Local Body Elections in Gujarat Set for October 11, Eyes on Gandhinagar
Voting for local body elections in Gujarat will take place on October 11, with results expected on October 13. Local Body Elections in Gujarat Set for October 11, Eyes on Gandhinagar
India-Norway energy ties broadening, LNG supplies have begun, says Norwegian official
Norway's State Secretary Astrid Bergmal highlighted the expanding India-Norway energy partnership during her visit to India. This partnership includes LNG supplies, renewable energy, and green hydrogen initiatives. Equinor's recent LNG delivery to Gujarat marks a significant milestone in their cooperation. Norway's seafood exports to India have also seen remarkable growth under the India-EFTA TEPA agreement. Around 160 Norwegian companies are currently engaged in various sectors across India.
NCC Cadets Begin Training for National Unity Day Parade in Gujarat
Around 200 NCC cadets from 22 states start training in Ahmedabad for the National Unity Day Parade on October 31. NCC Cadets Begin Training for National Unity Day Parade in Gujarat
Gujarat CM opens 136 'Gram Haats' at bus stations to market Sakhi Mandal products
Digital Desk | Rajkot, Oct 10 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday launched 136 Gram Haats at bus stations across 27 districts to expand market access for products made by womens self-help groups, besides inaugurating a three-day Saras Mela and announcing a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening rural womens livelihoods. The Gram Haats, managed by Sakhi Mandals, are intended to provide women with dedicated outlets to sell handicrafts, homemade food products and other locally made goods. The initiative is part of efforts to improve the income of rural women by connecting their products with wider markets. Addressing a gathering at Race Course Ground in Rajkot, Patel said Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision is to make women partners in development rather than merely beneficiaries of government schemes. Facilities had also been created at bus and railway stations to market products made by self-help groups, giving rural women greater opportunities to sell their goods and supporting the Vocal for Local initiative, he said. He said reputed institutions, including the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), the Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA) and the Development of Women and Children in Urban Areas (DWCUA)-related institution referred to in the programme as DWII, would provide guidance and mentorship to women seeking to become successful digital entrepreneurs. Patel said around 30 lakh rural women associated with 2.5 lakh Sakhi Mandals in Gujarat are earning income through their skills. The state government had provided Rs 800 crore in assistance last year to support womens economic empowerment and is prepared to extend greater assistance in the coming years, he added. He said more than 8.5 lakh women in Gujarat had become Lakhpati Didis, referring to women who have achieved an annual household income of at least Rs one lakh through livelihood activities. The Chief Minister inaugurated the Saras Mela at Race Course Ground and interacted with women participating in the event. Members of self-help groups thanked the government for providing a platform to display and sell their products, saying stalls had been allotted to them without rental charges. The Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company (GLPC) signed 13 memorandums of understanding with organisations and departments to strengthen the marketing and sale of self-help group products. The partners included the Railways, Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation, the Cooperation and Animal Husbandry departments, Amul, MICA, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, NIFT, Sardar Patel Agricultural University and several banks. Cash credit cheques worth Rs 45 lakh and Amul parlour allotment letters were distributed to self-help groups. Groups engaged in dairy activities received cash credit cheques worth Rs 40 lakh, while other Sakhi Mandals received cheques totalling Rs 1,08,640 under an e-commerce incentive scheme. Patel also allotted free residential plots to 139 families belonging to nomadic and denotified communities in Rajkot district. The programme was attended by Rajkot Mayor Nehal Shukla, MP Parshottam Rupala, local legislators and officials from the state government and district administration.
Gujarat plans unified CCTV dashboard, to integrate student-built tech into policing: Dy CM
Digital Desk | Surat, Oct 10 (IANS) The Gujarat government aims to connect all CCTV cameras across the state to a single dashboard and integrate technology developed by young innovators into police procedures, including FIR registration and cybercrime resolution, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said on Saturday. Addressing the grand finale of the E-Rakshak Hackathon at Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT) in Surat, Sanghavi said the state government wanted to encourage software-based solutions that could improve policing and reduce dependence on frequently changing hardware. He reviewed cybersecurity prototypes developed by 31 teams representing colleges affiliated with more than 13 universities across six states. The grand finale brought together 150 students, selected from 458 registrations received from across the country. Changes in hardware and camera models introduced by major companies could increase government expenditure, making sustainable software solutions an important priority, he said. He encouraged students to use their technical expertise to address practical challenges faced by citizens and the police. He also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence integrated with CCTV cameras to improve traffic management. Even a 15-second reduction in waiting time at traffic signals could save millions of people valuable time and fuel, he added. The Deputy Chief Minister urged young people to look beyond social media discussions and familiarise themselves with government schemes designed to support entrepreneurship. He referred to Gujarat's industrial and startup policies, initiatives for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and schemes in the science and technology sector. Eligible entrepreneurs could receive assistance for office rent, marketing, operational expenses, salaries and cloud subscriptions, besides support available through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, he noted. He also highlighted provisions for women entrepreneurs. Assuring the participants of government support, Sanghavi said the state is prepared to act as a risk partner for startups and share the risks involved in turning innovative ideas into practical solutions. Sanghavi also commended the Surat Cyber Crime Team for dismantling cybercrime rackets operating at national and international levels. The government wanted to work with young innovators to develop technology that could help prevent crime and improve the efficiency of police operations, he said. Surat Police Commissioner Wabang Jamir said the hackathon is jointly organised by Surat City Police and SVNIT's NEXUS unit to encourage college students to develop technological solutions for cybersecurity, digital safety and cybercrime prevention. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Bishakha Jain said organisers had identified nine to 10 problem statements through surveys conducted at police stations. These focused on everyday difficulties faced by citizens and operational challenges encountered by police personnel, she said. A total of 458 students from colleges across the country registered for the hackathon, with 150 students representing 31 teams reaching the grand finale in Surat. The initiative aims to promote more efficient policing through technology and encourage students to develop solutions that can be applied to real-world challenges. The event brought together student innovators, police officials and academic institutions to explore how emerging technologies could strengthen cybersecurity and improve public services.
696 kg of poppy husk worth Rs 1.04 crore seized from truck carrying steel coils in Gujarat
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 10 (IANS) The Ahmedabad Rural Police have seized 696.94 kg of poppy husk concealed beneath steel coils in a truck travelling from Nagpur in Maharashtra to Sanand in Gujarat and arrested the driver, while two other suspects have been identified in connection with the alleged interstate trafficking operation. The narcotic substance, packed in 36 sacks, was valued at Rs 1.045 crore, while the total value of the seized property, including the truck, steel coil, mobile phones and cash, was estimated at Rs 1.47 crore, police said on Saturday. The joint operation was conducted by the Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Anti-Narcotics Wing (ANW) of Ahmedabad Rural Police following a tip-off received by SOG Sub-Inspector I.K. Sheikh that a truck-trailer was carrying a large consignment of poppy husk concealed beneath steel coils. The coils were reportedly being transported from Nagpur for delivery to Tata Motors in Sanand, said the police. Acting on the information, police teams tracked the vehicle and received specific information that it would pass along the Kheda-Dholka highway on the night of October 8. The teams intercepted the vehicle and inspected its cargo. When the tarpaulin covering the steel coils was removed, they found 36 black and yellow sacks containing the suspected narcotic substance concealed beneath the coils. Police identified the arrested driver as Bhairaram Tarad, 33, a resident of Barmer district in Rajasthan. According to the police, the consignment had allegedly been loaded into the trailer near Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh by a person identified as Santosh, who is now wanted in the case. The driver was allegedly promised freight charges of Rs two lakh to transport the consignment to its intended recipient in Gujarat. Police have also detained Jetaram Kadwasha, a resident of Samakhiyali in Kutch district, who is suspected of being the receiver who ordered the consignment. He is being questioned, while efforts are underway to apprehend Santosh. A case has been registered at Dholka Rural Police Station under Sections 8(c), 15(c) and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Further investigation is underway to establish the source of the consignment and the roles of the other suspects. The seized property includes the truck-trailer valued at Rs 20 lakh, a steel coil worth around Rs 22.22 lakh, two mobile phones valued at Rs 7,000 and cash amounting to Rs 32,010, in addition to the poppy husk.
Bengal government working to reduce police response time to emergencies: CM Suvendu
Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat respond to emergencies within six to 10 minutes. Why can't our state achieve this? Suvendu Adhikari asked police officials
Actor Samvedna Suwalka is known for her work in the Drishyam franchise where she plays Gayathri Mohan, the lawyer representing Vijay Salgaonkar (Ajay Devgn). Right now, she is enjoying the super success of Drishyam The Conclusion, in which she has a longer screen time. In recent years, Samvedna was also a part in Siddharth Anands Fighter. She played the character of Bela, the wife of Squadron Leader Rajan Unnithan (Mahesh Shetty). Interestingly, she also got to shake a leg in the high-energy dance number Sher Khul Gaye with Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone. In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, Samvedna looked back at her experience of doing the film. Acting in a Hrithik Roshan starrer was like a full circle moment for Samvedna since she has been his fan from the time he first entered the scene. Hrithik Roshans Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (2000) had released when I was in school, she recalled. I, as a girl, remember that there was a craze for Hrithik then. There used to be postcards of him, which girls used to collect. It was insanity. Every girl in the school had a crush on him. Years later when I got this role, I was like, Yes, I am getting a chance to dance with Hrithik Roshan and Deepika. I am doing this. To be a part of Sher Khul Gaye was a different experience for Samvedna. I got to dance with Hrithik and Deepika, she said. I got to see how a set is like and what kind of energy there is when there are 200 dancers on the set and the professionalism and brilliance of Deepika and Hrithik. Hrithik would not stop till he got the step right. He would take multiple takes. I am looking at his steps and I am like, This is brilliant. What is he trying to improve? But he would keep going to make it better. And then you realize why these people are stars. They work hard and thats why they are where they are. Samvedna was also a part of Fighters Kashmir schedule, where there were scenes of them sitting around a campfire and playing in the snow. She said Hrithik was fully focussed during the shoot. Deepika would still chat a little bit. But Hrithik was very focussed to get his lines right. I was afraid to go and disturb him because he was working and doing his job, so I thought let me not interfere, she recollected. But during the success party of the film, she recalled, Hrithik was all friendly. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samvedna Suwalka (@samvednasuwalka) Despite acting for years in independent and Gujarati films, Samvedna said that it is films like Drishyam 2 and Fighter made her known. She believes this is the power of mainstream commercial cinema. The country knows about them. Everybody goes to watch. I understood the power of Bollywood commercial films. Before these films, I had done a show where I had 100 episodes. I was the female lead in that. Nobody has seen it. I worked so hard for it; my throat used to pain while saying all dialogues. Of course, I grew as an actor and everything is important. No complaints. But I saw the power of Bollywood commercial cinema where it reaches different nooks and corners, she said. Not many would know that Samvedna is a doctor by education. Her colleagues and former classmates noticed her for the first time after Drishyam 2 and Fighter. My doctor colleagues from America would message me saying, Tu actor ban gayi hai. Hum sabko pata nahin humari classmate actor hai. I was like, Bhai, main 10 saal se actor hoon. But they live in US and they only watch films like Fighter. So, people start validating you when you become a part of something very big, she said. Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Drishyam actor Samvedna Suwalka recalls Ajay Devgns appreciation for her monologue in part 2: He patted my back and said, Well done; adds, My 10-12 years of hard work is paying off after Drishyam The Conclusion
Ahmedabad to Host BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026
Under Indias BRICS Chairship, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat, will host the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad on Oct 12, 2026. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, will officially inaugurate the [] The post Ahmedabad to Host BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Star Power Meets Exuberance Of Youth As 92nd Ranji Trophy Season Kicks Off From Sunday
T20 World Cup: The 92nd edition of the Ranji Trophy begins from Sunday, with much-needed star power meeting the exuberance of youth in India's premier domestic red-ball competition. The first round will see a handful of high-profile India internationals feature before joining the India A squad for the shadow three-game red-ball tour of New Zealand. With everyones attention on India's T20 World Cup defence at home, the Ranji Trophy happenings initially flew under the radar before exploding on to the spotlight as Jammu & Kashmir clinched their historic maiden title triumph in Hubbali led by Auqib Nabis 60 scalps, which led to him getting an international debut against the West Indies in Guwahati ODI last month. As J&K prepare to defend their crown and whether they will be able to do it will make for an interesting watch. The Paras Dogra-led side will be aiming to bounce back against Madhya Pradesh in Srinagar after suffering a defeat to Rest of India in the Irani Cup. The opening round of the 2026/27 season is set to be a blockbuster. KL Rahul (Karnataka), Yashasvi Jaiswal (Mumbai), Ravindra Jadeja (Saurashtra), Mohammed Siraj (Hyderabad), Manav Suthar (Rajasthan), Washington Sundar (Tamil Nadu), Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep (Bengal) are set to feature in the first round for their respective teams. For some, the Ranji Trophy will be a crucial window for pressing claims for being back in national reckoning like for Mumbais Sarfaraz Khan and Karnatakas Karun Nair. Youngsters such as Mumbais Ayush Mhatre and Jharkhand's left-handed opener Shikhar Mohan will look to enhance their reputation in red-ball cricket. Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who toiled hard to claim 37 wickets last season, is also back in action. Shami, who along with Mukesh and Akash, will be in Bengal, who take on Delhi in Kalyani, will be eager to break back into the Test set-up after seeing his India new-ball partner Bhuvneshwar Kumar earn a T20I recall for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. Delhi, meanwhile, restart their race for red-ball glory by sporting a revamped support staff following the appointments of former India wicketkeeper-batter Vijay Dahiya as head coach and Rajkumar Sharma, childhood coach of batting stalwart Virat Kohli, as the team mentor. Eyes of the four-member selection panel will also be on Vidarbha's Harsh Dubey, Praful Hinge, Yash Rathod, and Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari. Seasoned campaigners such as Umesh Yadav (Punjab), Harshal Patel (Gujarat), Mandeep Singh and Hanuma Vihari (both Tripura) will shoulder vital mentorship roles. While the opening round belongs to India's marquee names, the coming weeks will test if a new crop of domestic heroes can rise from the relative obscurity to reshape the national red-ball talent pool. With Arunachal Pradesh at risk of forfeiting their game against Nagaland due to the ongoing legal dispute between two factions of the Arunachal Cricket Association (ACA), it remains to be seen when the legal deadlock will end so that the states cricketers dont miss out on a season of showcasing their talent. Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season groups: Group A: Bihar, Baroda, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Pondicherry, Uttar Pradesh and Vidarbha. Group B: Karnataka, Andhra, Saurashtra, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, Tripura, Punjab, and Assam. Group C: Bengal, Delhi, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, Services and Odisha. Group D: Mumbai, Rajasthan, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Railways. Plate Group: Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh. First Round games to be broadcasted: - Jammu & Kashmir vs Madhya Pradesh JioHotstar and Star Sports Khel First Round games to be broadcasted: - Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Ahmedabad To Host BRICS Traditional Games 2026
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 in Ahmedabad on Monday. Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Gujarat government, the event on 12 October 2026, under India's BRICS Chairmanship, will feature traditional sports like Mallakhamb, Yogasana, and Kalaripayattu from India. The non-competitive Games aim to foster cultural exchange and knowledge-sharing among BRICS and partner countries including Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Ethiopia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Africa, and the UAE.
