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Centre will protect entire Aravallis; no mining leases; protected zone to be expanded
A complete ban on new mining leases in the Aravalli Range has been ordered by the Union Ministry of Environment. This move aims to protect the entire geological ridge from Delhi to Gujarat. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education will identify more areas for prohibition. A comprehensive management plan will be developed.
Gujarat Giants Lack Indian Batting Reliability Despite Having A Balanced Squad, Says Chopra
IANS File Photo: Former India opener Aakash Chopra feels Gujarat Giants (GG) have assembled a well-rounded squad for their 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 campaign, but lack reliability in terms of Indian batting resources. Only one of Georgia Wareham or Kim Garth makes the XI. Gujarat Giants need batting firepower, which makes it tricky. Unlike Mumbai, Delhi, UP, or RCB - who boast 1-2 settled Indian stars in their top 4-5 - GG lacks that reliability, Chopra said on JioStar. Yastika Bhatia returns from injury, not a lock ahead of Richa Ghosh, leaving her isolated. Bharti Fulmali follows, so the lineup feels thin. Kim Garth sits out; Georgia Wareham plays to shore up batting, or it crumbles, he added. The WPL 2026 season runs from January 9 to February 5, and former India batter Veda Krishnamurthy felt the side did well to assemble a balanced squad at the auction table last month in New Delhi. Gujarat Giants are strong with Beth Mooney at the top, who scored heavily, and Ash Gardner excelled as captain at number four last year. They just needed the right combination with Sophie Devine, providing flexibility. Plenty of bowling options and experience with Renuka Singh Thakur taking the new ball. They stayed quiet for 70% of the auction, waited patiently, then secured key players - resulting in a well-balanced squad, she said. Gujarat Giants are strong with Beth Mooney at the top, who scored heavily, and Ash Gardner excelled as captain at number four last year. They just needed the right combination with Sophie Devine, providing flexibility. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Their pace bowling looks solid with Indian talents Kashvee Gautam, Titas Sadhu, and Renuka Singh, who brings valuable experience. The top and middle order boast depth with Sophie Devine, Beth Mooney, and Ash Gardner, while the spin attack appears robust toomaking this a very solid side overall, he said. Article Source: IANS
AHMEDABAD: A multi-crore land scam (non-agricultural) has rattled Gujarats bureaucracy after the Enforcement Directorate raided top officials homes in Surendranagar, arrested a Deputy Mamlatdar with Rs 67.50 lakh cash and seized over 100 sensitive files. The ED raid has exposed a deep-rooted nexus of middlemen, speed money, and misuse of power. Gujarats administrative corridors shook on December 23 when the Enforcement Directorate (ED) stormed into Surendranagar, launching coordinated raids at the residence of the District Collector and other senior officials in connection with a massive land NA (non-agricultural) scam running into crores. As the dust settled on the searches, the spotlight narrowed sharply on Deputy Mamlatdar Chandrasinh Mori, who was taken into custody by the ED, turning the investigation from suspicion to arrest within hours. On December 24, the ED produced Mori before the Special Court at Ahmedabad Rural Court, seeking a 14-day remand to unravel what officials described as a well-oiled corruption machinery operating inside the Collectors office. After hearing arguments, the court granted remand till January 1. The remand application highlights crucial findings of the probe. A. Bribes were systematically demanded and collected as speed money for processing applications without delay. B. The bribe amount was pre-fixed and calculated on a per square metre basis, depending on the nature of the application. C. Payments were routed through identified intermediaries, commission agents and dalals, whose names, roles and contact details were recorded by him. According to ED officials, the arrest followed the recovery of Rs 67.50 lakh in cash from Moris residence, money that investigators believe is directly linked to illegal gratification in land NA approvals. The cash recovery is a crucial piece of evidence. It points towards systematic extortion and abuse of official position, an ED officer said. The ED has also registered a fresh complaint and formally became the complainant in an ACB case, indicating that more arrests and wider action may follow. This is not an isolated act. The probe clearly indicates the involvement of multiple officials and agents, the officer added. During the raids, investigators stumbled upon another startling detail: the Surendranagar District Collector allegedly used to take official files home. As many as 100 government files were seized from the Collectors bungalow, pulling the senior-most officer of the district under a cloud of suspicion. ED sources said the seized files are now being examined to trace irregular NA approvals and undue benefits. The EDs investigation has peeled back layers of a deeply entrenched racket. Land NA permissions under CLU (Change of Land Use) applications were allegedly being processed through a network of middlemen and agents. Applicants willing to pay speed money saw their files cleared swiftly, while others waited endlessly. Deputy Mamlatdar Mori, who held key powers related to land NA, is accused of misusing his authority. Investigators revealed that bribe amounts were fixed based on the size of land per square meter, collected through intermediaries, and routed to officials in a planned and systematic manner. This was organised corruption, not random bribery, an ED official stated. As the enforcement net tightened, the defence pushed back. Advocate Nitin Gandhi, appearing for Mori, raised serious objections in court. He claimed that during the raid, the search warrant was not properly acknowledged and that the recovery panchnama did not clearly mention the specific case under which the ED searched. Gandhi further questioned the legality of Moris detention, stating that he was detained at 11:45 pm and produced before the court only at 11 am the next day. Why was he brought before the court after such a gap is a serious issue. The source of the alleged 67 lakh must also be examined independently, the lawyer argued, adding that it remains to be seen whether any names of other officials were extracted under pressure. Despite the defences arguments, the court granted ED custody till 5 pm on January 1, giving investigators time to confront the accused with documents, seized cash, and digital trails. Meanwhile, the revelations have sent shockwaves through Surendranagars Collectorate, with discussions rife about how deep the scam runs, who all benefited, and whether more senior officials will soon face the knock of the ED.
In a remarkable feat, Gujarat crosses five lakh rooftop solar system installations mark
AHMEDABAD: Gujarat has scripted a major renewable energy milestone by installing more than five lakh rooftop solar systems, generating a combined capacity of 1,879 megawatts, firmly placing the State at the forefront of Indias clean energy transition. Achieved under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojna, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the feat reinforces Gujarats dominance in rooftop solar adoption and will take centre stage at the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Renewable Conference (VGRC) in Rajkot. The achievement doesnt stand alone. Gujarat has so far installed over 11 lakh rooftop solar systems cumulatively across schemes, a figure that underlines the states long-term, policy-driven push towards renewable energy leadership. From vision to execution, Gujarat continues to set the national benchmark. This surge reflects the Prime Ministers renewable energy roadmap and the hands-on governance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, whose citizen-centric policies have converted solar power from an ambition into a household reality. SCCL to set up solar, thermal power plants in Rajasthan As a result, Gujarat today retains the No. 1 position in rooftop solar installations in India. Significantly, the State has already achieved 50 per cent of its target of 10 lakh residential rooftop solar installations, a goal set for March 2027, marking a decisive halfway milestone in its clean energy journey. Financial accessibility has played a crucial role, with residential consumers availing Rs 3,778 crore in subsidies, easing the cost burden and accelerating adoption. To remove procedural hurdles, the Gujarat government rolled out a series of consumer-friendly reforms. These include 2,950 assistance for regulatory charges for systems up to 6 kW, waiver of network strengthening charges, and exemption from mandatory net metering agreements. There is no load limit for residential solar systems; surplus electricity can be sold to the grid, and no banking charges are levied on households, making solar both simple and rewarding. Telangana mulls German solar tech to strengthen power sector, aid farmers The subsidy structure further sweetens the deal: 30,000 per kW for systems up to 2 kW, 18,000 per kW for systems between 2 and 3 kW, and a maximum subsidy of 78,000 for installations above 3 kW. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the era now belongs to solar, wind, hybrid energy and green hydrogen, adding that Gujarat had anticipated this transition well in advance. He noted that the State now contributes a significant share to Indias renewable capacity, with rooftop solar emerging as its strongest pillar made possible under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. From January 10, the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot will spotlight real-life rooftop solar success stories, homes slashing power bills and communities feeding surplus electricity back into the grid. Together, they tell one story: how PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna is not just lighting homes, but reshaping Gujarats energy future. Australia to offer hours of free solar power
Gujarat Giants Lacks Reliability : Aakash Chopra
Gujarat Giants need batting firepower, their lineup feels thin : Aakash Chopra
Video: Surat builder arrested after fireworks display stops traffic
Surat: A 58-year-old real estate developer was arrested for allegedly blocking traffic on a busy public road in Gujarats Surat city to burst firecrackers to celebrate his sons birthday, police said on Wednesday. The incident took place on December 21 near Langar Circle in the Dumas area, they said. Before the police action, a video Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Gujarat Kidney and Super Speciality IPO subscribed 4.62 times so far on final day
Ahead of the public issue, Gujarat Kidney and Super Speciality mobilised a little over 100 crore from anchor investors
NIFTEE 2026 registration underway: NTA adds two new exam cities, total centres increase to 102
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has expanded the NIFTEE 2026 examination cities to 102, adding Vapi in Gujarat and Daman. This move, requested by NIFT, aims to enhance accessibility for candidates. Applicants can change their exam city preference during the correction window, with the Stage 1 test scheduled for February 8, 2026.
