3. Gujarat Civic Polls: BJP Wins 38 Of 44 Seats In Gandhinagar, Congress Improves Tally
The BJP has retained control of the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC), winning 38 of the 44 seats in the civic elections. The Congress won five seats, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) failed to win any. The results were announced on
Gujarat High Court has ruled that chewing gum cannot be classified as an edible sweet or sweetmeat under state Value Added Tax provisions because consumers do not swallow the rubber base. Reversing an order by the state VAT tribunal, a division bench held that the product attracts a higher 12.5% tax under the residuary entry rather than the reduced 4% slab meant for confectionery.
Gujarat Fluoro Gets Rating Upgrade, Target Price Hike From ICICI Securities Key Triggers Inside
Gujarat Fluoro is capable of addressing 70% of the total value requirement for LFP batteries, establishing the company as a critical player in the evolving non-Chinese global supply chain, adds the brokerage.
Gujarat civic polls: Counting underway in Gandhinagar, other local bodies
BJP has governed the GMC for the last five years. This time, the BJP, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party are the main contenders in Gandhinagar
Truck falls into Bisleri Nallah in Banihal, driver dies, conductor injured
Banihal, Oct 13: A truck travelling from Srinagar towards Gujarat plunged around 7080 feet into Bisleri Nallah near Nachlana in Ramban district during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, resulting in the death of the driver and injuries to the conductor. The accident involving truck bearing registration number RJ19GF/2267 occurred at around 2 am. Officials said that the truck was being driven by Sadiq Khan, son of Doda Khan, a resident of Tehsil Fagunia in Barmer district of Rajasthan. The conductor was identified as Sikander, son of Hashim, a resident of Dhano village in Barmer district, Rajasthan. Both occupants sustained injuries in the accident and were shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal for treatment. However, the attending doctor declared the driver, Sadiq Khan, brought dead, while the injured conductor is undergoing treatment at the hospital. Further details regarding the circumstances leading to the accident are awaited.
From Gold Bars To Gift Cards: Gujarat Man Arrested In Texas Fraud Probe - Vibes Of India
Drug war is everyones fight: DGP Prabhat
Srinagar, Oct 12: Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Monday called for a united societal response to the growing challenge of drug abuse, asserting that protecting children and young people from narcotics was a collective responsibility that extended far beyond the police force. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function at Police Public School here, the DGP said the campaign against drugs was gaining momentum across Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He said the future of the country depended on safeguarding its younger generation from substance abuse. These small children are the future of our country, Prabhat said, underlining the need for society to come together to protect young people from the menace. Referring to recent enforcement action against drug trafficking in Srinagar, the J&K Police chief said several arrests had been made as part of the crackdown. He emphasised that tackling the problem required a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, with active participation from citizens. It is our duty that we participate in this fight and say no to drugs, he said, urging people to join the campaign against narcotics. The DGP's appeal comes as Jammu & Kashmir Police intensifies efforts to raise awareness about drug abuse alongside enforcement action against traffickers. The emphasis on community participation places families, educational institutions and local communities at the centre of efforts to prevent substance abuse and protect vulnerable youth. As part of the awareness drive, the DGP flagged off a motorcycle rally from Police Public School, Bemina, Srinagar, towards Ekta Nagar in Gujarat for the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade scheduled for October 31. The contingent comprises 10 bikers from Jammu and Kashmir Police and five from Ladakh Police. Awareness programmes on the harmful effects of drug abuse are planned along the route, with a focus on sensitising young people and promoting the message of a drug-free society. The initiative combines public outreach with the broader campaign against narcotics, seeking to carry the message beyond police establishments and into communities. The DGPs message was clear-- enforcement against traffickers must go hand in hand with public awareness, prevention and collective responsibility if Jammu and Kashmir is to protect its next generation from the consequences of drug abuse.
Say no to drugs, protect future: DGP Nalin Prabhat
Srinagar, Oct 12: Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat on Monday called for a whole-of-society approach in the fight against drug abuse, even as he flagged off a National Motorcycle Rally carrying the message of a Nasha Mukt society. Speaking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the programme here at Police Public School, the DGP said the anti-drug campaign was being pursued across the country and had gained considerable momentum in Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Referring to recent enforcement action in the summer capital Srinagar, he said that several people had been arrested as part of the ongoing crackdown. These small children are the future of our country, Prabhat told reporters, stressing that protecting the younger generation from substance abuse was a shared responsibility. He described the campaign as a collective fight that required more than law enforcement action alone. This is a war being fought across society, with a whole-of-government approach. It is our duty that we participate in this fight and say no to drugs, he said. The DGP said this after flagging off the motorcycle rally comprising 10 bikers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and five from the Ladakh Police. The contingent is headed for Ekta Nagar in Gujarat and will form part of the nationwide contingents converging for the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Parade on October 31, 2026, to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The theme of the rally is Fight Against Drugs, and the participants will conduct awareness programmes en route to sensitise people, particularly the youth. Prior to the flag-off, an awareness programme on the fight against drugs was held at the school, drawing enthusiastic participation from a large number of students. Senior officers present included Special DG Coordination S.J.M. Gillani, Additional DG Armed Nitish Kumar, IGP Headquarters Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Kashmir Sujit Kumar and DIG Armed Range Kashmir Maqsood-ul-Zaman, the nodal officer for the J&K Police contingent. Nalin Prabhat expressed satisfaction over the initiatives being undertaken to realise the vision of the Prime Minister and the Lieutenant Governor towards building a drug-free society. He also appreciated the participation of the J&K Police in the national motorcycle rally, in which 45 contingents from states, Union Territories and Central Armed Police Forces are taking part.
In its August order on digital arrest scams, the Supreme Court recorded a figure that looks like good news. Complaints filed under that label on the national cybercrime portal fell from 1,23,672 in 2024 to 58,239 in 2025, and to 16,377 in the first half of 2026. Two months earlier, the same court heard that total cyber fraud in 2025 came to about Rs 22,495 crore, with complaints up 24 per cent to roughly 2.81 million. That is the Home Ministry data as reported from the 28 July hearing. The crime did not shrink. Its name did. India's answer to impersonation is more official digital contact: verified SIMs, bank alerts, e-notices, KYC calls. Each new official channel is also a new template to forge. Call it the verification paradox. Authority has become a file format The case began in October 2025, when the court took notice of an elderly couple in Ambala who lost Rs 1.05 crore after being shown forged Supreme Court orders. A CBI probe has since traced 238 victims across 67 first-layer accounts, with about Rs 80 crore moving through them and searches at 93 locations in 16 states. Nobody was hacked in that case. The fraudsters supplied paperwork, and the victims did what citizens are told to do with a court notice. The attack surface is the habit of compliance. When obedience to officialdom is the habit, a forged notice only has to look official. Deepfakes remove the last informal check. Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed in July that they can now be used for cheating and impersonation. If a face and a voice can be rendered on demand, I saw the officer on video proves nothing. A Fortinet executive at the India Mobile Congress this week said a single malicious WhatsApp link can turn a phone into a gateway to banking, OTPs and identity documents. That is a vendor's view, but the mechanism is easy to credit. The label moves faster than the law On 28 July the court asked the Centre to create a standalone offence for digital arrest and to legislate on AI-generated deepfakes. The Solicitor General told the bench a draft bill is coming. A statute that defines digital arrest defines a script, and scripts are cheap to change. The falling complaint count is consistent with that. I cannot verify from the published figures where the volume went, but total complaints rose while one category collapsed, which suggests migration to investment, job and insurance pitches rather than retreat. Jammu and Kashmir is not exempt. A senior cyber police officer put J&K's 2025 cybercrime losses at Rs 184.91 crore in January and named digital arrest as the emerging method. In October 2025, a Jammu trader lost about Rs 4.4 crore, and the arrests were made in Gujarat. The victim sat in Jammu. The mule accounts sat elsewhere. Upstream has an owner Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Congress on 8 October that India wants a global mechanism to stop fraud before it reaches people. Upstream is the right place to fight. Twenty-six banks already use the RBI-linked MuleHunter.AI tool, and the court has told the RBI to circulate a temporary debit-hold procedure. The same status report said WhatsApp did not take adequate action on intelligence from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, while Microsoft responded quickly. The recovery side is thin. Rs 18.05 crore has been restored across 36,290 cases. The periods are not like for like, but set beside Rs 22,495 crore in annual losses, it is a rounding error. Only 14 states had notified their state cybercrime coordination centres when the court last looked. There is a second cost. A filter that decides which calls and messages reach a citizen makes telecom operators and platforms the gatekeepers of contact. Kashmir knows what happens when connectivity becomes an administrative decision. A control plane built to stop fraud will be asked, sooner or later, to stop other things. Bottom Line Fraud that borrows the state's face cannot be fixed by giving the state more faces. Verification has to start with the citizen: a call-back number that is never supplied by the caller, a bank hold the account holder can trigger, a court order that never arrives on WhatsApp. Until then, the labels will keep falling, and the losses will not. (The author is studying Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA. He is interested in emerging technologies and innovation, and can be reached on LinkedIn at @arssh-kumar14)
Wheat sowing faces heat from water shortage this winter
Farmers in India are likely to reduce wheat planting this winter due to water scarcity and low minimum support prices. Regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh may see the most significant impact from these conditions. The state governments are encouraging farmers to consider crops that require less water, which may lead to a shift in crop choices.
