Gujarat to add official seals on e-certificates under Digital Gujarat 2.0
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India Batter Sabbineni Meghana Announces Retirement From All Forms Of Cricket
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Indian women's team top-order batter Sabbineni Meghana has announced her retirement from all the forms of cricket on Friday. A solid top-order batter Meghana, born in Andhra Pradesh, represented Railways in the domestic circuit. She made her international debut in a WODI series against New Zealand in 2022. Meghana represented India in three ODIs and 17 T20Is. She was then part of the Indian team that won silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. However, she has since failed to break into the T20 setup and missed out on subsequent ICC events. Stepping onto the field for the very first time with a bat in hand to wear a jersey on world stage has been nothing short of a dream come true. As I announce my retirement from all formats of cricket as a player, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. The field has been my second home, teaching me resilience, humility, and giving me memories and friendships that I will carry for a lifetime, Meghana wrote in a social media post. To my family, who stood by me through every peak and valley, thank you for your endless sacrifices. To my coaches, teammates, support staff, thank you for pushing me to be my best and sharing the dressing room with me. And to the fans, your cheers under the floodlights fuelled every single stride I took, she wrote. Meghana was signed by the Gujarat Giants in the inaugural edition of the WPL and moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2024. She was part of the RCB squad that lifted the trophy in 2024. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the BCCI, the Andhra Cricket Association, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants, and RSPB for their constant support, guidance, and backing throughout my career. Thank you for giving me the platform and opportunities to pursue my passion at the highest level, Meghana added. Meghana was signed by the Gujarat Giants in the inaugural edition of the WPL and moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2024. She was part of the RCB squad that lifted the trophy in 2024. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi will hold high-level meetings with leading South Korean companies in Seoul on Friday to attract investments and strengthen industrial partnerships under the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit initiative, as per a statement by Industries
Gujarat govt invites Rajasthan industry to invest, collaborate at VGGS 2027
The Gujarat government on Thursday invited Rajasthan
EoDB, economic growth & human capabilities
Indias modern economic trajectory presents a compelling developmental paradox. Over the past few decades, the nation has evolved from a state-controlled post-colonial economy into a global technological and industrial powerhouse. Yet, as observed by analyst Edward Luce in his works In Spite of the Gods, this remarkable ascent coexists with deep structural inequities, a formidable bureaucratic apparatus, and enduring developmental challenges. To understand this dynamic, we must look beyond aggregate Gross Domestic Product(GDP) figures and examine the intricate interplay between state-led planning, democratic pluralism, and human capabilities. This national tension is also mirrored vividly at the regional level in Jammu and Kashmir, especially when evaluating legislative efforts like the recent Ease of Doing Business reforms against critical local economic realities. A central question in regional development is whether economic growth should be pursued as an end in itself or as a means to expand human freedoms. Early post-independence policies relied on heavy state planning and the restrictive License Raj, which resulted in sluggish national growth. Sweeping economic reforms in 1991 unleashed market dynamism, lifting millions out of poverty and positioning India as a leader in information technology and services. However, as economist Amartya Sen argues, true development requires expanding human capabilities, such as health, education, and social well-being, rather than merely growing national income. While corporate sectors thrive globally, many citizens remain limited by inadequate public schooling, healthcare deficits, and malnutrition. Furthermore, targeted tracking by the Future of India Foundation through its YouthPOWER analytical initiative highlights deep structural vulnerabilities in human capabilities. Their economic research demonstrates that the share of Indian women in active work fell by almost half between 2004-05 and 2017-18, and subsequent workforce recoveries have been primarily driven by older women returning to low-paying, informal agricultural labour rather than secure, salaried employment. At a regional governance level, administrative reforms must constantly wrestle with this dichotomy regarding how to accelerate economic velocity without compromising the broader human and social safety framework. The tension between human capability and rapid industrial growth is vividly illustrated by contrasting internal state models. The Kerala model prioritizes public action, universal healthcare, and foundational education, resulting in high social indicators like near-universal literacy and low infant mortality, even during periods of slower per capita income growth. Conversely, the Gujarat model focuses heavily on market-led industrialization and infrastructure development, generating high gross domestic product growth rates and economic dynamism, though often lagging in human development metrics and equity issues. This regional divide highlights a crucial lesson, an economy cannot sustain its rise if it neglects foundational human capabilities, because a workforce lacking basic health and education cannot adapt effectively to a shifting global landscape. In Jammu and Kashmir, the legislative push toward an Ease of Doing Business framework brings these structural debates into sharp focus. Examining the recent legislative framework, economist and former J&K Finance Minister Dr. Haseeb Drabu has noted that the structural design of such investment-facilitation policies often leans heavily toward an uncalibrated speed structure while ignoring local ownership realities and structural market failures. Because regional industry is overwhelmingly micro-based, with micro-enterprises accounting for the vast majority of industrial employment and investment, blanket regulatory easing or rigid paper blueprints like Master Plans risk bypassing local economic safeguards and ecological vulnerabilities unless they incorporate specific size-based tools and local protections. Policymakers face a difficult fiscal balancing act regarding how to fund essential public goods without discouraging private investment. To bridge this gap, modern governance requires expanding the formal tax net rather than over burdening existing industries, shifting inefficient subsidies toward universal healthcare and education, and ensuring lagging regions receive adequate central support and autonomy. Within the framework of Jammu and Kashmirs legislative efforts, the challenge lies in balancing procedural efficiency with substantive planning controls. Relying purely on fiscal incentives and top-down regulatory shortcuts and not building structural depth leads to failure in delivering sustainable economic transformation. Unlike authoritarian models of industrialization, India and its constituent regions achieve these economic shifts within the framework of a vibrant, vocal democracy. Balancing the aspirations of corporate capital and investment facilitation with the livelihood security of an enfranchised local population remains an unprecedented historical feat. To achieve a true balance, legislative iterations of the Ease of Doing Business bill can be deliberately structured to protect local enterprises and ecosystems while attracting capital. Policymakers can introduce tiered compliance frameworks that exempt micro and small enterprises from burdensome red tape while maintaining rigorous oversight for large-scale industrial projects. Additionally, embedding mandatory local skill-development quotas, ecological impact safeguards, and localized credit access directly into the legislative framework would ensure that corporate investments actively nurture human capabilities rather than bypass them. Sustainable regional progress in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be measured by commercial hubs or macro-level investment inflows alone, but by actively cultivating the substantive freedoms and well-being of ordinary citizens. In a region marked by delicate ecological balances and unique socioeconomic vulnerabilities, real capability expansion means ensuring that local youth, artisans, small-scale entrepreneurs, and marginalized workforces possess the health, modern vocational training, and institutional safety nets required to exercise genuine agency. Economic growth, regulatory reform, and social justice are not competing choices. In a sensitive Himalayan polity like Jammu and Kashmir, they must function as mutually reinforcing pillars where legislative acts expand human capabilities and empower local communities. The author is an entrepreneur managing infrastructure and agricultural ventures in Kashmir. He is also a fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN)
Navratri leaves 35,000kg plastic waste on Pavagadh
CA Inter exam: City lad ranks 3rd in India
Parents protest at shift change at Piplod school
3 students from city make it to AIR list
Streetlights burn bright during day amid power crisis
Three dead in accident in Dahod
8-year-old girl raped in Sachin GIDC, accused held within hours
Husband, 4 relatives booked for abetment after womans suicide
Italy's Pirelli and India's Balkrishna Industries float JV to make tyres
Pirelli has partnered with Balkrishna Industries to manufacture up to 8 lakh tyres annually in Gujarat. This production is expected to commence in the next financial year, according to the company's joint managing director. Initially, Balkrishna Industries will produce tyres under an off-take arrangement for Pirelli at the new facility. There are plans for a 50:50 joint venture to produce passenger car tyres under both brands.
Road caves in during creek bridge construction
Angry Over Sister's Affair, Gujarat Man Poisons Teen, Stages It As Suicide
Ashok Bhagabhai Thakor was lured to a farm shed, poisoned with spiked liquor, and strangled to death in a planned murder.
Tensions In Gujarat's Songadh As Social Media Post Leads To Violence During Navratri
Gujarat's School Entry Rules Invoke Child Sexual Abuse Law Against Violators
The fresh circular mandates that any external individual must secure prior written authorisation from school principals before stepping onto campus grounds, recording video, or conducting interviews with students and teachers.
