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The Enforcement Directorate has launched a massive crackdown across Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Gujarat, raiding 25 locations linked to a sprawling codeine-based cough syrup diversion and trafficking racket. This financial investigation, triggered by multiple FIRs, aims to unravel a complex network of illegal manufacturing, forged documentation, and money laundering generating crores.
ED raids in multiple states in UP illegal cough syrup case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday raided multiple locations across several states as part of a money-laundering investigation into an alleged illegal cough syrup trafficking racket in Uttar Pradesh, officials said. The searches, which began around 7:30 am, are being conducted at 25 premises in Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaunpur and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Ranchi (Jharkhand) and Ahmedabad (Gujarat). The ED has registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to probe the illegal manufacturing, trade and transportation of codeine-based cough syrups (CBCS), including suspected cross-border smuggling into Bangladesh. Locations linked to the absconding main accused, Shubham Jaiswal, and his alleged associates Alok Singh and Amit Singh, along with certain cough syrup manufacturers and Chartered Accountant Vishnu Aggarwal, are being searched, the officials said. The agencys action is based on around 30 FIRs registered by Uttar Pradesh Police after the state government took cognisance of widespread misuse and illegal circulation of CBCS. The estimated proceeds of crime in the case amount to about Rs 1,000 crore, according to ED officials. Shubham Jaiswal is believed to have fled to Dubai, while his father has been arrested by Uttar Pradesh Police. A total of 32 people have been taken into custody so far, and the state police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
EC hits pause on voter roll push, revises SIR schedule across states
The enumeration period for these six states and Union territories was to end on Thursday and draft electoral rolls were to be published on December 16. The enumeration period for Tamil Nadu and Gujarat has been extended till December 14 and the draft electoral rolls will be published on December 19
House where Sardar Patel began his legal career still stands in Godhra
Supreme Court rejects plea to suspend Sanjiv Bhatt's 20-yr jail term in '96 drug-planting case
The Supreme Court has denied former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's plea to suspend his 20-year jail sentence in a 1996 drug planting case. Bhatt, convicted by a Gujarat court, sought bail but the bench declined his request. The case involves allegations of framing a lawyer in Palanpur, with Bhatt accused of planting drugs to settle a property dispute.
Kheda man arrested for helping cyber-fraud gang siphon 1.79cr
Drunk car driver seriously injures motorcyclist, arrested
Talati arrested for issuing fake marriage certificates in Panchmahal
VMC razes 350 dwellings near Dashama pond in Gorwa
Workers from Jhabua power Vadodaras door-to-door garbage collection
ECI extends SIR timeline in six states, Union Territories
The Election Commission of India has extended deadlines for electoral roll revisions in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Uttar Pradesh. New dates for draft roll publication have been set. This revision process is crucial for upcoming electoral activities. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed about the updated timelines.
NEW DELHI: The regime of Mahmud of Ghazni has been highlighted extensively in the Class VII Social Science Studies textbook (Part-2) released recently by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The book also moves away from a North-centric narrative and showcasing the greatness of past dynasties in the Southern and Eastern parts of the country, said sources. The textbook, titled Exploring Societies: India and Beyond , dwells on the period between the 6th and 12th centuries. It is in line with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. TNIE was given access to the book. Unlike the previous edition, where the Turkish ruler Mahmud of Ghazni was allotted just one paragraph, a whole chapter has been devoted to him in the revised edition. Chapter 4, titled Turning Tides: 11th and 12th centuries , deals extensively with the ruler and speaks of the destruction, plunder, and slaughter of tens of thousands of Indian civilians. Numerous prisoners were captured, including children, who were later sold in the slave markets of Central Asia, it said. His biographers depicted him as a powerful but cruel and ruthless general, keen not only to slaughter or enslave infidels (Hindus, Buddhists, or Jains) but also to kill believers from rival sects of Islam. Mahmud later went to Gujarat and Somnath (present-day Saurashtra), which was a bustling seaport. Despite strong resistance from the locals, after a few days of fighting Mahmud gained the upper hand, destroyed the Somnath Shiva temple, and looted its enormous treasures, it said. A noteworthy addition is the inclusion of dynasties whose contributions hardly found a place in textbooks in the past. The Kakatiyas of Telangana patronised Telugu literature and built the 1000-pillar temple at Hanamkonda, it said. They had a strong local administration along with an efficient revenue system. The Chalukyas of Kalyani, missing from school curricula earlier, are also included. A discussion on the Pallavas followed by the Bhakti tradition of South India finds a place here. Cholas, Hoysalas, philosophers like Ramanujacharya, and social reformers like Basaveshvara are highlighted. The great past of Eastern and North-East India has been highlighted through detailed coverage of the Palas in Bengal and Bihar, who founded major universities like Vikramashila and Somapura. The Senas and Eastern Gangas, builders of the Jagannath Puri temple and Sun Temple in Konark, are covered along with the Varmans dynasty. The great philosopher Shankaracharya, who consolidated the Advaita Vedanta school of thought, is also highlighted. His visit to Kashmir in the 8th century is mentioned, where he engaged in philosophical debates and contributed to the regions spiritual landscape.
Indian Citizenship Certificates Distributed to 195 Migrants from Pakistan
These people, belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain communities, had come to India as refugees, said Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi who was present at the ceremony.
Coast Guard seizes Pakistani fishing boat, detains 11 for illegal entry into Indian waters
AHMEDABAD: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has intercepted a Pakistani fishing vessel operating illegally inside Indias Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the Gujarat coast and apprehended all 11 crew members on board, officials said on Thursday. The detainees have been handed over to the Jakhau Marine Police for further investigation. The operation, carried out on Wednesday, was confirmed by the ICG in a post on X, stating that it had intercepted and apprehended a Pakistani fishing vessel along with 11 crew operating illegally inside Indian waters. Officials said the interdiction reflects Indias firm maritime vigilance and its unwavering commitment to enforcing international maritime law within the Maritime Zones of India (MZI). Gujarat Defence PRO, in a separate post on X, said the Coast Guard acted swiftly to intercept the boat deep inside Indias EEZ. This interdiction highlights sustained maritime operations and Indias commitment to securing its frontiers while enforcing international laws within the MZI. Continuous vigilance across Indias maritime domain remains a cornerstone of our national maritime security strategy, the PRO noted. The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny along maritime boundaries in the region. Authorities emphasised that persistent surveillance and prompt interdiction are central to Indias approach to safeguarding its maritime domain and ensuring that territorial waters remain inviolate. The latest interception follows an earlier operation in August, when the Border Security Force (BSF) arrested 15 Pakistani fishermen and seized a country-made motorised boat in Kothi Creek near the Indo-Pak border in Gujarats Kutch district. A haul of fish, nets, diesel, ice and food supplies was also recovered during that search. Officials said the investigation into the latest breach is underway.
