Amit Shah Launches Development Projects Worth 815 Crore in Gujarat
Gandhinagar, July 22: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects exceeding 815 crore in Gujarats Gandhinagar and Sabarkantha districts. These initiatives encompass health services, transportation, water conservation, and public facilities. During the event, Shah inaugurated the 89 crore Aluva-Sadara bridge and the Charada Community Health ... Read more Amit Shah Launches Development Projects Worth 815 Crore in Gujarat
Gujarats Deputy Chief Minister Engages with Rising Athletes in Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar, July 21: Gujarats Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi met with the states emerging champions and talented athletes on Tuesday. During the meeting, Sanghvi addressed questions related to the players sports careers, personal lives, and professional challenges, describing their experiences as inspirational. Sanghvi shared photos from the meeting on the social media platform X, highlighting ... Read more Gujarats Deputy Chief Minister Engages with Rising Athletes in Gandhinagar
Gujarat records 49.79 million-tonnes drop in carbon emissions in 2025-26
The reduction coincides with a record 67,655 million units of electricity generated from renewable energy sources
Born into a farmer's family in Gujarat, Prithvi Sanghani has emerged as a key engineer in India's private space sector by helping develop the autopilot control system for Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, the country's first privately built orbital rocket. After studying missile technology and working at DRDO, she joined Skyroot to contribute to Mission Aagaman. Her journey highlights how perseverance, specialised education and determination can help students build careers in cutting-edge aerospace engineering.
Gujarat flags off 139 new buses for tribal students under Birsa Munda transport scheme
The buses have been introduced jointly by the Tribal Development Department and the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) at a cost of 33.84 crore
'Siraj Bhaiya Taught Me How To Handle Pressure And Set Up Batters: Ashok Sharma
Ashok Sharma: India pacer Ashok Sharma has credited senior fast bowler Mohammed Siraj for playing an important role in his development, saying the experienced seamer patiently answered his questions and helped him understand the finer aspects of fast bowling during their time together at Gujarat Titans. Ashok, who earned his maiden India call-up for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, said he made full use of the opportunity to learn from Siraj whenever they trained or spent time together in the dressing room. I had a lot of talks with Siraj bhaiya as well. Whenever we were in the dressing room or bowling together in the nets, I would keep asking him questions throughout the day. I would ask him, 'Bhaiya, when you play a match, how much pressure do you feel? What do you think before bowling a delivery? If I have to bowl to someone, how should I set him up?' I would discuss all these things with him, he told JioStar. According to Ashok, Siraj never hesitated to share his knowledge and even analysed his bowling during practice sessions. Siraj bhaiya would explain everything to me very well. He would stand with me and watch two or three of my deliveries. Then he would tell me, 'Do this, make this change, try this.' So I learned a lot from him. I have carried all those learnings with me. Whenever I get time to practice in Jaipur, I focus on those things and try to do them even better, he added. Ashok was purchased by Gujarat Titans for Rs 90 lakh in the 2025 IPL auction. He finally made his IPL debut against Punjab, where he immediately grabbed attention by clocking 154.2 kmph, underlining his ability to generate genuine pace. The young fast bowler featured in six matches during IPL 2026 and picked up six wickets, with his best figures being 2 for 32, performances that strengthened his case for higher honours. Ashok also recalled a valuable piece of advice from veteran India fast bowler Ishant Sharma during his early days with Gujarat Titans, saying the conversation changed the way he looked at his bowling. Ashok was purchased by Gujarat Titans for Rs 90 lakh in the 2025 IPL auction. He finally made his IPL debut against Punjab, where he immediately grabbed attention by clocking 154.2 kmph, underlining his ability to generate genuine pace. The young fast bowler featured in six matches during IPL 2026 and picked up six wickets, with his best figures being 2 for 32, performances that strengthened his case for higher honours. Also Read: Live Cricket Score That was a big moment for me. Ishant bhai has played Test cricket for India and has taken more than 300 wickets. He has bowled to the best batters in the world. If he gave me that advice, he must have said it after watching me closely. That advice stayed with me. It reminded me that small improvements in the right areas can make a big difference, he added. Article Source: IANS
Gujarat records 33% rainfall deficit, yet kharif sowing crosses 50 lakh hectares
Despite the patchy rains, farmers have completed sowing over 50 lakh hectares against the normal three-year average of 85.3 lakh hectares
5,289 cyber awareness programmes held across Gujarat
The campaign focuses on preventing cybercrime through community engagement, technology-driven surveillance, victim outreach, cyber awareness and prompt legal action
The Artistic Journey of Himmat Shah: A Pioneer of Modern Indian Sculpture
New Delhi, July 21: Himmat Shah, born on July 22, 1933, in Lothal, Gujarat, emerged as a leading figure in modern Indian sculpture and drawing. His art reflects deep influences of history, memory, and human civilization. Growing up amidst the remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization profoundly shaped his artistic vision. He moved to Bhavnagar ... Read more The Artistic Journey of Himmat Shah: A Pioneer of Modern Indian Sculpture
Gujarat destroys drugs worth 2,153 crore at Dahej
The Gujarat Police have dealt a major blow to international drug smuggling networks through decisive action against drug mafias and cartels, Mr. Sanghavi
Gujarat Forest Officer Dies in Road Accident While Pursuing Wood Smugglers
Surat, July 21: A Range Forest Officer (RFO) tragically lost his life in a road accident while chasing wood smugglers in the Tapi district of Gujarat. Following this incident, the state government has vowed to investigate the matter and maintain a zero-tolerance policy against crimes related to forest resources. The officer, Vikas Desai, was on ... Read more Gujarat Forest Officer Dies in Road Accident While Pursuing Wood Smugglers
Gujarat Completes First Two Phases of 359 Crore Pavagadh Redevelopment Project
Gandhinagar, July 21: The Gujarat government is working on a 359 crore master plan to enhance infrastructure and facilities for pilgrims at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh. The first two phases of this project have already been completed, with plans for additional work aimed at improving accessibility and amenities for tourists. According to ... Read more Gujarat Completes First Two Phases of 359 Crore Pavagadh Redevelopment Project
PMs praise puts MSU professor on spotlight after Indias record Biology Olympiad haul
Vadodara engineer played key AI role in Vikram-1 mission
Worked Behind The Scenes To Power Critical Technologies
Child rape-murder accused killed in Anand encounter
Allegedly Attacked Police Escort Team With A Knife
Seven poll-bound states including UP, Gujarat, Punjab on road to get 25% of NHs
Nearly a quarter of national highways will be built in seven states facing elections. These states will also receive almost twenty percent of total projects awarded this year. Highway projects signal development pace and priority approvals are expected soon. The ministry has set targets for awarding and constructing national highways this fiscal year. This focus aims to boost infrastructure development and influence state election outcomes.