Chapter 40: Khushboo Rai Honours the People Who Made the Journey Special
Surat (Gujarat) [India], October 10: Turning 40 is an important milestone in life. Celebrations of such milestones often place the person at the centre of attention, but entrepreneur and marketing
Gujarat to release water from Kadana Dam to protect Kharif crops amid rainfall deficit
Gujarats rainfall deficit widens in early October with just 0.3 mm of rain between October 1 and 10, against the seasonal average of 11 mm, a shortfall of approximately 97%
Goenkan Cadet Corps Helps Students Build Discipline and Character
Surat (Gujarat) [India], October 5: At G.D. Goenka International School, Surat, GCC activities go beyond physical trainingthey are a purposeful platform for nurturing discipline, confidence, leadership, teamwork, patriotism, resilience, and
Gujarat CM orders release of 198 million cubic metres from Kadana Dam
The News Mill
Mumbai records first post-monsoon heatwave at 37.8 degree Celsius
Mumbai sees its hottest October day in eight years; meteorologists blame anticyclone in Gujarat, North Maharashtra
Changes to Gujarat-Delhi Train Services Ahead of October 10 Protests
Train services between Gujarat and Delhi are altered as a protest is planned for October 10, affecting several trains. Changes to Gujarat-Delhi Train Services Ahead of October 10 Protests
Textile units told to file returns on TSRS
50 evacuated after fire breaks out in Godhra hospital
Anandalaya School sweeps junior and senior titles at MGM science quiz
Man jumps from hospital floor, injures ambulance driver
Political elements trying to create unrest in Surat
Farmer killed in crocodile attack
MSU scientists turn turmeric, rice husk into antibacterial coating
Gujarat Court Sentences Man to Death for Gruesome Murder of Eight-Year-Old Girl
A Gujarat court has sentenced a man to death for the horrific murder of an eight-year-old girl, marking a significant legal decision. Gujarat Court Sentences Man to Death for Gruesome Murder of Eight-Year-Old Girl
Councillor seeks probe into VMC gate lockdown during water crisis protest
Gujarat to host 40 Chandigarh students under Yuva Sangam initiative
Students To Explore States Cultural Heritage
Textile industry raises long-pending issues with Giriraj
Man duped of 3.51 crore over promise to release fictitious 2,200cr fund
Man held for sexual assault on 13-year-old boy
Three booked for cheating traders of 1.18cr in crypto investment fraud
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 10 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has said that several development initiatives launched in the state under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership had subsequently been expanded nationwide, as he congratulated the Prime Minister on completing 25 years in public service. Addressing a press conference in Gandhinagar alongside Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and government spokesperson Minister Jitu Vaghani, Patel on Friday added that PM Modi's political journey, which began with his tenure as the Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, had been guided by the principles of Service, Not Power and Nation First. PM Modi had introduced a new approach to governance based on development and performance, with the mantra of 'Reform, Perform, Transform', and had sought to turn challenges into opportunities through a clear vision and decisive leadership, he said. Recalling PM Modi's tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, Patel cited the Jyotigram Yojana, which improved electricity supply to villages, the Narmada canal network, which expanded access to water, and the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investment Summit, launched in 2003 to attract investment to the state. Patel said the development model pursued in Gujarat had contributed to PM Modi securing a national mandate in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. As Prime Minister, he had continued to serve as the countrys 'Pradhan Sevak', ushering in an era of development-focused and performance-driven politics, he noted. He said that development under PM Modi went beyond roads, bridges and industries, and was intended to bring tangible changes to the lives of disadvantaged sections of society. Initiatives relating to housing, sanitation, financial inclusion, healthcare security and Garib Kalyan Melas were aimed at ensuring that welfare benefits reached people directly, he added. Patel also highlighted PM-KISAN, the promotion of natural farming, the Ujjwala Yojana and efforts to increase women's participation in decision-making as initiatives supporting farmers, women and other sections of society. Drawing parallels between Gujarat's schemes and national programmes, Patel cited the expansion of MA Amrutam into Ayushman Bharat, Jyotigram into the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, Nirmal Gujarat into the Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Mandir into Amrit Sarovar and Kanya Kelavani into 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao'. He also pointed to the transition from Khel Mahakumbh in Gujarat to the nationwide Khelo India programme. Highlighting projects expected to support Gujarat's economic growth, Patel referred to the Ahmedabad-Dholera rail and expressway projects, the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, the railway locomotive manufacturing unit in Dahod and defence aircraft manufacturing in Vadodara. He also cited the International Financial Services Centres Authority and India International Bullion Exchange at GIFT City. The Chief Minister said, The hybrid renewable energy park at Khavda in Kutch, the CNG terminal in Bhavnagar and the expansion of the semiconductor sector are positioning Gujarat for growth in clean energy, advanced technology and manufacturing. Six semiconductor projects under the Semiconductor Mission were part of the state's efforts to emerge as a major semiconductor hub. Patel also referred to India's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, saying PM Modi had demonstrated global responsibility by promoting the development of indigenous vaccines and supplying them to other countries. Guided by the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', or the world as one family, PM Modi had strengthened India's international standing while seeking to balance development with environmental protection, he said. He added that the Prime Minister's emphasis on self-reliance, innovation and skill development was creating opportunities for young people and supporting the goal of Viksit Bharat-2047.
Gujarat govt approves Rs 2.90 crore for nine-day Navratri celebrations at five pilgrimage sites
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 10 (IANS) The Gujarat government has approved Rs 2.90 crore for nine days of Navratri celebrations at five prominent pilgrimage sites, extending the planned Garba programmes from a single day to the full duration of the festival, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said. The celebrations will be held at Ambaji, Bahucharaji, Unai, Modhera and Unjha, where devotees will be able to participate in Garba programmes alongside religious observances during the nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Shakti. According to the state government on Friday, the existing resolution provided for a one-day Navratri event at these sites. However, considering the faith and sentiments of devotees, Sanghavi decided to organise Garba programmes throughout all nine days of Navratri. The approved allocation of Rs 2.90 crore will cover the celebrations at the five religious destinations, including other associated expenses and artists' fees. The venues include the Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust, the Unai Mata Temple in Vansda, the Shri Modheshwari Mata Temple in Modhera, the Shri Bahucharaji Mata Temple in Mehsana district and the Shri Umiya Mataji Temple in Unjha. The programmes are intended to bring together religious observances and Gujarat's traditional folk culture, allowing local residents and pilgrims from across the state to participate in Garba at the temple sites. Navratri, celebrated over nine nights, is marked by worship of the Goddess and community Garba and Dandiya Raas events across Gujarat. The festival also draws devotees to major temples dedicated to the Goddess, making the pilgrimage sites important centres of religious activity during the period. The government's allocation will support the organisation of the nine-day programmes at the five selected destinations. The initiative aims to offer pilgrims visiting these sacred sites throughout Navratri an opportunity to participate in Garba in a devotional atmosphere. By extending celebrations across all nine nights, the government seeks to combine traditional worship with Gujarats rich folk culture and provide devotees with a more immersive Navratri experience at the five pilgrimage destinations
Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals seeks partner for green ammonia factory in Gujarat
Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals is embarking on an ambitious project to establish a green ammonia plant capable of producing 500,000 tonnes annually. With a target commissioning date set for December 2030, the company actively seeks partnerships both domestically and internationally, emphasizing a focus on renewable energy technologies. Additionally, GSFC aims to penetrate export markets in Europe, Japan, and South Korea, securing up to 51% equity in this joint venture.
Gujarat CM urges students, citizens to join 'G3Q 2026' quiz marking PM Modis 25 years in public life
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 9 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has called on students and citizens across the state to participate in the Gujarat Gyan Guru Quiz (G3Q 2026), a statewide online competition being held to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modis 25 years in public life. In his appeal, Patel said the quiz would provide an opportunity to learn about Gujarat, its heritage and development, while familiarising participants with government welfare schemes. He also highlighted the opportunity to win prizes, adding that every participant would receive a digital certificate. I invite all students and citizens of the state to participate in the statewide Gujarat Gyan Guru Quiz (G3Q 2026), being organised to mark 25 years of service and dedication in the public life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said. Patel described the quiz as a medium to understand Gujarats history, heritage and development. He urged people to take part in the initiative, which combines general knowledge with awareness of public welfare programmes. Registration is available through the official website, quiz.g3q.ai. According to the quizs official website, the 2026 edition is open to students in Classes 9 to 12, college and university students, and citizens across Gujarat. The competition is designed to be conducted online through weekly quiz rounds, followed by district-level contests and a state-level finale. The website lists a total prize budget of more than Rs 11.74 crore, with awards distributed across taluka and metropolitan, district and state levels. It also states that the competition will cover 265 talukas and 17 municipal corporations, with cash prizes transferred directly to verified bank accounts. The quiz focuses on 25 years of governance and public service associated with PM Modi, alongside the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. It is organised by the state governments Education Department, with the initiative intended to encourage knowledge and awareness of government schemes among young people and the wider public. Participants can visit the registration portal for details about eligibility, the quiz schedule, prizes and participation procedures.
