2020 implementation.

The Economic Times 27 Jul 2025 5:31 pm

THIS rival company of Elon Musk's Tesla EV launches its first ever showroom in Surat, Gujarat, its premium models are...

Elon Musk's Tesla rival Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast has launched its first showroom in India. Ahead of its plant inauguration, this marks a significant milestone in the VinFast's retail journey in the country.

DNA India 27 Jul 2025 2:24 pm

After Tesla's desi debut, Vietnamese EV maker VinFast opens first showroom in India

Vietnamese EV maker VinFast has opened its first Indian showroom in Surat, Gujarat, ahead of launching a local manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu. The showroom will feature right-hand drive versions of the VF 6 and VF 7 SUVs, now open for pre-booking. VinFast plans 35 dealerships by year-end. Entering a growing EV market, it faces competition from Tesla, which debuted in India this month.

The Economic Times 27 Jul 2025 2:21 pm

Hyderabad Fertility Scam Case: Doctor, Lab Technicians Arrested

The investigation revealed that the fertility center was illegally collecting and transporting sperm and eggs to Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with a firm named Indian Sperm Tech

Deccan Chronicle 27 Jul 2025 11:55 am

Red alert for extremely heavy rain in 6 Gujarat districts, Ahmedabad sees heavy rain - GujaratSamachar English

Red alert for extremely heavy rain in 6 Gujarat districts, Ahmedabad sees heavy rain GujaratSamachar English

Google News 27 Jul 2025 11:12 am

Extremely Heavy Rainfall in Parts of North Gujarat ; 24 Hours Data from Across Gujarat - DeshGujarat

Extremely Heavy Rainfall in Parts of North Gujarat ; 24 Hours Data from Across Gujarat DeshGujarat

Google News 27 Jul 2025 10:19 am

INTERVIEW | Modi best person to resolve border issue: Retired Indian diplomat M K Bhadrakumar