Kidnapping accused killed in police encounter in Gujarats Anand
The accused was shot in self-defence after he allegedly attacked two policemen with a concealed knife while attempting to escape from custody, police said
Gandhinagar, July 20: Gujarat has reported 63 suspected cases of the Chandipura virus this year, with 12 confirmed cases and ongoing investigations for 8 additional samples. The state government has ramped up measures for surveillance, treatment, and control of the virus-carrying insects. A meeting chaired by Health Minister Prabhul Pansheriya on Monday reviewed the situation ... Read more Gujarat Reports 12 Confirmed Cases of Chandipura Virus, 8 Fatalities; Government Intensifies Surveillance
Gujarat Reports 12 Confirmed Cases of Chandipura Virus, 8 Fatalities
Gandhinagar, July 20: Gujarat has reported 12 confirmed cases of the Chandipura virus this year, with a total of 63 suspected cases identified. Out of these, 8 fatalities have been recorded, prompting the state government to enhance surveillance and control measures against the virus-carrying insects. During a meeting chaired by Health Minister Prabhul Pansheriya, officials ... Read more Gujarat Reports 12 Confirmed Cases of Chandipura Virus, 8 Fatalities
Gujarat Police Arrests 5 More Jaish Operatives Plotting Blasts Across India Homeland Security Today
Nine newly-elected members take oath in Rajya Sabha
The members who took the oath represent the states of Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Rajasthan and West Bengal
Suspect in child's rape and murder case killed in police 'encounter' in Gujarat's Anand Deccan Herald
Protests in several Gujarat cities supporting CJP's 'Sansad Chalo' march, Wangchuk; some detained
Protests occurred in Gujarat cities supporting the Cockroach Janta Party's march. Participants chanted slogans against the government and the Union Education Minister. Thousands gathered in Delhi's Jantar Mantar despite heavy rain and security. The march demands action against education sector irregularities and exam paper leaks. Activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike also received support during these demonstrations.
Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam have officially enacted the Uniform Civil Code whereas States like Maharashtra, West Bengal and Rajasthan formed expert committees to design their respective regulations.
Newly-elected members take oath in Rajya Sabha
As the Monsoon session commenced, Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan officiated the oath-taking ceremony for nine newly elected members. The representatives hailed from states including Gujarat, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, with others from Meghalaya, Mizoram, Rajasthan, and West Bengal joining in. Notably, some members had already completed their oaths ahead of this session.
J&K GST revenue falls 15% in June as collections slip to Rs 470 Crore
Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 15 per cent year-on-year decline in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in June 2026, with revenue falling to Rs 470 crore from Rs 552 crore in the corresponding month last year, according to the latest state-wise GST data released by the Union Finance Ministry. The Union Territory witnessed a decline of Rs 82 crore in GST collections during the month, even as the country's overall GST revenue continued to grow, indicating a mixed trend in tax collections across states and Union Territories. India's gross GST collections stood at Rs 1,34,774 crore in June 2026, compared with Rs 1,26,506 crore collected in June 2025, registering a year-on-year growth of 7 per cent. The increase reflects steady economic activity and improved tax compliance in several parts of the country. Jammu and Kashmir was among the states and Union Territories that reported a decline in GST collections during the month. Neighbouring Himachal Pradesh recorded a steeper fall of 26 per cent, with collections declining from Rs 895 crore to Rs 661 crore, while Uttarakhand registered a 21 per cent decline, collecting Rs 1,334 crore against Rs 1,688 crore in June last year. In contrast, Punjab posted a strong 14 per cent increase in GST revenue to Rs 2,491 crore from Rs 2,186 crore. Haryana recorded collections of Rs 10,065 crore, up 9 per cent, while Delhi reported an 8 per cent increase to Rs 5,987 crore. Chandigarh also registered a 7 per cent rise, collecting Rs 229 crore during the month. Ladakh also witnessed a decline in collections, with GST revenue falling 7 per cent from Rs 28 crore in June 2025 to Rs 26 crore in June 2026. Among the major states, Uttar Pradesh emerged as one of the best performers, recording a 19 per cent increase in GST collections to Rs 9,165 crore. Assam posted a 17 per cent rise to Rs 1,492 crore, Gujarat registered a 12 per cent increase to Rs 11,743 crore, while Karnataka collected Rs 12,937 crore, up 10 per cent over the previous year. Maharashtra, the country's largest contributor to GST revenue, collected Rs 30,714 crore, registering a growth of 9 per cent. On the other hand, Sikkim recorded the steepest decline in the country, with GST collections falling 53 per cent. Puducherry witnessed a 28 pe cent decline, while Jharkhand reported a 16 per cent fall. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh also recorded declines of 5 per cent each. GST, introduced on July 1, 2017, replaced multiple indirect taxes with a unified tax system and has become one of the most important sources of revenue for both the Centre and the states. Monthly GST collections are considered a key indicator of economic activity, consumption and tax compliance. Experts note that monthly GST revenues can fluctuate due to factors such as seasonal business cycles, the timing of tax payments, refunds and compliance-related adjustments. Therefore, a decline in a single month does not necessarily indicate a broader slowdown in economic activity, though sustained weakness over several months could warrant closer attention. The latest figures show that while national GST collections remain on a growth trajectory, Jammu and Kashmir's revenue performance lagged behind the national average in June. The coming months will indicate whether the decline was temporary or reflects a broader trend in economic activity and tax mobilisation in the Union Territory.
