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In a first in the country, Rajasthan HC to hear cases on two Saturdays a month to cut backlog
JAIPUR: In a major step to tackle the mounting backlog of cases, the Rajasthan High Court will now hold proceedings on two Saturdays every month, making it the first high court in the country to officially increase its number of working days to expedite the disposal of pending cases. The decision follows an initiative by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant, who recently wrote to all high courts urging them to consider increasing working days to reduce case backlogs. Sources said the decision was taken during a full court meeting of the Rajasthan High Court, where all judges agreed to amend the court calendar for the coming year. As a result, the number of working days will rise from 210 to over 230 annually. Welcoming the move, former Rajasthan High Court judge Justice Panachand Jain told The New Indian Express that the decision aligns with the principle of natural justice, which calls for justice to be simple, quick and expeditious. Working on two Saturdays is absolutely justified. Justice delayed is justice denied as the old saying goes. So when the court holds more hearings, the number of pending cases is bound to decrease, he said. On the likely impact, the former judge added that even if a small percentage of cases are disposed of faster, it would still be a significant achievement. Even expediting two percent of cases is meaningful. This should be seen as a beginning, and more such steps are needed, he said. Along with extending working days, the High Court has also decided to launch a pilot project to further ease judicial workload. Under this initiative, one evening court each will be set up at the magistrate level in Jaipur and Jodhpur. A committee comprising Acting Chief Justice Sharma and Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati will be formed to take further decisions related to this project. The decision coincides with a two-day West Zone Regional Conference currently underway in Jaisalmer under the chairmanship of CJI Justice Surya Kant. The conference, themed Advancing the rule of law through technology challenges and opportunities, is focusing on digital court infrastructure, the use of technology and artificial intelligence in judicial processes, and the modernisation of court functioning. Nearly 20 judges of the Supreme Court are participating in the conference, along with judges of the Rajasthan High Court and over 100 district and sessions judges from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
3.9 magnitude tremor hits Kutch district of Gujarat, no damage reported
This is the fifth tremor of magnitude above 3 recorded in Kutch this month; epicentre near Gadhshisha village
Gujarat couple, child trying to immigrate to Portugal kidnapped in Libya: Officials
Mehsana Superintendent of Police says that the kidnappers have contacted the relatives of the family, demanding 2 crore as ransom.
Gujarat couple, three-year-old child, trying to immigrate to Portugal kidnapped in Libya: Officials
MEHSANA: A couple from Gujarat's Mehsana district and their three-year-old daughter were allegedly taken hostage in Libya for a ransom of Rs 2 crore while trying to immigrate to Portugal, officials said on Saturday. Kismatsinh Chavda, his wife Heenaben and daughter Devanshi were kidnapped in the North African nation, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, en route to Portugal, where the man's brother is settled, Mehsana Superintendent of Police Himanshu Solanki said. He said that the family from Badalpura village in the district was travelling with the help of a Portugal-based agent with the plan to settle in the European country. The official said Mehsana Collector SK Prajapati has been informed about the incident. The family took a flight to Dubai from Ahmedabad on November 29. From there, they were taken to Benghazi City in Libya, where they were kidnapped, Solanki said. Chavda's brother is settled in Portugal, and he was travelling with the help of an agent based in Portugal. The family was travelling with the intention to settle there, and the agents involved in the case are not Indians, Solanki said. The official said that the kidnappers have contacted the relatives of the family in Mehsana, demanding Rs 2 crore as ransom. Collector Prajapati said that Chavda's kin approached him on Friday, and that he has informed the state government and the Ministry of External Affairs about their case.
Gujarat CM lays foundation stones for development works worth over Rs 600 crore in Surat
AHMEDABAD: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday laid foundation stones for development works worth over Rs 600 crore at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, where he launched multiple projects of the Surat Municipal Corporation and Surat Urban Development Authority. Patel took an indirect swipe at corruption and said, Congratulations to the corporation for taking only the amount of tax that belongs to the corporation. We will not get anything else except tax!, he added. Looking out at the crowd, he asked sharply, Why has everyone become quiet? Now people think this is a small village? Has Rs 600 crore become small now? Rewinding time, the Chief Minister reminded citizens how far governance has travelled. There was a time when even taking up a work worth one lakh required deep thought, he said, before drawing a direct line to the present. Today, development has reached a level where a common person, through his society, can approach a corporator and get a work worth one crore done. Patel urged the people of Surat to accept this grandeur of development, framing growth not as excess, but as the new normal. The visit also marked the inauguration of Gujarats first state-of-the-art elevated market at Surat APMC, one of the largest such projects in Asia. The project features a 100-foot-wide ramp, allowing trucks to directly access the first floor, dramatically cutting loading time and speeding up the movement of goods for farmers and traders alike. Addressing farmers at the APMC, Patel recalled that the market yard, which began in 1951 with an income of just Rs 15,000, has today risen to rank first in the state. More than 15,000 people move here daily, he said, adding that farmers are now paid online through RTGS, reinforcing transparency and efficiency. The Chief Minister reminded the audience of Prime Minister Narendra Modis 28 agricultural campaigns, stressing efforts to double farmers income through value addition and natural farming. He also pointed to the states response mechanism, noting that the government has announced a Rs 10,000 crore package to compensate losses, assuring farmers that the state would always stand by them. Patel later addressed the All India Mayors Council, where he described Surat as a mini India, highlighting its diversity and civic capacity. He underlined that public participation remains central to sustainable urban development placing citizens, not just institutions, at the core of the growth story.