Gujarat Crosses 5 Lakh Rooftop Solar Installations, Reaches 1,879 MW Capacity; Tops National Charts
Residential consumers in Gujarat have so far availed subsidies worth Rs 3,778 crore under the rooftop solar scheme.
IGP Kashmir Flags Off Students Delegation to Gujarat for 26th Rashtra Katha Shivir
Srinagar: Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone, V. K. Birdi-IPS, flagged off a group of students for participation in the 26th Rashtra Katha Shivir, being organized by the Shri Vedic Mission Trust at village Pransala, Upleta, District Rajkot, Gujarat. In a handout, the police said that the flag-off ceremony was held at District Police Lines, []
Vaibhav Suyavanshi hits 36-ball ton in Vijay Hazare Trophy opener, breaks Ab de Villiers record GujaratSamachar English
'Laalo' Hindi teaser out: Ankit's film aims to reach wider audience
The Gujarati film 'Laalo' is set to reach a wider Indian audience with its Hindi teaser release. The makers have also updated their Instagram bio, confirming a Hindi theatrical release on January 9, 2026. Despite a strong initial run, the film's daily box office collections have recently slowed down, making the Hindi version a potential boost.
Gujarat government takes over school after murder of Hindu student in Ahmedabad - OpIndia
Gujarat government takes over school after murder of Hindu student in Ahmedabad OpIndia
A Gujarat businessman sparked outrage after celebrating his sons birthday by bursting firecrackers on a busy public road.
Kin of detained Gujarat fishermen in Pakistan protest, seek PMs help
AHMEDABAD : Families of 197 Gujarat fishermen, allegedly detained in Pakistan jails for six years, held a protest at the secretariat in Gandhinagar, demanding immediate government intervention, diplomatic push, and a timeline for their return. Coming from coastal belts of Somnath, Junagadh, Una, Kodinar, Diu and vicinity, the families travelled over 1,000km on Monday to submit a memorandum to authorities, seeking Prime Ministers intervention. They said the fishermen were apprehended after their boats allegedly lost direction at sea due to rough weather, unknowingly crossing the international maritime boundary during routine fishing operations. They were detained by Pakistans maritime security agencies and put in jails. In several instances, fishermen inadvertently cross maritime boundaries due to weather disturbances or navigational issues. Once detained by Pakistan authorities, the matter shifts to diplomatic channels, which often delays repatriation, a coastal police officer said on condition of anonymity. Leelaben of Paldi village summed up their despair bluntly. Poor people like us are heard only during elections, she said.
Padra man loses 90L in alleged bitcoin scam
Bystander shot alongside case witness in Dahod
Truck hits stationary bus on NH 48, one dead
VMC has spent 195 crore on treating 90MLD of sewage
Gambling debts led 29-year-old to steal vehicles
Fallen liquor truck uncorks loot in Gujarat
A liquor-laden truck overturned in Gujarat's Sanand, leading to a chaotic scene as locals looted spilled bottles before police arrived. The driver fled the accident, and authorities are now investigating the consignment's origin and destination while a significant amount of liquor was taken.
Ahmedabad: 6 teens assaulted in basement parking - Times of India
Ahmedabad: 6 teens assaulted in basement parking Times of India
Why THIS city in Gujarat eased liquor norms? Here's how it will impact state's economy
The GIFT City in Gujarat has eased its liquor rules as it reformed its 'Wine and Dine' policy. Under the new measure, the city has allowed liquor consumption in a greater area, expanding the restriction.
Thackeray brothers to join hands for BMC polls after 20 years
MUMBAI: After a gap of 20 years and following prolonged deliberations, cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have decided to join hands politically to take on the BJP in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Asias richest civic body, scheduled for January 15 next year. The official announcement of the Thackerays coming together for the BMC and other municipal corporation elections will be made on Wednesday at 12 noon in Mumbai. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the formal announcement of the Thackeray brothers joining hands would be made on Wednesday at Hotel Blue Sea in Mumbai. Sources said that along with the official declaration of the alliance, Raj and Uddhav Thackeray will address the media and explain the reasons behind their decision to come together Sources said that the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has decided to contest 150 seats, while the remaining 77 seats, out of the total 227 in the BMC, will be contested by the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Shiv Sena (UBT) seeks alliance with Congress ahead of upcoming BMC polls In the seat-sharing discussions, talks on over 150 seats have been completed, while around 70 seats are yet to be sorted out. There was contention over some seats, mostly from Marathi-dominated areas such as Dadar, Mahim and Parel, where both parties have staked claims. However, we are sure and confident that in the next few days the seat-sharing will be resolved and a concrete plan and manifesto will be prepared, focusing on the Marathi manoos and their welfare, said a source close to Uddhav Thackeray. BJP-led Mahayuti governments decision to impose Hindi in primary schools was the trigger point for both Thackerays to join hands to oppose this decision. Subsequently, Raj and Uddhav Thackeray felt that their alliance should be extended further for the elections to retain the BMC and gain power in other municipal corporation elections. Both understood the gravity and importance of their togetherness, said a senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, requesting anonymity. Political observers said that if both Thackerays come together, the split in Marathi votes could be avoided. Besides, the Thackerays are also eyeing Muslim votes, which account for around 18 to 20 per cent of Mumbais electorate. Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS are looking at the Mamu factor, around 28 per cent Marathi and 20 per cent Muslim voters, to fight the BJP. On the other hand, the BJP is planning to consolidate North Indian, Gujarati, Marwari and sections of Marathi votes to secure 123 seats in Mumbai. In this election, the organisational skills of Uddhav Thackeray and the oratory skills of Raj Thackeray will be tested, said a political observer. BJP emerges single largest party in Maharashtra local body polls as Mahayuti sweeps municipal councils
Gujarat Police Recruitment Window For 13,591 Posts Closes Today, Apply Here
Gujarat Police Recruitment 2025: Interested candidates can apply for the posts on the official OJAS Gujarat portal.