M K Bhadrakumar is a distinguished retired Indian diplomat and an influential geopolitical commentator. With a 30-year career in the Indian Foreign Service, Bhadrakumar held strategic postings that shaped Indias foreign policy across pivotal regionsfrom Moscow to Kabul and Islamabad to Ankara. Bhadrakumar brings a rare blend of diplomatic insight and sharp analytical commentary to his expressions. He shares with TNIE his thoughts on the US deep state, Operation Sindoor, Iran-Israel conflict, and why he thinks only PM Narendra Modi can settle the Indo-China issue. Excerpts India has taken a multi-alignment position as far as foreign strategy is concerned. Your assessment Multi-alignment goes beyond non-alignment. It is actually constructive engagement with even those you disagree with. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar ought to be complimented for this. He took it forward when everyone was talking about multipolarity which implies several power centres in the world order. The Modi government has succeeded in boosting our international prestige, where our voice is accorded due respect. BRICS is a telling example of multi-alignment for India. How can India make use of the changing world order? Good politics is about creating wealth. After the Cold War, there was a myth of a unipolar world, with American triumphalism over the destruction of the Soviet Union. Back then, American thinkers projected the 21st century as an American century. But Professor Kennedy termed it the last phase of American dominance. From the 90s, Chinas rise was apparent. In 1995, with Boris Yeltsin realising Russia wouldnt be part of the western block, he decided to normalise relations with China, proposing the same to India. But we werent ready for it because of the old narrative inherited from 1962. Is it just a narrative? We dont have a border dispute with China. The dispute is actually about creating a border where none existed. Such narratives are very much part of a countrys psyche. Americans, even today, find it extremely difficult to accept the reality that theirs is not the prescriptive approach to the world or that they cannot dictate terms to the world. That era is over and they dont have the capacity to enforce it. The world-order is shifting with Chinas rise. And India cannot be invaded as its a significant military power. Its a nuclear power and its economy is galloping. How can India then be browbeaten? It is impossible. Thats the geo-political reality. You mentioned the Indo-China border. Why is LAC (Line of Actual Control) such a difficult issue? Look at the wording, LAC. It isnt even Line of Control (LoC). The Line of Actual Control is a grade lower. You simply happen to be there, and so thats the line. When it comes to Pakistan, it is LoC which means you are effectively in control of the land. Theres a huge difference between the two. I firmly believe it is possible to be resolved and the best person to resolve it is probably PM Narendra Modi. Theres no one else who can tackle this. I fervently hope the meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in China will become a trigger. But then, its also a highly accident-prone process. The Dalai Lama issue can completely spoil the momentum. Should India be in a similar position with regard to a restive, alienated region, and where your claims arent exactly supported by history or archaeology, it wouldnt be tolerated. Sometimes, I think China is an extremely tolerant country, maybe because it views time differently. Having been in existence for 5,000 years, it isnt in a rush to solve such issues (smiles). Your remark that China is a tolerant country goes against the popular narrative China faces a situation that no country can tolerate. The interference in Tibet didnt begin after 1962. There was a permanent CIA aircraft at Safdarjung Airport to handle the issue during Nehrus time. The Dalai Lama arrived here in such a backdrop. The plan was to settle him in a sanctuary. But the 1962 war changed that, with India evincing an interest in him as an emerging counter-point. But from Chinas viewpoint, its neighbouring country was harbouring and encouraging a person from a disputed land. The Nepal border was porous then. My reading of it is that considering his (Dalai Lamas) age, the issue will be resolved after his time. They dont wish to blow the issue up. Tibetans who have come here arent keen on integration. They take our hospitality, but look for a chance to go to the USA or Europe. Realistically, Tibet coming in the way of our strategic relationship with a major country is not good for our interests. If roles were reversed, India wouldnt have allowed a country to do so. You said Modi could make a difference. But given the prevailing anti-China sentiment, is it possible for him to take the initiative even if he desires so? The anti-China narratives were developed by the Congress government. As a nation, we were immature. France and Germanys fierce enmity contributed to two World Wars, but today, there is a Franco-German Axis in the European Union. I was highly optimistic when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India in 2014, as it crashed against the narrative. Modi has visited China several times. He is capable of seeing it through. It is common sense to have a good relationship with China. It will be a game changer if it materialises, making us unstoppable and possibly the second biggest world power after China. But China is a communist country Chinas national character is basically about wealth, not communism. Many Chinese have told me they wanted to live like Americans. They dont promote socialism. China isnt a representative of communism. Claims by both countries about borders can be questioned. What Ive heard, as mentioned by V K Krishna Menon (former defence minister), is that as far as China is concerned, Aksai Chin is one of the most important areas... it is the only land route connecting Xinjiang. It is a place with a lot of mineral deposits as well as an alienated Muslim area. I believe if there is a candid discussion between Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping, a compromise can be reached. China supplied weapons to Pakistan, which were reportedly used during Operation Sindoor Pakistan buys from China largely because its weapons are inexpensive. India buys arms from Russia. Islamabad juggles relations with both Washington and Beijing, currently leaning towards the US. For India, a reset of the relationship with China could alter Islamabads stance as well. Strategically, India stands to gain by balancing strong ties with both China and Russiaprecisely the constellation Washington worries might dilute its own influence in Asia. Whenever India engages in talks with China, tensions arise at the border, like the Galwan Valley clash. What steps can be taken to genuinely improve our relationship with China? Such incidents flare up whenever India opens dialogue with Beijing. Yet PM Modi has never fuelled anti-China sentiment. As Gujarat CM, he welcomed Chinese investment. In his third term as PM, he will be keen to craft a lasting legacy. The China issue lacks a communal dimension, so the RSS is unlikely to resist rapprochement, though the Opposition may criticise any concession. Successive Congress governments shaped the narrative of a rigid border, but in reality, vast stretches remain undefined... what Nehru once called areas where not even grass grows. Reaching a settlement is ultimately a question of political will. What role does a political leaders personality play in diplomacy? After the Babri Masjid demolition and the Bombay riots, Narasimha Rao decided to visit Iran after a long protest from the Muslim world. He was the first Indian Prime Minister to go there. His erudition came into play and stabilised the situation. Two years later, when we needed Iranian help, they pitched in. Similarly, the way (Lal Krishna) Advani responded to the same incident shows the breadth of his vision. He (Advani) is a very tolerant man, and a humanist. As a diplomat, how do you view PM Modis personality traits? Modis is a complex personality he isnt a one-dimensional man. Hes very versatile. I havent