Jammu and Kashmir is talking about jobs again, not the jobs that were created, but the ones that quietly disappeared into the hands of private companies. Over the past two years, the Omar Abdullah-led government has outsourced more than 25,000 positions across nearly 29 departments, routed through over 200 private agencies based in J&K, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The Health and Medical Education Department and the Floriculture Department account for the largest share. No public advertisement. No open notification. When the opposition finally raised the matter on the floor of the Assembly, nobody in government could give a straight answer to the one question every citizen is entitled to ask; how were these agencies chosen, and how did they choose their candidates? Nobody has explained why. A government that cannot say how 25,000 jobs were handed out isnt protecting an administrative process, its protecting itself from having to justify one. A young person who has spent five years preparing for the JKPSC or the JKSSB gets a simple message out of all this: preparation, merit, the right to a fair shot, none of it counts for as much as a phone call to the right office. Hard work has become optional. Since when did that become an acceptable message for a government to send its own youth? This isnt an abstract argument for the youth of this Union Territory. More than 3.7 lakh educated young people are registered as unemployed with the governments own Directorate of Employment. Urban youth unemployment here has run as high as 32 percent, and one Periodic Labour Force Survey release put that among the highest of any state or Union Territory in the country, alongside the countrys highest recorded joblessness among young women. Nearly 77,000 sanctioned government posts sit vacant across departments even as outsourcing agencies quietly fill the space those posts were meant to occupy. Families borrow money for coaching. Young men and women give up years of their twenties preparing for a single exam, and then watch the government hand out through the backdoor exactly what it never had the will to advertise up front. Theres a second front nobody talks about enough. The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have been squeezed by what amounts to a double whammy; and reservation policy was the first blow. Since the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, the reservation matrix here has climbed to nearly 70 percent of seats in government jobs and professional admissions, leaving Open Merit candidates to compete for roughly 30 percent. The squeeze got sharp enough that even legislators from the ruling National Conference joined street protests demanding it be rationalised. A Cabinet proposal to claw back about ten percentage points for Open Merit has been stuck in the Raj Bhawan-to-Home-Ministry pipeline since December 2024, still unresolved 19months on. Then came the second blow. A governments job is to guarantee rights, not ration them among its own. It certifies merit, it doesnt manufacture patronage. And it has no business stealing opportunity from the people who earned it to quietly hand it to the people who didnt. In Jammu and Kashmir right now, public employment runs on jiski lathi uski bhains; whoever holds the stick owns the buffalo. Simply, might is right. That isnt governance. Its capture, plain and simple. Kashmirs youth have watched this story before, only the cast changes. During the PDP-BJP coalition, the states own Governor, the late Satya Pal Malik, publicly disclosed that the selection list for recruitment in the Jammu and Kashmir Bank had been altered. More than 500 candidates who had already cleared the process on merit were quietly replaced by the relatives and political workers of those in power. Years later, when the present National Conference government was pressed to answer for the current outsourcing row, its own ministers pointed right back at the PDPs record on J&K Bank recruitment and on the Khadi and Village Industries Board, both of which have since drawn scrutiny from the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Nearly every party that has governed this Union Territory has, at some point, been accused by the very institutions meant to check it of doing exactly what it now condemns in its rivals. The paper-leak years came next. In 2022, JKSSBs offline exams for the J&K Police Sub-Inspector post, the Finance Accounts Assistant post and the Junior Engineer post were compromised through leaked papers and swapped OMR sheets. The company running them, Meritrac Pvt Ltd, was already blacklisted elsewhere for similar failures. More than 3,500 selections that honest young people had earned through their own labour were wiped out in one stroke. CBI teams raided more than seventy locations, arrested serving security personnel among others, and recovered lakhs of rupees in cash. Aspirants alleged theyd been asked to pay between twenty and thirty lakh rupees for the leaked paper. Once aspirants forced the scam into the open and the exams were cancelled, JKSSB handed the re-exam not to a clean agency but to Aptech Limited, another company already blacklisted in eight states, including a three-year ban in Uttar Pradesh. The Jammu and Kashmir High Courts Single Bench found the Aptech tender had been altered; the courts own word was mala fide and declared the company ineligible to conduct the exam. The government appealed to the Division Bench and got that very order stayed. A company the court had just found unfit was allowed to carry on regardless: two blacklisted contractors in a row and a government that