Gujarat CM Patel inaugurates 'Kathiyawad Bhavan' in Gandhinagar; donors
The inauguration of 'Kathiyawad Bhavan' of the Kathi Darbar Education Trust and the Donors
EPFO board may consider a hike in minimum pension at November 19 meeting
EPFO's Central Board of Trustees is likely to discuss raising the minimum monthly pension under EPS at its November 19 meeting in Gujarat, amid longstanding demands from pensioners and trade unions.
Gujarat invites Rajasthans business community to explore investment opportunities, fostering youth engagement and economic collaboration. Rajasthans Entrepreneurship and Gujarats Innovation: A Pathway to Opportunities for Youth, Says Minister Bawaliya
The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027 roadshow in Chennai focused on investment, technology partnerships, and industrial collaboration. Gujarats Vibrant Global Summit 2027 Roadshow Highlights Investment and Industrial Collaboration in Chennai
Gujarat courts Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan industry ahead of Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2027
The 11th edition of VGGS is scheduled for January 10-12, 2027, at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar
Bharatiya Janata Partys IT Cell used an altered image of an Indian Muslim citizen to allege that Pakistanis were supporting the anti-CEC protests in the United Kingdom alongside influencer Dhruv Rathee. An image of Saddam Hussein, a native of Gujarat, holding a Pakistani flag made rounds on social media, amplified by the right-wing ecosystem. Saddam 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 .
Gujarats Vibrant Summit Boosts Industrial Growth in Rajasthan
The Vibrant Gujarat initiative is attracting significant investments in various sectors, enhancing Rajasthans industrial landscape. Gujarats Vibrant Summit Boosts Industrial Growth in Rajasthan
Tiger Shroff firing incident: 4 accused sent to Police custody till Oct 26
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 22 (IANS) The four accused, including two women, arrested in connection with the Tiger Shroff firing case were produced before a magistrate's court on Thursday. The court has now sent the suspects to Police custody till Oct 26. The Delhi Polices Special Cell, NDR unit, arrested four accused in the firing incident on October 20. The four suspects arrested have been identified as Kunal, 21, and Sumit, 19, from Sonipat (Haryana), Radha, 23, from Sitapur (Uttar Pradesh), and Babita, 23, from Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh). If the reports are to be believed, the accused fled to Surat in Gujarat after the incident and boarded a Jaipur-bound train from there. The suspects reportedly planned to go to New Delhi and eventually escape to Nepal from there. However, they were arrested by Mumbai Police in Kota, Rajasthan, before they reached Delhi. Meanwhile, the police sources also claimed that the accused practised shooting before the attack. The reports also suggest that a misfire took place while they were testing the weapon in their hotel room in Mumbai's Andheri area. The Mumbai Police sources further revealed that the accused disclosed during the interrogation the location where they had test-fired the weapon. The weapons were reportedly test-fired as the accused wanted to ensure that the firearm was functioning properly before carrying out the attack on Tiger. Both the suspects are believed to have successfully fired the weapon during the practice session. It was also revealed during the investigation that a misfire occurred while the accused were testing the gun in their hotel room in Andheri. Sources claim that one of the bullets was fired onto the bed during the incident. However, the shot failed to raise any suspicion among hotel staff or anyone else in the hotel.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Thursday said that he has failed to understand the reasons behind opposition parties' criticism of India hosting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai. He also listed past instances when leaders have met foreign leaders outside Delhi. I didn't get that. They don't like Mumbai? I mean, they have something against Mumbai? I think it is a great city, it is our financial capital. It is our Bollywood capital. It has got so much going for it. Maybe Mumbai doesn't like them... I have no idea why they have this reservation, said EAM Jaishankar while speaking at the NDTV World Summit. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had last week taken a swipe at the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Rubio's meeting EAM Jaishankar in Mumbai, terming it as summoning. EAM Jaishankar then went on to list a few examples when India has hosted visiting foreign leaders outside Delhi. If going out of Delhi to meet a foreign leader or a foreign counterpart is summoning, I can give you a lot of examples. Mrs (Indira) Gandhi went to Shimla to meet Bhutto. Was she summoned? Salman Khurshid went to Jaipur to meet a Pakistan PM. Was he summoned? he asked. We are adults, let's have an adult conversation. Let's leave, you know, said EAM Jaishankar amid a round of applause from the gathering at the venue. EAM Jaishankar hosted counterparts from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States in Mumbai on October 19-20 and also attended the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the US as a Guest of Honour. Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had also dismissed any criticism about the choice of Mumbai as a venue for EAM Jaishankar's bilateral engagements. It has been the practice for the last decade or so that we have hosted foreign dignitaries outside Delhi. To just give you some examples, Prime Minister hosted the Prime Minister of Spain in Baroda. He hosted Chancellor Merz in Ahmedabad. Prime Minister of Mauritius was hosted by him in Varanasi, and the External Affairs Minister hosted the SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Goa. He hosted the Foreign Minister of Botswana in Kevadia in Gujarat, and the External Affairs Minister also hosted the Heart of Asia Conference in Amritsar. So, that was just to give you a few examples of the meetings of leaders, of dignitaries that have happened outside of Delhi, stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday. /as
Renuka Ruled Out Of ODIs Against Zimbabwe; Jintimani Named As Her Replacement
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: India pacer Renuka Singh Thakur has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, with the selectors drafting in seam-bowling all-rounder Jintimani Kalita as her replacement. Renuka was a part of India's squad that won the ODI World Cup last year at home. But Renuka didnt get to play in Indias Asia Cup triumph in Dubai and the Asian Games gold medal win in Japan, despite being a part of the squad. The BCCI said Renuka, who last played an ODI game against Australia in Hobart earlier this year, was still working on building up the bowling volume of sending down ten overs, which is needed for playing the 50-over format, at its Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, and would not be available for the series. She is still building up the bowling volume required for the 50-over format at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Jintimani, who was part of the just-concluded T20I series in Raipur, has travelled with the team to Baroda, where the ODI series will be played from tomorrow, said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia in a statement on Thursday. Jintimani, who was retained by Gujarat Giants ahead of the 2027 Womens Premier League (WPL), will join the Indian ODI fast bowling group featuring Kranti Gaud, Nandni Sharma and Sayali Satghare. The spin department wears a strong look, with vice-captain Deepti Sharma, Sree Charani and Vaishnavi Sharma among the options available to the Indian team management. The series will also mark the first ODI series India will play since Smriti Mandhanas appointment as the sides new all-format skipper. Zimbabwe will face a formidable challenge against the reigning ODI world champions at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. All three matches will begin at 2 pm IST, with the first ODI on Friday, the second match on Sunday and the final game on Wednesday. The spin department wears a strong look, with vice-captain Deepti Sharma, Sree Charani and Vaishnavi Sharma among the options available to the Indian team management. The series will also mark the first ODI series India will play since Smriti Mandhanas appointment as the sides new all-format skipper. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Gujarat air ambulance service nears 100 missions, saves lives with rapid medical transfers
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Delhi plans to develop the Yamuna riverfront in two phases, modelled on Gujarat's Sabarmati Riverfront, with parks, cycle tracks, walking paths and sports grounds. The government expects visible improvements in river cleanliness in about 2.5 years.
After Delhi Protests, SIR Rules Change State by State: What Voters Need to Know I TOI Special
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is becoming more accessible in several states, with authorities easing documentation requirements and simplifying verification procedures. From Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh to Delhi and Maharashtra, voters are being offered alternatives to tracing family links in older electoral rolls. Booth-Level Officers are visiting homes, collecting documents, assisting applicants and identifying eligible voters left out during revision. Delhi has resolved around 25 lakh of its 33 lakh SIR notices as of October 16, while other states are conducting enrolment drives and special camps. However, eligibility checks remain in place, with Electoral Registration Officers scrutinising applications and supporting evidence before approving inclusion in the electoral rolls.
Gujarats new guidelines require visitors to obtain principals written approval, register their details and seek permission for recording school activities.
NFSU Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026
National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) Recruitment 2026 for the post of Sr. Project Associate will be conducted through a Walk-in Interview. Eligible candidates can attend the interview on 30 October 2026 at CoE Food Forensic and Forensic Pharmacy, National Forensic Sciences University, Sector 9, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. For complete details, candidates can visit nfsu.ac.in.