341 minor pregnancies recorded in Gujarat's Mehsana between April and December 2025
AHMEDABAD: A recent survey by the Gujarat Health Department has revealed that, in district of Mehsana alone, 341 minor girls aged 13-17 have become pregnant in the past year between April and December. Female health workers, while compiling maternal health data, stumbled upon one case after another girls barely in their teens already carrying the burden of motherhood. In-charge District Health Officer Dr. Ghanshyam Gadhvi, speaking with stark clarity, laid out the disturbing numbers. Between April and December 2025, 22,812 pregnant women were registered in the district. Among them were girls, 2 aged 14, 34 aged 15, 76 aged 16, and 229 aged 17. That makes 341 minor pregnancies, he said. Kadi leads the list with 88 pregnant minors, followed closely by Mehsana taluka with 80. The chain extends across Bahucharaji (17), Jotana (16), Kheralu (19), Satlasana (23), Vadnagar (24), Unjha (20), Vijapur (28), and Visnagar (26). On paper, Gujarat has the Child Marriage Prohibition Act in place. Enforcement agencies and the Child Protection Unit are tasked with preventing these marriages. On ground, however, the law stands mocked, its spirit eroded by the sheer volume of violations. Despite state-level monitoring of maternal health data, the Mehsana statistics reveal that no preventive mechanism is working. The consequences are not merely legal; they are grave and life-threatening. Early pregnancies put both mother and child at extreme medical risk. After the pandemic lockdown, Mehsanas high child and maternal mortality rates drew national attention. The Health Department responded with specialised projects aimed at reducing these deaths. Yet the surge in underage pregnancies now threatens to undo years of health interventions, pushing vulnerable girls back into cycles of risk and invisibility. If such a crisis is unfolding in Mehsana the states symbol of literacy and administrative strength the question becomes unavoidable: what horrors remain hidden in Gujarats tribal, remote, or unmonitored districts?
341 minor pregnancies recorded in Gujarat between April and December 2025
AHMEDABAD: A recent survey by the Gujarat Health Department has revealed that 341 minor girls aged 13-17 have become pregnant in the past year between April and December. Female health workers, while compiling maternal health data, stumbled upon one case after another girls barely in their teens already carrying the burden of motherhood. In-charge District Health Officer Dr. Ghanshyam Gadhvi, speaking with stark clarity, laid out the disturbing numbers. Between April and December 2025, 22,812 pregnant women were registered in the district. Among them were girls, 2 aged 14, 34 aged 15, 76 aged 16, and 229 aged 17. That makes 341 minor pregnancies, he said. Kadi leads the list with 88 pregnant minors, followed closely by Mehsana taluka with 80. The chain extends across Bahucharaji (17), Jotana (16), Kheralu (19), Satlasana (23), Vadnagar (24), Unjha (20), Vijapur (28), and Visnagar (26). On paper, Gujarat has the Child Marriage Prohibition Act in place. Enforcement agencies and the Child Protection Unit are tasked with preventing these marriages. On ground, however, the law stands mocked, its spirit eroded by the sheer volume of violations. Despite state-level monitoring of maternal health data, the Mehsana statistics reveal that no preventive mechanism is working. The consequences are not merely legal; they are grave and life-threatening. Early pregnancies put both mother and child at extreme medical risk. After the pandemic lockdown, Mehsanas high child and maternal mortality rates drew national attention. The Health Department responded with specialised projects aimed at reducing these deaths. Yet the surge in underage pregnancies now threatens to undo years of health interventions, pushing vulnerable girls back into cycles of risk and invisibility. If such a crisis is unfolding in Mehsana the states symbol of literacy and administrative strength the question becomes unavoidable: what horrors remain hidden in Gujarats tribal, remote, or unmonitored districts?
EC extends electoral roll revision timeline in six States, UTs
The EC on Thursday released the revised schedule for Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Uttar Pradesh
Gujarats road safety gap widens with nearly 36K fatalities in five years despite rise in e-challans
AHMEDABAD: Fresh Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha data on Thursday have highlighted gaps in Gujarats road management architecture, where road accidents and fatalities continue to rise despite an increase in e-challans and fines. The data showed an explosive rise in e-challans -- Gujarat issued 2.84 lakh challans in 2022, a number that shot up nearly six times to 16.04 lakh in 2023, and then spiralled to an astonishing 43.24 lakh in 2024. But the enforcement surge comes with a troubling twist: unpaid challans are rising faster than recoveries. While fines recovered in 2022 stood at Rs 103.35 crore, they grew to Rs 150.18 crore in 2023 and Rs 188.61 crore in 2024. Yet unpaid dues jumped even faster from Rs 43.88 crore in 2022 to Rs 135.62 crore in 2023, before tripling to Rs 302.10 crore in 2024. Rule 167 of the CMVR mandates that challans be disposed of within 90 days, and delinquency should block licence or registration-related processes. But Gujarats unpaid docket suggests that the rulebook is either under-enforced or routinely bypassed. The fallout is visible on the roads. Gujarats road accident data from 2020 to 2024 shows a persistently high and uneven pattern. The state registered 13,398 accidents in 2020, rising to 15,186 in 2021, 15,751 in 2022, and peaking at 16,349 in 2023, before dipping slightly to 15,588 in 2024. Fatalities show the same trajectory, increasing from 6,170 deaths in 2020 to 7,452 in 2021, 7,618 in 2022, and 7,854 in 2023, with a marginal drop to 7,717 in 2024. Total for five years: 76,272 accidents and 36,811 deaths. Over-speeding remains Gujarats major cause of accidents. Accidents due to speeding jumped from 12,449 (2020) to 14,718 (2023), while fatalities stubbornly remained above 7,000 every year, touching 7,278 in 2023 and 7,193 in 2024. The numbers show that despite soaring challans, the behaviour most frequently penalised remains the one most frequently ignored. Overloading offences show a quieter but persistent rise, with accidents increasing from 671 in 2020 to 754 in 2024, and fatalities rising from 358 to 384 in the same period. Fatalities due to non-wearing of helmets climbed sharply from 2,106 in 2020 to 3,021 in 2024, a nearly 44% jump. Seatbelt-related deaths rose from 798 in 2020 to 963 in 2024, signalling that the most basic safety habits remain deeply ignored even as e-challans proliferate. Adding to the chaos is the rise in accidents involving drivers without licences, which surged from 791 in 2020 to 1,251 in 2023. Taken together, the data unmasks Gujarats paradox: a state issuing record e-challans but still failing to curb the behaviours that kill the most.
ECI Revises Electoral Roll Revision Schedule for 6 States and UTs; UP Gets 2-Week Extension
The Election Commission of India has revised the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) schedule for Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andaman & Nicobar, and Uttar Pradesh. UP receives a two-week extension as over 18% voters remain ...