Landmark ODI Win Over WI Makes Zimbabwe Pick Unchanged Squad For White-ball Tour Of India
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) on Friday retained the 15-player squad that secured the countrys landmark first-ever ICC Womens Championship victory over the West Indies for their upcoming six-match white-ball tour of India, scheduled to begin on October 16. Captain Josephine Nkomo will lead the unchanged side after the national selectors opted to back the group that created history by defeating West Indies Women by four wickets at the Harare Sports Club a fortnight ago. The historic win over the Caribbean side, despite losing T20I and ODI series to them, gives Zimbabwe significant momentum ahead of a challenging tour featuring three T20Is followed by three ODIs, which form part of the ICC Womens Championship. The tour kicks off with the three-match T20I series to be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh, on October 16, 18, and 20, respectively. The two teams will then travel to Gujarat for the three-match ODI leg, to be played at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium in Vadodara on October 23, 25, and 28, respectively. India will be captained by left-handed opener Smriti Mandhana, who will begin her full-time captaincy stint after replacing the long-serving Harmanpreet Kaur earlier this week. Medium-pacer Nyasha Gwanzura, who registered career-best figures of 4-33 to trigger the win over the West Indies, anchors the bowling setup alongside Michelle Mavunga and Francisca Chipare. The batting effort relies heavily on Modester Mupachikwa, Sharne Mayers, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Kelis Ndhlovu, and Beloved Biza, with skipper Nkomo and Nomvelo Sibanda providing vital top-tier international experience. Although they lost all three matches, they showed encouraging signs and will now test their progress against one of the leading sides in the womens game, said Zimbabwe Cricket in its statement on Friday. The batting effort relies heavily on Modester Mupachikwa, Sharne Mayers, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Kelis Ndhlovu, and Beloved Biza, with skipper Nkomo and Nomvelo Sibanda providing vital top-tier international experience. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Zee's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026: Top 13 contestants enter next stage as Navratri special brings new twist
Highlights Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026 has named its Top 13 contestants after an intense selection process. The upcoming Navratri special is expected to feature Gujarati folk singer Jahnvi Shrimankar. Judges Shankar Mahadevan, Kumar Sanu, Neeti Mohan and Javed Ali continue to mentor the contestants. The latest season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is moving into its next stage after a competitive selection process, with 13 singers securing places in the competition. The Hindi singing reality show, hosted by Shreyas Talpade, features established musicians Shankar Mahadevan, Kumar Sanu, Neeti Mohan and Javed Ali as its judges and mentors. The season premiered on 19 September 2026 on Zee TV under the theme Hindustan Ka Sangeetsthan . With the initial selection rounds complete, attention is now turning to the contestants' performances and the challenges ahead. Surprise 13th spot changes the competition The show had initially been expected to select 12 contestants for the next stage. However, the final selection process reportedly resulted in an additional place, bringing the total to 13. Singer Shraddha Shree, described as a breakout performer associated with Bajaj Dhuniverse, is among those who progressed through the auditions. The expanded line-up gives the judges more singers to assess as the competition develops. Contestants will need to demonstrate vocal control, versatility and stage presence as they perform before the judges and the audience. The next phase is expected to bring greater pressure as the singers compete to remain in the running. However, an official elimination announcement should be confirmed before reporting that any contestant has been sent home. Navratri special to feature Jahnvi Shrimankar The upcoming episodes are expected to celebrate Navratri under the theme Shubh Aarambh . Gujarati folk singer Jahnvi Shrimankar is also expected to make a guest appearance, bringing a festive musical element to the programme. The production is reported to feature a royal-themed set and a large ensemble of live instrumentalists, adding to the scale of the performances. The Navratri episodes are set to give contestants an opportunity to explore music associated with the festival while continuing to impress the judging panel. Further details about the performances and any changes to the competition should be confirmed through official programme announcements. When and where to watch Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026 Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026 airs on Saturdays and Sundays at 9.30pm Indian Standard Time on Zee TV. This corresponds to 5pm British Summer Time (BST) for UK viewers while British Summer Time remains in effect. Episodes are also available on ZEE5, subject to regional streaming availability. The UK switches from BST to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) on 25 October 2026, after which 9.30pm IST corresponds to 4pm GMT. With 13 contestants progressing to the next stage, the competition is set to continue with more performances and new challenges. The next episodes are expected to combine the festive atmosphere of Navratri with the ongoing search for the season's standout singer.
Death Penalty For Niece's Murder In Jamnagar
A special POCSO court in Jamnagar, Gujarat, has sentenced a man to death under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for the brutal murder and torture of his seven-year-old niece in 2025. The accused also received life imprisonment under the POCSO Act for sexually assaulting the minor, in what was deemed a 'rarest of rare' case.
Jaipur ED attaches properties worth Rs 34 crore in Nexa Evergreen investment fraud
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Oct 9 (IANS) In fresh action in an investment fraud, the ED provisionally attached immovable and movable properties having a total value of Rs 34.91 crore and held by entities and individuals associated with Nexa Evergreen, an official said on Friday. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Jaipur Zonal Office, provisionally attached the properties under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, said the official. The attachment order was issued on October 6, 2026, in connection with the money laundering investigation related to the Nexa Evergreen fraud case, the official said in a statement. The attached properties comprise 69 immovable properties valued at approximately Rs 29.37 crore, including land parcels and residential plots situated at Dholera and Dhandhuka in Ahmedabad district, Gujarat, residential flats at Ahmedabad and Sikar, a plot at Sikar, and a 45 per cent shareholding in Shining Sand Beach Resort, Calangute, Goa, the ED said. In addition, balances amounting to Rs 5.54 crore lying in 26 bank accounts and term deposits maintained in the names of various Nexa Evergreen entities have also been provisionally attached, the ED said. The attached properties were held in the names of various entities and individuals associated with the Nexa Evergreen network, including Nexa Evergreen Private Limited, Nexgen Evergreen Energy LLP, Cristal Builders and Developers LLP, Cambridge Builders LLP and M/s Shree Shardha Nath Infra LLP, as well as Ranveer Singh, Subhash Chandra Bijorniya and their family members, the ED said. The ED investigation was initiated on the basis of multiple FIRs and chargesheets filed by Rajasthan Police against the Nexa Evergreen Group in connection with a large-scale investment fraud. The investigation revealed that the accused, in conspiracy with their associates, lured investors by falsely claiming that the funds would be invested in land development and plotting projects at Dholera Smart City, Gujarat, the ED said. Investors were induced to invest on the promise of assured weekly returns of 3 per cent for 60 weeks or allotment of plots, while additional commissions and rewards, including laptops, motorcycles and cars, were offered for enrolling new investors under a multi-level referral scheme, the statement said. The scheme continued till January 2023, when the weekly payments were abruptly stopped, and the website, mobile application and offices were shut down, said the ED. The ED investigation revealed that Ranveer Bijarniya and Subhash Chandra Bijorniya exercised complete control over the entire fraudulent operation. They floated and operated a web of companies, LLPs, partnership firms and proprietorship concerns in the names of associates and investors for layering and routing the proceeds of crime, it said. These entities and their bank accounts were systematically used for collection of investors' funds, inter-account transfers, payment of returns to earlier investors in the nature of a Ponzi scheme, and acquisition of immovable properties, thereby concealing the true source and ownership of the funds, the agency said. The investigation revealed that about Rs 2,676 crore was collected from a large number of investors between 2019 and 2023 through the Nexa Evergreen Group by Ranveer Singh alias Ranveer Bijarniya and Subhash Chandra Bijorniya alias Subhash Chandra Bijarniya, along with their associates, the ED said. As per software data of the company, 47,664 investors received less than the amount invested by them, resulting in an aggregate shortfall of about Rs 932.54 crore, the ED said. Earlier, the ED had conducted searches under Section 17 of the PMLA in June 2025 at 25 premises located in Jaipur, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Ahmedabad. The searches resulted in the seizure of cash amounting to Rs 2.05 crore, various incriminating documents, records and digital devices. Funds amounting to Rs 15.31 crore lying in bank accounts and crypto accounts linked with various Nexa Group entities and their associates were frozen, the ED said. Subhash Chandra Bijorniya was arrested by the ED on August 10, 2026, under Section 19 of the PMLA and is presently in judicial custody at Jaipur Central Jail, the ED said. With the latest provisional attachment of assets worth Rs 34.91 crore, the total value of assets attached or frozen in the case has reached approximately Rs 52 crore, comprising properties and cash, bank and crypto account balances seized during the course of investigation, the ED said.
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel congratulates PM Modi on 25 years of public service
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Rarest of rare: Gujarat court sentences man to death for murder of eight-year-old girl
Digital Desk | Jamnagar, Oct 9 (IANS) A special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court in Gujarats Jamnagar district has sentenced a man to death for the murder of an eight-year-old girl who was subjected to prolonged physical abuse, including burns inflicted with matchsticks and repeated assaults with an iron pestle last year. The court classified the case as one of the rarest of the rare after considering the evidence presented during the trial and the gravity of the crime. The accused, Nitin Manek, a resident of Sikka in Jamnagar district, was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. He was also sentenced to life imprisonment under the POCSO Act and fined Rs 50,000, according to officials. The incident took place in Sikka in 2025. The crime initially went undetected, following which the police launched an investigation into the case. The investigation identified Manek as the accused, and he was subsequently arrested. The police collected scientific, technical and documentary evidence and filed a chargesheet before the court within 35 days of the incident. During the trial, the public prosecutor examined 23 witnesses and presented around 95 documentary pieces of evidence before the POCSO court. After considering the evidence and the circumstances of the crime, the court handed down the death sentence for murder, along with the additional punishment under the POCSO Act. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi congratulated the police team and the judiciary following the verdict. The Gujarat government, under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women and girls, officials said. The verdict follows the investigation and prosecution of a case involving the murder of a minor girl and the filing of a chargesheet within days of the incident.
Gujarat offers MSMEs interest aid, power subsidies and support for AI adoption
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 9 (IANS) The Gujarat government has introduced a five-year incentive scheme for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), offering assistance for capital investment, interest payments, electricity costs, employee provident fund contributions and technology adoption, including artificial intelligence (AI), under its 'Viksit Gujarat Industrial Policy-2026'. Announced by the Industries and Mines Department under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the Assistance Scheme for MSMEs came into effect on June 1, 2026. It will remain operational until May 31, 2031. The scheme provides for a combination of incentives, with the maximum cumulative assistance capped at 45 per cent of eligible fixed capital investment (EFCI) in Category-A talukas and 35 per cent in Category-B areas. For identified thrust sectors, the limits have been increased to 50 per cent and 45 per cent, respectively. Under the scheme, eligible enterprises can receive interest assistance of seven per cent on term loans for five years, along with electricity tariff assistance of up to Rs 2 per unit in Category-A areas and Rs 1 per unit in Category-B areas for the same period. Capital investment assistance in Category-A areas will be up to 35 per cent of eligible investment for micro enterprises, calculated based on expenditure disbursed in one year, and up to 35 per cent for small and medium enterprises over five years. The corresponding rate in Category-B areas will be 25 per cent. Women entrepreneurs, registered manufacturing startups and first-generation entrepreneurs will be eligible for an additional one percentage point of interest assistance, within the prescribed limits. Micro enterprises will receive higher annual incentive limits during their initial years. In Category-A areas, the limit will be up to 37 per cent in the first year, while in Category-B areas it will be up to 27 per cent. The annual limit in subsequent years will be two per cent for both categories, with more favourable provisions for micro enterprises in identified thrust sectors. To encourage employment generation, the scheme provides for reimbursement of up to 100 per cent of the employer's Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) contribution for newly recruited employees for five years. The monthly reimbursement will be capped at the lower of 12 per cent of the employee's basic salary, dearness allowance and retaining allowance, or Rs 1,800 for male employees, Rs 2,500 for female employees and Rs 3,000 for employees with disabilities. Additional employment generated through expansion or diversification will also qualify. The government has also earmarked assistance for quality certification, digital systems and technology acquisition. Enterprises installing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems will be eligible for assistance covering 65 per cent of capital expenditure, up to Rs 1 lakh. For national and international quality certification, assistance of up to 50 per cent of certification fees and the cost of necessary testing equipment and machinery will be available, subject to a ceiling of Rs 10 lakh. Assistance of up to Rs 50,000 will be provided for Zero Defect, Zero Effect (ZED) certification, covering up to 50 per cent of the charges remaining after central government assistance. For information and communication technology infrastructure supporting Industry 4.0 and AI-based systems, eligible enterprises can receive up to 65 per cent of capital expenditure, capped at Rs 5 lakh. Technology acquired from recognised institutions will attract assistance of up to 65 per cent, capped at Rs 50 lakh for general MSMEs and Rs 1 crore for enterprises in identified thrust sectors. Patent registration will qualify for assistance of up to 75 per cent of expenditure, capped at Rs 25 lakh per applicant or enterprise. In identified thrust sectors, support of up to 75 per cent, capped at Rs 1 crore, will cover intellectual property rights, including patents, designs, copyrights, trademarks and geographical indication registrations. Micro enterprises and artisans in these sectors will also be eligible for reimbursement of up to 80 per cent of AI subscription fees, capped at Rs 1 lakh annually for three years. For energy and water conservation, the scheme provides assistance of up to 75 per cent of the audit cost, capped at Rs 50,000 for each audit. A one-time subsidy covering up to 25 per cent of the cost of equipment recommended by the auditor, capped at Rs 20 lakh, will also be available, subject to a minimum 10 per cent saving in energy or water consumption against the average monthly consumption recorded over the preceding 12 months. MSMEs raising equity through an SME exchange under Securities and Exchange Board of India guidelines can receive one-time assistance covering up to 25 per cent of fundraising expenditure, capped at Rs 5 lakh. Enterprises obtaining collateral-free term loans under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) framework will be eligible for reimbursement of up to 100 per cent of the annual service fee for five years. Additional assistance will be available for eligible enterprises outside Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) estates or approved industrial parks. The scheme provides for reimbursement of up to 35 per cent of charges paid to a distribution licensee for a new electricity connection, additional load or alteration of a connection or service line, capped at Rs 5 lakh. MSMEs renting or leasing industrial sheds for manufacturing can receive assistance covering up to 65 per cent of rent paid, while enterprises wholly owned by women will be eligible for up to 75 per cent, subject to a maximum of Rs 3 lakh annually for five years. Identified thrust sectors include sports equipment, toys, footwear, robots and drones. Eligible enterprises in these sectors will receive 100 per cent reimbursement of stamp duty and registration charges paid on the purchase or lease of land. The package also provides for reimbursement of international certification fees up to Rs 5 crore, employee training assistance of up to Rs 8,000 per employee per month during the first 12 months, and support covering up to 50 per cent of the cost of establishing a creative design studio, capped at Rs 5 crore. Enterprises availing benefits under the scheme must employ at least 85 per cent of their total workforce from among Gujarat residents. At least 60 per cent of employees at managerial and supervisory levels must also be residents of the state. The scheme allows eligible asset purchases and payments made from January 1, 2026, to be considered, subject to prescribed conditions. The eligible investment period will be 12 months from the Date of Commercial Production (DoCP) for plant and machinery investments of up to Rs 50 crore, and 18 months for investments exceeding Rs 50 crore and up to Rs 125 crore.