Scenic Roads Showcase Dholaviras Natural Beauty
Winding roads, vast landscapes and breathtaking views a scenic journey through Dholavira in Gujarats Kutch district offers a glimpse of the regions raw natural beauty.
Elderly woman pulled stretcher alone at Gujarat hospital - Brut
Sanjay Raut Calls for Nationwide Drug-Free Campaign Starting from Gujarat
Sanjay Raut urges a nationwide drug-free campaign, responding to Amit Shahs Punjab deadline for 2029. Sanjay Raut Calls for Nationwide Drug-Free Campaign Starting from Gujarat
Gujarat air ambulance completes 98 missions, including 50 organ transfers since 2022
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Vivaan Dave clinches double gold at Gujarat State Table Tennis Championships
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 22 (IANS) Fourteen-year-old table tennis player Vivaan Dave, who is part of Adani Sportslines Garv Hai athlete roster, clinched titles in the Under-17 and Under-19 categories at the Gujarat State Table Tennis Championships 2026, held in Gandhidham from October 16 to 20, adding another milestone to his growing career. Competing against older opponents, Vivaan demonstrated his ability to perform beyond his age group to secure the double gold. He was previously ranked No. 2 in India in the Under-15 category and has continued to build on his performances across domestic and international competitions. Earlier this year, Vivaan won gold in the Under-17 category at the UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championship in Kanpur. On the international circuit, he secured silver in the Under-15 category at the WTT Youth Contender in Ulaanbaatar before claiming bronze in the same category at the WTT Youth Contender in Tashkent. His achievements also include a double-gold performance at the UTT 87th Inter-State Sub-Junior and Cadet National Table Tennis Championships in 2025, where he won the Under-15 individual and team titles. Having started playing table tennis at the age of five, Vivaan has set his sights on representing India at the Olympics and winning gold for the country. Through its Garv Hai initiative, Adani Sportsline supports his development by providing table tennis kits and equipment and facilitating travel to competitions, enabling him to focus on training and performance. He has been associated with the initiative since August 1, 2026. Reflecting on his latest achievement and the support he has received, Vivaan said, Winning gold in both the U17 and U19 categories at the state championships is a proud moment for me. I was playing against older and more experienced players, so every match was a good test and I learned a lot from it. I started playing table tennis when I was five, and my dream has always been to play for India at the Olympics and win a gold medal for my country. Adani Sportsline has helped me with sourcing my kit, equipment and facilitating my travel, this allows me to focus completely on my training and performance, Vivaan will next compete at the WTT Youth Contender Chennai, scheduled from October 23 to 26, before turning his attention to the National Ranking Table Tennis Championship in Punjab later this year.
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal questions HM Amit Shah over drug menace in BJP-ruled states
Arvind Kejriwal criticised Amit Shah for the ongoing drug issues in BJP-ruled states like Bihar and Gujarat. Shah had expressed his sadness over the drug situation in Punjab during his recent visit. He criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government for failing to address the drug trade effectively. Shah also visited families affected by drug-related incidents while making assurances about future actions.
Gujarat minister, leaders pray at temple; service-oriented activities planned on HM Shahs birthday
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 22 (IANS) On Amit Shahs birthday, Gujarat Minister Pravin Mali on Thursday offered prayers at Shri Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple in Gandhinagar for the Union Home Ministers long and healthy life. Mali said service-oriented activities have been organised across the country to mark the birthday of the senior BJP leader. City unit chief Ashish Dave joined Mali to offer prayers at the Shri Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple, located within the Swaminarayan Temple complex in Sector 2. Speaking to IANS, Mali said, Events have been planned in the entire nation on the occasion of Amit Shahs birthday. In Gandhinagar, all party workers and leaders went to the Gaushala, served the cows, and offered prayers to Mahadev for Amit Shah jis long life. All party workers and leaders took part in offering the prayers equally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended warm birthday greetings to HM Shah and praised his efforts in strengthening India's internal security, eliminating Maoism and making efforts to eradicate the drug menace from society. Taking to X, PM Modi said, Warm birthday greetings to Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. His administrative understanding has ensured India's internal security systems become more effective. Particularly noteworthy are the successes in eliminating the menace of Maoism and in furthering our dream of a society free from drugs, he said. I pray that he is blessed with a long and healthy life in service of the people, the Prime Minister added. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Andhra Pradesh Minister for Human Resources Development and Information Technology Nara Lokesh also extended birthday greetings to HM Shah, praising his commitment to national security and the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'. CM Yogi praised HM Shah as a skilled strategist, while hailing his unparalleled contribution in strengthening the internal security of the nation. Your unparalleled contribution in making internal security impregnable, giving a new direction to the cooperation sector, and building a strong and secure India is invaluable, he said. I pray to Lord Shri Ram for your excellent health, long life, and a glorious life, the UP Chief Minister added. HM Shah was born to Gujarati parents in 1964 in Mumbai. He is considered one of the BJP's chief strategists and a close confidant of PM Modi. His political career has been marked by several key milestones, including the abrogation of Article 370, the enforcement of major internal security reforms, and a focus on cooperative federalism.
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel leads service activities at Sola Civil Hospital on Amit Shah
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Vivaan Dave wins two golds at Gujarat state table tennis 2026
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Gujarat schools told to tighten entry rules, restrict photography and protect students personal data
Gujarat govt cites Somnath's religious significance to defend non-veg ban
The right to business cannot override the religious, historical and cultural character of a pilgrimage destination, the Gujarat government has told the High Court while defending the ban on non-vegetarian food around the famous Somnath Temple. The Gujarat HC was on Wednesday hearing a plea challenging a state notification banning sale and storage of non-vegetarian food within a 500-metre radius of the Somnath Temple, a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Gir Somnath district. Defending the ban, the government told a bench of Justice Nisha M Thakor that Somnath cannot be viewed merely as a commercial town, ignoring its extraordinary religious, historical and spiritual significance to millions of Hindus across the country. The right to carry on business cannot be stretched into a right to disregard the religious, historical and cultural character of a pilgrimage destination, it said. Government pleader GH Virk argued that no one can claim an absolute fundamental right to sell
Business rights can't disregard sanctity of pilgrimage site: Gujarat government to HC on non-veg ban
Six restaurant owners have challenged the blanket ban imposed by the Gujarat Government two months ago on the sale of non-vegetarian food within a 500-metre periphery of the temple
PM Modi extends birthday wishes to HM Shah, praises his effective security system, anti-drug push
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended warm birthday greetings to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and praised his efforts in strengthening India's internal security, eliminating Maoism and making efforts to eradicate the drug menace from society. Taking to X, PM Modi said, Warm birthday greetings to Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. His administrative understanding has ensured India's internal security systems become more effective. Particularly noteworthy are the successes in eliminating the menace of Maoism and in furthering our dream of a society free from drugs, he said. I pray that he is blessed with a long and healthy life in service of the people, the Prime Minister added. HM Shah was born to Gujarati parents in 1964 in Mumbai. He is considered one of the BJP's chief strategists and a close confidant of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His political career has been marked by several key milestones, including the abrogation of Article 370, the enforcement of major internal security reforms, and a focus on cooperative federalism. At the age of 16, Amit Shah joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and started participating in the RSS' student wing, Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP). In 1989, Amit Shah was given his first organisational assignment when he was made the secretary of the BJP Ahmedabad. This marked a significant milestone in his political journey. In 1997, he contested his first election during the Gujarat Assembly polls from the Sarkhej constituency. He served as MLA for Sarkhej and Naranpura for his first term from 1997 to 2017. In 2002, he was made a Minister in the Gujarat Cabinet. In 2014, he was made the National President of BJP. A member of parliament for Gujarat's Gandhinagar, HM Shah has served as the 31st Minister of Home Affairs since 2019, the longest-serving holder of the office in the country's history. He has also been the first Minister of Cooperation since July 2021.