Man accused in Rs 13,000-crore drug trafficking case extradited from UAE
NEW DELHI: One of the countrys most-wanted fugitives, Ritik Bajaj, accused in a Rs 13,000-crore drug trafficking case, has been extradited from the UAE and brought back to India on Tuesday, a senior officer said. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), facilitated the return of the wanted fugitive from the UAE. Bajaj was the subject of an Interpol Red Corner Notice. Acting on intelligence inputs from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), New Delhi, his location was geo-tracked, triggering an international operation. Coordination between the CBI and the NCB in Bangkok led to credible travel movement data, which confirmed Bajajs shift to the UAE. Further collaboration with the NCB in Abu Dhabi helped locate the fugitive. Bajaj had been on the wanted list of the Delhi Police and the NCB since October 2024. In October last year, the Delhi Police seized 1,289 kg of cocaine and 40 kg of hydroponic Thai marijuana, valued at Rs 13,000 crore, in Delhi and Gujarat. Five accused were arrested, and a chargesheet was filed against 14 people, including Ritik Bajaj. Investigators said the drugs were brought to Ankleshwar from South American countries for purification at a pharmaceutical company and were later supplied to Delhi. The police found that several pharmaceutical companies based in South India and Gujarat were used to transport the drugs. Five legitimate firms and three shell companies were identified. The suppliers used Delhi as a transit point to distribute the drugs to other parts of the country. The Baisoya brothersVirender alias Veeru and Ravinderare at the centre of the massive drug trafficking network. They are residents of Pilanji village, located behind Delhis Sarojini Nagar market. Virender Baisoya alias Veeru, described by the police as the kingpin of the international syndicate, is alleged to be operating the racket from Dubai. Last year, the police booked 19 people linked to the cartel. Of them, 14 have been arrested, including Tushar Goyal, an heir to two publishing houses, while five were declared proclaimed offenders. The proclaimed offenders include Virender Baisoya, the Dubai-based businessman funding the cartels operations; his younger son Rishab Baisoya, 25; Ritik Bajaj, 36; Pramod, 50; and Vikas Rane, 49. The police have claimed that it was Ritik Bajaj who facilitated the transportation of Thai marijuana to India from Southeast Asia.
Indian Navy's stitched sailing vessel to undertake maiden overseas voyage to Oman on December 29
NEW DELHI: INSV Kaundinya, the Indian Navy's pioneering stitched sailing vessel that revives India's ancient shipbuilding and seafaring traditions, will undertake her maiden overseas voyage on 29 Dec 2025. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday said, The vessel will be flagged off from Porbandar, Gujarat, for Muscat, Oman, symbolically retracing the historic maritime routes that connected India with the wider Indian Ocean world for millennia. Inspired by depictions of ancient Indian ships and constructed entirely using traditional stitched-plank techniques, INSV Kaundinya represents a rare convergence of history, craftsmanship and modern naval expertise. INSV Kaundinya is a stitched sail ship, based on a 5th-century ship depicted in the paintings of Ajanta Caves. The project was initiated through a tripartite agreement signed in Jul 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations, with funding from the Ministry of Culture. Following the keel laying in September 2023, the vessel's construction was undertaken using a traditional method of stitching by a team of skilled artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran. Over several months, the team painstakingly stitched wooden planks on the ship's hull using coir rope, coconut fibre and natural resin. The ship was launched in Feb 2025 at Goa. Unlike contemporary vessels, her wooden planks are stitched together using coconut coir rope and sealed with natural resins, reflecting a shipbuilding tradition once prevalent along India's coasts and across the Indian Ocean. This technology, MoD added, enabled Indian mariners to undertake long-distance voyages to West Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia long before the advent of modern navigation and metallurgy. The project was undertaken through a tripartite MoU between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy and Hodi Innovations as part of India's efforts to rediscover and revive indigenous knowledge systems. As the MoD earlier said, the boat has been Built by traditional artisans under the guidance of master shipwright Babu Sankaran and supported by extensive research, design and testing by the Indian Navy and academic institutions, the vessel is fully seaworthy and capable of oceanic navigation. Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, who is believed to have sailed from India to Southeast Asia in ancient times, the ship embodies India's historic role as a maritime nation.
Insider Shift: Promoters reduce stakes in 10 midcap stocks in Q2FY26
Promoters trimmed their stakes across key midcap names, including AWL Agri Business, Polycab India, Alkem Labs and Gujarat Fluorochemicals in Q2FY26, signalling fundraising needs but raising investor caution.
'Laalo to release in Hindi; Trailer to be out soon; January release locked
Gujarati film 'Laalo' is set to conquer Hindi cinema with its trailer releasing soon, following a successful theatrical run. A new poster and January 9, 2026 release date have been announced for the Hindi version. The film has already achieved historic box office success, raking in over Rs 119 crore worldwide, solidifying its status as an all-time blockbuster.
AHMEDABAD: Senior officials in Gujarats Surendranagar district came under scrutiny on Tuesday after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a coordinated, multi-location search operation, triggering ripples across the local administration and signalling the seriousness and breadth of the probe. ED teams fanned out across Surendranagar and Wadhwan early in the day, carrying out synchronised searches aimed at senior Class-I officers. One team searched the official bungalow of Surendranagar District Collector Dr Rajendrakumar Patel, a 2015-batch IAS officer, while another simultaneously entered the residence of Deputy Mamlatdar Chandrasinh Mori in Wadhwans Rawalwas area, leaving little room for delay or information leakage. The operation was conducted under tight security, underscoring the sensitivity of the case and the seniority of the officials involved. More than eight ED vehicles were deployed on the ground, with local police forming a tight security cordon to prevent any disruption as officials moved in and out of the premises. Adequate police force was deployed to maintain law and order and ensure the operation proceeded smoothly without any untoward incident, a senior police officer said, adding that security arrangements had been made well in advance due to the involvement of senior officers. According to sources, ED officials spent several hours inside the collectors bungalow examining documents, official records and other materials, meticulously tracing financial trails that could point to undisclosed assets or irregular transactions. Almost in parallel, another ED team carried out an equally detailed search at Deputy Mamlatdar Moris residence, scrutinising property-related papers and financial documents as part of the same investigation. As the searches progressed, unease spread through government offices in the district, with the early-morning action against a serving district collector sending a clear signal that no rank was beyond scrutiny. By afternoon, the scope of the operation widened, with ED teams extending searches to the offices of contractors and advocates in the town, indicating a possible network of links connected to the alleged financial irregularities. While the ED has maintained silence on the exact trigger for the operation, officials familiar with the inquiry said the searches are linked to suspected financial irregularities and possible illegal or undisclosed transactions. Investigators are now working to establish links between government officials and private entities. There has been no official word so far on seizures, arrests or the next course of action. However, officials confirmed that a detailed assessment of the documents and materials recovered is underway, after which the ED is expected to decide on further legal steps, keeping Surendranagar and wider administrative circles in Gujarat on edge.
7 incredible animals that call Aravallis their home and where to spot them
Aravalli is among the oldest mountain ranges on the planet. It stretches across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. Beyond its historical and geological significance, the range is an ecological treasure.
Gujarat High Court to decide on Kejriwals plea seeking separate trial in defamation case
The Gujarat High Court has reserved its order on a plea filed by Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, seeking to be tried separately in a criminal defamation case arising out of remarks related to Prime Minister Narendra Modis educational qualifications. The matter was heard by Justice M.R. Mengdey, who considered Kejriwals challenge to a [] The post Gujarat High Court to decide on Kejriwals plea seeking separate trial in defamation case appeared first on India Legal .
Praveg opens theme park, heritage museum in Gujarat
Shares and of the company were up 7% at 331 on Tuesday
The Gujarat Police Recruitment Board's application window closes today, December 23, 2025. This drive aims to fill 13,591 positions including Police Sub-Inspectors and Constables. Candidates must meet educational, age, and physical standards. The selection involves physical tests and written examinations. Interested individuals should apply promptly through the OJAS Gujarat portal before the deadline.