Gujarat-Delhi rail services revised ahead of Oct 10 protest
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 9 (IANS) Western Railway has cancelled the Sabarmati-New Delhi Swarn Jayanti Rajdhani Express scheduled to depart on Friday and announced a one-way special train to Delhi on October 10. Train No. 12957, the Sabarmati-New Delhi Swarn Jayanti Rajdhani Express, has been cancelled due to operational reasons, according to a railway announcement. Western Railway has also announced Train No. 04251, the Sabarmati-Delhi Junction Special Express, for one trip on October 10. The special train will depart from Sabarmati at 10.55 p.m. on Saturday and reach Delhi at 5.25 p.m. on Sunday, October 11. The train will halt at Mahesana, Palanpur, Abu Road, Falna, Marwar, Beawar, Ajmer, Jaipur, Bandikui, Alwar, Rewari and Gurugram. It will comprise AC two-tier, AC three-tier, AC three-tier Economy, Sleeper Class and General Class coaches. Bookings are available at passenger reservation centres and through the IRCTC website. Passengers can check timings, halts and coach composition on the official website. Western Railway has also announced changes to other Delhi-bound services. Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 a.m. and 2 p.m. on October 10 have been affected under the revised arrangements. Delhi Police has stepped up security measures, with additional personnel deployed, checks at the capital's borders intensified and preparations made to manage large gatherings. Police have also sought restrictions at 57 Metro stations, although the request does not itself confirm that all the proposed restrictions have been implemented. Retail liquor outlets in Delhi have been ordered to remain closed on October 9 and 10 as a preventive measure. Passengers travelling to Delhi have been advised to check the latest train status through official railway channels before leaving for their stations.
From Kuno to Kutch: Chasing India's cheetahs across their new wild landscapes
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) India's cheetah story has entered a new phase. After the species disappeared from the country in the 1950s, Project Cheetah brought the animal back in 2022. India's cheetah reintroduction programme began in September 2022, when eight cheetahs were brought from Namibia to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. In February 2023, another 12 cheetahs arrived from South Africa, marking the start of a larger effort to establish a viable cheetah population in India after the species became extinct in the country in 1952. Today, Madhya Pradesh is the centre of the programme, with Kuno National Park, where an India-born cheetah gave birth to five cubs on October 5, taking the total feline count to 60, and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary forming the country's two operational cheetah sites. Other landscapes in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan are being prepared or assessed for future expansion. For a wildlife traveller, Kuno and Gandhi Sagar, both in Madhya Pradesh, are currently the two most relevant destinations for India's reintroduced cheetahs as only they are operational now. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on October 7 released two cheetahs named 'Vyom' (male) and 'Neera' (female) into the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Sagar district as part of the conservation project. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) says preparations and deliberations are continuing for other landscapes. For a wildlife adventurist, however, it is important to distinguish between a place where cheetahs are already being managed and a landscape that is still being prepared for them. Here is a look at the major cheetah reserves in India. Madhya Pradesh When it comes to cheetah conservation in India, Madhya Pradesh leads the way, emerging as the country's foremost hub for the revival of the fastest land animal. The central Indian state's Kuno is the starting point of India's modern cheetah journey. Located in the Sheopur district, the park lies in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh and has a landscape of dry deciduous woodland, open grasslands, riverine stretches and gently undulating terrain. Kardhai, salai and khair dominate parts of the vegetation, while grasslands provide important habitat for prey such as chital, sambar and nilgai. The first eight cheetahs arrived from Namibia in September 2022, followed by 12 from South Africa in February 2023. Kuno remains the principal free-ranging cheetah landscape and has become the most important destination for anyone following India's reintroduction experiment. For visitors, the most suitable period is October to March, when temperatures are more comfortable and the forest is comparatively pleasant. The wider tourism season extends beyond this period, subject to forest regulations. Cheetah sightings, however, cannot be guaranteed and visitors should follow the designated safari arrangements. From state capital Bhopal, Kuno is around 400-450 km by road, depending on the route and entry point. Gwalior is considerably closer and is about 175 km from the park. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, another cheetah habitat in Madhya Pradesh, offers a markedly different setting. Spread around the Gandhi Sagar reservoir in the Mandsaur and Neemuch region, the sanctuary combines open country, hillocks, ravines, woodland and the vast backwaters of the Chambal. The undulating terrain and open stretches make it particularly interesting from a cheetah-habitat perspective. The sanctuary became India's second operational cheetah site in 2025. Two male cheetahs, Prabhas and Pavak, were moved there from Kuno, followed later by a female, Dheera. A fenced natural area of about 64 square km was created as part of the initial establishment programme. For a general wildlife trip, October to March is the most comfortable period. Early mornings and late afternoons are preferable for wildlife activity. Travellers should check the latest forest-department entry arrangements because cheetah viewing is governed by the management programme rather than conventional mass tourism. Gandhi Sagar is around 340-370 km from Bhopal by road, depending on the route. Another cheetah habitat is Nauradehi that represents the next frontier of the project rather than an established cheetah tourism destination. The sanctuary now forms part of Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve and contains large expanses of open woodland, grassland and undulating country. Its scale and relatively extensive natural landscape make it valuable for creating a larger cheetah metapopulation. Government planning has identified Nauradehi as one of the landscapes being prepared for future cheetah introduction. Travellers should therefore not visit expecting a guaranteed cheetah safari. For wildlife tourism in the broader landscape, October to March is the preferable season. Nauradehi is around 200-250 km from Bhopal, depending on the access point. Gujarat The Banni Grasslands of Kutch present perhaps the most dramatic contrast to Kuno. This vast arid grassland lies between the Great Rann of Kutch and the more settled parts of Kutch. The landscape is marked by open plains, thorny vegetation, seasonal wetlands and salt-affected terrain. The Indian government has identified Banni as a future cheetah landscape and a conservation-breeding facility is being developed there. It should therefore be regarded as a prospective cheetah destination rather than a place where visitors can currently book a conventional cheetah safari. Winter is the most rewarding period for exploring Kutch, particularly from November to February. The cooler weather also brings large numbers of migratory birds to the region. Banni region is around 350-400 km from Gandhinagar, while Bhuj is the practical base for a wildlife traveller. Rajasthan Shahgarh, in western Rajasthan near the Pakistan border, is another landscape being considered for the future expansion of India's cheetah programme. Its attraction lies in its vast, dry and open desert ecosystem. The terrain is dominated by sandy stretches, sparse vegetation and grassland-like patches, offering a landscape quite different from the wooded country of Kuno. It is important to stress that Shahgarh is a proposed landscape and not an established cheetah tourism reserve. A visit today should therefore be planned as a desert and wildlife landscape experience rather than as a cheetah safari. The best season is from October to March, when daytime temperatures are more manageable. Jaisalmer, rather than Jaipur, is the practical gateway. From Jaipur, Shahgarh is more than 600 km away by road. The traveller's cheetah map India's cheetah conservation programme is deliberately being built around a network of landscapes rather than a single park. Kuno provides the principal base, Gandhi Sagar has become the second operational site, while Nauradehi, Banni and Shahgarh represent the broader expansion strategy. For a wildlife traveller, this distinction matters. Kuno and Gandhi Sagar in Madhya Pradesh are the places most closely associated with India's present cheetah population. The other landscapes offer an opportunity to see how India is rebuilding the open ecosystems that the cheetah needs. For a wildlife enthusiast, the best approach is to travel with patience. A cheetah may appear as a fleeting shape across a grassland, or remain hidden beyond the next ridge. The real reward lies in witnessing the restoration of an entire ecosystem around one of the world's fastest and most elusive cats.
Jain plea to worship at Bharuch mosque: Gujarat HC for ASI view
Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Friday, October 9, sought the Archaeological Survey of Indias (ASIs) response in a set of petitions from members of the Jain community seeking the right to worship and immediate protection of the 19th Jain Tirthankar Lord Mallinaths idol kept in the premises of Bharuchs Jami Masjid. The single bench 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 .
Former New Zealand Test opener Jeet Raval has announced his retirement from all professional cricket, Northern Districts Cricket said on Friday
Gujarat 'Purification Ritual' Case: Husband Forces Assault
In a shocking incident from Gujarat's Surendranagar, a woman was forced by her husband and others to undergo a 'punishment-cum-purification ritual' involving sexual assault by her live-in partner. Police revealed the husband had previously chained her to prevent her from fleeing. Ten people, including the husband and the woman's stepson who uploaded a video of the incident, have been arrested. The accused claimed this was a 'common practice' in their community for eloping women.
Telangana to cancel licences of shops selling synthetic manja
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Oct 9 (IANS) Licences of shops selling prohibited synthetic manja must be cancelled, Telanganas Head of Forest Force, Vinay Kumar, on Friday directed officials. He asked officials to take stringent measures to curb the sale and use of synthetic manja and protect Indian rollers and other wildlife. He was speaking at a review meeting with senior officials of various government departments held at Aranya Bhavan here on Friday to discuss these issues. As synthetic manja is being supplied from other States, particularly Rajasthan and Gujarat, Vinay Kumar instructed officials to intensify surveillance on supplies originating from these States. He directed Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) officials to issue instructions to shop owners not to sell synthetic manja and to take stringent action against those violating the rules. According to an official release, the Head of Forest Force instructed the police to establish special surveillance to prevent the sale of Chinese manja through online platforms. He emphasised the need to identify sales of synthetic manja on e-commerce websites and coordinate with the concerned organisations to curb such sales. He also instructed officials to put up posters at all public places, including bus stations, railway stations, markets and other crowded locations, to create public awareness about the ban on synthetic manja. Vinay Kumar stated that the School Education Department should create awareness among students and their parents about the dangers posed by the use of Chinese manja to human beings and birds. He further instructed officials to advise bus drivers and conductors to inform the Forest Department helpline if they identify the illegal transportation of synthetic manja or the transportation of Indian rollers and other wildlife on buses. During the meeting, it was brought to notice that voluntary organisations had lodged complaints regarding the use of Chinese manja at the Kite Festival organised by the Tourism Department. The Head of Forest Force instructed officials to ensure that synthetic manja was not permitted under any circumstances at this year's festival and that any synthetic manja identified should be confiscated immediately. Vinay Kumar directed officials to take measures to prevent Indian rollers from being kept in cages for display at Durga pandals. He instructed Endowments Department officials to ensure that these directions were implemented at all temples. He emphasised that all departments should work in coordination to protect wildlife. CCFs Priyanka Varghese and Kshitija, CF Prasad, and senior officials from the Police, GHMC, HMDA, School Education, Cinematography, Information and Public Relations, Electricity, Pollution Control Board and Tourism departments, along with officials from other departments, participated in the meeting.
Assam Cabinet adopts 75 resolutions highlighting PM Modis 25 years in public life
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Oct 9 (IANS) The Assam Cabinet on Friday adopted 75 resolutions recognising Prime Minister Narendra Modis contributions to the development of Assam and the Northeast, highlighting improvements in infrastructure, connectivity, industrial investment, healthcare, education and security. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma chaired a special 90-minute cabinet meeting dedicated exclusively to Modis 25 years in public life, beginning with his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and continuing through his years as Prime Minister. Addressing the media after the meeting, Sarma said improvements in security, connectivity and investment had created conditions for Assams economic and social transformation. Peace created the conditions for development, connectivity opened doors to opportunity, industry and investment created new economic possibilities, and healthcare and education strengthened human capabilities, he said. According to the Chief Minister, the resolutions acknowledged changes in the states economic prospects, physical infrastructure, strategic importance and social development during Modis years in public office. Sarma said Assam was increasingly emerging as a peaceful and investment-ready state, positioning itself as a gateway to the Northeast and an important contributor to the national vision of Viksit Bharat. The resolutions highlighted major infrastructure projects, including the Rs 27,000-crore semiconductor assembly and testing facility at Jagiroad, the Rs 28,000-crore expansion of Numaligarh Refinery and the proposed Gohpur-Numaligarh twin-tube road tunnel, estimated to cost Rs 18,662 crore. Other projects cited included the Guwahati Ring Road, Kaziranga elevated corridor and Silchar-Saurashtra high-speed corridor. The cabinet also highlighted the proposed Namrup-IV ammonia-urea complex, the bamboo-based second-generation bioethanol plant at Numaligarh and the 718-km Barauni-Guwahati natural gas pipeline. The Advantage Assam 2.0 investment summit, which attracted investment commitments exceeding Rs 5 lakh crore, also featured in the resolutions. The document credited peace accords involving Bodo, Karbi, Adivasi and United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) groups with helping address longstanding conflicts. It also cited the development of healthcare and educational institutions, including AIIMS Guwahati and IIM Guwahati, along with UNESCO World Heritage recognition for the Charaideo Moidams and Classical Language status for Assamese in 2024. The resolutions further noted Modis 36 visits to Assam since becoming Prime Minister, underscoring the states growing strategic significance under the Centres Act East Policy.