The United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The objective is to raise awareness about the role of women farmers. Generally, our higher education institutions in Jammu and Kashmir organize seminars, rallies, and other activities to mark important national and international days. However, to the best of my knowledge, no such celebrations have taken place so far in connection with this initiative. Chancellor of the universities Mr Manoj Sinha, has described campuses as hubs of ideas where every lecture becomes a doorway. Faculty members and students need to spend time in the countryside to experience the challenges and rewards of harvesting in Kashmir. Chairman Mao Zedong famously spoke of his education at the university of green forests. This article is a modest attempt to understand some of the issues concerning women farmers and their evolving identity. Definitional issues Women farmers are individuals engaged in agricultural activities such as crop cultivation, livestock management, horticulture, fisheries, food processing, and other farm-related operations. Their work extends from land preparation to harvesting, storage, processing, and marketing. The state of Maharashtra has taken a commendable step by introducing legislation that recognizes women farmers through an activity-based definition independent of land ownership. The Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, passed by Maharashtra in July 2026, grants women independent recognition as farmers irrespective of whether they own agricultural land. This legislation represents a significant shift from recognizing the owner of agricultural land to recognizing the person who actually cultivates it. Maharashtra has shown the way for other states in the Indian Union to follow. Earlier, the National Policy for Farmers, based on the recommendations of the National Commission on Farmers, had also broadened the definition of a farmer. The commission was chaired by the eminent agricultural scientist Dr. M. S. Swaminathan. The perception that only men can be farmers must therefore be abandoned. In 2025, agriculture employed approximately 110 million women and 127 million men, indicating that the gender gap in agricultural employment had narrowed considerably. There is an urgent need to remove loopholes in policymaking and institutional practices so that women are recognized as farmers in their own right. This would enable them to benefit from various welfare schemes offered by the Union and state governments in keeping with the spirit of the Indian Constitution. Founding mothers of the Indian republic In recent years, several noteworthy works on the Indian Constitution have questioned the use of the term Founding Fathers, a phrase rooted in the American tradition of recognizing a group of eminent men. These writings seek to bring greater visibility to the women who played noticeable roles in framing the Indian Constitution. A new book, Founding Mothers of the Indian Republic: Gender Politics of the Framing of the Constitution, by Achyut Chetan, sheds light on the contributions of Indian women who participated in the constitution-making process. It is heartening to note that Amrit Kaur, a member of the Constituent Assembly, emphasized the concept of constructive citizenship. Her approach sought to move beyond identifying and regulating women primarily as members of particular religious communities and instead recognize them as citizens of the new nation, enjoying equal legal status with men. Similarly, Dakshayani Velayudhan, the only Dalit woman in the Constituent Assembly, envisioned an educational role for the state in transforming a caste-ridden society into an independent and egalitarian Indian republic. Constitutional provisions Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. In the context of gender equality, this principle supports womens claims to equal treatment, dignity, and protection against discrimination. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on specified grounds, including sex, while Articles 15(3) and 15(4) empower the state to make special provisions for women and children and for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes and other constitutionally specified groups. Article 19(1)(g) guarantees citizens the right to practise any profession or carry on any occupation, trade, or business, subject to reasonable restrictions permitted by the Constitution. Article 42 directs the state to make provisions for securing just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief, thereby laying an important foundation for a just and equitable social order. Various state governments and Union Territories have introduced measures intended to strengthen womens participation in national development. The constitutional framework provides important guarantees and protections for women across different sections of society. Women farmers in Indian states The newly enacted Maharashtra legislation broadens the definition of a woman farmer to include women residents engaged in agriculture for at least one agricultural season in a year, irrespective of the nature of their landholding. The proposed Women Farmer Certificate explicitly recognizes categories such as landless cultivators, landless livestock rearers, agricultural labourers, plantation workers, and pastoralists. In principle, this creates a pathway through which women who do not own land can gain access to government welfare schemes and agricultural credit. In Kerala, women farmers play an important role in the agricultural economy and environmental sustainability through grassroots collectives. The Kudumbashree collective farming initiative organizes neighbourhood groups into Joint Liability Groups to cultivate fallow land. Meghalaya offers another interesting example. Approximately 48 per cent of women reportedly own land, a proportion higher than the national average. In some communities, the inheritance of family property by the youngest daughter reflects the states distinctive matrilineal traditions. These examples demonstrate that institutional recognition, collective organization, and property rights can strengthen womens participation in agriculture. The J&K Experience In May 2018, the then Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, announced a zero-stamp-duty policy for properties registered in the names of female family members. The initiative reflected the progressive spirit of the 1944 Naya Kashmir programme. However, the measure was short-lived and was revoked in 2019. It is worth noting that asset ownership in Jammu and Kashmir remains largely dominated by men. In terms of land ownership, only 23 per cent of women in the region reportedly hold property in their names, compared with 73 per cent of men. Despite these constraints, women farmers in Jammu and Kashmir are increasingly demonstrating their capabilities and emerging as a distinct and important category of agricultural entrepreneurs. Zainab Wani, a Kashmir-based freelance journalist, has brought several success stories to public attention under the theme Farm Heroines of Kashmir. She writes about how Kashmiri women such as Shaziya, Gulshana, and Tahira are transforming the Valleys agricultural landscape through determination, innovation, and a willingness to create employment opportunities where few previously existed. Shaziya, who holds LLB and LLM degrees and comes from a village in the Shopian area, oversees a dynamic agro-enterprise that functions more like an integrated ecosystem than a conventional farm. Her model emphasizes sustainability and avoids the use of fertilizers. Her work has been recognized by a zonal body of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Similarly, Gulshana, from Pulwama, has established a dairy farm and demonstrated how dedication and hard work can provide a model for others to emulate. She reportedly supplies more than 150,000 litres of milk annually. She has benefited from the National Livestock Mission, which, among other objectives, seeks to improve feed and breed quality across India. In Kulgam, Tahira, a young woman without land of her own, has demonstrated that even a small shed-sized space can become an important source of income through mushroom cultivation, potentially providing employment throughout the year. These encouraging stories demonstrate the potential of women farmers to transform local economies. The Jammu and Kashmir government must build on this momentum by taking further measures to support and empower them. The Way Forward The Jammu and Kashmir government should consider enacting a Women Farmers Empowerment Act along the lines of Maharashtras initiative. Globally, women continue to face substantial legal and institutional barriers to land ownership and inheritance. In India, women constitute a significant proportion of the agricultural workforce and self-employed agricultural workers, yet their ownership of agricultural land has historically remained disproportionately low. Anil Agarwal, chairman of Vedanta Limited, has argued that economies grow faster when women are empowered. The Jammu and Kashmir government could draw inspiration from Gujarats experience with women-operated Amul milk parlours in villages, adapting the model to local conditions and opportunities. Block Development Officers, working in partnership with Gram Sabhas and other local institutions, could invite women recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization as Women Heroes in Agrifood to share their experiences. Such interactions could inspire local women farmers and help disseminate effective agricultural practices. More than a hundred women around the world have received recognition through initiatives celebrating their pioneering contributions to agrifood systems. Women farmers should also receive childcare support to reduce their unpaid care burden and enable them to devote more time and energy to agricultural work. Through initiatives such as the Namo Drone Didi programme, women can be trained in drone operations, precision agriculture, and smart irrigation. Such skills could help improve productivity, reduce costs, and create new employment opportunities in rural areas. Jammu and Kashmir also faces an administrative challenge: its government machinery has relatively limited staffing in some critical service-delivery roles, while several institutions lack the technical expertise needed to implement complex development programmes effectively. The government must therefore rethink the role of the developmental state, ensuring that effective public services and ease of doing business extend to the village level. The author is a Kashmir-based political scientist.
