Weather Tomorrow: Monsoon conditions will remain active across India on August 1. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for north, central, and northeastern regions. Gujarat faces a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in thirteen districts. Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra anticipate active monsoon spells with potential heavy showers. Delhi-NCR will experience typical monsoon weather with light rain and high humidity.
Arvind Trivedi's portrayal of Ravana in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan is highly celebrated. He also starred in Vikram Aur Betaal and had a successful Gujarati cinema career. Trivedi came from a family of actors and also entered politics. He served as the acting chairman of the CBFC for a period. The veteran actor passed away in 2021, remembered for his humble nature.
Heavy rain hits Pavagadh pilgrimage site in Gujarat
Avaada Group secures $1.3 billion financial closure for 2,150 MW projects
Avaada Group achieved financial closure for its renewable energy portfolio worth USD 1.3 billion for projects in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The portfolio includes hybrid renewable and utility-scale solar projects.
Weather forecast for July 31, 2026: Check IMD rain alerts for Delhi, Gujarat, Kerala and more
Heavy rainfall is expected across large parts of India on Friday. Active monsoon conditions will persist over north, central, east, and southern regions. Several states are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds have also been forecast. Intense monsoon activity will continue over many parts of the country.
Vadodara Weather Today, July 31, 2026: Gujarat braces for heavy rain as IMD issues red alerts
Vadodara Weather Today, July 31, 2026: Gujarat anticipates widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday. A deep depression is moving westward towards the state, bringing intense weather activity. Several districts are under red alert for exceptionally heavy rainfall, with others facing an orange alert. This forecast follows recent extreme rainfall events and flood-like situations across the region. Conditions are expected to improve gradually from Sunday onwards.
Avaada gets 12,800-cr loan to fund projects in Gujarat and Maharashtra
Avaada Group secured 12,800 crore financing from three major lenders. This funding will support 2.15 GW of renewable energy projects in Gujarat and Maharashtra. These new projects will commence commercial operations starting March 2027. The financing covers hybrid renewable energy and solar capacity developments. The loans have an aggregate tenure of 21.5 years.
Leopard kills 4-year-old girl in Chhota Udepur village
Couple held for trying to sell infant
Educational Institutes To Be Shut; Rescue Boats On Standby
Low turnout marks bypolls in Bihar's Bankipur, MP's Datia & Gujarat's Manjalpur
Low voter turnout marked bypolls in Bihar, MP, and Gujarat. Bankipur in Bihar saw just 34.31% voter turnout, a significant decrease. Datia in Madhya Pradesh recorded 71.41% voting after a conviction led to a vacancy. Manjalpur in Gujarat had 37.5% polling following the sitting MLA's demise.
37.5% voter turnout recorded in Manjalpur bypoll
Maruti Suzuki's Hansalpur Facility Becomes Suzuki's First 10 Lakh-Unit Gglobal Plant
With the Hansalpur Plant D, Maruti Suzuki's total manufacturing capacity across plants at Haryana and Gujarat stands at 29 lakh units per annum.
Maruti Suzuki has started commercial production at its fourth plant in Gujarat. This new facility will produce the battery electric vehicle, the e VITARA. The Hansalpur plant raises total production capacity to one million units annually. Suzuki plans further expansion with a new Sanand plant by 2029. The company aims for four million units of annual production by the 2030s.
Mild Earthquake of 2.6 Magnitude Recorded Near Ahmedabad, No Cause for Alarm: Dr. Santosh Kumar
Ahmedabad, July 30: A mild earthquake measuring 2.6 on the Richter scale was recorded early Thursday near the Bavla area in Ahmedabad district, Gujarat. Dr. Santosh Kumar, a scientist, stated that this earthquake had a very low intensity, making it unlikely for the general public to feel it. The tremors were only detected by sensitive ... Read more Mild Earthquake of 2.6 Magnitude Recorded Near Ahmedabad, No Cause for Alarm: Dr. Santosh Kumar
T.N. government must create land banks to boost commercial real estate: experts
The speakers pointed out that while there is no single solution to the land supply issue, Gujarats land pooling model and land leasing mechanisms could help overcome high land costs that dictate the supply of land for commercial real estate development
NLC India arm NIRL to set up 900 MW solar power project
NLC India's subsidiary NIRL has received an order for a 900 MW solar power project. This significant project was awarded through a competitive bidding process by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam. The electricity generated will be procured by GUVNL, supporting green energy initiatives. NIRL, established in 2023, manages NLC India's green energy assets. The company focuses on developing renewable energy projects both domestically and internationally.