met him but I think hes a very lonely man. Thats my intuitive cognition. I dont think he can relate to anybody in the political class. The kind of personality he has projected since childhood is introspective. What we see externally, his oratory et al, is one side of it. He has intuitive cognition of men and matters. He can see through things. He can look at it objectively. What I said about Modi resolving Indias tension with China is based on all these. He is a very ambitious man, extremely hardworking. How is Modi different from Vajpayee and Advani? I dont think he has much in common with either of them. Except perhaps in the larger sense of a devotion to Indias interest. They were very profound personalities. Their lives werent just about winning elections. Vajpayee was always interested in Pakistan matters. He was a very emotional man. So is Advani, frankly. I was told by some people that Advani would cry watching certain Hindi movies. I cant associate Modi with such stuff. In that sense, Modi is very different. Talking about the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is surprising everyone with its pace of modernisation. The ruling elite in Saudi Arabia, the royal family, dare not disappoint the Wahabi establishment. There were many restrictions like not allowing women to drive. Now, the crown prince is removing these restrictions... there has been a big departure from the past. Whats happening there is a thing of profound significance to the Islamic world. How did Saudi come into the picture in the Iran-Israel conflict? Russia was ready to mediate but Iran kept them at a distance. Instead, they sought the Saudis. Irans president and foreign minister requested the Saudi crown prince to mediate. The crown princes brother, Prince Khalid, who looks after the defence ministry, was sent to Tehran as a personal envoy to discuss and evolve a strategy. The Saudis thus became Irans partner. The reason for the Saudi crown princes intervention was Israels actions in Gaza. Prince Khalid held a secret meeting with Trump. What Iran needs is Americas promise not to play such games anymore. Americas last attack wasnt really an attack. They just dropped a few bombs and left. Look at how Trump handled the issue. He knows that Iran is not a country that makes bombs. They have a fatwa against it. It tells a lot about Trumps personality We shouldnt underestimate personalities. We picturise Trump as a buffoon and an inconsistent person. In 1980, when Ronald Reagan became president, a businessman booked a full-page advertisement in The New York Times. It was a message for President Reagan: There is no need to see Russia as an enemy. They are interested in relations with us. Then why is there such a Cold War? Do you know who wrote it? Donald Trump. USD 98,000 was the price of that advertisement. That was 45 years ago, when Trump was 35-40 years old. The bizarre theories he talks about now are all crystallised thoughts. He is working on it now. The US has a legacy of dominance and aggression, with Trumps attitude to boot. In that context, will the US be ready to abdicate the throne of the unipolar world it held? Im not at all optimistic. Trump has got only three-and-half years more. What if a person like Joe Biden succeeds him! Dwight D Eisenhower during his farewell speech had predicted that the military-industrial complex will pose the biggest threat to US democracy. The US deep state is a reality with permanent bureaucrats, establishment, arms dealers, intelligence establishment, and political components on board. Their election is expensive and fuelled by the big guns of Wall Street, with the Jewish lobby a part of it. Classical-mode politicians cant survive by violating them. Trump is right wing. But look at the coalition he has built up very contradictory. Working class, middle class are all components a rainbow coalition. And to make it work, you need Trump. In 2008, he had a debt of 900 million dollars. All his companies and casinos were declared bankrupt. In 2015, he became a billionaire in New York, a place full of sharks. Hes gutsy and has incredible stamina... sleeps just four hours. Operation Sindoor resulted in internationalisation of the Kashmir issue and cancellation of the Shimla Agreement. Was that a blow for India? Operation Sindoor could have been handled better. The terrorism rubric itself has become irrelevant. Trump has shaken hands with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka al-Julani, the most notorious killer in the Islamic State and Al Qaeda. Look at the BRICS statement. The Pahalgam attack was condemned but there was no reference to Pakistan. Our international diplomacy is going well. But when the Pakistan angle comes up, Indian domestic politics comes into play. Has India been isolated in the international community after Operation Sindoor? If handled any other way, it wouldnt have political acceptability. The Pahalgam killers are yet to be caught. This means some deficiencies on the part of the intelligence and the establishment. My assessment is that Op Sindoor wasnt a fantastic operational success. Pakistan has a formidable military force. During the Bangladesh Liberation War, they had a geographical disadvantage and had their back towards the wall. In all other wars, going by football parlance, it was all a draw. Where did we falter in our relations with Pakistan? During Vajypees time, there was bus diplomacy, then Kargil happened The elements within Pakistan sabotaged it. Pakistan knows India is rapidly progressing and theres no point in clinging on to old ideas. Its a failing state but theres a huge body of opinion that if they have good relations with India they can live better. The Manmohan-Musharaff talks had made some headway on Kashmir but changes there caused the talks to freeze. If we pick up those threads, even the military will reconcile with it. How do you look at the Shashi Tharoor-led delegation after Op Sindoor? Theres no point sending delegations one fine morning. It is best addressed in a systematic way. This was done to silence some political parties by including their representatives. Diplomatically, which was Indias golden era? The best period was during Manmohan Singhs two terms as PM. He was a highly respected man. He didnt have hug diplomacy, but was a profound thinker. Peer groups abroad accepted it and respected him. He cemented the relations with the US, tactfully handled a difficult period in the relationship with Pakistan, and almost brought it to a kind of a solution. Economy-wise, we did fairly well. UPA-I was very good. How would you term your association with the Left? I was part of a cell in the politburo and my task was to give intellectual inputs during UPA- 1. When the Left proposed NREGA, Manmohan Singh and P Chidambaram (then finance minister) opposed, but Sonia Gandhi showed interest. Sonia is one of the best Leftists we have (smiles). She took our suggestions seriously. On a few occasions, she even overruled Manmohan. Do you think the CPM opposing the nuclear deal was a foolish decision? Of course. UPA-1 where the Congress and the Left joined hands together was the best model for the country. Sonia tried her best to harmonise the positions of CPM and Congress on the nuclear deal, but Manmohan, Chidambaram... none of them liked this alliance. She viewed the Lefts presence as a larger-than-life factor. She also knew the party (Congress) was full of bandicoots (chuckles). So, the link with the communists was like a breath of fresh air. You used the term civilisation state several times. What role does a countrys history play in shaping its future? We became a political entity fairly recently. But what was binding us together? In my opinion, it was not Hindu religion. Going beyond that, theres a fabric, a corpus of values, a certain way of life, collective identity... a stream of consciousness in the minds of a continuing entity. Thats the trait of a nation state. Indianness is reflected in all of us, in one way or another. We Indians think differently. We are not a violent society like Russia. TNIE team: Kiran Prakash, Cithara Paul, Jayanth Jacob, Anil S, Sreejith K S B P Deepu (photos) Pranav V P (video)