Gujarat BJP internal rift: MP Vasava alleges corruption, MLA Deshmukh threatens defamation
AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat BJP has once again come under the spotlight as a verbal duel has erupted between two of its members, Rajpipla MLA Dr Darshana Deshmukh and Bharuch MP Mansukh Vasava. On December 7, BJP MP Mansukh Vasava, during a press conference, alleged large-scale corruption in the political leadership and administrative system of Narmada district. While the charge was sweeping, Vasava did not name any individual. Dr Darshana Deshmukh, while addressing the media on Friday, accused the MP of indirectly linking her to Aam Aadmi Partys Dediapada MLA Chaitar Vasava, an insinuation she said had defamed her. He alleged corruption but did not name anyone, Deshmukh said. Instead, he hinted at a nexus between me and Chaitar Vasava. Because of this, my image has been damaged. If there is corruption, he should prove it. Otherwise, I will file a defamation case. If I have to go to court, I will definitely go. Pushing back harder, Deshmukh turned the allegation around. The MP says I have a nexus with Chaitar Vasava, but it is Mansukh Vasava who has a domestic relationship with him, she claimed, while firmly denying any link. The MLA also revealed that she had initially planned a dharna against the MP, a move that would have escalated the crisis further, but said the protest was called off after instructions from the state BJP, hinting at damage control efforts by the partys top brass. Yet, the political resentment ran deeper. He does not even accept me as an MLA, Deshmukh alleged. Ever since I became an MLA, he has been accusing me. Asserting her party lineage, she added, I am also the daughter of the BJP. As a senior MP, he should not talk about me like this. Drawing a contrast, she said anonymous letters are routinely ignored. We throw them in the dustbin; we dont comment on them. I have made a presentation at the state level. Now I will not remain silent. If Mansukh Vasava says anything, I will answer. The counterattack came swiftly. After Deshmukhs press conference, MP Mansukh Vasava addressed reporters at the Circuit House in Bharuch On Saturday, directly hitting back at both Dr Darshana Deshmukh and Chaitar Vasava. Recounting events during the Ekta Parade at Kevadiya Colony, held in connection with Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit, the MP alleged political pressure at the highest level. During a meeting on the Prime Ministers programme, AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava pressured officials regarding expenses, Mansukh Vasava claimed. At that time, Dr Darshana Deshmukh remained completely silent. Escalating the charge, the MP alleged that an AAP leader demanded Rs 75 lakh from an official and spoke of suppressing the matter, a claim that prompted him, he said, to go public through his December 7 press conference in Narmada district. Turning his fire squarely on the BJP MLA, Vasava accused Deshmukh of self-inflicted political damage. By making allegations, she has shot herself in the foot, he said. Asserting his own clout, the MP added pointedly, I made him an MLA. If she had any grievance, she should have told me directly or raised it on the party forum, Vasava argued. Instead, she chose to make allegations in public. He went further, suggesting motive. Both of them are feeling some kind of fear. That is why allegations are being made against me. While names were omitted, his indirect reference to doctors linked to Chaitar Vasava was widely read as a jab at Dr Darshana Deshmukh setting off the chain reaction now engulfing the BJPs district unit. Adding fuel to the fire, AAPs Dediapada MLA Chaitar Vasava openly backed the BJP MLA, turning an internal BJP feud into a cross-party spectacle. Praising Deshmukh, he said, Darshana Ben, who was suppressed for three years, has shown the courage to wake up late and speak in front of the MP. That is commendable. His final remark cut sharply at the MPs authority: Mansukh Vasava dominates everyone. We have been tolerating him for years. With defamation threats looming, corruption allegations flying, and party discipline visibly strained, the Bharuch Narmada episode has become more than a personal clash it is now a test of how the BJP contains its internal wars before they spiral further into the public domain.
Laalo-Krishna Sada Sahaayate becomes 30th biggest hit of the year
Gujarati film Laalo-Krishna Sada Sahaayate has achieved a remarkable box office feat, becoming the 30th biggest hit of the year with Rs 92 crore. Defying expectations, the film's success was driven by strong word-of-mouth and cultural resonance, unlike Nandamuri Balakrishna's Daaku Maharaj. Laalo's impressive rise, particularly from its fifth week onwards, showcases the growing power of regional cinema.
Dont judge after 2 matches: Nehra backs under-fire Shubman Gill
Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra has backed captain Shubman Gill amidst a lean patch in T20Is, urging against judging him by recent statistics. Nehra also defended all-rounder Washington Sundar, highlighting his valuable all-round skills and potential for improvement despite recent struggles. Both players are crucial to the franchise's plans.
Gujarati performer gets copyright for hexaimmersive live format
Parents queue up as Vadodara municipal schools gain popularity
Marijuana plantation worth Rs 2.36 crore seized
Speeding car kills 56-year-old in Maneja
Woman got lover to kill her sister for 40L insurance payout
Vadodara mans bank accounts used for Rs 16crore transactions
Exclusive | Shruhad Goswami on working with Smriti Irani in Kyunki 2
Gujarati actor Shruhad Goswami joins Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi for a special episode after Laalos massive success. He appears in a unique Krishna avatar and looks forward to learning from Smriti Irani. Reflecting on Laalo, he cherishes its miraculous rise and spiritual depth
IPL 2026 auction: Ashish Nehra discloses Gujarat Titans' roadmap for squad building
Ashish Nehra has outlined Gujarat Titans' strategy for the IPL 2026 auction, offering insights into the franchise's priorities, squad-building plans, and areas of focus. His revelations shed light on how GT aims to strengthen its core and prepare for the next IPL cycle.
Ashish Nehra interview: Gujarat Titans head coach backs out of form Shubman Gill
Ashish Nehra interview: Gujarat Titans head coach backs out of form Shubman Gill
FSDA writes to UP district magistrates to invoke Gangster Act in illegal cough syrup case
LUCKNOW: While government agencies are conducting raids and cracking the whip on those allegedly involved in illegal diversion of codeine-based cough syrup and trafficking of narcotic-category medicines, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has shot of letters to 31 district magistrates (DMs) across Uttar Pradesh to book the alleged syndicate operators under the UP Gangsters Act. The FSDA has told the DMs to initiate action under the laws provisions that include seizure of properties disproportionate to the known source of income. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids in a palatial bungalow worth crores, owned by dismissed police constable Alok Kumar Singh in Lucknow on Friday. Alok Kumar Singh, who was arrested in connection with the cough syrup scam, is currently languishing in jail. The ED raided 25 locations simultaneously across six cities in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Gujarat on Friday morning in connection with a major illegal network dealing in codeine-based cough syrup, officials said. The size of Alok Kumar Singhs bungalow and its overt opulence were there to take everyone in awe. Meanwhile, the development regarding the letters written by FSDA to the DMs has come three days after the Uttar Pradesh government formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Inspector General of Police, Law & Order, LR Kumar, to investigate the case. The UP Police and FSDA authorities have carried out raids in 332 firms across 52 districts in UP, during the past two months, lodging FIRs against 133 of them across 31 districts. UP forms SIT to crack Rs 425-crore codeine cough syrup smuggling racket According to FSDA Secretary and Commissioner Roshan Jacob, the department conducted months of intensive investigation spanning Jharkhand, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh and collected evidence, including the business links of Uttar Pradeshs super stockists and wholesalers with those states, before launching the raids two months ago. Jacob has also written to district magistrates to initiate action against the jailed operators under the Gangsters Act. As per the FSDA commissioner, CM Yogi had issued directives for stringent action against the culprits ensuring that no diversion takes place from Uttar Pradesh to any other state or country. He (CM) instructed officials not to trouble small traders during enforcement but ensure firm action against super stockists and wholesalers involved in illicit activities, Jacob said. According to officials, for the first time, cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for illegal diversion of codeine-based cough syrup. Earlier, such violations were dealt with only through licence cancellations. Informed sources reveal that while probing the records of 332 drug-selling establishments, it was found that many of them did not actually exist and were functioning only as billing points with no purchase or sale records. Many others lacked proper storage arrangements. Out of the 332 firms, 133 were found to be involved in the organised illegal diversion of these medicines for non-medical use. It was discovered that the diverted stock was being routed primarily through state capital Lucknow, Kanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Bahraich to Nepal, and from Varanasi and Ghaziabad to Bangladesh. Cases of trafficking of codeine-based cough syrup for drug abuse have been identified in cities including Varanasi, Jaunpur, Kanpur Nagar, Ghazipur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Lucknow, Bahraich, Bijnor, Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Sitapur, Sonbhadra, Balrampur, Raebareli, Sant Kabir Nagar, Hardoi, Bhadohi, Amethi, Shravasti, Siddharthnagar, Unnao, Basti, Ambedkarnagar, Azamgarh, Saharanpur, Bareilly, Sultanpur, Chandauli, Mirzapur, Banda, and Kaushambi, officials said.