Standoff deepens as workers, unit owners refuse to budge
1,694kg of suspected adulterated ghee seized in Utran
Two held for attempted armed robbery on VIP Road
Hotfix plastic waste catches fire at two locations in Puna
Builders bag containing 1.2L stolen from car
GSRTC conductor loses bag with cash, ticketing machine
Mobile thefts mar Navratri celebrations at United Way Garba
Singer who paid 5,000 for his first break now helps others find theirs
Jewellery order ends in 8.28cr heist
Bullet train clears key hurdle in Vadodara
Over 500 attend seminar on fasting, holistic health
Gujarat Districts Shine Nationally for Agricultural Excellence
Gujarats Kutch, Dahod, and Chhota Udaipur districts receive national awards for agricultural development under the PM Kisan scheme. Gujarat Districts Shine Nationally for Agricultural Excellence
JNU sexual harassment case: BJP seeks action against Congress MP, stages protests across Gujarat
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 12 (IANS) The BJP's women's wing staged protests across Gujarat on Monday, demanding action against Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam over allegations of sexual harassment involving female students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), days after the university dismissed him from his position as a professor and Delhi Police registered an FIR against him. The protests, organised by the state BJP Mahila Morcha, were held across all districts and major cities of the state. Women party workers, office-bearers, women legislators and local leaders participated in sit-ins and demonstrations, accusing the Congress leadership of remaining silent on the allegations. The protesters raised slogans against the Congress and its senior leadership, demanded strict action against Akoijam and called for his immediate expulsion from the party, according to party leaders. The party accused the Congress of maintaining double standards on women's safety and dignity, arguing that its public claims on women's rights were inconsistent with its response to allegations against one of its own MPs. Women's safety should not be confined to political speeches and election campaigns, the leaders said. The protests came amid a widening controversy over the allegations against Akoijam, who represents the Inner Manipur constituency in the Lok Sabha and was a professor at JNU's Centre for the Study of Social Systems. JNU dismissed Akoijam with immediate effect on October 9 following an inquiry by its internal committee into complaints of sexual harassment. Reports said 11 women students had complained against him. The committee's findings reportedly referred to a pattern of inappropriate personal interactions, sexually suggestive conduct and unwelcome physical contact. Delhi Police registered an FIR against Akoijam on October 11 at Vasant Kunj North police station, following a complaint by JNU's chief security officer. The complaint forwarded documents related to the university's internal inquiry and sought police action. The FIR invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to sexual harassment and acts intended to insult a woman's modesty. The investigation is under way. Akoijam has denied the allegations and described his dismissal as a witch hunt. He has questioned the university's handling of the inquiry and said he intended to challenge the decision through legal channels.
Bengal: SSB rescues two minors from Mizoram in human trafficking attempt
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 12 (IANS) Troops of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) foiled a human trafficking attempt across the India-Nepal Border. Two minor girls were rescued, and two accused were taken into custody. One of those arrested is suspected to be the key conspirator. Around 5 pm on October 11, personnel of the Border Intelligence Team (BIT), 41 Bn, SSB, who were deployed on the New Bridge, Panitanki, in West Bengal, intercepted a silver-coloured Toyota Hyryder proceeding from India towards Nepal. There were three persons travelling in the vehicle. One of them was Mahesh Bhuralal Tanna (61), a resident of Ahmedabad in Gujarat. The second was Navin Kumar (34), from Muzaffarpur in Bihar. He was driving the vehicle. The third occupant was a 17-year-old girl, a resident of Mizoram. During an on-the-spot preliminary inquiry, the minor girl revealed that she was travelling to Nepal with Tanna, an acquaintance of her father, supposedly for shopping and visiting a casino. She further stated that she had been staying with him at a rented flat near Salugara, Siliguri, lured by promises of employment at his spa centres in Mumbai and Goa, a senior SSB official said. The officials at the site sensed something amiss and alerted the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of Sector Headquarters, SSB, at Ranidanga and NGO partner Kosi Lok Manch, Siliguri. Teams immediately rushed to the SSB post at Panitanki for joint counselling and questioning. During sustained interrogation, Tanna confessed that an agent based in Mizoram had sent the minor girl to him about ten days earlier. He claimed that as she was underage, he engaged her as domestic help for Rs 4,000 until she attained majority. However, inspection of the suspect's mobile phone (iPhone) revealed compromising photographs and videos of the minor girl and another unidentified female stored in the 'Recently Deleted' folder, indicating gross sexual exploitation under the guise of employment, the official said. On being shown this evidence, Tanna was forced to admit that a second minor girl had been kept at his rented accommodation near Salugara, Siliguri. The SSB team immediately got into action and sent the information to the local police and NGO team in Salugara. Help was sought from the police as the area in Salugara was beyond the jurisdiction of the SSB. A police team, accompanied by members of the Kosi Lok Manch, raided the rented flat in Salugara in Siliguri and successfully rescued the second minor girl, the official said. Both rescued minors were taken to Kharibari Rural Hospital, where mandatory medical examinations were conducted in coordination with 41 Bn SSB personnel and the NGO team members. Subsequently, the girls, along with Tanna and Kumar, as well as the seized vehicle, were handed over to the Kharibari Police Station. An FIR was registered with the active assistance and coordination of 41 Bn SSB personnel for further investigation and prosecution under relevant statutory provisions. The NGO is coordinating with child welfare bodies for safe institutional care, counselling, and family repatriation of the two minors. Senior officials have appreciated the role played by the SSB personnel at Panitanki. It was their alertness and prompt action in coordinating with other agencies that resulted in the rescue of both girls and the arrest of the person behind the racket. Human trafficking is a major issue along the India-Nepal Border. Recently, six girls from Tripura, including three minors, were rescued while being taken to Nepal to work at a dance bar. The SSB has sensitised its troops and has strengthened intelligence gathering to prevent such crimes. It also works with NGOs working in this field to help the innocent victims.
Kerala Woman Arrested in Gujarat for
A 46-year-old woman from Kerala was arrested in Surat for her role in a 13.10 lakh online investment scam. Kerala Woman Arrested in Gujarat for 13.10 Lakh Online Investment Fraud
A new dam near Vapi, Gujarat, aims to enhance water supply for agriculture and industry, benefiting local communities. Gujarat to Construct 159.5 Crore Dam Near Vapi for Improved Water Supply
India Hosts BRICS Traditional Sports Demonstration Games
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 in Ahmedabad, emphasising the role of traditional sports in reflecting cultural identity and fostering international cooperation. The one-day event, hosted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, brought together delegations from BRICS and partner countries to showcase indigenous sporting practices like Mallakhamb, Yogasana, and Kalaripayattu from India, alongside Wushu from China and Sambo from Russia. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also highlighted India's rich sporting heritage and proposed initiatives for global promotion and preservation of traditional sports.
Ranji Trophy: Deshpande's Hat-trick Wrecks Chandigarh, Jadeja Slams Century For Saurashtra
Ranji Trophy Elite Division: Mumbai pacer Tushar Deshpande took a hat-trick and a five-wicket haul as Chandigarh were bundled out for 78 on Day Two of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday. Deshpande tore through the top order to pick 5-17, and Mohit Avasthi backed him with figures of 3-9. Mumbai, who had made 429 on the back of half-centuries from Tanush Kotian and Avasthi, enforced the follow-on, and Deshpande struck again in the second innings to leave Chandigarh at 0/1. Veteran left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, resuming on 72, scored 102 off 209 balls with seven fours as Saurashtra, who began the day on 308/4, were bowled out for 392 in 110.4 overs against Chhattisgarh in an Elite Group B clash at Rajkot. Jadeja fell to his former state-mate Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, who took 2-106 in 25.4 overs. Prerak Mankad went on to make 129 off 150 balls with 15 fours and a six, after starting the day on 92. Dev Aditya Singh was the pick of the Chhattisgarh bowlers with 5-67 in 24 overs, four of them maidens. Chhattisgarh were 122/3 in 55 overs at stumps. Anuj Tiwary was unbeaten on 72 and Mayank Verma on 32, with Ayush Pandey out for 13. Captain Jaydev Unadkat, Chetan Sakariya and Chirag Jani took a wicket each. Elsewhere, in the Elite Group A clash in Nagpur, Vidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar was dismissed two short of a maiden first-class double hundred, and his side finished on 428 against Puducherry after Yash Rathod hit 134 earlier in the day, with the visitors reaching 102/1 at stumps. In Goa, Atit Sheth was bowled for 99 as Baroda declared on 472/8 against Goa, who reached 5/1 at stumps. In Rajgir, Uttar Pradesh were bowled out for 540 against Bihar, with Aaradhya Yadav and Zeeshan Ansari scoring fifties after Madhav Kaushik (150) and Rinku Singh (112) fell. In Kalyani, West Bengal, Sudip Kumar Gharami (122 not out) and Abishek Porel (114 not out) hit centuries each and are unbroken in a 199-run stand as Bengal reached 304/3 against Delhi at Kalyani and have their lead currently at 64 runs. Jharkhand were bowled out for 587 against Kerala in Jamshedpur, with Aditya Singh's 147 and captain Virat Singh's 108 being strong contributions. Assam captain Denish Das (103) and Sibsankar Roy (143) also hit tons against Punjab in New Chandigarh, and Assam were bowled out for 373. For Punjab, veteran pacer Umesh Yadav took 5-70. In Ahmedabad, Gujarat's Vedant Trivedi (94 not out) and Aarya Desai (94) responded strongly to Baroda's 324 and took the hosts to 205/2 at stumps. In Vijayawada, SV Rahul, two days after turning 19, made a hundred on his first-class debut and shared a 202-run stand with wicketkeeper Revanth Reddy (97) that gave Andhra a 57-run lead over Karnataka, after ending day two at 331/6. Akash Vasisht's unbeaten 113 revived Himachal Pradesh, who had been 119/7, against Haryana and took them to 253. In reply, Haryana reached 178/4 in 46 overs and trailed by 75 runs, with Yashvardhan Dalal unbeaten on 69. Narayan Jagadeesan (55) and Pradosh Ranjan Paul (58) put on 104 for Tamil Nadu against Rajasthan, as they reached 167/4 and trailed by 196 runs. Rajasthan had been bowled out for 363, losing five wickets for 16 after Mahipal Lomror hit 66. B. Sai Sudharsan had gone down while fielding, and though he came out to bat, he made just three. Uttarakhand need 18 runs to match Railways' score of 78, with Avneesh Sudha unbeaten on 75. Tripura offspinner Sandip Sarkar took eight wickets in a 41.2-over spell, but Hyderabad still lead by 160 runs and need three wickets to move closer to an innings win. Fast bowler Avesh Khan's three wickets helped Madhya Pradesh bowl out defending champions Jammu and Kashmir for 120 to take a 76-run first-innings lead. But MP ended day twos play in Srinagar at 59/4, and are ahead by 135 runs overall, with fast-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabis late strikes keeping the hosts in the contest. Uttarakhand need 18 runs to match Railways' score of 78, with Avneesh Sudha unbeaten on 75. Tripura offspinner Sandip Sarkar took eight wickets in a 41.2-over spell, but Hyderabad still lead by 160 runs and need three wickets to move closer to an innings win. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Piyush Goyal calls for doubling India-UK bilateral trade by 2030