fought in court to keep the second one in the race. Now put todays chapter next to those. The National Conference went into the 2024 election promising one lakh government jobs. Instead, at least a quarter of that number has been converted into outsourced, private-agency postings, jobs its own ministers admit carry no pension, no promotion and none of the protections that made a government job worth a five-year wait in the first place. A promise of permanence has quietly become a promise of precarity. Nobody was asked to vote for that. Whichever party is in charge in Srinagar, the pattern keeps repeating for a structural reason. Regular recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir is supposed to run through the Public Service Commission and the Services Selection Board, bodies built, however imperfectly, on reservation rosters, published merit lists and public accountability. Outsourcing routes around all of it. A private agency doesnt answer to the reservation policy that protects backward regions and categories, doesnt have to publish a merit list that can be challenged, doesnt have to survive an RTI query the way a constitutional recruitment body does. Every job that goes through an outsourcing agency instead of the JKPSC or JKSSB has slipped past every safeguard this region fought to build. This is exactly why transparency cant stay optional. The complete list of every empanelled outsourcing agency, the criteria used to select them and the roster of every candidate placed through them should be public information, available to any citizen who files an RTI application, not dragged out reluctantly after a political slugfest in the Assembly. A government with nothing to hide shouldnt object to opening this record on its own instead of being shamed into it one press conference at a time. The human cost here isnt hypothetical or anecdotal. A study comparing employed and unemployed youth across the Kashmir Valley found the unemployed group scoring roughly twice as high on measures of anxiety, depression and psychological distress as their employed peers. Every scam, every unexplained outsourcing list, every deflection from a government spokesperson adds another layer to that toll. A generation isnt losing hope because it lacks ability. Its losing hope because it keeps discovering that ability was never really the criterion being tested. The youth of Jammu and Kashmir arent asking for charity. Theyre asking for what every citizen is owed: a fair, transparent and accountable process where a certificate and years of hard work count for more than a connection. PDP, the BJP-backed administrations before it, and now the National Conference have each, in their turn, stood accused of treating public employment as private property. Breaking that cycle will take more than a press conference. It will take an independent, time-bound probe into the outsourcing of these 25,000 posts, full public disclosure of every agency and appointee involved, and a firm, enforceable commitment that every future government job in this Union Territory is filled on merit, not on who is holding the stick. Sahil Parray, Student Activist, Head Open Merit Students Association
Ahmedabad Dismantles Illegal Firecracker Factory After Fatal Explosion
Ahmedabad, July 20: Authorities in Ahmedabad have demolished an illegal firecracker factory where a recent explosion claimed the lives of nine individuals. The action took place on Sunday, following the tragic incident that occurred on Saturday in Vastral village, under the jurisdiction of the Ramol police station. According to a statement from the Gujarat police, ... Read more Ahmedabad Dismantles Illegal Firecracker Factory After Fatal Explosion
5 from family killed in Ahmedabad firecracker blast cremated
Compensation for land acquisition: Dead womans 'consent used to pocket Rs 2.62 crore, FIR filed
Rajasthan man held for abducting minor girl
A working class couple in Gujarat have captured hearts after news of them quietly feeding hundreds of fellow labourers for just Rs 5 went viral online.
Climate changes hidden toll: Night heat steals sleep as Gujarat loses 81 hours annually
Gujarat residents lose over eighty hours of sleep annually due to nighttime heat. Globally, people are losing nearly fifty-six hours of sleep each year. This temperature-related sleep loss has at least doubled since the early nineteen seventies. Urban India experiences more sleep deficit than the global average. Climate change impacts sleep quality across many analyzed cities worldwide.
Death toll rises to 9 in India's Gujarat firecracker factory blast - news.cgtn.com
Death toll rises to 9 in India's Gujarat firecracker factory blast news.cgtn.com
Monsoon Fury in South Gujarat: Surat Roads and Posh Areas Go Under Water
Heavy monsoon rain lashed Surat, causing widespread waterlogging in Vesu, Piplod, Umra, Adajan and other areas. BRTS services were affected as roads and upscale neighbourhoods were inundated.
Mumbai police are examining a social media threat against actor Aamir Khan. The post, attributed to the Bishnoi gang, accuses him of promoting 'love jihad'. Gangsters Tyson Bishnoi and Aarzoo Bishnoi allegedly issued the warning on Facebook. The police are investigating the veracity of the social media post and voice clip. Lawrence Bishnoi is currently lodged in Gujarat's Sabarmati jail.
Harsh Sanghavi, C.R. Patil to Inaugurate Apna Ghar Ashram in Surat
Union Minister C.R. Patil and Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi will inaugurate Apna Ghar Ashram in Kosamba, Mandvi, a shelter for homeless and destitute people built by the Dhruv Anaika Foundation.