'Laalo' bo day 74: Shruhad's film slows down with minting Rs 9 lakhs
Gujarati film 'Laalo Krishna Sada Sahaayate' is concluding its successful theatrical run, having amassed 94.54 crore net in India and 119.4 crore worldwide. Despite declining daily collections, the film is lauded for its direction, music, and storytelling, with audiences praising its clear message and impactful performances.
Kinjal,-Dhruvin Wedding: 'Homebound' actor Vishal steals spotlight
Popular Gujarati singer Kinjal Dave celebrated her engagement to Dhruvin Shah with a grand reception in Ahmedabad. The event saw numerous Gujarati entertainment personalities, including actor Vishal Jethwa, joining the festivities with enthusiastic garba performances. Social media buzzed with appreciation for Jethwa's presence, highlighting the joyous occasion for the newly engaged couple.
Gujarat Kidney and Super Specialty IPO is attracting investor attention. The issue is oversubscribed, with strong demand from retail investors. The grey market indicates a potential listing premium. The company plans expansion and acquisitions using IPO funds. Analysts advise caution due to valuation concerns and execution risks. Investors await post-listing price discovery.
Grassroots sports at zero in Gujarat, says data
AHMEDABAD: Although Ahmedabad was elevated as the official host of 2030 Commonwealth Games at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow, data placed before the Rajya Sabha exposes a stark domestic reality: Gujarats grassroots sports ecosystem, at least on paper, is virtually non-existent. The approval came with clarity between 15 and 17 disciplines, spanning athletics, para-sports, swimming, gymnastics, weightlifting, boxing and netball, are slated for Ahmedabad-2030, promising inclusivity, scale and spectacle. However, just as the international spotlight brightened, a parallel set of numbers dimmed the celebration. Figures formally presented in the House on Thursday by the Union Sports Ministry, tell a sharply different story one rooted not in aspiration, but in absence. According to the government, Gujarat currently has zero Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centres (STCs). Besides, extension centres, meant to bridge talent gaps, barely register. The state has just one extension centre, yet it reports zero residential athletes and non-residential athletes, across both genders. Infrastructure exists in name, participation does not exist in numbers. SAI adopted akharas also reflects a complete vacuum. In totality, every grassroots pipeline meant to feed elite performance shows a flat line. The only measurable presence comes at the very top: two National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs). Yet even this lone data point underscores the imbalance elite-level facilities standing tall, while feeder systems beneath them remain statistically invisible. This contradiction is not cosmetic; it is structural. On one side, Gujarat prepares to host events in athletics, para-athletics, swimming, para-swimming, table tennis, para-table tennis, bowls, para-bowls, weightlifting, para-powerlifting, artistic gymnastics, netball and boxing sports that demand deep talent pools, long-term athlete development and robust training ecosystems. On the other, Parliament is told that the state has no SAI-supported grassroots athletes at all. The numbers raise a blunt question: Can a state leap directly to hosting a mega multi-sport event while its foundational athlete pipeline records zero? Ahmedabads Commonwealth Games dream, therefore, stands split between vision and verification global approval abroad, but domestic data at home that demands urgent scrutiny, course correction and transparency. Stadiums can be built on timelines but athletes cannot be built on announcements alone.
42 MSU students intern at Sayajibaug Zoo
Three loan sharks held for extorting senior citizen
Row ignited over electric garbage vans being charged at ward office
Girl with age recorded as 12 years delivers baby at SSG Hospital
Gujarat: Schools against linking attendance and grants, says itll encourage malpractice The Times of India
Gujarat eases liquor consumption at GIFT city, no permit required
Gujarat's GIFT City has eased alcohol consumption rules for non-residents and foreign nationals. Visitors can now enjoy liquor at designated hotels and restaurants by simply presenting a photo ID, eliminating the need for temporary permits. This change aligns with the state's exemption for the finance hub.
Gujarat Govt Eases Liquor Consumption Rules At Gift City; Permit Requirement Scrapped
The state home department has announced the changes through a gazette notification
Gujarat Government Eases Liquor Norms In GIFT City
Gujarat government announced to ease liquor rules at GIFT City, allowing outsiders and foreign nationals to consume alcohol at hotels or restaurants with just a photo ID.
The Environment Ministry should hold immediate consultations with rural and urban people living in every block of every Aravalli district in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana, said the coalition group
Following the controversy surrounding the recent Supreme Court order regarding the new definition of the Aravalli hills based on a 100-metre criterion, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav said the directive aims to restrict illegal mining. He added that the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) will develop a detailed, district-wise conservation plan for the Aravalli region in accordance with the Supreme Court's order. The Supreme Court order pertains to mining and cannot be interpreted for other purposes such as residential development or restriction of agricultural lands, Yadav clarified to reporters in Delhi on Monday. He accused opposition leaders of spreading misinformation and claimed that the previous Congress-led government initiated illegal mining in the Aravalli areas. The Union government has announced a freeze on new mining leases in the region, as mandated by the Supreme Court. This freeze is part of a framework established by the court to provide stronger protections for the mountain system and to ensure that no new mining leases will be granted until a comprehensive management plan is finalized. The ICFRE will be tasked with preparing a district-wise plan for the 37 districts where the Aravalli hills are located. The court has allowed mining under exceptional conditions. If permitted under exceptional and scientifically justified circumstances, the order includes a thorough analysis of cumulative environmental impact, which encompasses detailed post-mining restoration and rehabilitation, explained Yadav. Additionally, mining may be allowed in the case of strategic minerals and needs related to atomic energy. Yadav also provided details on the current mining areas in the Aravalli hills. There are currently 217 square kms under mining out of a total of 1,47,577 square kms in the Aravalli region, which is less than 2%, he stated. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has reopened the judgement after some petitioners appealed for a review in light of recent controversies, which may put 90% of the Aravalli region at risk of mining. Earlier, in the wake of the controversy regarding the 100-metre criterion, the government clarified that the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges has been standardized across states under the Supreme Court's direction. This standardization aims to eliminate ambiguity and prevent the misuse of practices that allowed mining to occur dangerously close to the bases of the hills. In response to longstanding cases concerning illegal mining in the Aravallis, the Supreme Court constituted a committee in May 2024 to recommend a uniform definition, as different states had been using inconsistent criteria for granting mining permissions. This committee, chaired by the Environment Ministry Secretary and comprising representatives from Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, along with technical experts, found that only Rajasthan had an officially established definition, which has been in place since 2006. According to this definition, landforms that rise 100 metres or more above local relief are classified as hills, and mining is prohibited within the lowest bounding contour that encloses such hills, regardless of the height or slope of the landforms inside the contour. It has been agreed that all states will adopt this long-standing definition from Rajasthan, along with additional safeguards to enhance objectivity and transparency.