EC extends SIR timeline in six states, Union territories
New Delhi: The Election Commission on Thursday extended the timeline for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in six states and Union territories following requests from the respective chief electoral officers. In a statement, the Election Commission (EC) issued the revised schedule for SIR in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, the Andaman and 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 .
Kohli And Pant To Join Delhi Team For Vijay Hazare Trophy As Probables List Announced
CAC Chairman Vijay Dahiya: Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant will be joining the Delhi team for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, as the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) announced the list of probable players for the domestic one-day competition. The availability of Kohli, which was confirmed earlier this month, and Pant is expected to lend considerable depth and experience to Delhis batting order, especially with the BCCI making a rule that contracted India players have to feature in domestic cricket when international commitments are not on. The Delhi team will play its first two Elite Group D games against Andhra and Gujarat at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which serves as Kohli's home ground for his IPL team, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The side is also scheduled to play the remaining five games at the Alur Cricket Ground, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Kohli will come on the back of being Player of the Series in the 2-1 win over South Africa in the ODI series, while Pant will be itching to get some game time after being an unused player in the recent 50-over fixtures against the Proteas. The duo will be available till Indias ODI series against New Zealand happens from January 11-17, 2026. The Delhi team will play its first two Elite Group D games against Andhra and Gujarat at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which serves as Kohli's home ground for his IPL team, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The side is also scheduled to play the remaining five games at the Alur Cricket Ground, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Also Read: Live Cricket Score A further list of 50 probable players has also been released. They are:- Dev Lakra, Divij Mehra, Yugal Saini, Sujal Singh, Rajneesh Dadar, Aman Bharti, Govind Mittal, Sumit Beniwal, Shubham Dubey, Keshav Dabas, Rahul Choudhary, Samarth Seth, Shivam Tripathi, Anmol Sharma, Shivam Gupta, Lakshay Thareja, Manan Bhardwaj, Rounak Waghela, Mayank Gussain, Keshav R Singh, Laxman, Divansh Rawat, Pranav Rajvanshi, Pranshu Vijayran, Siddhant Sharma, Gagan Vats, Vansh Bedi, Rahul Gahlot, Vishal Rai, Samarth Singh, Sanat Sangwan, Aayush Singh, Sumit Mathur, Sampooran Tripathi, Vivek Tiwari, Hrithik Shokeen, Tejas Baroka, Saksham Sharma, Dev Dubey, Shivam Sharma, Rohit Yadav, Anirudh Choudhary, Vishant Bhati, Pranav Pant, Pankaj Jaswal, Ajay Guliya, Siddhant Bansal, Vikas Solanki, Divij Prakash and Suryakant Chauhan Article Source: IANS
Eleven Pakistani fishermen were apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard on Wednesday after their boat 'Al Wali' was found inside Indian waters near Gujarat's Jakhau without any prior permission.
Election Commission Extends SIR Deadline In 6 States, No Change In Bengal
The SIR deadline in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Uttar Pradesh has been extended by a week.
Indian Coast Guard Seizes Pakistani Boat, 11 Crew Members Handed Over To Gujarat Police
Indian Coast Guard caught a Pakistani fishing boat with 11 crew in India's waters, handing them to Gujarat police for investigation.
Election Commission revises SIR schedule for six states and Union territories
The Election Commission of India has updated the schedule for electoral roll revision in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This revision aims for accuracy. Eligible citizens, especially new voters, should register by submitting Form 6.
ICG detains 11 Pakistani fishermen: Vessel caught operating illegally near Gujarat; probe under way
The Indian Coast Guard apprehended a Pakistani fishing boat with 11 crew members for illegally operating within Indian waters. This decisive action underscores India's commitment to protecting its maritime frontiers and upholding international maritime law. The operation highlights the Coast Guard's sustained vigilance and proactive approach to national maritime security.
Coast Guard seizes Pakistani boat in Indian waters, apprehends 11 crew members
AHMEDABAD: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has seized a Pakistani fishing boat and apprehended 11 crew members operating illegally in the Indian waters, officials said on Thursday. The detainees have been handed over to Jakhau Marine Police in Gujarat for further investigation, they said. The Indian Coast Guard, in a swift action on Wednesday, apprehended a Pakistani fishing boat with 11 crew inside India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Gujarat Defence PRO Wing Commander Abhishek Kumar Tiwari said in a post on X. In a swift operation on 10 Dec 25, @IndiaCoastGuard apprehended a #Pakistani fishing boat with 11 crew inside the #Indian #EEZ . This interdiction underscores #BhartiyaTatrakshak 's sustained maritime operations and India's commitment to securing its maritime frontiers while pic.twitter.com/BYZSLcBvLS PRO Defence Gujarat (@DefencePRO_Guj) December 11, 2025 This interdiction underscores the Coast Guard's sustained maritime operations and India's commitment to securing its frontiers while maintaining robust enforcement of international laws within the Maritime Zones of India (MZI), he said. Continuous vigilance across India's maritime domain remains a cornerstone of our national maritime security strategy, he added. The ICG also confirmed the interception. The Indian Coast Guard intercepted and apprehended a Pakistani fishing vessel along with 11 crew operating illegally inside Indian waters. This decisive action reflects the unwavering vigilance of the ICG and India's firm resolve to protect its maritime frontiers and uphold international maritime law within the MZI. Relentless surveillance and proactive operation remain the bedrock of our maritime security strategy, it said on X.
A parliamentary exchange saw Congress MP Jairam Ramesh present Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Maniben Patel's diary. Ramesh stated the diary entries do not support Singh's recent claim regarding Jawaharlal Nehru and the Babri Masjid. Singh indicated he had an English version. The incident follows Singh's remarks in Gujarat, which Congress has challenged, citing Patel's daughter's writings.
Gift City & Henox Group sign MoU for Rs 1,317-crore cable landing station in Gujarat
The agreement aims to enhance Gujarats digital infrastructure, positioning the state as a key player in global data traffic and attracting significant investments in AI and cloud technology
Ananya walks out of Abhay's 'Choomantar' citing date clashes
Ananya Panday has exited the fantasy romantic drama 'Choomantar' due to a scheduling conflict with 'Call Me Bae 2'. The film's makers have swiftly replaced her with South actress Sreeleela and Gujarati star Janki Bodiwala, who will now star opposite Abhay Verma. The project, with a new lead pair, is set to begin workshops soon.
'Laalo' cast visits Himmatnagar jail
The cast of the Gujarati hit 'Laalo Krishna Sada Sahaayate' visited Himmatnagar jail, sharing motivational messages inspired by the film's themes. Actress Reeva Rachh encouraged inmates to focus on good deeds, emphasizing that positive actions have a lasting impact.