J-K: Control Room established in Katra for disaster management in monsoon conditions
Katra , July 19 : In view of the prevailing monsoon conditions and the risk of emergencies arising from heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, waterlogging and road blockages, the Sub-Divisional Administration Katra has constituted a Control Room for Monsoon Disaster Management to ensure prompt response and effective coordination. As per an order issued by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Katra, Piyush Dhotra (JKAS), the Control Room will function under the overall supervision of Tehsildar Katra, Jatinder Singh, in close coordination with police, PWD, health, power, Jal Shakti, municipal authorities and other concerned departments. The Control Room will maintain a round-the-clock watch over the monsoon situation, receive and record reports regarding heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, damage to property and disruption of roads, electricity and drinking water supply. It will also ensure timely communication of situation reports to higher authorities for necessary action. Residents and other stakeholders can contact the Katra Monsoon Control Room at 01991-295681 in case of any rain-related emergency or for reporting incidents requiring immediate attention. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has also been temporarily suspended due to prevailing adverse weather conditions in Katra and the Trikuta Hills. The pilgrimage was temporarily halted as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of devotees amid inclement weather. Pilgrims have been advised to remain updated through official channels regarding the resumption of the Yatra. The pilgrimage is expected to resume once weather conditions improve and the route is considered safe for movement. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The region is also forecast to witness widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and the possibility of heavy showers over the coming days. Several devotees were seen worshipping from afar as there is uncertainity about the weather and the Yatra resuming. Rekha, one of the devotees who had travelled from Jamnagar district, Gujarat, said, I came with a lot of hope; now my heart aches that I can't go. It rained, you see, it rained all night, that's why they aren't letting us go. They are saying it might take five days. They say after five days, if the weather is fine, they will allow us; otherwise, they say the duration might increase further. The weather has also impacted the ongoing Amarnath Yatra as the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday officially suspended it on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes to ensure the safety of pilgrims after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning of heavy rainfall across the Union Territory. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure in view of the inclement weather forecast predicted to ensure the safety of thousands of devotees travelling through the region. The 57-day Amarnath Yatra began on July 3 and will conclude on August 28 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. (ANI)
At 68%, Gujarat clocks highest growth in CSR spending in India
State Outpaces National Growth Rate Of 17%
Resort, cricket grounds razed to reclaim Rs 2,400-crore plot
Action Followed Dismissal Of Gaekwad Familys 35-Year-Old Plea By HC
Centre promises push for new flights, cargo services
The Final Sanctuary: How the Living House the Dead across Earth, Sky, and Sea
The 16th of July marked the 34th death anniversary of my dear father. In this connection, I attended the Fatiha prayer at his grave, and standing there, I was deeply reminded of how much our loved ones matter to us, even long after they have departed. The relationship between the living and the dead is one of the oldest stories of human civilization. It is written not just in our hearts, but in the very soil, air, and water of the places we call home. As the world grows more crowded and our environments change, the ways we say our final goodbyes are evolvingreflecting a delicate balance between sacred tradition and modern necessity. The Close Neighbors of Mallaratta: Kashmirs Intimate Lands In the historic quarters of Srinagar, death has never been segregated from daily life. To this day, my ancestral home, Yarkand House in Mallaratta, stands tall and firm after 115 years of construction. Just twenty feet away lies our family graveyard, Maqbara Sadat Andrabis, where my parents, grandmother, and paternal uncles rest in peace. Purchased by my great-grandfather in mid-1916 from his pious Andrabi father-in-law for the princely sum of rupees eighteen, this plot remains beautifully maintained by the family. In those good old days, keeping graveyards close to residential houses was a comforting philosophya daily, grounding reminder of mortality, love, and continuity. On a grander scale, the historic Malkha graveyard was established centuries ago as a central repository of memory for the Muslims of Srinagar. Originally a vast grape orchard spanning a thousand kanals, it was centrally located. Tragically, modern urbanization and political short-sightedness have reduced it to less than two hundred kanals. Encroachmentsranging from schools and mosques to slum colonies, stadium spaces, a gondola take-off stand, and the Rainwari Hospitalhave slowly fractured this collective heritage. Yet, Kashmirs land laws historically accommodated this sacred geography. In rural areas, freshly converted communities utilized abundant state or grazing lands, recorded in revenue registers as Kachari, Shamilat, or Abadi Deh. These final resting places were legally protected under designations like Maqbooza Qabristan or Ahli-Islam. Similarly, the Kashmiri Pandit community utilized designated lands for their last rites, formally recorded as Maqbooza Ahli-Hinoo, Shamshan Ghat, or Awarin. Whether through burial or fire, the departed remained rooted in the land. The Birdless Skies: The Changing Rituals of the Parsis While Kashmir looks to the earth, the Parsi community traditionally looked to the sky. Holding the elements of nature in absolute veneration, Zoroastrian tradition dictates that burying a body desecrates the earth, and burning it pollutes sacred fire. Thus, they constructed Dakhmas, or Towers of Silence, where the dead were left open to the elements and to vulturesa system designed as the ultimate eco-friendly act of giving back to nature. However, these ancient towers are losing their sheen. The vulture population across India has dwindled catastrophically due to inadvertent poisoning from veterinary drugs like diclofenac. With the skies suddenly empty, the community has had to adapt. Today, many Parsis are shifting their attitudes toward modern technology, turning to electric crematoriumsparticularly in Mumbai and parts of Gujaratmarrying ancient prayers with contemporary realities. The Automated Vaults of Japan Farther east, in the hyper-dense urban centers of Japan, the challenge is sheer space. The Japanese have innovated an incredibly advanced, scientific approach to handling the dead. In modern, multi-story indoor cemeteries, they utilize deep, rounded well-like pits designed with state-of-the-art engineering. Each family possesses their own automated vault box. When a body is placed inside, specific, highly regulated chemical