The New Indian Express 27 Jul 2025 7:58 am

Pharmacist sows hopes for lost heirloom vegetables

The Times of India 27 Jul 2025 12:19 am

City doctor delivers talk at top European conference

The Times of India 26 Jul 2025 11:31 pm

Toddler run over by car in Gotri bungalow, driver held

The Times of India 26 Jul 2025 11:28 pm

Alumni gift 6L upgrades to MSU civil engg dept

The Times of India 26 Jul 2025 11:22 pm

Will stand with you, says Rahul Gandhi as Gujarat dairy farmers cite low milk prices, BJP 'control'

Rahul Gandhi met with dairy farmers in Gujarat. He promised to support them in their fight for fair milk prices. Farmers expressed concerns about the BJP's control over the dairy sector. They alleged unfair pricing and biased hiring practices. Gandhi urged farmers to unite and assured them of his support.

The Economic Times 26 Jul 2025 9:09 pm

Gujarat's Rashtriya Raksha University to host 2029 WPFG, begins prep with new Olympic research hub

Rashtriya Raksha University will host eight events for the World Police and Fire Games 2029. The university is preparing for infrastructure scaling and logistical coordination. A dedicated secretariat and organizing committee are being established. RRU will train 500 volunteers for seamless execution. The university aims to become a global center for excellence in security and sports science.

The Economic Times 26 Jul 2025 8:55 pm

Gujarat Man Wins Mediclaim Dispute After Insurer Cites Google Timeline to Reject Claim

Consumer forum rules in favour of viral pneumonia patient after insurer questioned hospital stay based on Google location data

Deccan Chronicle 26 Jul 2025 8:09 pm

Mamata cites Human Rights Watch report; slams 'illegal deportation' of Bengali-Muslims from BJP-ruled states

KOLKATA: Referring to a report by New York-based international human rights organisation Human Rights Watch (HRW), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday strongly criticised the alleged deportation of Bengali-speaking Muslims from India without due process, calling it a shame for the country. The internationally reputed and New York-based multi-country NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) has also now highlighted the issue of harassment, persecution, and illegal deportation of Bengali-speaking people of India by the BJP governments in various states, Banerjee posted on X. The human rights organisation has released a report saying what we have been saying: Bengali-speaking Indians (of different castes and communities) are being arbitrarily abused and pushed out in a concerted manner by the BJP establishment, the CM added. The internationally reputed and New York-based multi-country NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) has also now highlighted the issue of harassment, persecution, and illegal deportation of Bengali-speaking people of India by the BJP governments in various States. The human rights Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 26, 2025 The report was published with a New York dateline on July 23. Quoting HRW Asia Director Elaine Pearson, Banerjee alleged that the BJP is fueling discrimination by arbitrarily expelling Bengali-speaking people, many of whom are Indian citizens. The BJP is fuelling discrimination by arbitrarily expelling Bengalis from the country, including Indian citizens. The authorities' claims that they are managing irregular migration are unconvincing, she added. The HRW report stated that such deportations have been taking place systematically in the BJP-ruled States of Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Delhi, following a directive by the Ministry of Home, government of India, Mamata noted. Shame!! Now, even international human rights organisations have started taking note of the linguistic terrorism unleashed in India. This must stop at once!! she said. The HRW is an NGO that conducts investigations and reports on abuses happening in all corners of the world. It partners with organisations, large and small, across the globe to protect embattled activists and to help hold abusers to account and bring justice to victims. Mamata Banerjee alleges 'linguistic terror' against Bengalis in BJP-ruled states The HRW in its report has claimed that hundreds of Muslims were unlawfully expelled to neighbouring Bangladesh and even many Indian nationals were also pushed out without due process. The NGO in its report has mentioned interviewing 18 people in June, including affected people and family members in 9 cases. Those interviewed include Indian citizens who returned to the country after being expelled to Bangladesh and family members of those who were detained and are still missing. On July 8, Human Rights Watch wrote to India's Ministry of Home Affairs with our findings but received no response, the report stated. The Indian government has provided no official data on the number of people expelled, but Border Guard Bangladesh has reported that India expelled more than 1,500 Muslim men, women, and children to Bangladesh between May 7 and June 15, including about 100 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. The expulsions have continued, the HRW report said. Authorities in the BJP-run states of Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, and Rajasthan have rounded up Muslims, mostly impoverished migrant workers, and turned them over to Indian border guards. In some cases, the border guards allegedly threatened and beat the detainees to force them to cross into Bangladesh without adequately verifying their citizenship claims. The Indian government has had to readmit dozens of people who eventually proved their Indian citizenship, the report read. TMC attacks BJP on Bengali migrant worker death in Maharashtra; says he was killed for being Bengali

The New Indian Express 26 Jul 2025 7:11 pm

Gujarat: Mahisagar bridge collapse victims' kin meet Rahul Gandhi to seek 'justice'; he assures help

Rahul Gandhi met with the families of victims of the Mahisagar river bridge collapse in Gujarat, assuring them of support in seeking justice. The families alleged negligence and corruption by the BJP government led to the tragedy and inadequate financial assistance. Gandhi pledged that the Congress party would fight for them and provide all necessary help.

The Economic Times 26 Jul 2025 7:10 pm

Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrated at Golden Katar Division War Memorial in Gujarat

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025 was commemorated at the Golden Katar Division War Memorial, led by Maj Gen Gaurav Bagga, who honored war widows. The event saw participation from veterans, NCC cadets, students, and officers. Earlier, a Kargil Vijay Diwas Run, featuring 10 km and 5 km races, drew over 5,000 participants, demonstrating the nation's respect for Kargil heroes.