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 12 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday called upon businesses in India and the United Kingdom to translate the opportunities created by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) into expanded trade, investment, partnerships, and job creation. Addressing the 16th Session of the India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), he said the two countries should aim to double bilateral trade by 2030 and make the India-UK Vision 2035 a framework for greater economic ambition and cooperation. Goyal said the comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) between the two countries marks a major milestone, providing zero-duty access in the United Kingdom market for most Indian exports while opening up significant opportunities for UK exporters across sectors. The agreement has also opened up new opportunities in services. He added that the Social Security Double Contribution Convention could further benefit both economies through the supply of services at competitive prices and improved profitability. India and the UK were complementary economies with considerable potential to expand existing trade, develop new export opportunities and diversify the range of products exchanged, he said. Highlighting the existing trade complementarities, the minister noted that India was a major exporter of smartphones, pharmaceutical products, jewellery, textiles, leather goods, rice and certain agricultural products, iron and non-alloy steel, machinery parts, and auto components. On the UK side, he identified potential in the supply of products across the petroleum value chain, technology products in electronics and electrical equipment, medicaments, motor cars and Scotch whisky. Setting out five priority areas for India-UK cooperation, Goyal said infrastructure and clean energy offered opportunities in project development, renewable energy, transmission lines, and utility financing to support sustainable growth in both countries. The second area was advanced manufacturing and resilient supply chains, particularly in electric vehicles, batteries, electronics, and precision engineering. He said cooperation should help build competitive manufacturing ecosystems, strengthen supply-chain resilience and enhance confidence between the two trusted partners. The third priority was technology and innovation. He called for stronger links between educational and research institutions, technology companies and start-ups, alongside greater research and development cooperation. He highlighted opportunities for collaboration in semiconductors, quantum computing and artificial intelligence. The fourth area was financial services, where he called for greater collaboration between the City of London and GIFT City in Gujarat's Gandhinagar. He identified fintech, insurance, cross-border payments, transition finance and trade finance as areas for cooperation, adding that the two financial centres should work towards becoming a connected pathway to greater progress and prosperity. The fifth area was healthcare and consumer sectors. Goyal highlighted opportunities in generic pharmaceuticals on the Indian side and branded and innovative pharmaceutical products on the UK side, as well as diagnostics, food processing and consumer goods. Addressing the session, the UK's Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, said that the conclusion of CETA marked the beginning of a sustained and practical dialogue between governments and businesses on both sides. With CETA having been in force for almost 100 days, he said there were encouraging signs of businesses in both countries beginning to use the agreement and explore new opportunities across advanced manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences, technology, services and creative industries. He emphasised that the agreements success would depend on businesses using it to expand exports, investment and partnerships.
BRICS Games in Ahmedabad put traditional sports in focus; India proposes shared repository
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 12 (IANS) India has proposed a voluntary repository of traditional and indigenous sports, exchanges among coaches and researchers, and periodic demonstrations at future BRICS sporting events to preserve sporting traditions and strengthen cooperation among member countries. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya made the proposals while inaugurating the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in the Naranpura area of Ahmedabad on Monday. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi was also present at the event, which brought together country delegations, athletes, practitioners, technical officials and partner institutions from 10 BRICS nations. Mandaviya said the proposed repository could document the history, cultural significance, rules, equipment and playing requirements of traditional sports, helping preserve knowledge associated with different communities. BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Games provide a platform to showcase not only how a sport is played, but also the history, values and cultural context that make each tradition unique, he said, outlining the three areas of cooperation. The second proposal involves exchanges among practitioners, coaches, researchers, educational institutions and cultural experts across BRICS countries. The third calls for exploring regular demonstrations of traditional and indigenous sports at future BRICS sporting events. Addressing representatives of the participating countries, Mandaviya said India was placing sport at the centre of nation-building through investment in infrastructure and a broader approach to developing athletes. India is placing sport at the centre of nation-building. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is transforming its sporting ecosystem by creating opportunities from the playground to the podium, he said. He said the country's approach covered grassroots participation, talent identification, coaching, sports science, infrastructure development, athlete welfare and international exposure. Mandaviya also said nearly 3.76 billion US dollars had been committed under the 'Khelo India' initiative to support this transformation. The minister highlighted the Fit India Movement as part of efforts to make physical activity a regular part of daily life. The 'Sundays on Cycle' campaign had brought more than five million people together for cycling across over three lakh locations every Sunday. 94 editions of the campaign had been held across India, he said. The event featured demonstrations of traditional sporting practices from Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Belarus and Russia showcased Gorodki, while Russia also presented Sambo. Bolivia demonstrated Lucha de Cholitas, Tinku, Rayuela, Trompo, Cachinas and Carrera de Sacos. Brazil presented Zarabatana, an indigenous blowpipe activity, Corrida de Toras or log racing, Brazilian para-Jiu-jitsu and Capoeira. China showcased Wushu, Lion Dance and Health Qigong, while India's demonstrations included Mallakhamb, Yogasana and Kalaripayattu. Iran presented Zoorkhaneh, Haft Sang and Ghanieh; Kazakhstan demonstrated Asyk Atu, Togyzkumalak and Qazaq Kuresi; South Africa presented Kgati and Iintonga; and the United Arab Emirates showcased Al Tabbah. The demonstrations were accompanied by cultural presentations and activities involving the audience. Participating teams were felicitated at the conclusion of the programme. The event provided a platform for the participating countries to present the cultural and historical context of their traditional sports, with an emphasis on preserving community knowledge, expanding inclusive participation and strengthening people-to-people ties through sport.
Nine ITIs in Surat, Visakhapatnam to be upgraded with 440 cr investment
The Centre, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh have partnered AM/NS India to modernise nine government ITIs under PM-SETU, with a focus on industry-linked training and infrastructure
Gujarat govt clears incentives for 25 industrial units with Rs 3,903 crore investment
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 12 (IANS) Gujarat has approved final eligibility certificates for 25 industrial units seeking incentives under two state industrial policies, covering proposed investments of Rs 3,903.30 crore and expected to generate more than 8,178 employment opportunities. The approvals were granted at a high-level committee meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, according to a statement issued by the state Industries and Mines Department on Monday. Of the 25 units, 22 have been approved for investments worth Rs 1,631.90 crore under the Industrial Policy-2015. The remaining three large industrial units have received final approval for investments totalling Rs 2,271.40 crore under the Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme-2022. The units are spread across Ahmedabad, Morbi, Bharuch, Kutch, Vadodara, Mehsana, Kheda and Surendranagar districts. They operate in sectors including automobiles, textiles, plastics, paper, chemicals, ceramics and metals. The state government provides financial incentives to eligible industrial units under the two policies, including assistance linked to net state goods and services tax (SGST), interest subsidies and reimbursement of employees' provident fund (EPF) contributions. The latest approvals cover both large industrial projects and smaller enterprises, with the government seeking to support investment across different segments of the state's industrial sector. The department said the incentive framework was intended to promote industrial development, encourage investment and support the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) alongside larger industries. The approvals come as Gujarat continues to use policy-linked financial assistance to attract industrial investment across its districts and manufacturing sectors. The department said the projects covered by the latest decisions were expected to create approximately 8,178 jobs.
Gujarati in city keep cultural tradition alive through garba
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday said in a press conference that the state had been connected more strongly to the country's development stream during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 12 years in power at the Centre. He listed gains in housing, health, women's empowerment, bridges, airports and flood control, and said work on a flood-control plan for Bihar's rivers was under way. Referring to Modi's swearing-in as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001. Choudhary said that over 25 years the Prime Minister had put ation first, citizen first ahead of the post he held. Choudhary said, October 7 reminds us that the public's trust is the greatest strength in a democracy, and that the journey of public service moves forward through constant dialogue, accountability and commitment to the national interest. Choudhary said Modi accepted the responsibility of leading the nation in 2014 as a Pradhan Sevak and not as a right to power. Every decision of governance is driven...