VNSGU Junior Clerk/Typist Recruitment 2026
Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) has released Notification No. GAD/NT/GIA/Emp.Notice/22860/2026 for the post of Junior Clerk/Typist. Eligible candidates can apply online at vnsgu.ac.in till 11 November 2026.
Norwegian Mayor Spotted Exploring India In A 'Tuk-Tuk: Heres Why He Is Doing It
In an Instagram handle, the mayor's companion shared many clips of their India tour. Besides Gujarat, they visited Delhi and Jaisalmer as well.
Gujarat to establish biofertilizer biomanufacturing facilities under new MoU with AAU
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Gujarat Health Minister visits Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, reviews treatment
Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya visited Gandhinagar Civil Hospital to review the health of personnel undergoing dengue treatment. He inquired about their well-being and boosted their morale. He also met with doctors and the hospital Superintendent to review their treatment and provide guidance to ensure the best possible medical care. Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya stated that around 87 personnel from the BSF, CRPF and ITBP, who had arrived from Odisha, Jharkhand, Delhi, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh for the parade, were shifted to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital after reporting fever and other health problems. The personnel have shown significant improvement with intensive treatment and proper medical care. Of the 87 personnel admitted over the past 10 days, 50 have recovered and been discharged, while the remaining 37 are still receiving treatment at Civil Hospital. The Minister added that the condition of all 37 personnel is stable and improving, and none is...
Prozeal Green Energy to handover 100 MW RE project to European IPP in Rs 460-cr deal
Prozeal Green Energy has completed a framework agreement for a solar project in Gujarat. Valued at around Rs 460 crore, this 100-megawatt project awaits essential approvals before activation. Anticipated to launch by 2027, it is set to tackle the growing energy needs as Prozeal Green Energy emphasises its dedication to renewable energy innovations in the commercial industry.
Gujarat: 7 workers killed, over 20 injured in truck-pickup collision in Kutch
The accident occurred around 4 a.m. when the two vehicles, travelling in opposite directions, collided. The impact left the pickup badly mangled, trapping seven workers inside the wreckage. The seven trapped workers were extricated with the help of a crane, but all died in the accident
Kandla Forum 2026 Unites Global Hydrogen and Maritime Leaders to Drive Green Projects
Global hydrogen and maritime leaders gather at DPA, Kandla, to turn green ambitions into projects. Kandla (Gujarat) [India], October 8: Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla hosted the Kandla Forum 2026
Sting operation: Karnataka CMs warning to ministers raises questions over credibility, claims BJP
Digital Desk | Vijayapura (Karnataka), Oct 9 (IANS) Karnataka BJP President and MLA, B.Y. Vijayendra, on Friday criticised the state government, saying reports that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had warned his Cabinet colleagues to be cautious as BJP leaders might try to trap them, raised serious questions about the governments credibility. B.Y. Vijayendra alleged that corruption charges against the state government had increased and accused it of attempting to divert public attention from its administrative failures by targeting BJP workers through FIRs and other intimidation tactics. Speaking to reporters in Vijayapura, Vijayendra alleged that the government had neglected farmers, the poor, youth and women while failing to deliver development. At a time when farmers were struggling with drought and the states financial condition was deteriorating, the government was resorting to intimidation to silence the Opposition, Vijayendra alleged. If the government is genuinely concerned about corruption, it should allow an impartial investigation. Allegations of corruption cannot be made to disappear by accusing the Opposition or registering cases against party workers, he said, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in governance. Vijayendra said the BJP was organising the 'Seva Sankalpa Abhiyan' across the country and Karnataka from September 17 to October 17 to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modis 25 years in public life. As part of the campaign, sanitation workers were felicitated in Vijayapura, he said. He said that Modi had been engaged in public service since becoming Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 and Prime Minister in 2014, and was working towards the countrys overall development for a third consecutive term. He recalled that the BJP had organised the Ballari Chalo padayatra from Lingasugur to Ballari to highlight farmers distress and demand relief of Rs 50,000 per hectare, a farm loan waiver of up to Rs 5 lakh and eight hours of three-phase electricity supply daily for agricultural activities. However, the government had failed to respond adequately to farmers problems, he alleged. Even the Rs 2,500 compensation announced for affected farming families had not been distributed properly, Vijayendra alleged. Criticising Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Vijayendra said that expressing concern for farmers was not enough and that the government should demonstrate the same interest in resolving agricultural distress as it did in setting up townships. Citing Maharashtra as an example, Vijayendra demanded a farm loan waiver in Karnataka. He also sought the release of pending incentives for milk producers announced during former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappas tenure and an additional incentive of Rs 5 per litre for at least five months until the drought situation improved. Farmers were facing crop losses, mounting debt and water shortages, while reports of suicides among distressed farmers were a matter of concern, he said.
Seven killed as truck collides with workers vehicle in Kutch
Digital Desk | Kutch, Oct 9 (IANS) At least seven workers were killed and more than 20 others injured after a truck collided head-on with a pickup carrying workers inside the Renewable Energy (RE) Park near Khavda in Gujarats Kutch district in the early hours of Friday, police said. The accident occurred around 4 a.m. when the two vehicles, travelling in opposite directions, collided. The impact left the pickup badly mangled, trapping seven workers inside the wreckage. A truck and a pickup truck travelling in opposite directions collided. The impact left the pickup truck mangled. All the victims were occupants of the Bolero Camper, an official said. The seven trapped workers were extricated with the help of a crane, but all died in the accident. More than 20 injured workers were taken to a hospital by ambulance for treatment. Preliminary reports indicated that the pickup truck was carrying more than 20 workers at the time of the collision. However, the exact number of occupants and the identities of those killed were not immediately available in the police account. Officials said the bodies were being transported from Khavda to Bhuj for post-mortem examinations. Police have launched an investigation to establish the circumstances leading to the collision and are examining whether negligence contributed to the accident. The precise cause of the crash and whether any safety violations were involved remain under investigation. The accident occurred within the Khavda renewable energy development area, where large-scale clean-energy projects are being developed across the arid region of Kutch. The construction activity has brought a substantial workforce and supporting infrastructure to the area. Investigators are expected to establish how the two vehicles collided and whether any lapses contributed to the deaths and injuries. Further details, including the identities of the deceased and the condition of those injured, were not immediately available. Police have not yet disclosed whether any case has been registered against the drivers or whether any arrests have been made in connection with the accident.
Centre Likely to Finalise Critical Minerals Stockpiling Policy in a Month
The government is also working on four dedicated critical minerals processing parks across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to fast-track value addition for key battery materials
Seven killed, 20 injured in truck-pickup collision in Gujarats Kutch
The accident occurred between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. inside the Renewable Energy Park near Khavda.
Promised share trading returns, cheated Gujarat man of Rs 27 lakh; two held
Digital Desk | Surat, Oct 9 (IANS) Two men have been arrested in Ahmedabad for allegedly facilitating a cyber fraud in which a Surat-based complainant was cheated of Rs 27 lakh on the pretext of earning high returns through share trading, with police finding that a bank account allegedly used in the fraud was linked to 14 complaints of online cheating involving Rs 8.93 crore across different states. The arrests were made by the Cyber Crime Cell of Surat City Police following a technical investigation into the case, registered under Sections 318(4), 336(2), 338, 336(3), 340(2), 61(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Amendment Act, 2008. According to the police, the accused contacted the complainant through WhatsApp and sent a link to a fake website, where an account was created for him. They allegedly promised attractive returns from share trading and persuaded him to transfer a total of Rs 27 lakh to different bank accounts. The complainant was subsequently prevented from withdrawing the money, police said. The arrested men have been identified as Sameerkhan Pathan, 30, and Mohammad Sheikh, 31, both residents of Jamalpur area in Ahmedabad. Pathan works as a casual labourer and studied up to Class 10, while Sheikh is also a casual labourer and holds a B.Com degree. Police said Pathan allegedly handed over a savings account in his name with the Bank of Maharashtra to Sheikh in exchange for a commission of Rs 8,000. Sheikh allegedly passed the account to an absconding accused for use in cyber fraud, receiving a commission of Rs 15,000. Investigators found that transactions totalling Rs 30,09,057 were carried out through the bank account between May 3 and June 7, 2025. A check of the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal using the account details revealed 14 complaints registered in different states, involving alleged online fraud of Rs 8,93,80,922, police said. Police have urged people to exercise caution when approached with online investment schemes promising high returns and to verify the credentials of unknown individuals before transferring money. Victims of financial cyber fraud have been advised to call the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, immediately to improve the chances of funds being frozen in the relevant bank accounts.