NEW DELHI: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday accused the Congress of spreading misinformation and lies on the issue of the new definition of the Aravallis and stressed that mining can be carried out legally in only 0.19 per cent of the area covered by the mountain range. At a press briefing, he said the Narendra Modi government remains fully committed to protecting and restoring the Aravallis. The Congress, which allowed rampant illegal mining in Rajasthan during its tenure, is spreading confusion, misinformation and lies about the issue, the minister alleged. The new definition, approved by the Supreme Court on the recommendation of the Environment Ministry, aims to curb illegal mining and allow sustainable mining legally, and that too only after a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) is prepared by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), he said. The ICFRE will identify areas where mining can be permitted only under exceptional and scientifically justified circumstances, sources said. The study will also determine ecologically sensitive, conservation-critical and restoration-priority areas within the Aravalli landscape where mining will be strictly prohibited. Yadav said that legally approved mining currently covers only a very small fraction of the Aravalli region, amounting to about 0.19 per cent of the total geographical area of 37 Aravalli districts in Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat. Delhi, which has five Aravalli districts, does not permit any mining. According to the Supreme Court's directions, he said, no new mining leases will be granted in the Aravalli region until a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining is prepared for the entire landscape by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education. Existing mines may continue operations only if they strictly comply with sustainable mining norms laid down by the committee. In November 2025, the Supreme Court accepted a uniform legal definition of what constitutes the Aravalli Hills and Aravalli Range on the recommendation of a committee led by the Environment Ministry. Under this definition, an Aravalli Hill is a landform with an elevation of at least 100 metres above its local surrounding terrain and an Aravalli Range is a cluster of two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other. Critics, including environmentalists and some scientists, argue that many ecologically important parts of the Aravalli system do not meet the 100-metre threshold (e.g., low ridges, slopes, foothills and recharge areas), yet are important for groundwater recharge, biodiversity support, climate moderation and soil stability. They warn that areas excluded under the new definition could be opened for mining, construction and commercial activities, weakening long-standing protections and ecological continuity across the range. The redefinition has triggered protests, from Rajasthan to Haryana, and social media campaigns. The Centre has rejected the charge that the new definition weakens environmental safeguards. It has said that most of the Aravalli region (over 90 per cent) remains protected and the new definition does not relax mining controls. Yadav on Sunday said the Aravali range includes all landforms which exist within 500 metres of two adjoining hills of a height of 100 metres or more. All landforms existing within this 500-metre zone, irrespective of their height and slopes, are excluded for the purposes of grant of mining leases, he said.
South Indian tea industry targets Gujarat to promote the beverage
A 21-member team takes part in Gujarat Tea Traders Association AGM
Rs 2.21 Crore 'Digital Arrest' Scam Foiled By Gujarat Bankers, 3 Elderly Men Rescued
In Ahmedabad, alert bank and mutual fund officials saved three elderly citizens from losing Rs 2.21 crore to digital arrest scams, highlighting rising cybercrime targeting seniors
Gujarat man arrested with whale vomit worth Rs 80 lakh in Mumbai
Kurla Police, with Forest Department assistance, apprehended a 28-year-old man for illegally possessing and attempting to sell ambergris, also known as whale vomit. The 627 grams of the protected wildlife product, valued at 80 lakh, was seized near Bohri Kabristan. The accused faces charges under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Anant National University has announced that ADEPT 2026 (Anant Design Entrance and Proficiency Test) will be conducted online on 4 January 2026. ADEPT is the mandatory entrance examination for admissions to the university’s undergraduate design programmes. Anant National University to Conduct ADEPT 2026, India’s Only Multi-Lingual Design Entrance Test, on 4 January As India’s first and only multi-lingual design entrance test, ADEPT reflects Anant National University’s focus on inclusivity and equitable access to design education. The test will be offered in 10 languages—Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi, and English—allowing students from diverse linguistic backgrounds to participate on equal footing. Design is increasingly shaping how societies respond to complex challenges across sectors, from industry and infrastructure to climate action and sustainability. As India advances towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, the role of design has expanded beyond production to problem-solving rooted in local contexts. Anant National University aligns with this shift by emphasising the philosophy of ‘Design for India’, preparing students to develop solutions that are socially responsive and globally relevant. ADEPT serves as the first step in this academic journey. The university reported applications from students across 304 cities in the previous admission cycle, underlining the growing national interest in design-led education. Alongside design, Anant has emerged as a destination for programmes in architecture, climate change and sustainability. For the 2026 admissions cycle, ADEPT has been streamlined into a single, unified test, replacing the earlier two-step process. The revised format is aimed at offering candidates a more efficient and accessible assessment experience while enabling them to demonstrate their creative and analytical abilities in one sitting. Students who have completed Class 12 in 2026 or earlier, with a minimum of 50 per cent marks in any stream, are eligible to apply. The application deadline is 1 January 2026. 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.
Gujarat Kidney and Super Speciality IPO fully subscribed on Day 1
The 251-crore IPO opened for public subscription today and will close on December 24, 2025. The issue is priced in a band of 108 to 114 per share and comprises an entirely fresh issue of up to 2.2 crore equity shares
New Year's Eve: How Much Alcohol Can You Keep At Home? | State-Wise List
Alcohol storage limits and legal drinking ages in India vary by state, with prohibition in Bihar, Gujarat, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Lakshadweep, and strict excise laws elsewhere
ArcelorMittal unveils three green energy projects in India with $900 million investment
ArcelorMittal announced three new renewable energy projects in India, totaling 1 GW of solar and wind capacity, with an investment of $900 million. These projects, located in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, will double the company's renewable energy capacity in India to 2 GW upon completion. The generated power will be supplied to AMNS India, its steelmaking joint venture.
The Gujarat Police Recruitment Board is closing applications for over 13,000 positions tomorrow, December 23, 2025. This is a significant recruitment drive for roles like Police Sub-Inspectors and Constables. Candidates must meet educational and physical standards. The selection involves physical tests, written exams, and document verification. Apply soon to avoid missing this opportunity.
Gujarat Kidney launches 250cr IPO: Should you subscribe?
Gujarat Kidney and Super Speciality's 251 crore initial public offering (IPO) opened for subscription today.
I want to come home: Gujarat student captured in Ukraine seeks PM Modi's help
A 23-year-old man from Gujarats Morbi district, currently in Ukrainian custody for allegedly fighting on behalf of Russia, has appealed to the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help in securing his release. In video messages sent to his family, he also warned Indian citizens planning to go to Russia for studies or work to be cautious of scams. The man, Sahil Mohamed Hussein Majothi, a resident of Morbi, first came into the spotlight earlier this October after Ukrainian authorities released a video showing him surrendering to Ukrainian forces. Majothi had travelled to St Petersburg on January 10, 2024, on a student visa to pursue a course in Russian Language and Culture at ITMO University. He later became embroiled in legal trouble, was jailed in Russia and was allegedly forced to join the Russian military before being captured by Ukrainian forces. In two video messages, one in English and the other in Hindi, received by his family on Sunday night and said to have been shared by Ukrainian authorities, Majothi described his situation as desperate. Right now I am stuck in Ukraine as a war criminal. I am hopeless and dont know what will happen in the future, he says in one of the videos. He also added, Those coming to Russia for higher studies or work should be very careful. There are many scammers here. You may get trapped in criminal, narcotics or illegal cases. As far as possible, stay away from all this. He also appealed to Indian authorities saying, I request the Indian government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to please help me. In the English-language video, he says he is being held in a Ukrainian military jail and claims he signed a contract to fight in the war only to escape a Russian prison sentence. I signed the war contract when I was stuck in a Russian jail. That was the biggest mistake of my life, he says, adding that he hopes Indian authorities will raise his case with Russia to facilitate his return home. Majothi also claims he was falsely implicated in a narcotics case in Russia, sentenced to seven years in jail, and misled into joining the war. The videos have a logo I Want to live, a governmental project of the Coordination Headquarters on the Treatment of Prisoners of War established with the support of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and Defense Intelligence of Ukraine. As per its official website, it is intended for servicemen of the Russian armed forces willing to voluntarily surrender before Ukraine forces.