Sr Men Hockey Nationals: Kerala, Jharkhand held to draw; Rajasthan beat Gujarat 6-2 on Day 3
Digital Desk | Jhansi, Oct 12 (IANS) Two draws in Division B and a last-quarter turnaround in Division C, where Bihar (BSSA) edged past Hockey Andhra Pradesh, were the highlights of Day 3 in the 16th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2026 in Jhansi. The day also saw Rajasthan and Mizoram record victories. The two matches in Division B produced draws, with Kerala Hockey held by Chhattisgarh in Pool A while Hockey Jharkhand and Telangana Hockey were locked 1-1 at the end of the game. Kerala, beaten 0-9 by Odisha on Day 2, fought back to earn a point. Anoop Kumar Maurya put Kerala ahead with a field goal in the 29th minute. Chhattisgarh equalised through captain Sandeep Kumars penalty corner in the 45th minute and went ahead when Sonu Nishad scored from open play in the 48th. Sandeep Yadav converted a penalty corner in the 59th minute to level the match. In the Pool B clash, Dilbar Barla gave Jharkhand the lead with a penalty corner in the 26th minute. Telangana captain Shiva Kumar Shivangi equalised from a penalty corner in the 56th minute. Jharkhand are unbeaten after a 4-1 win over Goa on Day 2, and Telangana picked up their first point after losing to Arunachal on Day 1. In Division C, Bihar (BSSA) prevailed over Hockey Andhra Pradesh 4-3 in a Pool B match. Andhra Pradesh, 8-0 winners on Day 1, led twice through Metta Sai Kumars penalty corners (11', 38') and a field goal from captain Lekkala Hitesh Rao (25'). Bihar replied through Jony Kumars penalty corner (26') and Md Sidiks penalty corner (29') to level at 2-2 and 3-3 after Jony scored a field goal in the 43rd minute. Jony completed his hat-trick and scored the winner with a penalty stroke in the 53rd minute. It was Bihars first win of the championship after their 2-3 loss to Rajasthan on Day 1. In a Pool B match in the same division, Hockey Rajasthan defeated Hockey Gujarat 6-2 on Day 3. Prathambhai Patel put Gujarat ahead in the 8th minute, but Kunal Koundal equalised with a penalty corner in the 22nd. Rajasthan scored three times in the third quarter through Pawan Kumar Yadav (36', 39') and Ankit Rawat (42'), and Rawat added another in the 48th minute. Patel pulled one back for Gujarat in the 54th minute, and Rawat completed his hat-trick on the stroke of full time (60'). Rajasthan have now won both of their matches. In a Pool A match in the same division, Hockey Mizoram edged Hockey Jammu & Kashmir 2-1. Captain Karanjit Singh gave J&K the lead in the 9th minute. Dharmendra Pal turned the match with two penalty corners in the 15th and 28th minutes, and Mizoram defended the lead for the rest of the game. Mizoram bounced back from their 2-4 loss to Himachal on Day 2, and J&K lost for the first time after their 6-3 opening win.
Maha CM accuses Rahul Gandhi, INDIA bloc of trying to weaken judiciary through protests
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 12 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday launched a scathing attack on Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA bloc, accusing them of executing a deliberate strategy to pressure and delegitimize India's constitutional institutions, including the Supreme Court, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The Chief Ministers strong reaction came as INDIA bloc leaders, led by Rahul Gandhi, staged a high-voltage march in New Delhi towards the Supreme Court. The opposition leaders are demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of subverting electoral integrity and obbing the nation. CM Fadnavis criticised the opposition for brandishing copies of the Constitution while systematically undermining constitutional bodies. He alleged that the current protests are part of an extreme far-left plot designed to reject Dr B R Ambedkars Constitution and breed public distrust against democratic systems. Questioning the rationale behind marching to the apex court to force a meeting with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), CM Fadnavis asked, Which section of the Constitution empowers a political march to demand an audience with the Chief Justice of India? Attempting to exert pressure on the Supreme Court is a direct insult to Dr Ambedkar's Constitution. Drawing a sharp contrast, he invoked the 1975 Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He highlighted how the Congress regime then suspended fundamental rights and restricted citizens from approaching High Courts and the Supreme Court. We fought against constitutional tampering in 1975, and we will fight again today. We will never allow anyone to alter or tamper with Dr B R Ambedkar's Constitution, he declared. CM Fadnavis asserted that Congress's repeated electoral failures have driven it to resort to anarchy. He also pointed to instances during past agitations at Jantar Mantar, where social media algorithms were manipulated to spread chaos, noting that platforms like Meta later issued apologies over ad-driven content and missteps involving Prime Minister Modi's posts. He stated that Congress needs to stop blaming Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for its political setbacks and instead look inward at its failed leadership. Congress needs to find the reasons for its failure not in EVMs, but in its own leadership. This is a rejected leadership that is repeatedly re-launched, only to fail every time, he noted. Emphasising Congresss declining footprint, CM Fadnavis noted that key states across the nation have rejected the party for decades, including Tamil Nadu: 59 years, West Bengal: 50 years, Uttar Pradesh: 46 years, Sikkim: 42 years, Bihar: 36 years, Tripura: 33 years, Gujarat: 31 years and Madhya Pradesh & Odisha: 23+ years. He added that across 18 states, voters have distanced themselves from Congress for decades, forcing the party to rely heavily on regional partners like the DMK, RJD, and BSP to survive. He accused the opposition of systematically trying to instill distrust in the public mind regarding democratic institutions and the rule of law.
AM/NS India signs Shareholders Agreement to upgrade five Government ITIs in Gujarat under PM-SETU
Surat (Gujarat) [India], October 12: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, has signed a Shareholders Agreement (SHA) with the Government of India
Enjoy The New Gujarati Music Video For 'Maavdi' By Gurdeep Mehndi
Enjoy the latest Gujarati song 'Maavdi' sung by 'Gurdeep Mehndi'. The music for this vibrant track has been composed and produced by 'Gopal Singh', with traditional lyrics. The music video features 'Gurdeep Mehndi' and has been directed and edited by 'Bhautik Nandha'. Blending energetic rhythms with traditional musical elements, 'Maavdi' offers a lively musical experience for Gujarati music lovers. For more Gujarati songs, be sure to visit the music videos section of Gujarati ETimes. Experience the musical prowess of 'Gurdeep Mehndi', new Gujarati songs of 2026, latest Gujarati video songs, traditional Gujarati music and 'Gopal Singh' music.
Sports Minister Mandaviya proposes BRICS repository to preserve traditional and indigenous sports
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 12 (IANS) Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday proposed the creation of a voluntary BRICS repository of traditional and indigenous sports, exchanges among experts and periodic demonstrations at future sporting events to strengthen cooperation among member nations and preserve their sporting heritage. Addressing the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura, Ahmedabad, Mandaviya said traditional sports could promote cultural understanding, youth development and wider participation while strengthening people-to-people ties among the participating countries. The day-long event brought together athletes, practitioners, officials and delegations from 10 BRICS nations. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi was also present at the inauguration. Mandaviya outlined Indias efforts to build a sustainable sporting ecosystem, emphasising investment in infrastructure, grassroots participation, talent identification, coaching, sports science and athlete welfare. India is placing sport at the centre of nation-building. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is transforming its sporting ecosystem by creating opportunities from the playground to the podium. Guided by a comprehensive 360-degree approach, including grassroots participation, talent identification, coaching, sports science, infrastructure development, athlete welfare and international exposure, India is building a sustainable sporting ecosystem for the future. To support this transformation, we have committed nearly 3.76 billion US dollars as part of our Khelo India initiative, said Mandaviya. Turning to cooperation among BRICS members, Mandaviya said traditional games represented more than sporting competition, carrying the history, values and cultural identities of the communities that practise them. BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Games provide a platform to showcase not only how a sport is played, but also the history, values and cultural context that make each tradition unique. As we take this initiative forward, India proposes three practical areas of cooperation, he added. First, we should work towards creating a voluntary BRICS Repository of Traditional and Indigenous Sports, documenting their history, cultural significance, rules, equipment and field-of-play requirements. Second, we should encourage exchanges among practitioners, coaches, researchers, educational institutions and cultural experts across BRICS countries. Third, we should explore the periodic demonstration of traditional and indigenous sports at future BRICS sporting events, continued the Union Sports Minister. Mandaviya also highlighted Indias efforts to make fitness a part of everyday life through the Fit India Movement and community-based initiatives. Through the Fit India Movement, we are promoting fitness as a way of life. Our Sundays on Cycle campaign has seen tremendous success with more than 5 million people coming to cycle across more than 3 lakh locations every Sunday. So far, 94 editions of the Sundays on Cycle have been conducted across India. The demonstrations offered participating nations an opportunity to showcase the diversity of their sporting traditions. India presented Mallakhamb, Yogasana and Kalaripayattu, while China showcased Wushu, Lion Dance and Health Qigong. Brazil featured Capoeira, an indigenous blowpipe demonstration and a log race, alongside Brazilian Para-Jiu-jitsu. Other presentations included Gorodki from Belarus and Russia, Lucha de Cholitas and several traditional games from Bolivia, Zoorkhaneh from Iran, Qazaq Kuresi and Asyk Atu from Kazakhstan, Kgati and Iintonga from South Africa, and Al Tabbah from the United Arab Emirates. Iran also presented Haft Sang and Ghanieh, while Kazakhstan showcased Togyzkumalak. Cultural performances and audience-engagement activities accompanied the sporting demonstrations, with participating teams felicitated at the conclusion of the programme. The event gave BRICS nations a platform to exchange knowledge about traditional sports and their cultural significance, while highlighting the potential of indigenous sporting practices to encourage inclusive participation and strengthen international cooperation.
Watch the Official teaser from gujarati movie 'Super Kaand' starring Parth Madhukrushna, Archan Trivedi and Makrand Shukla. 'Super Kaand' movie is directed by Rushabh Thanki. To know more about 'Super Kaand' teaser watch the video. Check out the latest gujarati teasers, new movie teasers, trending gujarati movie teaser, and more at ETimes - Times of India Entertainment.