With Navaratri around the corner, preparations are in full swing across the country, especially in Gujarat. Youngsters are gearing up to immerse themselves in the festivities, from vibrant Garba nights to grand melas. And when it comes to celebrating the festival, their creativity knows no bounds. From eye-catching outfits and makeup to elaborate decorations, everyone is looking for ways to stand out. In Ahmedabad, youngsters are taking this enthusiasm a step further with unique ideas that are sure to grab attention. Adding a distinctive twist to their festive look, several youngsters in Ahmedabad are opting for temporary tattoos honouring Captain Smit Machhar, who fought off a savage attack by his copilot and helped prevent an apparent hijack of a Flydubai plane heading to Israel. A few also stepped out to get tattoos inspired by the theme of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2030, which is scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, down South, in Tamil Nadu
Diversity, by itself, does not produce unity. A society may contain many languages, religions, customs and communities without granting them equal dignity or a meaningful place in common public life. Diversity becomes pluralism only when difference is accepted as legitimate, when communities encounter one another without seeking to erase one another, and when citizens recognise that their distinct identities can coexist within a shared national framework. That transformation requires more than cultural tolerance. It requires fraternitythe civic willingness to regard those who are different as fellow members of the same political community. And fraternity requires constitutionalism: the discipline that places every citizen, community and government under the authority of equal rights, lawful institutions and accountable public power. Indias diversity is visible everywherein its languages, religions, philosophies, customs, cuisines, dress, literature, music and regional traditions. But beneath this extraordinary variety lies a long, though uneven, history of accommodating difference. The Indian achievement is not that conflict or exclusion disappeared. It is that the subcontinent repeatedly generated cultural practices, intellectual traditions and political arrangements through which difference could be negotiated rather than permanently converted into separation. That is the foundation on which Indian pluralism must be understood. Diversity is a fact. Pluralism is a philosophy. Fraternity is its civic ethic. Constitutionalism is the rule that makes it durable. A diverse society may simply contain many communities. A plural society develops the ethical and institutional capacity to allow those communities to coexist with dignity, engage with one another and contribute to a common public life. Indias achievement has often been to turn diversity into a civilisational resource, although this achievement has never been complete or free from conflict. For thousands of years, the subcontinent has been a site of intellectual disagreement. Its philosophical traditions did not develop around a single universally authorised doctrine. Vedic and Upanishadic texts explored questions about existence, the self and ultimate reality. Buddhism and Jainism challenged established assumptions and developed influential alternative traditions. The schools commonly classified as Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya and Mimamsa, among others, developed distinct arguments and often debated one another. The Buddhist emperor Ashoka gave one expression to this principle in his edicts. In the 12th Rock Edict, generally dated to the third century BCE, he urged people not to disparage other sects and argued that honouring ones own tradition should not involve denigrating others. His message was not that all beliefs were identical. It was an appeal for restraint, learning and mutual respect in a religiously diverse society. The edict should be understood as evidence of an imperial ethical and political ideal, not as proof that all communities throughout the subcontinent practised equal tolerance. Yet disagreement itself became part of the intellectual culture. This is a significant feature of many Indian traditions. Truth was not always presented as something that could be exhausted by one formulation. The search for truth could proceed through dialogue, debate, experience and contemplation. The dialogues preserved in some Upanishads, Buddhist and Jain traditions of disputation, and the later debates associated with figures such as Adi Shankaracharya reflect the importance accorded to argument. They do not, however, prove that Indian society was uniformly tolerant or free from hierarchy and exclusion. Intellectual openness and social inequality often coexisted. That intellectual pluralism also found expression in Indias literary and cultural traditions. The Ramayana and Mahabharata travelled across the subcontinent, acquiring regional languages, interpretations and artistic forms. Kambans Tamil Ramavataram, Tulsidass Awadhi Ramcharitmanas and Krittibasis Bengali Ramayana are among the best-known examples of retelling. The many versions found across South and Southeast Asia demonstrate how a shared narrative could be adopted without being reproduced identically. Sanskrit interacted with Tamil, Prakrit, Pali and later with Indias many regional languages. Local traditions absorbed wider civilisational themes while retaining their distinctive character. The result was not cultural uniformity. It was a form of cultural federation. Indias diversity is therefore not merely the consequence of geography. It is also the product of centuries of migration, exchange, adaptation and political change. Kashmir provides a particularly important example. The Valley became a major centre of Sanskrit learning, philosophy, aesthetics and spiritual inquiry. Kashmir Shaivism is associated with thinkers such as Vasugupta, Utpaladeva and Abhinavagupta. Abhinavaguptas writings on aesthetics, including his interpretation of rasa, influenced later Indian thinking about drama and artistic experience. Lal Deds verses have been read across religious boundaries, while the teachings associated with Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, or Nund Rishi, became an important part of Kashmirs spiritual heritage. The term Kashmiriyat is often used to describe an ideal of shared Kashmiri belonging across religious communities. Its meaning and historical application are debated, and the regions history includes periods of coexistence as well as conflict, displacement and political violence. Nevertheless, the ideal reflects an aspiration toward a common civic and cultural identity. It should not be presented as an uncontested description of all periods of Kashmiri history. The larger lesson is important. Civilisations can become richer when communities do not merely coexist but encounter one another. Indian pluralism has also been shaped by communities that arrived from outside the subcontinent. Jewish communities established settlements in places including Kerala and Maharashtra, preserving their religious traditions while participating in local society. The Bene Israel community in the Konkan region and the Cochin Jews in Kerala are examples of communities that made India their home over many centuries. Parsis, members of the Zoroastrian faith, migrated to western India from Iran over successive periods, particularly after the Arab conquest of Persia, although the precise chronology and scale of these migrations are matters of historical study. A well-known Parsi tradition recounts that a local ruler symbolised the limits of his kingdom with a vessel filled with milk, and that the Parsi leader responded by adding sugar to it, suggesting that the newcomers would blend into society while enriching it. The story is best treated as cultural memory rather than independently verified history. It nevertheless captures an important element of Parsi self-understanding. Parsis later made major contributions to Indias industrial, philanthropic and public life. The Tata family helped build important enterprises and supported scientific, educational and cultural institutions. Parsi figures such as Dadabhai Naoroji, the first Asian elected to the British House of Commons, played a significant role in public life and the freedom movement. Their history shows how a small community can preserve its identity while contributing substantially to a wider national project. Christianity also has a long history in India. The Saint Thomas Christian tradition in Kerala traces its origins to the early centuries of the Common Era, although the precise historical details of its earliest beginnings remain debated. Christian communities and institutions have contributed significantly to education, healthcare, printing and social reform. Institutions such as St. Xaviers College in Mumbai and Christian Medical College in Vellore are prominent examples, alongside numerous schools, hospitals and charitable organisations serving people of many faiths. Indias Muslim communities have likewise shaped the countrys shared identity in countless ways. Urdu poetry, Hindustani music, qawwali, architecture, cuisine, crafts and scholarship are not external additions to Indian culture; they are part of its living inheritance. Bhakti and Sufi traditions sometimes created spaces of spiritual exchange, although the relationship between them varied across regions and periods. Figures such as Kabir, Guru Nanak, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Amir Khusrau are remembered across community boundaries, even though their historical contexts and religious affiliations should not be collapsed into a single syncretic narrative. The cultural histories of Bengal, Punjab, the Deccan and Kashmir show how interaction produced new forms of language, music and devotion. The Indian experience demonstrates that national identity need not require cultural erasure. One can preserve ones language and still be Indian. One can practise ones faith and still be fully committed to the Republic. One can celebrate ones regional heritage while embracing a larger national identity. This layered belonging is not a weakness. It is one of Indias greatest strengths. The Constitution gave this aspiration a modern democratic and legal framework. It did not simply codify an uninterrupted ancient tradition; it also responded to colonial rule, social inequality, Partition and the demands of a modern republic. The Preamble commits the Republic to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. Fundamental Rights protect equality and several forms of individual and collective freedom. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. Article 15 prohibits discrimination by the State on specified grounds, including religion, race, caste, sex and place of birth, subject to constitutionally permitted affirmative-action provisions. Article 16 guarantees equality of opportunity in public employment, again subject to specified exceptions and reservations. Article 17 abolishes untouchability and makes its practice an offence. Article 25 protects freedom of conscience and the freedom to profess, practise and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, health and the other provisions of Part III. Articles 29 and 30 protect certain cultural and educational rights, including the rights of sections of citizens with a distinct language, script or culture to conserve it, and the rights of religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice, subject to constitutional interpretation and regulation in the public interest. These provisions are not abstract declarations. They have shaped public life, although their implementation has been uneven and contested. In Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, decided in 1973, the Supreme Court held that Parliaments power to amend the Constitution does not extend to destroying its basic structure. The judgment did not provide a single exhaustive list of basic-structure features, but later decisions have treated principles such as constitutional supremacy, judicial review, democracy and secularism as part of that doctrine. In S.R. Bommai v. Union of India, decided in 1994, the Supreme Court treated secularism as a basic feature of the Constitution and held that the exercise of Article 356 is subject to judicial review. The judgment also addressed the constitutional limits on the use of state power in circumstances involving partisan or communal politics. Its precise holdings should not be reduced to a general judicial prohibition on all political appeals based on religion, but it remains a major authority on secularism, federalism and constitutional accountability. In cases concerning minority educational institutions, including T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka and subsequent decisions, the Court has examined the scope of minority rights, the meaning of minority, and the extent to which educational autonomy may be regulated to maintain academic standards and prevent maladministration. The law in this area is detailed and continues to evolve. The constitutional framework has also enabled affirmative action for historically disadvantaged communities. Reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were provided from the beginning of the constitutional order, while reservations for Other Backward Classes in central educational institutions and public employment followed later constitutional, legislative and judicial developments. These measures seek to advance substantive equality, although their design, scope and effects remain subjects of public debate. The Constitutions Fifth and Sixth Schedules provide different forms of protection and autonomy for Scheduled Areas and tribal communities. The Sixth Schedule establishes autonomous district and regional councils in specified areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. These arrangements do not amount to unrestricted self-government, but they recognise that national unity can accommodate differentiated forms of local governance and cultural protection. These constitutional guarantees should not be misunderstood as instruments of fragmentation. They are among the means through which a diverse nation can preserve unity without demanding uniformity. But constitutionalism is the rule that gives pluralism its durable form. It means that no community, majority or minority, stands above the Constitution; that public power must be exercised within legal limits; that rights cannot depend solely on the goodwill of those who govern; and that institutions must protect citizens against arbitrary authority. Constitutionalism converts the moral aspiration of coexistence into an enforceable discipline of government. Without it, pluralism may remain a cultural ideal, vulnerable to the changing preferences of rulers and majorities. With it, diversity can become a foundation for equal citizenship, accountable power and democratic unity. The constitutional idea of India is therefore neither majoritarianism nor competitive communalism. It is equal citizenship under a constitutional order. This distinction is increasingly important. A democracy cannot survive merely by counting numbers. It must also protect the dignity and rights of those who are numerically smaller. The majority has the right to govern through constitutional procedures; it does not have the right to diminish the equal citizenship of others or to disregard constitutional limits. Indias public life offers many reminders of this principle. Citizens from minority communities have served as Presidents, Vice-Presidents, judges, ministers, diplomats, scientists, artists and military leaders. Dr. Zakir Husain and Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed served as Presidents of India. Justice M. Hidayatullah served as Chief Justice of India and later as Vice-President. Sikh, Christian, Parsi, Buddhist, Jain and Muslim citizens have held high constitutional and public offices and contributed to institutions across the country. These examples do not prove that discrimination has disappeared, nor do they by themselves establish equal social or economic outcomes. They do demonstrate that the constitutional imagination of India is larger than any single religious or cultural identity. That is why fraternity is such a profound constitutional value. Equality tells us that every citizen possesses equal civic worth. Liberty protects individual freedom. Fraternity asks citizens to recognise one another as members of a common national community. The Preamble links fraternity with the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation. Fraternity does not demand sameness. It demands solidarity despite difference. The freedom movement offered several examples of this solidarity, though it was never free of internal conflict or exclusion. Mahatma Gandhis campaigns drew participation from Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis and people of many regional and linguistic backgrounds. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad argued that Indian nationalism could not be reduced to religious identity. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan linked non-violent resistance with an Islamic ethical tradition. The Indian National Army brought together soldiers from different regions and communities under a common political objective, although its composition, political significance and historical legacy require careful study. The national movement contained competing visions, but one of its most influential strands was unmistakably plural. This is where Indias civilisational inheritance can speak powerfully to its constitutional future. Indias diversity, however, should not be romanticised. Pluralism is not automatic. Differences can become sources of mistrust, prejudice and conflict. Caste discrimination, communal tensions, linguistic antagonisms and regional rivalries have all tested Indias social fabric. The Partition of 1947 was accompanied by mass killings, abductions and the displacement of millions, although estimates of the death toll vary widely. The anti-Sikh violence of 1984, the communal violence in Gujarat in 2002, the violence against Christians in Kandhamal in 2008 and recurring violence in different parts of the country show that constitutional ideals require constant defence. The causes, legal findings and historical interpretations of these episodes differ, and each requires careful sourcing rather than rhetorical equivalence. The answer is not to deny these realities. It is to strengthen the institutions and civic culture capable of addressing them. Indias linguistic reorganisation after independence offers an instructive example. Many leaders feared that creating states on linguistic lines would encourage separatism. The States Reorganisation Act of 1956, together with subsequent legislation, reorganised much of the countrys internal boundaries and helped accommodate linguistic aspirations within the Union. Andhra State had already been created in 1953, and later changes created or reshaped states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Kerala. The process was neither simple nor uniformly peaceful, but it demonstrated that recognition of linguistic identity could, under appropriate constitutional conditions, strengthen rather than weaken the Union. The same principle can be seen in the constitutional accommodation of tribal and regional identities. The Sixth Schedule provides autonomous district and regional councils in specified parts of the Northeast, with powers that include aspects of local administration and, subject to constitutional limits, customary law and cultural affairs. The Eighth Schedule currently lists 22 languages. Its inclusion does not confer exclusive official status at the Union level, nor does it exhaust Indias linguistic diversity. Article 350A directs states and local authorities to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage for children belonging to linguistic minority groups, while Article 350B provides for a Special Officer for linguistic minorities. Pluralism requires equal protection of law. It requires political restraint. It requires an independent judiciary, responsible public discourse, effective democratic institutions and an education system that teaches citizens to understand Indias diversity rather than fear it. It also requires political leaders to recognise that social divisions can be easy to exploit but difficult to repair. A nation of Indias scale cannot afford a politics permanently organised around the manufacture of the other. Indias civilisational genius is not that it has always expanded the boundaries of belonging. Rather, its history contains both expansion and exclusion. Its enduring promise lies in the capacity of its people and institutions to widen belonging and correct injustice. This is why Indias national identity should not be understood as a narrow cultural template. It is better understood as a constitutional and civilisational framework capable of accommodating multiple traditions, provided that all citizens remain equal before the law. The idea of Bharat has evolved through successive political and cultural formations. It has shown continuity, but that continuity should not be treated as unbroken or uniform. There is another dimension to this inheritance that deserves attention. Indian society has repeatedly absorbed external influences without becoming culturally indistinguishable from them. Persian, Central Asian, European and other influences entered Indian life in different periods. They changed Indian society, but Indian communities also adapted and transformed what they received. The Mughal period, for example, produced new forms of architecture, painting, administration, literature and cuisine through interaction among Persianate, Central Asian and Indian traditions. The Taj Mahal, the miniature-painting traditions associated with Mughal and Rajput courts, the development of Urdu and the evolution of Hindustani music all reflect complex cultural exchange rather than one-way influence. In the Deccan, Persian, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada and local Islamic traditions interacted in distinctive ways. Under colonial rule, universities, print culture, railways and legal institutions were introduced or expanded within an imperial framework and were subsequently appropriated, contested and reshaped by Indian actors. This is not cultural weakness. It can be a form of cultural confidence. A confident civilisation does not necessarily fear exchange. A contemporary example is Indias scientific and technological life. The Indian Space Research Organisation has conducted significant missions, including Chandrayaan and the Mars Orbiter Mission, and India is among the relatively small number of countries to have demonstrated substantial space-launch and planetary-mission capabilities. It is not possible to attribute these achievements to any single cultural group; they reflect the work of institutions drawing talent from across the country. Indias digital public infrastructure, including Aadhaar and the Unified Payments Interface, has also enabled large-scale participation in common national systems. These systems have expanded access in important ways, but they have also raised legitimate questions concerning privacy, exclusion, cybersecurity, regulation and accountability. Their existence therefore demonstrates institutional scale and integration, not an unqualified success. Indias cultural pluralism is also visible in its public celebrations. Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Gurpurab, Buddha Purnima, Mahavir Jayanti, Onam, Bihu, Pongal, Navratri and many other festivals are observed in different parts of the country, often with participation beyond the communities most closely associated with them. This does not mean that every festival is experienced identically or that social tensions disappear. It does show that Indian public culture has repeatedly created shared spaces around distinct traditions. The India of the 21st century needs precisely this confidence. As Bharat becomes an important economic power, a significant technological actor and an increasingly influential voice in world affairs, its greatest asset will not be its ability to project power alone. Its deeper strength will be its capacity to hold together an extraordinarily diverse population within a democratic constitutional framework. The world is becoming more interconnected, but it is also becoming more anxious about identity. Societies across continents are struggling with migration, religious difference, ethnicity, language and nationalism. India has something valuable to contribute to this global conversation. Its message should not be that differences do not matter. They do. The message should be that differences need not become divisions. The challenge before Bharat is therefore to modernise without homogenising, to strengthen national identity without narrowing it, and to pursue development without sacrificing social trust. This requires a renewed emphasis on fraternity. Economic prosperity cannot by itself create national cohesion. Infrastructure can connect cities; technology can connect people; markets can connect economies. But only mutual respect, equal citizenship and the credible rule of law can create a durable sense of belonging. The young generation must therefore inherit not only Indias achievements but also its civilisational confidence. They must learn that being Indian does not require them to surrender their linguistic, regional, religious or cultural identities. It requires them to place those identities within a larger constitutional and national framework, while respecting the equal rights of others. Indias unity should consequently be understood not as the disappearance of differences but as their coexistence within a shared constitutional order. That is perhaps one of the most distinctive ideas India can offer the modern world. The genius of Bharat is that unity can be spacious enough to accommodate plurality. Its civilisational strength lies not in having produced one way of being Indian, but in having made room for manywhile continuing to struggle over the boundaries of that belonging. The task of our generation is to preserve and deepen this inheritance while adapting it to the demands of a modern constitutional democracy. We should neither romanticise the past nor apologise for our diversity. We should build upon it. A Bharat that guarantees equal citizenship, protects freedom of conscience, encourages dialogue and celebrates its many cultural traditions will be strongernot weakerfor its diversity. For ultimately, diversity becomes pluralism only when difference is treated as legitimate, fraternity turns strangers into fellow citizens, and constitutionalism ensures that this fellowship is protected by rights, institutions and the rule of law. That is the genius Bharat must preserve and deepen: not diversity alone, but the continuing work of converting diversity into pluralism, pluralism into fraternity, and fraternity into constitutional national unity. That is not merely Indias inheritance. It can be Indias gift to the world. Author is a public intellectual and a noted Senior Advocate of Supreme Court of India.