Amit Shah hails security personnel for restoring peace in J&K
New Delhi, Oct 21:Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Wednesday hailed the security personnel for restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Paying tribute to the police personnel, who were killed in the line of duty, at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day, Shah said, Significant success has been achieved in curbing terrorism in Kashmir. Addressing the ceremony, he said, We have assembled at the National Police Memorial to pay homage to the brave police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation from independence to the present day. The Home Minister said that nearly eight decades after independence, India stands today in a position of honour and respect in the world. The foundation of this achievement lies in the sacrifices of our brave personnel. No one can even imagine where we would stand today if these personnel had not made the supreme sacrifice to safeguard the countrys internal security and protect its borders, he said. Shah said that 2026 was an extremely significant year for the Indian police. On March 31, 2026, the country achieved freedom from Naxalism, which had plagued India for decades. From 1981 to March 2026, the country endured numerous hardships due to Naxalism. During this period, many brave security personnel and innocent civilians lost their lives. More than 3600 security personnel were killed, and nearly 13,700 innocent civilians also lost their lives, he said. The Home Minister said he wanted to convey to the families of the slain personnel that as the country moves forward on the path of development after overcoming this five-decade-old problem, the sacrifices of these 3600 personnel form the foundation of this progress. Addressing the families of the slain security personnel, he said that while their loss could never be compensated, the entire nation of 1.4 billion citizens remains grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of their families. Recalling the history of Police Commemoration Day, Shah said that on October 21, 1959, in the remote and inhospitable Hot Springs region of Ladakh, 10 CRPF personnel were killed while resisting an attack by Chinese troops. A study of the Hot Springs incident makes it clear that when the battle was decided in the high-altitude mountains, the outcome was almost certain. Yet, these immortal heroes remained steadfast in their resolve that not even an inch of the countrys land should fall into foreign hands, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Since then, October 21 has been observed every year as Police Commemoration Day, he said. The Home Minister said that the National Police Memorial, where they were gathered, was inaugurated in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in honour of police personnel who had lost lives in the line of duty. The objective behind establishing the memorial was to inspire future generations of police personnel to remain committed to their responsibilities and be prepared to make the supreme sacrifice while performing their duties, he said. Shah said that the memorial had also become a place of reverence for citizens from across the country. Grateful citizens visit the site to pay tribute to 36,852 police personnel and express the nation's gratitude for their service and sacrifice, he said. The Home Minister said that among all government services, police service was one of the most challenging. Every citizen in the country celebrates festivals such as Raksha Bandhan, Holi, Diwali, and Eid, but police personnel often have no holidays to celebrate these occasions, he said. Shah said that while people celebrate festivals with their families, police personnel remain on duty, safeguarding internal security, managing traffic and ensuring public safety. They devote the prime years of ones life to the nation while staying away from ones family is a great service to the country, he said. The Home Minister said that there were numerous examples across the country of police personnel demonstrating extraordinary patience, restraint, discipline, courage, and dedication, thereby strengthening the nations internal security. He said that police personnel constitute both the first and the last line of defence for internal security. Shah expressed his special gratitude to all personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed along the borders and entrusted with security responsibilities within the country. Staying away from their families, these personnel remain vigilant and strengthen the nations internal security on every occasion, whether during elections, festivals, protests or border security duties. They remain constantly on duty to ensure the smooth functioning of the country. Whether it is safeguarding democracy or ensuring the smooth conduct of democratic processes, it is impossible to imagine these tasks being accomplished without the Central Armed Police Forces, he said. The Home Minister said that India had succeeded in eliminating electoral violence in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, but electoral violence had continued in West Bengal for a long time. He said that during the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections, security personnel achieved a significant success by ensuring that the elections were completed without a single fatality. In doing so, the Central Armed Police Forces had established a new benchmark, Shah said. He said that the entire country now recognises that electoral violence had been brought to an end in the nation. The Home Minister said that over the past few years, the country had faced several challenges, three of which had persisted for decades. He said that peace had now been established in all three major hotspots Kashmir, the North-East, and the areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism. An environment conducive to development has emerged in these regions, and they are now ready to compete with the rest of the country in terms of development, Shah said. Following several agreements and the surrender of arms by thousands of people, the entire North-East has moved forward on the path of peace. He said that police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel had achieved a major breakthrough in completely eliminating the five-decade-old Naxal problem, which had spread across several states. The Home Minister specifically thanked the CRPF and its CoBRA Battalion for their contribution to the elimination of Naxalism and praised the bravery of the Chhattisgarh Police. He said that the country had not yet become completely free of problems and that several challenges remain. Shah said that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had set a target to free the country from the drug menace by December 31, 2029, through a concerted fight against drugs over the remaining part of 2026 and the next three years 2027, 2028 and 2029. He described this as a very important goal for the nation. The Home Minister said that drug abuse and trafficking undermine the future of coming generations, place an unnecessary burden on the economy, and often provide financial support to organisations with anti-national intentions. He called upon police forces across the country to wholeheartedly join the efforts to implement the roadmap for a Nasha Mukt Bharat, formulated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and work towards safeguarding future generations. On this occasion, Shah flagged off a nationwide motorcycle rally organised around the message 'Fight against Drugs.' It included around 90 riders from various states and Union Territories (Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi), Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF, CISF, BSF, SSB, ITBP and NSG), and certain central police organisations (RPF, NDRF and NIA). The rally is part of a nationwide campaign organised around the message 'Fight against Drugs', in which motorcycle riders from all states, Union Territories and Central Forces across the country will reach Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, to participate in the Ekta Parade-2026. The Police Commemoration Day ceremony was attended by Members of Parliament Krishna Prasad Tenneti and Rajiv Kumar; Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan; Director of the Intelligence Bureau Mahesh Dixit; Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Shatrujeet Kapoor; the Directors General of other Central Armed Police Forces; and several senior officers.
Ekta Diwas parade in Guj on Oct 31 to mark end of Maoist menace
This year's Ekta Diwas parade in Kevadia, Gujarat, will feature around 2,000 artists from 126 Naxal-affected districts and celebrate the significant achievement of ending armed Naxalism in the country. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the annual event on October 31, which also commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary. The celebrations will include cultural performances, innovative tableaux, and will honour security forces while promoting tourism to the Statue of Unity.
Gujarat Government Increases Travel Allowance for Village Workers Amid Rising Responsibilities
The Gujarat government raises the travel allowance for village workers to support their growing responsibilities in rural areas. Gujarat Government Increases Travel Allowance for Village Workers Amid Rising Responsibilities
Gujarat Makes Solar Energy Adoption Affordable for Families
Gujarat government announces subsidies for solar panel installation, reducing costs for families to as low as 5%. Gujarat Makes Solar Energy Adoption Affordable for Families
Cheered in Chhota Udepur, but Vadodara shuts stage to Muslim who played Lakshmana for 14 years
DPS to refund or adjust 15k security deposits
Revenge killing during Navratri: 4 held for stabbing man to death
Councillor seeks probe into Yusuf Pathan plot gift
Four plunge off rail overbridge after motorcycle hits parapet, three dead
Highway chemical pilferage racket busted
Robbery suspect escapes from lock-up, caught in 2 hours
Priyansh opens up after missing Ranji double ton by 1 run
Young Delhi opener Priyansh Arya scored a magnificent 199 against Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match, helping Delhi secure a crucial first-innings lead in the drawn game. Captain Ayush Badoni also contributed with 217, while Hrithik Shokeen took five wickets for Delhi. Arya expressed satisfaction with his knock and highlighted the importance of domestic cricket.
Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Declares
GMDC announces a 223.54 crore dividend to the Gujarat government for FY 2025-26, expanding its operations in mining and renewable energy. Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Declares 223.54 Crore Dividend for Fiscal Year 2025-26
Gujarat schools bar unauthorised entry, photography and videography under new rules
The Gujarat government has issued new instructions aimed at strengthening security and maintaining discipline on school premises . Under the new directives, outsiders will not be allowed to enter school campuses without prior permission from the school principal.