compounds are introduced to accelerate decomposition safely and rapidly. Within a remarkably short period, the physical remains are reduced to clean ashes. The vault is then thoroughly cleansed and prepared, efficiently making room for the next family member. It is a striking blend of profound ancestral respect and futuristic spatial efficiency. Rest in the Deep: The Ancient Law of Sea Burials For those who spent their lives moving across the vast expanse of the oceans, the final resting place is neither earth nor sky, but the deep blue. Sea burial is a time-honored tradition, particularly for sailors, explorers, or travelers who pass away at sea. Steeped in maritime protocol, the body is carefully prepared, weighted, sewn into a canvas shroud, and lowered into the ocean depths. Out of sight of land, the body gently descends to the seabed, where marine life naturally consumes the physical form, returning the traveler to the great cradle of the worlds waters. Sky Burials of Ladakh and Tibet: The Frozen Horizons In contrast to the warm oceans, the high-altitude, freezing ecosystems of places like Ladakh and Tibet offer unique challenges. In these arid, rocky, and timber-scarce environments, digging a grave into frozen earth is nearly impossible, and there is little wood available for large funeral pyres. Here, the ancient practice of Sky Burial (Jhator) takes a different form than that of the Parsis. On designated sacred mountaintops, specialized practitioners gently prepare the body, which is then offered to Himalayan vultures. In the Buddhist philosophy of these regions, the body is seen as an empty vessel once the soul leaves. Offering the physical remains to the birds is considered a final, supreme act of generosity and compassion toward other living creatures, ensuring that the lifecycle continues even on the barren, cold roofs of the world. Conclusion: A Shared Journey Home From the rose-rimmed walls of Yarkand House in Mallaratta to the automated towers of Tokyo, and from the deep ocean trenches to the windswept peaks of Ladakh, humanitys diverse funeral customs reveal a beautiful truth. We may use earth, fire, air, or water to return our loved ones to the universe, but the underlying intent remains identical: to honor our past, to respect our environment, and to ensure that those who shaped our lives are never truly forgotten. (The author is a former civil servant from the administrative service.Email: nisargilani57748@gmail.com )
Blast at illegal firecracker unit in Ahmedabad, nine dead
Ahmedabad: Nine persons were killed and six others injured in a blast and fire at an illegal firecracker factory in Ramol area of Ahmedabad city in Gujarat on Saturday, July 18, officials said. The explosion and the resultant fire occurred at 3.30 pm at the factory located on Ramol-Gatrad road, police said. Prime Minister Narendra 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 .
The goal of making India a developed nation by 2047 cannot be achieved by the central government alone. Ultimately, industries are set up in the states, employment is created in the states, and the biggest impact of investment also falls on the states.
Ahmedabad, July 18: A devastating explosion and fire at a fireworks factory in the Vastral area of Ahmedabad has prompted deep sorrow from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Both leaders expressed condolences to the families of the victims and announced financial assistance for the deceased and injured. The Prime Ministers ... Read more Tragic Fire at Ahmedabad Fireworks Factory: PM Modi and CM Patel Express Condolences and Announce Compensation
Gujarat tops NITI Aayog's Investment Friendliness Index 2026
Gujarat leads India's major states in NITI Aayog's Investment Friendliness Index 2026. The state achieved the highest score, reflecting its investor-friendly business environment. Gujarat's policy stability and efficient single-window system attract significant investor confidence. World-class industrial infrastructure and strong logistics further enhance its competitive advantage. The state's robust economic fundamentals and fiscal discipline support sustained investment growth.
Toxic Gas, Bomb Tests: Arrested Jaish Terrorists In Gujarat Underwent Special Training
The suspects were taught a total of 40 distinct terror techniques, ranging from precision bomb-making to the synthesis of toxic gases using everyday organic materials left underground to ferment.
Gujarat ATS reveals half baked 'Jaish-e-Mohammed' Network busted
Plot to Establish 'Jaish-e-Mohammed' Network in Gujarat: Major Revelations During ATS Interrogation Interrogation of five suspected terrorists apprehended by the Gujarat ATS has yielded several significant and shocking revelations.
Gujarat tops NITI Aayogs first Investment Friendliness Index 2026 among major States
Gujarat scored 56.6 points, ahead of Maharashtra (53.7) and Tamil Nadu (53.3), in an assessment of 17 major States
Solar economy expands rapidly across the state, generating employment for more than 85,000 people through over 7,000 companies
Gujarat ATS arrests five alleged JeM members in terror probe
The arrested persons were identified as Bilal Abidbhai Shera, Mohammad Ayub Kadiwala, Mohammad Palanpuri, Shafia Rais Mukhti, and Mohammad Hasan Kardia
Devotional atmosphere witnessed in Puri - Sandesh
Devotional atmosphere witnessed in Puri Sandesh
Five Arrested in Gujarats 26.2 Lakh Online Investment Scam
Surat, July 18: The Cyber Crime Cell in Surat has arrested five members of an inter-state cyber fraud network. They are accused of defrauding a resident of 26.2 lakh through a fake stock market trading and investment scheme. Investigators found that the bank account used in the scam is linked to 149 cybercrime complaints across ... Read more Five Arrested in Gujarats 26.2 Lakh Online Investment Scam
Gujarat Chief Minister Stops to Interact with School Children in Anand
Mumbai, July 18: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel made an unexpected stop in Ambali village, Anand district, while returning to Gandhinagar from an official event on Friday. He exited his vehicle to meet with school children and villagers who had gathered by the roadside. While passing through Ambali village in the Anklav taluka, the Chief ... Read more Gujarat Chief Minister Stops to Interact with School Children in Anand
Goa among top five states on Investment Friendliness Index
Secures highest rank in STEM enrolment Panaji : Goa is among the top five states on NITI Aayogs Investment Friendliness Index, as per a report released on Friday. The state is ranked fourth in being investor friendly with an index rating of 53.1 points, vis--vis Gujarat which is at the top (56.6 points,) Maharashtra (53.7 []
Chain snatchers target women during rath yatra
Man shoots self over marital discord
Admitted To Hospital, In Stable Condition
Gujarat tops NITI's investment friendliness index; Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu follow
Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu lead NITI Aayog's investment friendliness index. The index assesses states on eight key parameters for investor attraction. Fifteen states were classified as frontrunners, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. India needs to increase investment to boost economic growth and demand. Strengthening state-level ecosystems is essential for national competitiveness and growth.