Gujarat man duped of Rs 2.52 crore in WhatsApp stock investment fraud scam - MSN
Gujarat man duped of Rs 2.52 crore in WhatsApp stock investment fraud scam MSN
Rahul Gandhi adamant on proving himself 'jhooth ki dukan': BJP
NEW DELHI: The BJP on Friday called Congress MP Rahul Gandhi jhooth ki dukan and said he along with others in the opposition benches was looking away when the Congress was exposed by the treasury benches under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah during debates on Vande Mataram and election reforms in Parliament. This came after Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, hailed his party members' performance during the debates on the two topics in both Houses of Parliament, and claimed that the government was taken to the cleaners by the opposition. Hitting back, BJP national spokesperson Prem Shukla said, Rahul Gandhi says the opposition ripped the BJP members apart (dhajjiyan uda di). On the contrary, Rahul Gandhi and others in the opposition were looking away when the Congress was exposed with proof by the members of the treasury benches under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah during the debates on Vande Mataram and Election Reforms. The entire country saw it... Rahul Gandhi is adamant on proving himself to be a 'jhooth ki dukan' (shop of lies), he told reporters at the BJP headquarters here. The BJP spokesperson said the country also saw how the entire opposition fled from the Lok Sabha the moment Shah eiterated the Modi government's esolve to drive the 'ghuspaithiyas' (infiltrators) out of the country. The entire country saw how Rahul Gandhi and the members of the other opposition parties were ripped apart on the issue of 'ghuspaithiyas', he added. Shukla said that Shah told Parliament during debates on the two topics with proof as to how Jawaharlal Nehru, the country's first prime minister, compromised on the issue of Vande Mataram's stanzas in the original version of the national song. Intervening in the discussion on Election reforms, the Union home minister also gave a logical and evidence-based rebuttal to the opposition's allegations against the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of the electoral rolls by the Election Commission, the BJP spokesperson said. The Congress is not in a position to counter his (Shah's) response, he added. The BJP spokesperson also slammed the leader of the opposition over his remarks that Shah got scared by the opposition attack, and said, Rahul Gandhi, you feel scared and you have accepted it. When Sonia Gandhi was named the Congress president post, both the son and the daughter were scared of what would happen if she was made president of the party, Shukla claimed in an apparent reference to Gandhi and his sister Priyank Gandhi Vadra, who is now an MP from Kerala's Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. Amit Shah was not scared even when the erstwhile UPA government remained busy day and night in conspiring to implicate him and Narendra Modi, then chief minister of Gujarat, in false cases, he added. The BJP spokesperson also took a swipe at the Congress over the absence of its MP Shashi Tharoor in Gandhi's meeting with the party's Lok Sabha members in the Parliament House complex on Friday, saying, All Congress leaders are preparing to leave the Congress' sinking ship. Tharoor could not attend the meeting as he was travelling out of the station. The BJP spokesperson alleged, The Congress is a sinking ship with no visible possibility of its survival. All the Congress leaders keep talking about the party's fate, he said. But I don't know how Rahul Gandhi is living with such arrogance. He says, 'paksh ki dhajjiyan uda di (his party members ripped the government apart), he added.
60-Year-Old Gujarat Man Loses Rs 2.52 Crore in YouTube-Linked WhatsApp Stock Trading Scam Trap The Logical Indian
Bamboo scaffold supporting bridge construction collapses in Gujarats Valsad; five workers injured
AHMEDABAD: A bamboo structure supporting the construction of a new bridge on Kailash Road in Gujarat's Valsad collapsed on Friday morning, injuring five workers. The collapse occured around 9 am, between two pillars over the Auranga river, where a work crew was levelling a temporary bund. The fire department was the first to reach after a 9.20 am distress call. Fireman Lalit Parmar, recounting the rapid response, said, We reached immediately and shifted four labourers for treatment. Later, we inspected the site and found no one trapped. Why the accident happened is the subject of investigation. Valsad District Collector Bhavya Verma detailed the ground assessment, stating, The accident took place this morning, and five people have been injured. Four are in good health, while one is critical. The incident occurred due to a jack and load imbalance while the workers were operating at ground level. She also revealed that the bridge, budgeted at Rs 42 crore, was sanctioned for a two-year construction period, with one year remaining. We will form a committee and investigate. Further action will follow based on the findings, she added. Roads and Buildings Department secretary PR Patelia confirmed that senior engineering officials have been sent to the spot. The Superintending Engineer and Executive Engineer of Surat have been assigned to investigate and asked to submit a report in a day or two. He also said, The jack that was to be hoisted slipped due to a mistake in hoisting. The process is currently being done manually. The injured have been shifted to the hospital. None of them are serious, only minor injuries. Valsad District Police Chief Yuvrajsinh Jadeja said, Between 9 and 9.15 am, a bund was being laid for the overbridge on the Auranga river. During the leveling, a part of the structure slipped. Five labourers have been rescued and shifted for treatment, and doctors say they are in good health. Jayesh Patel, who is building the bridge, pointed to a human lapse. It seems to be human error. This is a temporary structure. Five people have been injured. Insurance has been taken for all the people and the bridge. Only five workers were at the site today.
Raids In UP, Gujarat, Jharkhand Linked To Rs 1,000 Crore Cough Syrup Racket
In a sweeping operation early Thursday or Friday, the Lucknow Zonal office conducted raids at 25 locations connected to a sprawling illegal codeine-based cough syrup network to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore.
India's Gujarat Mineral Development Corp rises on operationalizing coal mine - TradingView
India's Gujarat Mineral Development Corp rises on operationalizing coal mine TradingView
Multiple Locations Raided Across UP, Gujarat, Jharkhand In Rs 1,000 Crore Cough Syrup Racket
The prime accused, Shubham Jaiswal, is currently absconding and believed to be in Dubai. His father, Bhola Prasad, has been arrested.
The Enforcement Directorate has launched a massive crackdown across Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Gujarat, raiding 25 locations linked to a sprawling codeine-based cough syrup diversion and trafficking racket. This financial investigation, triggered by multiple FIRs, aims to unravel a complex network of illegal manufacturing, forged documentation, and money laundering generating crores.
GMDC shares jump 7% on Odisha coal mine project development, awards operating contract
Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation shares rose significantly after the company awarded operational duties for its Baitarni-West coal mine in Odisha. This move follows the acquisition of forest and environmental clearances. The development marks a key step in GMDC's coal sector expansion. The company is focused on building a diversified mining business.
