Gujarat

Government Intensifies Crackdown On Spurious Cotton Seed Sellers Amid farmers' Crisis

The fake seeds smuggled from Maharashtra and Gujarat have low germination, poor yields, bollworm vulnerability, and need excessive herbicide use that damages soil and biodiversity.

Gulzar Houz Kite Market Says No to Chinese Manja

Vendors said that the material is largely manufactured in Gujarat and urged the government to crack down on manufacturing units producing it despite the ban. They described the manja as a dangerous product posing serious risks to humans, animals and birds.

Fourth edition of the Womens Premier League begins today: Here's an overview

The Women's Premier League kicks off today, with teams like Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants aiming for their maiden titles. Mumbai Indians retain their winning core, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru and UP Warriorz face challenges with squad balance and key absences. All teams are gearing up for a competitive season.

No road tax on factory, mine machinery: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has ruled that heavy industrial and construction machinery like dumpers and excavators, used within factories and mines, are not motor vehicles and thus exempt from road tax. This decision overturns a 2011 Gujarat High Court judgment, clarifying that vehicles designed for closed premises are outside the Motor Vehicles Act's purview.

Bihar looks to Gujarat for urban development model

In a significant meeting, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha engaged with Gujarat's Urban Development and Housing Development minister to delve into the states urban development triumphs. The dialogue centered around innovative smart city initiatives, robust infrastructure enhancement, and a focus on citizen participation in planning.

WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants Is Better Balanced But Face Selection Dilemmas, Says Anjum Chopra

ODI World Cup: Gujarat Giants (GG) appear more competitive heading into the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL) season, but they need to solve dilemmas around their overseas players and opening combination, said former India captain Anjum Chopra. In last years mega auction, the Ashleigh Gardner-led GG invested heavily in New Zealands veteran all-rounder Sophie Devine at the auction, as well as in acquiring Georgia Wareham, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, and Kim Garth. After finishing at the bottom of the points table in 2023 and 2024, GG put up a much-improved showing by finishing third in the league stage and qualified for the Eliminator in 2025, where they lost to eventual champions Mumbai Indians. Yes. I guess the fact that again, with four international players, whether they can balance out with Sophie Devine - they paid quite a bit for her at the auctions. So, they have to ensure that she finds a place in the playing eleven. If you are not able to utilise those services, because again, for them, who will open with Beth Mooney? They've got options - they can open with Sophie Devine, or Yastika (Bhatia), Anjum Chopra told IANS in an exclusive conversation on the eve of the competition. Australia batter Beth Mooney will be required to be the keeper again, considering Yastika is still recovering from an ACL surgery done after injuring her left knee during last years ODI World Cup preparatory camp in Visakhapatnam. Apart from who they decide to open with, it's also about who they decide to go in the wicket-keeping skills between Mooney and Yastika? So, it's a good, healthy balance. It's also good for the Indian players because it's seven plus four in the playing eleven - so there are seven places up for grabs for an Indian player, added Anjum Chopra. She also stated that the limited spots for Indian players will intensify competition for places in the starting line-up. But there are only a few specialist positions - so, the Indian talent will also start understanding that it's not just about getting to or being picked in the auction. It's also about making sure that you're able to get into the playing eleven and then showcase your skills, said Anjum. With the tournament lasting approximately three and a half weeks, player fitness will be crucial for GGs bowling department to put up a sustained performance. Renuka Singh Thakur has fared nicely since recovering from a back stress fracture, while Kashvee Gautam and Titas Sadhu have successfully returned to action after healing from their respective injuries. Fitness is part and parcel of it. It's about a three and a half weeks tournament. So, at this time, there are ample gaps as well because simultaneously, the men's series against New Zealand is also going to be on. So, I guess the rest or break part is already taken care of, as it's not a very long tournament. I'm sure every player wants to remain fit and counted because after this WPL, there'll probably be a series or two. That also is not for every nation, I guess, before they head out to England to play a T20 World Cup. So, you want to individually also make sure that you're ticking the boxes in the right manner, added Anjum. The WPL will be played for the first time since India's ODI World Cup triumph, with Anjum Chopra expecting increased fan engagement, though the hype and build-up for the tournament have been largely dull. I'm sure every player wants to remain fit and counted because after this WPL, there'll probably be a series or two. That also is not for every nation, I guess, before they head out to England to play a T20 World Cup. So, you want to individually also make sure that you're ticking the boxes in the right manner, added Anjum. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It will be Smriti Mandhana up against Harmanpreet Kaur in the very first match. So, I guess it's exciting times for the women's game, and that's the biggest high. I just hope that it keeps getting better with every passing day. There can be a slight dip as well, but as far as we are moving ahead, we are improving individually and collectively, and I'm sure the excitement around women's cricket being watched will always remain. Article Source: IANS

Ghatkopar girl Rakhi Jadhav of BJP says her campaign is about keeping the conversation going in her Marathi-Gujarati ward

WPL 2026: Mumbai Indians Is The Team To Beat, But Will Face Stiffer Competition From Others, Says Anjum

The Harmanpreet Kaur: Two-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI) remain the team to beat in the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL), but will face stronger challenges this season from other sides, said former India captain Anjum Chopra. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led MI are the reigning WPL champions and have won two of the three editions since the tournament's inception in 2023. Anybody can challenge. It's not that MI can't be challenged. We saw that in season two, also, where they were challenged by RCB and sometimes the Gujarat Giants. But because of the belief that they are a well-oiled unit, they know how to win championships, we always feel, no, no, no, the Mumbai Indians is the team to beat. It's like whether in the IPL or WPL, they are a team to beat, and that is actually a fact as well. But it should be a keenly contested one because now it's not just the foreign players who are doing well. It's also the Indian talent who has started doing well. They've just won a World Cup, Anjum Chopra told IANS in an exclusive conversation on the eve of the competitions commencement. MI have key uncapped Indian players in G. Kamalini (retained), as well as Sanskriti Gupta, and Sajeevan Sajana. They have also added promising talents such as Rahila Firdous, Poonam Khemnar, Triveni Vasistha, and Nalla Reddy, after passing through the eyes of their eagle-eyed scouts. The youngsters and uncapped cricketers Mumbai Indians unearth -- talk about Rahila Firdaus, who's been picked as well. These players have done well in domestic cricket. If Mumbai is scouting, and you believe in that Mumbai scouting, you would feel that these players are the ones that they'll keep an eye on. How Charani came in for Delhi Capitals and straightaway walked into the Indian team and became a world champion. Within a span of 10 months, the world has changed for her. So, Mumbai also has those kinds of players in their lineup. Yes, they can be challenged. The opposition teams, how much force they come up with, what game plan they come up with, can they get one up on the defending champions, is for them to plan and deliver, added Anjum. With the West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews set to open the batting, MI face decisions over her opening partner after an injured Yastika Bhatia was acquired by the Gujarat Giants. Anjum thinks the time is ripe for Kamalini to become the opener after being a lower-order finisher in the 2025 season-winning campaign. I think Kamalini can open the innings with Hayley Matthews right at the top. I think that can actually be looked at as well. Other than that, possibly they'll have to go ahead with one of the younger players also in the playing eleven because in the middle order, they've already got Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur in the mix, identified with Amelia Kerr. So, either they go with Kamalini right at the top in the batting department or possibly look at a younger player coming in who they feel will be able to deliver at the top with Hayley Matthews, she added. The tournament will be played at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, both known for batting-friendly conditions that could favour MIs enviable all-round depth. Conditions will be very good for batting if you have to look at either of the venues. Because we've already seen Navi Mumbai, we know how good the conditions are. When you get to Kotambi Stadium, we've seen that the pitches are so nice to bat on. With the dew settling in, what are the challenges for the bowlers in the second half? That is one area that needs to be addressed. So, most captains might want to just win the toss and bowl so that they're bowling in the second half because of the dew. Other than that, batting-wise, conditions should be friendly, said Anjum. She also suggested that boundary dimensions be extended in WPL 2026. I just hope that the boundaries are pushed back slightly. That might just happen. Although I don't know the exact dimensions right now, I guess that can happen. At least by another five meters, that can be pushed back. MI have also brought in new coaching personnel Lisa Keightley takes over as head coach, while Kristen Beams is the spin-bowling coach - to complement the existing championship-winning culture built under former head coach Charlotte Edwards. She also suggested that boundary dimensions be extended in WPL 2026. I just hope that the boundaries are pushed back slightly. That might just happen. Although I don't know the exact dimensions right now, I guess that can happen. At least by another five meters, that can be pushed back. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Also, its good to have that freshness coming around for those players because, as I said, the 11-12 players are the same for the Mumbai Indians. But if you have some fresh perspective coming in, it also helps the team in different ways. So, I'm sure the thinking will be no less. I've just heard two days back from their camp that there is no pressure, but you can always try and win the championship, concluded Anjum. Article Source: IANS

Fake Marriage, Fake Divorce: UK Visa Plot Unravelled In Gujarat

Police in Gujarat's Bharuch district say they have uncovered an illegal immigration scheme that relied on fabricated marriage and divorce documents to help a local woman enter the United Kingdom on a dependent visa.