The Economic Times 26 Jul 2025 6:23 pm

Important to defeat BJP in its 'main base': Rahul Gandhi tells Gujarat Congress leaders; slams EC as 'biased umpire'

ANAND: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday assured the district unit chiefs of his party in Gujarat that their opinions will be taken into account while selecting poll candidates. Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, during his address at the Congress' district presidents' training camp under the 'Sangathan Sujan Abhiyan' (campaign to strengthen the party organisation), also slammed the Election Commission for being iased and asserted it was important to defeat the BJP in its main base of Gujarat. The party has organised the camp for the newly-appointed presidents of District Congress Committees at a resort near Anand city in view of the 2027 state assembly elections. The camp, aimed to prepare a road map for the party's Mission 2027, will conclude on July 28. Rahul Gandhi guided the district presidents and assured that the leadership is fully with the party workers, Gujarat Congress chief Amit Chavda told reporters after the meeting. Rahul Gandhi asked us to take up issues concerning people. He assured that city and district unit chiefs will be consulted before candidates for various elections are chosen, Rajkot Congress chief Rajdeepsinh Jadeja said. Another leader said Gandhi used cricketing terms to accuse the Election Commission of India of being a iased umpire, because of which the Congress has been losing elections. In cricket, if you get out time and again, you can start doubting yourself. But then you realise you are getting out not because of your fault. It is the umpire who is biased. Rahul ji said this and gave us confidence. He asserted we lost the 2017 Gujarat polls due to the ECI's dubious voters' list, the Congress' Surendranagar district chief Naushad Solanki said. Rahul ji emphasised it was very important to defeat the BJP in its main base of Gujarat. He told us the party used to believe that we must work hard (to defeat the BJP) in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and some other states. He said if we can defeat the BJP in Gujarat, then the party can be defeated everywhere, Solanki added. Backing Rahul, Siddaramaiah warns Bihar is next, accuses BJP, ECI of electoral misconduct In another example, the LoP in Lok Sabha likened the nation to a temple where everybody can come and pray, but the BJP-RSS is controlling who gets what as prasad, Solanki said. They (BJP-RSS) decide what is to be given if a SC, ST or OBC comes and if Adani or Ambani comes, Solanki said quoting Gandhi. Later at around 3 pm, Gandhi will hold a discussion with cooperative sector leaders and dairy farmers who are members of various cooperative milk unions or dairies. This meeting is being held in the backdrop of recent protest organized by the dairy farmers outside Sabar Dairy in Himmatnagar town of north Gujarat over the issue of milk procurement prices. In a bid to strengthen the party's organisation at district levels ahead of 2027 state assembly elections, the Congress party had recently appointed new presidents of all the District Congress Committees. 'Have 100% proof': Rahul Gandhi claims EC allowed vote fraud in Karnataka Rahul Gandhi warns of Maharashtra-like voter list manipulations in MP ahead of 2028 assembly polls

The New Indian Express 26 Jul 2025 3:52 pm

Gujarat Congress camp: Rahul Gandhi blames biased umpire ECI for poll defeats; slams BJP-RSS control

Rahul Gandhi assured the district unit chiefs of his party in Gujarat that their opinions will be taken into account while selecting poll candidates

The Hindu 26 Jul 2025 3:28 pm

Sundaram Home Finance sets 180 cr disbursal target in Gujarat

This year, the company is targeting disbursements of around 180 crore in Gujarat, up from 129 crore disbursed in the state last year, the Chennai-based lender said in a press release on Saturday

The Hindu Businessline 26 Jul 2025 3:19 pm

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat, addresses districtchiefs

Anand: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday began his day-long Gujarat visit by addressing the newly-elected district unit presidents of the party in the state at a meeting here. Gandhi arrived at the Vadodara airport in the morning. From there, he was taken straight to the venue in Anand where a three-day training camp for 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 .

The Siasat Daily 26 Jul 2025 2:06 pm

Rahul Gandhi begins his day-long Gujarat visit with address to partys district unit chiefs

Anand (Gujarat), Jul 26: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday began his day-long Gujarat visit by addressing the newly-elected district unit presidents of the party in the state at a meeting here. Gandhi arrived at the Vadodara airport in the morning. From there, he was taken straight to the venue in Anand where a three-day training camp for Congress workers, mostly presidents of district units, has been organised. Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, addressed the district [] The post Rahul Gandhi begins his day-long Gujarat visit with address to partys district unit chiefs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 26 Jul 2025 1:28 pm

India-UK trade deal: These states and sectors may benefit most from tariff cuts; full list here

India and the UK are signing a trade agreement. This deal will remove tariffs and make trade easier. Maharashtra will export more engineering goods and medicines. Gujarat will see growth in pharma and seafood exports. Tamil Nadu's textile and leather industries will benefit. Other states like Andhra Pradesh and Punjab will also experience export growth.