Cough syrup trafficking racket: ED raids 25 locations in UP, Jharkhand, Gujarat; ECIR filed against 67 accused The Times of India
ED raids in multiple states in UP illegal cough syrup case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday raided multiple locations across several states as part of a money-laundering investigation into an alleged illegal cough syrup trafficking racket in Uttar Pradesh, officials said. The searches, which began around 7:30 am, are being conducted at 25 premises in Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaunpur and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Ranchi (Jharkhand) and Ahmedabad (Gujarat). The ED has registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to probe the illegal manufacturing, trade and transportation of codeine-based cough syrups (CBCS), including suspected cross-border smuggling into Bangladesh. Locations linked to the absconding main accused, Shubham Jaiswal, and his alleged associates Alok Singh and Amit Singh, along with certain cough syrup manufacturers and Chartered Accountant Vishnu Aggarwal, are being searched, the officials said. The agencys action is based on around 30 FIRs registered by Uttar Pradesh Police after the state government took cognisance of widespread misuse and illegal circulation of CBCS. The estimated proceeds of crime in the case amount to about Rs 1,000 crore, according to ED officials. Shubham Jaiswal is believed to have fled to Dubai, while his father has been arrested by Uttar Pradesh Police. A total of 32 people have been taken into custody so far, and the state police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
EC hits pause on voter roll push, revises SIR schedule across states
The enumeration period for these six states and Union territories was to end on Thursday and draft electoral rolls were to be published on December 16. The enumeration period for Tamil Nadu and Gujarat has been extended till December 14 and the draft electoral rolls will be published on December 19
Supreme Court rejects plea to suspend Sanjiv Bhatt's 20-yr jail term in '96 drug-planting case
The Supreme Court has denied former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's plea to suspend his 20-year jail sentence in a 1996 drug planting case. Bhatt, convicted by a Gujarat court, sought bail but the bench declined his request. The case involves allegations of framing a lawyer in Palanpur, with Bhatt accused of planting drugs to settle a property dispute.
Kheda man arrested for helping cyber-fraud gang siphon 1.79cr
Truck catches fire on NH-48, driver escapes unharmed
Drunk car driver seriously injures motorcyclist, arrested
Talati arrested for issuing fake marriage certificates in Panchmahal
VMC razes 350 dwellings near Dashama pond in Gorwa
Workers from Jhabua power Vadodaras door-to-door garbage collection
ECI extends SIR timeline in six states, Union Territories
The Election Commission of India has extended deadlines for electoral roll revisions in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Uttar Pradesh. New dates for draft roll publication have been set. This revision process is crucial for upcoming electoral activities. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed about the updated timelines.
Indian Citizenship Certificates Distributed to 195 Migrants from Pakistan
These people, belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain communities, had come to India as refugees, said Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi who was present at the ceremony.
Coast Guard seizes Pakistani fishing boat, detains 11 for illegal entry into Indian waters
AHMEDABAD: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has intercepted a Pakistani fishing vessel operating illegally inside Indias Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the Gujarat coast and apprehended all 11 crew members on board, officials said on Thursday. The detainees have been handed over to the Jakhau Marine Police for further investigation. The operation, carried out on Wednesday, was confirmed by the ICG in a post on X, stating that it had intercepted and apprehended a Pakistani fishing vessel along with 11 crew operating illegally inside Indian waters. Officials said the interdiction reflects Indias firm maritime vigilance and its unwavering commitment to enforcing international maritime law within the Maritime Zones of India (MZI). Gujarat Defence PRO, in a separate post on X, said the Coast Guard acted swiftly to intercept the boat deep inside Indias EEZ. This interdiction highlights sustained maritime operations and Indias commitment to securing its frontiers while enforcing international laws within the MZI. Continuous vigilance across Indias maritime domain remains a cornerstone of our national maritime security strategy, the PRO noted. The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny along maritime boundaries in the region. Authorities emphasised that persistent surveillance and prompt interdiction are central to Indias approach to safeguarding its maritime domain and ensuring that territorial waters remain inviolate. The latest interception follows an earlier operation in August, when the Border Security Force (BSF) arrested 15 Pakistani fishermen and seized a country-made motorised boat in Kothi Creek near the Indo-Pak border in Gujarats Kutch district. A haul of fish, nets, diesel, ice and food supplies was also recovered during that search. Officials said the investigation into the latest breach is underway.
Coast Guard intercepts Pakistani vessel inside Indias EEZ; 11 detained for illegal entry
The apprehended fishermen were transferred to Jakhau Marine police station in Gujarat for further inquiry
341 minor pregnancies recorded in Gujarat's Mehsana between April and December 2025
AHMEDABAD: A recent survey by the Gujarat Health Department has revealed that, in district of Mehsana alone, 341 minor girls aged 13-17 have become pregnant in the past year between April and December. Female health workers, while compiling maternal health data, stumbled upon one case after another girls barely in their teens already carrying the burden of motherhood. In-charge District Health Officer Dr. Ghanshyam Gadhvi, speaking with stark clarity, laid out the disturbing numbers. Between April and December 2025, 22,812 pregnant women were registered in the district. Among them were girls, 2 aged 14, 34 aged 15, 76 aged 16, and 229 aged 17. That makes 341 minor pregnancies, he said. Kadi leads the list with 88 pregnant minors, followed closely by Mehsana taluka with 80. The chain extends across Bahucharaji (17), Jotana (16), Kheralu (19), Satlasana (23), Vadnagar (24), Unjha (20), Vijapur (28), and Visnagar (26). On paper, Gujarat has the Child Marriage Prohibition Act in place. Enforcement agencies and the Child Protection Unit are tasked with preventing these marriages. On ground, however, the law stands mocked, its spirit eroded by the sheer volume of violations. Despite state-level monitoring of maternal health data, the Mehsana statistics reveal that no preventive mechanism is working. The consequences are not merely legal; they are grave and life-threatening. Early pregnancies put both mother and child at extreme medical risk. After the pandemic lockdown, Mehsanas high child and maternal mortality rates drew national attention. The Health Department responded with specialised projects aimed at reducing these deaths. Yet the surge in underage pregnancies now threatens to undo years of health interventions, pushing vulnerable girls back into cycles of risk and invisibility. If such a crisis is unfolding in Mehsana the states symbol of literacy and administrative strength the question becomes unavoidable: what horrors remain hidden in Gujarats tribal, remote, or unmonitored districts?
341 minor pregnancies recorded in Gujarat between April and December 2025
AHMEDABAD: A recent survey by the Gujarat Health Department has revealed that 341 minor girls aged 13-17 have become pregnant in the past year between April and December. Female health workers, while compiling maternal health data, stumbled upon one case after another girls barely in their teens already carrying the burden of motherhood. In-charge District Health Officer Dr. Ghanshyam Gadhvi, speaking with stark clarity, laid out the disturbing numbers. Between April and December 2025, 22,812 pregnant women were registered in the district. Among them were girls, 2 aged 14, 34 aged 15, 76 aged 16, and 229 aged 17. That makes 341 minor pregnancies, he said. Kadi leads the list with 88 pregnant minors, followed closely by Mehsana taluka with 80. The chain extends across Bahucharaji (17), Jotana (16), Kheralu (19), Satlasana (23), Vadnagar (24), Unjha (20), Vijapur (28), and Visnagar (26). On paper, Gujarat has the Child Marriage Prohibition Act in place. Enforcement agencies and the Child Protection Unit are tasked with preventing these marriages. On ground, however, the law stands mocked, its spirit eroded by the sheer volume of violations. Despite state-level monitoring of maternal health data, the Mehsana statistics reveal that no preventive mechanism is working. The consequences are not merely legal; they are grave and life-threatening. Early pregnancies put both mother and child at extreme medical risk. After the pandemic lockdown, Mehsanas high child and maternal mortality rates drew national attention. The Health Department responded with specialised projects aimed at reducing these deaths. Yet the surge in underage pregnancies now threatens to undo years of health interventions, pushing vulnerable girls back into cycles of risk and invisibility. If such a crisis is unfolding in Mehsana the states symbol of literacy and administrative strength the question becomes unavoidable: what horrors remain hidden in Gujarats tribal, remote, or unmonitored districts?