Gujarat Kidney IPO opens at 108-114 price band
Co mopped up 100 crore from anchor investors; market lot 128 shares
Two Nilambur teak logs fetch record Rs 31.85 lakh at forest dept auction
MALAPPURAM: The famed Nilambur teak, which holds a cherished place in the forest departments history, fetched record price at a recent auction. Two logs together realised Rs 31,85,828, including tax, at an auction held at the departments Aruvakode central depot in Nilambur. The timber, estimated to be more than 100 years old, was felled after it posed a threat, near the Punchakoli tribal hamlet within the Nellikuthu forest station limits of Vazhikkadavu range. The logs were later transported to Aruvakode depot and auctioned off earlier this week. A Gujarat-based company purchased the B export grade teak for temple construction, while the C export grade teak was bought by a Tamil Nadu-based buyer for residential construction. Forest officials said this was the first time that Nilambur teak had fetched such a high price in auction in the state. The B grade log, measuring 1.836 cubic metres (cu. m.) in circumference, was sold at Rs 5.43 lakh per cu. m., fetching Rs 9,96,948. Including GST at 26.5%, the total value of this piece came to Rs 12,59,922. The second log, with a volume of 2.925 cu. m., was sold at Rs 5.21 lakh per cu. m., realising Rs 15,23,925. With tax, its value rose to Rs 19,25,906. Officials of the Nilambur teak plantation attributed the exceptional price to the timbers age and quality. Normally, we auction trees that are 50 to 60 years old from plantations. This particular tree was not part of a plantation but was felled from a tribal settlement area. It yielded two pieces. Both were of exceptional quality, without any damage or cracks, said Nilambur range forest officer Nithin P S. As this was a rare and near-perfect piece of timber, the price rose automatically. In fact, this is the first time in decades that we have seen such flawless teak, the Nithin added. He also pointed out that the bidding process played a key role in driving up the price. The bidding was between two private parties. Usually, traders dominate auctions, which keeps prices lower. This time, both bidders were purchasing for private use, which pushed the rate higher. Officials noted that in the previous auction, timber from the Kariyamuriyam plantation in the Nilambur north division -- mostly dead and fallen trees -- fetched very low prices. For several years, timber prices had remained subdued. This auction has given a fresh boost to the legacy of Nilambur teak, he said.
Delhi-Mumbai Expressway completion pushed to 2027-28 as delays hit Gujarat stretches - MSN
Delhi-Mumbai Expressway completion pushed to 2027-28 as delays hit Gujarat stretches MSN
ATS arrests GodaraBoxer gang shooter from Kutch - Ahmedabad Mirror
ATS arrests GodaraBoxer gang shooter from Kutch Ahmedabad Mirror
Padra murder mimics chilling 2014 case
Woman, son dupe bizman with promise of Rs 300 crore loan, booked
Cyber gang scams 82-year-old of 1.12cr
India, Netherlands sign MoU on maritime heritage coop
India and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement will enhance cooperation in maritime heritage. The National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal in Gujarat will benefit. This partnership involves knowledge exchange and technical expertise. Joint exhibitions and research initiatives are planned. The goal is to create a world-class destination showcasing India's maritime history.
Indian Student Captured In Ukraine Warns Against Joining Russian Army, Seeks Help From Govt
Gujarat student Sahil Hussain said he was trapped into joining the Russian Army after false drug charges and appealed to India for help after capture in Ukraine
With Tech Surveillance, 3rd Accused In Naval Spying Case Arrested
A 34-year-old resident of Gujarat has been arrested by Karnataka's Udupi Police in connection with an investigation into leak of sensitive Indian Navy data to unauthorised foreign entities.
Nagesh Trophy: Final League Stage Of Mens National T20 For The Blind Set For An Action-packed Start
National T20 Cricket Tournament: The final 10 group stage matches of the 8th Nagesh Trophy Mens National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind will commence at the Railway Cricket Stadium in Hubli, Karnataka, on Monday. Group C, consisting of Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh, will be played from Monday till December 25, and the group winners will qualify directly for the Super 8 stage. Nagesh Trophy is Indias premier national-level T20 cricket tournament for visually impaired (blind) mens teams. It brings together state and union territory teams from across the country to compete in a structured T20 format under the auspices of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), with support from organisations like the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. The opening ceremony for the league stage was held at Karnataka Gujarat Bhavana at Hubli in the presence of Jagadish Shettar, Member of Parliament, Belagavi Constituency and Former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Abbayya Prasad, MLA, Hubli-Dharwad-East constituency, Dr. G.K. Mahantesh, Chairman, CABI and Founder & Managing Trustee, Samarthanam Trust, and Udaya Kumar, Trustee, Samarthanam Trust. Welcoming the participating teams to Hubli, Jagadish Shettar, MP, extended his best wishes to all the players for the tournament. He said that the entire country has now become aware of cricket for the blind following the historic victory of the Indian womens team, and expressed hope that this success would further increase awareness and support among the general public. He also thanked the Honble Prime Minister Narendra Modi for honouring the womens team and for showing strong support towards the growth of cricket for the blind. The dignitary later joined all the participating teams for a group photograph. Abbayya Prasad, MLA, congratulated CABI and Samarthanam Trust for their remarkable achievements in creating awareness and empowering persons with visual impairments to dream big and pursue their goals with confidence. Highlighting the larger impact of sports, he said that while sports teach individuals to accept defeat on the field, they also prepare them to win the bigger battles of life. Describing sports as a powerful tool for the empowerment of persons with disabilities, he applauded the consistent efforts of CABI and Samarthanam Trust in enabling inclusion, confidence, and excellence through sports. The eighth edition of the tournament had 29 teams in the fray, which were placed in six groups with a total of 56 league matches. The winners of Groups A, B, C, and D qualified directly for the Super 8 stage. The next two places in the Super 8 stage will be decided on Net Run Rate. The winners of Groups E and F will play against the 7th and 8th-placed teams from all the teams of Groups A to D in the eliminators, and the winners of those two matches will complete the Super 8 stage. Abbayya Prasad, MLA, congratulated CABI and Samarthanam Trust for their remarkable achievements in creating awareness and empowering persons with visual impairments to dream big and pursue their goals with confidence. Highlighting the larger impact of sports, he said that while sports teach individuals to accept defeat on the field, they also prepare them to win the bigger battles of life. Describing sports as a powerful tool for the empowerment of persons with disabilities, he applauded the consistent efforts of CABI and Samarthanam Trust in enabling inclusion, confidence, and excellence through sports. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Nagesh Trophy is named in honour of the late S. P. Nagesh, founder president of CABI and a champion for blind cricket development in India. The first edition of the tournament was held in 201819, and has continued annually with increasing participation and competitiveness. Teams from multiple states and union territories compete each year in round-robin league matches followed by knockouts and finals. Andhra Pradesh are the defending champion of the tournament, winning the title by beating Delhi in the finals last year. Article Source: IANS
Gujarat's start-up ecosystem makes a splash, SSIP 2.0 Policy and i-Hub serve as key facilitators businessnewsthisweek.com
Woman Cop Shoots, Injures Rape Accused Trying To Flee During Crime Reconstruction In Gujarat
Accused abducted daughter of construction labourer
BCCI forced Shubman Gill out of Ahmedabad T20I: Report | Gill was India's vice-captain for SA series | Inshorts Inshorts
1-Year-Old Boy, Walking Behind Mother, Mauled To Death By Leopard In Gujarat
A five-year-old son of a farm labourer was mauled to death by a leopard in Gujarat's Amreli district on Sunday morning, an official from the forest department said.
India and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost cooperation on maritime heritage. This agreement will support the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat. The partnership involves knowledge exchange and collaboration between the National Maritime Heritage Complex and the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam.
A 17-year-old girl allegedly conspired with her lover to kill her father. He had repeatedly opposed their relationship. The girl reportedly drugged her parents before her lover and his friend committed the murder. The father had previously filed a POCSO case against the lover. Police are investigating the source of the sleeping pills.
A 17-year-old girl allegedly orchestrated her father's murder with her lover after he persistently opposed their relationship and confined her. The girl, who had previously attempted to sedate her parents, succeeded on December 18, allowing her boyfriend and his accomplice to fatally stab her father.