Tribals Demand Separate Bhil Pradesh at Grand Conference in Rajasthan
Jaipur, July 17: Thousands of tribals from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli gathered at the renowned Manger Dham in Banswara for a grand conference on Friday. Under the banner of the Bhil Pradesh Liberation Front, participants unanimously called for the establishment of a new state, Bhil ... Read more Tribals Demand Separate Bhil Pradesh at Grand Conference in Rajasthan
J&K to Adopt Maharashtra, Gujarat Models to Boost Ease of Doing Business
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo asks departments to fast-track governance reforms, simplify regulations and prepare a time-bound roadmap to attract investment
Gujarat tops State rankings on infrastructure, business climate and financial health
Gujarat secured the top overall rank in this assessment because of its strong economic fundamentals, sound fiscal management, and business-friendly governance
WATCH: Gujarat ATS arrests five more accused linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed
Gujarat emerges as top state in Niti Aayog's Investment Friendliness Index for states and UTs
Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu lead NITI Aayog's Investment Friendliness Index. Gujarat secured the top position due to its strong infrastructure and financial health. NITI Aayog released the report on Friday, highlighting key state performances. The investment rate in India currently stands at approximately twenty-five percent. Increased investments are crucial for boosting overall economic demand in the country.
New Employment Opportunities Introduced by Gujarat Public Service Commission
Gandhinagar, July 17: The Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) has launched a new initiative called the Avasar module aimed at creating job opportunities for talented candidates who did not succeed in competitive exams. This announcement was made by Sudhir Patel, Secretary of GPSC, during a press conference held in Gandhinagar. Sudhir Patel explained that candidates ... Read more New Employment Opportunities Introduced by Gujarat Public Service Commission
A court has remanded them to eight days of police custody to facilitate further investigation
Gujarat: A Beard, Niqab, Using Arabic Words Might Now Mean You're 'Radicalised'
Critics have argued that the anti-radicalisation cell's SOP would lead to more police and communal profiling.
Gandhinagar, July 17: The Gujarat Health Department has intensified its monitoring and prevention campaign against mosquito-borne diseases during the monsoon season, conducting over 9.4 million malaria tests this year alone. More than 19,500 health teams have reached out to 65.1 million people across the state. According to the state government, this initiative is being carried ... Read more Major Campaign Launched in Gujarat to Combat Mosquito-Borne Diseases, Over 9.4 Million Malaria Tests Conducted
Gujarat Expands Milk Sanjeevani Scheme to All Tribal ICDS Blocks
Gandhinagar, July 17: In a significant move to combat malnutrition in Gujarats tribal and remote areas, the state government, under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has expanded the Milk Sanjeevani Scheme to all tribal ICDS blocks. This initiative aims to integrate marginalized communities into the developmental mainstream. The states ... Read more Gujarat Expands Milk Sanjeevani Scheme to All Tribal ICDS Blocks
Gujarat ATS Arrests 5 More Suspected JeM Operatives; Probe Reveals Alleged Time Bomb Plot
Gujarat ATS has arrested five more suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives in North Gujarat. Investigators allege the group planned serial blasts, conducted trial explosions, and attempted to build time bombs.
Gujarat Anti-Terror Agency Arrests 5 Jaish Members, Foils Time Bomb Plot
ATS revealed that one of the arrested operatives possessed advanced knowledge of explosives and was on the verge of constructing a live time bomb.
Gujarat ATS arrests five JeM suspects in Patan; 8 held earlier
Mehsana: As many as five persons were arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Thursday, July 16, in connection with its probe into a terror module of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit, officials said. The arrested persons were identified as Bilal Abidbhai Shera, Mohammad Ayub Kadiwala, Mohammad Palanpuri alias Khali Ayub Sunsara, Shafia Rais 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's Lion Paradox: Why Big Cat Boom Poses A New Test For Authorities
Prides of lions are increasingly stepping out of their traditional sanctuary boundaries, wandering into agricultural fields, open grasslands, and coastal areas.