Gujarat classifies 268 talukas into two categories under new industrial policy to promote investment
The Gujarat government has classified 268 talukas across 34 districts into two categories for future investment prospects. This initiative intends to promote balanced development, focusing on new entrepreneurs and industrial expansion. The revised classifications will help businesses understand applicable incentives based on their project's location. The industrial policy also emphasizes supporting MSMEs, startups, and green initiatives. Overall, the government aims to accelerate industrial investment throughout Gujarat with these new guidelines.
Gujarat Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani Faces FIR Over Police Station Incident
Jignesh Mevani and seven others face FIR for disrupting police work and inciting community tensions during local elections in Gandhinagar. Gujarat Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani Faces FIR Over Police Station Incident
Gujarat adds field, off-road vehicle categories to govt procurement policy
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 12 (IANS) The Gujarat government has introduced two new categories for procuring official vehicles, allowing departments to select vehicles suited to field inspections, enforcement work and off-road duties, while expanding the options for electric vehicles in its government fleet. The revised policy, announced on Monday, introduces Category-F for field inspection and enforcement vehicles and Category-F1 for officers who require vehicles for off-road operations. The amendment builds on the government's April 11, 2023, policy, which prescribed vehicles according to the designation and responsibilities of ministers, senior officials, district-level officers, and government departments. Category-F includes different categories of SUVs, including electric vehicles. The inclusion of electric vehicles in the new category extends their use under the procurement policy beyond regular government office duties to field inspection and enforcement work. Category-F1 covers officers performing off-road duties in departments including Home; Forest and Environment; Industries and Mines; Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply and Kalpsar; Panchayats and Rural Housing; Ports and Transport; Roads and Buildings; and Revenue. Departments have been given lists from which they can choose vehicles as per their needs. The provision addresses the operational requirements of officers working in forest areas, remote locations, mineral-rich regions and construction or development project sites where unpaved roads and difficult terrain may require specialised vehicles. The earlier policy, introduced in 2023 in place of the 2019 framework, had six main categories, A to E, including the A1 subcategory. Category-A covered ministers and the Chief Secretary, while A1 was designated for VVIP state guests. Category-B covered heads of constitutional bodies, boards, corporations and similar institutions. Category-C applied to district-level officials, including Collectors, District Development Officers and Superintendents of Police. Category-D covered heads of departments and equivalent officials, while Category-E provided for staff cars for government offices. The revised policy retains the existing designation-based categories while adding provisions based on the nature of official duties. The procurement rules continue to require vehicles to be purchased through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) at prevailing market prices. Purchases outside the prescribed policy require approval from the competent authority, supported by specific circumstances and valid reasons, as well as prior government approval. The revision retains the existing procurement framework while providing separate options for field enforcement and off-road work.
Gujarat Govt announces revised vehicle procurement policy
The Government of Gujarat has updated its vehicle procurement policy to meet changing government needs. The 2023 policy specified different vehicle categories for ministers, senior officials, district-level officers, heads of departments and government offices. In 2026, the policy has been expanded with two new categories for field inspection, enforcement and off-road duties. The revised policy also promotes the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in government operations. Category-F includes EV models. The policy dated April 11, 2023, replaced the earlier 2019 policy. The revision was undertaken because the production of some older vehicles had been discontinued and vehicles equipped with newer technologies had become available in the market. In 2023, vehicles were prescribed according to designation and responsibility under six main categories, from Category-A to Category-E, including the subcategory A1. Category-A covered ministers and the Chief Secretary; Category-A1 covered VVIP state...
McCain Foods to acquire Falcon Agrifriz Foods potato processing business in Gujarat
The acquisition comes post McCains recent investment in India, including the completion of a $135 million CAD expansion of its existing operations in Gujarat
Major Dam Project to Boost Water Security in Vapi, Gujarat
A 159.50 crore dam project near Vapi aims to enhance irrigation, groundwater recharge, and water security for local residents. Major Dam Project to Boost Water Security in Vapi, Gujarat
Sikkim CM Chairs Special Cabinet Meeting, Hails PM Modi
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Monday chaired a special Cabinet meeting that conveyed heartfelt appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years in public service. The meeting Emphasized Modis journey from his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister beginning October 7, 2001, to his current role as Prime Minister, describing it as... The post Sikkim CM Chairs Special Cabinet Meeting, Hails PM Modis 25 Years In Public Service first appeared on Northeast Today .
Gujarat: FIR against Cong MLA Jignesh Mevani over police station ruckus
Gandhinagar An FIR has been registered against Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani and seven others for allegedly obstructing a police inspector, The post Gujarat: FIR against Cong MLA Jignesh Mevani over police station ruckus appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Navratri 2026: CM Bhupendra Patel Inaugurates Vibrant Navratri Mahotsav in Ahmedabad
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates Vibrant Navratri Mahotsav 2026 at Ahmedabad's GMDC Ground. Check festival highlights, security arrangements and Garba celebrations.
71 bikes, one tribute to Maa Durga: Surat bikers create a unique display at Dabhari Beach
In a heartwarming tribute to Goddess Durga , members of the Surat Biking Community in Gujarat came together to create a massive portrait of the goddess using 71 premium motorcycles at Dabhari Beach. Ahead of Navratri, the unusual display brought together their love for biking and devotion, turning a stretch of the beach into a striking tribute to the goddess.
Rajesh Power Services bags 472 crore order to build underground power networks in Gujarat
The contracts involve converting existing 11kV overhead lines into medium voltage covered conductor (MVCC) lines and developing underground cable networks at various locations under MGVCLs SI Scheme Robust-III.
Shares of wind turbine maker Suzlon jumped more than 4 per cent on Monday, October 12, 2026, after the company informed exchanges that the group is investing around Rs 550 crore to set up three AI-powered blade factories in Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.The stock opened in the green at 38.29 against the previous close of Rs 37.58 on the BSE amid a positive start in the benchmark indices. While the Sensex and Nifty fell, the stock maintained upward momentum and touched an intraday high of Rs 39.19, a gain of Rs 1.61 or 4.28 per cent from the previous close. Last seen, the stock held firmly in green and was trading at Rs 39.16 with a gain of Rs 1.58 or 4.20 per cent. The market cap of the company stood at Rs 53,830.23 crore.
Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani booked under BNS for rioting in Gujarat
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FIR filed against Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani, seven others in Gujarat
An FIR has been filed against Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani and seven others for hindering police activities. The incident occurred while questioning Congress candidate Yunus Parmar regarding threats made to a BJP campaigner. The complaint states that Mevani and his associates created a commotion inside Pethapur police station during the investigation. They are also accused of attempting to incite communal tensions during the local elections.
PM Modi says will work with CM Vijay for TN's growth, development my 'mantra'
Chennai, Oct 11:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he has taken development as his 'mantra,' and reaffirmed his commitment to serve the people of Tamil Nadu and ensuring the state's progress by working with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. He listed the rapid strides made in various sectors in the last 12 years, including the significant jump in defence exports. In his address after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for railway, road and petroleum-related projects worth about Rs 13,000 crore with Vijay, the PM underscored his commitment to ensure development. During the inauguration, the prime minister invited Vijay with a gesture to jointly flag off the Chennai Metro Phase-2 network, marking a milestone event carrying immense political and administrative significance for the centre-state ties. He held Vijays hand and jointly flagged off the service. The Chennai Metro Phase 2 network has been executed as a joint venture between the Central and Tamil Nadu state governments. Later, at the launch of infrastructure projects too, the PM held CM Vijay's hand to jointly inaugurate the initiatives. During his subsequent address, Prime Minister Modi said, I have always taken the country's development as my mantra. As chief minister, I understood the expectations of a state. After becoming PM, not only did I try to fulfil the aspirations but also made efforts so that the states meet their aspiration goals, he said. Referring to Tamil Nadu, he said when he was CM, he got the opportunity to interact with late leaders M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa when they headed Tamil Nadu. And, after becoming prime minister, he could work with former CMs O Panneerselvam, Edappadi K Palaniswami and M K Stalin. Governments may change, but my resolve for Tamil Nadu's development, serving its people remains steadfast. With this determination to serve people, together with CM Vijay, we are taking forward the development of the state, he said. TVK founder Vijay had ushered in his maiden government by winning the April Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. Referring to his completion of 25 years as PM and CM, Modi said, As head of government, my trust in people and cooperative federalism has grown strong. A few days ago, with the blessings of the people, I completed 25 years of public service as a head of government - an important milestone. In October 2001, I took the oath as the chief minister of Gujarat. From there onwards, the people allowed me to serve them, first as chief minister and later as prime minister. Over these 25 years, my faith in two great strengths of our democracy has grown even stronger. First, the people of the country; and second, cooperative federalism, the PM said. He said Tamil Nadu has played a significant role in the journey of strengthening port infrastructure to take the shipping sector to new heights. With an investment of around Rs 17,000 crore, V O Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi is being developed into a world-class mega container and green energy hub. Once completed, the port will be able to accommodate the worlds ultra-large container vessels. This will help transform Tamil Nadu into a global hub for industry and transportation, he said. He noted that since 2014, Indias electronics exports increased 11-fold, while defence exports have grown 50-fold. Engineering exports have also reached new records. The growth in manufacturing has created lakhs of jobs for the youth, and the people of Tamil Nadu have played an important role in driving this manufacturing growth. I have always believed that urbanisation is not a challenge but an opportunity, and public transportation plays a crucial role in realising that opportunity. Good public transport improves the ease of living for people. However, better transportation requires more than just widening roads. Modern cities need holistic infrastructure. That is why, over the last decade, we have focused on expanding metro connectivity across the country, he said. In 2014, metro services were available in only five cities, but today, they are operational in 25 cities across the country. From mandir to metro, these experiences of Tamil Nadu reflected the spirit of India, which draws strength and inspiration from its cultural heritage, he said and noted that the Rs 13,000 crore worth of projects that he inaugurated and laid foundations for new ones would make daily travel easier; others will strengthen industry and trade. Together, they will create jobs for young people across Tamil Nadu, Modi said. Following the inauguration, PM Modi took a ride on the Chennai Metro from Porur Bypass Station to Poonamallee Bypass Station and back, accompanied by Chief Minister Vijay and senior officials.