WPL 2026: Jemimah Will Explore Another Side Of Herself As DCs Captain, Says Anjum

Although Kashvee Gautam: Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes Jemimah Rodrigues will discover another side of herself when she leads Delhi Capitals (DC) in the upcoming Womens Premier League (WPL) season, starting in Navi Mumbai on Friday. Jemimah was the vice-captain to Australias multiple-time World Cup-winning captain Meg Lanning when DC finished as runners-up in three successive WPL seasons -- 2023, 2024, and 2025. But with Meg becoming the skipper of UP Warriorz (UPW), Jemimah steps into the leadership role for DC for the first time. See, expectations will be there with the franchise also. But for me, it's about when you entrust a player with a role, they start understanding themselves in a different light altogether. So, she's captained Mumbai and been there at the helm. But now leading a franchise team is a different ballgame altogether. Now she will also explore another side of herself, not only as a batter or a fielder, but also as a captain, Anjum told IANS in an exclusive conversation on the eve of the competitions commencement. Captaincy does not happen only on the ground; it happens off the ground as well. So, you learn more about yourself, like how you're handling yourself in a situation, what you could do, and what you've done better in various manners in which you think as a batter, and a fielder, trying to be ahead of the competition, and sometimes winning a battle or not winning a battle. So, I feel it's going to be a nice growth for Jemimah Rodrigues as a cricketer because now she will be handling players like Marizanne Kapp in the lineup, who are already established cricketers, and also players who share the dressing room with her, like Shafali Verma, and Niki Prasad, who is coming through the ranks very quickly. So, it's always a nice responsibility, but what a player makes of it, and how they travel that part of the journey, is what matters, she added. Though DC have much more batting firepower, and have covered their bases in bowling, Anjum feels they are not guaranteed a smooth path to the trophy, citing the probability of the tournament being more competitive this time. I wouldn't put anybody in the finals straight away. I'll say that it should be a very keenly contested one because over the past three seasons, we saw pretty much a three-sided contest for most of the tournament. Barring the first two, three or four games, it became very evident that if teams don't get their act together, the tournament goes very quickly because you just play each other twice. But you do come face-to-face in the eliminator or in a final as well. So, it's not like the longer format of the IPL. So, if they don't step up, its an issue, she said. Like, GG stepped up last season and came up to the eliminator. Before that, in the first season, UP Warriorz managed to get to the eliminator. So, it was seemingly good. DC has always been in the final before even the last game was decided. So, that was a good sign, but in this season, I wouldn't say that anybody is reaching the final without having a contest to play. It should be a keenly contested and more closely fought WPL this season, she added. DCs fast bowling department lacks the experience of previous seasons following the absence of veteran seamer Shikha Pandey and Annabel Sutherland pulling out due to personal reasons. But Anjum explained that the presence of experienced players will help DC manage things in that department. Lucy Hamilton has been doing pretty well in Australia. I think this is her first trip to India. Plus, the variety of a left-arm seamer also helps. So, where is the challenge coming for DC - how do they get Lizelle Lee as a wicket-keeper? Because I would say Chinelle Henry and Marizanne Kapp are no-brainers in the starting line-up. But then, you also have to balance out your fast bowlers. They don't have a Shikha Pandey. So, that experience that you're talking about is not there. But again, I say it's a healthy mix because Sneh Rana comes in with that experience as well in the spin-bowling department with (N Sree) Charani. But everybody cannot play, so they will need to balance out their batting along with their all-rounders, and how it comes out as a perfect eleven for the Delhi Capitals is crucial. Remember, we have a new leader in the DC team as well. So, I'm sure they've done their homework, and it's now up to putting things together in the park, she said. Anjum signed off by saying that, apart from Charani and Gujarat Giants seam-bowling all-rounder Kashvee Gautam, she expects young Haryana batter Deeya Yadav to make an impact if given opportunities to play by DC. Although Kashvee Gautam is not an uncapped cricketer, she's already played for India. But now she'll be coming back after an injury, I'll be watching her performance keenly, looking at the T20 World Cup, and more such cricket coming up. Anjum signed off by saying that, apart from Charani and Gujarat Giants seam-bowling all-rounder Kashvee Gautam, she expects young Haryana batter Deeya Yadav to make an impact if given opportunities to play by DC. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I've heard a lot about this cricketer. So, I'll be keenly watching if Deeya Yadav gets an opportunity to play. Yes, I think she should be okay and be able to find a place in that playing eleven. It's about how they fit the four international players, which is more challenging as compared to adding Indian players, she concluded. Article Source: IANS

Hazare Trophy | Saurashtra wallops Gujarat to clinch quarterfinal berth

CRICKET | Vishvaraj notches up his second hundred of the tournament; Haryanas dreams crumble after a batting collapse against Delhi, a result which puts the latter on top of Group D

WPL 2026: Former India Captain Anjum Chopra Feels UP Warriorz Look Like The Strongest Team

Like UP Warriorz: Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes UP Warriorz (UPW) look like the strongest team ahead of the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL), starting in Navi Mumbai on Friday. At the same time, Anjum cautioned that on-field performance will ultimately determine the winner of the competition on February 5 in Vadodara. Before last years mega auction, UPW released all players and retained uncapped Delhi batter Shweta Sehrawat. With a new head coach in Abhishek Nayar, UPW have a new skipper in Meg Lanning, the most tactically astute captain in women's cricket. Apart from buying back Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Kranti Gaud, and Kiran Navgire, UPW have match-winners like Shikha Pandey, Deandra Dottin, Chloe Tryon, and Phoebe Litchfield in their ranks, as they aim to win the WPL for the first time. You would want to feel so (that all five teams are evenly matched), because obviously we've just won a 50-over World Cup and we have our Indian talent, which is doing well. Plus, new players have come in, and that confidence means every team is equally and evenly matched. Yes, in a way, they are evenly matched, as nobody's going to pick someone as a slightly weaker team or not a good team or not a champion team. Like UP Warriorz, they out-and-out look like a gun side, and they are as well. But cricket obviously is played on the park. So you'll wait for them to come up against maybe a Mumbai or a Gujarat and then see how they are shaping up. So, possibly UP on paper looks the strongest to me. But when they come onto the park, we'll see how other teams are lining up and how everybody else is also picking their playing eleven because it's going to be a nice challenge to get their balance right, Anjum told IANS in an exclusive conversation on the eve of the competitions commencement. The shake-up of their squad and rebuilding everything from scratch has lent UPW a stronger look as compared to the 2025 season, where inconsistencies, too much dependence on certain individuals, and balance issues meant they finished at the bottom of the points table. You have to probably understand what those shortcomings are that the team feels are. By putting everybody back into the auction, they said, let's start afresh. Even if we have the luxury of buying back those players that we are releasing, that's okay. But let's take a challenge of putting everyone back in the auction and from there on, pick everything that we want as a team unit. Even those match winners and especially Deepti Sharma, after a World Cup (Player of the Tournament) performance, to go back into the auction, and apart from Shweta Sehrawat getting retained, they probably felt that nothing was going right for them, and so, let's start everything afresh. How do they structure their batting lineup with India and non-India players? The way they went hard and strong for Deepti Sharma in the auction was very much evident. The fact that they said, Fine, we want our bowling with Sophie Ecclestone and Deepti there, we want more fast bowlers, showed UPWs seriousness. They went with the experience of Shikha Pandey, and even if they had to not go ahead for Alyssa Healy and try to get Meg Lanning into the line-up, it's okay. So, it's fair enough in terms of how they went in, and I think they'll be a pretty pleased lot getting into this tournament, elaborated Anjum. However, Anjum pointed to one potential weakness in the UP Warriorz setup -- their wicketkeeping options. With Alyssa no longer in the squad, the franchise appears to be considering Australian batter Phoebe Litchfield as a wicketkeeping option, a move Anjum views with some reservation. They also have the makeshift option in Shweta and a specialist choice in uncapped Shipra Giri, too. I'm not surprised if they are saying that Phoebe Litchfield can don the gloves as well. Although I think she is a great asset in the field, and if you're putting her behind the stumps, you're taking away that asset of a wonderful fielder. However, Anjum pointed to one potential weakness in the UP Warriorz setup -- their wicketkeeping options. With Alyssa no longer in the squad, the franchise appears to be considering Australian batter Phoebe Litchfield as a wicketkeeping option, a move Anjum views with some reservation. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rest, everything else is defined for the UP Warriorz. But I would still say, if Phoebe has to keep, then the brilliance of her in the field not being there is probably a help for the batters, she concluded. Article Source: IANS

NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance Amid Typhoid Cases In Gujarat's Gandhinagar

NHRC has issued a notice to Gujarat's Chief Secretary, and the commission has sought a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

Gujarat to host SEAs 2-day Global Castor Conference from February 27

The meet will deliberate and focus on the issues before the castor industry

From Delhi Capitals to UP Warriorz: Meg Lanning Gets Another Shot at WPL Glory

In November 2025 when WPL retentions were being finalized, one of the surprising news was that Australia's Meg Lanning is set to enter the auction pool as she was released by Delhi Capitals. She is not an ordinary player as she led Delhi Capitals to three straight finals in the first three editions of WPL. Probably not winning any one of them, went against her. In the mega auction, Delhi Capitals did attempt to bring her back but failed to acquire her and she was signed by the UP Warriorz for Rs 1.9 crore. Lanning, as a player, won two ICC Womens Cricket World Cups and five ICC Womens T20 World Cup titles. As captain, skippered Australia to T20 titles in 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023 and one ODI World Cup title in 2022 but WPL title eluded her. Now the legendary former Australia captain has another chance to set the record straight and lead her new team to their first title as UP Warriorz have named her the captain. Incidentally Delhi Capitals are yet to win a single IPL title also. Meg Lanning otherwise is one of the most consistent performers in WPL: 952 runs in 27 matches at an average of 39.67 and strike rate of 127.10 and on many occasions gave Delhi Capitals a decent start to the innings through a successful opening partnership with Shafali Verma. It is a real honour to be named captain of the UP Warriorz she said. Im really looking forward to the challenge ahead. She knows that she has been chosen ahead of India allrounder Deepti Sharma, who stood in as captain last season for Warriorz in place of the injured Alyssa Healy. This adds to her responsibility. Warriorz are yet to win a WPL title. They were led by Healy in 2023 and 2024 and when she was ruled out of the 2025 season with injury, Deepti took over. This time, Warriorz released both Healy and Deepti but signed Deepti back while Healy remained unsold. Warriorz's registered their best finish in the inaugural 2023 season, as they finished third (lost to Mumbai Indians in the play-off). In the last season, they finished fifth. Will Meg Lanning better this record and remove the stigma of unlucky being associated with her, as far as winning the WPL title is concerned. *As captain she won: ODI WC, 4 T20 WCs, Gold in CWG, WBBL title. *As a player she won: 2 ODI World Cups, 5 T20 World Cups. *She became Australias youngest skipper in 2014, at the age of 21. *She is a three-time Belinda Clark Medal winner. *On her second ODI in 2011 against England, scored 103* at 18 years and 288 days of age and became the youngest Australian - male or female - to score an international hundred. *Scored 8352 runs from 241 international matches after debuting in T20s in 2010. sLed Delhi Capitals to 3 finals in 3 seasons as Captain but without success: * Delhi Capitals were the table toppers in all three seasons and directly qualified to each of these 3 finals but were defeated in all of them. *2 of the WPL seasons ended with Mumbai Indians (in 2023 and 2025) beating them in the final, despite playing the eliminator in both. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated them in 2024. * Delhi Capitals are only the 2nd franchise after Sydney Sixers to finish runner-up thrice in a top women's franchise league. *UP Warriorz gets its 3rd different captain in four seasons. The other team to have 3 different captains in the WPL is Gujarat Giants. *Meg Lanning joins Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur as the only women to captain in every WPL season. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In April 2024, Meg Lanning had announced her shock retirement as she struggled with an unhealthy relationship with exercise and food, at the age of 31. She continued playing in the Womens Big Bash League, the National Cricket League and the WPL but decided against representing Australia again. Recognized as having a great cricket brain, she is aptly nicknamed The Megastar.

PM Modi highlights civilisational spirit as Somnath Swabhiman Parv begins

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Somnath Swabhiman Parv commemorates the resilience of Indian civilisation and honours those who never compromised on values despite repeated invasions. The year-long celebrations mark the resilience of the Indian civilisation, which rebuilt the Somnath temple at Veraval in Gujarat that was ravaged repeatedly

ED raids in six states in Govt jobs scam case

NEW DELHI, Jan 8: The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday undertook searches at 15 locations in six states as part of a money laundering probe into a scam under which fraudulent joining letters for government jobs were sent, officials said. An organised gang is under the scanner of the agency. The Patna office of the ED is conducting searches in Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, the officials said. They said the scam was initially detected [] The post ED raids in six states in Govt jobs scam case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

ED Raids in 6 States in Govt Jobs Scam Case

The Patna office of the ED is conducting searches in Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh

Modi Launches Somnath Swabhiman Parv, Recalls Temples Resilience

The year-long celebrations mark the resilience of the Indian civilisation, which rebuilt the Somnath temple at Veraval in Gujarat that was ravaged repeatedly by foreign invaders

Somnath Celebrations To Remember Those Who Did Not Compromise On Principles, Ethos: PM Modi

New Delhi, Jan 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, beginning Thursday, is about remembering the countless children of Bharat Mata, who never compromised with their principles and ethos. The year-long celebrations mark the resilience of the Indian civilisation, which rebuilt the Somnath temple at Veraval in Gujarat that was ravaged repeatedly by foreign invaders. Jai Somnath! Somnath Swabhiman Parv begins today. A thousand years ago, in January 1026, Somnath faced its first-ever attack. The attack [] The post Somnath Celebrations To Remember Those Who Did Not Compromise On Principles, Ethos: PM Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Adani Green shares in focus as unit signs captive hybrid power deal with Asahi India Glass

Adani Green Energy is set to be in focus after its step-down subsidiary signed agreements to supply 20.8 MW of solar-wind hybrid power to Asahi India Glass from its Khavda project in Gujarat, alongside an investment pact structured under captive power norms.