Maruti Suzuki began production at its fourth Hansalpur plant, boosting capacity to one million units. This expansion makes Hansalpur India's largest passenger vehicle manufacturing facility at a single location. The new plant will initially produce the company's flagship Battery Electric Vehicle, the e VITARA. Maruti Suzuki's total manufacturing capacity now stands at 2.9 million units per annum. G
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across many parts of India on Friday. The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for widespread showers and gusty winds. Northern, central, eastern, northeastern, western, and southern regions will experience active monsoon conditions. Isolated very heavy to extremely heavy showers are anticipated in several specific areas. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also likely in numerous locations nationwide.
Voting under way for Manjalpur byelection in Gujarat
The bypoll was necessitated by the death of senior BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Yogesh Patel on June 2 after a prolonged illness.
Voting begins for Bankipur, Datia and Manjalpur assembly bypolls
Voting began on Thursday for by-elections to the Bankipur Assembly constituency in Bihar, Datia in Madhya Pradesh and Manjalpur in Gujarat, with polling underway at designated polling stations across the three states. The counting of votes will take place on August 3.
Voting commenced for by-elections in Bihar's Bankipur and Madhya Pradesh's Datia constituencies. Gujarat's Manjalpur Assembly seat also saw polling begin on Thursday. The counting of votes for all three by-elections is scheduled for August 3. BJP leaders expressed confidence in securing victories in these crucial contests. Opposition parties also voiced optimism about their electoral prospects in the bypolls.
Porbandar Day care center inaugurated for Raghuvanshi elders - Sandesh
Porbandar Day care center inaugurated for Raghuvanshi elders Sandesh
By-elections in Three States on July 30, Results on August 3
New Delhi, July 30: Voting for by-elections in three assembly seats across three states will take place today, July 30. The seats up for election include Bankipur in Bihar, Datia in Madhya Pradesh, and Manjalpur in Gujarat. The results for these by-elections will be announced on August 3. In Madhya Pradeshs Datia seat, a fierce ... Read more By-elections in Three States on July 30, Results on August 3
Telangana Boys Beat Gujarat At National Hockey
Telangana will take on Puducherry in a match that will decide the toppers of Pool B in the C Division
ACME Solar raises 3,404 crore from Power Finance Corp
ACME Solar secured over 3,400 crore funding from PFC for its 250 MW project. This funding supports the development and construction of the ACME Urja One Phase III project. The project combines solar, wind, and battery storage technologies for reliable power supply. It spans across Rajasthan and Gujarat, with commissioning expected next year.
Rain contingency plans in place as Manjalpur votes on Thursday
Mobile Deposit Centres Set Up For First Time
Global experts deliberate on crime, victim justice
Alembic to mark 119th foundation day with CSR initiatives
Conmen claim to be former Odisha CMs relatives, cheat fuel oil trader of 32L
Two caught with cannabis in Panchmahal, three in Vadodara
Foresters to tackle human-wildlife conflict
Upcoming By-elections in Three States: Voting on July 30, Results on August 3
New Delhi, July 30: Voting for by-elections in three assembly seats across India will take place today, July 30. The seats involved are Bankipur in Bihar, Datia in Madhya Pradesh, and Manjalpur in Gujarat. The results for these by-elections will be announced on August 3. In Madhya Pradeshs Datia seat, a fierce contest is expected ... Read more Upcoming By-elections in Three States: Voting on July 30, Results on August 3
Gujarat Police Seizes Illegal Liquor Worth 77.71 Lakhs in Jamnagar
Jamnagar, July 29: The Gujarat Polices State Monitoring Cell (SMC) has confiscated illegal Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer worth 77.71 lakhs during a raid in Jamnagar district. The total estimated value of the seized goods exceeds 1 crore. Three individuals have been arrested in connection with this operation, while 13 others linked to ... Read more Gujarat Police Seizes Illegal Liquor Worth 77.71 Lakhs in Jamnagar
Gujarat Man Poisoned, Buried By Wife. Family Believed He Was In Australia
Jignesh Mavadiya's family believed for nearly two years that he was living and working in Australia. Investigators allege that he was poisoned with cyanide and buried about 12 feet beneath the floor of a factory in the Dared GIDC area.