Jairam Ramesh hands Rajnath original Maniben Patel diary entries, rebuts NehruBabri claim
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday handed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh a copy of Vallabhbhai Patels daughter Maniben Patels original diary entries in Gujarati, asserting that they contain no reference to Singhs claim that Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to construct the Babri Masjid using public funds. Ramesh met Singh outside Parliaments Makar Dwar and presented him with the Gujarati pages alongside a Hindi translation. When Ramesh urged him to read the entries, Singh responded that he did not know Gujarati, adding that the BJP already had an English version. The Congress has been challenging Singhs remarks, made last week during a public address in Gujarats Vadodara district, claiming Nehru had proposed state funding for the mosque but was stopped by Sardar Patel. The party has accused the defence minister of circulating falsehoods and urged him to apologise. Ramesh said the diary entries published in the 2025 book Samarpit Padchhayo Sardarno by C.A. R.S. Patel (Aaresh) do not support Singhs statement. There is a huge difference between the original diary entry and what Rajnath Singh and his fellow distorians are propagating, he wrote on X while sharing images of the pages. The BJP, however, continues to stand by Singh. Its national spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi cited another publication, Inside Story of Sardar Patel, Diary of Maniben Patel, claiming it notes that Nehru raised the Babri Masjid issue and that Patel declined government expenditure for constructing a mosque. The Congress has dismissed these assertions as fabricated and accused the BJP of relying on WhatsApp University narratives to target Nehru and distort historical records.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a plea filed by former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt seeking seeking suspension of the 20-year jail sentence imposed on him in a 1996 drug seizure case. A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi said it was not inclined to entertain the matter. The top court was hearing an appeal filed by Bhatt seeking suspension of sentence in the case. A sessions court in Palanpur town of Gujarat's Banaskantha district had sentenced Bhatt to 20 years in the case dating back to 1996. Bhatt was found guilty of falsely implicating a Rajasthan-based lawyer by claiming that in 1996, police had seized drugs from a hotel room in Palanpur where the lawyer was staying. Bhatt, who was sacked from service in 2015, was a superintendent of police in Banaskantha district in 1996. The district police under him had arrested Sumersingh Rajpurohit, a Rajasthan-based lawyer, in 1996 claiming they had seized drugs from a hotel room in Palanpur town where he was staying. However, the Rajasthan police later said Rajpurohit was falsely implicated by the Banaskantha police to compel him to transfer a disputed property located at Pali in Rajasthan. Former police inspector I B Vyas had moved the Gujarat High Court in 1999 demanding a thorough inquiry into the case. Bhatt was arrested by the state CID in September 2018 in the drug case under the NDPS Act and is in Palanpur sub-jail since then. Last year, the former IPS officer had approached the Supreme Court seeking transfer of the trial in the 28-year-old drug case to another sessions court alleging bias. He had also sought directions for recording of the trial court proceedings. However, the Supreme Court had dismissed Bhatt's plea and imposed a cost of Rs 3 lakh on him for alleging bias against a lower court judge conducting his trial in the drug planting case.
SC Rejects Sanjiv Bhatts Plea Seeking Suspension Of Sentence In 1996 Drug Seizure Case
New Delhi, Dec 11: The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a plea filed by former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt seeking seeking suspension of the 20-year jail sentence imposed on him in a 1996 drug seizure case. A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi said it was not inclined to entertain the matter. The top court was hearing an appeal filed by Bhatt seeking suspension of sentence in the case. A sessions court in Palanpur town of Gujarats Banaskantha [] The post SC Rejects Sanjiv Bhatts Plea Seeking Suspension Of Sentence In 1996 Drug Seizure Case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Essential Rotor Part To Be Fixed Before Dhruvs Return To Naval, Coast Guard Service: Report
The grounding of the entire Dhruv fleet followed a tragic incident on January5 this year when a Coast Guardoperated ALH Dhruv crashed at Porbandar, Gujarat
'Laalo' BO day 62: Karan's film holds strong as it amasses Rs 115 Cr worldwide
The Gujarati film 'Laalo - Krishna Sada Sahaayate' continues its successful theatrical run, crossing Rs 91.45 crore in India net by Day 62. The movie has garnered significant praise on social media for its acting, music, and universal themes, reaching a worldwide total of Rs 114.8 crore.
Gujarat Man, Accused Of Rape, Assault Of 7-Year-Old Girl, Shot In Legs While Attempting To Flee
35-year-old man, accused of raping and assaulting a seven-year-old girl in Rajkot, Gujarat, was shot in the legs by police during an encounter after he tried to flee.
Two fake Ayurvedic practitioners held, cops warn people against such gurus in Bengaluru
BENGALURU: City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh has appealed to people not to seek any treatment from Ayurvedic practitioners operating from roadside tents as many of them are uncertified. This comes in the backdrop of the arrest of two self-proclaimed Ayurvedic gurus for cheating a software engineer by promising to cure his sexual health problems. At a press conference on Wednesday, Singh said the Jnanabharathi police have arrested two people for cheating a man by promising to cure his ailment. The victim later developed severe health complications due to the medicines given by the accused. All divisional deputy commissioners of police have been instructed to verify roadside Ayurvedic tents, and to remove those operating illegally. Vijay Pradhan Chitodiya (42) and Manoj Singh Chitodiya (29), residents of Maharashtra and hailing from Gujarat, have been arrested for cheating the software engineer. The police said 29-year-old Akhilesh (name changed), who was depressed about not having a child and frustrated with delays in allopathic treatment, had approached a roadside tent run by the self-styled Ayurvedic gurus. The accused promised him a quick cure, but in the end, he lost Rs 48 lakh and suffered kidney damage after consuming the herbal medicines prescribed to him. The police added that the prime accused was arrested in Telangana, and based on his information, his associate was arrested in Cyberabad. About 17 types of Ayurvedic medicines, a tempo traveller used for the offence, and Rs 19.50 lakh in cash have been seized from the duo. Both have been remanded to judicial custody.