Gujarat to recruit ex-Agniveers into police without written exam, 20% reservation maintained
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Gujarat CM inaugurates Vibrant Navratri Festival 2026 in Ahmedabad
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GujCTOC accused held hours after escaping custody
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Gujarats Ambaji Temple Receives GI Tag for Traditional Mohanthal Prasad
The Ambaji Temple in Gujarat has secured a GI tag for its traditional Mohanthal prasad, ensuring legal protection and preserving its heritage. Gujarats Ambaji Temple Receives GI Tag for Traditional Mohanthal Prasad
Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet congratulates PM Modi on completing 25 Years as head of government
The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, on behalf of the people of the state, on Sunday joined crores of Indians in celebrating Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 25 years of continuous service as head of government on October 7. PM Modi took the oath as Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001 and continued through his service as Prime Minister of India from May 26, 2014 onwards. His third consecutive term began on June 9, 2024. In a press release issued by the CMO, Arunachal Pradesh stated that the state cabinet recorded that, across PM Modi's journey, his responsibilities have grown while his devotion to Bharat Mata has remained constant. From his early work at the grassroots to leadership of a state and the nation, the spirit of Seva Hi Samarpan has consistently guided his public life. Describing himself as the Pradhan Sevak, he placed service at the centre of governance and worked with discipline, perseverance and tireless dedication under the ma...
Gujarat: Ambaji temple's Mohanthal prasad gets GI tag, securing protection for temple offering
Digital Desk | Ambaji (Gujarat), Oct 11 (IANS) Ambaji temples traditional 'Mohanthal' prasad has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, providing legal protection for its name and helping preserve its traditional identity and preparation. The official certificate was presented to the Shree Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust at a ceremony held at Chachar Chowk in Ambaji on the first day of Navratri. The certificate was issued on October 1, following an application by the temple trust and completion of the prescribed statutory procedures. The ceremony was chaired by Prof. Dr Unnat Pandit, Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks and Registrar of Geographical Indications, in the presence of Banaskantha District Collector Mihir Patel and other officials. Speaking at the event, Pandit stressed the importance of preserving the original identity and quality of traditional products. The GI tag would help ensure that devotees visiting Ambaji receive authentic Mohanthal prasad, he said. He also highlighted the role of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, which has established a dedicated GI store to promote and sell GI-tagged products. The store displays products from different parts of the country, helping preserve their traditional identities while improving their marketability. Pandit said the recognition honoured not only the distinctive identity of Ambajis Mohanthal but also the faith of millions of devotees in Ma Jagdamba and the regions spiritual heritage. The GI tag would provide legal protection against unauthorised use and duplication of the name, while supporting the preservation of the prasads traditional preparation, he said. With the recognition, Ambajis Mohanthal joins other well-known Indian religious offerings that have received GI tags, including Tirupati Laddu and Palani Panchamirtham. Kaushik Modi, administrator of the Ambaji temple and additional collector, delivered the address, outlining the significance of the GI tag and the efforts made by the temple trust to secure the recognition. The ceremony was attended by officials of the Confederation of Indian Industrys (CII) Gujarat Task Force on Intellectual Property, representatives of collaborating organisations, members of the temple trust, trust officials and employees, and devotees. The GI recognition gives Ambajis traditional offering a distinct geographical identity and a framework for protecting its name from unauthorised use, while reinforcing its association with the temple and its established traditions.
This Gujarat Man Turned Traditional Bilona Ghee Into An Rs 8 Crore Business
Ramesh Ruparelia has created several varieties of ghee infused with turmeric, saffron, and different types of herbs.
Gujarati community keeps 90-year-old Navratri tradition alive in Mangaluru
Ranji Trophy: Shami Takes Four-wicket Haul; Smaran Smashes Century On Captaincy Debut On Opening Day
Dr Gokaraju Liala Gangaaraju ACA: India fast bowler Mohammed Shami reminded the national selectors of his capability yet again as he took a four-wicket haul for Bengal in their opening Group C clash against Delhi at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani on Sunday. Shami, who has been overlooked by Indian selectors despite his consistent performances in the domestic circuit, took 4-30 in 17.3 overs as Bengal bowled Delhi out for 240. The veteran also sent in nine maiden overs and bowled at a mingy economy of 1.70, showing his class once again. Other India internationals, Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar, were also among the wickets, with Akash taking 2-74 in his 17 overs (4.40 economy) and Mukesh scalping 1-43 in 17 overs (2.50 economy). Off-spinner Aamir Gani took three wickets for 45 as he also played a crucial role with Bengal. Meanwhile, Ravichandran Smaran marked his Karnataka captaincy debut with a stellar hundred against Andhra in a Group B clash at the Dr Gokaraju Liala Gangaaraju ACA Cricket Ground in Vijayawada. Karnataka were in trouble at 22/4, but Smaran smashed 126 from 218 balls to bail the team out of trouble, with wicketkeeper Krishnan Shrijith hitting 58 and Madhav Bajaj scoring 33 to help Karnataka make 274. In reply, Andhra ended the day 16/2 with Shikhar Shetty and Madhav Bajaj taking a wicket each. In another Group B fixture between Saurashtra and Chhattisgarh at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten at 72 at the end of Day 1 as Saurashtra made 308/4. Prerak Mankad also went back unscathed on 92, while opener Chirag Jani had scored 83 earlier. Umesh Yadav also struck twice for Punjab in their fixture against Assam in New Chandigarh, but bad light forced an early stumps as Assam were 68/3. In other Group C matches, Jharkhand's Sikhar Mohan made 143 as his team ended the Day 1 strong at 289/5 against Kerala at Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur. Gaurav Choudhary scored an unbeaten 121 to power Odisha to 272/3 against Gujarat in Ahmedabad, while Ankeet Bawne hit a hundred for Maharashtra to help them end Day 1 against Services at 289/5. Prithvi Shaw also made 70. In Group A, Akshay Wadkar and Yash Rathod scored centuries to help Vidarbha end the day at 292/5 against Pondicherry after they were in trouble at 54/5. J&K seamer Rohit Sharma took his maiden five-wicket haul, playing after two years as Madhya Pradesh were bowled out for 196. Baroda ended Day 1 at 204/3 after opener Shivalik Sharma made 62, while Deepak Hooda, having returned to his former team, remained unbeaten on 38. Rinku Singh and Madhav Kaushik also scored centuries for Uttar Pradesh in their clash against Bihar to lift the team from 85/3 to 287/3 at the end of the day. In Group D, India Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck, but Mumbai's new captain went back unbeaten on 80, with Musheer Khan also scoring 65 as Mumbai ended the day on 249/5. Rinku Singh and Madhav Kaushik also scored centuries for Uttar Pradesh in their clash against Bihar to lift the team from 85/3 to 287/3 at the end of the day. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Gujarat ATS Arrests Three Suspects in Madhu Sandhu Murder Case
Gujarat ATS has arrested three suspects linked to the murder of social media influencer Madhu Sandhu in Punjab. Gujarat ATS Arrests Three Suspects in Madhu Sandhu Murder Case
Resident doctor found dead at Mumbai hospital
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 11 (IANS) In a shocking incident, a first-year resident doctor allegedly committed suicide in Mumbai's Sion hospital, police said on Sunday. According to officials, the deceased doctor has been identified as Shivsharan Patil. According to preliminary information, Dr Patil's body was found last night in the bathroom of his hostel room. The hospital administration and the police were subsequently informed. It is suspected that he died by suicide after taking an overdose of anaesthesia. Dr Patil was a first-year postgraduate student in the Department of Surgery at Sion Hospital, police said. Investigation into the incident is currently underway. A similar case was reported in August from a hospital in Gujarat's Surat where a first-year resident doctor allegedly committed suicide. The incident took place at Surat's New Civil Hospital, following which four senior doctors were suspended after a state-appointed enquiry into the case found evidence of ragging and mental harassment, Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya had said. A forensic post-mortem was also ordered as part of the enquiry. According to the preliminary report of the Anti-Ragging Committee, four senior doctors found directly responsible for causing mental harassment have been suspended with immediate effect. The Head of Department of the department concerned at New Civil Hospital, along with teaching staff, were also served show-cause notices for allegedly failing to fulfil their responsibility of ensuring the safety and proper management of junior doctors. No suicide note was found, the minister said. However, statements recorded from the deceased doctor's fellow students indicated that the doctor had allegedly been repeatedly subjected to mental harassment and torture by senior doctors. Pansheriya said the findings had prompted the Gujarat government to take strict action against those found responsible. Harassing junior doctors is not our culture, he said, while warning senior doctors against ragging and mental harassment.