Gujarat Issues Red Alert as IMD Predicts Heavy Rains
Gandhinagar, July 29: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted extremely heavy rainfall in certain areas of Gujarat, prompting the issuance of a Red Alert for eight districts on July 31. In response, the Gujarat government has instructed all departments to be prepared for immediate action. The Red Alert has been issued for Ahmedabad, Anand, ... Read more Gujarat Issues Red Alert as IMD Predicts Heavy Rains
Star Cast of Get Set Go Sets an Example by Donating Promotion Budget to Flood Relief
Rajkot, July 29: The multi-starrer adventure film Get Set Go is making waves in the Gujarati film industry even before its release. The films team has set a commendable example that has garnered widespread appreciation. In a remarkable move, the team decided to redirect their promotional budget to assist those affected by the floods in ... Read more Star Cast of Get Set Go Sets an Example by Donating Promotion Budget to Flood Relief
Gujarat Police Launches Operation Safe Cyber Space to Protect Women and Children Online
Gandhinagar, July 29: The Gujarat Police have initiated Operation Safe Cyber Space across the state to ensure the safety of women and children on online platforms. Running from July 1 to July 28, this campaign involved the polices She Team and Cyber Cell staff, who educated participants about online threats such as sextortion, financial fraud, ... Read more Gujarat Police Launches Operation Safe Cyber Space to Protect Women and Children Online
Heavy rain predicted for Central India as deep depression prolongs stay
IMD expects the system to continue to unleash another round of drenching rains over Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and east Gujarat today and tomorrow
GPSC Exam Update: Postponed Recruitment Test Rescheduled for August 1
GPSC has announced the new date for the postponed Gujarat exam. The recruitment exam for 34 cadres will now be held on August 1 at 3 PM. Check the latest schedule and important instructions.
Ahmedabad gearing up to deliver historic 2030 Commonwealth Games, says Gujarat Dy CM Harsh Sanghvi
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi on Tuesday said preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad are gathering pace, with the state working closely with international sporting bodies to deliver a historic edition of the Games.
Gujarat startup uses drones to strengthen flood rescue operations
Prime UAV's aerial support significantly improved situational awareness for rescue teams. The post Gujarat startup uses drones to strengthen flood rescue operations appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .
Heavy rainfall is expected across many parts of India on Thursday. A deep depression over Odisha will move westwards, impacting central regions. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are also forecast for several areas. Northern and eastern India will experience widespread monsoon activity and heavy downpours. Western and southern regions are also anticipating significant rainfall and active monsoon conditions.