VMC spends 1.73cr to repair three ageing bridges
Theft accused held after 15 years in Panchmahal
Couple killed after being hit by truck on NH-48
Tribal YouTuber arrested for video supporting Maoist leader Hidma
Amazon signs MoU with GSV for logistics research
Deaf educator launches Gujarats first English course, wins national award
Amul partners with Argentina Football body
4 from Ahmedabad arrested for theft of NRIs gold jewellery
Deaf educator launches Gujarats first English course, wins national award - Times of India
Deaf educator launches Gujarats first English course, wins national award Times of India
Amber-grift? Lab tests cast doubts over recent seizures - Times of India
Amber-grift? Lab tests cast doubts over recent seizures Times of India
Gujarat accounts for 20% of TOEFL centres in India - Times of India
Gujarat accounts for 20% of TOEFL centres in India Times of India
ICICI Bank fined Rs 10 lakh, Vodafone Rs 5 lakh in Gujarat SIM fraud case - MSN
ICICI Bank fined Rs 10 lakh, Vodafone Rs 5 lakh in Gujarat SIM fraud case MSN
No BU nod: 12 preschools, schools in Ahmedabad sealed - Times of India
No BU nod: 12 preschools, schools in Ahmedabad sealed Times of India
Ruckus at town hall over PMAY house draw postponement
Dropouts rise, classrooms shrink, but Gujarat schools still have surplus teachers
AHMEDABAD: Gujarats latest education statistics reveal a system caught between falling enrolments and stubborn secondary-level dropouts. The five-year dropout trend sets the stage. Primary-level dropout rates remained nearly negligible, touching 1.02% in 2020-21, falling to 0% for two consecutive years, and inching up slightly to 0.1% and 0.2% in 2023-24 and 2024-25. Upper primary dropout rates have fluctuated over the years rising from 4.54% in 2020-21 to 4.95% in 2021-22, peaking at 5.8% in 2022-23, dipping to 4.2% in 2023-24, and again climbing back to 5.8% in 2024-25. Secondary dropout trends reveal sharp swings from a high 23.31% in 2020-21, dropping to 17.85% in 2021-22, surging again to 23.3% in 2022-23, easing to 21% in 2023-24, and falling further to 16.9% in 2024-25. This pattern becomes sharper when broken down by social groups. For Scheduled Castes in 2024-25, dropout at the primary level is nearly absent, but upper primary and secondary still show 4.4% and 15.4%, For 2024-25 in Gujarat, dropout rates among Scheduled Tribes (ST) stand at 0.2% in primary classes, 7.7% at the upper-primary level, and a significantly higher 20.2% in secondary education. The data on government school enrolment adds another troubling layer. Even as dropout rates surge at higher grades, the state is simultaneously witnessing a growing number of schools with less than ten or even zero students. This figure ballooned from 677 schools in 2022-23 to 906 in 2023-24, before dipping to 748 in 2024-25 still significantly high. Yet the teacher count in these near-empty schools has also climbed: from 1,391 teachers in 2022-23 to 1,641 in 2023-24, with a dip to 1,353 in 2024-25. The imbalance is stark: more teachers but fewer students raising critical questions on deployment, efficiency, and long-term planning. The backdrop to these anomalies is the steady reduction in the total number of government schools. Gujarat had 35,040 schools in 2019-20; the count slid gradually to 34,597 by 2023-24, recovering slightly to 34,638 in 2024-25. This shrinking footprint, combined with rising dropout rates and thinning enrolments in many campuses, paints a picture of consolidation without commensurate revitalisation.
Ahmedabad Crime Branch steps up crackdown on cybercrime mule accounts
Statewide operation targets mule accounts, bank negligence and cybercrime networks across Gujarat
Watch: American Vlogger Relished Gujarati Locho And Sosyo In Surat, Wins Foodies' Approval
A viral reel shows an American travel vlogger relishing locho at a local food joint in Surat. She pairs it with the popular drink, Sosyo, and enjoys both.
Gujarat scraps 6.34 lakh ration cards in five years: Data cleanup or silent exclusion?
AHMEDABAD: A fresh disclosure in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday has brought Gujarats food security framework under intense scrutiny, revealing 75,17,392 active ration cards but overshadowed by a persistent and rising wave of deletions across the past five years. In total, Gujarat has removed 6.34 lakh ration cards between 2020 and October 2025, revealing a continuous churn in its beneficiary list. The deletions signal an ongoing verification drive that has raised pressing questions on beneficiary identification, data accuracy and administrative accountability. What began in 2020 as a seemingly routine correction with 47,936 deletions ballooned dramatically in 2021, when removals shot up to 2,19,151, sparking immediate questions about what exactly was being filtered out. The trend continued: 1,32,519 deletions in 2022, 1,35,362 in 2023, and another 30,889 in 2024 kept the system in constant churn. By October 2025, an additional 69,102 cards had already been deleted. In total, Gujarat has struck 6.34 lakh ration cards from its lists in six years, a scale that makes clear this was no one-time clean-up. The spike of 2021 marked the highest annual jump, but the momentum in 2022 and 2023 each crossing 1.3 lakh deletions showed that the pruning exercise had become structural. Gujarat removes 22.68 lakh workers from MGNREGA records Even 2024 and 2025 continued the purge, adding over one lakh more deletions. Each years figure feeds into the next, raising the critical question of whether Gujarats system is improving accuracy or signalling administrative inconsistencies and possible silent exclusions. The Centre, however, placed the responsibility on the States/UTs, reiterating in Parliament that identification and management of NFSA beneficiary lists lie entirely with state governments. This clarification narrows the accountability lens squarely on Gujarats verification mechanisms while distancing the Union Government from operational decisions. According to the official explanation, deletions were triggered by duplicate entries, ineligible beneficiaries, e-KYC mismatches, recorded deaths and permanent migration framing the purge as both demographic and technical housekeeping. Importantly, the government stressed that no ration card was cancelled solely for failing e-KYC or Aadhaar authentication, pushing back against concerns of digital exclusion. Adding a final layer of complexity, the government claimed that no formal complaints of wrongful deletions have been received. Yet the absence of complaints amid rising deletions raises its own question does it reflect efficient governance or limited access to grievance mechanisms among vulnerable households? As the figures accumulate year after year, the emerging narrative is sharp and conflicted: an expansive data cleaning drive that Gujarat presents as essential maintenance, but one that critics fear may be quietly edging out those who need support the most.