Gujarat Kidney IPO: Healthcare company garners 100 crore from anchor investors ahead of IPO - MSN
Gujarat Kidney IPO: Healthcare company garners 100 crore from anchor investors ahead of IPO MSN
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ASI plans expansion of the gallery of confiscated and retrieved antiquities at Purana Qila
NEW DELHI: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is working on an expansion plan for the countrys first Gallery of Confiscated and Retrieved Antiquities, established at Purana Qila in 2019. The proposal envisages adding more antiquities to the collection on display, though access to the new additions will be restricted to research scholars. In addition to it, a dedicated online portal is being planned to host detailed information and photographs of the artefacts, making the collection accessible to heritage enthusiasts, students and researchers. According to officials, as part of the expansion, more space is being made available for the display of retrieved heritage objects for their safer and better display. New strategy: Centre ropes in heritage architects for upkeep of ASI monuments We are undertaking an expansion of the gallery and further enriching its collection. The antiquities will be relocated to a safer and more appropriate site within the Purana Qila complex, allowing for improved exhibition conditions. However, access will remain restricted to researchers and not the general public. The expansion will also create additional display space, showcasing artefacts confiscated within the country as well as those retrieved from abroad, said officials. The Gallery of Confiscated and Retrieved Antiquities is located in the arched cells of Purana Qila next to the museum. The idea behind setting up this exhibition was to sensitise the visitors about the illegal trade of precious heritage items and regulations for retrieving them. The exhibits belong to the Central Antiquity Collection (CAC), also located in Purana Qila, which was created to house the antiquities discovered during exploration and excavation by the ASI. ASI begins documentation of archaeological remains, scientific study of antiquities at Gujarats Dwarka It also comprises antiquities, which were retrieved and confiscated with the help of the Ministry of External Affairs and various law-enforcing agencies, including the Police, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Customs officials. About 2.70 lakh antiquities are in the CAC, including nearly 4,500 confiscated objects. About 655 antiquities repatriated from foreign countries in recent years, including metal, stone and terracotta idols, will also be housed in the gallery. Information on these retrieved objects will be made available to the public through official websites after verification, detailed documentation and proper photography. Work on the proposal is currently underway, said officials. At present, there are 198 confiscated and retrieved antiquities from the ancient to modern period on display at the gallery. The display includes stone and metal sculptures, coins, paintings, ivory and copper artefacts, and architectural panels ranging from the proto-historic to the modern period and affiliated to different provenances.
Urban centres see bulk of 73.7 lakh voter deletions in Gujarat SIR
Gujarat's electoral rolls saw a significant revision. Over 73 lakh voters were removed from the draft list. Most deletions were due to voters being absent or having shifted. Deceased voters and those enrolled at multiple locations also contributed to the numbers. Urban areas like Ahmedabad and Surat reported the highest deletions. This revision impacts the state's voter base.
Supreme Court ruling on Aravalli definition triggers huge protests in Rajasthan
JAIPUR: The Supreme Courts recent acceptance of the Union Environment Ministrys definition of the Aravalli hills -- restricting the range to landforms with an elevation of more than 100 metres -- has triggered widespread protests across Rajasthan. Political leaders, environmental activists, social media influencers and citizens have expressed strong opposition and warned that the move will entail serious ecological and economic consequences. Under the revised definition, nearly 90 per cent of the Aravalli range in Rajasthan, consisting of hills lower than 100 metres, will no longer be classified as part of the protected range. According to available data, only 1,048 out of nearly 1.6 lakh hillocks in the state meet the 100-metre criterion, effectively excluding the vast majority from regulatory safeguards. SC ruling on Aravalli definition sparks opposition in Rajasthan, former CM Gehlot warns of ecological disaster Laxmikant Sharma, professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, said the governments stance that only hills above 100 metres qualify as Aravalli would automatically exclude most of the range. In Rajasthan, the Aravalli hills are largely between 30 and 80 metres in height. This means nearly 90 per cent of the range is directly under threat, he said. Though the Supreme Court order states that new mining is not permitted, critics argue that illegal mining continues unabated. A 2018 report by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) revealed that around 25 per cent of the Aravalli hills in Rajasthan had already been destroyed. Against this backdrop, the Aravalli Heritage Peoples Campaign was launched a few days ago from Vinoba Gyan Mandir in Bapu Nagar in Jaipur. Kavita Srivastava, national president of the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), urged the government to repeal the uniform definition of the Aravalli proposed by a committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, calling it a threat to Indias ecological and cultural heritage. SC ruling on Aravalli definition sparks opposition in Rajasthan, former CM Gehlot warns of ecological disaster 'Road to hell is paved with good intentions': Congress slams government over new Aravalli definition Activists have demanded that the Aravalli rangespread across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhibe declared an Ecologically Critical Area and that the use of raw stone mined from the hills be stopped. Neelam Ahluwalia, founding member of People for Aravalli, said the recent court decision would leave more than 90 per cent of the range unprotected and vulnerable to mining. The situation is particularly alarming in Alwar district, where 31 of the 128 identified hills have reportedly been completely flattened due to mining. Environmental experts warn that excluding large parts of the Aravalli range from protection could further embolden mining mafias. Experts have also cautioned that extensive degradation of the Aravallis could alter regional rainfall patterns. Some warn that if the range is destroyed, monsoon moisture could shift westwards towards Pakistan, adversely affecting rainfall in Rajasthan. Nearly 80 per cent of the 700-kilometre-long Aravalli range passes through 27 districts of Rajasthan, forming the ecological backbone of eastern Rajasthan. Agriculture and farmers livelihoods in these regions depend heavily on the hills, as several seasonal riversincluding the Chambal, Banas, Sahibi, Sota, Katli, Kasavati, Gambhiri and Moreloriginate from the Aravallis. Modi government has 'nearly signed death warrant' for Aravalli hills: Sonia Gandhi Rainwater stored in the hills flows through streams and underground channels, sustaining these rivers and supporting small-scale farming and animal husbandry throughout the year. The Aravallis are also home to diverse plant species and vegetation. As the worlds oldest mountain range, their rock formations have a strong water-holding capacity, allowing groundwater to be stored for long periods. Rajasthan has around 32 major potable water reservoirs, many of which depend on the Aravalli system. In a desert state like Rajasthan, environmentalists point out that nearly 22 per cent of the Aravalli hills have already been destroyed due to excessive mining. According to studies, the unique structure of the Aravallis helps recharge nearly two million litres of groundwater per hectare annually, making the range the largest source of water in the region. As protests intensify, environmental groups have demanded an immediate review of the definition, warning that Rajasthans ecology, water security and rural economy are at serious risk. It remains to be seen how the agitation unfolds in the coming days. On International Mountain Day, campaign launched to save India's oldest mountain range Aravalli
Watch for Bullish Crossover in Gujarat State Financial Corporation - Federal Reserve Announcements & Start Investing With Free Smart Watchlists Bollywood Helpline
Gujarat sees 5-fold rise in use of sex-sorted semen
The turning point came in 2024, when the Gujarat government cut the cost of one dose of sex-sorted semen to 50 from 300
Minor girl drugs father, plots his murder with lover in Gujarats Vadodara
AHMEADBAD: A murder has shaken Gujarats Vadodara district, with police alleging that a minor girl, driven by a forbidden love affair, drugged her own father and orchestrated his killing with the help of her lover and his friend. Investigators say the crime came to light after they pieced together a trail of failed poisoning attempts, a past POCSO case, and a carefully planned escape. Vadodara city was jolted after police cracked the murder of a young man from Padra taluka, who was stabbed to death inside his own home. What initially appeared to be a mysterious, blood-soaked killing near the victims residence soon turned into a calculated crime involving his own minor daughter. According to police, the murder was carried out in collaboration with the girls lover, Ranjit, and his friend Mahesh. Investigators said the plan was simple yet sinister: put the father into a deep sleep and eliminate him. On the night of the murder, the minor girl mixed sleeping pills into her fathers food. Once he slipped into an unconscious state, Ranjit and his associate entered the house around 2.30 am and stabbed the sleeping man three times, ensuring his death before fleeing the scene. Police claim the girl watched the killing from a window, waiting for confirmation that her obstacle had been removed. Vadodara district Superintendent of Police Sushil Agarwal, while revealing disturbing details of the case, said, This was not an impulsive act. The girl had attempted to poison her parents earlier as well. Two days before the murder, she mixed sleeping pills again, but the plan failed. Even earlier, she tried to drug her mother by adding sleeping pills to a glass of water, but the bitter taste saved her life. According to the police, these repeated failed attempts strengthened the resolve of the conspirators. On the third attempt, the pills worked and the murder followed. Investigators also pointed to a troubled family background. Police said the deceased father strongly opposed his daughters relationship and confined his wife and daughter inside a room, locking them from outside. That resentment, they believe, turned lethal. Adding another layer to the case, SP Agarwal said the accused lover, Ranjit, had earlier abducted the minor girl, prompting the father to file a complaint. Ranjit was arrested under the POCSO Act and later released on bail. After coming out on bail, he re-established contact with the minor and together they planned to kill the father and run away, the SP said. Police have arrested the minor girl, her lover Ranjit, and his associate Mahesh. Investigators are tracing the source of the sleeping pills and the weapon used in the crime, and are also examining whether anyone else had prior knowledge of the plot. What police say began as a love affair ended in a brutal family murder, leaving Vadodara stunned by the extent of obsession and planning involved when law, fear and blood ties were all crossed.