Eight held from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh for suspected terror links
Officials say they were trying to establish a Jaish network in Gujarat and other parts of the country
Creation of separate ministry infused new energy in India's cooperative movement: Amit Shah
Jamnagar, Jul 29: The country's cooperative movement received new vigour and momentum after the Narendra Modi-led government established a separate ministry for the sector, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has said. He was speaking after virtually inaugurating 'Sahakar Bhavan', the newly constructed headquarters of Jamnagar District Cooperative Bank here on Tuesday. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was present on the occasion. Modernisation is essential for strengthening the cooperative system, and this process begins with modernising the headquarters and functioning of the cooperative institutions, Shah noted. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India established a separate Ministry of Cooperation and infused new energy and momentum into the country's cooperative movement, he said. The Centre set up a separate Ministry of Cooperation in 2021. The ministry provides a separate administrative, legal and policy framework to strengthen the cooperative movement in the country. Shah emphasised that initiatives, such as establishing more than two lakh new primary agricultural credit societies (PACS) and dairy cooperative societies, adding more than 20 new business activities to PACS, taking the audit system of cooperative institutions online and connecting different cooperative institutions, will play an important role in ensuring the prosperity of farmers and strengthening the rural economy in the coming years. The Jamnagar District Cooperative Bank, which began in 1969 with a modest capital of only Rs 2.5 lakh, has a business of more than Rs 215 crore today, he said. As service cooperative societies and dairy cooperative societies expand their areas of operation, the bank will play an increasingly important role as a major institution meeting the financial requirements of the cooperative sector across the district, the minister said. The modern headquarters, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 25 crore, has been built on 25,000 square feet of land, and offers nearly 47,000 square feet of functional space. The building has been designed keeping in view the bank's projected requirements for the next 15 years, he said. The new headquarters of Jamnagar District Cooperative Bank has been constructed in conformity with all the standards prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and NABARD, and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the Union minister added.
Congress Slams BJP Govt in Gujarat After Alleged Question Paper Leak at Ayurved University TheWire.in
Red Dot and Walkers Tours boost Gujarat-Sri Lanka tourism - Travel Daily Media
Red Dot and Walkers Tours boost Gujarat-Sri Lanka tourism Travel Daily Media
Lunavada Second phase of teacher replacement camp held in Mahisagar - Sandesh
Lunavada Second phase of teacher replacement camp held in Mahisagar Sandesh
Gujarat: Polling for high-stakes local body bypolls ends - The Indian Express
Gujarat: Polling for high-stakes local body bypolls ends The Indian Express
Narmada Welcome to newly appointed officers in Narmada district - Sandesh News
Narmada Welcome to newly appointed officers in Narmada district Sandesh News
Gujarat Selects Neuralix to Build its Environmental Intelligence System - EIN News
Gujarat Selects Neuralix to Build its Environmental Intelligence System EIN News
Gujarat contributes $110 billion as India records highest-ever exports of $863 billion in FY26 India Tribune - Chicago
Girl with rare spinal cord disease, saved by early treatment
Neurological Disease Affects 1 To 3 Persons In A Million
Baby croc spotted on city outskirts
ITC fraud worth Rs 74,782 crore detected in FY26; Maharashtra, Gujarat lead
Central GST officers detected over 30,000 input tax credit fraud cases in 2025-26. These cases involved approximately Rs 74,782 crore and led to 358 arrests. Maharashtra and Gujarat reported the highest number of fraud cases and associated financial values. Fake GST registrations using forged documents also contributed to substantial ITC fraud. The number of detected fraud cases has sharply increased over the past three years.
Paper Leak Issues Persist Despite New Laws: Randeep Surjewala
New Delhi, July 28: Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala has criticized the governments approach to tackling paper leaks, stating that merely enacting laws will not stop these incidents. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he highlighted that paper leaks are occurring almost daily across the country, with notable cases reported in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Punjab. ... Read more Paper Leak Issues Persist Despite New Laws: Randeep Surjewala
Defender Of Rapists Is Education Minister: Rahul Gandhi Slams Pralhad Joshi
Joshi had defended the early release of 11 men serving life terms for raping Bilkis Bano and killing her family during the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Weather Tomorrow, July 29: A deep depression is forecast to bring widespread heavy rainfall across India on Wednesday. This system will move inland from eastern India, influencing central and eastern regions significantly. Central India, including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, expects extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas. Northern states like Delhi and Rajasthan will also experience widespread showers and thunderstorms. Fishermen are warned against venturing into the northwest Bay of Bengal due to rough seas.
Despite the village having a separate Muslim cemetery with sufficient space, the deceased Muslim man was buried on 27 gunthas of land adjacent to the Hindu crematorium.