Gujarats Vision for 2047: CM Bhupendra Patel Launches Infrastructure Retreat
CM Bhupendra Patel emphasizes quality infrastructure at a retreat aimed at developing Gujarat into a model state by 2047. Gujarats Vision for 2047: CM Bhupendra Patel Launches Infrastructure Retreat
Gujarat Polling Staff to Remain on Duty Until Election Materials Are Submitted
Gujarats State Election Commission confirms polling staff will remain on duty until election materials are returned, even if it takes until the next day. Gujarat Polling Staff to Remain on Duty Until Election Materials Are Submitted
Shooter among 6 held in Gujarat for Mad Sandhus murder
Gujarats women face rising obesity burden, 4 districts see sharp jump
NFHS-6 Reveals Highest 68% Rise Among Surat Women
Patidar trusts panel set to begin mediation
Samadhan Panch To Focus On Family And Marital Disputes
Surat traders ransom trail ends on highway, 3 held
36-year-old held for child rape, attempts suicide
Porbandar man held for laundering cyberfraud proceeds
A cool twist to Navratri: Garba moves into AC domes
City sees early Diwali exodus, textile workers head home
SOG seizes MD worth 56k, arrests man
Andhra CM Naidu meets PM Modi, raises key development issues of state
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and raised several key issues concerning the development of the state. Naidu also briefed the prime minister on the major development projects in Andhra Pradesh, its economic situation, and issues relating to agriculture and irrigation. Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Chandrababu Naidu, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the prime minister's office posted on X. Congratulating Modi on completing 25 years as head of government, Naidu praised him for the rare achievement of serving the nation and lauded his inspirational leadership as both chief minister of Gujarat and the prime minister, an Andhra Pradesh government statement said. On irrigation, Naidu discussed the latest status of the Polavaram project and detailed the benefits of linking the Godavari and Cauvery rivers. He said the Godavari-Cauvery river-linking project would ensure adequate water availability to the southern stat
Arnav Bugga Stars As Delhi U19 Pull Off Thrilling Chase Against Gujarat In Vinoo Mankad Trophy
The Delhi U19 Men: The Delhi U19 Men's Cricket Team started off their Vinoo Mankad Trophy 2026 campaign in style with a win against Gujarat in their opening encounter. The team delivered a masterclass, completing a spectacular and hard-fought victory against the Gujarat U-19 Men's Cricket Team. In what ended up being a high-scoring thriller, Delhi successfully chased down a massive target, reaching 341/7 in 49.5 overs. Batting first, Gujarat set a daunting total, finishing their innings at 338/6. Despite the challenging conditions for the fielding side, Delhi's bowling attack found a standout performer in Varun Vanjani, who delivered a disciplined spell, taking two wickets for 36 runs in 10 overs. Chasing a stiff target, the Delhi lineup responded with a fantastic team effort. The fighting chase was anchored by a phenomenal innings from Arnav Bugga, who dismantled the opposition bowling to top-score with 139 runs. He found exceptional support at the other end from Aaryan Sharma, who played a crucial supporting role with a brilliant 77-run knock. Aryavir Sehwag also contributed vital runs to the chase, with a half-century to keep Delhi firmly in the hunt, the DDCA informed in a release on Thursday. Speaking after Delhi U19's win, Rohan Jaitley, President of the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), said: This outstanding victory by our U-19 team is a moment of great pride for DDCA. Chasing such a big total reflects not just talent, but the robust youth development system we have built. The composure shown by Arnav, Aaryan and Aryavir under pressure is a testament to our grassroots programmes and reaffirms our mission to nurture the next generation of Delhi cricketers. Aryavir Sehwag also contributed vital runs to the chase, with a half-century to keep Delhi firmly in the hunt, the DDCA informed in a release on Thursday. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Gujarat: Sabarmati station redevelopment nears completion
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 8 (IANS) The redevelopment of Sabarmati Railway Station has reached an advanced stage, with around 85 per cent of the Rs 335-crore project completed, as the station is being developed as a multimodal transport hub with links to the metro and the high-speed rail station. The redevelopment by Western Railway is aimed at upgrading passenger facilities, improving movement and accessibility, introducing smart-building systems and creating infrastructure to handle the growing passenger footfall at the station. The redeveloped station will have an integrated smart-building system comprising Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Building Management System (BMS), along with integrated CCTV surveillance, public address systems, access control, IT networking and a Passenger Information System. The latter will provide real-time information on train timings, arrivals, departures and other passenger-related information. The project includes 28 lifts and 28 escalators. The lifts will have Braille facilities, guide and warning tiles, and directional signage. Disability-friendly ticket counters, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and drinking water facilities will also be provided. Separate arrival and departure zones are being developed at the station, along with dedicated parking facilities for two-wheelers, cars, autos and buses and EV charging facilities. The passenger concourse will include waiting areas, toilets, baby-care rooms for women and children, commercial facilities and cafeterias. Connectivity between platforms and the concourse will be provided through lifts, stairs and escalators. Three foot-over-bridges (FOBs) are being provided at Sabarmati BG station and three at Sabarmati (SBT) station. The redevelopment includes seven platforms at Sabarmati BG and three at Sabarmati (SBT). Platforms will have through-roof covering, while skylights have been proposed to make better use of natural light. Currently, 19 trains originate from Sabarmati Railway Station, and 22 trains pass through it, with more than 35,000 passengers using the station every day. The roof of Sabarmati (SBI) station is around 20 metres high, while the station premises from the Ahmedabad-side FOB to the Delhi-side FOB cover more than 3.2 million square feet. A two-storey holding area spread across around 86,000 square feet is also being developed, with each floor covering approximately 43,000 square feet. It will have the capacity to accommodate 10,000 passengers and is intended to help manage crowds during periods of heavy passenger movement, including festivals such as Holi, Diwali and Chhath Puja and travel towards religious destinations. The holding area will have seating, drinking water, refreshment centres and separate toilets for men, women and persons with disabilities. A Rapido Travellers Lounge has also been established at the station, offering a dedicated passenger lounge, connectivity with almost zero waiting time and on-ground assistance. The project also incorporates environmental measures, with the station planned as an IGBC Gold-rated green building. A 1,300-kilowatt solar power plant has been proposed on the station premises. A key component of the redevelopment is its planned connectivity with Sabarmati Metro, AEC Metro and the high-speed rail station, enabling interchange between different modes of transport. Several works have entered the final stage. The east wing of the main station building is largely complete, with UTS, PRS and ticket counters already operational. The waiting area has also been shifted to the east wing, while its lifts and escalators are operational.
The Gym Jihad controversy has erupted in Gujarat after police arrested a gym owner in Surendranagar following a raid that reportedly uncovered more than 1,300 photographs and videos involving women. The seizure has raised disturbing questions about privacy, surveillance and the alleged misuse of personal images, while investigators work to determine how the material was [] The post Gym Jihad Shock in Gujarat appeared first on Tfipost.com .
QR Code Key To Arrest In Mad Sandhu Murder Case
Punjab Police, in a joint operation with Gujarat Police, arrested Parminder alias Kaka, the main shooter in the murder of social media influencer Mad Sandhu, after tracking him via a QR code. Five other individuals, including the shooter's brother, were also apprehended. The murder, which occurred on October 3, was claimed by foreign-based gangster Goldy Dhillon.
Polling duty to continue till election material is handed over: Gujarat SEC
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 8 (IANS) Polling personnel deployed for the upcoming local body elections in Gujarat will continue to be considered on election duty until they complete the process of returning election material, even if this extends into the day after polling, the State Election Commission (SEC) clarified on Thursday. The clarification comes ahead of polling for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation, Okha and Thara municipalities and by-elections to seven vacant seats in various local bodies, scheduled for October 11. Counting of votes will take place on October 13. The election programme provides for scrutiny of nominations on September 28 and withdrawal of candidature on September 29, with the election process scheduled to conclude on October 15. The SEC said polling personnel generally complete voting on election day and then proceed to receiving centres to return polling material. Depending on the location of the polling station and the distance to the receiving centre, the process may continue until late at night or into the early hours of the following day. Taking this into account, the commission has decided that personnel who are unable to report to their original offices on the day after polling because their presence is still required for election-related work will have that day treated as a day of election duty. Work from completion of polling until handing over of election material will be considered election duty, the commission said in its clarification. Such personnel will not be required to report to their original offices on the following day. Instead, they will remain engaged in completing their election duty and formally handing over the polling material at the designated receiving centre. The upcoming elections include the 44 seats across 11 wards of the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation. The SEC has said more than 2,000 personnel will be involved in the election process for the GMC polls, while voting across the three local bodies will be conducted using electronic voting machines. The clarification is aimed at addressing the duty status of polling staff whose election-related responsibilities extend beyond the scheduled polling day, particularly where the return and submission of election material takes them into the following day.