EC extends electoral roll revision timeline in six States, UTs
The EC on Thursday released the revised schedule for Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Uttar Pradesh
Gujarats road safety gap widens with nearly 36K fatalities in five years despite rise in e-challans
AHMEDABAD: Fresh Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha data on Thursday have highlighted gaps in Gujarats road management architecture, where road accidents and fatalities continue to rise despite an increase in e-challans and fines. The data showed an explosive rise in e-challans -- Gujarat issued 2.84 lakh challans in 2022, a number that shot up nearly six times to 16.04 lakh in 2023, and then spiralled to an astonishing 43.24 lakh in 2024. But the enforcement surge comes with a troubling twist: unpaid challans are rising faster than recoveries. While fines recovered in 2022 stood at Rs 103.35 crore, they grew to Rs 150.18 crore in 2023 and Rs 188.61 crore in 2024. Yet unpaid dues jumped even faster from Rs 43.88 crore in 2022 to Rs 135.62 crore in 2023, before tripling to Rs 302.10 crore in 2024. Rule 167 of the CMVR mandates that challans be disposed of within 90 days, and delinquency should block licence or registration-related processes. But Gujarats unpaid docket suggests that the rulebook is either under-enforced or routinely bypassed. The fallout is visible on the roads. Gujarats road accident data from 2020 to 2024 shows a persistently high and uneven pattern. The state registered 13,398 accidents in 2020, rising to 15,186 in 2021, 15,751 in 2022, and peaking at 16,349 in 2023, before dipping slightly to 15,588 in 2024. Fatalities show the same trajectory, increasing from 6,170 deaths in 2020 to 7,452 in 2021, 7,618 in 2022, and 7,854 in 2023, with a marginal drop to 7,717 in 2024. Total for five years: 76,272 accidents and 36,811 deaths. Over-speeding remains Gujarats major cause of accidents. Accidents due to speeding jumped from 12,449 (2020) to 14,718 (2023), while fatalities stubbornly remained above 7,000 every year, touching 7,278 in 2023 and 7,193 in 2024. The numbers show that despite soaring challans, the behaviour most frequently penalised remains the one most frequently ignored. Overloading offences show a quieter but persistent rise, with accidents increasing from 671 in 2020 to 754 in 2024, and fatalities rising from 358 to 384 in the same period. Fatalities due to non-wearing of helmets climbed sharply from 2,106 in 2020 to 3,021 in 2024, a nearly 44% jump. Seatbelt-related deaths rose from 798 in 2020 to 963 in 2024, signalling that the most basic safety habits remain deeply ignored even as e-challans proliferate. Adding to the chaos is the rise in accidents involving drivers without licences, which surged from 791 in 2020 to 1,251 in 2023. Taken together, the data unmasks Gujarats paradox: a state issuing record e-challans but still failing to curb the behaviours that kill the most.
ECI Revises Electoral Roll Revision Schedule for 6 States and UTs; UP Gets 2-Week Extension
The Election Commission of India has revised the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) schedule for Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andaman & Nicobar, and Uttar Pradesh. UP receives a two-week extension as over 18% voters remain ...
Kohli And Pant To Join Delhi Team For Vijay Hazare Trophy As Probables List Announced
CAC Chairman Vijay Dahiya: Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant will be joining the Delhi team for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, as the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) announced the list of probable players for the domestic one-day competition. The availability of Kohli, which was confirmed earlier this month, and Pant is expected to lend considerable depth and experience to Delhis batting order, especially with the BCCI making a rule that contracted India players have to feature in domestic cricket when international commitments are not on. The Delhi team will play its first two Elite Group D games against Andhra and Gujarat at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which serves as Kohli's home ground for his IPL team, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The side is also scheduled to play the remaining five games at the Alur Cricket Ground, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Kohli will come on the back of being Player of the Series in the 2-1 win over South Africa in the ODI series, while Pant will be itching to get some game time after being an unused player in the recent 50-over fixtures against the Proteas. The duo will be available till Indias ODI series against New Zealand happens from January 11-17, 2026. The Delhi team will play its first two Elite Group D games against Andhra and Gujarat at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which serves as Kohli's home ground for his IPL team, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The side is also scheduled to play the remaining five games at the Alur Cricket Ground, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Also Read: Live Cricket Score A further list of 50 probable players has also been released. They are:- Dev Lakra, Divij Mehra, Yugal Saini, Sujal Singh, Rajneesh Dadar, Aman Bharti, Govind Mittal, Sumit Beniwal, Shubham Dubey, Keshav Dabas, Rahul Choudhary, Samarth Seth, Shivam Tripathi, Anmol Sharma, Shivam Gupta, Lakshay Thareja, Manan Bhardwaj, Rounak Waghela, Mayank Gussain, Keshav R Singh, Laxman, Divansh Rawat, Pranav Rajvanshi, Pranshu Vijayran, Siddhant Sharma, Gagan Vats, Vansh Bedi, Rahul Gahlot, Vishal Rai, Samarth Singh, Sanat Sangwan, Aayush Singh, Sumit Mathur, Sampooran Tripathi, Vivek Tiwari, Hrithik Shokeen, Tejas Baroka, Saksham Sharma, Dev Dubey, Shivam Sharma, Rohit Yadav, Anirudh Choudhary, Vishant Bhati, Pranav Pant, Pankaj Jaswal, Ajay Guliya, Siddhant Bansal, Vikas Solanki, Divij Prakash and Suryakant Chauhan Article Source: IANS
Eleven Pakistani fishermen were apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard on Wednesday after their boat 'Al Wali' was found inside Indian waters near Gujarat's Jakhau without any prior permission.
Election Commission's BIG move on SIR, extends deadline for 6 states; check new dates here
New dates have been set for the exercise in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. No extension was given for Goa, Lakshadweep, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, where elections are due to be held early next year.
Election Commission Extends SIR Deadline In 6 States, No Change In Bengal
The SIR deadline in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Uttar Pradesh has been extended by a week.
Indian Coast Guard Seizes Pakistani Boat, 11 Crew Members Handed Over To Gujarat Police
Indian Coast Guard caught a Pakistani fishing boat with 11 crew in India's waters, handing them to Gujarat police for investigation.
Election Commission revises SIR schedule for six states and Union territories
The Election Commission of India has updated the schedule for electoral roll revision in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This revision aims for accuracy. Eligible citizens, especially new voters, should register by submitting Form 6.