City gears up for mens ODI after 16-year gap

Second teachers body recovered from canal

84-year-old loses 25L to phishing attack

Speeding car injures two in Sama, zooms off

Bootleggers hits cop with axe during raid

VMCs cricket gear purchase raises eyebrows

Testing finds 9 water samples to be unsafe

SSGH gets high-end surgical microscope

VGL collects dues, cuts off 122 gas connections

Hows Happy Kumari Quest For Bowling Fast Landed Her A Spot In Gujarat Giants

SS Mody Cricket Academy: When Happy Kumari's name flashed on the WPL mega auction broadcast and Gujarat Giants (GG) picked her for a base price of Rs 10 lakh, her family back in Jhunjhunu erupted with joy. Even as her neighbours burst crackers to celebrate the young pacers maiden foray into the tournament, Happys coach Ajay Kumar cried through that night and only spoke to her in the morning. The selection into WPL 2026 is a big step in the remarkable cricketing journey that began nearly five years ago. I was watching the auction at that time with my team-mates as I was there at the RCA facility. As soon as my name came up, Gujarat Giants raised their paddle very quickly, though I didn't see what happened till the end. But then I got to know that I will be playing for them in this WPL. The morning after that, my coach finally talked to me. He was still very happy at that moment and had tears of joy. In all, everyone were very happy and sent videos of all shouting and bursting crackers, Happy, 18, recalled in an exclusive conversation with IANS. Happy's path to professional cricket was anything but conventional. Growing up in Jhunjhunu, Happy was into athletics as a 100m and 200m specialist. She had no intentions of picking up cricket till she attended a summer camp after the second Covid-19 wave subsided. I didn't have any intentions as such to get into playing cricket. I didn't like cricket that much and I didn't even wish to watch it, she recalled. It took her father's gentle persuasion to get her enrolled in a 15-day summer camp at a nearby academy. At that time, my dad told me, 'Let us go and try something new in the 15-day summer camp and go to the nearby academy'. I went with my dad and on the very first day, we saw that there were a lot of boys. I told my dad, 'I won't play in the middle with so many boys around. He said, 'No problem, I'll take you every day. I'll come to drop and then pick you up. You just play for 15 days'. I started playing and my coach created such an environment for me that all the bhaiya log used to give me extra batting and bowling, she said. That environment proved to be transformative, as in those 15 days, cricket had gone from an unwanted experiment to a calling for Happy. I used to enjoy there and then I thought, 'Yes, I'm improving, and enjoying', and there's no reason to not play cricket. After 15 days of camp, I joined the academy for three months. After 4-5 months, I was like, 'Yes, now I have to play cricket as my career only.' It was because I improved at that time and also, my coach gave me confidence. Plus, in that environment, teammates were like, 'Yes, Happy, you can do it. You can play with boys and keep improving with us', she said. The training required extraordinary commitment from both Happy and Ajay. With his younger son in tow, Ajay would pick up Happy from her house on his bike for the journey to the academy and do the same when training was over. The academy is around 5-7 kms away from my house and I once went to the academy on the bike with him. My grandmother would tell sir, 'Beta, we are trusting you a lot. Please take care of our daughter.' He then replied, 'Why should I trust anyone else? I'll pick and drop her by myself.' With his younger son, the three of us used to sit on the bike and go to the academy and the same would happen in the evening as well. But it was the pre-dawn training sessions that truly tested everyone's resolve. With a 6:30am school bus to catch, Happy's training day often began at 4am, much to the chagrin of sleeping neighbours. I had to go to school by 7am and my bus would come 30 mins before. I had to wake up early to train in the morning. My coach used to come to my house at 4am and we used to do knocking of the bats. My neighbours would get very disturbed and say, 'What is the need to play so early in the morning? You are ruining our sleep., she recalled. Coming from a family where shes the eldest of three daughters and a grandfather who is a retired major, Happy found unwavering support at home. It was just a coincidence that we were trying and the rest of the family was okay that I was trying to play cricket. My family never said no to anything. They are very open and said, 'Whatever you want to do, we'll support you'. So they were like, 'Yes, she's playing cricket. Let her play.', she said. Like most young cricketers, Happy started as a batter. But her athletics background caught Ajay's eye, and he saw the potential of Happy being a fast bowler. I wanted to bat the most in the academy. I used to stand and get the bat in hand, and everyone used to make me bowl a lot. Due to me dabbling in athletics, I was strong in running and my coach was like, 'Let us try fast bowling.', she recalled. The transition was gradual but purposeful. Ajay ensured Happy prioritised raw pace over accuracy, believing that speed was the rare commodity that could set his young trainee apart from other female pacers. I began by bowling from running 4-5 steps. Then gradually, it became smooth as my speed was good too. My coach was like, 'At such a young age, girls don't have this good speed for fast bowling. So let us develop this speed and we'll get to line and length afterwards.' He told me that it's a matter of 4-5 months to get line and length right, but speed is very important. If I want to look different from everyone, then I will have to work upon it. I started enjoying fast bowling and as I improved in 1-1.5 years, I was like, fast bowling is earning me good rewards, as well as showing and presenting me better in front of people. So after that, I said, yes, I want to become a fast bowler, she recalled. As her bowling developed, Happy found inspiration in the legendary Jhulan Goswami, as well as in Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar provided for the speed and aggression she wanted to emulate. When I started moving forward in fast bowling, I watched Jhulan Goswami and a lot of Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar bowling videos for speed and aggression. I used to watch them and wanted to develop my speed just like how they did. Also Jhulan Goswami used to bowl at 125 plus and it made me feel that I have to also bowl at a certain speed. Ajays dedication to Happy's development was all-consuming. When he left JIVEM Cricket Academy for SS Mody Cricket Academy, Happy followed him without hesitation. The training regimen was grueling - while others trained for four hours, Ajay pushed Happy to train for seven to eight hours. Morning sessions before school focused on batting, sprinting and stamina work. Evening sessions brought specialized training. When I started playing cricket, I didn't have much idea about training. My coach used to tell me that we should train early in the morning. Before going to school, we used to bat first. But at the same time, we used to do some running and sprinting to develop some stamina. Sir gives me special training and has put a lot of effort in me to become a hero from zero. If everyone was practicing for 4 hours, he would say, 'Happy, you will have to practice for 7 to 8 hours if you have to become something different'. At home, her mother took charge of nutrition. After coming back from school, my mother used to give me some good food and she has been taking care of my diet since the time I began training. While fast bowling remains her primary weapon, Happy hasn't neglected her batting. I also do a lot of batting practice. If you are talking about domestic level, I used to bat second or third down. I keep fast bowling as my main priority. But along with that, I do batting also. If I get batting down the order, then we have to bat a little. It's not like I will ignore batting, as I have to develop skills in it also. So I am also focused on batting. If it is 70% bowling practice, then I do batting also for 30% of the time. 2024 proved to be Happy's breakthrough year. She made her Rajasthan debut in U19 T20s as vice-captain before being elevated to captain for the one-day games. Soon after, selection for the Under-19 Challenger Trophy came, followed by being selected for U19 World Cup camp, a tri-series in Pune, and making it as a standby for the Asia Cup. 2024 was certainly a year where I got the feeling that I am growing and getting noticed by people. With me growing so much, I got a feeling that I am getting closer to that tag of playing for India, she said. The WPL franchises noticed too. Happy attended four trials ahead of the mega auction, though an injury prevented her from participating in Gujarat Giants' trials. Due to me being on the targeted players list, VVS Laxman sir also refused for me to go to GGs trials and I didn't go. I instead sent them my videos and due to me doing well in all four trials, I had expectations that RCB will take me in. At that time, I didn't talk to GG that much, so it was a little surprising that they picked me. Then I recalled that they were following me domestically, like in the T20 games. For an intelligent Happy, bowling fast remains her calling card, an attribute that distinguishes her in a crowded field. She knows exactly what WPL 2026 should prove to be: a launchpad for her to get into the Indian team. I worked on my pace from the start and that's the only thing which differentiates me from the rest of the pacers. It should be like if one talks about Happy, people should say Oh, she bowls fast. If I get a chance to play in WPL, the aim is to perform well. For an intelligent Happy, bowling fast remains her calling card, an attribute that distinguishes her in a crowded field. She knows exactly what WPL 2026 should prove to be: a launchpad for her to get into the Indian team. Also Read: Live Cricket Score After remaining persistent through a roller-coaster of events, Happy finally finds herself in WPLs spotlight, which should be the threshold of a good cricketing career for her. The real challenge now begins of transforming raw promise into performances that can carry Happy to wearing the India blue jersey she has always chased. Article Source: IANS

Sri Lotus Developers & Realty partners Abhishek Bachchan to build project at Gift City

Sri Lotus Developers & Realty Ltd has partnered with actor Abhishek Bachchan for a luxury mixed-use project at Gujarat's Gift City. The development, spanning over 1 million sq ft on land owned by Bachchan for 15 years, marks the company's debut in Gujarat.

India: Water, water everywhere, but not safe enough to drink

For a country that considers tall buildings with glass frontages, a few wide roads and claims of city governance as development, the wake-up call comes from two premier cities: Madhya Pradeshs second-largest urban space, Indore, and Gandhinagar, Gujarats capital. Indore has declared an epidemic of water-borne disease in one part, Bhagirath, and Gandhinagar has reported 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 .

Experiential Luxury Meets an Intimate Journey of Restoration: The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, Old Goa - A Sitaram Ayurveda Experience