Gujarat Government Announces Over 1,600 Additional Buses for Diwali Travel
Gujarats Deputy Chief Minister announces 1,600 extra buses for Diwali travel, enhancing convenience for families during the festive season. Gujarat Government Announces Over 1,600 Additional Buses for Diwali Travel
Gujarat Police nab three more accused in Punjab's Mad Sandhu murder case
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad/Valsad, Oct 11 (IANS) The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Valsad Special Operations Group (SOG) have arrested three men wanted in connection with the murder of social media influencer and makeup artist Madhu Sudan Singh alias Mad Sandhu, who was shot dead in Punjab's Amritsar earlier this month. The three accused, identified as Harsimranjit Singh alias Simu Singga, Fateh Singh and Arman Singh, were detained in Vapi in Valsad district following a joint operation by the state police units. According to the Gujarat ATS, Mad Sandhu was shot dead by two unidentified persons near a car washing centre on Lorahka Road in Amritsar on October 3. A case was subsequently registered at Cantonment Police Station in Amritsar City, officials said. The ATS received information about the suspects from senior officials of the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) in Punjab, who shared details of the case with their counterparts in Gujarat. Following instructions from senior officers, an investigation was initiated under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) K. Siddharth, with Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Harsh Upadhyay and Police Inspector Krupesh Patel leading the investigation. The inquiry revealed that the three men allegedly involved in the murder were in Vapi. Harsimranjit Singh, Fateh Singh, and Arman Singh, are all originally from Sange village under Sadar Police Station in Tarn Taran district of Punjab. Given the possibility that the suspects could leave the area, the ATS shared their profiles, location details and other relevant information with the Valsad SOG. Police Inspector D.D. Parmar and his team subsequently detained all three men in Vapi. A Gujarat ATS team comprising Police Inspector J.N. Chavda, Police Sub-Inspector M.L. Solanki, Police Sub-Inspector K.R. Patel, Police Sub-Inspector V.B. Khant and other personnel then brought them to the ATS office for questioning. During interrogation, investigators gathered details about the alleged roles of the three accused in the murder, the reconnaissance conducted before the shooting and other aspects of the case, the ATS said. The Punjab Police was subsequently informed of their detention. On October 10, a Punjab Police team arrived at the Gujarat ATS office, took custody of the three accused and transported them to Punjab for further legal proceedings. The investigation into the murder is being pursued by the Punjab Police. Earlier, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch arrested Parminder Prasad alias Parminder Kaka, the alleged main shooter in the murder, in the Vadaj area of Ahmedabad on October 8, following an input from the Amritsar Police. According to Crime Branch officials, Parminder allegedly opened fire on Mad Sandhu and arranged the motorcycle used in the attack. Punjab Police subsequently took him to Amritsar for further investigation, while investigators were also probing the suspected links of the killing with the network of foreign-based gangster Goldy Dhillon.
'Stronger states build stronger nation': PM Modi on development projects launched in TN
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for stronger states to build a stronger nation, stressing cooperative federalism as he inaugurated development projects worth Rs 13,000 crore and laid the foundation stones for national highway projects in Tamil Nadu. Addressing a gathering attended by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, PM Modi said the Centre and the state government were working with a shared commitment to Tamil Nadu's development. He described the occasion as historic and said the projects would create more employment opportunities for young people. The programme began with the national anthem, followed by Tamil Thai Vazhthu, the state anthem. The projects covered sectors including highways, railways and ports. Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stones for national highway projects worth around Rs 3,700 crore. Extending Navratri greetings to the nation, the Prime Minister referred to his visit to the Jalakandeswarar temple and said he had received the deity's blessings in Tamil Nadu, which he described as a sacred land associated with Lord Shiva. Reflecting on 25 years in public leadership, PM Modi recalled working with former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers M. Karunanidhi and J. Jayalalithaa during his tenure as the Gujarat Chief Minister. After becoming the country's Prime Minister, the Prime Minister said that he had worked with J. Jayalalithaa, Edappadi K. Palaniswami and M.K. Stalin. He added that the same determination now guided his engagement with Chief Minister Vijay and reiterated his commitment to serving Tamil Nadu's people. Prime Minister Modi described urbanisation as an opportunity and highlighted the expansion of India's Metro network. He said that Metro services, available in five cities in 2014, now operated in 25 cities, while the network had grown from 250 km to 1,100 km. The expansion, the Prime Minister added, was making travel easier and improving access to public transport. Calling for greater support for locally manufactured products, PM Modi said the Union government was taking measures to encourage Tamil Nadu's manufacturing sector. Drawing on his experience as a former Chief Minister, PM Modi said he understood states' expectations and sought to address them. Citizens, he added, had gained greater confidence in cooperative federalism. PM Modi emphasised that development required broader infrastructure investment alongside better roads. Improved transport systems would ease daily life, he said, expressing confidence that the new projects would further accelerate Tamil Nadu's progress. A developed Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister added, would contribute to the larger goal of building a developed India.
Gujarat govt classifies 268 talukas to promote industrial investment
The revised classification will make it easier for entrepreneurs seeking to establish new industrial units or expand existing ones to understand the applicable category
Three Detained By Gujarat ATS In Mad Sandhu Murder Probe
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Valsad police have apprehended three men in connection with the murder of Punjabi social media influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu in Amritsar. The arrests follow an earlier detention by Ahmedabad Crime Branch of an alleged shooter. The detained individuals were found in Vapi, Gujarat, and have been handed over to Punjab Police for further investigation into their roles, including reconnaissance.
Experience The New Gujarati Music Video 'Ghor Andhari' by Ishani Dave
Get ready to be swept away by the latest gujarati track 'Ghor Andhari' beautifully sung by Ishani Dave. This captivating track feature mesmerizing music given by Maulik Mehta and beautiful lyrics are penned by Pratik Ahir & Traditional . Don't miss the chance to witness Ishani Dave's performance in the captivating gujarati video track 'Ghor Andhari'. Dive into a world of musical excellence by exploring more gujarati tracks in the music videos section of gujarati Etimes. Discover the incredible vocal talents of Ishani Dave. Indulge in the latest gujarati video tracks of 2026, groove to the soulful compositions by Maulik Mehta, immerse in the gujarati music video tracks.
IPO rush continues: Jio, Zetwerk among cos set to tap primary market in Oct
A dozen companies, including Jio Platforms, Zetwerk Manufacturing Business, and Avaada Electro, are set to tap the primary market in October to raise funds through initial public offerings (IPOs), extending 2026's strong fundraising momentum. Other companies expected to launch their maiden public offerings this month include Fusion CX, HD Fire Protect, Tonbo Imaging, Bonfiglioli Transmissions, Sahajanand Medical Technologies, Paras Healthcare, NDR InvIT Trust, Gujarat Victory Forgings and SFC Environmental Technologies, according to merchant bankers. The proposed offerings span sectors such as technology, healthcare, renewable energy, defence and precision manufacturing, reflecting continued interest in businesses with long-term growth prospects. The companies plan to raise funds through a combination of fresh equity issues and offers for sale (OFS), with proceeds from fresh issues intended to finance business expansion, capital expenditure, debt repayment, working capital ...
Suzlon to invest 550 crore to set up 3 AI-powered blade factories by 2027
Suzlon Group is investing around Rs 550 crore to set up three AI-powered blade factories to fast-track execution of its order book and meet the rising demand of the domestic wind industry, company co-founder Girish Tanti said. While two blade facilities have been planned for Gujarat and Karnataka, the third will come up in Tamil Nadu, Tanti told PTI in an interaction. Suzlon already has five blade factories in Jaisalmer, Bhuj, Ratlam, Dhule and Anantapur. With the addition of the three units, Suzlon will have India's largest smart wind manufacturing capacity with a total of 18 factories. When asked about investment in these new factories, Tanti said the company has earmarked capex of Rs 550 crore for the three projects, funded from internal accruals. Rs 200 crore is for the Tamil Nadu project; the remaining will be utilised for Gujarat and Karnataka facilities. He said these factories will be closer to wind project sites to improve logistics. The estimated time period for setting up
Gujarat local polls: Gandhinagar records 5.9 pc turnout in first two hours of voting
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 11 (IANS) Voting is underway for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) elections on Sunday, with a turnout of 5.90 per cent recorded in the first two hours, as polling also took place in Okha and Thara municipalities and for by-elections to seats in other local bodies across Gujarat. According to the State Election Commission (SEC), 15,347 of the 2,59,985 registered voters in Gandhinagar had cast their votes between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. The turnout was 7.26 per cent among male voters and 4.49 per cent among female voters. Ward 4 recorded the highest turnout at 8.97 per cent, followed by Ward 1 at 8.26 per cent. Ward 9 reported the lowest turnout at 4.56 per cent, according to the poll data report. Elections are being held for all 44 seats across the GMC's 11 wards, with 130 candidates in the fray. The principal contest is among the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Polling began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m. The elections are being conducted through electronic voting machines (EVMs). The GMC, which has 2,59,985 registered voters, last went to the polls in October 2021, when the BJP won 41 of the 44 seats. Congress secured two seats, while the AAP won one. In the Okha municipality, polling is being held for 32 of the total 36 seats across nine wards, as four seats were won unopposed. A total of 75 candidates are contesting the remaining seats, according to the SEC. In Thara municipality, elections are being held across six wards comprising 24 seats, with 59 candidates in the fray. By-elections are also being held for one seat each in the Kheralu, Chhota Udepur and Bayad municipalities, along with vacancies in various district and taluka panchayats across the state. The SEC has arranged police deployment and patrolling, particularly at polling stations classified as sensitive and hyper-sensitive, to ensure peaceful voting. The election schedule was announced on September 16, triggering the implementation of the model code of conduct. Counting of votes is scheduled for October 13. Repolling, if required, will be held on Monday.
Gujarat plans Gram Haats at 136 bus stations and women-run Amul parlours in 18,000 villages to boost income and empower 30 lakh Sakhi Mandal members.