The Times of India 26 Jul 2025 1:02 pm

CBI Busts International Cyber Fraud Racket in Pune; 3 Held

The call centre workers were paid in cash routed via hawala channels from both the U.S. and domestic locations, including Maharashtra and Gujarat

Deccan Chronicle 26 Jul 2025 8:07 am

Study finds 51 outlets releasing sewage into Vishwamitri

The Times of India 26 Jul 2025 12:11 am

Man held after 16 years on the run for murder in Vadodara

The Times of India 26 Jul 2025 12:10 am

Man arrested with mephedrone worth 9L

The Times of India 26 Jul 2025 12:10 am

CUG opens intake for vacant postgraduate seats

The Times of India 26 Jul 2025 12:10 am

Dahod police nab five fugitives, including POCSO accused

The Times of India 26 Jul 2025 12:10 am

PM Modi becomes Indias second-longest serving Prime Minister in consecutive terms

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become Indias second-longest serving prime minister in consecutive terms, completing 4,078 uninterrupted days in office. He has now surpassed the 4,077-day tenure of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who served from January 1966 to March 1977. Modi, 74, first assumed office on May 26, 2014, and was sworn in for a third consecutive term in June 2024 following the general elections. He is the first Indian prime minister born after Independence and remains the longest-serving leader from a non-Congress party in the countrys political history. Only Indias first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, served a longer uninterrupted term, 16 years and 286 days (5,783 days) from August 15, 1947, to May 27, 1964. Before rising to the national stage, Modi served as Gujarats chief minister for 4,609 days (from October 7, 2001, to May 22, 2014), making him the longest-serving chief minister in the states history and one of the longest-serving in Indian politics. Under his leadership, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 272 seats in the 2014 general elections and increased its tally to 303 seats in 2019. This marked the first time in over three decades that a single party won an absolute majority in two consecutive elections. Although the BJP fell short of a majority in 2024 with 240 seats, it returned to power through its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, enabling Modi to begin a rare third straight term as prime minister. The BJP hailed Modis milestone as a historic achievement and praised his leadership. He has the distinction of being the longest-serving elected leader in India at both the state and central levels, said Dr. Nikhil Anand, General Secretary of the BJP OBC Morcha. He is also the only leader to win six back-to-back elections as party head, three in Gujarat (2002, 2007, 2012) and three at the national level (2014, 2019, 2024). Party leaders also highlighted Modis tireless work ethic, noting that he has never taken a single day off during his tenure , including the day his mother passed away. His personal discipline , from fasting during Navratri to maintaining a strong commitment to inclusive governance remains widely acknowledged. Modis leadership, guided by the slogan Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas (Together with all, Development for all, Trust of all, Effort by all), continues to shape Indias political landscape and global standing.

The New Indian Express 25 Jul 2025 10:08 pm

185 displaced persons granted Indian citizenship under CAA in Gujarat

Beneficiaries from Pakistan receive citizenship certificates in Rajkot after years of waiting; Gujarat Minister calls it restoration of dignity and rights

The Hindu 25 Jul 2025 9:14 pm

Jinnah wanted THIS Muslim man to be first Finance Minister of Pakistan, he refused, his son is on Forbes list of billionaires

The Gujarati Muslim businessman rejected Muhammad Ali Jinnah's offer of making him the first Finance Minister of Pakistan. He remained in India. His son is a leading businessman of India and has found a place in Forbes' list of billionaires.

DNA India 25 Jul 2025 8:15 pm

Task Force Report on Comprehensive Educational Assessment Presented to Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel - CMO Gujarat

Task Force Report on Comprehensive Educational Assessment Presented to Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel CMO Gujarat

Google News 25 Jul 2025 6:15 pm

Gujarat government grants citizenship to 185 Pakistani refugees, CAA push intensifies

AHMEDABAD: In a sharp push under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 185 Pakistan-displaced individuals were granted Indian citizenship in Gujarat on July 25. At a Rajkot event, MoS Harsh Sanghvi handed over certificates to refugees settled in Kutch, Morbi, and Rajkot, assuring them full government support and access to welfare schemes. In a deeply emotional ceremony held in Rajkot, Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghvi declared that 'a new life has begun' for 185 displaced persons from Pakistan as they were officially granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Only two granted citizenship via CAA in Assam The crowd erupted in chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai as Sanghvi said, Keep smiling... from now on, you are citizens of India. Linking their plight to the religious persecution in Pakistan, Sanghvi did not mince words. He said, When you hear the stories of these people -- Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists -- you cannot hold back tears. A few lost their husbands, others lost their homes to flames. And yet they endured. I salute their strength. He contrasted Indias pluralism with Pakistans oppression, saying, India is a land where every religion is respected. If the world truly wants to witness human rights in action, they must look at India, especially Gujarat. He also raised a sharp question: Why is there no global outrage over the atrocities on minority Hindus in Pakistan? Amid emotional moments, newly naturalised citizens shared their stories of pain, resilience, and pride. Bhavanaben Maheshwari, originally from Pakistan and now living in Rajkot, said, I faced a lot of hardships there. But today, after years of struggle, I proudly call myself an Indian. Another recipient, Champa Khambhala from Morbi, echoed the sentiment: Life in India is far better than in Pakistan, where Hindus cant even celebrate festivals freely. With her voice trembling, she added, Many of my family members are still stuck in Pakistan. I hope they, too, get the chance to unite with us in India someday. The ceremony wasnt just about documents it marked a loud and clear message about Indias stance on human dignity, national belonging, and justice for persecuted minorities. Citizenship to 60-yr-old under CAA, 1st in Bihar