The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, Old Goa – A Sitaram Ayurveda Experience . Overlooking hundreds of acres of tranquil reserve forests, this first of its kind private sanctuary is entirely dedicated to wellness – in collaboration with Sitaram Ayurveda’s 104-year tradition backed by deep knowledge around the healing science of Ayurveda. In a world filled with constant noise and distraction, the property invites discerning guests to pause, listen inward, and reconnect with their own rhythm. Every stay here is an intimate journey of restoration, where authentic Ayurveda supports each guest’s unique path to better health and lifelong wellbeing.   The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, Old Goa - A Sitaram Ayurveda Experience   “ With The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, we have created a pioneering wellness sanctuary in India that offers a comprehensive experience to address unique lifestyle needs and concerns of each guest. The stays here start from minimum 7 nights and are all-inclusive healing journeys focused on providing highly personalised programmes for medical wellness, rather than a recreational leisure escape. In essence, the retreat seamlessly combines transformative experiential luxury with authentic Ayurveda for deep restoration,” says Kapil Chopra, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Postcard Hotel. “ In an industry-first collaboration with Sitaram, our intimate retreat supports long-term health, balance and wellbeing by integrating their century-old healing legacy of Ayurveda – with the calm of nature, thoughtful design, nourishing cuisine, and perceptive service offered by The Postcard Hotel,” adds Chopra.   Dr. Vignesh Devraj, MD (Ay), Founder and Chief Physician, Sitaram Retreats, adds, “The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat represents a meaningful convergence of place, purpose, and healing. At its core, Ayurveda is about restoring balance and tapping into the body’s innate potential to heal. Our retreat harmonises these ancient principles with guided consultations, medical insights and personalised care at every step of the tailored wellness programmes. We offer guests a holistic path to recovery and renewal in the privacy of their own space, as they reconnect with themselves and cultivate a path to better health and balance.”   Surrounded by pristine forests in Old Goa, the retreat encourages quiet reflection. At the heart of this estate stands a magnificent 300-year-old banyan tree, that defines the sense of place and atmosphere of calm. With only six thoughtfully designed rooms, it offers ultimate privacy where healing unfolds at an unhurried pace. The sunlit rooms rest beneath a canopy of trees, each with a private balcony overlooking lush gardens and the valley beyond.   “The sense of stillness and seclusion of Old Goa has been the focal point of conceptualising The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat. Enveloped by forests and open to light, air, and nature – the spaces have been intentionally designed to slow the senses, allowing guests the freedom to turn inward and experience healing at their own pace,” adds Kapil Chopra .   Transformative hospitality with an authentic Ayurveda experience Beyond its serene setting, the retreat offers a deeply immersive journey into authentic Ayurveda. Each stay starts with a personalised consultation with resident physicians, who then create a programme tailored to individual constitutions (doshas) and health needs. Attentive care and medical insight at every step – offer each guest a curated path towards balance, wellbeing, and lasting renewal. This is not a conventional holiday, but a careful immersion into Ayurveda – where every element of each day from treatments to diet to rest is carefully crafted.   Each wellness journey ranges from 7 nights to 14 or 21 nights, and unfolds at a gentle pace to support deep healing and balance. Mornings begin with traditional Ayurvedic rituals, mindful nature walks, and soulful yoga sessions, setting a calm and grounded tone for the day ahead. Then guided one-on-one consultations with resident doctors, are followed by treatments that may include healing massages, cleansing therapies, meditations, and holistic wellness sessions. Restorative dining is an integral part of each guest’s healing journey, tailored to individual doshas and guided by Ayurveda’s principle that food is medicine. Prepared in consultation with physicians – all nourishing meals served at specific times of the day highlight fresh seasonal produce, and can be enjoyed in serene pavilions that open to the Mandovi River.   The all-inclusive packages at The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat offer a comprehensive wellness experience. Recommended stays start from 7 nights at an inaugural price of INR 3,40,000 for single occupancy, and INR 4,50,000 for double occupancy. Guests can also opt for longer stays of 14 to 21 nights for more long-term recovery and deeper restoration. Prices are inclusive of taxes, cover airport transfers and all aspects of the stay including – daily meals and beverages, prescribed treatments and medications during the stay, private doctor consultations, and yoga sessions.   Rooted in the essence of Ayurveda, personalised stays at The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat are not only for those looking for treatments, but also guests who are seeking good health – to strengthen immunity and restore long-term balance.   About The Postcard Hotel Kapil Chopra, along with a team of seasoned luxury hoteliers including Akanksha Lamba, Anirudh Kandpal, and Raman Bansal, embarked on a visionary journey to create extraordinary experiences for discerning travellers. In December 2018, they unveiled The Postcard Hotel – a brand driven by boldness and ambition, committed to redefining the rules and elevating the standards of experiential luxury. The Postcard Hotel is now opening 8 new hotels in the next 12 months making it the fastest growing uber luxury hotel brand in the world.   Today, The Postcard Hotel’s growing collection spans India and beyond. In Goa, its four retreats – Old Goa, Saligao, Cuelim, and Hideaway – capture the region’s charm, while The Postcard on the Arabian Sea offers sweeping oceanfront serenity. In Gujarat, The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary immerses guests in the land of the Asiatic Lion, and The Postcard Mandalay Hall in Kochi brings art and heritage together in an evocative setting. Further afield, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam, and The Postcard in the Himalayan Willows, Leh, offer uncharted adventures and tranquil escapes. Internationally, the brand extends its philosophy through The Postcard Dewa in Thimphu, Bhutan, and The Postcard Galle in Sri Lanka – each a celebration of place, culture, and understated elegance.   @thepostcardayurvedaretreat .   About Sitaram Ayurveda Founded in 1921, in Kerala, India – Sitaram Ayurveda began as Sitaram Anglo Ayurveda Pharmacy – with a mission to provide education and accessible Ayurvedic healthcare to all. With the support of royal patrons, inspiration from the Punkunnam Sitaramaswamy Temple, and dedication of pioneering founders – Sitaram became India’s first Ayurvedic joint-stock company, established in Thrissur. Over a century later, its legacy continues to be trusted across generations, guided by tradition, and renewed through science.   With 104 years of tradition, Sitaram Ayurveda is a living, evolving ecosystem rooted in the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda – from in-house Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing and a dedicated R&D team that continuously innovates, to experienced Ayurvedic doctors who guide every formulation. The company’s name embodies Ayurvedic ideals: ‘Sita’ referencing abundance/harvest, and ‘Ram’ indicating rest and wellbeing. 

PM Modi says Somnath temples survival over past thousand years reflects countrys indomitable civilisational spirit - News On AIR

PM Modi says Somnath temples survival over past thousand years reflects countrys indomitable civilisational spirit News On AIR

WPL 2026: UP Warriorz Unveil New Playing Jersey Inspired By Banarasi Heritage

The UP Warriorz: UP Warriorz revealed their new jersey for the upcoming Womens Premier League season on Wednesday, a kit that combines Banarasi textile traditions with high-performance sports, symbolising the Warriorz spirit of bravery, identity, and fearless cricket. The jersey has been created in partnership with Ekaya Banaras, the teams official designer. The UP Warriorz x Ekaya collaboration unveils the A Blooming Rebellion jersey, blending modern sports design with traditional craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from Banaras floral heritage and Ekayas renowned weaving, the design reimagines cultural motifs through a contemporary, performance-orientated approach. Inspired by the symbolic significance of flowers in Banarasi culturerepresenting strength, tradition, and renewalthe jersey conveys the stories of silk in a bold, forward-looking athletic style. Created to celebrate culture, identity, and modern femininity, it serves as a visual testament to women carrying their heritage with confidence and independence. The jersey features Banarasi-inspired motifs integrated into a sleek athletic design crafted for elite T20 cricket, blending comfort, mobility, and a distinct visual identity. It seeks to instil a sense of belonging and purpose in players each time they take the field, symbolising not just Uttar Pradesh but also the expanding development of womens cricket across India. The UP Warriorz will wear the jersey during the upcoming Womens Premier League season, which fans can purchase through official merchandise channels. Their first match is against Gujarat Giants on January 10 at the DY Patil Stadium. The tournament commences on January 9, with the curtain raiser seeing two-time champions Mumbai Indians, led by India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, go up against 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Indian vice captain Smriti Mandhana. The UP Warriorz will wear the jersey during the upcoming Womens Premier League season, which fans can purchase through official merchandise channels. Their first match is against Gujarat Giants on January 10 at the DY Patil Stadium. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Women in Purple and Yellow will now be led by the multiple-time World Cup-winning captain, as Lanning will aim to finally lift the crown after finishing runner-up with her former team, DC, three times in a row. Article Source: IANS

GUJCET 2026 registration deadline extended: Check details and direct link to apply here

The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSEB) has extended the GUJCET 2026 registration deadline to January 16, 2026. Candidates applying after the previous date must pay a late fee of 1,000. The exam, crucial for engineering and pharmacy admissions in Gujarat, tests Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Applications can be submitted online or via SBI branches.