Gujarats GST revenue rises 29% to 49,858 cr in H1 FY27 despite rate cuts
The State collected 49,858 crore in GST between April and September 2026
Essar Ports gets LoA for 2,276 crore Tuna Tekra terminal in Gujarat
Essar Ports will invest Rs 1,552.57 crore in the Tuna Tekra terminal, which will have an annual cargo-handling capacity of 18.33 million tonnes and four berths at Kandla in Gujarat
Gujarat govt to spend 1,000 cr on rooftop solar subsidy
The decision comes days after Gujarats peak electricity demand touched an all-time high of 29,822 MW on October 16
Indian Shooter Elavenil Valarivan Shines with Two Silver Medals at Asian Games 2026
Elavenil Valarivan wins two silver medals at Asian Games 2026, inspiring young shooters in India and receiving recognition from the Gujarat government. Indian Shooter Elavenil Valarivan Shines with Two Silver Medals at Asian Games 2026
Gujarat gets Rs 8,167 crore in GST in Sep; up 35 pc year-on-year
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 21 (IANS) Gujarats goods and services tax (GST) revenue rose 35 per cent year-on-year to Rs 8,167 crore in September this year, compared with Rs 6,050 crore in the same month last year, even as GST rates were reduced, state government spokesperson Jitu Vaghani said on Wednesday. The growth was more than twice the national GST revenue growth rate of 14.7 per cent during the same period, according to figures shared by Vaghani after the state Cabinet meeting. Gujarat collected Rs 49,858 crore in GST revenue during the first six months of the current financial year, from April to September, marking a 29 per cent increase over the Rs 38,540 crore collected during the corresponding period last year. The state government attributed the increase to the business and industrial environment in Gujarat and greater voluntary compliance by taxpayers. GST was the largest contributor to the state Tax Departments revenue in September. Collections from other taxes included Rs 2,930 crore through value added tax (VAT), Rs 1,102 crore in electricity duty and Rs 24 crore in professional tax. Together, GST, VAT, electricity duty and professional tax generated total revenue of Rs 12,222 crore for the state Tax Department during September, Vaghani said. The figures come amid a reduction in GST rates, which the state government said had not prevented revenue growth. The government cited the business environment and taxpayers cooperation as factors behind the increase. The September collections and the six-month figures indicate year-on-year growth in Gujarats GST receipts, with the state recording a higher growth rate than the national figure for September. The state government said its efforts to support economic activity, alongside voluntary tax compliance, were contributing to Gujarats economic development.
Gujarat deputy CM meets 129 Japanese firms, secures major investments
The News Mill
Ekta Nagar Prepares for Grand Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2026 Marking End of Armed Naxalism
In a press conference held in New Delhi, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan announced details regarding the upcoming Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2026 and Bharat Parv 2026 celebrations at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. Scheduled for October 31, the annual event commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The celebrations will open with Prime Minister Shri Narendra [] The post Ekta Nagar Prepares for Grand Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2026 Marking End of Armed Naxalism appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Furtilo Raises Seed Funding To Deliver From Local Shops In 500 Small Towns
The zero-commission app that delivers food and all kinds of products from local shops in small towns, formerly BelivMart, grew orders 4x in four months and will expand from 37 to 500+ Tier-3 and Tier-4 towns across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and beyond.
From smart classrooms to robotics labs: Gujarat government schools emerge as a preferred choice
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 21 (IANS) Gujarats government schools are witnessing a significant shift in public perception. Modern educational facilities and improved infrastructure are encouraging parents to choose public education over private institutions. During the 202526 academic year, 4,817 students in Ahmedabad district left private schools and enrolled in government schools. This development reflects growing confidence in the states evolving education system. A prominent example of this transformation is Thaltej Primary School 2 in Ahmedabad, which offers students a range of modern educational facilities, including smart classrooms, digital learning tools, science and mathematics laboratories, robotics facilities, a library and sports infrastructure. Students also receive nutritional support through milk, breakfast and meals. Angel Dubey, a student at Thaltej Primary School 2, said the schools science laboratory has several models that help students understand concepts and learn new things. Another student, Vansh Chauhan, highlighted the quality of teaching and the facilities available at the school, including science, mathematics, future and robotics laboratories. Parents, too, have expressed satisfaction with the facilities. Sundaraben, a parent, said the school has a large playground, sports equipment and musical instruments. She also appreciated the arrangements for providing milk in the morning, followed by breakfast and meals for students. According to Chirag Joshi, Principal of Thaltej Primary School 2, the institution is equipped with Google-featured classrooms, a smart library, mathematics and science laboratories, and a robotics laboratory. He added that smart boards are used for teaching in all classrooms, helping make lessons more interactive and engaging. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, initiatives such as the Mission Schools of Excellence are prioritising quality education, modern infrastructure and technology-enabled learning in government schools. These efforts aim to support students academic, physical and mental development. Dr L. D. Desai, Administrative Officer in the Education Department, Ahmedabad, said parents are obtaining leaving certificates from reputed private schools in Ahmedabad city and enrolling their children in municipal government schools. He stated that, over the past 11 years, more than 60,000 children have left prominent private schools to join Ahmedabad Municipal Corporations government schools. The growing enrolment highlights the changing image of government education in Gujarat, say officials. With investments in infrastructure, digital learning, laboratories, sports and student nutrition, Ahmedabads government schools are strengthening parental trust and creating better opportunities for children. According to officials, the transformation demonstrates how sustained policy initiatives and improved educational facilities can help government institutions compete with private schools while laying a strong foundation for students brighter futures.
Essar Ports bags 2,276-crore Tuna Tekra terminal project in Gujarat
New terminal at Kandla to handle 18.33 million tonnes of cargo annually.
Essar Ports bags 2,276-crore Tuna Tekra terminal project in Gujarat
New terminal at Kandla to handle 18.33 million tonnes of cargo annually.
Ranji Trophy: Delhi has to be content with first-innings lead
Host gets three points from a high-scoring draw; Gujarat emerges unscathed after being forced to follow-on; Shokeen claims maiden First-Class five-wicket haul
Luhnu Cricket Ground: Tanay Thyagarajan finished with 11 wickets, after hitting an unbeaten half-century as Hyderabad thrashed Andhra by 267 runs in an Elite Group B Ranji Trophy match in Mulapadu on Wednesday. Thyagarajan, who had taken five wickets in Andhra's first innings, returned to claim six more as Andhra, set 398 to win, were dismissed for 130. He was named Player of the Match for the second game running, after having won the award against Tripura last week. In Thiruvananthapuram, veteran off-spinner Jalaj Saxena's five-wicket haul helped Kerala beat Odisha by an innings and 36 runs in Elite Group C game. Following on, Odisha resumed on 102/4, and Kerala needed just 23.3 overs on the fourth morning to bowl them out for 143. Mumbai completed their second successive bonus-point win, beating Himachal Pradesh by an innings and 97 runs in Elite Group D at the Luhnu Cricket Ground in Bilaspur, with pacer Mohit Avasthi taking 5-44. Trailing by 388 on the first innings and made to follow on, Himachal resumed on 144/3 and dragged the contest into the second session of the final day. Vaibhav Kalta (63) and Pukhraj Mann (50) offered stout resistance, but Mumbai's experienced attack eventually bowled the hosts out for 291. In New Chandigarh, Aayush Pandey's gritty 111 could not prevent Chhattisgarh from slipping to a seven-wicket defeat to Punjab. Forced to follow on, Chhattisgarh resumed on 123/3 and, on the back of Pandey's century and some handy lower-order runs, posted 335. That left Punjab a target of just 86, which they reached in 16.5 overs, with captain Uday Saharan unbeaten on 40. In the Plate Group, Meghalaya edged Manipur by three runs in a nail-biting finish in Shillong. Chasing 276, Manipur were bowled out for 272 despite half-centuries from Karnajit Yumnam and Rex Rajkumar. Kevin Christopher (3-31), Abhishek Kumar (3-64) and Aryan Bora (2-59) shared the wickets for Meghalaya. In Pune, Shikhar Mohan's 127 led a determined rearguard as Jharkhand batted out on the final day to draw with Maharashtra, who took the first-innings lead and three points. Resuming on 130/1 and still 228 runs behind, Jharkhand finished on 344/8. Utkarsh Singh (58 off 139 balls), Aditya Singh (50 off 159 balls) and Virat Singh (41 off 135 balls) all played long, patient knocks to deny the hosts a shot at victory. Off-spinner Hrithik Shokeen picked up 5-143 as hosts Delhi settled for three points after securing a 169-run first-innings lead over Gujarat in a drawn Elite Group C contest at the Palam 'B' ground. Having won the toss and declared at 648/6, Delhi bowled Gujarat out for 479 after the visitors resumed on 363/5. Following on, Gujarat were 15/1 when the two sides agreed to call it a draw. In Jaipur, an unbeaten century from Mohammad Saif helped Railways save their game against Rajasthan. Railways resumed on 305/6 in their first innings but were bowled out for 338, conceding a lead of 159, with Kukna Ajay Singh taking four wickets. Asked to bat again, they reached 176/2 by stumps as Saif (103 not out) and Eshaan Goyal (59 not out) shared an unbroken 157-run stand for the third wicket. Spinner Parth Bhut claimed eight wickets in the match and was named Player of the Match as Saurashtra took three points from their drawn Elite Group B clash against Karnataka thanks to taking first-innings lead. Resuming on 99/2, Karnataka declared their second innings at 243/7 in 64.1 overs. KL Shrijith made 52 off 76 balls with five fours, KV Aneesh also reached a half-century, and Karun Nair (37) and Manvanth Kumar (31) added useful runs. Bhut returned 3-80 from 25.1 overs, including two maidens, while Sammar Gajjar picked up two wickets and Chetan Sakariya and Ankur Panwar had one scalp each, as Karnataka had to settle for one point. Set 237 to win, Saurashtra comfortably batted out the remaining overs to finish on 137/2 in 42 overs. Chirag Jani anchored the effort with an unbeaten 63 off 117 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes, while Hetvik Kotak made 25 and Jay Gohil was not out on 22. Manvanth and Shreyas Gopal took a wicket apiece for Karnataka. Bhut returned 3-80 from 25.1 overs, including two maidens, while Sammar Gajjar picked up two wickets and Chetan Sakariya and Ankur Panwar had one scalp each, as Karnataka had to settle for one point. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
2 More Arrested In Tiger Shroff Shooting Case, Taking Total To 10
Hours after the Gujarat Police arrested a Lawrence Bishnoi gang member in Gujarat, the Mumbai Police arrested Samir and Jatin.