3 PCPIR in Gujarat, AP, Odisha Attract Rs.3.5 Lakh Cr investment So Far: Govt
The total investments till March 31, 2014 stood at Rs 1,40,537 crore. The three PCPIRs are located at Dahej in Gujarat, Visakhapatnam-Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh and Paradeep in Odisha
Over 20 Percent of Indian Teens Face Moderate, High Risk Of Substance Use: Study
The Lancet Regional Health-Southeast Asia journal published the report; it was conducted in six districts from Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jharkhand, and Puducherry.
Navsaris CCRS App Revolutionizes Citizen Complaint Resolution
Navsari, July 28: In the city of Navsari, Gujarat, residents no longer need to wander around for solutions to issues like broken roads, sanitation, drinking water, streetlights, tree trimming, flooding, and drainage. This transformation is thanks to the Comprehensive Complaint Redressal System (CCRS) app, launched by the Navsari Municipal Corporation for online registration, resolution, and ... Read more Navsaris CCRS App Revolutionizes Citizen Complaint Resolution
Gujarat Unveils New Shipbuilding and Repair Policy to Become India's Next Maritime Manufacturing Hub
Gujarat has unveiled a new Shipbuilding and Repair Policy to develop mega shipbuilding parks, attract Rs.23,700 crore in investment, create jobs, and emerge as India's leading maritime manufacturing hub.
Advancing the Future of Gastrointestinal Surgeries at Zydus Hospitals, Gujarat
Advancing the Future of Gastrointestinal Surgeries at Zydus Hospitals, Gujarat
Workshop on national security journalism begins at MHA's RRU Gujarat
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), the National Defence University of Gujarat Monday kickstarted an 11-day residential workshop on National Security Journalism. The workshop has been designed to help journalists understand the changing dimensions of national security and their role in ensuring accurate, ethical and fact-based reporting. As many as 42 participants including journalists, research scholars and academicians are part of the programme organised under the aegis of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India (GoI). The journalists from Kashmir who are part of the programme include Muneeb ul Haq, Sheikh Saleem Bin Ahmad, Syed Rizwan Geelani, Suhail Khan and Waris Fayaz. The workshop is being organised by the School of International Cooperation, Security and Strategic Languages (SICSSL) to strengthen reporting on national security and strategic affairs. The programme aims to enhance the professional capacity of journalists by equipping them with a deeper understanding of national security, ethical reporting, and the evolving information landscape. Addressing the inaugural session, the Pro Vice-Chancellor RRU Prof. (Dr) Kalpesh H. Wandra said the national security today extends far beyond the protection of territorial borders and encompasses information warfare, digital technologies, strategic communication, fact verification, and responsible journalism. The initiative seeks to build stronger engagement between the media and the national security ecosystem while promoting responsible dissemination of information in the public interest, Prof. Wandra said. He said the sessions will focus on contemporary security challenges, strategic communication, information integrity, and the responsibilities of journalists in reporting on national security-related issues. The programme is expected to strengthen journalists' professional capabilities and foster informed, balanced and responsible coverage of national security matters, he added. The National Security Journalism Programme is an 11-day residential capacity-building initiative designed for a select group of journalists representing national, state and regional media organisations. The workshop combines expert-led sessions, interactions with practitioners, case-based learning, practical reporting tools and structured field exposure to strengthen journalists' understanding of security-related issues. The training will focus on reporting related to defence, internal security, terrorism, border management, coastal security, cyber incidents, public order, disasters, critical infrastructure and other national security concerns. The participants will also visit key national security institutions to gain first-hand operational exposure. National security reporting has become increasingly significant in the digital age, where media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception during security events, Pro VC RRU said. He further said that the rapid growth of digital platforms has accelerated the spread of misinformation and hostile narratives, making responsible journalism more essential than ever. The programme seeks to equip journalists with the domain knowledge, contextual understanding and verification skills required to report security issues accurately, responsibly and in a manner that strengthens democratic discourse.