The New Indian Express 25 Jul 2025 5:31 pm

From suffering to citizenship: Gujarat government grants citizenship to 185 Pakistani refugees

AHMEDABAD: In a sharp push under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 185 Pakistan-displaced individuals were granted Indian citizenship in Gujarat on July 25. At a Rajkot event, MoS Harsh Sanghvi handed over certificates to refugees settled in Kutch, Morbi, and Rajkot, assuring them full government support and access to welfare schemes. In a deeply emotional ceremony held in Rajkot, Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghvi declared that 'a new life has begun' for 185 displaced persons from Pakistan as they were officially granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Only two granted citizenship via CAA in Assam The crowd erupted in chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai as Sanghvi said, Keep smiling... from now on, you are citizens of India. Linking their plight to the religious persecution in Pakistan, Sanghvi did not mince words. He said, When you hear the stories of these people -- Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists -- you cannot hold back tears. A few lost their husbands, others lost their homes to flames. And yet they endured. I salute their strength. He contrasted Indias pluralism with Pakistans oppression, saying, India is a land where every religion is respected. If the world truly wants to witness human rights in action, they must look at India, especially Gujarat. He also raised a sharp question: Why is there no global outrage over the atrocities on minority Hindus in Pakistan? Amid emotional moments, newly naturalised citizens shared their stories of pain, resilience, and pride. Bhavanaben Maheshwari, originally from Pakistan and now living in Rajkot, said, I faced a lot of hardships there. But today, after years of struggle, I proudly call myself an Indian. Another recipient, Champa Khambhala from Morbi, echoed the sentiment: Life in India is far better than in Pakistan, where Hindus cant even celebrate festivals freely. With her voice trembling, she added, Many of my family members are still stuck in Pakistan. I hope they, too, get the chance to unite with us in India someday. The ceremony wasnt just about documents it marked a loud and clear message about Indias stance on human dignity, national belonging, and justice for persecuted minorities. Citizenship to 60-yr-old under CAA, 1st in Bihar

The New Indian Express 25 Jul 2025 5:31 pm

GTU Result 2025 Released at gtu.ac.in Direct Link to Download 2nd Sem Result

GTU Result 2025: Gujarat Technological University Result 2025 has been released on gtu.ac.in. Here is the direct Link to check your MCA 2nd Sem Results Online.

FreeJobAlert 25 Jul 2025 5:19 pm

GHPS District Operation Manager Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 41 Posts

TheGujarat Health Protection Society (GHPS) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 41 District Operation Manager posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official GHPS website. The last date to submit the application form is 03-08-2025.

FreeJobAlert 25 Jul 2025 4:48 pm

Two dead, several injured as drunk driver mows down pedestrians in Gujarats Gandhinagar

AHMEDABAD: A speeding car ploughed into pedestrians and motorists on the service road in Gandhinagars Randesan area early Friday morning, leaving two people dead and several others critically injured. The driver, Hitesh Patel, was found heavily intoxicated and has been taken into police custody. According to officials, the accident occurred around morning rush hour when a car (registration number GJ18 EE 7887), driven recklessly by Patel, veered out of control and rammed into bystanders and vehicles along the service road. One of the deceased is a woman, while several others sustained serious injuries. Police confirmed that Hitesh Patel, who also owns the vehicle, was in an inebriated state and unable to even stand when apprehended. Eyewitness Elaben Patel said, The car crashed right in front of me. A man died on the spot. The driver was so drunk he couldnt keep his balance. The accused in police custody Among the injured was Mayur Joshi, whose father, Rahul Joshi, recounted, Mayur had just filled petrol and left for work when the car hit from behind. His condition was initially very bad. As news of the crash spread, Gandhinagar Mayor rushed to the scene and later confirmed, By the time I arrived, two had died. Two more victims are battling for their lives in the hospital. Superintendent of Police Ravi Teja said, Preliminary investigation and eyewitness accounts confirm the driver was under the influence of alcohol. CCTV footage and local statements are being examined. MoS (Home) Harsh Sanghavi said, As soon as I received information about the incident, I spoke to the Range IG and Gandhinagar SP. I have directed them to form a joint team for a thorough investigation and take strict action at the earliest. The police have launched a full-fledged investigation and sealed off the area for forensic examination. The tragedy has sparked fresh outrage over the rising cases of reckless driving in Gujarat's capital.