Digital Desk | London, Oct 21 (IANS) British leader and Padma Shri awardee, Bob Blackman, has reiterated his call for India's inclusion in the Five Eyes (FVEY) intelligence alliance citing the growing threats from Pakistani terror networks and Khalistani extremism. Speaking exclusively to IANS, the United Kingdom Conservative Party leader and Member of Parliament (MP) spoke about the current security challenges being faced by both India and UK. India is threatened by Pakistan in particular, where the terrorism is almost promoted into India. So we must share intelligence. Obviously, we are part of the Five Eyes network, which shares intelligence across the world. We should include India in that process. I've always said that India becomes an important part of the free world, obviously it is the biggest democracy in the world, enabling us to share intelligence on potential terrorist attacks. We know that our intelligence services, thanks to our friends in Israel and the United States, thwart terrorist atrocities in this country. We've got to do more to help attacks that take place in India, said Blackman. The Five Eyes intelligence sharing grouping includes the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Calling for India's inclusion, Blackman highlighted two elements to the entire security scenario. One is obviously the threat from Pakistan, their promotion of terrorist atrocities. I'm not saying every Pakistani is a terrorist, but what we are saying is that terrorism from Pakistan keeps happening. The military rule that takes place in Pakistan doesn't seem to stop this, and that's very important. Equally, we've got the Khalistani movement, which is a direct threat both to India and increasingly over here. So we've got to make sure that that intelligence is shared. That's not going to be seen by the public. Anything we can do to prevent these sort of activities from going on has got to be positive, he stated. The UK MP also hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, crediting him for first transforming Gujarat and then India. Narendra Modi has obviously not only been Chief Minister of Gujarat and turned Gujarat from almost a desert into a powerhouse of the Indian economy. Since he's been Prime Minister in India, he's done the same thing for India. And most importantly, I think about his incredible enthusiasm and energy, and has brought the poor people, the poor sections of society, into economic capability in India. That's remarkable... the electrification of villages, enabling industry to thrive and grow, promoting India. Calling PM Modi as a symbol of modern India who has enabled India to reach further on the world stage, Blackman stated that PM Modi has all the contacts and also the capability of the G20 and G7 to enable further growth of India-UK friendship. There's more to do. You know, India should have a permanent place on the Security Council of the United Nations, if we're to continue with the United Nations. Equally, obviously, India needs to have more say what's going on, in terms of capability across the world, and has, because of its geographical position, and its economic power, the opportunity, I think, to be a buttress to China and the growth of China, and the serious threat that China poses to the whole of Asia, and in particular, to the sea lanes of the world, the British parliamentarian said. That's part and parcel, I think, of what India needs to do now. I always worry about the security position of China, literally surrounding India, with its links in Sri Lanka and in East Africa, that potentially there's a, with Pakistan, so that there's literally a ring around India, that that needs to be broken, he added. Blackman also lauded the people-to-people contacts between India and the United Kingdom while praising the contribution of the Indian community in Britain's growth. Indian diaspora in this country have made a huge impact in terms of the economy and our public services. Generally speaking, it's fair to say they are the least likely to commit crime. They're also the most important element of the foundation of our economy. But they're often very quiet and one of the biggest problems is getting the community to come forward to participate in political discourse, standing for election so that we can actually get people from the community as representatives. We've done a lot of work in my constituency and in London Borough of Harrow to bring people forward and we have true representation in the Conservative Party across the various different communities now, which is very positive. But we need to do that countrywide. The British MP also batted strongly for Hindu temples to get funding from the government to manage their security. I think one of the key elements here is that the government gives funding, and bear in mind the government only has money that gets from the taxpayer, that gives funding for places of worship protection. There's no funding for Hindu temples or Jain temples. Why? I mean, that question is constantly asked and they are at risk as well as any other religious place of worship. So we want to make sure that there's a fair share for those temples to make sure that they are protected and people can go about their law-abiding business and worship as they wish, but also have the community functions. /as
Essar Ports Bags Rs 2,276 Crore Cargo Terminal Project At Gujarats Kandla Port
Gujarat CM meets Western Naval Command chief, discusses security of states coastline
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 21 (IANS) The security of Gujarats strategically important coastline and the Indian Navys activities to protect it were discussed when Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, met Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. During the courtesy visit, Vatsayan briefed the Chief Minister on various measures undertaken by the Navy to safeguard Gujarats coastline, which is strategically significant because of its location along the Arabian Sea. Vatsayan assumed charge as the 35th Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command in May this year. Before taking up the appointment, he served as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff at Naval Headquarters. He joined the Indian Navy in 1988 and has served aboard several prominent warships during his career. The Western Naval Command plays a key role in safeguarding Indias western coastline, protecting the countrys maritime borders and securing vital trade and energy routes. Its area of strategic interest encompasses the Arabian Sea and the western Indian Ocean, as well as important maritime passages such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, the Suez Canal, the Mozambique Channel and the Cape of Good Hope. These routes are significant for international shipping and energy supplies, making maritime security an important part of the Navys responsibilities. The meeting focused on the Navys activities concerning Gujarats coastline. Vatsayan also presented a memento to Patel during the visit.
Rubio tours Jamnagar as US courts Reliance
Jamnagar, Gujarat: Almost the entire Ambani family led by billionaire tycoon Mukesh Ambani welcomed the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Jamnagar on Wednesday, as he began a tour of the world's largest single-site refinery.Rubio arrived in Jamnagar a day after calling India a crude-refining superpower and urging more processing of Venezuelan crude there.The day also included a visit to Reliance's Vantara animal-rescue centre and giga factories being developed by the conglomerate.— USAmbIndia (@USAmbIndia) The visit puts a private industrial empire at the centre of US-India energy diplomacy, analysts said.Officials have described the Ambani-hosted programme as a private visit. It comes as US diesel prices surge ahead of the mid-term elections.No details of the visit were released by either side.Rubio was welcomed by Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Ltd, his wife Nita and children Isha and Anant, people familar with the visit said.Akash Ambani, Mukesh Ambani's eldest son and managing director of Jio Platforms, was overseeing the opening of the telecom giant's initial public offering (IPO).Reliance's Jamnagar complex can process 1.4 million barrels of crude a day and is the world's largest and most complex single-site refinery. Its fuel exports make it a hub for global supply.Rubio told Reliance-owned Network 18 that Washington wants to work more closely with Reliance on refining energy from the Western Hemisphere, calling that helpful to both countries.Reliance is already a key player in Washington's oil diplomacy. It is the biggest buyer of Venezuelan crude after the US itself, at a time when Washington is urging India to buy more, the people said.Reliance's proposed Texas refinery adds a reciprocal dimension to its energy ties with the US.US President Donald Trump recently announced that Reliance is partnering to build a new 168,000 barrels-a-day refinery project in Brownsville, Texas.While Washington is seeking to encourage more processing of Western Hemisphere crude at Jamnagar, the Indian conglomerate is also positioning itself to handle US oil closer to its source.The plant is designed to process US-produced light shale crude and would be the first major new US refinery in about five decades if completed.Besides the refinery, Rubio also visited Vantara.Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation-run Vantara is a rescue, rehabilitation and conservation programme spread over 3,000 acres in Jamnagar. It sits within the green belt of the refinery complex and was conceived by Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani.The centre houses more than 2,000 animals across 43 species and employs about 2,100 care-givers and conservationists. It says it has rescued more than 200 elephants and thousands of other animals, reptiles and birds.The other stop on Rubio's visit was the Dhirubhai Ambani Green Energy Giga Complex - Reliance's integrated clean-energy manufacturing hub at Jamnagar, covering solar, storage, fuel cells, electrolysers and power electronics. It is being built on a 5,000-acre site at an expected cost of Rs 75,000 crore (about USD 10 billion).The US Secretary of State arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, where External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hosted him for wide-ranging talks on bilateral cooperation.Ahead of the meeting, Rubio described India as a crude oil refining superpower and advocated for processing more Venezuelan crude in India.He also urged India to scale up energy trade with the US and increase purchases of American technologies and defence systems.For Washington, Jamnagar offers a way to turn Western Hemisphere crude into diesel at scale, a pressing concern before the midterms, analysts said.For Reliance, the visit is validation, and a chance to show the US it is an investor as well as a buyer, they said.For New Delhi, it comes as both governments try to settle their differences. Rubio said only a small number of items remain unresolved on a trade deal.