ICG detains 11 Pakistani fishermen: Vessel caught operating illegally near Gujarat; probe under way
The Indian Coast Guard apprehended a Pakistani fishing boat with 11 crew members for illegally operating within Indian waters. This decisive action underscores India's commitment to protecting its maritime frontiers and upholding international maritime law. The operation highlights the Coast Guard's sustained vigilance and proactive approach to national maritime security.
Coast Guard seizes Pakistani boat in Indian waters, apprehends 11 crew members
AHMEDABAD: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has seized a Pakistani fishing boat and apprehended 11 crew members operating illegally in the Indian waters, officials said on Thursday. The detainees have been handed over to Jakhau Marine Police in Gujarat for further investigation, they said. The Indian Coast Guard, in a swift action on Wednesday, apprehended a Pakistani fishing boat with 11 crew inside India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Gujarat Defence PRO Wing Commander Abhishek Kumar Tiwari said in a post on X. In a swift operation on 10 Dec 25, @IndiaCoastGuard apprehended a #Pakistani fishing boat with 11 crew inside the #Indian #EEZ . This interdiction underscores #BhartiyaTatrakshak 's sustained maritime operations and India's commitment to securing its maritime frontiers while pic.twitter.com/BYZSLcBvLS PRO Defence Gujarat (@DefencePRO_Guj) December 11, 2025 This interdiction underscores the Coast Guard's sustained maritime operations and India's commitment to securing its frontiers while maintaining robust enforcement of international laws within the Maritime Zones of India (MZI), he said. Continuous vigilance across India's maritime domain remains a cornerstone of our national maritime security strategy, he added. The ICG also confirmed the interception. The Indian Coast Guard intercepted and apprehended a Pakistani fishing vessel along with 11 crew operating illegally inside Indian waters. This decisive action reflects the unwavering vigilance of the ICG and India's firm resolve to protect its maritime frontiers and uphold international maritime law within the MZI. Relentless surveillance and proactive operation remain the bedrock of our maritime security strategy, it said on X.
Gift City & Henox Group sign MoU for Rs 1,317-crore cable landing station in Gujarat
The agreement aims to enhance Gujarats digital infrastructure, positioning the state as a key player in global data traffic and attracting significant investments in AI and cloud technology
Ananya walks out of Abhay's 'Choomantar' citing date clashes
Ananya Panday has exited the fantasy romantic drama 'Choomantar' due to a scheduling conflict with 'Call Me Bae 2'. The film's makers have swiftly replaced her with South actress Sreeleela and Gujarati star Janki Bodiwala, who will now star opposite Abhay Verma. The project, with a new lead pair, is set to begin workshops soon.
1996 drug seizure case: Supreme Court rejects Sanjiv Bhatt's plea seeking suspension of sentence
A sessions court in Palanpur town of Gujarats Banaskantha district had sentenced Mr. Bhatt to 20 years in the case dating back to 1996
'Laalo' cast visits Himmatnagar jail
The cast of the Gujarati hit 'Laalo Krishna Sada Sahaayate' visited Himmatnagar jail, sharing motivational messages inspired by the film's themes. Actress Reeva Rachh encouraged inmates to focus on good deeds, emphasizing that positive actions have a lasting impact.
Jairam Ramesh hands Rajnath original Maniben Patel diary entries, rebuts NehruBabri claim
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday handed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh a copy of Vallabhbhai Patels daughter Maniben Patels original diary entries in Gujarati, asserting that they contain no reference to Singhs claim that Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to construct the Babri Masjid using public funds. Ramesh met Singh outside Parliaments Makar Dwar and presented him with the Gujarati pages alongside a Hindi translation. When Ramesh urged him to read the entries, Singh responded that he did not know Gujarati, adding that the BJP already had an English version. The Congress has been challenging Singhs remarks, made last week during a public address in Gujarats Vadodara district, claiming Nehru had proposed state funding for the mosque but was stopped by Sardar Patel. The party has accused the defence minister of circulating falsehoods and urged him to apologise. Ramesh said the diary entries published in the 2025 book Samarpit Padchhayo Sardarno by C.A. R.S. Patel (Aaresh) do not support Singhs statement. There is a huge difference between the original diary entry and what Rajnath Singh and his fellow distorians are propagating, he wrote on X while sharing images of the pages. The BJP, however, continues to stand by Singh. Its national spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi cited another publication, Inside Story of Sardar Patel, Diary of Maniben Patel, claiming it notes that Nehru raised the Babri Masjid issue and that Patel declined government expenditure for constructing a mosque. The Congress has dismissed these assertions as fabricated and accused the BJP of relying on WhatsApp University narratives to target Nehru and distort historical records.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a plea filed by former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt seeking seeking suspension of the 20-year jail sentence imposed on him in a 1996 drug seizure case. A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi said it was not inclined to entertain the matter. The top court was hearing an appeal filed by Bhatt seeking suspension of sentence in the case. A sessions court in Palanpur town of Gujarat's Banaskantha district had sentenced Bhatt to 20 years in the case dating back to 1996. Bhatt was found guilty of falsely implicating a Rajasthan-based lawyer by claiming that in 1996, police had seized drugs from a hotel room in Palanpur where the lawyer was staying. Bhatt, who was sacked from service in 2015, was a superintendent of police in Banaskantha district in 1996. The district police under him had arrested Sumersingh Rajpurohit, a Rajasthan-based lawyer, in 1996 claiming they had seized drugs from a hotel room in Palanpur town where he was staying. However, the Rajasthan police later said Rajpurohit was falsely implicated by the Banaskantha police to compel him to transfer a disputed property located at Pali in Rajasthan. Former police inspector I B Vyas had moved the Gujarat High Court in 1999 demanding a thorough inquiry into the case. Bhatt was arrested by the state CID in September 2018 in the drug case under the NDPS Act and is in Palanpur sub-jail since then. Last year, the former IPS officer had approached the Supreme Court seeking transfer of the trial in the 28-year-old drug case to another sessions court alleging bias. He had also sought directions for recording of the trial court proceedings. However, the Supreme Court had dismissed Bhatt's plea and imposed a cost of Rs 3 lakh on him for alleging bias against a lower court judge conducting his trial in the drug planting case.
SC Rejects Sanjiv Bhatts Plea Seeking Suspension Of Sentence In 1996 Drug Seizure Case
New Delhi, Dec 11: The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a plea filed by former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt seeking seeking suspension of the 20-year jail sentence imposed on him in a 1996 drug seizure case. A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi said it was not inclined to entertain the matter. The top court was hearing an appeal filed by Bhatt seeking suspension of sentence in the case. A sessions court in Palanpur town of Gujarats Banaskantha [] The post SC Rejects Sanjiv Bhatts Plea Seeking Suspension Of Sentence In 1996 Drug Seizure Case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Essential Rotor Part To Be Fixed Before Dhruvs Return To Naval, Coast Guard Service: Report
The grounding of the entire Dhruv fleet followed a tragic incident on January5 this year when a Coast Guardoperated ALH Dhruv crashed at Porbandar, Gujarat
Gujarat Man, Accused Of Rape, Assault Of 7-Year-Old Girl, Shot In Legs While Attempting To Flee
35-year-old man, accused of raping and assaulting a seven-year-old girl in Rajkot, Gujarat, was shot in the legs by police during an encounter after he tried to flee.