The New Indian Express 25 Jul 2025 4:41 pm

NDA likely to commence consultations over its nominee for VP post after July 28

NEW DELHI: With the EC formally initiating the process of electing the next Vice President by appointing a Returning Officer, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is expected to commence consultations for its nominee for the key constitutional post after July 28. This move comes amid indications that the Opposition will also field a candidate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to speak in both Houses of Parliament after July 28 on Operation Sindoor. In the electoral college, which comprises members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the ruling BJP-led NDA holds a clear majority with nearly 425 members out of a total of 782 MPs. This makes its nominee, clear and strong to win the polls to this second-highest constitutional post of Vice President after the President of India. There is growing speculation that the Modi government may once again take a bold step to send a strong message in line with its mantra of womens empowerment by fielding a woman candidate. If this possibility materialises, it would mark a significant representation of nari-shakti, with women occupying both the posts of President and Vice President. In the days to come, the prospect of a woman serving as Army Chief may no longer remain a distant assumption. Remember, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, at a function in Bihar, expressed hope that one day a woman may be seen as the Chief of the Army, remarked a senior BJP leader. Although no official briefing has been made by the BJP regarding the selection of a candidate, sources have indicated that the Vice Presidential candidate will be chosen from within the party, with strong links to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Given recent experiences, the BJP is unlikely to take the risk of selecting a candidate who could prove unpredictable, once in office. The party leadership is expected to begin serious discussions with NDA allies to reach a consensus on a suitable candidate after 29 July, following the Prime Ministers speech in Parliament. One thing is clear, no candidate who has defected to the BJP from other parties, especially Congress, would be considered for this post. The possibility is that our alliance may finally agree on any one of four serving governors who have been associated with the Sangh and are deeply attached with the partys ideology of keeping the Nation and its Constitution above everything, remarked a very senior BJP leader on July 25 to TNIE. Among the prominent names currently being considered are Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Bihar Governor Md Arif Khan, and Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel. Election Commission appoints Returning Officer, Assistant ROs to elect Vice-President All are known to have longstanding associations with both the BJP and the Sangh, making them strong contenders. UP Governor Anandiben Patel, the first woman Chief Minister of Gujarat, served in the Rajya Sabha from 1994 to 1998 and has also held the position of the partys national vice president. A gold medallist in education, she was honoured with the Best Teacher award. Karnataka Governor Gehlot holds a D.Litt degree and has been associated with the BJP since its days as the Jan Sangh. A former two-term member of the Rajya Sabha and an RSS swayamsevak since 1960, he has travelled widely abroad for academic and constitutional exchanges and is considered to have a solid grasp of parliamentary processes. Om Prakash Mathur, currently the Governor of Sikkim, has served on the BJPs Central Election Committee and as the partys vice president. He has visited many countries to study democratic governance and was a Rajya Sabha MP from 2008 to 2014. He also worked with the RSS as a pracharak. There is a growing speculation that, taking into account the future political dynamics and learning from Jagdeep Dhankhars tenure, the BJP may opt for a senior party member for the Vice Presidential post, ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. With state assembly elections due in Bihar in OctoberNovember, and in key states such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam next year, electoral considerations are also expected to influence the final decision. Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) announced on July 25 said that, in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice and with the consent of the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, it has appointed the Secretary General, Rajya Sabha, PC Mody as the Returning Officer for the Vice Presidential election, 2025. Garima Jain, Joint Secretary in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, and Vijay Kumar, Director in the same body, have been appointed as Assistant Returning Officers. CM Revanth Reddy urge Centre to appoint Dattatreya as next Vice-President of India

The New Indian Express 25 Jul 2025 2:41 pm

SRF Ltd to invest nearly Rs 750 cr to set up agro-chemical, BOPP film plants

SRF Ltd is expanding its operations with a significant investment of nearly Rs 750 crore. The company will establish an agro-chemical plant in Dahej, Gujarat, and a BOPP film manufacturing facility in Indore. This expansion follows a strong financial performance in the first quarter, with a notable increase in net profit and income from operations.

The Economic Times 25 Jul 2025 1:32 pm

Arrest of young Delhi man over alleged al-Qaida links stuns neighbours, acquaintances

In Delhi's Farash Khana, Mohammed Faiq, a 25-year-old delivery boy, has been apprehended by the Gujarat ATS over alleged ties to AQIS. This arrest has stunned the local community, where Faiq was known as a quiet and unassuming individual. Authorities claim Faiq was in contact with Pakistani Instagram accounts providing jihadi materials, and have seized radical literature.

The Economic Times 25 Jul 2025 1:13 pm

GMRC Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online for 39 Manager, Section Engineer and More Posts

The Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 39 Manager, Section Engineer and More posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official GMRC website. The last date to submit the application form is 13-08-2025.

FreeJobAlert 25 Jul 2025 11:47 am

M&B Engineering IPO to open on July 30; sets price band at Rs 366-385/share

NEW DELHI, July 25: M&B Engineering Ltd on Friday announced that its Rs 650-crore initial public offering (IPO) will open for subscription on July 30. The issue, with a price band of Rs 366 to Rs 385, will conclude on August 1, the company announced. At the upper-end of the price band, the Gujarat-based companys market capitalisation is estimated at Rs 2,200 crore. The upcoming IPO is a mix of fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 275 crore [] The post M&B Engineering IPO to open on July 30; sets price band at Rs 366-385/share appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 25 Jul 2025 11:27 am

Watch | Gujarats collapsing bridges: Cracks in infrastructure and accountability

Abhinay Deshpande reports on the tragedy in a State where at least six bridges have collapsed in the last four years

The Hindu 25 Jul 2025 10:42 am