Coast Guard airlifts ailing seafarer from ship off Gujarat coast despite rough seas, adverse weather
A new beginning: Smart container school for tribal students
Two held for stealing gold ornaments from elderly woman
Gujarat reservoirs 54% full after widespread rainfall
Gujarat's 207 reservoirs currently hold 54% of their total storage capacity. This figure is lower than the 61% recorded on July 27 last year. Thirteen dams have reached full capacity, and twenty-one others are on high alert. The Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam holds 69.25% of its storage capacity. Other regions show varying storage levels, with Kutch having the lowest at 25%.
Dhiru Ramani, an Indian-origin diamond businessman, was reportedly released from Mali after a ransom was paid. His family negotiated directly with the abductors, securing his release for 4 million. Ramani, who had invested in a gold mine, remains in Mali for local authorities' inquiries. The Indian Embassy had previously issued a general security advisory for citizens in Mali.
Weather Tomorrow, July 28: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across several parts of the country from Tuesday, July 28, as an active monsoon, driven by a deep depression and other weather systems, continues to influence weather conditions. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in several states over the coming days, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds also likely in many regions.
Vadodara, Gujarat, India Business Wire India
School Holiday Tomorrow, July 28: With the IMD forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several states, including Odisha, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Gujarat, students and parents are awaiting updates on possible school closures for Tuesday, July 28. While no statewide holiday has been announced so far, district administrations are expected to take local decisions based on weather conditions, flooding and safety concerns. Here's the latest state-wise update on potential school holidays.
Emergency landing by Dubai-Mumbai IndiGo flight, passengers safe
Rajkot: A Dubai-Mumbai IndiGo flight carrying 194 passengers and crew members made an emergency landing at the Rajkot International Airport in Gujarat on Monday, July 27, after smoke was detected in the cargo hold area, airport authorities said. In a statement, the airport management said, Flight IGO 1452 from Dubai to Mumbai, with 194 persons Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Gujarat unveils shipbuilding policy; offers 50-year concessions, targets 27,000-crore investments
The approach is expected to reduce infrastructure costs for investors, speed up project execution and improve Gujarats competitiveness as a maritime manufacturing hub
Gujarat govt unveils shipbuilding policy; targets 50 lakh DWT capacity and 27,000-cr investments
The approach is expected to reduce infrastructure costs for investors, speed up project execution and improve Gujarats competitiveness as a maritime manufacturing hub
Complaints registered through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 will now automatically generate an e-Zero FIR, which will be forwarded to the concerned police station, enabling legal action to begin at the earliest
Gujarat Police Hailed for Heroic Flood Rescue in Valsad, Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi Shares Video
Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi praised Gujarat Police for their heroic flood rescue operations in Valsad as over 42,000 people were evacuated. CM Bhupendra Patel reviewed relief and rehabilitation efforts across flood-hit districts.