Two fake Ayurvedic practitioners held, cops warn people against such gurus in Bengaluru
BENGALURU: City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh has appealed to people not to seek any treatment from Ayurvedic practitioners operating from roadside tents as many of them are uncertified. This comes in the backdrop of the arrest of two self-proclaimed Ayurvedic gurus for cheating a software engineer by promising to cure his sexual health problems. At a press conference on Wednesday, Singh said the Jnanabharathi police have arrested two people for cheating a man by promising to cure his ailment. The victim later developed severe health complications due to the medicines given by the accused. All divisional deputy commissioners of police have been instructed to verify roadside Ayurvedic tents, and to remove those operating illegally. Vijay Pradhan Chitodiya (42) and Manoj Singh Chitodiya (29), residents of Maharashtra and hailing from Gujarat, have been arrested for cheating the software engineer. The police said 29-year-old Akhilesh (name changed), who was depressed about not having a child and frustrated with delays in allopathic treatment, had approached a roadside tent run by the self-styled Ayurvedic gurus. The accused promised him a quick cure, but in the end, he lost Rs 48 lakh and suffered kidney damage after consuming the herbal medicines prescribed to him. The police added that the prime accused was arrested in Telangana, and based on his information, his associate was arrested in Cyberabad. About 17 types of Ayurvedic medicines, a tempo traveller used for the offence, and Rs 19.50 lakh in cash have been seized from the duo. Both have been remanded to judicial custody.
Nadda calls for stronger grassroots action in meeting with Gujarat MPs - Daily Pioneer
Nadda calls for stronger grassroots action in meeting with Gujarat MPs Daily Pioneer
VMC spends 1.73cr to repair three ageing bridges
Theft accused held after 15 years in Panchmahal
Couple killed after being hit by truck on NH-48
Tribal YouTuber arrested for video supporting Maoist leader Hidma
Amazon signs MoU with GSV for logistics research
Amul partners with Argentina Football body
4 from Ahmedabad arrested for theft of NRIs gold jewellery
4 from Ahmedabad arrested for theft of NRIs gold jewellery - Times of India
4 from Ahmedabad arrested for theft of NRIs gold jewellery Times of India
Deaf educator launches Gujarats first English course, wins national award - Times of India
Deaf educator launches Gujarats first English course, wins national award Times of India
Amber-grift? Lab tests cast doubts over recent seizures - Times of India
Amber-grift? Lab tests cast doubts over recent seizures Times of India
Gujarat accounts for 20% of TOEFL centres in India - Times of India
Gujarat accounts for 20% of TOEFL centres in India Times of India
ICICI Bank fined Rs 10 lakh, Vodafone Rs 5 lakh in Gujarat SIM fraud case - MSN
ICICI Bank fined Rs 10 lakh, Vodafone Rs 5 lakh in Gujarat SIM fraud case MSN
No BU nod: 12 preschools, schools in Ahmedabad sealed - Times of India
No BU nod: 12 preschools, schools in Ahmedabad sealed Times of India
Dropouts rise, classrooms shrink, but Gujarat schools still have surplus teachers
AHMEDABAD: Gujarats latest education statistics reveal a system caught between falling enrolments and stubborn secondary-level dropouts. The five-year dropout trend sets the stage. Primary-level dropout rates remained nearly negligible, touching 1.02% in 2020-21, falling to 0% for two consecutive years, and inching up slightly to 0.1% and 0.2% in 2023-24 and 2024-25. Upper primary dropout rates have fluctuated over the years rising from 4.54% in 2020-21 to 4.95% in 2021-22, peaking at 5.8% in 2022-23, dipping to 4.2% in 2023-24, and again climbing back to 5.8% in 2024-25. Secondary dropout trends reveal sharp swings from a high 23.31% in 2020-21, dropping to 17.85% in 2021-22, surging again to 23.3% in 2022-23, easing to 21% in 2023-24, and falling further to 16.9% in 2024-25. This pattern becomes sharper when broken down by social groups. For Scheduled Castes in 2024-25, dropout at the primary level is nearly absent, but upper primary and secondary still show 4.4% and 15.4%, For 2024-25 in Gujarat, dropout rates among Scheduled Tribes (ST) stand at 0.2% in primary classes, 7.7% at the upper-primary level, and a significantly higher 20.2% in secondary education. The data on government school enrolment adds another troubling layer. Even as dropout rates surge at higher grades, the state is simultaneously witnessing a growing number of schools with less than ten or even zero students. This figure ballooned from 677 schools in 2022-23 to 906 in 2023-24, before dipping to 748 in 2024-25 still significantly high. Yet the teacher count in these near-empty schools has also climbed: from 1,391 teachers in 2022-23 to 1,641 in 2023-24, with a dip to 1,353 in 2024-25. The imbalance is stark: more teachers but fewer students raising critical questions on deployment, efficiency, and long-term planning. The backdrop to these anomalies is the steady reduction in the total number of government schools. Gujarat had 35,040 schools in 2019-20; the count slid gradually to 34,597 by 2023-24, recovering slightly to 34,638 in 2024-25. This shrinking footprint, combined with rising dropout rates and thinning enrolments in many campuses, paints a picture of consolidation without commensurate revitalisation.
Ahmedabad Crime Branch steps up crackdown on cybercrime mule accounts
Statewide operation targets mule accounts, bank negligence and cybercrime networks across Gujarat
Watch: American Vlogger Relished Gujarati Locho And Sosyo In Surat, Wins Foodies' Approval
A viral reel shows an American travel vlogger relishing locho at a local food joint in Surat. She pairs it with the popular drink, Sosyo, and enjoys both.
Gujarat scraps 6.34 lakh ration cards in five years: Data cleanup or silent exclusion?