Gujarat CM links law and order to state's growth, pays tribute to police martyrs
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 21 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday paid tribute to police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, saying their dedication to maintaining law and order had contributed to the state's development and its emergence as a growth engine of the country. Patel was speaking at a 'Police Commemoration Day' programme held at the Shahibaug Martyrs' Memorial in Ahmedabad on October 21. The day is observed across the country every year to honour police personnel who have sacrificed their lives while protecting citizens and maintaining security. During the ceremony, the names of police personnel from Gujarat who had died in the line of duty were read out, followed by a salute by the police force. The police band played a solemn dirge in their memory. The Chief Minister said a secure environment was essential for the state's development and progress, and acknowledged the role of police personnel in maintaining peace, public safety and law and order across Gujarat. He also expressed gratitude to those who had made the supreme sacrifice while performing their duties. Congratulating the police force on the peaceful conclusion of the recent Navratri festival in Gujarat, Chief Minister Patel praised its commitment to duty. The dedication of police officers and personnel, along with the maintenance of an effective law and order system, had helped Gujarat strengthen its position as a growth engine for the country, he said. Referring to initiatives taken during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, Patel added: The Prime Minister had taken several steps to recognise the contribution of the police force. He cited the establishment of the National Police Memorial and the inauguration of the Police Museum in Delhi as initiatives that honour the sacrifices of police personnel and familiarise younger generations with their role and importance. The programme was attended by Member of Parliament Dinesh Makwana and MLAs Hasmukh Patel, Kaushik Jain, Amul Bhatt, Dineshsinh Kushwaha and Kanchanben Radadiya. Retired senior police officers and other officials also paid floral tributes at the memorial and bowed in respect to the personnel who had died in the line of duty. Among the senior officials present were Director General of Police (DGP) G S Malik, Director General of Prisons K L N Rao, Director General of Police (Training) Nirja Gotru, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot and Additional Director General of Police Khurshid Ahmed, along with other senior officers and police personnel.
Lawrence Bishnoi, now linked to the assassination bid on Tiger Shroff, became of particular interest to Mumbai Police in 2024 after his gang members fired shots outside the residence of actor Salman Khan, who has been a target for long.
Essar Ports wins 2,276 crore Tuna Tekra terminal project at Kandla
Essar Ports has secured a letter of award from Deendayal Port Authority to develop an 18.33-million-tonne-a-year multipurpose cargo terminal at Tuna Tekra in Gujarat's Kandla port, marking a renewed push by the group to expand its ports business. The project carries an estimated cost of Rs 2,276.06 crore, including an investment of Rs 1,552.57 crore by Essar Ports and Rs 723.49 crore by the port authority, the company said in a statement. The terminal will be developed under a 30-year build-operate-transfer concession through the public-private partnership route, with Essar emerging as the highest bidder in a global competitive bidding process. The project will add capacity for handling dry and other multipurpose cargo on India's western coast, as the country seeks to expand port infrastructure to accommodate growing trade and improve logistics efficiency, it said. The proposed facility will have four berths, each measuring 300 metres, providing a total berth length of 1,200 metres
Drishyam The Conclusion continues to score at the box office despite facing competition from new releases. Today, October 21, it is set to cross the Rs. 350 crores mark, a remarkable achievement for a thriller. Interestingly, the talented actor has delivered five major successes in the post-pandemic era, and all of them have either been remakes or belonged to established franchises. His first hit in the post-pandemic era was Drishyam 2 (2022). It opened at Rs. 15.38 crores, surprising the trade and industry, especially since the first part wasn't a huge theatrical success. However, Drishyam (2015) had attained cult status after a large number of viewers discovered it on television and digital platforms. This helped the sequel take a flying start. Drishyam 2 went on to collect a massive Rs. 240.54 crores in its lifetime. This was followed by Shaitaan (2024), a remake of the Gujarati supernatural thriller Vash (2023). Its gripping trailer had done the trick, helping the film open on a strong note. It ultimately collected Rs. 149.49 crores. A year later, Raid 2 (2025) benefited from the popularity of the first part and its catchy trailer. It was released on May 1, a major holiday in Maharashtra and Gujarat, and opened at Rs. 19.71 crores, exceeding expectations. The film eventually collected Rs. 178.08 crores. Earlier this year, Ajay Devgn's Dhamaal 4 (2026) also opened on an encouraging note. Although it didn't receive favourable reviews from critics, the aam junta accepted the film. As a result, it managed to collect Rs. 163.80 crores. And now, Drishyam The Conclusion has taken Ajay Devgn's box-office success to another level. The film has not only surpassed the lifetime collections of Drishyam 2 but has also emerged as his highest-grossing film ever. Meanwhile, several of his other films failed to make a mark at the ticket window. These include Runway 34 (2022), Maidaan (2024), Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha (2024) and Son Of Sardaar 2 (2025), all of which flopped. He also delivered three average performers Bholaa (2023), Singham Again (2024) and De De Pyaar De 2 (2025). Interestingly, even these three films belonged to the remake or franchise category. The way forward Ajay Devgn's next release is also part of a franchise, arguably his most popular one Golmaal 5. Scheduled to release on January 8, 2027, the Rohit Shetty directorial is expected to be the first major box-office hit of the new year. However, his subsequent film, Ranger (tentative title), is an original project and has generated considerable buzz, thanks to its action genre, jungle setting and the presence of Sanjay Dutt and Tamannaah Bhatia. It could finally break the pattern and become Ajay Devgn's first original, standalone hit in the post-pandemic era. His other upcoming original films, Chauhaan and the supernatural thriller directed by Rohit Jugraj, also look promising and could help change this trend. Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Drishyam The Conclusions viral Madira peeke so gaye? actor Ajeet Singh Pallawat was originally supposed to play Draupadi; reveals why makers changed it to Chanakya
Mumbai Police have arrested one more accused in the firing case involving Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai's Juhu area. The accused, identified as Ankit, was arrested in Gujarat's Baroda over his alleged involvement in the conspiracy. The accused was produced before a court in Haryana's Gohana, and Mumbai Police obtained his transit remand to take him to Mumbai for further investigation. The arrest was carried out jointly by Gohana Police and Mumbai Police.
Give Justice To My Family: Gujarat Man's Final Video Before Jumping Off 1,700-Foot Cliff
A 13-minute video recorded shortly before his death has brought attention to the marital dispute involving Vishwrajsinh Gohil, a postal employee from Gujarat, who alleged that he and his family were being harassed over a domestic violence case filed by his
Gujarats Deputy CM Harsh Sanghvi Meets with Honda in Japan, Promises 4,000 New Jobs
Gujarats Deputy CM Harsh Sanghvi discusses Hondas expansion in Japan, potentially creating 4,000 jobs by 2028. Gujarats Deputy CM Harsh Sanghvi Meets with Honda in Japan, Promises 4,000 New Jobs
Japan Investors Invited to Gujarat Harsh Sanghavi Holds 20 Meetings - Sandesh