Amelia Kerr Key For Mumbai Indians' Success In WPL 2026: Saba Karim

DY Patil Sports Academy: Defending champions Mumbai Indians will begin their Womens Premier League 2026 campaign with a settled and championship-ready core, with experts identifying the re-signing of Amelia Kerr as a key factor in the franchises title defence. The team brought the New Zealand player for 3 crore in the WPL Mega Auction held last year. Former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim said Kerr was Mumbai Indians primary target at the auction as they looked to rebuild their title-winning combination. Mumbai Indians knew that to rebuild the same title-winning team, they had to bring back one or two players they had released. Their main target was Amelia Kerr. She has performed very well, Karim said on JioStar. MI must have been disappointed to release her earlier, which is why they paid a higher price to bring her back. They wanted the core group that won them the WPL title last season, and they have managed to bring that core back. The money invested in Amelia Kerr is worth it for MI, he added. Former India captain Mithali Raj echoed similar views, describing Kerrs return as both a strategic and emotional decision for the franchise. Amelia Kerr being re-signed by Mumbai Indians is also an emotional buy. They wanted her in a combination that has worked for them. Mumbai Indians have won the title twice in three seasons with that core, so it was important for them to have her back, Mithali said. Former India batter Anjum Chopra, meanwhile, praised the overall balance of the Mumbai Indians squad, pointing to the mix of youth and experience as a key strength heading into the new season. I am excited by the balance Mumbai Indians have. They come in with a good mix of youth and experience. Retaining Amanjot Kaur is an interesting move, but with the kind of talent MI consistently assembles, they will certainly be a team to watch, Chopra said. Former India batter Anjum Chopra, meanwhile, praised the overall balance of the Mumbai Indians squad, pointing to the mix of youth and experience as a key strength heading into the new season. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The team will then travel to the BCA Stadium in Vadodara for the remainder of their matches. They will play Delhi Capitals on January 20, Royal Challengers Bengaluru on January 26, and conclude their league campaign against Gujarat Giants on January 30. Article Source: IANS

Day after sentencing, cheque bounce convict dies of heart attack in jail

VMC mulls new sports complexes, pools

BCA suspends former joint secy over AGM dispute

After VMC chiefs inspection, encroachment removal begins

Wife files 498A case against in-laws alleging they are provoking husband to torture her; loses case in Gujarat HC for this reason

The Gujarat High Court quashed a Section 498A case against a husband's parents, citing vague allegations of them provoking their son to inflict torture. The court found no specific actions linked to the in-laws, deeming further proceedings a futile exercise and an abuse of process, thus granting them relief. Know how they won the case.

Gujarat beats national average in vehicle sales - Ahmedabad Mirror

Gujarat beats national average in vehicle sales Ahmedabad Mirror

Advocates seek removal of stray dogs from Gujarat high court campus - Times of India

Advocates seek removal of stray dogs from Gujarat high court campus Times of India

Ahmedabad sees coldest day of the season - Ahmedabad Mirror

Ahmedabad sees coldest day of the season Ahmedabad Mirror

Water Reuse Policy 2.0 in offing - Times of India

Water Reuse Policy 2.0 in offing Times of India

WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants Set Sights On Strong Push

Chief Business Officer: With the fourth season of the Womens Premier League (WPL) starting on January 9, the Gujarat Giants are heading into the new season with renewed confidence and clear intent. After a breakthrough playoff run last year, the Adani Sportsline-owned franchise is now focused on consistency and taking the next competitive leap. At a pre-season media interaction in Mumbai on Tuesday, players, coaching staff, and team leadership outlined their approach for the season ahead. Present at the event were captain Ashleigh Gardner, Kashvee Gautam, Womens World Cup winner Renuka Singh, head coach Michael Klinger, fielding coach Sarah Taylor, and Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer, Adani Sportsline. The Giants will open their WPL 2026 campaign on January 10 against UP Warriorz. They will play their first four matches in Navi Mumbai before moving to Vadodara from January 19 for the final leg of the league stage. After making their home debut in Vadodara last season, the team will once again return to the venue, eager to play in front of their growing Giants Army. With a squad that blends proven international performers and exciting Indian talent, the franchise is targeting another playoff qualification and a deeper run in the tournament. Speaking on the occasion, captain Ashleigh Gardner said, As a captain, balance is the key, not just in terms of skills, but in bringing together international players and Indian players. It can be a challenge at times, but having good people around you makes a big difference. A lot of the work is done before game one, building trust, understanding each other, and making sure everyone feels confident when we step onto the field. I try to embrace the culture because it makes the experience more enjoyable and easier. Head coach Michael Klinger added, The biggest takeaway from last year was that the games we played really well in were the ones where we did the little things right, whether that was in the field, with the bat, or with the ball. We have match-winners throughout the squad, and when we consistently outdid the opposition in those small but important moments, we won games. Womens World Cup-winner Renuka Singh said, The focus is clear, we want to win the trophy. We have a great team, and personally, my aim is to excel in my responsibilities and continue playing with a strong mentality. WPL has evolved over the years, we are getting a lot of recognition, and we just want to continue giving our best. Sarah Taylor, Fielding Coach, said, Fielding has become a crucial part of the modern game, and my approach is to bring an aggressive mindset to it. We push standards through challenging drills and make sure everyone buys into the intensity required at the international level. The more players are exposed to those standards, the better it is not just for the team, but for the game as a whole. Kashvee Gautam added, My mindset is to go out there and perform for the team. Whether its bowling, batting, or fielding, the focus is always on making an impact and providing breakthroughs when the team needs it. A lot changed for me after the WPL, including earning my India call-up, and bowling to international players in training and matches has helped make things easier. I just want to contribute in every way possible and make an impact for the team. Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer, Adani Sportsline, said, The progress we made in 2025 gives us confidence that we are moving in the right direction as a franchise. Our focus remains on staying humble off the field while being aggressive and competitive on it. This squad reflects our belief in combining world-class experience with Indian talent and creating an environment where players can grow and express themselves. Were excited about what this group can achieve together in WPL 2026. Kashvee Gautam added, My mindset is to go out there and perform for the team. Whether its bowling, batting, or fielding, the focus is always on making an impact and providing breakthroughs when the team needs it. A lot changed for me after the WPL, including earning my India call-up, and bowling to international players in training and matches has helped make things easier. I just want to contribute in every way possible and make an impact for the team. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Sophie Molineux, Renuka Singh Thakur, Bharti Fulmali, Titas Sadhu, Kashvee Gautam, Kanika Ahuja, Tanuja Kanwar, Georgia Wareham, Anushka Sharma, Happy Kumari, Kim Garth, Yastika Bhatia, Shivani Singh, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Ayushi Soni Article Source: IANS

Bomb threats to courts, government offices across Gujarat trigger security alert

Multiple courts and government offices across Gujarat received bomb threats, prompting heightened security measures, suspension of court proceedings, and intensive searches, though authorities later confirmed the threats were hoaxes

Hazare Trophy | Delhi takes top spot after whipping Railways

CRICKET | Pacer Saini and spinner Badoni pick up three wickets each as the loser crumbles to a meagre total; Saurashtra stays in contention with an easy win over Services; Gujarat posts a massive win over Odisha

Iyer steps up as stand-in skipper, Dube holds nerve as Mumbai win last-over thriller

Mumbai clinched a thrilling seven-run win against Himachal Pradesh in a rain-shortened Vijay Hazare Trophy game. Stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer scored a brilliant 82, and Shivam Dube took four wickets to seal the victory. Other matches saw Hyderabad, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala, and Delhi register wins. Aman Rao scored a double hundred for Hyderabad.

Vijay Hazare Trophy: Shreyas Iyer, Mohd Siraj Shine As Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad Gain Big Wins (roundup)