Man gets new lease of life after complex kidney transplant
Mumbai man trying to board moving train loses leg
Thousands participate in Jagannath Rath Yatra with devotion
NU to host Indo-French AI hackathon
NEET UG result 2026 declared: 138 candidates score above 690
New Delhi, July 16: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Thursday declared the result of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), NEET (UG) 2026. The result has been declared in time so that the medical-admission and counselling calendar for candidates stays on track. A total of close to 20 lakh candidates appeared for NEET (UG) 2026 at 5,440 centres in 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. 11.21 lakh candidates have qualified for admission to undergraduate medical, dental, AYUSH and allied programmes. Scorecards of all candidates are available on the official website, neet.nta.nic.in. The full list of Top Rankers, State Toppers, category-wise toppers (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, Gen-EWS, PwBD and PwD), category-wise cut-off marks and language-wise participation is also being published on the NTA website. Overview of the Candidates who appeared in NEET UG Exam on 21st June 2026 Close to 20 lakh candidates appeared and 11.21 lakh qualified. Candidates appeared from every State and Union Territory of the country, in 13 languages. More than 58 per cent of the qualified candidates are women. According to NTA, the majority of the top-performing candidates are between 17 and 19 years of age. Profile of the Top Rankers 138 candidates scored above 690 marks out of 720. Of these: Over 93 per cent appeared for NEET (UG) for the first time. 99 per cent are between 17 and 19 years of age. Geographical Distribution Qualified candidates have emerged from every one of the 36 States and Union Territories, ranging from over 1.7 lakh in Uttar Pradesh to 43 in Lakshadweep. State Toppers include Jigmet Yangchan Lamo (Ladakh, 530 marks), Dhruv Tripathi (Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 606 marks) and Fahmida Anees (Lakshadweep, 573 marks), and cover every North-Eastern State. 17 State Toppers scored 700 or above; 26 scored above 690. The 138 top rankers come from 66 cities across the country. The Top 17 rankers who scored more than 705 marks span eight States, namely Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Score Distribution and Highest Scorers 19 candidates scored above 700 out of 720. 1,492 candidates scored 650 and above. 10,160 candidates scored 600 and above. 90,780 candidates scored 500 and above. The highest score of 715 out of 720 was obtained jointly by Aryan Gupta (Punjab) and Panshul Bansal (Haryana). Category-wise Qualified Candidates Registered, appeared and qualified figures are being published in full for General, Gen-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwBD, PwD and Third Gender candidates. Separate topper lists for each category are provided in the accompanying toppers document. Category-wise qualified candidates: General: 2.91 lakh OBC-NCL: 5.12 lakh SC: 1.59 lakh ST: 63,716 Gen-EWS: 95,026 PwBD: 3,666 PwD: 303 Category-wise cut-off marks and percentiles are being published simultaneously. Participation and Qualification of Women Candidates More than 58 per cent of all qualified candidates are women. Women also qualified at a higher rate than men: 56.8 per cent of women who appeared qualified, as against 55.1 per cent of men. Languages of the Examination NEET (UG) 2026 was conducted in 13 languages: Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English. Process and Timeline of Result Declaration The result was declared within time through re-engineering of the process, with stages designed to run in parallel rather than in sequence, and with the de-linking of OMR sheet challenge from answer key release. Each stage was completed in full and made available for candidate view: Provisional answer key published on 25 June 2026; challenge window open from 25 to 28 June 2026. Scanned OMR answer sheets and recorded responses displayed to candidates from 13 to 15 July 2026. Final answer key published on 16 July 2026; result declared on 16 July 2026. Statutory Framework NTA conducts NEET (UG) under Section 14 of the NMC Act, 2019 and Section 14 of the NCISM Act, 2020, and for BHMS under the NCH, on the direction of the Honble Supreme Court and with the approval of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Education. NTAs mandate is to conduct the examination, declare the result on eligibility criteria provided by NMC, and issue the All-India Rank. Merit lists, category lists, domicile determination and counselling are the remit of the admitting/State authorities. NTA has no role in these. NEET (UG) result data is also used for admission to B.Sc. (H) Nursing and to BVSc and AH under the 15% VCI quota. AACCC is the counselling authority for the All-India Quota in BAMS/BUMS/BSMS and BHMS. Counselling and Candidate Advisory Counselling for the All-India Quota in MBBS/BDS is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). State quotas are conducted by respective State authorities. Candidates should rely only on official websites: neet.nta.nic.in, mcc.nic.in and State counselling portals. Candidates are cautioned against fraudulent calls, messages or websites offering admission, seat blocking or score improvement. NTA does not contact candidates seeking money or credentials. Suspicious communication may be reported at neetug2026@nta.ac.in or 011-40759000.
The move comes months after the Gujarat Home Department approved the creation of more than a hundred new posts for the ARC structure across district and commissionerate offices as part of the 2026-27 service year.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India Business Wire India
ITAT overturns STCG tax on Gujarat house sale: When Kaminiben from Anand, Gujarat, sold her house for Rs 21.4 lakh in AY 2018-19, which she had originally bought in 2005 for Rs 1.94 lakh, the tax dept issued her tax notices. However, as she was living abroad as an NRI at the time, she could not respond to them.
Gujarat announces rehabilitation package for Surat flood-affected traders
The package provides lump-sum financial assistance to street vendors, handcart operators and owners of small and large cabins to help resume business operations in the affected areas
Grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath Kicks Off in Ahmedabad with Amit Shahs Participation
Ahmedabad, July 16: The 149th world-renowned Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced today in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, filled with religious fervor, devotion, and tradition. Thousands of devotees gathered at the temple complex and along the procession route from early morning to witness the grand event and seek blessings from the deity. Home Minister Amit Shah, along ... Read more Grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath Kicks Off in Ahmedabad with Amit Shahs Participation
Gujarat notifies amended Disturbed Areas Act after Prez nod - Ahmedabad Mirror
Gujarat notifies amended Disturbed Areas Act after Prez nod Ahmedabad Mirror
Gujarats okhamandal farmers to benefit from advanced irrigation initiative led by ggrc and tata chemicals Indiatimes
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel prays at Dada Bhagwan Trimandir on birthday - The News Mill
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel prays at Dada Bhagwan Trimandir on birthday The News Mill
From Gujarat to Bollywood- The rise of Saurabh Gajjar - Ahmedabad Mirror
From Gujarat to Bollywood- The rise of Saurabh Gajjar Ahmedabad Mirror
Missing mans body found in friends house
Godhra railway station gets 7 crore facelift
Drones, CCTVs to monitor Jagannath Yatra route