Anant National University hosted its 7th Convocation, conferring degrees on 299 students from the Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Design, Anant Fellowship in Sustainability and Built Environment, MSc in Sustainability and Built Environment and Anant Fellowship in Climate Action. Padma Shri awardee and Chief Scientist and Co-founder of Zoho Corporation, Dr Sridhar Vembu, was the Chief Guest. Mr Ajay Piramal, President, Anant National University, Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost, Anant National University, and the members of the board were present during the convocation. “ Coming to Anant National University has truly been a joy. The creativity and purpose-driven designs by Anant students blew my mind. I saw remarkable work—the kind of innovation our nation urgently needs ,” Dr Vembu shared, drawing the audience of students, faculty and families into deep engagement. He reflected on India’s evolving design landscape, emphasising the importance of future-oriented thinking. “ We often celebrate the achievements of our past, yet rarely do we pause to honour what we are building in the present. We must think beyond our own lifetimes and create for the future, and Anant is clearly teaching its students to do exactly that .” Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost Anant National University while addressing the graduates in the 7th convocation Dr Vembu, who Co-founded Zoho in 1996 and led it as CEO for over twenty years, now helms the company’s cutting-edge AI and deep-tech research—an evolution he describes as “t he joy of building for tomorrow .” Following his address, Mr Piramal, President of Anant National University, spoke about design as a powerful force for national transformation. “ Design gives us the tools to reimagine industries, rebuild communities and renew our environment. It is how we transition from ‘Make in India’ as an aspiration to ‘Design for India’ as a philosophy ,” he said. Provost Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi then addressed the 299 graduands from programmes spanning design, architecture, sustainability, climate action and fellowship tracks, situating their journey within India’s moment of accelerating growth. “ As you enter this new chapter, remember that there couldn’t have been a better time to begin. India stands in a moment of remarkable opportunity. We are growing, innovating and moving with purpose toward becoming Viksit Bharat within just a few decades .” He reinforced the generational responsibility the young designers carry, “ You will be the builders of the Viksit Bharat, a sustainable, inclusive and globally recognised country. An India where design thinking shapes governance, industry and everyday life .” This year’s convocation also honoured exceptional achievers across Academic Excellence, Innovation, Best Graduation Project, Best Thesis, Best Live-Action Project and Best Student categories. To mark the graduating cohort’s creative journey, the university transformed its entire campus into a vibrant, immersive exhibition space. Studios, galleries and auditoriums showcased an array of student-led innovations—from design prototypes and sustainability solutions to architectural models and climate-action initiatives—turning the university into a living museum of ideas shaping India’s future. www.anant.edu.in . About Anant National University Anant National University, India’s premier design university, is dedicated to training students to devise solutions for global problems. Anant follows the DesignX pedagogy, where ‘X’ is the symbol drawn from mathematics, representing enhancement. This new learning approach multiplies traditional design pedagogy with liberal arts disciplines, emerging technologies and knowledge drawn from hands-on community experiences to help understand our world better and to devise impactful solutions. Our multidisciplinary undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in design, architecture, climate action and visual arts harness knowledge from various disciplines and traditional practices to integrate it with cutting-edge technology to address diverse challenges. We train our designers to become solutionaries — revolutionary thinkers with a solution-oriented mindset. Anant National University has been recognised as the Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat, highlighting our efforts to provide our students with world-class education, innovative pedagogy, high employability and enhanced entrepreneurial and research opportunities. Anant has also received the prestigious ‘5-Star Rating’ in the category of Architecture and a ‘4-Star Rating’ in the University category in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023-24. These recognitions reinforce our commitment to creating a world-class institution of great eminence and excellence.
7-Year-Old Girl Brutalised With Iron Rod After Rape Attempt In Gujarat
A horrific case of a minor's assault has emerged from Gujarat's Rajkot in which a rod was inserted into a seven-year-old's private parts after an attempted rape by the perpetrator.
Watch: Python Revived With CPR After Head Injury In Gujarat
A python was rescued in Gujarat after the combined efforts of the Forest Department and a Dediapada-based animal welfare activist from the organisation called Jivdaya Premi.
Gujarat: Massive fire erupts in Surats Raj Textile market
A massive fire broke out at Surats Raj Textile Market on Wednesday, prompting the deployment of 22 fire tenders and over 100 firefighters. Dense smoke engulfed the building as flames spread across the third, fifth and top floors. Officials say the fire is largely under control, with cooling operations underway
UNESCO honours eternal human longing for peace, triumph of good: India on Deepavali inscription
India already has 15 other elements inscribed on the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, including the Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja of Kolkata, Garba dance of Gujarat, yoga, the tradition of Vedic chanting and Ramlila -- the traditional performance of the epic 'Ramayana'.
Saving the Gentle Giant: How Indias Fishers Are Leading a Whale Shark Revival
Once targeted for oil and meat, the whale shark is now being saved by fishers along Indias Arabian Sea coast. What began as a Gujarat-led conservation movement has reached Lakshadweep and Kerala. With awareness drives and rescue compensation, fishers are learning safe disentanglement techniques. Yet, inadequate support and social security gaps continue to challenge the people risking their livelihoods to protect this gentle giant. Mongabay India correspondent K A Shaji reports On a March morning in Poonthura, near Keralas capital [] The post Saving the Gentle Giant: How Indias Fishers Are Leading a Whale Shark Revival appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
20-Year-Old Killed, Dismembered By Friend In Gujarat After Dispute Involving A Woman
Ramesh Maheshwari, missing from Muru village in Nakhatrana, Gujarat, was found murdered and dismembered. Police allege his friend Kishore killed him after a dispute over a woman.
6-Year-Old Girl Assaulted By Metal Rod After Failed Rape Attempt In Gujarat; Private Parts Injured
A six-year-old girl in Rajkot was brutally attacked after an attempted rape, sparking outrage and a police manhunt that led to the arrest of a 35-year-old farm labourer from Dahod.
Four killed, 27 injured in bus-truck collision on Jaipur-Bikaner National Highway
JAIPUR: Four people were killed and 27 others injured after a bus collided head-on with a truck on Jaipur-?Bikaner National Highway in the Sikar district of Rajasthan on Tuesday night. The sleeper bus was travelling from Bikaner towards Jaipur when they rammed into each other. The police said that four persons died in the accident, adding that 15 injured were admitted to the Sikar district hospital while 13 were given primary treatment at Fatehgarh. One critically injured person referred from the Sikar district hospital to SMS Hospital in Jaipur died during treatment, the police said. The group of passengers was returning Gujarat after visiting Jammu and Kashmir when the accident occurred, the police added.
Gujarat Man Murdered, Body Chopped By Friend After Fight Over Woman
A 20-year-old man from Gujarat, who had been missing for six days, was found murdered, with police uncovering that he was allegedly killed and dismembered by his friend over a dispute involving a woman.
What happened on 10th December in history: The most significant events over the years
December 10th marks significant historical moments, including the birth anniversaries of Indian National Congress President Siddhavanahalli Nijalingappa and archaeologist Hasmukh Sankalia. It also commemorates the death anniversaries of liberation warrior Chaudhary Digambar Singh and Nobel Prize founder Alfred Nobel. The day is globally recognized as Human Rights Day and saw the launch of India's first hovercraft service in Gujarat.
Kejriwal says Gujarat govt stopped him from meeting jailed farmers
He charged that the current administration had behaved in a manner far harsher than what our freedom fighters could have imagined from an independent Indian government.