The Journey of Ministerial Accountability
Every nation is remembered not only for its economic progress or military strength, but also for the values that guide its public life. After Independence, India adopted the Westminster system of parliamentary democracy and with it a noble tradition of ministerial accountability. The principle was simple: while civil servants ran the administration, the minister in charge accepted the ultimate responsibility for both its achievements and its failures. Public office was regarded not as a privilege to enjoy, but as a trust to honour. For the first few decades after Independence, this principle lent Indian democracy a distinct moral strength. The generation that had led the freedom movement believed that the credibility of institutions depended as much on ethical conduct as on constitutional authority. Even in Jammu & Kashmir, despite deep political differences with New Delhi, many people admired the personal integrity, simplicity and public conduct of several national leaders. Political disagreements existed, but respect for character often transcended them. That culture, however, did not remain unchanged. Looking back over nearly eight decades of independent India, one can clearly trace a gradual transformation in the understanding of ministerial accountability. The finest embodiment of that ideal was Lal Bahadur Shastri. In September 1956, while serving as Railway Minister, Shastri offered to resign after the Mahbubnagar railway accident. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru declined the offer, convinced that Shastri could not be held personally responsible for an operational failure. But just two months later, another devastating railway accident occurred at Ariyalur in Tamil Nadu, claiming more than 140 lives. Shastri once again tendered his resignation, this time insisting that it be accepted. There was no allegation of corruption against him. No commission had found him negligent. Yet Shastri believed that such a tragedy, occurring under his charge, imposed a moral obligation upon him to step down. Nehru accepted the resignation while making it abundantly clear that his faith in Shastris honesty and competence remained unshaken. That episode became one of the defining moments of Indian parliamentary democracy. Shastris resignation was not an admission of guilt; it was an affirmation of responsibility. It conveyed a powerful message that authority and accountability were inseparable. In those days, resignation was never considered a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it reinforced public confidence in democratic institutions. A minister who accepted responsibility enhanced the credibility of the government rather than diminished it. Shastris example influenced public life for many years. Finance Minister T. T. Krishnamachari resigned following the LIC-Mundhra controversy. Perhaps the last major example of this tradition before the turn of the century came in 1999, when Railway Minister Nitish Kumar resigned after the Gaisal railway disaster. His resignation was widely viewed as an extension of the standard set by Shastri more than four decades earlier. Even in 2000 and 2017, Railway Ministers Mamta Benerjee and Suresh Prabhu publicly offered to resign after a series of train accidents, acknowledging that a ministers could not remain indifferent to repeated failures in their department. These examples represented voluntary accountability. Some resignations were accepted, others were not. What mattered was that the ministers themselves felt answerable to the nation and were prepared to relinquish office if circumstances demanded. There was, however, another category of resignations. These came not from an immediate acceptance of moral responsibility but under the weight of political, parliamentary or judicial pressure. Among the prominent examples were the resignations of Defence Minister V. K. Krishna Menon after Indias defeat in the 1962 war with China, Home Minister Shivraj Patil following the Mumbai terror attacks, Telecom Minister A. Raja during the 2G spectrum controversy, and later Pawan Kumar Bansal and Ashwani Kumar in 2013. These resignations undoubtedly reflected accountability, but they differed from the Shastri model. Responsibility was eventually conceded when circumstances left little alternative. Around the beginning of this century, another significant shift became evident. Governments of different political persuasions gradually adopted the view that an administrative failure, by itself, should not compel the resignation of a minister. Unless there was evidence of personal misconduct, a judicial indictment or an overwhelming political necessity, ministers were expected to remain in office and oversee corrective measures. From an administrative perspective, this argument was not entirely without merit. A resignation does not by itself solve systemic failures. Yet the unintended consequence was that the moral bond between authority and accountability steadily weakened. The change became evident in a series of major controversies over the last two decades. Opposition parties demanded the resignation of L. K. Advani after the Gujarat violence of 2002. P. Chidambaram faced repeated demands over internal security issues and controversies surrounding the 2G spectrum affair. A K Antony was criticised over defence preparedness and procurement controversies. Smriti Irani and Bandaru Dattatreya were asked to resign after the Rohith Vemula episode. Narendra Singh Tomar faced sustained demands during the farmers agitation. Ajay Mishra Teni continued in office despite repeated calls for his removal after the Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Following the Balasore railway tragedy of 2023, the Opposition invoked the examples of Shastri and Nitish Kumar while demanding the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. None of these ministers resigned or even offered to resign. Gradually, it came to be accepted that a government enjoying a comfortable parliamentary majority could