Gujarat cop slaps motorist, suspended after video goes viral
AHMEDABAD: A traffic police constable was caught on camera slapping a woman motorist at a busy junction in Gujarats Ahmedabad, which has triggered public outrage and counter-cases, leading to the suspension of the constable. Criminal charges have been filed against both the cop and the woman motorist, turning a routine signal stop into a full-blown law-and-order controversy. The incident unfolded in the evening on Friday at a four-way junction in the Paldi area, of Ahmedabad under the N Division traffic police limits, where evening congestion meets frayed tempers. According to police, the woman, identified as Bansari, was stopped for allegedly jumping a traffic signal. On duty was head constable Jayanti Zala, who asked her to produce her driving licence. Officials said the woman requested permission to move her vehicle aside to ease traffic. The situation escalated when the woman asked the constable to show his identity card, a police officer explained. The ID was shown, but while returning it, it allegedly slipped from her hand and fell onto the road. The viral video shows constable Zala suddenly slapping the woman while she is still seated on her vehicle. In the same footage, the woman steps down in shock as the constable continues shouting, visibly enraged. In later visuals, he bends to pick something up and even attempts to grab a stick from another policeman, before colleagues restrain him. The woman has alleged that she was slapped repeatedly and abused verbally, claiming injuries to her eye, ear and cheek. Panicked and shaken, she dialled the emergency helpline 112 and later went to Paldi police station to file a complaint late at night. She further alleged that police initially refused to register her complaint and warned her about counter-cases. Paldi police inspector M N Parevada, however, said, This was a traffic-related matter. Cross-complaints were suggested as there was aggression from both sides, creating grounds for complaints against each other. DCP Traffic (West), Bhavna Patel, confirmed immediate action. I accept that there has been fault on the part of the police constable, Patel said. Police personnel are expected to show restraint and treat citizens with respect. Head constable Jayanti Zala was suspended with immediate effect. Simultaneously, police registered a case against the woman under sections 281, 221, 296(b) and 351(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and sections 177 and 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act, citing obstruction, abusive language and traffic violations. Meanwhile, in a fresh twist to the case, a new video has surfaced showing the woman allegedly abusing a police constable, while another clip from two months ago has also emerged, purportedly capturing her involved in a heated confrontation with a policeman. Police are now examining past incidents involving the woman, as fresh videos both recent and older surface online.
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Companies cannot ignore environment under CSR, rules Supreme Court
NEW DELHI: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has said that corporate social responsibility cannot be separated from corporate environmental responsibility and companies cannot claim to be socially responsible while ignoring equal claims of the environment and other beings of the ecosystem. A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and AS Chandurkar passed a slew of directions to protect the Great Indian Bustard, a species which is on the verge of extinction and faces threat from the operation of non-renewable power generators in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Therefore, the corporate definition of 'social responsibility' must inherently include environmental responsibility. Companies cannot assert to be socially responsible while ignoring equal claims of the environment and other beings of the ecosystem, the bench said. It added that the Constitution of India, under Article 51A(g), imposes a fundamental duty on every citizen o protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures. A corporation, as a legal person and a key organ of society, shares this fundamental duty. CSR funds are the tangible expression of this duty. Consequently, allocating funds for the protection of the environment is not a voluntary act of charity but a fulfilment of a constitutional obligation, the top court said. The bench said under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, Parliament institutionalised this duty by mandating companies to meet specific financial thresholds espousing social responsibility. It added that the provision effectively codifies the principle that corporate profit is not solely the private property of shareholders but is partly owed to the society that enables its generation. The magic of legitimacy is in the perspective that private property is a trust, the top court said, adding that this statutory mandate redefines the traditional role of corporate governance. It added that historically, a director's primary duty was to maximise value for shareholders. However, Section 166(2) of the Companies Act, 2013, dismantled this narrow view by imposing a broader fiduciary duty. Directors are now legally mandated to act in good faith not just for members, but for the best interests of the company, its employees, the shareholders, the community, and for the protection of the environment. This crucial expansion recognises that a corporation is an organ of society, and its 'social' responsibility extends to the wider community impacted by its operations, the bench underscored. It pointed out, Where corporate activities such as mining, power generation, or infrastructure threaten the habitat of endangered species, the polluter pays principle mandates that the company bears the cost of species recovery. CSR funds must, therefore, be directed towards ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts to prevent extinction. Holding that the obligation to protect endangered species is paramount, the bench said corporate duty must evolve from merely protecting shareholders to protecting the ecosystem. The non-renewable power generators operating in the priority as well as non-priority areas in Rajasthan and Gujarat must always remember that they share the environment with the Godawan, the Great Indian Bustard, and must undertake their activities as if they are guests in its abode, it said. The top court passed the order on a plea filed in 2019 by environmentalist MK Ranjitsinh, seeking measures for the protection of the endangered Great Indian Bustard. The apex court has been passing directions from time to time for protecting the species. In April 2021, the top court had imposed restrictions on overhead transmission lines across nearly 99,000 sq km in Rajasthan and Gujarat. However, the order was later modified in March 2024 after the Centre flagged serious implications for India's renewable energy transition. The court had then constituted a high-level expert committee to recommend scientifically grounded and balanced measures. Accepting the expert committee's recommendations, the top court approved revised priority conservation areas of 14,013 sq km in Rajasthan and 740 sq km in Gujarat, rationalising earlier demarcations to focus protection on the last remaining strongholds of the species. It declined the petitioners' request to further expand the Rajasthan priority area by adding 657 sq km in the Rasla-Degrai Oran region, holding that the expert committee had taken a holistic view based on field studies and extensive stakeholder consultations. The top court has imposed strict restrictions within the revised priority areas, directing that no new wind turbines and no new solar parks or solar plants exceeding 2 MW capacity shall be permitted. It also barred the expansion of existing solar parks. It further directed that no new overhead power lines, except those of 11 kV and below, shall be allowed in these areas, except through dedicated power corridors identified by the expert committee.