Compute profs pension, including ad hoc service: HC
Patients claim that vertigo is not always ear-related granted
Marriage certificate files missing in four Jambughoda villages
Vadodara airport hit by IndiGo flight cancellations again
Encroachments razed in Kadak Bazaar, station areas
IIT Gandhinagar gets Gujarats first Gen-Z themed post office - AP7AM
IIT Gandhinagar gets Gujarats first Gen-Z themed post office AP7AM
Gujarat-based SteamHouse India aims for 425 cr IPO, files updated draft paper with SEBI
While 150 crore from the fresh issue will go towards the repayment of loans, an additional 108 crore will be used to set up a new manufacturing facility
NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday said that attacking tall leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru cannot divert attention from the real issues. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the debate on the 150th anniversary of the national song, Kharge added that the purpose of the House must be to focus on the burning issues facing the nation, because the true tribute to Bharat Mata will be paid only when the Parliament debates the concerns of the people and their solutions. Kharge countered Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charges that Nehru removed four stanzas from 'Vande Mataram' to appease the Muslim League and its leader Mohammad Ali Jinnah by reminding the BJP that it was their founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee who had formed a government in alliance with the Muslim League in Bengal and not Nehru. He noted that the decision to adopt only the first two stanzas of the national song was taken in the Congress Working Committee meeting held in 1937. He said, those present in the meeting that approved only the first two stanzas as the national song, included besides Pandit Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, Abul Kalam Azad, Acharya Kripalani, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Dr Rajendra Prasad, GB Pant and others. Why target Pandit Nehru selectively? he asked, pointing out, it was a collective decision of all these leaders. On real issues faced by the people of the country, he specially referred to the falling value of rupee against the US dollar and reminded PM Modi what he had said on the same issue as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2012. He quoted Modi as having alleged that it was due to the corruption that the value of rupee had fallen. Is it because of the same reasons that the value of rupee has fallen today, as you had attributed to its fall then? he asked. It is like a Himalayan fall, the way the rupee's value has fallen, he remarked. Kharge also referred to the foreign policy disaster during the NDA regime, pointing out how the neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh, which were traditional allies, had grown too distant from India. He said, Nepal was coming closer to China and Bangladesh, for the first time since 1971, was moving closer to Pakistan. He said China was expanding its influence in South Asia at the cost of Indias interests and influence. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Modis claims of possessing a 56-inch chest, he asked, what is the point of having such a broad chest when you cannot defend the country's interest and cannot stand up to Chinese bullying? He referred to aggressive expansionist claims of China over Arunachal Pradesh, pointing out how a woman from the state had been detained for 18 hours at a Chinese airport and was told that her Indian passport was illegal and she should apply for a Chinese passport. Kharge concluded his speech by urging the government to stop spreading falsehoods and slinging mud at national heroes to cover up its own failures. He said that whenever BJP leaders insult those who sacrificed everything for Indias freedom, it only becomes clearer that they and their ideological forefathers had no role in the countrys independence. He advised the government not to make a mockery of itself by questioning the wisdom of the heroes of the freedom struggle.
Kejriwal Gujarat Jail: Kejriwal Denied Jail Visit, Criticizes BJP - Deccan Herald
Kejriwal Gujarat Jail: Kejriwal Denied Jail Visit, Criticizes BJP Deccan Herald
Gujarat removes 22.68 lakh workers from MGNREGA records
AHMEDABAD: Fresh official data tabled in Lok Sabha on 9th December paints an alarming picture of mass deletions under MGNREGA in Gujarat. From 2019-20 to 2024-25, over 7.49 lakh job cards were deleted, and nearly 22.68 lakh workers were removed from job cards, raising serious questions on transparency, eligibility checks, and the future of rural livelihood support in the state. A new data disclosure in Lok Sabha on Tuesday has opened a sharp debate on transparency and accountability in Gujarats implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA). The Union Ministry of Rural Development has reported a massive and accelerating deletion trend, which is reshaping the ground reality of rural employment in the state. The numbers tell a stark story. Gujarat has seen a year-on-year rise in deletion of job cards, beginning with 40,314 deletions in 2019-20, jumping to 1,31,080 in 2020-21, dipping slightly to 40,289 in 2021-22, only to spike again with 1,46,141 deletions in 2022-23. The situation intensified dramatically in 2023-24, where deletions ballooned to 3,38,533 job cards the highest in five years. Even in the ongoing financial year 2024-25, the deletion trend continues with 53,616 job cards already removed, signalling the process is far from slowing. But job cards arent the only concern worker deletion data is even more staggering. Between 2019-20 and 2023-24, Gujarat removed workers linked to job cards at an unprecedented scale: In 2019-20, Gujarat removed 1,54,654 workers from the MGNREGA registry a baseline that almost tripled the following year with 4,35,435 deletions in 2020-21. The trend briefly dipped in 2021-22, recording 1,43,195 removals, only to surge again in subsequent years. By 2022-23, deletions jumped dramatically to 5,59,478, marking a significant expansion in exclusion from the programme. The sharpest rise came in 2023-24, when the number nearly doubled again, reaching 9,75,994 deleted workers the highest point in the five-year dataset. This means worker deletions increased over six times between 2019-20 and 2023-24, creating a pattern that demands deeper scrutiny. Even in a shorter review span between October 10, 2025, and November 14, 2025, Gujarat deleted 5,433 workers, proving that the purge continues. The Central government attempted to justify the deletions, stating they were based on reasons such as fake or duplicate entries, incorrect registration, migration, gram panchayats reclassified as urban, or cases where the sole member listed on the job card had died. Officials further insisted that states must ensure that no eligible or deserving household is excluded, and must follow strict Standard Operating Procedures before deleting any job card or worker record. However, the wider national picture raises more questions than answers. The government admitted that, between 2019-20 and 2024-25, states across India deleted 4.57 crore (457.97 lakh) job cards, even as 6.54 crore (654.22 lakh) new job cards were issued during the same period. This wide replacement pattern suggests either large-scale system corrections or equally large-scale instability in the database and beneficiary continuity. Together, these numbers create a narrative that is both revealing and unsettling. The data indicates a churn rather than a stable beneficiary system, prompting concerns over whether genuine workers are losing access to guaranteed employment a constitutional rural safety net meant to support the most vulnerable.
Gill, Buttler, and the gaps around them; puzzles GT must solve in Abu Dhabi
With only 5 wins in 14 matches and a win percentage of 41.7, the 2024 season was a disaster for the Gujarat Titans as they finished 8th in the point table. However, GT had a good season last year after the mega auction and qualified for the playoffs, but were defeated in the Eliminator by the Mumbai Indians (MI).