simply ignore Opposition demands, however persistent they might be. Political accountability increasingly became dependent upon electoral arithmetic rather than constitutional convention. It is against this background that the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assumes significance. Only a few days before his resignation, both the Minister and the Government had categorically ruled out any question of his stepping down. The Opposition demanded his resignation, but by itself it lacked the parliamentary strength to compel the Government to act. Similar demands against several ministers in recent years had failed to produce any result. What altered the political equation was the sustained mobilisation of students and young examination aspirants. Their movement, born out of deep frustration over repeated examination irregularities, gathered momentum instead of fading away. It steadily expanded beyond its immediate grievance and came to symbolise a broader demand for political accountability. Faced with a movement that showed little sign of losing public sympathy, the Government appears to have concluded that the Ministers continuation had become politically more costly than accepting his resignation. In doing so, it succeeded in easing an agitation that was growing day by day and whose future course had become increasingly uncertain. The emergence of this new youth mobilisation, the methods it adopted and the long-term implications it may have for Indian democracy deserve a separate and detailed discussion. Writers, constitutional scholars, political scientists and social thinkers will undoubtedly analyse its strengths, limitations and future trajectory in the times ahead. It would therefore be premature to draw sweeping conclusions about its lasting political significance. What can safely be said, however, is that this episode has reopened a conversation that had almost disappeared from Indian public lifethe conversation about the moral foundations of governance. Dharmendra Pradhans resignation cannot be placed in the same category as that of Lal Bahadur Shastri. Shastri resigned because his conscience demanded it. Pradhan resigned after sustained public pressure made his continuation politically difficult. The circumstances were different, and so were the motivations. Yet history often advances not through identical events but through symbolic moments. After nearly three decades in which governments had successfully resisted almost every demand for ministerial accountability arising out of administrative failures, this resignation marks a significant departure. It reminds those in public office that parliamentary majorities, however large, do not place governments beyond the reach of public opinion. Democratic legitimacy ultimately rests not only upon numbers in the legislature but also upon the confidence of the people. Whether this episode marks the beginning of a revival of the Shastri tradition or remains an isolated exception is something only time will determine. But it has undeniably revived a debate that had almost disappeared from Indian public lifethat democratic legitimacy rests not only on electoral mandates and administrative efficiency, but also on the willingness of those entrusted with authority to accept responsibility for serious failures under their watch. If that debate ultimately strengthens the convention that authority and accountability must go hand in hand, this episode will be remembered not merely for the resignation of a Union Minister, but for reaffirming one of the finest traditions of Indian parliamentary democracy. Shakeel Qalander, prominent business leader and a civil society animator
Manjalpur bypoll: 152 police personnel cast postal ballots
City girl earns MPhil degree from University of Cambridge
3-km ordeal: Snakebite victim carried on foot to reach ambulance
Crocodile rescued from Manjalpur area
ESG norms and safety mandates ignite demand for fire engineers
Top Offer Doubles To 14L In 2 Yrs; Intake Up 5x Since 2019
Widespread rainfall is forecast across India starting Sunday, July 27. Heavy to very heavy showers are expected in several states over the coming days. Intense monsoon activity will bring thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds to many regions. Authorities advise residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert for potential flooding. Hot and humid conditions may persist in some coastal areas despite the monsoon.
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat to Visit Gujarat on Two-Day Tour, Attend Key Organisational Meetings
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will visit Gujarat on July 28 and 29 to attend organisational programmes, review RSS activities, and hold meetings with senior leaders on expansion and future plans.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted Indian achievements during his recent 'Mann Ki Baat' address. An astrophysicist's discovery of a young galaxy cluster was among the praised efforts. A Bihar initiative transforms plastic waste into durable benches for public spaces. The Indian Grey Hornbill has returned to Gujarat's Gir forests after six decades. Women entrepreneurs in Uttar Pradesh created herbal tea from natural ingredients.
Veteran actor Apara Mehta recently shared details about her separation from Darshan Jariwala. She revealed he told her he had fallen out of love with her. They have lived separately for over two decades but never divorced. The actress also discussed her early career earnings and theatre success. She became Gujarat's highest-paid theatre artist through dedication. Read on!
Heavy rains lash Gujarat; relief and rescue operations in full swing - News On AIR
Heavy rains lash Gujarat; relief and rescue operations in full swing News On AIR
35 rain-related deaths reported in Gujarat as floodwaters recede; damage surveys begin
Most of the fatalities occurred due to drowning or people being swept away by strong currents; of the total deaths, 29 were reported from the worst-affected districts of Navsari and Valsad