AHMEDABAD: A fresh disclosure in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday has brought Gujarats food security framework under intense scrutiny, revealing 75,17,392 active ration cards but overshadowed by a persistent and rising wave of deletions across the past five years. In total, Gujarat has removed 6.34 lakh ration cards between 2020 and October 2025, revealing a continuous churn in its beneficiary list. The deletions signal an ongoing verification drive that has raised pressing questions on beneficiary identification, data accuracy and administrative accountability. What began in 2020 as a seemingly routine correction with 47,936 deletions ballooned dramatically in 2021, when removals shot up to 2,19,151, sparking immediate questions about what exactly was being filtered out. The trend continued: 1,32,519 deletions in 2022, 1,35,362 in 2023, and another 30,889 in 2024 kept the system in constant churn. By October 2025, an additional 69,102 cards had already been deleted. In total, Gujarat has struck 6.34 lakh ration cards from its lists in six years, a scale that makes clear this was no one-time clean-up. The spike of 2021 marked the highest annual jump, but the momentum in 2022 and 2023 each crossing 1.3 lakh deletions showed that the pruning exercise had become structural. Gujarat removes 22.68 lakh workers from MGNREGA records Even 2024 and 2025 continued the purge, adding over one lakh more deletions. Each years figure feeds into the next, raising the critical question of whether Gujarats system is improving accuracy or signalling administrative inconsistencies and possible silent exclusions. The Centre, however, placed the responsibility on the States/UTs, reiterating in Parliament that identification and management of NFSA beneficiary lists lie entirely with state governments. This clarification narrows the accountability lens squarely on Gujarats verification mechanisms while distancing the Union Government from operational decisions. According to the official explanation, deletions were triggered by duplicate entries, ineligible beneficiaries, e-KYC mismatches, recorded deaths and permanent migration framing the purge as both demographic and technical housekeeping. Importantly, the government stressed that no ration card was cancelled solely for failing e-KYC or Aadhaar authentication, pushing back against concerns of digital exclusion. Adding a final layer of complexity, the government claimed that no formal complaints of wrongful deletions have been received. Yet the absence of complaints amid rising deletions raises its own question does it reflect efficient governance or limited access to grievance mechanisms among vulnerable households? As the figures accumulate year after year, the emerging narrative is sharp and conflicted: an expansive data cleaning drive that Gujarat presents as essential maintenance, but one that critics fear may be quietly edging out those who need support the most.
Anant National University hosted its 7th Convocation, conferring degrees on 299 students from the Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Design, Anant Fellowship in Sustainability and Built Environment, MSc in Sustainability and Built Environment and Anant Fellowship in Climate Action. Padma Shri awardee and Chief Scientist and Co-founder of Zoho Corporation, Dr Sridhar Vembu, was the Chief Guest. Mr Ajay Piramal, President, Anant National University, Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost, Anant National University, and the members of the board were present during the convocation. “ Coming to Anant National University has truly been a joy. The creativity and purpose-driven designs by Anant students blew my mind. I saw remarkable work—the kind of innovation our nation urgently needs ,” Dr Vembu shared, drawing the audience of students, faculty and families into deep engagement. He reflected on India’s evolving design landscape, emphasising the importance of future-oriented thinking. “ We often celebrate the achievements of our past, yet rarely do we pause to honour what we are building in the present. We must think beyond our own lifetimes and create for the future, and Anant is clearly teaching its students to do exactly that .” Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost Anant National University while addressing the graduates in the 7th convocation Dr Vembu, who Co-founded Zoho in 1996 and led it as CEO for over twenty years, now helms the company’s cutting-edge AI and deep-tech research—an evolution he describes as “t he joy of building for tomorrow .” Following his address, Mr Piramal, President of Anant National University, spoke about design as a powerful force for national transformation. “ Design gives us the tools to reimagine industries, rebuild communities and renew our environment. It is how we transition from ‘Make in India’ as an aspiration to ‘Design for India’ as a philosophy ,” he said. Provost Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi then addressed the 299 graduands from programmes spanning design, architecture, sustainability, climate action and fellowship tracks, situating their journey within India’s moment of accelerating growth. “ As you enter this new chapter, remember that there couldn’t have been a better time to begin. India stands in a moment of remarkable opportunity. We are growing, innovating and moving with purpose toward becoming Viksit Bharat within just a few decades .” He reinforced the generational responsibility the young designers carry, “ You will be the builders of the Viksit Bharat, a sustainable, inclusive and globally recognised country. An India where design thinking shapes governance, industry and everyday life .” This year’s convocation also honoured exceptional achievers across Academic Excellence, Innovation, Best Graduation Project, Best Thesis, Best Live-Action Project and Best Student categories. To mark the graduating cohort’s creative journey, the university transformed its entire campus into a vibrant, immersive exhibition space. Studios, galleries and auditoriums showcased an array of student-led innovations—from design prototypes and sustainability solutions to architectural models and climate-action initiatives—turning the university into a living museum of ideas shaping India’s future. www.anant.edu.in . About Anant National University Anant National University, India’s premier design university, is dedicated to training students to devise solutions for global problems. Anant follows the DesignX pedagogy, where ‘X’ is the symbol drawn from mathematics, representing enhancement. This new learning approach multiplies traditional design pedagogy with liberal arts disciplines, emerging technologies and knowledge drawn from hands-on community experiences to help understand our world better and to devise impactful solutions. Our multidisciplinary undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in design, architecture, climate action and visual arts harness knowledge from various disciplines and traditional practices to integrate it with cutting-edge technology to address diverse challenges. We train our designers to become solutionaries — revolutionary thinkers with a solution-oriented mindset. Anant National University has been recognised as the Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat, highlighting our efforts to provide our students with world-class education, innovative pedagogy, high employability and enhanced entrepreneurial and research opportunities. Anant has also received the prestigious ‘5-Star Rating’ in the category of Architecture and a ‘4-Star Rating’ in the University category in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023-24. These recognitions reinforce our commitment to creating a world-class institution of great eminence and excellence.
7-Year-Old Girl Brutalised With Iron Rod After Rape Attempt In Gujarat
A horrific case of a minor's assault has emerged from Gujarat's Rajkot in which a rod was inserted into a seven-year-old's private parts after an attempted rape by the perpetrator.
Watch: Python Revived With CPR After Head Injury In Gujarat
A python was rescued in Gujarat after the combined efforts of the Forest Department and a Dediapada-based animal welfare activist from the organisation called Jivdaya Premi.
Gujarat: Massive fire erupts in Surats Raj Textile market
A massive fire broke out at Surats Raj Textile Market on Wednesday, prompting the deployment of 22 fire tenders and over 100 firefighters. Dense smoke engulfed the building as flames spread across the third, fifth and top floors. Officials say the fire is largely under control, with cooling operations underway
UNESCO honours eternal human longing for peace, triumph of good: India on Deepavali inscription
India already has 15 other elements inscribed on the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, including the Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja of Kolkata, Garba dance of Gujarat, yoga, the tradition of Vedic chanting and Ramlila -- the traditional performance of the epic 'Ramayana'.
Saving the Gentle Giant: How Indias Fishers Are Leading a Whale Shark Revival
Once targeted for oil and meat, the whale shark is now being saved by fishers along Indias Arabian Sea coast. What began as a Gujarat-led conservation movement has reached Lakshadweep and Kerala. With awareness drives and rescue compensation, fishers are learning safe disentanglement techniques. Yet, inadequate support and social security gaps continue to challenge the people risking their livelihoods to protect this gentle giant. Mongabay India correspondent K A Shaji reports On a March morning in Poonthura, near Keralas capital [] The post Saving the Gentle Giant: How Indias Fishers Are Leading a Whale Shark Revival appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
An incident similar to the Delhis Nirbhaya incident has occurred in Rajkot district of Gujarat. A seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped and severely injured by inserting an iron rod into her private parts in a village under the jurisdiction of ...
20-Year-Old Killed, Dismembered By Friend In Gujarat After Dispute Involving A Woman
Ramesh Maheshwari, missing from Muru village in Nakhatrana, Gujarat, was found murdered and dismembered. Police allege his friend Kishore killed him after a dispute over a woman.