Gujarat Titans team combination is excellent : Saba Karim
STAGE, the OTT platform built for India's regional language audiences, has completed a INR 4.2 crore secondary transaction that allowed early employees and angel investors to partially exit their holdings. The transaction was facilitated by Hissa Fund, which specializes in providing liquidity to startup employees before traditional exit events. STAGE in partnership with HISSA Fund completes INR 4.2 Crore liquidity event - 8 early employees cash out ESOPs after 6-year bet on regional content Six years, from zero to six million For the eight employees who participated, this wasn't a routine financial event. Several joined STAGE when the idea of building a premium OTT platform for Haryanvi, Rajasthani, and Bhojpuri content seemed like a moon shot. Junaid and Kunal, both founding team members who have been with STAGE since day one. They are among those who sold a portion of their vested ESOPs. " I used the money to pay off my home loan ," says Junaid . "In the Indian context, fully owning the house where your family sleeps means something. Six years ago, I took a risk when I decided to back my founders. Today, that bet has paid for my home ." Kunal's first move was simpler: " I gave it to my mother ,” he said. " Watching her face when she saw the amount credited, I'll remember this moment for a long time ." Rohit Deshmukh (Product Manager at STAGE) saw the buyback as proof of something he'd sensed when he joined. " I've worked at places where 'ownership culture' is a slide in an all-hands deck. Here, I got ESOPs on day one. Now I've cashed a portion of them out. That's the difference between talking about ownership and actually doing it. " Why this matters STAGE has grown to over 6 million+ paying subscribers, making it one of India's largest regional language OTT platforms. The company is preparing to launch in two additional markets like Marathi & Gujarati in 2026. " As a founder, this is one of the most satisfying milestones ," says Vinay Singhal, Co-Founder of STAGE . " The people who believed in us when we had nothing now have something real to show for it. That's how it should work ." For Satish Mugulavalli, Managing Partner at Hissa Fund, STAGE represents a broader shift. " Early employees at high-growth companies often wait years for any liquidity. We are proud to help STAGE's team realize returns while the company is still scaling ." About STAGE STAGE is India's leading hyperlocal entertainment OTT platform, offering original web series, films, micro-dramas and entertainment in Haryanvi, Rajasthani, and Bhojpuri. The platform serves audiences who want premium content in their own dialects. About Hissa Fund The Hissa Fund I is a $35 million effort to solve an overlooked but important problem; Employees in growth stage startups are sitting on nearly $3 billion of ESOP value they can’t actually monetise. We’re the first fund designed to change that. By purchasing shares representing exercised options, we help them turn years of hard work into real liquidity. Thereby, we also help the startups to maximise the value of the grants they make.
The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam . Trusted for over three decades by top travellers globally, this prestigious accolade places the property amongst the best in the global luxury hospitality landscape. The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam Set amidst 1400 acres of Assam’s historic tea plantations, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate offers a serene, immersive escape where experiential luxury is redefined by authenticity and unhurried time. Every element, from carefully curated culinary experiences to personalised service with deep respect for the local heritage, truly celebrates the destination and reflects The Postcard Hotel’s commitment to providing extraordinary guest experiences. The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam This year’s selection followed a first-hand evaluation by Philippe Servais, Editor-in-Chief of The Gallivanter’s Guide , whose reviews are regarded as a definitive benchmark for luxury travellers seeking authenticity, excellence, and emotional resonance. After extensive global travels through 2025, Philippe identified – The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam as the standout winner amongst shortlisted hotels across different continents – praising its “rare combination of warmth, intuition, and a deeply felt sense of place.” He also noted that the brand’s true differentiators become evident after more than one stay, revealing a consistent thread of intention, honesty, and quiet confidence that binds the portfolio across its diverse locations. Philippe also visited another property by the brand, The Postcard on the Arabian Sea, Karnataka, and mentioned that it was just as accomplished. He further added, “ The Postcard vision – intimate, sincere, unhurried, and rooted in place – feels profoundly relevant to discerning travellers today .” Also recognising The Postcard Hotel’s emphasis on character and service rather than facilities and spectacle, he indicated that the brand’s anytime check-in and check-out, all-day breakfast, as well as genuine hospitality delivered with sincerity at its hotels – quietly disrupts the status quo of Indian luxury. “ To be recognised amongst the world’s finest hotels by The Gallivanter’s Guide is an extraordinary honour. Assam holds a very special place in our journey, and this award also celebrates the consistent dedication and hard work of our incredible team. We continue to remain committed to uplifting local communities through sustainable livelihoods – ensuring that our presence creates meaningful and lasting impact on the destination ,” said Kapil Chopra, Founder of The Postcard Hotel. He further added, “ For the Editor to select The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate after experiencing our property and some of the most celebrated luxury hotels globally – is both deeply humbling as well as encouraging .” With this honour, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate creates a distinctive place for itself within a distinguished list of the world’s finest hotels recognised over the years by The Gallivanter’s Guide. For more than three decades, it has been one of the most respected global authorities on luxury travel, shaping opinions of the world’s most discerning travellers. Its ‘Hotel of the Year’ honour is awarded through rigorous, independently conducted reviews — making it a highly coveted global recognition. 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—Saligao, Velha, 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. @thepostcarddurrungteaestate .
The Gujarat High Court has made a significant ruling, establishing that disability pensions are not subject to income tax, even for individuals who voluntarily retired. The court has instructed the income tax department to issue refunds for any taxes levied on these pensions.
Lucknow Diary | Monk returns for SIR documents after 36 yrs
A monk, who returned to his parental place after 36 years, was forced to seek police assistance when his family refused to recognise him and withheld his documents when he returned to Dharamangadpur village in the Sajeti police station area of Kanpur to collect papers needed for the SIR exercise. Sajeti police station officers intervened and, having verified his identity through the documents he carried, permitted him to take his marksheet and related records. Monk Sarvesh Sachan, known as Kallu, son of Indrapal, had left home in 1989 after graduating from DAV College in Kanpur and lived as a monk at Tauni Devi Dham in Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh, for about 36 years. States milestone in renewable energy Marking a historic achievement in renewable energy journey, UP has surpassed the milestone of 3,00,000 solar installations rising to number three position after Gujarat and Maharashtra. Of the 9,83,915 applications, 3,00,654 installations were completed, bringing the states total solar capacity to 1,038.27 MW delivering clean, affordable energy. Key initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and the states new solar policy established robust infrastructure, ensuring transparent processes, digital monitoring and timely installations taking the state ahead of path of economic transformation. The existing capacity creates opportunities. Stall No. 26 in Kashi a big draw for visitors Stall No. 26 at Namo Ghat in Varanasi is drawing visitors in hordes as it features IIT Madrass innovation-based education initiative Vidyashakti based on the theme Tamil Karkalam (Learn Tamil) at the ongoing Kashi-Tamil Sangamam 4.0 exhibition. The initiative is giving a new dimension to Tamil language learning by integrating digital tools. In line with the event theme, the model demonstrates how a language can be made simple, engaging, and accessible through simulations, gaming, quizzes, and interactive digital content. Launched in 2021, Vidyashakti has been making STEM learning interesting in 10 UP districts. Namita Bajpai Our correspondent in Uttar Pradesh namita.bajpai@newindianexpress.com
Over 250 take part in Baroda Football League
Dacoity accused arrested after evading police for 28 years
Documents for dubious marriage went from Unjha to Jambughoda in 90 minutes
VNC wins ATREE award for wildlife conservation efforts