New Zealand To Wear Special Jersey Marking 100 Years Of Ties With India
Commercial Officer Glenn Critchley: New Zealand will wear a special limited-edition playing shirt during the upcoming ODI series against India to commemorate 100 years of sporting ties between the two nations. The Blackcaps will sport the Kotahitanga ODI Shirt, which celebrates the shared history, cultural connection, and mutual respect between the two countries through a design that brings together Mori and Indian artistic traditions. Artists Ben Thomason (Ngti Raukawa ki Te Tonga), Shiv Narandas (Gujarat) and Jai Pancha (Gujarat) collaborated on the design, weaving elements from both cultures into a shirt that reflects their intertwined histories. Thomason incorporated Mori kwhaiwhai patterns over a background of haehae lines, connecting the living with those who have passed away while honouring the people who helped build the relationship between the two nations. The design also celebrates the significance of this bond for players, fans, and those working behind the scenes. Narandas and Pancha introduced three Indian motifs as unifying elements: the lotus, Indias national flower; a repeating ogee pattern inspired by Indian architecture; and the mandala, which provides a symmetrical framework that aligns naturally with Mori design systems. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Glenn Critchley said the shirt highlighted the ability of sport to bring different cultures together. Were absolutely wrapped with the design. The artists have created a beautiful balance between a distinct Mori design and a distinct Indian design that speaks to the bond between our nations. Sport underpins the unity between New Zealand and India and we hope this shirt will be a collectors item treasured by New Zealand and Indian cricket fans for years to come, he said. Thomason said kotahitanga, which represents unity, was the guiding principle behind the design. The brief said unity and I think the design encompasses that wholeheartedly, he said. Narandas, whose family hails from India, described the project as a meaningful experience. This shirt feels like a journey of our life here. I hope that everyone can feel the energy thats been put into this project and they can wear the shirt with pride, said Narandas. Narandas, whose family hails from India, described the project as a meaningful experience. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Ela Bhatt: The Gujarati Woman Who Empowered Working Women Bilkul Online | Sunday Special By Rafat Quadri (Editor) How The post The Great Indians: Ela Bhatt appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Gujarat U-19 Shines in Vinoo Mankad Trophy, Defeats Jharkhand by 91 Runs
Gujarats U-19 team showcased a strong performance, defeating Jharkhand by 91 runs in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. Gujarat U-19 Shines in Vinoo Mankad Trophy, Defeats Jharkhand by 91 Runs
Gujarat Launches Village Haat Markets to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
Gujarats new Village Haat markets aim to empower women entrepreneurs by providing a broader market for their products. Gujarat Launches Village Haat Markets to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
Gujarat to Launch Unified CCTV Dashboard to Enhance Policing with Student Innovation
The Gujarat government plans to integrate all CCTV cameras into a single dashboard, enhancing police operations with student-developed technology. Gujarat to Launch Unified CCTV Dashboard to Enhance Policing with Student Innovation
The morning train from Katra reaches Srinagar a little after eleven. On the platform at Nowgam last week I watched a grandmother from Kupwara step down from it, having crossed the Chenab on a bridge higher than the Eiffel Tower, sitting, with a cup of tea, in three hours. For most of my life I took the train to Srinagar was a sentence nobody in the Valley could say. The line was sanctioned in 1994. Every government since owned a piece of it. This one finished it. On 7 October 2001, in Gandhinagar, a man who had never sat in a legislature took oath as Chief Minister of a state nine months out from an earthquake that had killed fourteen thousand people. Twenty-five years later he is Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and there has not been one day in that quarter century when he was not the elected head of a government. No Indian, not Jyoti Basu, not Pawan Chamling, has been continuously answerable to voters for so long. The anniversary invites praise, and praise is the one thing he has never shown any sign of needing. It deserves instead an argument that can be tested. Here is mine. These twenty-five years are the story of the Indian state learning to reach its last citizen, first in one state and then in all of them. What travelled from Gandhinagar to Delhi was a method, not a mood: saturation targets instead of coverage ratios, technology used as an equaliser, several schemes converging on one household, deadlines reviewed in person. It is the method, more than the man, that explains the numbers. And the numbers that settle the argument are not the government's own; they are the Census, the Registrar General's and the World Bank's. Remember the country of 2001. Fifty-six households in a hundred had electricity, thirty-six a latrine, thirty-seven a tap, eighteen a gas connection. One child in fifteen died before its first birthday. A bank account was a favour, and a gas cylinder came with a politician's letter. That was the baseline. Then Gujarat. In 2003 the state separated the farm feeder from the village feeder and gave the village twenty-four-hour power; agricultural output grew at 9.6 percent a year between 2000 and 2007, by IFPRI's count, against 2.9 percent for India. The Soil Health Card was a Gujarat card before it was an Indian one. The grievance screen in the Chief Minister's office became PRAGATI. The Garib Kalyan Mela became the saturation camp every state now runs. Gujarat was the laboratory. India was the canvas. On the canvas, the household became the unit of delivery. Jan Dhan, mocked as a zero-balance gesture in 2014, holds 59 crore accounts today, more than half of them women's, and they are the rails on which every later transfer ran. A woman who has sat in those kitchens counts the cylinder in hours returned, not in connections. Ujjwala put 10.57 crore cylinders into kitchens that had cooked on wood. Rural households with a tap went from 3.23 crore in 2019 to 15.85 crore. Ayushman Bharat has paid for 13.25 crore hospital admissions. Direct transfer has removed 3.48 lakh crore rupees of leakage. The national highway network grew from 91,287 kilometres to 1,46,572; airports from 74 to 165; UPI, which did not exist in 2014, moved 314 lakh crore rupees last year. Infant mortality fell from 39 to 24 per thousand. Three crore rural women have crossed the Lakhpati Didi line. Left-wing extremism, which touched 126 districts in 2013, is confined to eleven. NITI Aayog's poverty index fell from 29 percent to 11, which is 24.82 crore people; the World Bank's three-dollar line fell from 27 percent to just over five. Neither figure is the government's own. What was the method's hardest test? I can answer that, because I live inside it. In 2001 Jammu and Kashmir recorded 4,522 terrorist incidents and 996 civilians killed. In 2025 it recorded 35 incidents and 92 deaths in all, the least violent year in more than two decades. Local recruitment into militancy, 125 young men in 2021, was seven in 2024. Stone-pelting has gone. The G20 met in Srinagar in May 2023. Since 2019, 34,260 people have been elected to panchayats and councils in a territory that for decades had almost none, and 7.85 crore visitors came to the Union Territory in the three years to 2025, against 4.76 crore in the three years to 2018, even though the Valley's own arrivals halved in 2025 after Pahalgam. The men who send killers across the Line retain the capacity: twenty-six civilians were murdered at Pahalgam in April 2025, and the answer, Operation Sindoor, came on 7 May. Normalcy here is a trend that has to be defended every year, not a settled fact. But the trend is real, and a Kashmiri who denies it forfeits the right to be believed on the rest. The rest is this. In August 2019 the Valley's communications were restricted, the internet did not fully return for eighteen months, and the leaders of the mainstream parties, three former Chief Ministers among them, were placed in preventive detention. Those were hard months, and I do not write around them. They were also the reason a change that every earlier turn in this Valley had paid for in blood passed without it. Elections followed as the Supreme Court directed; turnout was 64 percent; an elected government took office in October 2024. Statehood has not yet been restored. The Prime Minister and the Home Minister have given their word that it will be, at the appropriate time, and the Court asked for it at the earliest in December 2023. When the Assembly voted on 28 September, my party objected to a resolution that reached back to the position before 2019, not to statehood itself. I belong to the party that gave the word, and I have no doubt it will be kept; the security data in this essay is the case that the time is approaching. When it comes, let it come with the Pandits' return built into it, with houses and not only posts, and with the jobs that keep young men on the platform and off the hill. Nor should the national ledger be read without its debit side, and a member of the governing party should be the first to read it. Four crore rural households still wait for a tap, and the mission that reached 15.85 crore will be judged on the last four, which are the hardest. The labour survey still finds a quarter of the young in neither work nor training, and no government should be comfortable with that. Manipur tested the state's reach harder than anywhere else, and the peace there is still being rebuilt. The second wave of 2021 found the one shortage, oxygen, that nobody had been counting, and the state learned to count it. Demonetisation is still argued over; what nobody argues about is the digital habit it built, which became UPI. By the IMF's own tables India is third in purchasing power, within a few hundred billion dollars of fourth place in current dollars, and growing faster than every economy above it. An argument that cannot survive its objections is not an argument. This one does, because not one of them is an objection to reach, scale or speed. So what will outlast him? The rails: identity, account, payment, which no successor can switch off. The direct transfer, which made the intermediary politically expendable. The GST Council, in which the Centre holds one vote in three and almost every decision has been taken by consensus. The doctrine that an attack is answered across the Line. The three criminal codes of 2024, and a temple at Ayodhya built after a unanimous Supreme Court judgment, which are the same confidence turned inward. And one thing larger than all of these: Indians now expect their state to arrive. In 2001 a tap was a favour. In 2026 its absence is a grievance that a Collector in Nuh expects to be ranked on. That change in expectation is the structural achievement, and a people who have learned to expect delivery do not unlearn it when the deliverer changes. What must now be built into the state is the dashboard itself, so that the deadline holds when the review passes to other hands. The Prime Minister has said that the goal is a developed India by 2047, and that no one man is the goal. The next decade will show whether the method has been made the state's own, as he intends. The afternoon train leaves Srinagar at two. I went back to watch it go: students for Jammu, pilgrims, a box of apples wrapped in newspaper, a soldier asleep before the platform had cleared. The state learned, over a quarter century, to arrive. It has not yet learned to stay. That is the work of the next twenty-five years, and it belongs to everyone who will still be here when the man who taught it to arrive is not. The train is pulling out. The platform is ours. (The Author is Vice President, Bharatiya Janata Party, Jammu and Kashmir. She can be reached at: sganai19@gmail.com)
MSU girls, staff seek removal of asst professor for harassment
Man who jumped off SSG Hospital building dies