Vijay Hazare Trophy: Stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer smashed 82 off just 53 balls as Shivam Dubey claimed three wickets to help Mumbai beat Himachal Pradesh by seven runs in a shortened 33-over match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground in Jaipur on Tuesday. Tasked to defend 10 runs in the last over, all-rounder Shivam Dubey claimed the last two wickets as Himachal Pradesh were bowled out for 292 with just two balls to spare as Mumbai won by seven runs. Captaining the side in an important match after Shardul Thakur was ruled out of the remainder of the competition due to injury, Iyer came to the crease at a challenging moment, with Mumbai reduced to 55 for 2 following the dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan. Shreyas and Musheer Khan then added 82 runs off 54 balls to keep the scoreboard moving. After Musheer fell for a 51-ball 73, Shreyas forged a 65-run partnership off 39 balls with Suryakumar Yadav, which helped Mumbai cross the 200-run mark in the 33-over match. The game was shortened due to a delayed start caused by dense fog. Iyer fell in the 26th over, missing a well-deserved hundred by just 18 runs. He struck 10 fours and three sixes against Himachal Pradeshs bowling attack. With the skipper's fighting knock, Mumbai finished at 299/9 in 33 overs. With a target of 300 runs set by Mumbai, Himachal Pradesh kicked off their chase with an aggressive approach, only to finish up getting bowled out for 292 after 32.4 overs. The top two openers were both dismissed without a single run on the scoreboard. Pukhraj Mann emerged as a strong stabilising factor for the innings, scoring 64 from 41 balls with good form and flow, along with the season wicket-keeper, Ankush Bains, who contributed with 53 off 39 balls. The middle-order provided strong contributions as Mayank Dagar scored 64, including 11 boundaries, as Amanpreet Singh came out swinging hard for a quick strike rate of 200 for 42 scored off 21 balls. Amit Kumar's (28) and contributions from lower-order batters kept Himachal Pradesh in the game. For Mumbai, the star performer with the ball was Shivam Dube, who took 4 wickets for 68 runs, with Sairaj Patil taking 2 wickets, and Tushar Deshpande, Musheer Khan, and Shams Mulani each getting a wicket. Hyderabad claimed their first victory of the season with a comprehensive 107-run triumph over Bengal, thanks to Aman Rao's double century and Mohammed Siraj's four wickets, despite a brave century from Shahbaz Ahmed. Meanwhile, Punjab, despite Shubman Gills poor string of form, successfully chased down 212 runs against Goa with a significant effort, highlighted by Harnoor Singhs 94 not out (along with Naman Dhirs 68) as they registered a brilliant 131-run stand after coming in at No. 5. Karnataka followed up similarly by blasting Rajasthan for 150 runs while scoring 324 runs off their 7 wickets, with Mayank Agarwal's (100) and Devdutt Padikkals (91) contributions leading to Prasidh Krishna taking five wickets as he wrecked the opposition. Gujarat's efforts were the best of the day, dominating Odisha by 233 runs after posting 333 runs for six wickets, thanks to Axar Patels 73 and half-centuries from Urvil Patel and Ahaan Poddar, and a six-wicket performance by C.T. Gaja. Karnataka followed up similarly by blasting Rajasthan for 150 runs while scoring 324 runs off their 7 wickets, with Mayank Agarwal's (100) and Devdutt Padikkals (91) contributions leading to Prasidh Krishna taking five wickets as he wrecked the opposition. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In Bengaluru, Delhi completed a six-wicket win over Railways, with Priyansh Aryas explosive 80 off 41 balls, supported by brisk cameos from Rishabh Pant and Nitish Rana, capping off a high-scoring and action-packed day in the tournament. Article Source: IANS

Gujarat Bank Holidays in 2026 - Complete list

Check out the detailed state-wise (Gujarat) list of bank holidays in India for 2026 on businessline

KPI enters utility-scale battery market with 445-MW LoI in Gujarat - Renewables Now

KPI enters utility-scale battery market with 445-MW LoI in Gujarat Renewables Now

India women would be hard to beat in near future: Australia's Gardner

Australian cricketer Ashleigh Gardner acknowledges India's rapid improvement in women's cricket. She anticipates India will be a dominant team in the next decade. Gardner maintains Australia remains the world's best. She is preparing for the Women's Premier League with Gujarat Giants, confident in her team's ability to win despite the absence of a frontline Indian batter.

KFC, McDonalds, Fashion Factory among outlets sealed by AMC - DeshGujarat

KFC, McDonalds, Fashion Factory among outlets sealed by AMC DeshGujarat

Major exam manipulation racket busted in Western Railway; CBI files four FIRs in Gandhinagar - DeshGujarat

Major exam manipulation racket busted in Western Railway; CBI files four FIRs in Gandhinagar DeshGujarat

'Lets gooo': 'Laalo' stars Karan, Reeva, Shruhad land in Mumbai

The team behind 'Laalo Krishna Sada Sahaayate' has arrived in Mumbai for the film's Hindi release on January 9. Director Ankit Sakhiya expressed his pride in the film's dedication and universal appeal, while lead actor Karan Joshi shared his overwhelming joy at his debut crossing the 100 crore mark, calling it a personal achievement for the Gujarati community.

WPL 2026: Wouldn't Mind Being At Non-striker's End To See Navgire Clear The Ropes, Says Dottin

New Delhi: Deandra Dottin has always made headlines for her big-hitting skills complemented by the ability to get big scalps as a seamer. The first-ever centurion in Womens T20Is will be seen in action in 2026 season of the Womens Premier League (WPL) after UP Warriorz (UPW) secured her services for Rs 80 lakh in last years mega auction. Her WPL 2025 campaign for Gujarat Giants (GG) saw her incisive bowling spells fetching nine wickets at an economy of 8.43 standing out more than her batting returns of 142 runs coming at a strike-rate of 154.35. It didnt translate in a winning campaign for GG as Deandra tore her patella tendon ligament during warm-ups before the crucial playoff clash and had to sit out to make a total recovery. Now after turning out in The Hundred and WBBL, Deandra has set her sights firmly on winning the WPL 2026 crown in UPW colours. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Deandra, despite being jet-lagged and tired, opened up on joining a revamped UPW squad led by Meg Lanning, the prospect of joining forces with fellow power-hitter Kiran Navgire, and the rise of Indian domestic talent via WPL. Excerpts: Q. What are your first impressions of this UP Warriorz setup, and what excites you most about this team? A. It's been pretty good to join this team. We actually had a get-together on Sunday in the team room and it was really fun with all the laughter and stuff. Like everybody says, first impression counts. I mean everything doesn't always go to plan, but then you actually do have a plan and you try to stick to it. The impression right now is to go on in this tournament and actually play, be consistent, compete and in the end take away the trophy. Q. How do you see Meg Lannings leadership shaping this squad, and what stood out in your early conversations with the coaches? A. I think Meg Lanning is a phenomenal leader and person, to be honest. She's actually someone who is really good to have in your team, as well as a leader and a player. The discussions with the coaches and stuff have all been really good, to be honest. Its great in ensuring that you know your role and you're in the frame of mind to get going in the first game. Q. How satisfying has it been for you to watch Indian domestic players emerge as match-winners in the WPL? A. To be honest, it's really good to see. Last year I've seen a couple of new faces and domestic players doing really good things and it's just a matter for them to continue working hard for their fitness and in their physical preparation for cricket. Then they will actually be amongst the big ones, like Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh and other such players in the Indian team and probably travelling all over the world playing franchise cricket as well. But it's really pleasing to see that they actually are stepping up and their cricket is improving very fast. Q. What makes the WPL different from other franchise tournaments you've been part of? A. To be honest, it's a bit different, though it's the same 20-over format. But its just that it's more in India where it is the island for the sport and the love for cricket seen here. So its a bit more exciting when it comes to the crowd and the fans and actually playing cricket in India. It's just a bit more, like what should I say? I don't know, but it's just a bit more different from other franchise (leagues), whereas other franchises are actually having their own difference in many ways. Q. How big a role power hitting plays now in women's cricket, and how much has that evolved in the last few years? A. To be honest, the power hitting game in women's cricket is really good at the moment and it has evolved and it has improved a whole heap. I mean, like probably over the past two years and very quickly it has gone up. Players are actually eager to work on that part of their cricket in terms of getting that excitement over there in cricket. Q. In UPW, theres a power-hitter in Kiran Navgire. How exciting it is for you to team up with her this season? A. It's very exciting to be honest. I definitely wouldn't mind being at the non-strikers end and watching her get her groove on and hitting those balls outside the park. Q. Can you speak about the changes you've made to your recovery and preparation routine that helps you sustain all-round performances in hectic cricketing calendar? A. The most important thing I've been focusing on for the past couple of months is my fitness. After I had my injury last year with my knee, it's just a matter of keeping (myself) lean so that I can actually be more agile and quick, as well as trying to keep myself injury free. I don't really change it too much (in terms of skill training). I just keep it simple in terms of what I'm actually working on. Q. What's your biggest takeaway in terms of the WPL's impact in developing more fast bowlers? A. It's just a matter of sticking to what works for you and like trying to improve the rounds or the mistakes that you've made. Like I said, it's just keeping it simple and not trying to add too much stuff to what's actually working for you. I mean, it's okay to work on new things, but, then, you say you are at training and you work on death bowling. Then you work on probably your slower ball, and then you're working on your line and length. So it's just a matter of keeping it simple and keeping your composure. Q. UP Warriorz havent won the WPL title yet. As someone joining a revamped squad, what do you think is the key for this team to go all the way to the trophy? A. To be honest, I just think that we just need to be consistent and just play with freedom and just be fearless. I mean, like not reckless or anything around it, just enjoy playing the game. Q. UP Warriorz havent won the WPL title yet. As someone joining a revamped squad, what do you think is the key for this team to go all the way to the trophy? Also Read: Live Cricket Score A. Well, as an overseas player and as a senior player, you always have responsibilities, no matter what team you're playing. Even if it's like helping a teammate that if you see that she's probably needing help in terms of her backlift or how she plays the ball or something like that, there's always responsibilities for us as senior players. In any way, I don't mind helping no matter which category it is in. Article Source: IANS

Govt moves to control, regulate coaching centres - The Indian Express

Govt moves to control, regulate coaching centres The Indian Express

GUJCET 2026 registration window closing today: Check direct link and other details here

Aspiring engineering, diploma, and pharmacy students in Gujarat have until January 6, 2026, to register for GUJCET 2026. The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board is conducting the exam, crucial for admissions. The application fee is Rs 350, and the exam is scheduled for March 2026. Don't miss this vital opportunity!