Unintentional errors can be rectified; deliberate mistakes wont be tolerated: Gujarat CM
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 8 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday said deliberate mistakes in road and infrastructure works would not be tolerated, while calling for strict adherence to tender procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain quality. Patel was speaking at the inauguration of the first two-day Chintan Shibir of the state Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department in Gandhinagar, organised around the theme Gati-Gunvatta-Gaurav Accelerating Infrastructure for Viksit Gujarat 2047. Unintentional errors can be rectified, but deliberate mistakes will not be tolerated, the Chief Minister said, stressing that there should be no compromise on the quality of work. He called for particular attention to the tender process, adherence to SOPs and timely completion of projects through collective efforts. The Chief Minister said the R&B Department was a key department of the state government as its work on roads, bridges and other infrastructure directly benefits citizens. He noted that people were quick to raise concerns when shortcomings were found in such works, making it important for the department to ensure that the best possible work was delivered. Referring to the tradition of Chintan Shibirs initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2003, Patel said: Coming together is the beginning, thinking together is progress, and working together is success. The continued Chintan Shibir process is aligned with the spirit of Main Nahin, Hum and the goal of Swayam thi Vyam. Patel also urged officials to use the exercise for self-reflection and said deliberation could bring positive changes in personal life as well as in official functioning. He expressed his resolve to keep Gujarat at the forefront of efforts towards the Prime Ministers vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. He urged officials to work towards Viksit Gujarat for Viksit Bharat through sustainable development. At the inaugural session, the Chief Minister released publications on Building Health Monitoring and Bridge Asset Management and felicitated engineers and officials for outstanding performance based on the Governance Performance Index (GPI). The R&B Department maintains and repairs a road network of 1.29 lakh km, more than 11,000 bridges and government buildings across villages and cities. Under the 'Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana', it covers more than 18,000 villages and 14,000 hamlets. Chief Secretary M K Das described the department as a key driver of Gujarats development and said it also played an important role during disasters and emergencies. Referring to the historical and mythological significance of roads and bridges, he cited Maharaja Prithu, described in the Shrimad Bhagavata Purana as the first to build level roads, the Ram Setu mentioned in the Ramayana, the Grand Trunk Road built by Sher Shah Suri and roadside amenities as examples of the enduring role of road infrastructure in public service. The departments budget had increased from Rs 12,000 crore to Rs 30,000 crore in a short period. Achieving the 'Viksit Gujarat @ 2047' goal and a USD 3.5 trillion economy would require 11 times more construction work over the next 20 years than had been undertaken in previous centuries, he said. He stressed the need for faster, stronger and high-quality roads to meet rising traffic requirements. He called for a from the ground up approach, greater field presence and accountability among contractors. He also urged participants to deliberate openly and prepare a clear Action Plan for 2047. R&B Secretary P R Patelia said the Chintan Shibir is intended to go beyond routine departmental functioning by encouraging self-reflection and exploring innovative ideas and technologies to achieve the goal of Viksit Gujarat @ 2047 Fast, Safe and Sustainable Infrastructure. Measures including the GPI for officials, Performance-Based Rating for contractors and the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) system had been introduced to improve transparency and efficiency. The timeline for tender approvals had also been shortened to speed up implementation, he added.
Ex-Gujarat CM Vaghela says party needs early candidates, stronger grassroot connect
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 8 (IANS) Nearly three decades after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) first came to power in Gujarat, veteran politician and former Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela said on Thursday that the Congress can come to power in the state only if it starts preparing its candidates and reconnecting with voters much ahead of the 2027 state polls. In an interview with IANS, Vaghela, who is in talks with the Congress over a possible return to the party, said the Opposition needed to move beyond last-minute ticket distribution and build a sustained grassroots campaign centred on candidates who were known and trusted by voters. I am saying at least six months should be given to a candidate, Vaghela said, noting that early selection would reduce the scramble for tickets and give prospective candidates time to establish themselves in their Assembly constituencies. His prescription for the Congress is rooted in what he describes as a lack of human touch in public life. A candidate, he said, should regularly meet people, understand their problems and remain present during difficult times rather than appearing only during an election. Public life has a lack of human touch, he said, adding that voters should be able to recall a candidate who stood by them during a medical emergency, helped with a child's education or supported a family in distress. Vaghela's assessment comes as he holds discussions with senior Congress leaders over returning to the party he left in 2017. He has already held talks with Congress state in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala and other state leaders. Gujarat Congress President Amit Chavda subsequently confirmed that discussions with Vaghela were underway. In the IANS interview, Vaghela said the latest discussions were recent and that there was no bitterness in his relationship with the Congress. He also ruled out seeking an organisational post or personal political position if he returned, saying his focus would be the 2027 election and defeating the BJP in Gujarat. My only condition was to replace the BJP government in the state. My present political outfit, the Praja Shakti Democratic Party, would not be brought into an alliance arrangement if the Congress talks materialise. Instead, the party could be merged into the Congress, with a single party and symbol, if an agreement was reached, he confirmed. The proposed return would mark another turn in a political career that has repeatedly crossed party lines. Born in Vasan in Gandhinagar district in 1940, Vaghela began his political career with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and later became a prominent BJP leader. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Kapadvanj in 1977 and subsequently served in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha from Gujarat. Parliament records show that he was elected to the Lok Sabha multiple times and served as Union Textiles Minister from 2004 to 2009. Vaghela broke ranks with the BJP in 1996 and formed the Rashtriya Janata Party. With Congress support, he became Gujarat Chief Minister in October 1996, serving until October 1997. His party subsequently merged with the Congress, beginning another major phase of his political career. He later served as Gujarat Congress President and became Leader of Opposition in the Assembly. He left the Congress in July 2017 after a bitter fallout with the party leadership and subsequently pursued other political formations, including the Jan Vikalp Morcha and the Nationalist Congress Party. His latest political vehicle, the Praja Shakti Democratic Party (PSDP), was formally announced in 2024 after an earlier Praja Shakti initiative. Vaghela had said the party was intended to provide an alternative political platform in Gujarat. Yet, despite having his own party, Vaghela now says that the larger political objective is to defeat the BJP, which has governed Gujarat continuously since 1998. He believes the Congress still has an opportunity if it begins preparing early and develops credible local leadership. He pointed to what he sees as a leadership vacuum created when senior Congress leaders moved to the BJP, saying that the party should identify replacements before vacancies emerge. Workers should be promoted on the basis of trust and sustained work rather than merely being considered when an election approaches, he told IANS. Vaghela also sees a wider political opening ahead of 2027. He said the Congress should focus on taking its organisation back to the grassroots and making voters feel that the party belongs to them. He predicted that, if the Congress maintained its current momentum among workers through the 2027 campaign, the BJP would no longer be in government in the state by the end of the election. I think with full confidence that there will be no BJP government here, he said.
2nd T20: 'Now Much More Mature', Says Kotak As He Backs Kishan To Deliver On Home Turf In Ranchi
T20 World Cup: Having worked closely with Ishan Kishan for a long period, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak appreciated the local lad's growth as a much more mature and tactical match-winner ahead of India's second T20I against West Indies, set to happen at the JSCA Ground in Ranchi on Friday. Originally from Patna, Kishan plays domestic cricket for Jharkhand and is having a dream run in the shortest format leading the run-making charts by amassing 1042 runs in 30 innings and becoming a T20 World Cup winner. As a batting coach, whichever ground Ishan plays in, he considers it his home ground. Actually, when he came back after the World Cup, he has been doing really well for the Indian team in any situation. When he was young, I saw him when I worked in the IPL, where he was in the Gujarat Lions setup. But even then, he used to play aggressively. If anything, I would say that he is much more mature now. So, he plays according to the needs of the team and the situation of the team, and he has been doing really well. So, we just hope that he does well on his home ground, Kotak said in the pre-match press conference. Reiterating India's approach of an unrelenting and high-intensity version of playing the game, Kotak said that the pitch conditions in Ranchi will not impact the team's attacking approach. I think the way we are approaching with the fearless and team-first approach - that's the same way we'll go. No matter, it might be a different wicket also, but in T20s generally we get a good wicket. So, that'll be the same thing; the way we want to approach the T20s, we'll continue. I think it's a good batting wicket. So, it should be a high-scoring pitch. The team has not decided yet. So, I don't know. Chances are for everyone in 15 to be in the 11, he added. On managing the workload and rotation of stars such as Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested from the series, Kotak said that while it does impact results, overall the team's strong bench strength helps to ensure that a balanced squad is maintained at all times to prepare for multiple international events. Obviously, because, see, some games we are not playing, and Bumrah has been given a rest. In some games, some other senior players are also not playing. So, obviously any team in the world will require bench strength, and somewhere and somewhere you have to give them chances. So, sometimes results do suffer, but normally I think we have enough strong bench strength that our results also don't suffer as much, he added. Commenting on the issues raised regarding young pace bowler Mayank Yadav's performance in the first game, where his batting returns were expensive, Kotak felt he will bounce back strongly. See, Mayank also played here after playing in Zimbabwe. Any bowler will feel that it will take certain matches to get rhythm. Obviously, any bowler or bowling coach and team management will think about where they gave runs or where the runs go or in which particular bowls did the runs go and then think of how they can cut off, whether it is length or pace or change of pace. So, that is a non-stop work that is going on, he said. Expanding on the issue of balancing the need for victories with nurturing young talent, Kotak praised the healthy pool of competitive players available for selection across multiple squads. To tell you the truth, when you test players and if you win, then it continues. If you lose, there is a very thin line between keeping that balance. But obviously, we try to do that because of the promising players that we have, the way the BCCI and CoE run, our bench strength; if two or three of our teams go, it looks strong. Expanding on the issue of balancing the need for victories with nurturing young talent, Kotak praised the healthy pool of competitive players available for selection across multiple squads. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Gujarat Cracks Down on Illegal Drug Sales, Revokes Licenses of Four Companies
Gujarats FDCA has permanently revoked licenses of four companies for illegal drug sales, including codeine-based cough syrup and tramadol. Gujarat Cracks Down on Illegal Drug Sales, Revokes Licenses of Four Companies
Tremor hits Maharashtra's Palghar near Gujarat-Dadra and Nagar Haveli border
Gujarat govt plans Rs 100-crore marine biotech corridor in Porbandar
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 8 (IANS) The Gujarat government has proposed a Rs 100-crore investment over five years to establish a Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (M-BRIC) at Mocha village in Porbandar district, bringing marine research, biomanufacturing, startups and coastal livelihood programmes under a single ecosystem. The proposed project, an initiative of the Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) under the Department of Science and Technology, is intended to develop the state's marine biological resources into high-value products and support technology-driven industries along the Gujarat coast. A memorandum of understanding will be signed between GSBTM and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI) for establishing M-BRIC in the presence of Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Cooperation, and Animal Husbandry Minister Jitu Vaghani. Mocha has been identified as the principal hub, with a proposed 30-acre ecosystem comprising research facilities, industrial infrastructure, field demonstration areas, processing facilities, and incubation support. Specialised activities and partnerships could also extend across the Saurashtra region and the wider Gujarat coastline. The proposed corridor will cover the marine biotechnology value chain, from exploration of marine biodiversity and scientific research to technology development, pilot-scale validation, industrial scale-up and commercialisation. The resources being considered include seaweeds, microalgae, marine microorganisms and saline ecosystems. The government plans to explore applications including biofertilisers, biostimulants, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, aquafeed, animal nutrition products, enzymes, biosurfactants, pharmaceutical intermediates and marine-derived biomaterials. Seaweed-derived agar, alginate and carrageenan are also among the substances proposed for value addition. A dedicated seaweed-processing cluster is planned at Mocha with facilities for receiving raw material, washing, pre-processing, extraction, drying, powdering, packaging, storage and quality control. The ecosystem is also expected to include a state-level seaweed brood bank supplying elite planting material of Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria dura. Marine microalgal biofactories are proposed to produce omega-3 fatty acids and other high-value bioactive compounds, while an integrated seaweed biorefinery would focus on phycocolloids, biostimulants and other value-added products. Research facilities are planned for marine bioprospecting, genomics, microbiology, natural products, and biotechnology development. Incubation facilities and pilot-scale bioprocessing and biomanufacturing infrastructure would support startups and entrepreneurs in moving technologies from laboratories towards commercial applications. The proposed ecosystem would also assist with prototype development, technology validation, intellectual property protection, regulatory assessment, licensing, technology transfer and industry partnerships. CSIR-CSMCRI has been identified as a key scientific knowledge partner, with expertise in seaweed biotechnology, marine bioproducts, saline agriculture, halophytes, bioprocessing and technology transfer. Microalgal biorefineries are also proposed at salt-pan facilities associated with CSIR-CSMCRI in Bhavnagar. The project also envisages capacity-building programmes under the Seaweed Mission for coastal youth, seaweed farmers, fishing communities, women-led enterprises, MSMEs, entrepreneurs, students and industry professionals. Training would cover areas such as seaweed cultivation, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, genomics, bioinformatics, marine diagnostics, natural products, bioprocessing, environmental monitoring, entrepreneurship, intellectual property and technology commercialisation. Environmental monitoring, biodiversity assessment and environmental impact assessment are proposed as part of the ecosystem, alongside responsible utilisation of marine genetic resources. The project also envisages research on Blue Carbon and climate-resilient coastal development, including monitoring of seaweed and coastal ecosystems. The corridor is being developed in alignment with Gujarat's biotechnology ecosystem, the BioE3 framework, India's Blue Economy priorities and the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
SEA elects Angshu Mallick as its President
He headed Dhara operations at the National Dairy Development Board and held various responsibilities across sales, marketing, distribution and exports at the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation
Gujarati Oondhiyu: The Forgotten Village-Style Preparations Behind the Famous Dish
Gujarati cuisine is celebrated for its remarkable ability to create complex flavours from seasonal vegetables, grains, pulses, spices, and fresh herbs. Among its most recognizable dishes, Oondhiyu occupies a particularly important place. Often associated with winter, festivals, family gatherings, and the culinary identity of southern Gujarat, Oondhiyu is generally known today as an elaborate mixed-vegetable [] The post Gujarati Oondhiyu: The Forgotten Village-Style Preparations Behind the Famous Dish appeared first on FoodNosher.Com .
Gujarat Gym Operator Held For Blackmailing Women
A gym operator in Surendranagar, Gujarat, has been arrested for allegedly blackmailing and extorting young women by falsely claiming to have their private photos from hidden cameras. Police conducted a decoy operation with female officers joining the gym to gather evidence before his arrest.