Drawing comp at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kalupur - Ahmedabad Mirror

Drawing comp at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kalupur Ahmedabad Mirror

VGRC to attract large-scale investments in SaurashtraKutch: Gujarat Dy CM Sanghavi - Social News XYZ

VGRC to attract large-scale investments in SaurashtraKutch: Gujarat Dy CM Sanghavi Social News XYZ

Three women die in accidents

Bus service on 19 routes for Suvali Beach Festival - Times of India

Bus service on 19 routes for Suvali Beach Festival Times of India

FIR against car driver for running over street dog - Times of India

FIR against car driver for running over street dog Times of India

Two teachers drown in Narmada Canal near Jarod

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From Gujarat to Grunwick: A Short History of Strikers in Saris - Indias World Magazine

From Gujarat to Grunwick: A Short History of Strikers in Saris Indias World Magazine

SC junks customs demand on Adani Power's Mundra SEZ supply to domestic market

The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Adani Power. The company will not have to pay customs duty on electricity supplied from its Mundra Special Economic Zone to the domestic market. The court set aside a Gujarat High Court order. Authorities must refund amounts deposited by Adani Power. This decision covers electricity supplied between September 2010 and February 2016.

DGP Dr. K.L.N. Rao becomes new in-charge chief of Gujarat Police - News India Times

DGP Dr. K.L.N. Rao becomes new in-charge chief of Gujarat Police News India Times

Mumbai: Two from Gujarat arrested for smuggling hydroponic weed worth 42 lakh from Bangkok

WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants Visit Siddhivinayak Temple In Mumbai To Seek Blessings

Video Analyst Saurabh Walkar: As the countdown to the Womens Premier League (WPL) 2026 begins, the Gujarat Giants are blending preparation with perspective. On Monday, the Adani Sportsline-owned franchise visited the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai to seek blessings ahead of the new season, which gets underway on January 9 in Navi Mumbai. Head coach Michael Klinger and bowling coach Pravin Tambe were joined by players Tanuja Kanwar, Bharti Fulmali, and Ayushi Soni, along with Video Analyst Saurabh Walkar and Sanjay Adesara, chief business officer, Adani Sportsline, at the temple. The visit marked a quiet moment of reflection as the team sharpened its focus for the campaign ahead. Currently in Mumbai for their pre-season camp, the Giants are fine-tuning combinations and settling into rhythm ahead of what promises to be a demanding season. Having reached the WPL playoffs for the first time last year, the emphasis this time is on building momentum early and sustaining it through the tournament. Gujarat Giants face UP Warriorz in their WPL 2026 opener on Saturday, January 10, at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The side will look to build on last seasons momentum as it sets its sights on a title challenge. Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner will continue to lead the franchise in the upcoming season of the Womens Premier League (WPL). Gardner, a three-time T20 Womens World Cup winner, assumed the captaincy at the franchise from Australian teammate Beth Mooney last season. Under her leadership, Gujarat Giants reached the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. Experience in her stride. Belief in her voice. Ash Gardner steps up once more as our CAPTAIN, primed to take us to glory, the Giants shared on its social media. Since WPLs inception in 2023, Gardner has been an integral part of the Gujarat Giants side, scoring 568 runs and bagging 25 wickets in 25 games. She was one of the two players, the other being Beth Mooney, for Rs. 2.5 crore, retained by the Giants before the WPL 2026 Auction for Rs. 3.5 crore. Experience in her stride. Belief in her voice. Ash Gardner steps up once more as our CAPTAIN, primed to take us to glory, the Giants shared on its social media. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Aussie allrounder also contributed with her right-arm off-spin and claimed eight wickets at an economy of 8.03. The skipper claimed the Most Sixes award with 18 maximums to her name. Article Source: IANS

Gujarat government suspends IAS officer arrested by ED in graft case

According to the ED, Mr. Patel allegedly fixed bribe rates ranging between 5 and 10 per square metre for granting approvals for change of land use

SC allows Adani Power's appeal, sets aside Gujarat HC order over levy of customs duty

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Gujarat: Tracker Killed After Dart to Tranquilize Lioness Hits Him

The lioness had killed the 4-year-old boy, belonging to a farm labourer's family, near Nani Monpari village in Amreli's Visavadar taluka, which is close to Gir forest

Typhoid Outbreak In Gujarat: 2 Children Dead, Over 150 Patients Hospitalised In Gandhinagar

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took cognizance of the matter and directed the administration to act on a war footing.

'Not Too Enthused With Somnath': PM Modi's Jibe At Nehru Ahead Of 1,000-Year Celebrations

PM Narendra Modi said 2026 marks 1,000 years since the first attack on Somnath and celebrations showcase resilience of the Indian civilisation that rebuilt the temple in Gujarat

After Indore, Sewage Contaminates Water in Gujarat, Over 100 Fall Sick

So far, 113 cases of suspected typhoid have been detected in the state capital

Bribery-Linked Money Laundering Case: Gujarat IAS Officer Suspended After Arrest By ED

Ahmedabad, Jan 5: The Gujarat government has suspended IAS officer and former Surendranagar collector Rajendrakumar Patel following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a bribery-linked money laundering case, officials said on Monday. The ED arrested Patel, a 2015-batch IAS officer, on January 2. The same day, a special PMLA court here remanded him in the EDs custody till January 7. The state General Administration Department (GAD), in an order issued on Sunday, stated that Patel has been suspended [] The post Bribery-Linked Money Laundering Case: Gujarat IAS Officer Suspended After Arrest By ED appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM Modi to visit Somnath Temple on January 11

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Somnath Temple in Gujarat on January 11, marking the commencement of year-long 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' activities. The temple, rebuilt after foreign invasions, is being celebrated as a symbol of India's enduring civilization. Spiritual and social events are scheduled from January 8 to 11.

Amit Shahs 8-Day Blitz: Six Events A Day In Gujarat, Bengal On New Years Eve, Andaman Infra Push

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EMPLOYMENT (05-01-2026)

REQUIRED 1.COMPUTER OPERATOR (HAVING KNOWLEDGE OF BUSY) 2. SALE PERSON 3. MARKETING PERSON 4. DRIVER 9419212649, 9906033580 (ONLY SAMBA DISTRICT CANDIDATE CAN APPLY) SATSHIV SECURITY & G.D. SERVICES REQUIREMENTS 1. SECURITY GUARD & SECURITY OFFICER, AREA GANGYAL & BARI BRAHMANA. 2. RELIANCE COMPANY, ONLY EX-MAN, SECURITY GUARD & S.O (GUJARAT) 3. MERCHANT 4. ACCOUNTS 5. ELECTRICAL WORK 6. DRIVER 7. PEON 8. SECURITY GUARD 9. MAID. 10. VACANCY IN HOTEL (SUPERVISOR, HOUSE KEEPING, COOK, WAITER, GUARD, METER SECURITY GUARD). CAPT. [] The post EMPLOYMENT (05-01-2026) appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM Modi Hails Somnath Temple As Symbol Of Indias Indomitable Spirit

New Delhi, Jan 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, which was rebuilt after repeated attacks by foreign invaders, as a symbol of the indomitable spirit of Indian civilisation. In a blogpost to mark 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple, the prime minister said, There can be no better example of our civilisations indomitable spirit than Somnath, which stands gloriously, overcoming odds and struggle. The prime minister also took a [] The post PM Modi Hails Somnath Temple As Symbol Of Indias Indomitable Spirit appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Somnath: 1,000 years of unbroken faith - The Statesman

Somnath: 1,000 years of unbroken faith The Statesman

Gujarat hardlook: Ahmedabads green push - The Indian Express

Gujarat hardlook: Ahmedabads green push The Indian Express

Somnath Swabhiman Parv: 1,000 years of unbroken faith - Business Standard

Somnath Swabhiman Parv: 1,000 years of unbroken faith Business Standard

NIMCJ students show puppetry, drama skills - Ahmedabad Mirror

NIMCJ students show puppetry, drama skills Ahmedabad Mirror